Field trips are an extension of the classroom:  students are expected to behave accordingly.  Written permission slips and money for field trips are due prior to the day of the field trip.  Students must ride the bus to and from the field trip when the trip is during school hours.  If the field trip ends after school hours, students are only permitted to leave with an approved adult if prior approval has been granted by school administration.  After returning to school from a field trip, if a parent chooses to check their child out early for the sake of transportation convenience, it will be counted as an unexcused check out.  The school principal/teacher reserves the right to keep a student from attending a field trip for behavior reasons.  A student will not be allowed to attend the field trip if the student has had a suspension from school.

In Art Class, students get to explore their creativity through drawing, painting, sculpting, and more! Each week, young artists will learn about colors, shapes, famous artists, and different art styles from around the world. Art is a time to express ideas, have fun with materials, and discover that there’s no “right” way to make something beautiful. All students are encouraged to do their best, try new things, and celebrate their unique imaginations! 

The school counselor offers many services to students, parents, and teachers. The school counselor is available to parents by making an appointment or a phone call.  Individual counseling is offered to students who may be dealing with a problem such as a death in the family, family changes, behavior adjustments, etc. and who are in need of another person in their support network. Small-group counseling is also offered so that students can meet together to learn from one another.  Classroom lessons which cover a variety of topics are provided each month.  Students who go above and beyond to display the character and leadership traits taught through our guidance curriculum are recognized as Student of the Month.  School-wide service projects are also organized by our school counselor, and the counselor serves as a liaison to community support agencies.  If your family is experiencing hardships, please reach out to our counselor to learn more about the supports that are available.  As our society changes, so will the services that are provided through the Guidance Department.

Because the library at Hopewell School is an integral and valuable component of our school, emphasis is placed upon easy student access.  To accomplish this, a combination of open scheduling and regularly scheduled library time is used.  This ensures that specific periods are set aside for library skills for older students and story time for younger students.  There is no charge for using library materials, but, if a book is lost or damaged, a fine to cover replacement or repair costs will be assessed.  This includes damage to the bar codes.

Students in all grades are expected to participate in music class by singing, playing instruments, reading and writing music, etc.  Students in 4th & 5th grades are eligible to audition for Hopewell Singers at the beginning of each semester.  The Hopewell Singers perform a minimum of one concert each semester and also participate in caroling trips.  Auditions for the school musical occur each spring for 3^rd-5^th graders with a summer bootcamp to prepare students for the parts they have been awarded. 

Students must wear tennis shoes for all physical education classes.  Students will not be excused from participating in PE classes unless a note is received from the parent indicating a legitimate reason.  Requests for students to be excused from PE for longer than an individual day should be accompanied by a note from the doctor.

• Bradley County Schools  have developed a  1-to-1 device program to provide each student with the opportunity to use technology in a way that will enrich and support a high-quality learning experience.  Every student in grades K-1 will be assigned an iPad and every student in grades 2-5 will be assigned a Chromebook. 
• Our school is a part of a Google School District and all students have access to Google accounts for the purpose of creating slideshows, learning to manage cloud-based drives, and engaging in online assignments.   
•  Digital citizenship is taught as a part of the computer lab curriculum and includes topics such as online safety and cyberbullying.  
• Students learn to type from a self-paced keyboarding program that monitors their individual progress, and they use word processing programs to enhance their typing skills.  
•  All technology devices have internet access which is channeled through the school’s network and includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and filters which assist the staff in monitoring internet content for appropriateness.  

Bradley County Schools provides network services to assist in preparing students for success in life and work in the 21^st century by providing them with electronic access to a wide range of information and the ability to communicate with people from throughout the world. Network usage is a privilege which is not without responsibilities, and Bradley County Schools has developed an acceptable use policy to articulate these responsibilities. Violations will be dealt with appropriately.  To view this policy you can go to www.bradleyschools.org or ask your local school for a copy of the policy.  Parents may specifically request that their child(ren) not be provided such access by notifying the building principal in writing.

According to state regulations, report cards for grades 1-5 will be issued each nine weeks or four times during the school year.  Progress Reports will be issued four times during the school year, two times during the 1st semester and two times during the 2nd semester. Please refer to the school calendar for progress and report card dates.  The subject of RLA (Reading Language Arts) will be used to represent one combined grade based on student performance in all of the following content areas: reading, spelling, writing, and grammar.  Math, science, and social studies are each recorded as separate grades on the report card for a total of four subjects.

