Policies and Procedures

Students are expected to be in attendance every day scheduled by the St. Tammany Parish School Board. Louisiana State Law states that students in the elementary school grades will be allowed ten absences each school year. Excuses for all absences must be presented in writing to the school within two days of the absence.      

PLEASE NOTE:  Act 103 of the 1994 State Legislature deals with student truancy and tardiness and requires principals to report absences and tardiness to the child welfare supervisor.  The Supervisor of Child Welfare must refer a student who is absent or tardy without an acceptable excuse five or more times in one month to the family or juvenile court.  Policy also mandates the automatic retention of a student who has been absent for 10 or more days in a school year (extenuating circumstances are taken into consideration).            

Students are responsible for making up all missed assignments in a reasonable amount of time. Parents may request assignments for extended absences by contacting the child’s teacher. A 24-hour notice must be given prior to picking up missed assignments.  These assignments may be picked up in the school office.

Arrival

School begins at 8:30 a.m. Students may begin arriving after 8:00 a.m. each day. Students may only be dropped off in car line when a faculty member is on duty.  Please do not drop off your children in other areas.

The tardy bell rings at 8:33 a.m. Late arrivals must report to the office with a parent/guardian.  The parent/guardian must sign the child in and the child will be given a tardy slip to report to class. Excessive tardies to school will be reported to the St. Tammany Parish Supervisor of Attendance and may require seat time.

Early Checkout

A parent/guardian must come to the office before 3:00 p.m.  to sign a child out for early checkout.  Students will be contacted in their classrooms and asked to come to the front office to be signed out.  Adults picking up students must present a valid driver’s license or state ID card and be listed on the student’s emergency card. 

Dismissal

The dismissal bell rings at 3:31 p.m. Bus dismissal and car line begin at that time.  Pre-K car line will be in front of their building.  Car line for all other areas will be by the cafeteria.  When lining up in car line, line up in a single line.  Then, while rounding the driveway, pre-k stays to the right and all others stay to the left.  The SRO will assist in directing traffic.  Please remember that you cannot turn right into the parking lot for car line.  You must pass the school and enter car line from the north side of campus.  Please do not block the bus entrance and exit by the library.  

Transportation changes should be kept at a minimum.  Students should have one method of going home every day.  Only when there is an exception to that method, should a note be sent in the morning for a one day only change.

*FOR SECURITY REASONS, TRANSPORTATION CHANGES MAY NOT BE MADE OVER THE PHONE.  A written note, or fax (along with a copy of a driver’s license or photo I.D.) must be sent to the office before 3:00 pm.  Students with transportation changes will receive a transportation change form before the end of the day.

Perfect attendance cannot be earned if a child reports late to school or is checked out early. 

Daily drop-ins are not allowed.  There will be no daily rates, only weekly rates.  For more information, please click here.

The bus driver and the St. Tammany Parish School Board's Transportation Department will handle bus transportation arrangements. However, students must remember that the bus driver is responsible for their safety while they are on the bus, and students who violate bus rules will be referred to the principal for disciplinary action.  Such referrals may result in the student being suspended from the bus.

Call the Transportation Department, 898-3373, or visit the website at http://www.stpsb.org/transportation for questions regarding bus routes, stops, and times. You can use the Bus Stop Locator to find the bus stop closest to your home.  Bus stops are predetermined locations based on students’ residential addresses. Students cannot be picked up or dropped off at a place of business, church, etc. 

*For security purposes, phone calls and emails will not be accepted to make transportation changes.

For the safety of your child and others on the bus, appropriate bus behavior will be strictly enforced.  Students are expected to always:

·       remain seated facing the front of the bus.

·       keep their hands and feet to themselves and inside the bus.

·       talk in a low (normal) tone of voice.

·       use only the bus and bus stop assigned.

Consequences for misbehavior on the school bus may include infraction, parent conference or suspension from the bus.

Any request for a student to ride home with another person must be approved by an administrator and the bus driver.

Our school is a National School Challenge Gold Award Winner.  The meals served daily are nutritionally balanced and meet one-third of the daily minimum nutrition requirements.  We serve at least ½ cup of fruits or vegetables with meals.  

