F.D.E.S.

Fort Dorchester Elementary School

 (student handbook in ms-word format)

5201 Old Glory Lane      Summerville, South Carolina 29485

Telephone (843) 832-5550                   Fax (843) 832-5553

FDES WEBSITE:  www.dorchester2.k12.sc.us/fdes

Mission Statement

Fort Dorchester Elementary School is committed to guiding and challenging each student to succeed in life.

Fort Dorchester Elementary School Administration

Carol Farris..…………………………………….……………………………………….Principal

Karen Spillane………………………………..……………………...Assistant Principal

Harolyn Hess………………………………………………………….Assistant Principal          

Catherine Parker…………………………….……………………Financial Secretary

Carrie Confer………………………………….……………..…… Financial Secretary

Anna Bowling…….…………………………….…………………………………Receptionist

Gloria Guest …………………………………………………………..…………Receptionist

Renee Bowers……….………………….Records and Attendance Secretary

Michelle Rogers……………………………………………..…... Guidance Counselor

Jennifer Washington…………………………………….…….Guidance Counselor

Deen Wey..…………………………………………………………… Guidance Counselor

Kara Dubois………………………………….……………………………………………... Nurse

Anne Wiseman…………………………………………………………………………….. Nurse

School Board Members

Carolyn Howard            Francis Townsend         Bo Blanton                     Bill Reeves                  Dr. Robert Beebe          Henry Blake

Lynn Goettee

District Office Staff

Joseph Pye……………………………………..Superintendent

Dr. Barbara Stroble………………………Asst. Superintendent

Dr. Antonia Cappelletti…………….. Exec. Dir. Of Curr. /Inst.

Mike Windham………………………..Dir. School/Comm.Rel.

Important Numbers

Fort Dorchester Elementary…………………………832-5550

FDES Cafeteria ………………………………………………832-7008

District Office………………………………………………….873-2901

Transportation Office…………….……………………….871-7634

Extended Day……………………………………………….…..486-5778

OFFICE HOURS  7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Board Meetings

The Board of Trustees for Dorchester School District Two meets regularly on the second and fourth Monday of each month in the Conference Room at the District Administration Office, 102 Green Wave Blvd., Summerville. All meetings are open to the public and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise announced.

Bell Schedule

Elementary Schools                7:25 a.m.-2:10 p.m.

Middle Schools                       8:30 a.m.-3:40 p.m.

High Schools                           7:25 a.m.-2:55 p.m.

Rollings Middle School            8:20 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

*Students may not arrive at school prior to 6:55 a.m., unless registered in the Extended Care Early Bird Program. We also ask that you not check students out of school prior to 2:10 p.m. Please schedule medical appointments after school hours or as late as possible. Students should be in the classroom by the first bell at 7:20 p.m. Parents must bring their child to the front office and sign them in after the 7:25 a.m. tardy bell.

Early Dismissal Dates

Aug 30^th                       Sept 13^th & 27^th            Oct 25^th     

Nov 15^th & 29^th             Jan 31^st                        Feb 15^th & 28^th

March 14^th & 28^th         April 25^th

School will be dismissed at 11:30 on these days.

Title IX Regulations

            “Dorchester School District Two does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities which it operates, and is required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 not to discriminate in such a manner. This policy on non-discrimination includes the following areas: recruitment and appointment of employees, employment pay benefits, counseling services for students, access by students to educational programs, course offerings, and student activities.”

            Dorchester School District Two has a strict attendance policy based on state law. A copy of the full policy is printed in the Dorchester District Two handbook distributed to all students upon registration.

            Regular attendance and punctuality are critical to a child’s success in school and in the future. The earlier children learn that school is their job, the more satisfactory their growth will be. Coming to school late and leaving early interrupts the learning process for your children and their classmates. Parents of students with excessive absences, tardies, or early outs will be required to meet with an administrator and/or attendance supervisor and may be placed on contract.

            Excessive absences consist of:

·         3 consecutive or 5 total unlawful/unexcused absences

·         10 or more lawful/excused absences (doctor’s note required)

*The Attendance Office may be notified of cases requiring further actions, including DSS and/or Family Court referral.