Grading Scale

A - Excellent                  90-100

B - Above Average        80-89

C - Average                    70-79

D - Below Average                     60-69

F - Failing                      0-59

All students will have their academic performance monitored through a variety of assessments. These include but are not limited to teacher-made tests, chapter/unit tests, benchmark tests, and standardized tests.  The district Data and Assessment Coordinator creates a calendar outlining all district and state level test dates with explanations regarding the purposes of these assessments. You may access this calendar by visiting our school website or you may obtain a copy in our office. Please visit http://www.bradleyschools.org/ for the latest information regarding assessments.

• No students may be dropped off prior to 7:00 a.m.
• Gym doors will open at 7:00 a.m.  
• ALL K-5 students must be dropped off in the back at the gym doors. You will use HOPEWELL HIGHWAY. (See diagram below) 
• CDC must use the front circle.
• Please use the inside left lane for morning drop-off. 
• No passing other vehicles during morning drop-off.
• Students wanting to eat breakfast at school should arrive before 7:30.  
• Students will begin going to class at 7:35. The tardy bell rings at 7:45.  Students must be inside their classroom when the bell rings.

• All CDC will dismiss in the front circle at 2:15.
• Pre-K will dismiss in the back at 2:00.  The left lane will not be available for use until 2:30.  
• All other grade levels and classes of car riders (K-5) will be dismissed at 2:45 via HOPEWELL HIGHWAY.  
• Students will be loaded into their respective cars at the end of each day under the supervision of staff members. 
• The FAST PASS cars will pick up in the front circle but may not arrive before 2:40. These passes cost $100 and are chosen by a random lottery drawing. 
• Please observe the stop/go sign in the back drive so that all cars are stopped when students walk between them.
• Bus riders for all grade levels will be dismissed in small groups with buses pulling out of the front circle at 2:40.
• Please make every effort to communicate dismissal plans (bus v/s car) clearly to your child to reduce the possibility of going home the wrong way. 
•  If transportation will be out of the normal routine, please write the changes in a note or communicate via the classroom communication app with your child’s teacher.  If changes occur during the school day, please contact the front office. 
• It is essential that students be picked up by 3:00 p.m. each day.  If a parent arrives late, they may pick up students at the main entrance.  If late pick-up becomes a chronic problem, then parents may be sited to Campus Court or referred to DCS.

Our top priority for drop-off and pick-up is safety.  We will do our best to be efficient once all safety considerations have been met.  Please help us to keep your child safe and to keep our carline running smoothly by adhering to the following guidelines.

1. Please observe stop signs and avoid areas blocked by cones.
2. No passing other vehicles during drop-off or pick-up.
3. Pull all the way down the drive (both front circle and back drive) before allowing your child to exit or enter the vehicle.  Please do not stop in front of the door unless the drive already has cars stacked in front of you.
4. Parents should remain inside their vehicles during drop-off.  If your child needs assistance getting out of the vehicle, Safety Patrol can assist them. (The teachers on duty in the front circle are there to assist CDC students only.)
5. If your child needs to exit your vehicle on the side opposite the building, please require them to walk in front (not behind) your vehicle.
6. Ask your child to move onto the sidewalk to put on a backpack so that the car line can keep moving safely.  (Safety Patrol is present in the back drive each morning to assist with this.)
7. Morning drop-off in the front circle is reserved for CDC cars and school buses until 7:30. All other vehicles should use the back drive for any drop-off. 
8. This year’s car fan must be visible to the staff member calling names.  Please keep your car sign visible if your child does not load so that we may call the name a second time.
9. Each family receives 2 car fans at the beginning of each school year.  Previous year’s fans will not be accepted.  If more are needed to accommodate additional people picking up your child, they are available for $3 in the main office.  Any adult without the appropriate car fan will be required to pull out of the carline, to park, and to enter the building at the main office where the registration form will be checked before the child is released.