We strongly urge you to take advantage of the school lunch program. All meals will be free for the 2022-2023 school year. 

Breakfast is served 8:00-8:25.

Students are allowed to purchase extra snack items while at lunch (i.e. chips, juice, etc.). Payments for these items should be made on-line through My Payments Plus. Cash will not be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: Soft drinks and energy drinks are not allowed at school.

Carline runs from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The gates are closed and locked at 8:30 a.m. Please make sure students arrive at school promptly and have all of their belongings. At the end of the day, carline begins at 3:31 p.m. and ends at 3:50 p.m. Parents are not allowed to park their car and walk up to get their children. 

Car riders may be dropped off and picked up ONLY on the gym side of the school. Under no circumstances should students be dropped off or picked up on the library side of the school. For the safety of all our students, students must exit from the right side of the vehicle. 

Please place the provided car tag in the front window of the car.  Notify the office is someone different is picking up a child from carline.

You must enter car line from the north side of campus.  You are not allowed to make a right into car line coming from south of campus (Covington area).  No one can park/line up in the middle lane of Highway 25 North of Jackson street.  All vehicles must use Jackson Street (next to Main’s Market) to enter onto Highway 25 for car line.  All vehicles using the middle lane beyond Jackson Street will be subject to Law Enforcement penalties as you are blocking businesses and impeding traffic.

The dismissal bell does not ring until 3:31 p.m.  It would be helpful to delay lining up until 3:35 p.m. – 3:40 p.m.

Students are allowed to possess a cell phone on a school campus during the instructional day or on the bus to and from school provided the device is turned to the off position, completely stowed away, and not in use. Per the District’s Handbook, “stowing of cell phones is defined as being placed in the student’s locker, school bag, pocket, or purse and shall not be displayed in view using any type of clip or other device.” Any student found using a cell phone, displaying a cell phone, or in possession of a ringing cell phone during the instructional day may have the phone confiscated and have disciplinary consequences. The parent/guardian will be called to retrieve the phone. If the policy is repeatedly violated, the cell phone will not be allowed back on the school campus. 

As mandated by the St. Tammany Parish School Board, students will receive instruction on the topic of Child Sexual Abuse Prevention, Education and Reporting.  Contact the school counselor if you are interested in previewing materials used in the instruction.  We encourage parents to talk to their children about this topic as well as other general safety issues.

Chromebooks will be made available to all students.  A Chromebook Use and Responsibility form must be completed before students can be issued a Chromebook.  The $20 device coverage fee is strongly recommended.  It will cover the costs of repairs to Chromebooks, but will not cover the cost of lost or stolen Chromebooks or chargers.  Students in grades 4-5 will bring their devices home nightly and they must be charged nightly.  Disciplinary action will be given if students are unable to complete classwork or assignments due to Chromebooks not being charged.  Students in grades PK-3^rd will be allowed to bring their Chromebooks home if they are subjected to quarantine or if we have emergency weather related days and distance learning will be the means of instruction.

Confidentiality is the obligation not to willingly disclose any information obtained in confidence.  Our staff is trained to keep and protect any confidential information and records concerning the students at Folsom Elementary School.

Confidentiality is based on four basic principles:

·       Respect for an individual’s right to privacy.

·       Respect for human relationships in which personal information is shared.

·       Appreciation for the importance of confidentiality to both individuals and society.

·       Expectations that those who pledge to safeguard confidential information will do so.

Guidance and Counseling services are available to help children become aware of their abilities, aptitudes, interests, and attitudes.  The school counselor can assist in the following areas:

• To help children develop to their fullest potential,

• To help children set realistic goals consistent with their abilities and interests,

• To help children to maximize their self-esteem,

•  To provide opportunities for democratic problem solving, and

• To provide experiences which will assist children in making wise choices.

Effective instruction can take place only in a well-disciplined environment.  We expect students to display acceptable behavior at all times and expect parents to work with us to reach this goal.  Our school-wide expectations are:

·       We are respectful.

·       We are responsible.

·       We are safe at school.