Written Excuses

When returning to school following an absence, a student must present a note from his/her parent, legal guardian or physician containing the date returning, date or dates of the absence and reason for the absence. The note must be signed by the parent, legal guardian or physician and must include a telephone number where the parent or legal guardian may be reached.

 Lawful Absences

The following reasons are considered acceptable excuses for absences:

1.        Absences due to extended or chronic illnesses certified by a physician (i.e. asthma, mononucleosis, accident).

2.       Absences due to health-related appointments approved by the principal, not to exceed 10 days for the school year (i.e., medical, dental, or clinic appointments). A medical statement from the physician will be required upon returning to school.

3.       Absences where attendance in school would endanger the health of the student or the health of others as determined by the principal (i.e., prevention of a flu epidemic, chicken pox, mumps.)

4.       Serious illness or death in the student’s immediate family.

5.       Absences due to recognize religious holidays.

6.       Absences due to special circumstances as determined by the principal, superintendent, or Board of Trustees.

7.       Participation in a school-sponsored event, provided the student has been absent less than 10 days previously. This includes lawful and/or unlawful absences.

District Tardy Policy

            For the convenience of the students, bus transportation is provided for students living more than one and a half miles from their school. Bus transportation is also provided for students who live within one and one-half miles in areas where hazardous walking conditions exist. Tardies due to bus transportation are not considered unlawful.

            According to South Carolina State Law and Dorchester School District Two School attendance policy, daily school attendance and punctuality are critical to as child’s success in school. Unlawful tardies are monitored and could accumulate to unlawful absences.

Repeated tardiness greatly affects the educational progress of your child. It also interrupts the teachers, as well as the entire class when he/she enters the classroom tardy after instructional day has begun.

            School begins at 7:25 a.m. We encourage car riders to come at 7:05 a.m. Students arriving late must be signed in at the front office by a parent or responsible person to receive a pass to class. Please do not drop your child off at the curb, parking lot, or any other undesignated area of school property. Getting to school on time is the responsibility of the parent, and it allows your child to begin his/her day on a positive note.

**Tardy consequences are administered on a semester basis as follows:

First Tardy- The office will issue verbal notification.

Second Tardy- The office will issue written notification.

Third Tardy- The office will issue 2^nd written notification.

Fourth Tardy- The office will issue a written tardy notice.

Fifth Tardy- The school administrator or designee will request

a parent conference to place a student on a tardy intervention

contract.

Sixth-Seventh- The student may be referred to the

Attendance Office.

Eighth Tardy- The student may be assigned in-school (BIR)

suspension.

Tenth Tardy- The student may be given one day out of school

suspension for each additional tardy after the tenth.

The following procedures are designed to keep our children safe and to ensure a smooth arrival and dismissal process. Thank you for your role in making this effort successful.

Morning Procedures

1.        School hours are 7:25-2:10 p.m. Students are not to arrive before 6:55 a.m. as there will be no supervision, and students will not be allowed to enter the building. Early Bird care is available.

2. All car riders should be dropped off between 7:05 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. in the car rider loop by the cafeteria. Parents escorting their child into the building MUST park in the parking lot, cross at the crosswalk, follow the sidewalk and enter the front doors to attain a visitor pass.
3. All car riders eating breakfast should arrive between 6:55 and 7:15 a.m. and go directly to the cafeteria in order to get to class on time.
4. Parents entering the school near arrival and dismissal times must park in the parking lots. Please do not leave your car unattended in the car rider loop. Remember: All visitors must enter through the main doors at the front of the school and stop by the office for a visitor’s pass. YOU MUST PRESENT I.D.
5. Students riding buses to school will enter in a single file line in the bus entrance door. If they are eating breakfast, they will go directly to the cafeteria. Otherwise, students will go directly to their classroom.
6. Students riding their bikes to school should use the bike rack provided and enter thru car rider entrance.
7. Do not enter Bus Loop between 7-8 a.m. or 1:30–2:30 p.m.    
8. Do not park in handicapped spaces unless vehicle is properly identified.

Afternoon Procedures

1.        Students being picked up before the end of the school day must be signed out in the main office by a person listed on the emergency card with picture I.D. Please do not sign students out during the last 30 minutes of the school day except for emergencies. Students will be picked up in the main office only.

2.       Car Riders will only be dismissed from the Multipurpose entrance at 2:20 to cars. Parents must go through the car rider line with the “car rider” signs on front, right dashboard. Parents cannot pick up at the car rider door. Student will be loaded in cars by teachers on duty as quickly as possible.

