Nolensville Elementary School - Williamson ...
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Nolensville Elementary School
2338 Rocky Fork Rd.
Nolensville, TN 37135
Phone: (615) 472-4690
Fax: (615) 472-4701
https://www.wcs.edu/NES
Student & Parent Handbook
2020-2021
Amanda Fuller, Principal
Kim Steinle, Assistant Principal
Bookkeeper-Teresa Justis
Attendance-Kelly Marks
Be Responsible, Show Cardinal Pride, Give 100%
1Table of Contents
Attendance .............................................................................................................................................................................................3
School Hours .......................................................................................................................................................................................3
Attendance Policy................................................................................................................................................................................3
Tardies ................................................................................................................................................................................................3
Early Dismissal ...................................................................................................................................................................................3
School Policies.......................................................................................................................................................................................4
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures .......................................................................................................................................................4
Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) Policy ........................................................................................................................................5
Bully-Free Policy and Reporting Procedure ........................................................................................................................................5
Cell Phones .........................................................................................................................................................................................6
Custodial or Primary Care Parents and Guardians .............................................................................................................................6
Dress Code .........................................................................................................................................................................................6
Emergency Information .......................................................................................................................................................................7
Internet and Acceptable Use ...............................................................................................................................................................7
Lost and Found ...................................................................................................................................................................................7
Medication ...........................................................................................................................................................................................7
Nurse ...................................................................................................................................................................................................7
Parent Volunteers................................................................................................................................................................................8
Period of Silence or Prayer – Tennessee State Law – (TCA 49-6-1004) ............................................................................................8
Pet Policy………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8
Photography and Video …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8
Playground Safety ...............................................................................................................................................................................9
Pledge of Allegiance - Tennessee State Law – (TCA 49-6-1001).......................................................................................................9
PTO .....................................................................................................................................................................................................9
School Age Child Care – SACC ..........................................................................................................................................................9
School Safety……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10
School Bus Safety .............................................................................................................................................................................10
School Immunization Law, Chapter 76, Section 15 ...........................................................................................................................10
Tobacco Free ....................................................................................................................................................................................10
Toys, Electronics, and Items from Home ..........................................................................................................................................10
Transportation Changes ....................................................................................................................................................................11
Weapons ...........................................................................................................................................................................................11
Withdrawal Procedures .....................................................................................................................................................................11
Curriculum/Instruction ........................................................................................................................................................................11
Assessment …………………………………………………………………...…………………….…………………………………….........11
Child Find ..........................................................................................................................................................................................11
Homework .........................................................................................................................................................................................12
After School Detention ......................................................................................................................................................................12
Library ...............................................................................................................................................................................................12
Protecting Instructional Time .............................................................................................................................................................13
Supply Fee List by grade level ..........................................................................................................................................................13
Student Progress...............................................................................................................................................................................13
Lunch Program.....................................................................................................................................................................................13
Celebrations/Special Events ...............................................................................................................................................................14
Birthdays ...........................................................................................................................................................................................14
Class Celebrations ............................................................................................................................................................................14
Field Trips..........................................................................................................................................................................................14
PBIS and Cardinal Pride Assemblies ................................................................................................................................................14
Communication ....................................................................................................................................................................................15
Email/Voicemail Policy ......................................................................................................................................................................15
Parent-School Communication ..........................................................................................................................................................15
School Closing ..................................................................................................................................................................................15
Public Education Notices ....................................................................................................................................................................16
2Parent/Student Handbook Agreement ...............................................................................................................................................18
3Attendance
COVID Low Spread School Hours 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
8:35 a.m. Students may enter and proceed to classrooms
8:45 a.m. Class begins
3:45 p.m. School day ends
COVID Medium Spread School Hours 8:45 a.m. – 3:27 p.m.
8:35 Students may enter building and proceed to classrooms after health screening
8:45 a.m. Class begins
3:00 p.m. Dismissal procedures begin
Attendance Policy
The Williamson County School System requires written parental or medical documentation for all absences, tardies, and
early dismissals. Student academic success requires students to be present each school day possible. Excused
absences include: (1) illness, (2) death in the family, (3) recognized religious holiday, (4) doctor or dentist appointment,
or (5) Principal approved emergency or exceptional circumstances.