This method of teaching and modeling expected behavior each day is aligned with the Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) System of the St. Tammany Parish School Board.  The St. Tammany Parish School Board policy on discipline can be found in the St. Tammany Parish District Handbook for Students and Parents and on the St. Tammany Parish School Board website at www.stpsb.org.     

Procedures for encouraging expected behaviors include:

·    Students, who exhibit outstanding effort to follow the rules, demonstrate kindness, and show good character will be given Tiger Bucks by a school employee.  The students are allowed to spend the bucks in the Tiger Buck Store.

·    At the end of each nine weeks, those students who have not received a major behavior referral and less than four infractions/time-outs are invited to the Tiger Pride Celebration.  Tiger Pride is a celebration event which includes games, treats, prizes, etc.

·    In an effort to encourage students to be in school every day, we will be rewarding students with perfect attendance during the year. 

Procedures for encouraging expected behaviors in the classrooms:

·       Teachers have 4-5 simple rules in their classroom. 

·       Each teacher has a classroom management plan that may include tangible rewards for positive behavior such as:  treasure chest, treats, stickers, happy notes, etc.

·       Students should not bring toys, valuable jewelry, electronics, trading cards, or any other valuable items to school, including large amounts of money. Any such items picked up by a staff member and sent to the office will have to be retrieved by the parent. A student violating this rule may be disciplined.

 

Rewards for Positive Behavior Choices 

*Tiger Bucks: Students will have many opportunities to earn Tiger Bucks from teachers throughout the school for their Positive Behavior Choices. 

*Tiger Buck Store: Tiger Buck Store will be sponsored by the PTA once a month.  

*Positive Office Referrals: Employees can write a Positive Office Referral form for students who exhibit outstanding behavior.  Those students go to the office and meet with an administrator to call their parent/guardian and celebrate.  They are then given a ribbon to wear and a candy treat.  Those students who receive a positive office referral are announced on the intercom on Friday afternoons.

*Perfect Attendance: Students can receive an award for Perfect Attendance each quarter. To receive this award, students must arrive to school before the bell rings and attend school all day, each day of the quarter and cannot check out early. 

*Off the Chart: Students will have an opportunity to be “off the chart” with their positive behavior choices. If earned, students will receive stickers from their homeroom teachers to place on their shirts. As the students pass by other teachers around the school, those teachers will praise those students for their positive behavior choices. (Grades K-1)

*Tiger Pride Celebration: Tiger Pride Celebrations will take place at the end of each quarter to reward students who displayed positive behavior for the quarter. Chosen activities will be determined at a later date. All students who received no major behavior referrals and have received less than 4 infractions/time-outs in a quarter will be able to attend the Tiger Pride Celebrations. Those students who are unable to attend the Tiger Pride Celebrations will instead participate in a character education lesson related to behavior choices. 

While we encourage our students to make the appropriate positive behavior choices, we realize that there will be times when they make the wrong behavior choice. At that time, our students will be given an opportunity to “try it again” in an effort to allow them to make the appropriate behavior choice. If the student continues to make the wrong behavior choice, after receiving opportunities to make the appropriate behavior choice, an infraction will be issued.

Major Behaviors 

Major and unlawful behaviors will result in a Louisiana Behavior Report form. See St. Tammany Parish Student Handbook for more information. 

Students consistently exhibiting major behaviors will have an alternate plan put into place to address individual emotional/behavioral needs.  

Sample Minor Behaviors may include but are not limited to: (Classroom Managed)

Use of cell phone during school hours

Inappropriate language 

Dress code violation

Disrespect to teachers/staff 

Damage to school property

Teasing/taunting

Lying

Inappropriate website use

Disruption to learning environment 

Theft

Cheating

Unable to use Chromebook due to not being charged

Viewing content/online content instead of completing school assignment(s)

Sample Major Behaviors may include but are not limited to: (Office Referral)
(INCREASED LEVELS OF INTENSITY)

Physical aggression

Use of cell phone during school hours

Inappropriate language 

Dress code violation

Disrespect to teachers/staff

Damage to school property

Teasing/taunting

Lying

Inappropriate website use

Continual disruption to learning environment that requires removal from class or group