3.       Bike Riders will be escorted by their teacher to the bike rack.

4. Any student going home a different way then usual must have a written note from a parent. Students CANNOT ride a different bus home with friends.
5. Send a note to the teacher for students to be picked up in the office.  Daily pick up needs to be done using the car rider line not the office.  Students will not be called down to the office after 2:00 until dismissal.
6.  Phone calls for transportation changes will not be accepted.
7. Students cannot be picked up from the bus loading area.
8. Students not picked up by 2:30 p.m. will be sent to the Extended Care program, and parents will be charged.

prevent a child from achieving his/her fullest potential. Unfortunately, many such difficulties go undetected for years. We are happy to inform you that during the school year, screening tests for vision, hearing, speech, dental, and blood pressure problems, as well as scoliosis and contagious diseases (such as head lice*, measles, chicken pox, impetigo, etc.) may be administered to your child by a trained professional from the district’s Special Services Division. Should such screening detect a problem, you will be notified for further follow-up.

       *According to Dorchester District Two Policy JLCC: If a teacher suspects that a child has head lice or nits, he/she will notify the school nurse or principal’s designee. If the student has an active infestation of head lice or nits, school personnel will notify the parent/legal guardians to come to the school to pick up the child.

Readmission to School

      The district prohibits a student who is sent home with head lice or nits from returning to school until he/she meets the following conditions:

·         The student shows evidence of treatment as determined by the school.

·         The student passes a physical screening by the school nurse or principal’s designee that shows the absence of head lice and/or nits.

At no time will a student be allowed to return to school without proof of treatment and a screening.

Required Immunizations

The following immunizations are required or recommended for children entering public school in South Carolina:

*DTP 4 required, 5 recommended (at least 1 after 4^th birthday)

*Polio 3 required, 4 recommended (at least 1 after 4^th birthday)

*MMR 2 required (CD through 12^th grade) both doses received on or after 1^st birthday & separated by at least one month.

* Hepatitis B 3 required (CD through 12^th grade)

*Varicella (Chickenpox) 1 required (after 1^st birthday or positive history of disease for all children admitted to kindergarten, first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades)

*Hib 2 required, 4 recommended for CD (at least 1 after 1^st birthday)

For additional information, call the Dorchester County Health Department, 832-0041.

Health Information

            Students having chronic illnesses or conditions that may affect them while at school should make sure that the nurse, guidance counselor, physical education teacher if necessary and attendance secretary are aware of this condition. Parents are required to leave an emergency number where someone can be reached if necessary. A medical health information card should be filled out on each child by the parent and updated as necessary during the school year. They are kept in the nurse’s office.

Accident Insurance

The school is able to offer accident insurance to your child. More information will be sent home with your child when school begins.

Medication at School

          Dorchester School District Two requires that the parents of all students who need medication during school hours must do the following:

1.        Complete a Dorchester School District Two Medication Permission Form. This form now requires both signatures of the physician and parent/legal guardian. Official forms are available at your school’s office.

2.       Bring the medication in the current prescription bottle properly labeled by a registered pharmacist as prescribed by law.

3.       Medication must be brought in by the parent or responsible adult, NOT THE STUDENT.

4.       Parents are reminded that aspirin, cough medicine, herbs, vitamins and other over-the-counter products will not be given at school without written prescriptions from a doctor stating the medication dosage, and specific time(s) to be given at school.

5.       All medicine not registered with the school nurse will be in direct violation of district policy and dealt with accordingly.

6.       Parents are also reminded that medication not claimed at the end of the school year will be disposed of by school personnel.

 7. All medication will be handled in accordance with the above guidelines through the school nurse or principal’s designee.

Nutrition

        Information regarding district policy in accordance with state law will be included in the Gator Gazette at the beginning of the school year.

A weekly school newsletter is sent home every Monday.

A. If you have a problem

Students, parents, and all staff members have the right to approach the District Two Board of Trustees to seek a solution to a problem or a concern.

           The proper and requested method of resolving problems is to begin with the party directly involved. If the problem remains unsolved, persons with the complaint should proceed to the next authority level in the proper manner.

