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Byrd Elementary
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Student/Parent Handbook
This Agenda belongs to:
Name
Address
City Zip Phone
Teacher
Grade
Accredited by
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
www.byrdel.acps.schoolfusion.us
J. Russell Gunter, Principal Dr. Samantha Nobles, Assistant Principal
1225 Weldon Way
Graniteville, SC 29829
Phone: 803-663-4320
Fax: 803-663-4321
1

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
August 2012
Dear Students and Parents:
Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year at Byrd Elementary School.
This handbook is provided to help you throughout the school year. We have included information you need to know in order
to have a successful school year. Please review the contents of this agenda, paying close attention to the student handbook
section. You will notice the school district calendar for school holidays and testing dates located at the end of the handbook
section. I encourage you to keep this handbook with you at all times and use it throughout the year.
In order for you to have a successful year, you will need to be present everyday, complete all class assignments, and
demonstrate exceptional behavior.
Let’s make this the best year ever.
Sincerely,
J. Russell Gunter
J. Russell Gunter
Principal
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS
Mrs. Rosemary English, Chairperson
Mr. Ray Fleming, Vice Chairperson
Dr. John Bass
Mr. Levi Green
Mr. Richard Hazen
Mr. Wesley Hightower
Mr. Keith Liner
Mr. Dwight Smith
Mrs. Donna Moore Wesby
ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR AREA THREE
Mr. Roger Boyd, Chairman
Mrs. Gwendolyn Hightower, Vice-Chairman
Mr. Keith Herrington
Mrs. Sarah Johnson
Mr. Jeffrey Thomas
Mr. Tim Wilson
ELEMENTARY ACADEMIC OFFICER
for Byrd Elementary
Janice Kitchings
Brookhaven, 803-641-2516
2

Speech Development (PALS) Joy Hiers
Child Development (4 yr.) Keely Lillard
Kindergarten (5 yr.) Martha Bates
Kindergarten (5 yr.) Dollie Brown
Kindergarten (5 yr.) Kathleen Gerth
Kindergarten (5 yr.) Pamela Sweeney
Kindergarten (5 yr.) Deanna Timmerman
Grade l
Jennifer Barton
Grade 1
Linda Eubanks
Grade 1
Stacy Mayson
Grade 1
Kristie Newsome
Grade 1
Amy Phibbs
Grade 1
Bernetta Monroe
Grade 1
Julie Yonn
Grade 2
Suzanne Carpenter
Grade 2
Martha Castles
Grade 2
Sharon Farrer
Grade 2
Jodia Lintner
Grade 2
Susan Spears
Grade 2
Gigi Talbert
Grade 3
Ginny Busbee
Grade 3
Stacey Chafin
Grade 3
Carolyn Hamilton
Grade 3
Jason Martin
Grade 3
Andrea Williams
Grade 4
Michelle Fernandez
Grade 4
Kate Mitchum
Grade 4
Lisa Piper
Grade 4
Crystal Watkins
Grade 5
Stephen Alexander
Grade 5
Kari Gilchrist
Grade 5
Julie Griffin
Grade 5
Jeana Johnson
Grade 5
TBD
Reading Recovery Terri Harris
Reading Recovery Karen Jones
Resource
Joshua Rice
Resource
TBD
Resource
TBD
Special Education Truie Gibson
Speech Education Christina Stader
ESOL
Sharon Brown
Art
Beth Teeters
Music
Connie Mitchum
Physical Education Hillary Bennett
Media Specialist
Morgan Fuller
Instructional Coach Melissa Turner
Guidance
Danielle Cox
Guidance .5
TBD New position*
Special Education Coord. Elaine Slack
School Psychologist TBA
504 School Coordinator Julie Yonn
Nurse
Mendi Harting
• Depending on 750 count (11 th day)
BYRD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
CERTIFIED STAFF
2012-2013
3

CLASSIFIED STAFF
2012 - 2013
Secretary
Secretary
Attendance/Secretary
Bookkeeper
/Guidance Clerk/Aide
Library Aide
Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
Cafeteria Manager
Cafeteria Operator
Cafeteria Operator
Cafeteria Operator
Cafeteria Operator
Cafeteria Operator
Custodian
Custodian
Custodian
Custodian
Donna Hair
TBD (11 th day count)*
Marilyn Abellan
Judy Moulton
Melissa Thomas
TBD
Betsy Culler
Phyllis Eubanks
Lisa Floyd
Bonnie Fulghum
Lynn Goodwin
Pamela Grandy
Sharon Harley
Theresa Kaney
Lisa Lewis
Crystal Perry
Karen Scott
Diane Turner
Sharon Woodward
Lila Smith
Vickie Adkinson
Marcie Hall
Melanie Kenner
Kathy Mobley
Teresa Washington
Tamieka Green
George Hightower
Michael Johnson
Rebecca Johnson
Vision Statement: Byrd Elementary School
We envision a school that focuses on academic pursuits using standards based curriculum and that embraces technological tools to
enhance our accountability.
We envision a safe environment in which all students are motivated to achieve academic success and positive character traits.
Mission Statement: Byrd Elementary School
The mission of Byrd Elementary School is to provide an education that enhances accountability, respect, and self sufficiency through
research based instructional practices, parental involvement, and community support.
Belief Statement: Byrd Elementary School
Parents, teachers, students, community, and administrators share the responsibility for advancing the school’s mission.
Every student is an important individual with his/her own intellectual, emotional, and social needs.
Every decision concerning the work of the school should reflect the learning needs of the students.
Positive relationships and mutual respect among parents, teachers, and students enhance the students’ self-esteem.
The school’s environment should be safe and physically comfortable to promote maximum learning.