• The principal's office is in constant contact with the Civil Defense and EMA through the Director of Schools so that early warnings can be received concerning possible severe weather. Parents are urged not to come to the school for their student(s) if the severe weather is already in the immediate area since students would be safer at school than traveling under these conditions. 
• Disaster drills will be held regularly at the school so students will be familiar with safety areas and procedures.
• If it becomes necessary to send students home, the Director of Schools, under the advisement of Emergency Management, Bradley County Sheriff's Department, and local weather forecasters, will make that decision.  Parents should reference local radio media outlets and the school’s social media accounts in these situations.  Our One Call system will make a call to your designated phone number. It is important that any changes in phone numbers or other contact information is reported to the main office as soon as possible so that parents and guardians can be reached in emergency situations. 
• When schools are dismissed because of inclement weather, our bus schedule is as follows: high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools.  
• Because of the road conditions, the buses may not be able to travel their normal route.  If you live in a subdivision or area where hills exist, you may need to make plans to meet your child at the entrance to the subdivision. If we cannot get your child within a reasonable distance, we will return the child to school as a last resort.  Please discuss plans in advance with your children for early dismissal due to inclement weather.

• 7:00 a.m.  The school doors will open at the gym entrance.  No students may be dropped off prior to 7:00 a.m.
• 7:35 a.m. Students are dismissed to class from the gym. 
• 7:45 a.m.  School begins.  Student drop-off should occur before 7:45 a.m. so that students have sufficient time to walk to their classroom before the tardy bell rings.  Students arriving after this time will be considered tardy and will need to report to the main office.  
• 2:42 p.m. First bell for loading buses
• 2:45 p.m. Second bell for car riders

• Students are excused from school for: personal illness, illness of immediate family, death in family, school sponsored trips authorized by board policy, extreme weather conditions, religious observances, doctor appointments or other medical emergencies. 
• A student who is absent must provide the main office, within 2 days of his/her return to school, a written excuse signed by his/her doctor, parent or guardian.  If a student does not bring such an excuse, the absence will be counted as unexcused.  
• Three (3) student absences per semester may be excused by a parent note.  Beyond the three (3) absences, a doctor’s excuse will be required.  
• Students can make up missed work or tests.  A student will receive a day for make-up for each day absent.  Parents wishing to pick up assignments for a child that is absent must call the school before 10:00 a.m. The work will be available in the office for pick up after school the same day.  
• For perfect attendance purposes, a child in grades K-5 who checks in after 11:15 or who checks out before 11:15 will be counted absent for the day.  Students must attend at least ½ the day on abbreviated days for perfect attendance.  
• Students may not participate in field day if they have chronic absenteeism.

The definition of being tardy is as follows:  any late check-in or early check-out resulting in missed class time.  Students must be in their classrooms when the tardy bell rings at 7:45 to be considered on time. 

Campus Court is a division of Juvenile Court held each month at Hopewell for the purpose of addressing truancy concerns.  Excessive absences/tardies will result in a citation to Campus Court.  Tennessee State Law requires school districts to have a Progressive Truancy Plan.  If efforts by the school to improve a student’s attendance are not successful, then a parent may be petitioned to a higher level of Juvenile Court.

School principals shall provide students with one-day excused absence prior to the deployment of and a one-day excused absence upon the return of a parent or guardian serving active military service.  Principals shall also allow up to ten (10) days excused cumulative absences per year for students to visit a parent or guardian during a deployment cycle.  The student shall provide documentation to the school as proof of his/ her parent’s / guardian’s deployment.  Students shall be permitted to make up schoolwork missed during these absences. 

Students shall be provided a safe learning environment. It shall be a violation of this policy for any student to bully, intimidate, haze or create a hostile educational environment for another student. Harassment, bullying, hazing and intimidation occurs if the act takes place on school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on school provided equipment or transportation or at any official school bus stop, if the act either physically harms a student or damages his/her property, or knowingly places the student in reasonable fear of such, causes emotional distress to a student or students, or creates a hostile educational environment. If the act takes place off school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity, the act shall be considered harassment, bullying, hazing or intimidation if it is directed specifically at a student or students and has the effect of creating a hostile educational environment or otherwise creating a substantial disruption to the education environment or learning process. These acts may also take place through electronic means. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, telephones, cellular phones or other wireless telecommunication devices, text messaging, emails, social networking sites, instant messaging, videos, web sites or fake profiles.

