Sherwood Philosophy

The philosophy of Sherwood Elementary School is based on the principle that all children have a right to the opportunity to realize their fullest potential, including the development of the social, moral, intellectual, physical, and emotional skills needed to live in a democratic society. Children should recognize and accept their responsibilities to their community, country, world and to themselves. They need to appreciate both the scientific and aesthetic realms of life. Teachers, parents, and the community must cooperate to better understand and provide for all children and their unique problems and capabilities.

A positive self-concept and positive relationships with others are necessary for personal growth and development. Children should be given guidance and opportunities to grow as individuals with unique needs and to become more self-directed. They should experience daily success in learning and should receive positive feedback as often as possible. Each child should be made aware of human differences and should be given opportunities to develop social skills through cooperative learning and whole class activities. Basic skills should be identified in each grade level and incorporated into the curriculum to provide continuity for all children in the development of sequential skills. Assessments should be made to determine mastery of skills at each grade level. Varied teaching methods should be used depending on the learning modalities of the students. Opportunities should be provided for children to use the basic skills, to be taught problem solving techniques, and to develop higher order thinking skills in their intellectual pursuits.

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Statement of Objectives

The objectives of Sherwood Elementary School are basic and in accordance with both the school and system-wide philosophies. They are divided into four areas of child growth and development.

Intellectual
•Students will develop skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
•Students will develop computational skills and problem solving techniques.
•Students will be assessed and evaluated according to the grade level requirements.
•Students will become aware of their roles as citizens and will recognize the needs of society through the study of social studies.
•Students will become aware that they may solve problems by applying the principles of the scientific method.

Personal
•Students will develop a positive attitude toward learning and the work ethic in American life.
•Students will develop positive self-concepts and be able to relate in wholesome ways to others of similar and different backgrounds and cultures.
•Students will be aware of changes in society and the need for developing skills necessary to adapt to these changes including wise use of leisure time.
•Students will develop an appreciation for beauty and for different cultures in the world.

Social
•Students will be able to function as leaders and participants in group activities.
•Students will be provided opportunities to demonstrate good citizenship as needed in a democratic society.
•Students will be exposed to an environment that is positive and conducive to learning.
•Students will have the support of school personnel, parents, and the community as we work together to provide better educational opportunities.

Physical
•Students will be provided opportunities to develop gross and fine motor skills necessary for individual and group activities.
•Students will demonstrate good sportsmanship.
•Students will be encouraged to develop good health habits, to learn personal hygiene, and to choose and eat a well-balanced meal.
•Students will be offered opportunities for social development through play with other children in organized and creative play.

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Student and School Policies

•Attendance
Every student is required to be present each day unless hindered by personal illness, death in the family, or excused through the office. For an absence to be excused, there must be a written excuse on file within three days. The Phenix City School System, in cooperation with the Russell County District Attorney's Office and the Russell County Juvenile Court, has implemented the Early Warning Truancy Program. Circumstances causing a referral to Early Warning are:
* three days of absence without proper excuse
* ten days of excused absence without a doctor's statement
* excessive tardies or check-outs.

The school day for children is 8:20 a.m. - 3:20 p.m. If a student is required to stay after school, parents shall be notified at least a day in advance. This notification is not to obtain permission, but to allow time for parents to make arrangements for getting the child home at the later time.

Three consecutive days of absence or excessive absences or tardies will necessitate an inquiry to the parents from the office or the system attendance officer.

Once at school the student is expected to remain the entire day except in extreme emergencies. Medical appointments should be scheduled after school hours and on Saturdays when possible.

If a student needs to be checked out of school, the parent must make a written request in the school office. Students checked out before 11:50 a.m. will be counted absent.

After an absence, a pupil must present to the homeroom teacher a written statement signed by the parent or guardian giving the reason for the absence in order for the absence to be excused. In compliance with Board policy, all absences are unexcused or illegal except:
* personal illness
* death in the immediate family
* emergency conditions declared by the superintendent
* special permission granted by the principal

NOTE: Vacations and out-of-town trips are unexcused absences unless specifically approved in advance by the principal.