           If after the meeting with the principal, the supervisor, and the superintendent, in that order, the problem is still  not resolved, those persons with a concern should contact the superintendent in writing to request a meeting with the school board.

B.   Conferences

To schedule a conference, parents should call their child’s teacher at least 24 hours prior to the requested date when possible. It is also helpful to state the reason for the conference so the conference can be productive.

C.  Telephone calls

Parents may call the school to get information or to discuss concerns. We ask, however, that parents remember that we cannot call a teacher from the classroom to answer a call, nor can we interrupt classes. But you will be able to leave them a message on their voice mail or with the receptionist.

D.  Changes in Transportation

Changes in transportation MUST be in writing and may be faxed to the school.  If faxing, call the school to verify the fax was received.

E.  Visitors to the school

       Parents are encouraged to visit Fort Dorchester Elementary. All visitors and parents are to report first to the school office with a picture ID for a visitor’s pass. Visitors may not take teachers away from teaching and supervising students to talk. Unauthorized visitors may be subject to legal action under applicable prevailing statutes.

Emergency Closing of School

      Bad weather conditions sometimes prevent the operation of school. It is not always possible to determine this until the early morning hours. School closings and/or early dismissals will be announced through the local television and radio stations.

Fine Arts

      Students in grades K-5 are on a 3-week rotation schedule for fine arts and wellness classes. Classes will spend 5 days in visual art class, 5 days in music class, and 5 days in PE class. The rotation will then begin again.

Media Center

the classrooms. Educational programs are provided through SCETV. Our video collection has been started and we hope to add “Cable in the Classroom” when available in our area.

There are eight computers in the Media Center and twenty-five in the adjoining computer lab. Four of the computers have DVD capabilities. Teachers schedule classes or individual students to type papers or information for school projects, to use Internet if the guardian has signed a permission form, and to take AR tests.

The teachers schedule class visits and group/individual student visits to the media center. During whole class visits

the media specialist sometimes reads to the class. She also works with the teachers to plan and implement lessons that coincide with class work to help reinforce student learning. The media specialist also teaches computer usage and takes an active roll in the FDES Reading Renaissance program.

The Morning Show, station WGGN, is aired from the Media Center where fifth grade students anchor the show and operate the camera. The Media Center staff provides assistance. Video footage is collected from school events and classrooms throughout the year. Digital pictures are also taken at special events. These photographs may be published and/or exhibited unless the guardian has signed and returned a denial form. Forms are provided at the beginning of the school year.

Gifted and Talented Education

Dorchester School District Two strives to meet the educational needs of all students.  In doing so the school district has established programs that respond to the unique characteristics of gifted students.  The guidelines and screening procedures for these programs are consistent with the regulations provided by the State Board of Education and are included here for your reference.

DESCRIPTION OF ACADEMICALLY GIFTED & TALENTED PROGRAM SERVICES

Elementary:

Grades 3 & 4                  GATE program - Content -based: Social Studies   

Grade 5                         Content-based: GATE Language Arts and/or GATE Math (accelerated by one year)

Curriculum

Content standards are the framework that support each of the courses offered; however, the content, process, and product standards will exceed the state adopted standards for a particular content.  Teachers offer an approach that incorporates both acceleration and enrichment and also offer students opportunities for worldwide research and communication.  Some of the differences between a gifted content class and other content classes are described below:

·         The curriculum is compressed in terms of skills and/or knowledge areas in order to increase the pace of learning.

·         More complex/abstract materials are provided.

·         Students are given more open-ended tasks to encourage exploration.

·         Teachers use a variety of modes to present or introduce information.

• Teachers give students choices throughout the instructional process – in topics, ways of learning, modes of expression, and working conditions.

IDENTIFICATION OF GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS

The selection process begins in September for the following school year and is a multi-step process. The objectives of the selection process are:

·         To identify students in grades 2-8 who demonstrate academic aptitude by advanced skills, concepts, and creative expression in specific academic areas.

·         To serve identified students in an academically gifted program that matches their identified areas of strength.

Referrals for gifted programs may be made by anyone, and no one score or criterion will be used to deny a student access. Placement evaluation teams will review multiple criteria for all referred students before a placement decision is made for the following school year.

**Please check the school district’s web site (dorchester2.k12.sc.us) for

additional information and the District Parent Student Handbook.