When a student returns to school after an absence, the student must bring a note to the teacher stating the following
information: Student’s Full Name, Teacher’s Name, Date of Absence, Reason for Absence, and Parent’s Signature. If a
student returns to school without an absence note, the absence will be coded as unexcused. Five unexcused absences
will result in a letter to the parents and possibly the filing of a petition with Juvenile Services in accordance with
Tennessee state law and Williamson County Schools’ attendance policy. When a student accumulates a total of 8
excused absences, all other absences will be considered unexcused unless a doctor’s note is presented upon the day of
returning to school.
Parents will be notified when absences begin to accumulate.
• 5 unexcused absences – a letter will be sent to parents
• 10 unexcused absences – a letter will be sent to parents, a meeting may be held with family and school
personnel, and a petition may be filed with Juvenile Services in accordance with Williamson County School
Policy.
• The new Tennessee Department of Education Accountability Regulations (ESSA) defines students as
"chronically absent" after 18 absences per year, regardless of excused or unexcused. Students who
accumulate 18 or more absences will be considered “Chronically Absent” and reported to the state.
Families are discouraged from planning trips when school is in session. However, if you plan on taking a family trip, you
must have prior approval from the school principal. Family trips will not be excused if a student is struggling in any
academic area or if several absences have already accumulated.
Student attendance will be taken daily, even while learning remotely. If your child is ill or otherwise unable to attend a
scheduled learning session, please contact your child’s teacher.
Tardies
Students are tardy if they are not in their classroom by 8:45. Parent or medical documentation is required when a student
is tardy. Students must receive a tardy pass to enter class after 8:45. During COVID testing, grace will be extended for
tardies as we navigate longer car lines and screenings. If school buses arrive late, students are not counted as tardy.
Early Dismissal
Early dismissal may be excused for the following reasons: (1) illness, (2) death in the family, (3) recognized religious
holiday, (4) doctor or dentist appointment, or (5) Principal approved emergency or exceptional circumstances.
Students are counted absent from school if dismissed before 12:20. (1/2 day)
4Due to safety issues and the interruption of instructional time in classes, the cut-off time for afternoon check-
outs is 3:00 p.m. (except in an emergency).
Parents must send a note to the teacher the morning of the request for early dismissal (unless an emergency situation
arises) with the following information:
1) Student’s name and teacher’s name
2) Date and time student will be checked out of school
3) Reason for early dismissal
Parents/Guardians must show proper photo ID and provide a reason for the check out with the front office staff.
Parents are not allowed to go to a classroom to pick up a student. Office personnel will call the student to the office.
Students will not be allowed to make up work due to unexcused early dismissals. Office personnel must verify the
identification of individuals with a valid picture ID when releasing a student. Parents must communicate in writing
(email/note) giving permission for someone other than the parent/guardian to pick up a student.
School Policies
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Arrival begins at 8:35 a.m.
➢ All car riders should be dropped off at the back doors only. Exceptions will be made only for students with special
needs or with special administrative pre-approved circumstances.
➢ All vehicles should use the lane closest to the building for arrival.
➢ Students should exit the car ONLY from the right side of the vehicle.
➢ Parking is not allowed in traffic areas or in any other parking area except the front parking lot.
➢ Parents needing to come into the building must park in the front parking lot and sign-in through the front office.
➢ The car rider lane during the normal school year closes at 8:43 a.m. each morning. Cars arriving after that time will
proceed to the front. A parent must enter the building with the student to sign him/her in as tardy. During COVID
testing, grace will be extended for tardies as we navigate longer car lines and screenings.
Dismissal begins at 3:45 p.m. (During COVID medium spread dismissal will begin at 3:00 p.m.)
➢ Students may not be picked up at the front office between 3:00 and dismissal. All NES office staff members
have dismissal responsibilities and cannot call into classrooms for students to be sent to the front office. Parents are
not allowed to call the front office and request that a student be sent to the front office for pick up. Students being
picked up by a parent will only be dismissed from the back entrance through the car rider line.
➢ Bus riders will be dismissed from the classrooms and go directly to the buses.
➢ Dismissal by car takes place ONLY at the back of the school. Exceptions will be made only for students with special
needs or with special administrative pre-approved circumstances. This year NES will be utilizing a new car rider
dismissal system called School Dismissal Manager. School Dismissal Manager allows parents to establish routine
dismissal plans, make daily dismissal changes as needs, and for the school staff to systematically and safely
dismiss students directly from their classrooms.
• Parents will form two lanes of traffic to pick up students.