Children must treat the bus drivers with the same respect and obedience as they treat teachers and other school personnel.  Misbehavior on the bus cannot be tolerated since it represents a threat to all passengers.  Please remind your children that their behavior on the bus is governed by school rules. Students who misbehave on the bus may be suspended from riding the bus.  Students must ride the same bus daily, and no student will be permitted to ride a different bus without a written note from his/her parent or guardian for the bus driver.  Bradley County Schools has enacted the following procedures for reporting unsafe driving by any Bradley County Schools Bus Driver.  Incidents may be reported to the Bradley County Schools Transportation Department by completing the Complaint Form that is posted on our website under Departments> Transportation.  After completing the form, you may either drop it by the Bradley County Schools Central Office, email it to transportation@bradleyschools.org, or phone 423-641-1664.  The Central Office is located at 800 South Lee Highway, Cleveland, TN 37311.

PARENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BRING FOOD FROM FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS INTO THE SCHOOL FOR THE CHILDREN TO EAT. While in the cafeteria, students are expected to conduct themselves the same as in a public restaurant.  In order for the lunch period to be a pleasant break, it is necessary for all students to follow the rules and use proper table manners.  1.) Always talk in a SOFT VOICE.  2) Remain IN YOUR SEAT while eating.  Additionally, students are not allowed to swap food with any other student, and throwing food  is strictly prohibited.

Students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner at all times.  It is the legal responsibility of school personnel to maintain an environment in which all students have the opportunity to learn, free from disruption.

Students will not consume, possess, use, sell, distribute, or be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages in school buildings or on school grounds at any time, in school vehicles or buses, or at any school sponsored activity, function or event whether on or off school grounds.  This includes but is not limited to abuse of inhalants and prescription drugs. Disciplinary sanctions will be imposed on students who violate standards of conduct required by this policy.  Such sanctions will be consistent with local, state and federal laws, up to and including suspension/expulsion as well as a referral for prosecution. Completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program may also be recommended.

School Rules (these rules apply to all students at all times):

1. Keep your hands to yourself.
2. Respect the property of others.
3. Be courteous at all times.
4. Respect and obey all teachers and staff personnel, including parent volunteers and visitors.
5. No running or talking in the hallway.   

Classroom Rules

These rules will be established by each teacher.  Teachers will work with the students in an effort to help them improve self-discipline; however, when classroom rules are broken the teacher will provide consequences in accordance with class procedures.

Activities that are harmful to other children are more serious and may require that the school forego the usual discipline procedures.  In such cases, the offenses may warrant office attention or suspension.  Some of these behaviors are:

1. Willful and persistent violation of the school rules or truancy.
2. Immoral or disreputable conduct or vulgar or profane language.
3. Violence or threatened violence against any person attending or assigned to any public school.
4. Willful or malicious damage to property of the school or the property of any person attending or assigned to the school, including Marking, defacing or destroying school property.
5. Inciting, advising or counseling of others to engage in any of the acts herein before enumerated.
6. Possession of a pistol, gun or firearm on school property.
7. Possession of a knife, etc., as defined in #39-17-1301 on school property.
8. Assaulting a principal or teacher with vulgar, obscene or threatening language.
9. Off-campus criminal behavior which results in the student being legally charged with a felony and the student's continued presence in school poses a danger to persons or property or disrupts the educational process.
10. Unlawful use or possession of barbital, or legend drugs, as defined in #53-10-101.
11. Any other conduct prejudicial to good order or discipline in any public school.

In order to ensure a safe and secure learning environment, the following offenses will not be tolerated:  Weapons and Dangerous Instruments, Firearms (as defined in 18U.S.C.921), Drugs, Assault, Electronic Threats.

Students shall be provided a learning environment free from sexual, racial, ethnic and religious discrimination/harassment and hazing. It shall be a violation of this policy for any employee or any student to discriminate against, harass or haze a student through disparaging conduct or communication that is sexual, racial, ethnic or religious in nature. The following guidelines are set forth to protect students from discrimination/harassment/hazing:

Student discrimination/harassment/hazing will not be tolerated. Discrimination/harassment is defined as conduct, advances, gestures or words either written or spoken of a sexual, racial, ethnic or religious nature. Hazing is defined as an intentional or reckless act on or off school property, by one student acting alone or with others, directed against any other student that (1) endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student or (2) induces or coerces a student to endanger that student's mental or physical health or safety. Hazing does not include physical contact associated with athletic events, athletic training, or with competition conducted under a coach’s or sponsor’s supervision.