Theft

Cheating

Viewing content/online content instead of completing school assignment(s)


Sample Unlawful Behaviors may include but are not limited to:
(Handled by the Administrator)

Fighting/physical aggression

Bullying/harassment/intimidation

Vandalism

Theft

Possession of weapons

Violence harmful to students

Violence harmful to staff

Possession of controlled substances

 

The following rules are PBS playground rules to be followed by all students.   Duty persons will handle minor infractions using the school wide discipline policy. Serious infractions, such as fighting, injurious acts, destroying school property, or defiance toward duty personnel will be referred immediately to the Administration for disciplinary action.

We are respectful.

• Stop and listen when the duty teacher speaks or blows the whistle.
• Play fairly/share equipment.

We are responsible.

• Use all equipment properly. 
• Use a pass to go to the bathroom or leave the play area.
• Help keep our playground area clean.

We are safe at school.

• Use only appropriate physical contact.

LOWER PLAYGROUND RULES

• Students must play within the boundaries of the playground equipment.
• No balls are allowed during recess.
• When the bell rings, students must freeze in place, then line up when the whistle blows. 

UPPER PLAYGROUND RULES

• No football playing is allowed without the supervision of a teacher.
• Other balls are allowed for appropriate play.
• Only students in 4^th and 5^th grade may use the pavilion area during recess.

We are respectful.

• Talking in hallway disturbs others.
• Respect other’s space.

We are responsible.

• Stay to the right side of the hallway.
• Allow others to pass.

We are safe at school.

• Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
• Walk facing forward.

The following rules are general cafeteria rules to be followed by all students.  The classroom teachers will sit with their students and monitor their behavior.  

We are respectful.

• Stay in line.
• Use inside voices at all times.
• Listen to the duty teacher. 

We are responsible.

• Raise your hand if you need something.
• Clean your area when finished.

We are safe at school.

• Stay in your seat until directed to get up.
• Keep hands and feet to yourself.
• Use walking feet.

Tiger Roars should be sent home on Wednesdays with every student. Students should return the Tiger Roars, with a signature from a parent, guardian, etc., by Friday of the same week. If Tiger Roars are not returned signed, teachers will still send graded papers home on Wednesday, however, the graded papers will include a paper clip and a note documenting the graded papers.  Parents/guardians are encouraged to use the Student Progress Center to view students’ grades. 

The purpose of the school agenda is to teach responsibility and to increase the school home connection. Students are required to write their extra practice assignments in their school agenda every day and show it to parents/guardians. A parent signature is preferred. Students can earn a daily or weekly reward for having the agenda signed.

Grades are always available on the Student Progress Center. A robo call will go home during interim time reminding parents to check their students’ grades. Teachers will call parents of students who have a D or F average and explain Pupil Progression Promotion Requirements.

The purpose of extra practice, previously known as “homework,” is to review skills/concepts that were taught in your child’s classroom. It is the teacher’s discretion of how often and when extra practice will be assigned. Students will not earn direct consequences for not completing or for incomplete extra practice assignments. If and when an extra practice assignment is given, those assignments will be reviewed the next day in class. 

A few key areas to note are:

·       A school uniform is required. The uniform consists of:

o   Solid khaki or navy pants, shorts, capris, skirts, skorts, or jumpers

o   Solid red, navy blue, or white polo or crew shirts

o   School t-shirts may be purchased at the front office and worn as uniform shirts

·       Shoes should be appropriate for the classroom and the playground. Tennis shoes are required for participation in P.E. 

·       For security purposes, a red, white, or blue coat/jacket is suggested. It is highly recommended that you mark your child’s jackets with a permanent marker for identification in the event they are lost.

·       The minimum length of shorts, dresses, skirts, etc. must be at the fingertip or below when standing erect with arms extended down the sides or be no more than 5” above the knee.

·       Tights and/or leggings worn with skirts must be solid red, white or blue.

·       Undershirts may not be worn as outerwear and may not be visible under the uniform shirt except at the neckline.  Underarmor and other athletic undergarments should not be worn as a uniform shirt.  For security purposes, a red, white, or blue coat/jacket is suggested. 