The first bell rings at 8:15 a.m. A student is considered tardy after the 8:20 a.m. bell. After 8:20 a.m., students must get a tardy slip from the office to be admitted to the classroom. Students checked-in after 11:50 a.m. will be counted absent.

•Tardy Procedures
All children are expected to be on time for school every day. Occasionally, circumstances occur which cause tardiness (oversleeping, car trouble, etc.). These circumstances, however, should be the exception, not the rule.

All tardies are considered unexcused with the exception of student appointments with doctors and legal agencies. In these cases, a statement from the doctor or legal agency must be secured to excuse the tardiness. Excessive unexcused tardiness will be managed appropriately and as determined by the principal and the school system Attendance Officer.

•Check-out Procedures
All children are expected to be at school every day and remain in school all day. Occasionally circumstances occur in which a child needs to leave school early. These circumstances, however, should be the exception, not the rule.

As parents, you have the right to check your child out of school when necessary. As school officials, we have the obligation and authority to keep your child in school when necessary. Bearing this in mind, your rights will not be questioned unless check-outs become excessive. You may be required, at that time, to provide a doctor's excuse for each subsequent occurrence.

Your child will only be released to the names that were listed on the registration form.

•Morning Procedures
All students arriving at school prior to 7:45 a.m. will go directly to the lunchroom.

At 7:45 a.m. each morning, the following procedures will be in effect:
* Fourth grade students will remain in the cafeteria to wait for the bell. 
* Second and Third grade students will go to the Media Center reading well to wait for the bell.                                                 * Kindergarten and First grade students will go to the Kindergarten area to wait for the bell.
 

•Afternoon Procedures
The afternoon bell rings at 3:15 p.m. Buses and nursery vans will be dismiss and will load in the back of the building. Students riding in cars will be dismiss at 3:20 p.m. and will wait on the front porch in an orderly manner. Parents should arrive prior to 3:20 p.m. to pick up children. Children who are not picked up by 3:45 will be placed in Extended Day and will incur the $5.00 fee.

•Transportation Changes
Send a note if your child's transportation changes. Calling at the last minute often creates hardships.  No changes can be allowed without notification from the parent.

•Discipline
For all matters concerning discipline, refer to the Phenix City School System Code of Conduct.

•Suspension Policy
When a student misses school due to suspension from school, all missed work may be made up by the student and will be offered by the teacher. The time allowed to return work is decided by the teacher. All work returned will be graded in a manner consistent with the same work given to all other students in class. After grading, only one-half credit is given and recorded. A zero is given for work not completed within the time allowed.

•Dress
A student's school clothes will consist of clothing that is neat, clean and appropriate for school. (Appropriate refers to clothing that covers the body sufficiently enough not to cause undue attention of school officials and/or other students.) Clothing must not be exaggerated to the point that it detracts from the educational endeavors of the school. In general, students are expected to abide by the following guidelines:
* Clothing shall be appropriate and decent.
* Clothing will be worn as it was intended.
* Clothing deemed mutilated or vulgar in style or design is prohibited.
* Many clothing articles (short shorts, halters, midriffs, see-through tops, shoes with cleats or other sportswear) considered appropriate at home or on sports outings are not appropriate for school wear.
* Caps, hats, sunglasses shall not be worn inside the building.

The principal will make the final judgment about the appropriateness of student clothing.

In cases where students wear inappropriate clothing to school, the principal has the authority and responsibility to withhold the student from class until acceptable clothing standards are met.

•Manners
Students are expected to use good manners in dealing with teachers and other students in the school. Respect for the individual worth and welfare of each student is a must.

Students are expected to use good table manners, including chewing with mouth closed, using napkins properly, and talking quietly at the table.

Students will be responsible for keeping their areas clean.