Literacy

instructed in whole group grade level reading, differentiated/flexible instruction, explicit writing, explicit phonics or word study and fluency.  Differentiated instruction assures that small groups of students receive instruction based on their reading level.  The model is research based and structured to meet the needs of Fort Dorchester Elementary School children.

Breakfast and Lunch Program

            The cafeteria must meet state standards as to quantity and quality of food served. Complete hot lunches and breakfast including milk are served daily. Children are encouraged to bring a check (made payable to FDES) the first day of each school week or month. Breakfast costs $.85 a day, and lunch costs $1.40. Free and reduced forms are sent home the first day of school and are always available in our office. It is the responsibility of the students to keep up with their own money. Carbonated drinks are discouraged.

Students who are car riders participating in breakfast need to arrive by 7:05 a.m. Questions should be directed to Ms. Judith Jones, Cafeteria Manager. (832-7008)

Student Dress Code Policy

In order to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to learning, instills discipline, and avoids safety hazards, Dorchester School District Two established the following dress code guidelines for students:

·         Shorts:  Shorts are appropriate for school in the elementary grades. Generally, the standard for wearing shorts is that when standing with arms hanging to the side, the area on the leg where fingers touch should be the hemline of the shorts.  Short shorts are not acceptable school attire.

·         Sunglasses:  May not be worn in the building, with the exception of RX sunglasses.

·         Hats, Head Stockings, Sweatbands, and Bandannas:  May not be worn in the building. If there is a medical reason for a student to wear one of the above listed, a letter from a physician will need to be provided to the principal.

·         Tops and Skirts:  Tank, halter, tube, bathing suits, spaghetti strap, midriffs, or see-through tops may not be worn. Fish net shirts or cut off shirts may not be worn.

·         Tennis skirts and mini-skirts are not allowed. The standards for the length of shorts also apply to the length of skirts and dresses.

·         Shirts and blouses:  Must be appropriately buttoned.

·         Pants: “Sagging” is not acceptable. Pants must be worn at the natural waistline and may not be made of any see-through materials.

·         Belts:  Belts must be worn at an appropriate level.

·         Suspenders:  Must be hooked and on shoulder in the proper location.

·         Footwear:  Shoes must be worn at all times. No bedroom slippers. Shoes with laces must be tied.

·         Gloves:  May not be worn in the building.

·         Students may not wear any apparel, attire, colors or insignia which is obscene, vulgar, libelous, slanderous, incites, expresses or advocates racial, ethnic, sexual or religious prejudices that brings attention to a student’s involvement or membership in gang-related groups or promotes beer, liquor, wine, cigarettes, or drugs of any kind.

Guidance

Guidance in the elementary school is concerned with the mental, emotional, social, physical, and educational needs of the students.  The following services are provided and available as needed.

1. Counseling—individually and in groups.
2. Coordination—New student orientation, coordination of standardized testing programs and special education referrals.
3. Classroom Guidance
4. Parent Education

conferences by calling the school and making an appointment. (832-5550)

Items from Home

Please mark you child’s name and class section clearly on all clothing, book bags, lunchboxes, etc. This is important and worthwhile as it will enable us to find lost or misplaced items. Unclaimed “lost and found” items are given to a needy organization at the end of each semester. Electronic games, toys, headsets, etc. from home should not be brought to school. Fort Dorchester Elementary is not responsible for lost, broken or stolen toys.

Discipline

For the safety and well being of all students, teachers have classroom discipline plans. Parents should receive a copy of the classroom plan. When students have exhausted the plan or committed a violation that is severe, they are sent to the office. The administration will then decide what punishment is appropriate. We do have BIR, Behavior Improvement Room, for punishment where students do school work in a separate room and are served a bag lunch with white milk. BIR is only assigned by an administrator. Discipline slips are sent home with the student, and should be signed and returned the next day.

Dorchester District Two has a zero tolerance policy on drug and weapons violations. Weapons violations include such look-a-like and associate items such as toy guns, water pistols, plastic knives, Swiss army knives, spent shell casing, dummy bullets, etc. Students violating these policies will be immediately suspended from school and recommended to the District’s Hearing Board for expulsion. Please review the complete policy in the district issued handbook with your child and make sure he/she understands the seriousness of these offenses.