Students learn best when they apply their learning to meaningful concepts and demonstrate their understanding of knowledge and skills by
being actively involved and challenged in the learning.
4

Educational Records – Confidentiality
(Certain Exceptions)
Under federal law parents and students have a right to expect the confidentiality of student records. Educational agencies may act to declare
certain aspects of a student’s educational records to be “directory information,” meaning information contained in such records which is not
considered to be generally harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. The Aiken County Board of Education has previously determined
that “directory information” could be released to third parties upon request, at the discretion of the school principal. Federal law and
regulatory authority allows the release of such information without prior consent subject to certain conditions of pre-disclosure to parents or
students. The purpose of this notice is to meet such pre-disclosure requirements.
Under District policy the following information is considered to be releasable: The student’s name, address, telephone number, date and
place of birth, subjects of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams,
date of attendance (on both an annual and daily basis), diplomas and awards received, photographs, and the most recent previous educational
agency or institution attended by the student. (Examples of the types of information frequently released include, but are not limited to,
Senior Class Listings, Annuals/Yearbooks, Science Fair Winners, Students of the Month, Honor Roll Lists, National Honor Society,
athletic event programs, etc.) A parents or guardian of a student attending Aiken County Public Schools who would prefer that any or all
of the information designated above not be released without the parent’s or guardian’s prior consent should so notify the office of the
Deputy Superintendent in writing (1000 Brookhaven Drive, Aiken, SC 29803) no later than August 31, 2012. If there are any questions,
please contact Mr. David M. Caver, Deputy Superintendent at (803) 641-2514
NOTICE OF OPT-OUT OPTION FOR PRESIDENTIAL OR GUBERNATORIAL SPEECHES
While it is the board’s policy to facilitate the opportunity for students to observe live presidential or gubernatorial speeches or presentations
by electronic media when the same are offered for school-age students during school hours, parents may request in writing to the principal
(or his/her designee) that their children be excused and offered appropriate alternate supervised activities. [See Policies IHAC and IHAA
for more information.]
SCHOOL SAFETY ACT 1997
A. Creates a new criminal offense, "Assault and battery against school personnel," which is an assault and battery that occurs on school
grounds or at a school sponsored event against any person affiliated with the school in an official capacity; it is a misdemeanor.
B. Amends current law to permit detention of a child in a juvenile detention facility if charged with assault and battery against school
personnel as described in Paragraph A above.
C. Allows magistrates authority to exceed stated penalties for assault and battery when offense committed against personnel from $500/30
days to $1000/1 year.
D. Notification and Inclusion in Permanent Record- If a student is convicted of assault and battery against school personnel, or a violent
crime, the following is required:
1) If sentenced to either the Departments of Juvenile Justice, Corrections, or Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, the agency
will immediately notify the school where the student was enrolled or plans to enroll.
2) If not sentenced to an agency previously mentioned, the judge will order the clerk of court to notify the school within ten (10)
days of conviction.
3) The school administrator must notify each of the student's teachers of the conviction, every year the student is in school.
4) The conviction must be noted in the student's permanent record, and must be forwarded to the new school if the student
transfers.
E. Provides school official immunity from civil and criminal prosecution when making a school crime report in good faith.
F. Requires school to annually include summary of law in student handbook.
5

ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is essential if students are to be successful in school; absences can be a major cause of learning problems. Each
student enrolled in the schools of the district shall be expected to attend school regularly.
Any absence shall require a note from a parent or guardian to the homeroom teacher when the student returns to school. Notes from
parents will be kept on file for the duration of the school year. Failure to submit notes within five (5)school days will result in the absences
being marked as unexcused.
State attendance regulations included in the Education Improvement Act of l984 define two types of absences, lawful and unlawful.
A. Lawful absences:
1) Students who are ill and whose attendance in school would endanger their health or the health of others may be temporarily
excused from attendance. (A physician's statement may be required.) Students in whose immediate family there is serious illness of
death. (A physician's statement may be required.)
2) Students may be excused from attendance in school for recognized religious holidays of their faith.
3) Students may be excused from attendance in school in accordance with local board policies.
4) Chronic, or extended illness, requires a certification of the illness from a physician or other health provider. The statement must be
presented to the school at the time of registration or immediately following the medical diagnosis. Such statement will become a part
of the student's health file and will be placed in the permanent record. All absences in excess of ten days must be approved by the
principal.
B. Unlawful Absences:
An unlawful absence is defined as a student's willful absence from school without the knowledge of the parents, or a student's absence
from school without an approved reason with or without the knowledge of the parents.
The law further states that “the district board of trustees or its designee shall promptly approve or disapprove any student absence in
excess of ten days.” This means that students who miss eleven days or more during the course of the school term may have their promotion
endangered due to absences.
Excessive absences will be recorded by the school and reported to the District Attendance Supervisor. The Supervisor will contact the
student's parent or guardian.
Attendance policy requires that after 10 absences (lawful or unlawful) a doctor's statement will be required in order for further absences
to be excused.
A certificate will be presented to each student who maintains perfect attendance for the school year.
BIRTH CERTIFICATE
Pupils entering four year old child development must be four years old on or before September l, 2012. Pupils entering five year old
kindergarten or first grade must be five or six years old respectively, on or before September l, 2012. A certified copy of the birth certificate
must be presented before a student is officially enrolled in the school.
BREAKFAST/LUNCH PROGRAMS
The first day of the school week, ordinarily Monday, is monies collection day. Money is collected by classroom in the mornings and
taken to the lunchroom.