·       No skin may show between the pants and shirt in any position.

·       All pants MUST be secured at the waist with NO undergarments revealed.

·       Shirts may not be worn as jackets.  

·       Caps, hats, and bandanas are not allowed at school.

*Hair must be clean and a naturally occurring color. Sculptured hair styles that include pictures, symbols, letters, numbers, or hair in curlers, rollers, or excessively teased, etc. will not be permitted.

Parents and students are to refer to the St. Tammany Parish District Handbook for Students and Parents for the complete parish dress code policy. 

Violating the St. Tammany Parish policy on dress code or the school uniform policy could result in disciplinary action.  A student will not be allowed to remain at school if the violation is disruptive. 

All electronic communication by an employee with a student enrolled in this school should:

·   be relative to the educational services

·   be delivered by means provided by the STPSB including School System email,  Google Classroom, school sponsored teacher websites, school websites, school provided phones and other electronic communication that is approved by the Superintendent, such as Twitter or text message sent from a computer with a copy sent to the principal and parent, if possible.

School emergency closing and re-opening information is available through a number of sources.  Parents are asked to stay informed through:

·       local television, radio, and newspapers;

·       the school system website at www.stpsb.org;

·       St. Tammany Parish Schools on Facebook 

·       St. Tammany Parish Schools on Twitter

·       St. Tammany Public School App (in the app store)

·       the school system educational television station (Channel 13); and/or

·       the School System Emergency Hotline at 1-866-750-7489

During an emergency, parents need to closely monitor information about the situation, including procedures being followed, before going to school or to the scene of an emergency.  Timely information will be released to parents through the sources above or personal contact when possible.

Educational Field Trips are planned by teachers and approved by the Superintendent’s office to enrich learning.  The information and cost of trips will be sent home prior to any field trip.  Students attending field trips must ride the school bus and are not allowed to ride with parents in cars.  Siblings will not be allowed to go on field trips.  The purpose of the chaperone is to supervise a class group of 4-6 students. 

A parent wishing to check his/her child out from a field trip must sign the child out in the school office prior to leaving school the morning of the field trip.  The parent will receive a copy of the Sign-Out Permission Slip to give to the child's teacher.

Graded papers, correspondence, and important information are sent home every Wednesday in the Tiger Roar Envelope.  A parent/guardian must sign the envelope and send it back by Friday.

Following the end of each quarter we have an Honor Roll Breakfast to recognize those students in 4^th and 5^th grade who make the Banner Roll (All As), the A Average Honor Roll, and the B Average Honor Roll.

Office Hours:                8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

School Hours:               8:30 a.m. - 3:31 p.m.

Before Care:                 7:00 a.m. –8:00 a.m.

After Care                    3:31 p.m. –5:30 p.m.

I.D. Badges must be worn at all times while on campus. The cost to replace an I.D. badge is $5.

All clothing found on the campus is placed on a hook outside the cafeteria.  Please write your child’s name on everything worn or brought to school.  Students should not bring extra money, toys, or valuable items to school.

Periodically, we will donate those items left for a period of time to charity.  

A student is expected to make up work after an excused absence. The student is required to turn in the work the following day after receiving the make-up work. If the absence is unexcused, the student will not be allowed to make up the work.

All students will participate in a marathon running program through our P.E. classes. Depending on the grade level of the child, they will run a certain number of minutes each week with a gradual increase in minutes. Students must wear tennis shoes to participate.  They have to earn all 8 ribbons to qualify to win the award at the end of the year.  Once students complete their run, they are responsible for signing the book documenting their run.  If absent, they must contact Ms. Brown to schedule a make up run before the next ribbon run.  Students will be disqualified for not running safely.  Students cannot make up a run for not wearing tennis shoes.

Media release forms should be on file for all students.  Students may only be photographed, videotaped, etc. for publication if this form is signed and on file in the school office.  If for any reason you do not want your child photographed, we would appreciate you calling this to our attention and noting this on the release form.