Transfers

address to another school to pick up records. Please make sure all your child’s textbooks and library books are returned to the school. This time is needed to collect and process a child’s records. The child’s parent or legal guardian must come to the office and sign for the records in order to hand carry them to the new school.

Grading System and Report Cards

The school year is divided into four (4) periods of nine (9) weeks each. Report cards are given to students following the end of each nine-week period (see yearly calendar for date).

Grading Scale

First, Second, and Third Grades     Fourth and Fifth Grades

A=Excellent work                            A=100-93

B=Good work                                   B=92-85

C=Satisfactory work                       C=84-77

D=Needs Improvement                     D=76-70

F=Failing                                         F=Below (70 failing)

            Teachers will explain individual grading methods. Interim reports are sent at mid-9 weeks. Any interim report, report card, or test sent by the teacher to the parent or guardian is to be returned within 48 hours with a parent or guardian’s signature.

Fine Arts/ Health and Wellness Grading

learned at each grade level. Grades will be determined by utilizing four tier rubrics that correspond to E, S, N, and U.

Fees

        The student fees help cover expenses for workbooks, special materials, art supplies, and other consumable items. Students entering school during the first semester shall pay a fee of $20.00.

New Students in the District

Students registering in Dorchester School District Two for the first time must present an electric bill, birth certificate, a social security card, and a South Carolina Immunization Form. All new and returning students must show proof of correct address in the form of a power bill mailed to the parent or guardian at the stated residence.

In accordance with South Carolina law, children enrolling in Child Development classes must be 4 years old on or before September 1; children enrolling in kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before September 1; and children enrolling in first grade must be 6 years old on or before September 1.

Supplies and Textbooks

Each child is expected to furnish his/her own supplies--pencils, papers, crayons, scissors, paste, etc. These supplies must be replaced periodically. A child cannot do his/her best work if adequate supplies are not available. Specific supply lists are included in the registration packet. All textbooks are provided by the state. Each pupil is responsible for the care of his/her books and will be accountable for loss, damage, or destruction of a book. PLEASE NO ROLLING BOOKBAGS (grades K-2).

Bus Transportation and Bus Discipline

for safe operation. Good discipline on school buses requires the cooperation of both the students and their parents. Therefore, we earnestly request that you remind your child of the importance of following the established rules of behavior while on the bus and heed the instructions of the bus driver.

1. Everyone should sit in his/her assigned seat facing the front, feet out of the aisles.
2. Whisper only to people in your seat.
3. Be courteous to others.
4. Remember that your actions might interfere with the safety and well being of others.
5. Tell the driver if there is a problem
6. Tell an assistant principal if the bus driver cannot solve the problem.
7. Students are to ride only his/her assigned bus.

Failure to follow the bus rules will results in a bus discipline slip.

The consequences are:

1^st Offense:  A warning or suspension from the bus.

2^nd Offense:  Notice to parent and/or suspension from bus.

3^rd Offense:  No less than three days suspension from bus.

4^th Offense:  No less than one-week suspension from bus.

5^th Offense:  Suspension from bus for remainder of school year.

Please talk with your child about the need for following these rules and the consequences. Working together, we can make bus transportation safe and pleasant for everyone.

Concerns about drivers should be addressed with the Transportation Office at 871-7634.

for car rider pickup.  See Mrs. Spillane for Long term arrangements.

Kindergarten and first grade teachers give assignments as a follow-up of the daily lesson. Parents are notified of this at the beginning of the year, and a weekly written reminder is sent home. Homework is given in order to review and reinforce skills already taught in class. It is also used to initiate study skills and to encourage self-reliance.

The purpose of homework assigned to second, third, fourth, and fifth grade students is to help children develop independence and a sense of responsibility. Homework should supplement and support our school day through related activities to be completed at home. In addition, it serves the purpose of acquainting the parent with the skills taught in school.  The homework assigned should be no more than 30 minutes per night for 2^nd graders, 45 minutes per night for 3^rd graders, and 60 minutes per night for 4^th and 5^th graders, excluding weekends.

Homework is reviewed as a group activity or checked by teachers for completion and accuracy. Completion or non-completion of homework assignments may affect your child’s progress and his or her grades.  Parents can help tremendously with homework by following a few simple guidelines. Here are some suggestions:

Read with your child at least 15 minutes each day. We recommend that you keep and sign a reading log and homework folder.