•Administering Medicine to Students
The Board of Education recommends that medication shall be administered by the parent or guardian at home. However, if under exceptional circumstances a child is required to take oral medication during school hours and the parent cannot be at school to administer the medication, only the principal or the principal's designee shall administer the medication in compliance with the following procedures:

Written instructions signed by the parent or guardian and physician shall be required and shall include:
* name of student
* name of medication including prescription number, if dispensed by a pharmacy
* purpose of medication
* time to be administered
* dosage
* possible side effects
* termination date for administering the medication

The school principal and designee shall:
* inform appropriate school personnel of the medication
* keep a record of the administration of medication
* keep medication in a locked cabinet
* return unused medication to parents only

The parents shall assume responsibility for informing the school principal of any change in the student's health or changing in medication.

The school principal shall retain the discretion to reject requests for administration of medication.

NO OTHER MEDICATION, INCLUDING MEDICATIONS SUCH AS ASPIRIN, ETC., SHALL BE ADMINISTERED TO STUDENTS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BY SCHOOL PERSONNEL EXCEPT AS OUTLINED ABOVE.

•Physical Education
Physical Education is part of the school curriculum. All children are expected to participate unless some physical disability prohibits it. If there are reasons a child cannot participate, the school should be notified in writing, stating the nature of the disability and the number of days to be in effect. IF A CHILD CANNOT PARTICIPATE TWO OR MORE CONSECUTIVE DAYS, A DOCTOR'S EXCUSE MUST BE SENT. Appropriate shoes and clothes should be worn to school for proper participation in P.E.

•Responsibility for Personal and School Property
School furnishings and materials are for the use of all students. When damaged purposely or accidentally all students are inconvenienced.

Students and parents will be held responsible for property willfully damaged or destroyed.

In an effort to keep the school facilities clean and operable, a student may be assigned cleaning tasks such as scraping chewing gum from floor, desks, or tables and picking up litter when school officials have determined the student has abused school property.

Anyone who brings personal items of value to school does so at his own risk.

The school cannot be responsible for a student's personal or issued property that might be lost or taken on the school campus. A student's personal possessions should be labeled very plainly with name and/or other identification. This is especially important for items of clothing. A lost and found department is provided. It is important that pupils assume responsibility for personal belongings, textbooks, and other school property.

School officials may confiscate items of danger or distraction.

•Emergency Plans and Procedures for Students
Tornado, fire, intruder and shelter in place drills are conducted periodically in the school. Students are taught at the beginning of school what to do in each situation.  Any parent wishing to observe or participate in a drill should express this wish to the school principal.

Parents are requested not to check students out when the school is under emergency warning. Standard emergency procedures will be followed. Parents should seek safe shelter themselves. Please do not call the school during emergency warnings. The phone line must stay clear. The school follows a normal schedule under "watch" conditions.

•Telephone
No student will be called to the office to receive telephone calls. In the event of an emergency, office personnel will make necessary calls. PLANS FOR AFTER SCHOOL NEED TO BE MADE PRIOR TO LEAVING HOME IN THE MORNING.

•Flowers, Balloons and Gifts
In order to maintain the integrity of the school instructional program, the delivery of flowers, gifts, balloons, etc. to students at school is prohibited.

.Gifted Education

The Phenix City Public School System recognizes that all students identified as gifted in our system have the right to an appropriate education that provides educational interventions which sustain, challenge, and ensure continued growth. The Phenix City Public School System gifted education program is designed to identify students who demonstrate high intellectual capacity, high academic proficiency and/or exceptional talent in creative expression or leadership. This program includes specific measures designed to identify culturally diverse gifted students and ensures that no student will be excluded from either referral or participation in the gifted program because of behavior.

•Building Based Student Support Team (BBSST)
A Building Based Student Support Team (BBSST) has been created to address students who may be at risk of not experiencing school success and may be in danger of school failure.  Each school has its own BBSST and the contact person may be found by calling the school office.

•Equal Opportunity
It is the policy of the Phenix City Board of Education that no person shall be denied employment, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the Phenix City Public Schools on the basis of sex, race, religion, belief, national origin, or ethnic group.

•Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
A BuildingThe Phenix City Board of Education employs formalized procedures and guidelines to insure that our school district is in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The U.S. Congress passed this law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of physical or mental handicap in every federally-assisted program or activity in the country. For many years the main thrust of this law has been in the area of employment for individuals with handicaps and for members of minorities. However, within the last several years the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), charged with the enforcement of Section 504, has become active in the field of education of handicapped individuals.