The following are outcomes relative to the above definitions;  

1. Unreasonable interference with the student's work or educational opportunities; or  

2. Creation of an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning environment; or  

3. Insinuation that submission to such conduct is made an explicit or implicit term of receiving grades or credit; or  

4. Insinuation that submission to or rejection of such conduct will be used as a basis for determining the student's grades and/or participation in student activities.

Alleged victims of the above-referenced offenses shall report these incidents immediately to a teacher, counselor or building administrator. Any allegations shall be fully investigated by a complaint manager (as set forth in Student Concerns, Complaints and Grievances 6.305).   The privacy and anonymity of all parties and witnesses to complaints will be respected. However, because an individual's need for confidentiality must be balanced with obligations to cooperate with police investigations or legal proceedings, to provide due process to the accused, to conduct a thorough investigation or to take necessary action to resolve a complaint, the identity of parties and witnesses  may be disclosed in appropriate circumstances to individuals with a need to know.   A  discrimination/harassment/hazing statement referencing this policy shall be distributed to students annually through the parent/student handbook and/or posted to each school's website.

Building administrators are responsible for educating and training their respective staff and students as to the definition and recognition of discrimination/harassment.   Coaches and other employees of the school district shall not encourage, permit, condone or tolerate hazing activities. (Bradley County Policy 6.304/T.C.A. 49-6-4501)

It is very important that the school has an accurate address and telephone number in the event of an emergency.  Additionally, all students should have more than one adult listed on their registration forms so that an alternate contact can be made if the parent/guardian is unreachable.  Please be sure to notify the office immediately if there is a change in this information.

Please provide the school with any court documents pertaining to individuals who do or do not have the right to have contact with/pick-up your child(ren) at school. These documents may include: parenting plans, visitations rights, custody documents, no contact orders, supervised visitations, and orders of protection.  If no limiting court documents are provided, then anyone listed on the child’s birth certificate will have access to the student.

School uniforms are not required; however, students should come to school clean, appropriately dressed, and ready to learn.  Please label all coats, sweaters and lunch boxes so that we may be able to return these items to the rightful owner when placed in lost and found.  The Hopewell dress code is as follows:

1. Shoes must be worn at all times.  This is in compliance with state health and safety regulations. Tennis shoes are required on days students have PE.  
2. No hats or caps should be worn inside the building except on designated days.
3. Body piercing jewelry will be limited to earrings due to safety concerns.
4. The top garment (blouse or shirt) must overlap the bottom garment; no halter tops, spaghetti straps, bare midriffs or backsides are permitted.
5. Shorts and skirts should reach one’s fingertips when arms are held to their sides. Pants or shorts should not have holes above the knee
6. Clothing which promotes or displays tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, illicit drugs, foul language, or lewd/inappropriate graphics may not be worn.
7. Any form of dress that is immodest, offensive, or disruptive to the learning atmosphere may not be worn.  
8. Parents must follow the same dress code as students while on school property or field trips.

Records required by Tennessee State Law for students enrolling in Bradley County Schools for the first time:

1.  Birth Certificate or proof of birth

2.  Social Security Card

3.  Updated TN Certificate of Immunization Record (including physical exam)

4.  Two Proofs of Address

5.  Custody Papers (for students not living with both biological parents)

Before a student can be officially withdrawn during the school year, a parent or legal guardian must report to the school office to receive a transfer form which must be signed by the principal.  This form indicates if all textbooks, library books, and accounts have been cleared, as well as stating the attendance and academic level of the student.

Hopewell Elementary is a school-wide Title I school. Hopewell Elementary encourages and provides several opportunities for parents to become involved in their child’s education. The faculty and staff of Hopewell Elementary School are committed to the goal of providing a quality education for every child. In order to further this goal, we establish partnerships with the families and community of Hopewell. We believe a partnership is needed in providing a quality education for our students as well as helping all students achieve success.

Hopewell Elementary recommends parents become full partners in the education of their child. Families will be provided information about school activities as well as their child’s progress. Timely responses will be provided so concerns and suggestions can be addressed as quickly as possible. Families are given many opportunities to learn how they can become involved in their child’s education. Parents are encouraged to get involved by attending annual parent orientation, one of two volunteer orientations, parent conference nights, PTO meetings and events, family engagement events, and other special events throughout the year. We are also eager to develop community relationships with organizations and businesses that are interested in supporting our school. We have several partnerships with local churches and service groups as well as a BEST partnership with Tennova Healthcare through the Chamber of Commerce.  Other opportunities for community involvement include but are not limited to supply drives, campus beautification days, fundraisers, field day, character awards, PTO events, the school musical, Hopewell Singers, and special one-time projects. If you would like additional information on how you can be a volunteer or ways your business can get involved, please call 478-8802.