The preferred method of payment for school and cafeteria fees is through My Payments Plus.  This includes payment for Chromebooks, lunch room snack purchases, field trips, t-shirts, etc.

We encourage parents and guardians to choose to become involved in the life of Folsom Elementary School. You are crucial to the success of our school and will find a warm welcome within.  To ensure effective involvement of parents and to support this partnership, we shall provide activities that encourage participation and involvement of all members of the school community.  

Parental involvement activities are planned at various dates and times in order to accommodate all parents.  The activities encourage parents to be actively involved in their children’s education and to assist in their learning process.

Parents are given the opportunity to participate in the decision-making through participation in opinion surveys as well as through membership in committees such as the School Advancement Planning Committee, PTA Committees, and the Title I Parental Involvement Committees.

Only when a child feels that there is understanding, appreciation, and active cooperation between home and school, can he do his best in his school work.  Through conferences, parents and teachers gain a better insight into the child’s needs, interests, potential, and growth, as well as any particular difficulties he may have.  Please conference with the teacher first before contacting the school principal or assistant principal.  This allows you to establish a working relationship with your child’s teacher and is in the best interest of your child.

Folsom Elementary has a very active PTA who is highly involved in improving our school.  PTA encourages parental involvement, assists parents in developing skills to raise, educate, and protect their children, and speaks on behalf of children in our school.  For more information on the PTA, please contact the school office.

According to the St. Tammany Parish policy for promotion and retention, a child will be promoted if all criteria have been satisfied.  This detailed information may be found in the St. Tammany Parish Pupil Progression Plan.

Report cards are sent home after each of the four grading periods.  Students will receive their final report card in the mail. 

For the safety of all students, adults (including parents/ guardians) should use the restrooms designated for Faculty and are not allowed in the children’s restrooms. 

Security cameras are currently installed throughout our campus.  The cameras have been installed in strategic areas and monitor our school campus 7 days per week/24 hours per day.  All classroom doors, as well as the exterior gates, will remain locked during the school day for safety reasons. All visitors must present a valid, picture ID.    

The School Building Level Committee (SBLC) is comprised of various school staff members and may include an Administrator, Counselor, Technology Resource Teacher, referring teacher, and other appropriate personnel.  

When a student is having learning, behavior, or speech concerns, a conference is held between the teacher and the parent and specific concerns are documented.  Then, the SAT will meet with the parent, review all information, implement appropriate interventions, and make additional recommendations for interventions and/or screenings as needed.

All public school campuses in our parish are smoke free environments.

Students will be sent home for the following conditions:

• Temperature above 100.0 degrees
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Suspected communicable disease
• Rash
• Coughing
• Ringworm
• Pinkeye

Children experiencing a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea must be symptom free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.  

Confirmed Positive Covid-19 Test Results

Individuals with a confirmed positive test should not return to school until the following “end of self-isolation criteria” are met. Day 0 is the day symptoms began or, if asymptomatic, the day the person took a test that had a positive result. Day 1 is the day after symptoms began, or if a person does not have symptoms, the day after the person tested positive (use the date the test sample was collected).

• Stay home for 5 days.
• If symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can return to school.

If you continue to have a fever or your other symptoms have not improved after 5 days, you should stay in isolation until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved.

• Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days (i.e., through Day 10).

If school cannot ensure masking for 5 additional days, then the individual should isolate for a full 10 days.

*This applies to any student whether vaccinated or unvaccinated.

Please remember to stay home and isolate if you are presenting with any Covid-19 like symptoms that include, but are not limited to: fever of 100.4, shortness of breath, chest pain, increasingly non-productive cough, body aches or fatigue, GI symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting), loss of taste and smell, other flu or cold like symptoms, headache, sore throat, or congestion.

Medication Policy                                                  

Children are NOT allowed to have medication with them at any time while on school grounds or while in route to school.  This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications.  

According to St. Tammany Parish School Board policy, designated personnel are not allowed to dispense medication of any kind unless the appropriate forms have been completed by the parent/guardian AND doctor.  Any change in medication will require a new form.  All medicine must be brought in by a parent/guardian and must be kept in a prescription bottle that matches the information on the form.  All medications must be picked up at the end of the school year or they will be disposed of.  A new form must be completed each school year. 