It is important to understand that there are two laws: Section 504 and the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which protect handicapped students. IDEA provides specific special education regulations; Section 504 does not. Section 504 students generally remain in the regular educational program, and special accommodations and services are provided as necessary. Additional information, eligibility requirements, and/or a copy of the Section 504 guidelines may be obtained from Mr. Jeff Adams, Director of Student/Personnel Services, Educational Services Center, 1212 9th Avenue, 334-298-0534.

•Restrictions on the use of Tobacco
The use of tobacco products is prohibited on all school board property. No employee will use tobacco in the presence of students at any school function (on or away from the school site) when the employee is in a supervisory role.  No employee will provide tobacco or tobacco products for student use.

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Instructional Program
•Promotion and Retention
In order to maintain high standards in the instructional program of the Phenix City Public School System, the following guidelines are set forth:

• Progress reports shall be made quarterly (each nine weeks) by report cards and/or conferences and at established times during a quarter to keep parents informed of student progress. Parents shall be informed by midpoint in any quarter when their child's work is falling below passing.
  
• No student shall be allowed to pass to a higher grade as long as that student fails to achieve at a lower grade level or fails to master the established standards for a particular grade level, level of learning, or subject matter content achievement level.
  
• All determinations of grade level classifications shall be made on an individual basis considering input from student, parents, and teachers, but the final decision shall be the responsibility of the principal, with the best interest of each individual student being the determining factor.

•Homework
Homework is assigned by the teachers as a means of reinforcement for the student. Every student is responsible for assignments and is expected to do them as directed. Assignments turned in late without teacher approval will receive a lower grade.
•Textbooks
State textbooks may be issued to students during the school year. The student is directly responsible for the books issued. A portion of the Alabama Textbook Law reads, "the parent, guardian, or other person having custody of a child to whom textbooks are issued shall be held liable for any loss, abuse, or damage in excess of that which would result from the normal use of such textbook. If such parents or guardian or person having custody of such child to whom the textbook was issued fails to pay such assessed damages within 30 days of notification, such student shall not be entitled to further use of such textbooks until remittance of the amount of loss or damage shall be made. "
•Special Activities
Various performances that are educationally beneficial to children are normally scheduled during the school year. These programs will be sponsored by the PTA through the Cultural Arts Program.
•Field Trips
Field trips that are educationally sound may be scheduled for certain students during the year. In such an event, children will normally have to pay for transportation and must have written permission from a parent before taking part in such a trip. All students will be required to ride the school bus to and from the scheduled field trip. No refunds can be given to students who are unable to attend field trips.
•Grading Scale
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F = 59 and below

•Awards

• Principal's List - Students making all A's will be on the Principal's List each nine weeks. These students will receive recognition. At the end of the school year, students making this list all four quarters will be rewarded. These students will receive a certificate at the end of the year.
• Principal's Honorable Mention - Students making all A's and B's will be on the Principal's Honorable Mention List each nine weeks. These students will receive recognition. At the end of the school year, students making this list all four quarters will receive a certificate.
• Perfect Attendance - A certificate is presented at the end of the year to students who have not been absent during the entire year.
• Citizenship Award -The Pansy Slocumb Citizenship Award is given at the end of the school year to an outstanding fourth grade student in school citizenship who meets the following criteria:
  * Academic Qualifications - should maintain not less than a "B" average over full school year
  * Leadership Qualifications - accepts responsibility readily, has good study habits, respects authority, gets along well with others, has a positive attitude
  * Service to School - willingness to participate in school activities outside normal classroom activities.
• Presidential Academic Achievement Award - This award is given to students in the fourth grade who fulfill the following criteria:
  * Grade Point Average - An average of 90 or above must be earned in the fourth grade.
  * Test Scores - The most current SAT score must be at the 85th percentile or higher in reading or math.

•Media Center
Students are expected to return books by the date due. No fines are charged at Sherwood. Students are personally contacted about overdue books. If this procedure fails to get the book returned, the child's parents are notified by letter and asked either to return the book or pay for it.