School administrators shall be authorized to grant permission and set parameters for media access to students in their respective schools.  The media may interview, photograph, or video students involved in instructional programs and school activities including sports events.  Such media access shall not be unduly disruptive and shall comply with Board policies.  During the course of the school year, photographs will be taken for the Hopewell yearbook, bulletin boards, school website, Facebook, Twitter and for the local newspaper. As such, a “Photo/Video Release” permission form must be completed at the beginning of each year. (Policy 6.604)

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

If a student is required to take medication during school hours and the parent cannot come to the school to administer the medicine, then the school nurse will give medicine under the following certain guidelines:

• The parent/legal guardian is required to deliver the medication to the school nurse and sign a district medication form.
• Medication that is to be taken 1 to 3 times per day is to be given at home unless physician order states a specific time during school hours.
• Do not send medications on the bus or into school with a student. All medication must be brought in by an adult in the original prescription container labeled with the following typed information:
  • Student’s name
  • Name of medication
  • Time(s) to be administered
  • Dosage
  • Route or directions for use
  • Approximate duration of use
  • Physician’s name
  • Date
  • Pharmacy name, address, phone number
• A non-prescription (over the counter) medication must also be accompanied by the medication form and in the original container with the ingredients listed for the medication. The parent must provide the same type information as that of the prescription drugs (dates, times, dosage, etc.).
• The only non-prescription (over the counter) medications allowed to be given at school without a medical doctor’s order are Tylenol, Ibuprofen, TUMS, cough drops, and Benadryl (for allergic reactions only).
• Over the counter medications combined cannot be provided to student more than twice a week without a physician’s order.
• No medications will be given an hour before dismissal.
• No more than 1 month’s supply of any medication should be brought to school.
• If a student needs to self-carry an emergency medication at school, a parent/legal guardian must come in and fill out the required authorization form along with supplying a physician’s order. Self-carry requires a school nurse evaluation and may be denied due to safety concerns.
• Any changes in medication must be accompanied by a new form and a new label indicating the changes. A faxed or hard copy physician’s order to change the administration of a drug is required.
• A parent/guardian must pick up all medication by the last full day of school. Any medication left in the nurse’s office after the last full day of school will be destroyed.
• Above and beyond the school registration form, it is the parent/legal guardian’s responsibility to notify the school nurse of any medical problems. All medical and authorization forms must be updated at the beginning of each school year.
• School personnel and employees cannot be responsible for the adequacy of prescribed medications or medical treatments recommended by physicians or related medical professionals and/or supplied by pharmacist or other sources outside of the school and, therefore, will assume no responsibility for the effects of such medications or treatments upon students.
• Please do not send your student to school if they are exhibiting the following symptoms: a temperature of 100.0 or greater, vomiting, or diarrhea. They must be 24 hours’ symptom free without medication to return to class.
• Parents/legal guardians will be required to pick up their student from school if their student presents with the following: temperature 100 or greater, vomiting, excessive diarrhea, live head lice, live bed bugs, or per nursing assessment.
• Toileting assistance requires a physician’s order related to a medical condition. Parents/legal guardians will be called to the school to assist with toileting if no current medical documentation is on file.
• Students must have a pass given by their teacher before they can see the school nurse. No one is to come to the nurse’s office in between classes without a pass unless it is an emergency.
• All students needing to check out because of an illness or injury must do so through the nurse’s office. The nurse is only allowed to call a legal parent/guardian to pick up a student. Written consent must be on file with attendance if another person may be called. Students are not to check out for any medical reason by using the office telephone or cell phones.
• Should a student be injured during the school day or with a school-sponsored activity, an accident report must be filed with the school nurse for school accident insurance to be used.
• ALLERGIES: Please note all student allergies on the registration form. In accordance with the TN Department of Education and the TN Department of Health guidelines, Bradley County Schools will adhere to procedures for Life-Threatening Allergies. A documented diagnosis is required for an individual student health plan. Bradley County Schools will not serve peanut butter in the Child Nutrition Program. Students are not to trade or share snacks or food. Students are encouraged to practice hand-washing and self-advocacy.
• Per school discretion, all outside food for school events or classroom parties must be store bought with ingredients/nutrition label listed. Please check with your school principal and or school nurse to confirm whether store bought foods can be brought in for school related occasions.
• Floral deliveries or latex balloons are per school discretion due to extreme allergies. Please check with your school principal and or school nurse to confirm whether floral deliveries or latex balloons are permitted.
• IMMUNIZATIONS: No students entering school, including those entering Kindergarten, Middle or High School, those from out-of-state and those from nonpublic schools, will be permitted to enroll (or attend) without proof of immunization, as determined by the Commissioner of Public Health. It is the responsibility of the parents or guardians to have their children immunized and to provide such proof on the state required immunization certificate to the principal and or school nurse which the student is to attend. Exceptions, in the absence of an epidemic or immediate threat thereof, will be granted to any child whose parent or guardian shall file with school authorities a signed, written statement that such measures conflict with his/her religious tenets and practices; or due to medical reasons if such a child has a written statement from his/her doctor excusing him from such immunization. Proof of exceptions will be in writing and filed in the same manner as other immunization records