To help your child cooperate with the lunchroom staff, please send money for the entire week. Absent days will be credited to the
student. Neither breakfast nor lunch will be served on credit. If a child comes to school without money or a bag lunch, he will be asked
to call someone to bring lunch to the school for them. Breakfast is served from 7:00-7:30
Breakfast prices for this school year are:
Regular breakfast $ 1.60 - $8.00 weekly
Reduced breakfast $ .30 - $l.50 weekly
Adult breakfast $ 1.85 - $9.25 weekly
Lunch prices for this school year are:
Regular lunch $ 2.00 - $10.00 weekly
Reduced lunch $ .40 - $2.00 weekly
Extra milk
$ .50 - $2.50 weekly
Adult lunch $ 3.20 - $16.00 weekly
These prices are current at the time of printing the agenda. They are subject to change. The school will notify families if there is an
increase.
PLEASE MAKE LUNCH CHECKS PAYABLE TO: SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
The physical environment of the school is an important part of the school program. Each student should accept responsibility for helping
keep our school in good condition. Any student who intentionally abuses school property will be responsible to repair or replace damaged
property.
6

BUS TRANSPORTATION/CONDUCT
At the beginning of each school year bus service generally follows the same pattern as that of the previous year. After bus surveys are
made and all factors taken into consideration, necessary route changes may be made by the local and state transportation offices.
To provide maximum service and safety, school busses and the personnel in charge are governed by very strict state laws.
It is essential that good conduct be maintained while students are on school busses. Students must remain seated and conduct themselves
in such a manner that they will not divert the attention of the bus driver from his duties. Any misbehavior will be reported to the appropriate
office and disciplinary action will be taken.
Each student shall be subject to transportation laws, rules, and regulations from the time he/she steps onto the school bus until the school
bus route is completed or until the student arrives at his/her appropriate or normal destination. Normal destinations shall be either home or
school unless otherwise specified by a principal or the principal's designee. Only students assigned to a specific bus will be allowed to ride
that bus. Any change must be made in writing and approved by the administration.
The School Board authorizes principals to suspend or expel students from riding school busses for misconduct on the bus or for violating
the instructions of the driver. Reviews of such action are to follow the established appeal procedure.
Bus drivers cannot suspend a student from riding the bus. This decision can be made only by the principal or his/her designee of the
school the student attends--or by the principal of a school served by that bus.
When in the judgment of an authorized employee any student's behavior endangers the lives of bus students, then the employee may
remove that student immediately from the bus until said student has had a conference with his/her principal.
General Guidelines:
First Offense - A warning is given to the student and letter sent to parents advising them of the misconduct. If the offense is of a nature
which in the judgment of school officials warrants a suspension from riding the school bus, up to a one-week suspension may be given.
Second Offense - The student may be suspended from riding the bus for a period of up to one week depending upon the nature of the
offense. In case a student has already been suspended once, the suspension may be for up to two weeks. A letter must be sent to the parents.
Third Offense - The student may be suspended from riding the school bus for up to two weeks. At the end of this period a conference is held
with the student, parent, school administrator and school officials before bus privileges may be restored.
Fourth Offense - If after a third offense, a student persists in uncontrollable conduct while riding a school bus to and from school, (s) he will
then be suspended from riding a school bus for the remainder of the current school year. In such cases, all circumstances will be thoroughly
reviewed by school officials before the action is taken. Once the action is taken, it is appealable only to the Area Advisory Council and in
turn to the Aiken County Board of Education.
If the misconduct is of such a nature that the driver cannot finish the trip, he may return to school so that immediate correction may be
made, or he may stop to telephone either the principal, or the bus supervisor, to come for the student.
If in the judgment of the principal a first, second or third offense so warrants, the student may be recommended for expulsion from the
bus for the remainder of the current school year.
Upon suspension or recommendation for expulsion from the bus, a letter shall be sent to the parent(s)/guardian(s) notifying them of the
action taken, their right to appeal, and the appeal process. (Policy JCDAD - School District of Aiken County)
BUS RULES
1. Students in 4K, 5K, 1 st , or 2 nd grade will not be allowed to get off the bus unless there is an adult who is visible to the bus driver or
standing at the stop waiting for them. The adult must be a parent of the child or an adult who has been designated in writing by the parent
as being responsible for meeting the bus. (The bus route is established on a very tight schedule and the driver cannot sit at the bus stop to
wait for parents to walk from their homes to meet the bus.)
2. If there is not an adult to meet the student, the bus will return the child to the school. If a child is returned to the school three times they
will not be allowed to ride the bus the remainder of the semester.
3. A child will not be allowed to get off the bus with an older student unless the older student is in the 3 rd , 4 th , or 5 th grade.
4. Students will not be allowed to get off at any stop other than their own unless the parent has requested it in writing and received approval
in advance.
5. If a child is to be met by someone other than a parent, a written note must be sent to the office for approval from an administrator.
6. Bus riding is a privilege, which may be denied if rules are not
followed.
CELL PHONES
Cell phones or other electronic devices are not allowed at school. Parents and guests to the school are asked to silence their cells phone
when they enter the school building.
CHECKS
Please make all checks, except those for lunches and pictures, payable to: BYRD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. This includes checks for lost
books, materials fees, etc. Please write a separate check for each student. All monies are posted by their homeroom teacher.
Checks for school lunches should be make payable to:
SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE.
7

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
The school board may remove or exclude any students whose physical condition would interfere with their ability to learn or would
expose other students to infection. A student actually known to be suffering from acute tonsillitis, scabies, lice, ringworm or impetigo
contagiosa shall be excluded from school during such illness and be readmitted only on the certificate or acknowledged telephone call of the
attending physician or local health authority attesting to such recovery and non-infectiousness. (Policy JGCB/JGCC - School District of
Aiken County)
DAILY SCHEDULE
The first bell will ring at 7:40 AM each morning and the tardy bell will ring at 7:45 AM. School dismisses at 2:25.