Provide a study area. The child should have an area that has good lighting, proper seating and sufficient space to place materials. Distractions such as radio and TV should be kept at a minimum.

understanding that watching TV must wait until homework is finished. It is usually a good idea to allow your child some playtime after school before beginning homework.

Think positively. Homework assists with your child’s progress in learning. Try to get him/her to see the value of the knowledge he/she is to acquire. Give as much assistance as needed, but remember that homework is the child’s responsibility.

Call the teacher. If your child is having difficulty with homework, a call to the teacher will often clarify or solve the problem. Try not to complain to your child about the homework. This may cause him/her to lose confidence in the teacher or lose interest in schoolwork. If your child seems to have too much homework, or frequently has trouble completing homework, check with the teacher.

Absent. Teachers need a 24-hour notice to get assignments ready to take home.

Dorchester District Two schools use several instruments to assess students to help teachers identify the strengths and weaknesses as well as measure the progress of each student. Instruments such as readiness tests, diagnostic tests, benchmark tests, as well as criterion and norm-referenced tests may be used.

Kindergarten – STAR Early Literacy Test

First Grade – Readiness testing, and STAR Early Literacy Test

Grades 2-10 – MAP (Measure of Academic Progress)

Grades 3-8 – Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test  (PACT)    

Spring 2007                 P.A.C.T. (grades 3-8)     May 7^th – 22^nd

Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (P.A.C.T.)

            There are four (4) performance levels:  Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, and Advanced. The Education Accountability Act of 1998 requires that schools develop Academic Assistance Plans for students who score Below Basic on the test. The intent of the plan is to provide students with tools and assistance to achieve at or above grade level. The district has established two conference days when students are dismissed early so that parents and students can come in for their conference. The school, parents, and students will have to work together to accomplish this goal.

Testing Tips:

Come to school prepared to do your best.

• Get a good night’s rest.
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Eat a nutritious breakfast.
• Think positively.

Use proper test-taking strategies.

• Listen carefully and follow directions (Math-show all work, Writing-complete pre-writing/rough draft/final draft, etc.)
• Read questions and answers thoroughly.
• If in doubt, take an educated guess.
• Fill in bubble completely and erase all stray marks.
• If time allows, go back and check answers.

South Carolina Accountability Act of 1998

            The South Carolina Accountability Law of 1998 requires that students who score “Below Basic” in the same area, Language Arts and/or Math, on the state mandated Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT) three consecutive times must be retained. Some students may be required to go to summer school if offered or an alternative school year program.

Important Information Found in Your

Dorchester District Two 2006-2007 Handbook

Family Rights and Privacy Act

Student Services

Student Sexual Harassment

Curriculum Standards

Student Disciplinary Procedures

Attendance, Truancy Diversion, & Tardiness

Denial of Release of Student Information

Inclusion in Media Coverage Form

Business Partners

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Charleston Draperies

Chick-Fil-A: Dorchester Road

CiCi’s Pizza

Colucci Chiropractic Center

Fazoli’s-Main Street

Insty Prints of Summerville

Mary Kay Cosmetics – Mary Jo Blackwood

Papa John’s Pizza – Old Trolley Road

Prize Trophies and Treasures

Prudential Carolina Real Estate –Ed and Karen Graham

Sonic Drive-In

Parent Teacher Association

            The PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) is an organization consisting of parents and faculty members at Fort Dorchester Elementary School. The efforts of the PTA provide many valuable services for our students and staff at Fort Dorchester Elementary. With your help and support, we will provide the opportunities necessary for our children to have the best possible education. We invite you to become an active member! Membership for FDES PTA is $3.00.

PTA Board

President                                                          Welda Morrow

1^st Vice-President                                             Kim Russo

2^nd Vice-President                                             Laurie Fladd

Secretary                                                         TBA

Treasurer                                                         Kristie Austin

School Improvement Council

The School Improvement Council is made up of some parents of students currently at Fort Dorchester Elementary, teachers elected by faculty and members appointed by the principal. This group meets the first Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. to assist in the preparation of communication between the school and the community. If you would like to serve in a more active role, please inform the office or contact Mrs. Farris directly so that you may attend planning meetings.

Send mail to kim@lazik.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 08/29/06