It is the policy of the Bradley County System not to discriminate on the basis of sex, national origin, creed, age, marital status, or disability in its educational programs, career and technical education opportunities activities or employment policies as required by Title VI and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendment and section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  Students and employees shall be provided learning and working environments free from sexual, racial, ethnic and religious discrimination/harassment/hazing.  It shall be a violation of this policy for any employee or any student to discriminate against, harass/haze a student through disparaging conduct or communication that is sexual, racial, ethnic or religious in nature. Inquiries regarding compliance with the non discrimination policy may be directed to the principal, coordinator (complaint manager), secondary supervisor, or the office of the Director of Schools.  (Refer to policy 6.304, 6.305, 5,500 and memorandum of agreement:  Teachers Contract Section 1G-Grievance Procedure). Hopewell Elementary School is a school-wide Title I School. Title I does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age.

Two class parties will occur each school year in conjunction with holidays – Christmas and Valentines.  Teachers will solicit assistance from families to provide food for these occasions. Birthdays will not be celebrated as a class party, but will be recognized and honored.  Parents are welcome to send in small cupcakes, cookies, or other non-nut treats for lunch in celebration of their child’s birthday if they are able to help with the distribution of these treats during lunch time. There is an option to purchase ice cream treats from the cafeteria for the class as an alternative which can then be distributed by cafeteria staff.  It is required that any food to be shared with other students is store-bought and NOT homemade.  The ingredients label must remain attached to any outside food delivered to the school.

Cell phones, smart watches, iPods, iPads, laser pointers, electronic games and trading cards are not necessary items to the instructional program of Hopewell School.  If these items are brought to school, they must stay in the child’s backpack and in “off” mode. If a student has any of these items out during school hours or if a cell phone sounds a ring, notification tone, or alarm, it will be sent to the office and kept for parent/guardian pick-up at a time deemed appropriate by the principal.

The School Resource Officer (SRO) is responsible for providing our youth a safe environment within the school. This officer works on the school campus as a liaison between law enforcement, school administration, teachers, parents, and students. The SRO will teach LEAD classes to all 5^th grade students, establish any relevant court petitions or legal citations, and serve as a resource for safety planning and training of staff.  At no time will the SRO act as the school disciplinarian; however, the SRO may become involved in matters of student conduct, especially when there are safety or legal aspects of the situation which need to be addressed.

Upon entering school, students will be given a list of school supplies needed in their classes. Each student should have his/her supplies by the beginning of the first full week of school.  If a hardship exists in acquiring school supplies, please reach out to our school counselor for details on alternatives.

Within the first three weeks of each school year, the school system will notify parents of students and eligible students* of each student’s privacy rights.  For students enrolling after the above period, this information shall be given to the student’s parents or the eligible student at the time of enrollment.

The student’s parent or the eligible students has the right to:

1. Inspect and review the student’s education records;
2. Seek correction of items in the record which are believed to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights, including the right to a hearing upon request;
3. File complaint with the appropriate state and federal officials when the school system violates laws and regulations relative to students records;
4. Obtain a copy of this policy and copy of the student’s educational records;
5. Exercise control over other people’s access to the records, except when prior written consent is given, or under circumstances as provided by law or regulations, or where the school system has designated certain information as “directory information.”  Parents of students or eligible students have two weeks after notifications to advise the school system in writing of items they designate not to be used as directory information.  The records custodian shall mark the appropriate student records for which directory information is to be limited, and this designation shall remain in effect until it is modified by the written direction of the student’s parents or the eligible student.