Early morning supervision begins at 7:00 AM. Please do not bring your child to school before this time.
The morning Child Development Class (4 yr. olds) will begin at 7:45 AM and dismisses at 10:40 AM. The afternoon class begins at
11:25 AM. All students will be dismissed at 2:25 PM.
DISCIPLINE CODE
Students in all grades are provided copies of our school district's “Code of Student Conduct”. Parents are requested to read and discuss
the code with their children.
The code must be signed by the parent/guardian and student and returned to the school.
DRESS CODE POLICY
The following policy will be used for students of Administrative Area #3 concerning dress for the 2012 - 2013 school year. This policy
was taken from the Policy Manual (File #JCDB) of the School District of Aiken County:
The Board recognizes that students have the right to regulate their personal appearance. However, the Board reserves the right to bar
from school those students whose personal appearance is disruptive to the educational process and orderly operation of the school.
Additional guidelines are listed below for students in attendance in Administrative Area #3 as approved by the Advisory Council of
Administrative Area #3.
Students in Grades Kindergarten through Grade 5 will be allowed to wear shorts. (No short shorts, running shorts, bicycle shorts, or
shorts with slits in side.) All students must wear clothes to cover their fronts, backs, stomachs, and sides from the shoulder to the waist and
appropriate attire from the waist down.
The administration of Byrd Elementary School reserves the right to determine when a student's appearance is disruptive to the
educational process or orderly operation of the school.
Violation of the dress code will result in disciplinary action as well as exclusion from classes until a change of clothing is acquired.
Examples of dress that may be deemed inappropriate include, but are not limited to, the following.
• shorts which are shorter than mid-thigh
• backless sundresses
• tank tops or halter tops
• mini-skirts or mini-dresses
• pants with holes above the knee
• bicycle shorts, boxer shorts, or gym shorts worn as outer wear or worn so that they hang below other clothing worn on top of
them
• clothing which depicts alcoholic beverages, drugs, and tobacco products;
• clothing which suggests sexual situations or language
• clothing which expresses profane or obscene language
• hats inside the building
• clothing which exposes undergarments
• any other clothing that the administration determines to be unsafe, disruptive to the educational process or orderly operation of
the school
EARLY DISMISSAL
Any school time missed is valuable time lost. Students should not be taken out of school early unless absolutely necessary.
Students may be excused from school early in cases of sickness, injury or other legitimate reasons such as those listed under "Lawful
Absences" in the policy on absences and excuses (JBD) in the Appendix. A student may not be excused for the entire day for a routine
doctor or dental appointment. Please send a note to your child's teacher on the morning of any day that your child will need to be dismissed
early. The note should give the reason and time for the early dismissal. It should also state the name of the person who will come for your
child. For the safety of the child, phone calls notifying of an early dismissal are not accepted. When you (or the adult you designate) arrive,
please enter the building through the front entrance and go directly to the office to identify yourself and ask for your child. We will ask you
to sign out your child on the back of their registration card. We may also ask you for identification. The child will be called from the room
when the parent or guardian arrives at the school. No early dismissals will be made after 2:00.
8

EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOLS
The district superintendent is empowered to close the schools in the event of hazardous weather, epidemics or other emergencies which
threaten the safety or health of students or staff members. Every possible means will be taken to notify school patrons as quickly as possible
when an emergency closing is necessary. Students and staff will be called on the district’s automatic calling system.
Release to any news media of information related to early dismissal of schools or temporary non-opening of schools shall be determined
by the district superintendent only. The district superintendent shall relay such announcements to local radio and television stations.
School bus drivers are to return any student unable to be delivered home due to closed roads, etc., to the student's assigned school. School
principals are responsible for contacting the child's parent or guardian.
To permit the effective coordination of transportation services, early dismissal action authorized in the district shall apply to all schools
in the district.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL. Our telephone line needs to remain open to receive any emergency information. Local radio
and television stations will broadcast the information on emergency situations and early dismissals just as soon as the announcements are
received.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are planned to relate to instructional objectives. Transportation will be by school bus or chartered bus, depending on the
distance involved. Supervision is provided by teachers and adult volunteers. Written parental/guardian permission is required before a
student may participate in field trips.
Students will not be allowed to participate in field trips
if they are under suspension from school for any reason, or their past behavior is such that the teachers responsible for the trip are unwilling
to accept responsibility for their supervision.
FOOD ITEMS
Only commercial prepared foods can be distributed in the school. Each item should be individually wrapped. No “homemade”
items can be distributed.
GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM IN AIKEN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Aiken County Public Schools serve identified gifted and talented students according to State Regulation R-43-220 and the policies of
the local School Board. Gifted and Talented students are those identified in grades 3-12 as demonstrating high performance ability or
potential in academic or artistic areas. The Gifted and Talented Educational Program (G/T) serves academically gifted students in grades 3-
12 throughout the school year. Gateway serves artistically gifted students in grades 3-12 in a summer program.
Academically gifted students qualify for the Gifted and Talented Educational Program if they meet the criteria set forth in the state
regulations. Identification may be appealed to the District Evaluation/Placement Team. Private testing may be used only for referral
purposes according to state regulations, but not for identification. Parents, teachers and students may make student referrals to the program
through the school’s G/T teacher or the school’s guidance counselor at any time during the school year. To be identified, students must
meet two of the following dimensions:
Dimension A: Reasoning Abilities. Students must demonstrate high aptitude (93rd national age percentile or above) in one or more of these
areas: verbal/linguistic, quantitative/mathematical, non-verbal, and/or composite of the three. All students are tested in grade 2 using the
CogAT test to measure aptitude in the fall. Students at or above the 96th national age percentile on the composite score receive automatic
G/T placement.