Do not send cough syrup, cough drops, aspirin, or any other over-the-counter medication to school with any child.  Parents may come to school, sign in, and administer medicine if necessary.

Parents can access the Student Progress Center through our school webpage. Information available includes current grades, teacher websites, transcripts, discipline data, attendance, and statewide test scores. If you need assistance logging on to Student Progress Center, call the front office. 

Each student and a parent/guardian must sign the St. Tammany Parish Instructional Use Agreement in order for the student to use the St. Tammany Parish School Board instructional technology and internet services.  This form will be kept on file in the student’s permanent folder and maintained as long as he/she is a student in the St. Tammany Parish School System. Students who do not have a signed form on file in the school office will be issued one to complete and return to school.  To revoke permission once it has been granted, a letter must be submitted to the school office.  The letter should contain the following:

·       Date

·       Child's full name

·       Statement of refusal for instructional technology and Internet use

·       Parent/guardian signature

Chromebook Responsibility and Use Forms must be read, signed, and turned in prior to being issued a Chromebook. Chromebook insurance, Student Device Damage Coverage Program, is available for $20.00. This fee will cover repairs to the device if needed and if the damage was not intentional.  The coverage is for the Chromebook only – it does not include the charger or case

Students are responsible for all textbooks and library books issued to them during the school year.  Any lost or damaged books must be paid for.  The replacement value of most textbooks is in excess of $30.00.  Extra care should be taken in keeping up with textbooks and library books.  

When schools are closed due to inclement weather or for other emergencies, students may have to attend school virtually. Students who attend school virtually must maintain settings and behaviors that are conducive for instruction and which minimize distractions. 

During Virtual Instruction, it is imperative that students have a quiet, well-lit classroom space which is, to the greatest extent possible, free of any and all items which may create distractions from teaching and learning. Students are expected to have a designated work area in their home cleared of everything other than what they need for class. Work stations must be free of foreign objects that are not being utilized for instruction. The recording device being used for instruction must be positioned to allow teachers to observe both the work space and student, especially during testing.

Eating and drinking are not allowed during virtual courses. This is hazardous to electronic devices and can also be distracting during instruction.

When possible, students are encouraged to work in areas that are isolated from other individuals and pets. If circumstances exist that do not allow complete seclusion, the parent or legal guardian may share this information separately with the instructor. Instructors will only require what the parent or guardian can reasonably provide.

Additional electronic devices should not be kept or used within the visible working area, unless they are being utilized for instruction and/or are teacher approved. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of speakers, phones, earphones, and any other devices which may create distractions from teacher-led instruction.

Students will follow daily guidance from their teachers regarding best methods of communicating and participating during virtual schooling. Instructions regarding when and how to interact verbally and how to use audio and camera options will be dependent upon the design of instruction and direction of the teacher.

Students are to remain positively engaged in instruction and participate as deemed appropriate by their teachers.

Visitors are welcome at Folsom Elementary, but we foremost want to ensure safety for your child.  The St. Tammany Parish School Board has implemented a system to confirm the identification of anyone checking into the office. Please be prepared to present your driver’s license to be scanned, which will produce a visitor’s pass. This pass that must be worn the entire time while on campus.  Please return the pass to the office upon departure so you can be signed out.

All visitors must report to the school office immediately upon arrival.  No person shall go on school grounds or in any building without authority of the school office.

Parents/Guardians are allowed to have lunch with their students. They must sign-in at the office and report directly to the cafeteria. Lunch is scheduled for 20 minutes for each grade level. Picnic tables have been placed outside the cafeteria for parents/guardians to enjoy lunch with their students. Once the lunch period is over, students will return to class with their classmates and parents/guardians are to return to the office and turn in their badge to sign-out. Please note, soft drink are not allowed for students on our campus.  Only children of the parents/guardians will be allowed outside the cafeteria to have lunch with them.  Extended family members and friends must remain in the cafeteria with their classes.