Prior to the dissemination of a survey, analysis, or evaluation to students, parents/guardians shall be notified of their ability to review the materials.  Following such notification and prior to the administration of the survey, analysis, or evaluation, parents/guardians may opt their child out of participation. (Policy 6.4001)

The telephone at Hopewell is a business phone and should be used accordingly. Students will not be permitted to call home except in an emergency. Messages will be delivered to students only in emergencies. Please make afternoon transportation plans known to your child in the morning before sending him/her to school.  We do not interrupt the learning environment by calling teachers to the telephone.  We will place messages in teacher’s mailboxes and they will return your call during their next available planning period or at their earliest convenience.

HOPEWELL SCHOOL is a tobacco-free campus. Students, staff, and campus visitors are not to be in possession of tobacco nor use tobacco products while on campus or during school time or activities.  In 2014, the Bradley County Commission added that all county buildings will prohibit the use of e-cigarettes and vapors.  HOPEWELL SCHOOL will address these items as tobacco products and prohibit their use on campus.  This policy applies to anyone on the Hopewell campus regardless of whether school is in session.

Under the Tennessee State Board of Education's Unsafe School Choice Policy, any public school student who is the victim of a violent crime as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 40-38-111(g), or the attempt to commit one of these offenses as defined under Tennessee Code Annotated 30-12-101, shall be provided an opportunity to transfer to another grade-level appropriate school within the district. Additional information regarding this option may be obtained by contacting the appropriate grade-level supervisor - Dr. Elizabeth Kaylor, Supervisor of Elementary Instruction, or Mr. Todd Shoemaker, Supervisor of Secondary Instruction, at (423)  476-0620.

Parents are welcome and urged to visit the school.  ALL VISITORS MUST REPORT TO THE OFFICE, SHOW A PHOTO ID, AND RECEIVE A VISITOR'S BADGE BEFORE ENTERING SCHOOL HALLS. VISITORS MUST SIGN OUT UPON LEAVING THE SCHOOL. We ask that classroom interruptions be avoided unless you are volunteering and have arranged it in advance with the teacher.  Other persons are not permitted to visit except with the expressed consent of the principal.   If you want a conference with a teacher, please call the school office and leave a message for the teacher to contact you.  Teachers are not available to meet or take phone calls during instruction time, so please exercise patience and wait until their next available planning time to get back with you.  Your courtesy in this matter will be appreciated.

Breakfast is served each morning beginning at 7:05 a.m.  If your child wishes to participate, he/she should arrive at school no later than 7:30 a.m.

Lunch:  A hot, nutritional lunch is prepared daily. Fat free ice cream and bottled water are sold during lunch for $1.00 each.  Money for these extras will automatically be withdrawn from student lunch accounts if purchased.  Teachers do not have access to the student accounts.

 Milk (without meal): $ .45

A computer accounting system is in place in the cafeteria, using an access PIN for each child.  Your child’s account will be credited each time you send money for lunch.  You may send in any amount at any time, and it will be entered on the computer account.  PLEASE MAKE A SEPARATE CHECK FOR LUNCH ACCOUNTS SO CAFETERIA FUNDS ARE NOT COMBINED WITH OTHER SCHOOL FUNDS. Should a child’s account be approaching a negative balance, the child’s parent or guardian will be notified via a phone call, a note home, or both.

The instructional material fee for each student in grades K-5 is $30.00. This fee is due during the first week of school. Checks should be made to Hopewell School. Should a severe hardship exist, it is the parent's responsibility to arrange a fee payment plan with the principal. Material fees and money paid for other activities during the year should not be paid with the same check used to pay your child's lunch account.  SCHOOL FUNDS AND CAFETERIA FUNDS MUST BE PAID SEPARATELY!!!!!

An annual insurance charge of $30 ($15 for students enrolling in the second semester) has been established and is payable at the beginning of the school year. This charge serves as an insurance policy and covers the cost of all regular maintenance of software and hardware for the device for one year and covers the first incident of accidental damage.