Dimension B: High Achievement in Reading and/or Mathematical Areas. Students must demonstrate high achievement (94th national
percentile and above or advanced status) in reading and/or math as measured by a nationally normed test, fall MAP testing or South
Carolina statewide assessment instruments (PASS Qualifying scores determined each year). All second grade students are tested during fall
testing using the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. Students in grades 3-8 are PASS tested yearly in the spring.
Dimension C: Intellectual/Academic Performance. Students must demonstrate a high degree of interest in and commitment to academic
and/or intellectual pursuits. Students entering grades 7-12 meet this dimension if they demonstrate a 3.75 grade point average on a 4.0 scale
in language arts, math, science, social studies and foreign language. Students entering grades 3-6 demonstrate this dimension through a
performance task assessment administered to students meeting one of the two Dimensions (A or B) as given above. This performance
assessment (STAR) is given in the spring of each year district-wide.
Instruction in Gifted and Talented Educational Program classes exceeds the state standards for each grade level. The resource room model
is used in grades 3-7 and the subject-based model is used in grades 8-12.
Artistically gifted students must apply for the Gateway program during the school year and complete the interview and audition process
in the spring. The summer program serves newly qualified and previously qualified students. Complete information is on the District
website.
The Aiken County Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic or racial background, religious beliefs, sex,
disability, economic or social conditions, alienage, national origin, immigrant status (except as limited or restricted by certain visa
qualifications set forth in federal law) or by English-speaking status in, or employment in, its programs and activities. Inquiries regarding
the nondiscrimination policies should be made to the Associate Superintendent for Administration (641-2609).
For more information on the Gifted and Talented Educational Program, contact your school principal or Mary McGuire (641-
2651).
9

GRADING SYSTEM
Student performance should be evaluated based on state grade-level standards, academic plans, IEP'S, textbook and teacher-made tests,
and other available methods. Student conduct shall be excluded from consideration in determining a student's grade.
GRADING SCALES
Kindergarten
In kindergarten a checklist reflecting academic achievement standards shall be used each nine weeks.
Grades 1-5
In grades one through five, numerical grades as specified shall be used to report student progress for each subject. Report cards shall
reflect the academic achievement standards.
Numerical grades shall be used on report cards, transcripts and permanent records in reading and mathematics for grades one and two.
Numerical grades shall be used in all subject areas for grades three through five except as noted in the following paragraph.
MS for Meets Standards, NMS for Not Meeting Standards, and U for Unsatisfactory shall be used in art, physical education, music, and
handwriting in grades three, four, and five. In grades one and two, MS, NMS, and U shall be used in science, health, social studies,
handwriting, and spelling. (Policy IHA School District of Aiken County)
Letter Grade
MS – Meets Standard
MPS – Making Progress Towards Standards
NMP – Not Making Progress Towards Standards
Letter Grade
A 93 - 100
B 85 - 92
C 77 - 84
D 70 - 76
F Below 70
Numerical Grade
GUIDANCE
Our school has a full-time guidance counselor who provides appropriate individual and group guidance activities for our students. The
guidance counselor, the classroom teacher and the principal work cooperatively with students and parents to provide needed guidance
services.
HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION
When it has been determined by a doctor that your child will need to be out of school for a long period of time (five days or more) due to
illness or injury, please notify the school immediately. If the child is able to receive homebound teaching services, a teacher can be sent to
your home at no expense to you. A student on homebound instruction is not counted absent.
HOMEWORK
Homework is a complement to the educational process and may not necessarily be a written assignment. It may be planned either to offer
the necessary practice in fundamental skills or to provide experience of an activity nature. Homework offers an opportunity for the student
to apply what he or she has learned in school. The frequency and amount of homework will vary according to the needs of the students and
the requirements of the teachers.
Homework may be assigned for any of the following reasons:
• reinforcement
• develop responsibility
• organize skills
• develop review and study skills
• improve confidence
• teach independence
• offer a challenge
• complete work not finished in class
• give individuals practice on skills
• prepare for the next day's lesson
Students are expected to complete assigned homework.
10

HONOR ROLL
Students who meet the criteria given below will be listed on the school honor roll issued at the end of each nine-week period and released
to the local newspaper.
• Excellent Eagle Academic Roll – Students who have all A’s, B’s and MS’s in all subject areas. (Grades 1 and 2)
• Principal's Academic Roll: Students who have all A's or MS’s for all subject. (Grades 3-5).
• Byrd School Academic Roll: Students who have all
A's and B's. (Grades 3-5).
IMMUNIZATIONS
Before a student shall be fully admitted to any public school, grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12), a valid South Carolina
Certificate of Immunization must be presented. If the immunization certificate is conditional (all shots not completed) it is the responsibility
of the parent or guardian to see that the student receives all necessary immunizations required to receive a completed certificate.
A South Carolina Certificate of Special Exemption, signed by the school principal or his authorized representative, may be issued to
transfer students while awaiting arrival of medical records from their former area of residence. A South Carolina Certificate of Special
Exemption may be issued only once and shall be valid for only thirty (30) calendar days from date of enrollment. Students who fail to secure
the South Carolina Certificate of Immunization, or a valid exemption, within the thirty (30) day "grace period", will be denied admission to
school until the appropriate certificate is obtained. (Policy JGCB/JGCC School District of Aiken County)
INSTRUCTIONAL FEES
Instructional fees are necessary to provide materials vital to our educational program. It is expected that fees be paid for every student.
These fees provide workbooks and other instructional materials that supplement the textbooks. The instructional fee should be paid
promptly. Should a severe hardship exist it will be the parent's responsibility to construct a fee payment plan with the principal or his
designee.