All classroom visits for observational purposes must be scheduled through the principal.  Advance notice is required so that the visit will not disrupt instruction.  Parents should not visit the classroom unannounced for any reason.

Visitors should only be on campus for approved reasons.  Randomly walking the campus or visiting classrooms without permission is not allowed.

Parents must check students out in the front office.  Students cannot be released to parents at the classroom door, cafeteria, or any other area of the school.

Students found using, possessing and/or concealing a knife, firearm, weapon capable of discharging a projectile, or other dangerous instruments capable of causing bodily harm shall be immediately suspended and recommended for expulsion.  Students using, possessing and/or concealing any look-alike object that may have the appearance of a weapon or dangerous instrument may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion.

Please refer to the District Handbook for Students and Parents for further clarification of the parish-wide discipline policy.

The school website (http://folsomelementary.stpsb.org/) is updated regularly. Classroom teachers also have webpages that are linked through the Student Progress Center. Parents and family members are encouraged to check the websites for information on events, volunteer opportunities, announcements, etc.

State Library of Louisiana

St. Tammany Parish Library

In accordance with the provisions of Act 755 of the 2010 Louisiana Legislative Session, our school documents the details of each reported incident of harassment, intimidation, and bullying that occurs on school property; at a school-sponsored activity; on a school bus or cyberbullying.   Bullying happens when someone repeatedly hurts, frightens, threatens, or leaves someone out on purpose.  Examples of bullying include, but are not limited to: hurting someone physically by hitting, kicking, tripping, pushing; stealing or damaging another person’s things; ganging up on someone; teasing someone in a hurtful way; using put-downs or insults; touching or showing private body parts; spreading rumors about someone; or trying to get other students not to play with someone.  Students at our school will do the following things to prevent bullying:  treat each other respectfully; refuse to bully others; refuse to let others be bullied; refuse to watch, laugh, or join in when someone is being bullied; and report any bullying to the staff.

Consequences for violating the anti-bullying policy are in accordance with the school-wide positive behavior plan.

The St. Tammany Parish School Board policy on bullying can be found in the St. Tammany Parish District Handbook for Students and Parents and on the St. Tammany Parish School Board website at www.stpsb.org.

St. Tammany Parish Public Schools
Title I
Parents’ Right to Know
Parent and Family Engagement Best Practice

PARENTS’ RIGHT TO KNOW

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires school districts to inform parents and families about their right to receive information on the professional qualifications of their children’s teachers.

Parents and families have the right to know: 

• Whether all employed personnel have met state qualification and licensing criteria for the position they hold within the school
   
• If any personnel is employed under provisional status where state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived
   
• All college degrees and general areas of certification held by teachers, and qualifications of the paraprofessionals
• Whether their child receives services by paraprofessionals and their qualifications

Teacher Certification/Degree Information can be verified at www.teachlouisiana.net

PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT BEST PRACTICES

St. Tammany Parish Public School System believes that Parent and Family Engagement (PFE) is important for children to achieve success. Parents and families are key partners with the schools. PFE includes programs, services, and activities at the school and district level.

DISTRICT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Involve families in developing and reviewing the  district's PFE Plan
   
• Hold yearly Federal Programs, PFE Stakeholders’, and PFE activity planning meetings
   
• Support STPPS Title I schools in planning and carrying out their PFE activities
   
• Annually review and monitor PFE activities and school-wide programs outlined in the School Improvement Plans
   
• Provide a Title I PFE resource page and presentations for school personnel use
   
• Develop Title I PFE survey to evaluate PFE plans and use results to plan future PFE programs and adjust PFE policies and procedures

SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Invite parents to a school meeting highlighting their school's educational programs, curriculum,  and PFE opportunities
   
• Offer PFE activities at various times which support learning goals at home
   
• Involve parents in the planning, review, and implementation of PFE programs
   
• Provide parents with timely information about the school PFE policy
   
• Provide families with opportunities to volunteer, participate, and observe in the school and classroom
   
• Maintain 2-way communication with families
   
• Provide each student with the Compact for Student Success outlining responsibilities of students, parents, and teachers in the educational process
   
• Support all students in their effort to achieve success