Damaged books will be paid for according to the extent of the damage.

Lost books must be reported to the librarian at once. All lost books must be paid for if not found and returned. If a book is found within a school year after being paid for, the student will be refunded the amount paid.

•Counseling Services
A full-time Guidance Counselor delivers services to large groups once per week, per class. Counseling services are also available for small groups, individuals, and parents.

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Auxiliary Services

•Food Services
Good, wholesome breakfasts and lunches that each provide one-third of the daily food requirements are served in the school lunchroom for all children. Free and reduced meals are available for those who qualify. Forms for application are available at the Auxiliary Service Center office.

• Breakfast is $0.75 and lunch is $1.50 and may be paid daily or in advance.  Milk and juice may be purchased for $.40 each.  Please make checks payable to Sherwood Lunchroom. Checks cannot be accepted after the 22nd of April to allow time for them to clear before the final report.
• Alabama State Department of Education policy requires schools to charge a fee of $30.00 for each returned check. Please refer to page 17 in the school handbook for returned check procedure.
• Meals can not be charged at any time.
• Students may either eat meals provided or bring their own. Canned or bottled drinks are not permitted.
• Students will go to lunch with an assigned teacher and will remain under the supervision of that teacher.
• Students are expected to stand in line quietly while waiting to be served and to talk quietly at tables while eating. Good manners and courteous behavior are expected at all times.
• The teacher in charge will give seating directions.
• Procedures for disposal of trays, paper, and other waste will be given.
• Parents are welcome to have lunch at the school at any time.

•Custodial Services
Custodial services at Sherwood are a vital part of the total school program. All custodial workers should be treated with utmost respect by faculty and students at all times.

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Transportation Policy

Transported Students

PHENIX CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY CONCERNING BUS CONDUCT:
While the Phenix City Board of Education offers, as needed, a system of pupil transportation, it also requires parents of students to accept responsibility of supervision until such time as the student boards the bus in the morning and after the student leaves the bus at the end of the school day. Once a student boards the bus -- and only at that time -- he becomes the responsibility of the Phenix City Public Schools. Such responsibility shall end when the student is discharged at the regular bus stop at the close of the school day. Since the bus is an extension of the classroom, the Board shall require students to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with established policies of the Phenix City Board of Education regarding discipline. When a student does not conduct himself properly on a bus, such instances shall be brought to the attention of the building principal by the bus driver. The building principal shall inform the parents immediately of the misconduct and request their cooperation in controlling the student's behavior. He shall also discipline guilty students as deemed appropriate. A student who becomes a disciplinary problem on the school bus may have his transportation privileges suspended. Serious cases involving drugs, alcohol, weapons, destruction of property or personal endangerment will be referred to the superintendent for due process, and may result in the termination of transportation privileges. When students are suspended or terminated from such privileges, it shall be the parents' responsibility to get the student to and from school.

REGULATIONS GOVERNING TRANSPORTED PUPILS:
Riding the school bus is a privilege. This privilege is extended to eligible students in the city throughout the school term. In order to maintain and continue this service, it is necessary that all students realize they must accept certain responsibilities and be governed by certain rules and regulations. They are as follows:
1. Transportation shall be furnished for all pupils whose legal residence is too far from their assigned school or in areas considered too hazardous to walk.
2. According to State Board Policy, all students living two (2) miles or more from their assigned school will be transported. However, the Phenix City School System will transport those students who live in an area too far to walk or where conditions exist which are hazardous to the child's safety.
3. Pupils transported on buses operated by the Phenix City Public School are under the jurisdiction of school officials at all times. Proper conduct on the buses is required and students must not endanger the safety and welfare of others.
4. Pupils will not be permitted to ride a school bus to a school outside their assigned school attendance zone.
5. Pupils using school buses shall board and depart from the bus only at regularly scheduled stops nearest their residence unless approved by the transportation supervisor. Pupils are to board buses for return trip only at the school where they are enrolled.
6. Pupils who live in a non-transported area with one parent, will not be allowed to ride the bus to the home of the other parent unless permission is obtained in writing from the legal guardian and the request approved by the transportation supervisor. This same regulation will apply to pupils who want to ride a different bus to a different area to visit the other parent.
7. It is suggested that pupils carry identification with them at all times.
8. It shall be a clear violation of rules for any pupil on a school bus to have in his/her possession any item which has been designed for use or possible use as a weapon. Forbidden items shall include, but not be limited to, the following: knives of any kind and any length, razors or razor blades, box openers, firearms, explosive devices including fireworks of any description, chains, items which may be used as clubs made of any material and any length designed for weapons. It shall also be a violation for any student to possess or be under the influence of drugs/alcohol or other controlled substances. Pupils who violate the rules may be placed on immediate suspension from the bus. In some cases, the police authorities may be notified for possible legal action.
9. The Phenix City Board of Education may refuse to transport any student who:
a. Impedes the safety and welfare of the driver and fellow students.
b. Continues disruptive behavior after being counseled by the driver and building principal.
c. Damages a school bus.
d. Fails to adhere to school board policy.

SPECIFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS WHILE WAITING FOR THE BUS, WHILE ON THE BUS, AND WHEN LEAVING THE BUS:
1. Loading (on the road and at school):
a. Be on time at the bus stop.
b. Stay off the road at all times while waiting for the bus.
c. Be careful when approaching bus stop.
d. Do not move toward the buses at the school loading zone until buses have been brought to a complete stop.
e. Bus must be at a complete stop before attempting to load or unload.
f. Students will not be permitted to bring on board volatile substances; active chemical agents; live, dead or preserved animals; objects that measure more than 24" in either length, width or height; and soft drink cans or bottles.
2. While on the Bus:
a. Keep head and hands inside the bus at all times.
b. Assist in keeping bus clean.
c. Remember that loud talking and laughing or unnecessary confusion diverts the driver's attention and may result in a serious accident.
d. Treat bus equipment as you would valuable furniture in your home.
e. Never tamper with the bus, emergency door, or any other equipment.
f. Leave no books, packages, coats or other items on the bus.
g. Leave books, packages, coats and all other items out of aisles and driver compartment.
h. Help look after the comfort and safety or small children.
i. Never throw anything out of the bus window.
j. Never leave seat while bus is in motion.
k. Horseplay is not permitted around or on the bus.
l. Be courteous to fellow pupils and the bus driver.
m. Absolute quiet is necessary when approaching a railroad crossing.
n. In case of a road emergency, remain in the bus and follow driver's directions.
o. No smoking is permitted on the bus.
p. Use of vulgar or profane language is prohibited.
q. Obey the driver at all times.
3. When Leaving the Bus:
a. Don't loiter.
b. Assist smaller riders if necessary.
c. If you live on the right of the bus, walk quickly away from the bus and off the street.
d. If you live on the left of the bus, proceed to the front of the bus, wait for signal from driver then check for approaching vehicles and cross road when safe.

Non-transported Students

1. Walkers and Bicycle riders will be dismissed at 3:20 p.m. and should leave the campus as instructed immediately.
2.  Car riders will be unloaded and loaded in the right lane at the covered walkway in the loading/unloading lane. Parents who need to leave their cars for any reason will use the thru-traffic lane (left lane) and park in the faculty parking lot or along the fence.. No right turns can be made from the thru-traffic lane.   All school traffic is one-way only.

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School-Community Relations

•Flag Display
The United States Flag and the Alabama flag shall be displayed from the school building during the time school is in session. Because our flags are illuminated at night, they shall be displayed 24 hours each day.

•Telephone Numbers and Addresses
Parents should inform the school of new telephone numbers or addresses. These are important items, especially in an emergency situation.

•Notices and Announcements
Certain notices and announcements are sent home with the children when necessary to inform the parents of items of interest. Children should be encouraged to be responsible in delivering these announcements.

•School Visitors
All visitors MUST report to the school office to receive a visitors pass when arriving at Sherwood. Office personnel should be made aware of the purpose of any visit. School volunteers must also sign in and sign out with office personnel. All outside entrances other than the front door will be locked in order to promote better safety.

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