The instructional fees for Grades K-5 for the school term as approved by the Area 3 Advisory Council is $30.00.
INSURANCE
Information regarding school insurance will be made available after school begins.
INTERIM REPORTS
Interim reports are issued at the mid-point of each nine-week grading period: September 13, November 19, February 14, and April 30.
Reports are sent to all parents to notify them of student strengths and weaknesses. This is done so that parents may help their children make
any needed adjustments before the end of each grading period.
K-KIDS
K-Kids is a student-led community service organization for elementary students. It is a Kiwanis Club sponsored program. At Byrd,
fifth-grade students are eligible to participate in the K-Kids. These students participate in monthly community projects throughout the
school year.
KINDERGARTEN
Four-Year-Old Child Development Program
Our school has a morning and an afternoon session of child development. To be considered for the program students must:
1. be tested to determine eligibility
2. be four years old on or before September 1
3. have a valid birth certificate, immunization record, and
social security number.
Please call the school (663-4320), if further information is needed.
Five-Year-Old Program
Kindergarten attendance is compulsory for children in South Carolina who are 5 years of age on or before September l. A birth certificate,
immunization record and social security number are necessary for registration.
LOST AND FOUND
All items of clothing, lunch boxes, book bags, etc. left by students must be claimed from the Lost and Found by the end of each month.
Items not claimed will be donated to Good Will and/or discarded. Lost & Found is located in the cafeteria.
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MAKE-UP WORK
It is the responsibility of the student and/or the parent to make arrangements with the teacher for an appropriate time to make-up any
work missed due to absences.
If you would like to get the assignments for a child who is absent from school, please call the school office (663-4320) no later than l0:00
A.M. Assignments may be picked up from 2:45-4:00 P.M. in the office. Please do not go the classroom for the assignments. The teacher
will give a time frame for when the work is to be turned in for credit and a grade. If the work is not returned within the time allotted the
student may earn a failing grade for the assignments.
NOTICES AND STUDENT WORK SENT HOME
Notices are sent to parents each Monday or the first day of the school week. These notices will contain information about special events
at our school. We ask that you take the time to read these notices. Student work that needs to be reviewed and signed by the parent is also
sent home. This work is sent home in a manila envelope and should be returned in this envelope the following day.
ORAL MEDICATION IN SCHOOLS
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 school nurse or the principal's designee(s) will administer the medication in compliance with the
regulations that follow:
Typed instructions by a physician and permission by the parent must include: the child's name, name of medication, time to be
administered, dosage, possible side effects and termination date for giving medication.
The school reserves the right to refuse administration of any medication that is not presented using the guidelines noted above.
Medication will be accepted only from a child's parent to guardian. Medications cannot be taken from or returned to children. The nurse
is allowed to accept up to one month's medication and must be presented in a current prescription bottle from the pharmacy.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Our staff feels that it is most important that lines of communication be kept open between the home and the school. One of the best ways
to do this is scheduling parent-teacher conferences. All members of our school faculty are available for conferences on an appointment
basis.
It is necessary to call in advance and make an appointment for a conference. All conferences should be arranged through the principal's
office - Phone: 663-4320.
A special parent-teacher conference will be scheduled on October 29, for the purpose of issuing report cards to parents and reporting
progress. This conference will provide parents with information on student progress and needs noted during the very important first nineweek
grading period and results of previous year’s testing.
We encourage you to call throughout the school year for a conference whenever you need to discuss your child's progress.
PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)
We invite you to become an active member of our school's PTO and support its program throughout the year. Meeting dates are posted in
the calendar at the front of this handbook.
2012 - 2013 PTO OFFICERS
President
Hannah McMullen
Vice-President
Clay Swearingen
Secretary
Treasurer
Communication Semia McFadden
Ways and Means Amanda Barton
Volunteer Coord. Crystal James
School Store
Scott Troup
PRIME TIME
Our school is participating in the YMCA after school program, Prime Time. The program is directed by YMCA employed personnel.
Prime Time is an after school program which provides homework time, snack time, play time and project time. The program’s hours are
2:25 p.m.-6:00 p.m.. There is a one-time registration fee and a small weekly fee. A second child in a family can be enrolled at a weekly
reduced rate. Scholarships are available for families who have financial needs. If you are interested in enrolling your child in the Prime Time
program, applications are available from the school office. Further details may be obtained about the program by calling (706) 738-6689.
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SCHOOL TIME
School Time is an after school program that focuses on homework and academics, for the primary (K4 through 2 grades) levels. The
primary focus is on math, reading and vocabulary enrichment.
The program offers the following:
• Trained After school Teachers
• Low Teacher/Child Ratio
• Healthy Snacks
• Arts & Crafts
• Transportation
• Indoor & Outdoor Activities
The program’s hours are from 2:25-6:00 P.M. to accommodate most working parents. Further details may be obtained by
calling (803) 215-9616.
PROMOTION AND RETENTION POLICY
To be promoted, a student must satisfactorily complete the minimum criteria established by the State Board of Education as mandated by
the Education Improvement Act of l984, as amended, and local requirements of the Aiken County Board of Education. These criteria are
provided in Administrative Regulation IHE-R. Promotion to the next level of work or retention in the same grade or subject level shall be
by the cooperative recommendation of the teacher and principal.
Kindergarten:
Completion of the kindergarten program generally leads to placement in first grade. Retention in kindergarten or placement in
kindergarten from first grade shall be based on an evaluation of the child as indicated by formal and informal instruments, and
cooperative recommendations of the teachers involved, principal, parent, assistant superintendent for the Area and other appropriate
district personnel.
Grades 1-8
The following criteria will apply for promotion considerations for all students in grades one through eight.
Grade One: Successful completion of grade one reading and
math skills and significant improvement in reading
and math based on objective measures.
Grade Two through Eight: A yearly passing average in
reading and math or significant improvement in
reading and math of at least one grade level based
on objective measures (based on successful
completion of the academic plan or summer school,
if required or recommended).
In addition to meeting the mastery criteria for reading and mathematics in grades three through eight, a student must pass at least two of
the three academic courses (language arts, science and social studies).
The promotion or retention of a student in grades one through eight should be determined on a case-by-case basis with input from
teachers, parents, principal and appropriate school personnel in accordance with the local accountability plan. Written documentation must
be given when other factors override academic standards. When a student is administratively assigned and has not met mastery standards
appropriate for his/her grade level, a document should be signed by the Parent/guardian and the principal and made a part of the student’s
cumulative record. Data for any student who is not meeting promotion requirements will be analyzed at the school level. Consideration may
be given for referring this student for evaluation by the child study center, providing this student has not been referred for evaluation
previously.
During the school year, when a student is identified as functioning below the level required for promotion, remediation should begin
immediately. The school principal and other appropriate school personnel will jointly make the recommendation for retention..
Other consideration for promotion/placement
Grades one through eight
Other factors may be considered with regard to the child’s ability to succeed at the next higher grade. These factors may be health, social
and emotional maturity, chronological age, physical development and mental maturity.
Handicapped Students
Identified handicapped students will be governed by the students' Individualized Education Program (IEP). If objectives in the IEP are
not met, the student will be considered for retention. Retention will be based on a case-by-case basis by the principal, teachers, and
appropriate support personnel. (Policy IHE - School District of Aiken County)
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REPORT CARDS
Parents will receive report cards at the end of each nine-week grading period. Report cards will be issued on the following dates:
1st Nine Weeks - October 29
2nd Nine Weeks - January 24
3rd Nine Weeks - April 2
4th Nine Weeks - June 13
At the end of the first nine-week period, parents will be requested to come to the school for parent-teacher conferences. Report cards will
be issued during the conferences.
SCHOOL/CLASSROOM RULES
Eventual self-discipline and intrinsic motivation, for our students, are our primary goals. Other controls and guidance will be used while
achieving goals.
The discipline policies of the School District of Aiken County will be the governing guidelines at Byrd Elementary.
Additional School Rules:
1. No one is to enter a classroom before school, during recess, during lunch periods, or after school unless a staff member has given
permission to enter.
2. Chewing gum is not allowed at school.
3. Party invitations may be given out at school provided every child in the class is invited.
4. Exact compliance is necessary in all emergency situations.
5. Students are to be orderly and quiet at all times in the hallway, restrooms, cafeteria and library.
6. Only those objects which are designed to be thrown may be thrown on school property.
7. Students are expected to be courteous and respectful.
8. Notes should not be passed in classrooms from student to student.
9. No children left on campus before 7:00 A.M.
Additional Classroom Rules:
The individual classroom rules will be given by the teacher.
Punishment:
1. Positive methods of correction will be used whenever possible.
2. Parents will be informed of continued problems so school and home may work together.
3. Punishment, when necessary, will be in compliance with the established District, Area, and School policies and will be suitable to the
offense.
SCREENING PROGRAM
During the school year, students in various grade levels are screened to detect problems in the areas of speech/language, hearing and
vision. The screening process includes:
1. Speech/Language: All kindergarten, lst, 2nd, 3rd grade students, new students, referrals and students for whom re-screening was
recommended the previous year.
2. Hearing: All kindergarten, 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd grade students, new students, referrals and high risk students who have a medical problem
associated with hearing impairment or who failed the rescreening the previous year.
3. Vision: All kindergarten, 1 st , 3 rd , 5 th , 9 th and 11 th grade students and referrals.
You will receive a letter if your child is recommended for further evaluation.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT:
According to the district Code of Student Conduct, engaging in sexual harassment of any student, staff member, or visitor, either male or
female, on school property or while under the jurisdiction of the school, is considered a violation that is disorderly, disruptive, and/or
criminal in nature and may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion in certain instances when it occurs while the
student is on school property and/or under the jurisdiction of the school, including while riding a school bus. Sexual harassment may be
generally defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and written, spoken or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Students who feel they may have been subjected to sexual harassment are encouraged to report the matter to a parent and to a teacher,
guidance counselor, principal or any other school official with whom the student feels comfortable.
SMOKE FREE CAMPUS
Parents, employees, and guests are reminded that Aiken County Public Schools are smoke free environments. Everyone is asked to refrain
from smoking while on the school grounds, including cars.
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SPECIAL SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Byrd Elementary offers the following programs throughout the year:
• Reading Recovery Program: The program was developed by Dr. Marie Clay and the purpose of the program is to reduce reading
and writing difficulties in primary grades.
• Child Development Program: This program is for at-risk children who are most at risk of failing first grade.
• Foster Grandparent Program: The grandparents assist teachers in the classroom by encouraging reading and math skills. They share
personal experiences and read books daily to the children.
• Artist in Residence: A program jointly sponsored by the S. C. Arts Commission and the Aiken County Board of Education. The
purpose is to give children an opportunity to see different art media; such as visual and performing arts.
• E.A.A.: After school tutorial enrichment program which helps students meet goals based on their individualized student academic
plans.
• Looney Tunes Bank: Security Federal Bank conducts banking practices with fifth grade students and all students with parental
approval can participate in savings procedures with the bank.
• Reading and Math Nights: This program provides suggestions from grade level teachers on ways to help your child improve their
reading and math grades. Supper is served.
TARDINESS
Tardiness has become an increasing problem for some students. Complete cooperation between the home and school is needed if we are to
have our students at the right place, at the right time, ready for work.
Schedule: 7:40 AM First Bell - School begins
7:45 AM Tardy Bell
Any student who comes in after the 7:45 AM bell, with the exception of late bus students, will be marked tardy.
If a student is continually tardy, the parent will be notified by the school office and requested to comply with the school policy of having
students at school by the 7:45 AM bell.
TELEPHONE
Telephones are maintained in the school for the prime purpose of conducting school business. Only messages of an important or emergency
nature will be delivered to students. Please instruct your children before they leave home if you intend to be away from home at dismissal
time rather than call the school for messages to be delivered.
If you have an unlisted telephone number, please indicate it on your child's registration card. You can be assured that your telephone number
will be used only for school purposes and will not be given to unauthorized parties.
TESTING SCHEDULE - STANDARDIZED TESTS
During the course of the school year, standardized tests will be given. We are only certain at this time of the following test:
With the passage of the Education Accountability Act of 1998 under Article 3 (Academic Standards and Assessments) Section
59-18-300, the following is stated: The State Board of Education is directed to adopt grade specific performance-oriented
educational standards in the core academic areas of mathematics, English/language sets, social studies, and science for
kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Please refer to the school’s calendar for the test(s) and dates of testing for the school year.
TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are owned by the State. Each student is provided one set of textbooks free of charge. Each student is responsible for all books
issued to him. Fees will be charged for lost or damaged textbooks.
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TITLE I
In many schools, only certain children get Title I help. A growing number of schools that qualify for Title I assistance are becoming school
wide programs. That’s because the Title I money can be used to improve the entire school. Every student at Byrd Elementary can benefit
because it is a Title I school.
The school-wide program aims to:
• help students reach the curriculum standards
• challenge students to be best they can
• prepare students for the complex world
Byrd Elementary benefits as a schoolwide Title I school which provides the following:
• Reading Recovery
• Instructional Aides/Paraprofessionals
• Parent Volunteer Program
• Instructional materials/supplies
• updating technology
• all students are eligible to receive the benefits of a student service worker.
TRAFFIC
A speed limit of not more than l0 m.p.h. is to be observed on the school campus at all times. When dropping off or picking up your children,
please do not pass other vehicles when children are present unless asked to do so by school personnel. All students must be dropped off and
picked up at the designated area. No student may be walked to a car. Only students who reside in the Sage Creek neighborhood will be a
walker. All students must either ride a bus or be picked up in the carline. Parents are asked to remain in their cars to wait for their child to
get in. Also, any student who needs to change their method of getting home must have a note in their agenda. Parents can also send an e-
mail or fax to let the school know of the change. Please notify the front office by 2:00 p.m. so the student and teacher can make the change.
TRANSFERS
Pupils who transfer during the school year will be given a transfer form if all books have been returned to the school and all obligations are
met to the satisfaction of the principal. Please notify the school office immediately when you are planning to transfer your child from our
school. In all cases, we need at least one day prior notice. The Area III office will approve/deny transfer requests prior to enrolling.
VISITORS
All visitors to the school are requested to report to the office upon arriving on the campus. Please use the main entrance. NO VISITORS
ARE TO GO DIRECTLY TO CLASSROOMS WITHOUT REPORTING TO THE OFFICE.
If your child forgets an article and leaves it at home, please bring it by the office and we will call him to come by and pick it up.
VOLUNTEERS
Our school has seen an increase in the number of volunteers who are willing to help us in various ways. We are very appreciative of this
support. All chaperones/volunteers must be approved on a yearly basis. Forms will be available at the school office. Please stop by at the
beginning of each year to complete paperwork.
We will be conducting a survey in the fall to enlist new parents in the volunteer program. We hope you will consider becoming a volunteer
and working with our staff to continually improve Byrd School. Your support and assistance are very important to us.
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2012-2013 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Semester 1
August 20 First Day of School
September 4 - 25 FALL MAP TESTING
September 5 Early Release*
September 3 Labor Day Holiday – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
September 13 Interim Reports to Parents
September 28 School Pictures – Fall – all students
September 24 Close of enrollment for student insurance
October
Fire Prevention Week
October 3
Early Release*
October 19 Teacher Workday – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
October 23 End of 1st Nine Weeks
October
Alcohol and Drug Awareness Week and Red Ribbon Week
October 29 Report Cards--Parent Teacher Conferences +
NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
November 6 Election Day – No School
November 15-19 American Education Week
November 19 Interim Reports to Parents
November 21-23 Thanksgiving Holidays - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
November 28-Dec.19 WINTER MAP TESTING
December 5 Early Release*
December 21 Last Day of Class
December 21-Jan.4 Winter Recess - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Semester 2
January 7
January 15
January 18
January 21
January 24
February 6
February 14
February 18
March 1
March 6
March 13-April 5
March 22
March 26
March 29
April 2
April 3
April 4-12
April 15
April 30
May 1
May 27
June 4 - 6
June 6
June 13
Return from Winter Recess
End of First Semester
Teacher Workday – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Report Cards to Parents
Early Release*
Interim Reports to Parents
Presidents’ Day Holiday - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
District In-service/SCEA – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Early Release*
SPRING MAP TESTING
Teacher Workday - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
End of Third Nine Weeks
Good Friday Holiday
Report Cards to Parents
Early Release*
Spring Break - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Return from Spring Holidays
Interim Reports to Parents
Early Release*
Memorial Day Holiday - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Half Day for Students – Dismissal at 11:05 a.m.
Last Day of School for Students
Report Cards to Parents
* Students will be released 2 hours early (12:25 p.m.).
+ Parent conferences will be scheduled in the afternoon
(Noon -6:00 p.m.) for the purpose of reporting progress
and distributing report cards.
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