• There will be a set marker indicating where a parent should log into the School Dismissal Manager app
and scan the dismissal QR code.
o This will send a message through the system to classrooms indicating to the teacher that the
parent has arrived and is in a position within the traffic pattern to pick up their child
o The classroom teacher will dismiss the student from the classroom to the car rider line.
o For safety reasons, students will not be released to parents parked in other areas and
walking over to pick up students.
• Once your car is positioned for pick up in the loading area, please turn off your car engine for safety.
• Staff will dismiss students to cars.
5• Once all vehicles are loaded with students, the car rider lanes will be dismissed. Left lane must turn left
and right lane must turn right.
• If an alternate person is picking up your child and you have not made a dismissal change in the
SDM system, that adult will be asked to report to the front office to provide ID before a student
will be released.
• If a student is late to the loading zone, the parent will be instructed to pull around to the front entrance
and come into the office to pick up the student. Parents are not allowed to go into the building to
search for a student as this delays the dismissal procedure. NES staff members on dismissal duty will
communicate with office staff to locate students in a timely manner and arrange for the student to
report to the front office for pick-up.’
• Your patience and consideration for the safety of students is appreciated. Our car rider line typically
takes 15-20 minutes; however, at the beginning of the year it will be longer due to ensuring everyone is
following rules for student safety. In addition, we anticipate increased car riders due to COVID.
➢ Any walkers/bike riders will be dismissed to their designated location (end of B hall) at 3:45 low spread/3:25 medium
spread. Walkers will be escorted off campus by NES staff prior to walking home. A handwritten note is required for
students to walk/ride their bike home.
➢ All students must be picked up by 3:55 on normal school hours (low spread) and 3:27 on medium spread hours as
teachers are only on duty until this time. Students that are picked up late 3 times will be asked to register with SACC
so that children may be supervised until parents arrive.
➢ Students may not be picked up from car services such as Uber and Lyft. These companies prohibit minors from
being transported alone.
Behavior and Discipline
All students are expected to adhere to the school and district behavior expectations. Individual classroom teachers will
establish classroom procedures for meeting these expectations. If a student fails to meet expectations, it may result in a
conference with school administration. Administrative consequences will be determined based on progressive discipline
by looking at the behavior and any prior behaviors or interventions. Consequences may include but are not limited to:
time in the office, silent lunch, loss of recess, ISS (in school suspension) and possible OSS (out of school suspension).
NES students are expected to follow all WCS policies, procedures, and guidelines concerning discipline for offenses
concerning zero tolerance and zero tolerance judgement offenses. Parents can consult board policies 6.309 and 6.316
to better understand district consequences for misbehavior.
During the time of active COVID-19 cases, teachers will implement routines and procedures to keep students and staff
safe. Any intentional behavior that puts another person at risk will be taken seriously and addressed accordingly.
Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) Policy (Grades 4-5 only, K-3 students are not
allowed to bring any personal technology/communication device to school.)
Teachers incorporate BYOT for instructional purposes and will specifically notify students when devices and technology
such as Nooks, Kindles, iPads, netbooks, laptops, etc. can be used at school. Cameras on any devices may not be used
to take pictures or video in the school setting unless requested by the teacher for instructional purposes only. All items in
backpacks are the responsibility of the student and the school is not liable for ANY loss or damage incurred. Electronic
devices are to be used only when students are given permission and specific directions from the classroom teacher.
Technology used for instructional purposes that meets the WCS guidelines will be allowed upon parent/child agreement
to follow the board policy and the Acceptable Use Agreement for Digital Devices.
The device may not be used to record, transmit or post photographic images or video of a person, or persons on campus
during school activities and/or hours unless assigned by the teacher as allowed by the WCS Acceptable Use, Media
Release and Internet Safety Procedures. The device may only be used to access files or internet sites which are relevant
6to the classroom curriculum. Non-instructional games are not permitted. Failure to comply with the above expectations
will result in a staff member’s request to turn in or turn off the device.
District information about BYOT and the Acceptable Use Agreement for Digital Devices Form for grades 4-5
must be signed and returned to the school prior to use in the classroom. Nolensville Elementary will follow the
guidelines set by the district that can be located at www.wcs.edu. Any disciplinary actions regarding inappropriate
behavior with a device will be handled on a case by case basis. Any misuse of technology that results in an investigation
by NES administrators will require a parent to come to the school to pick up the device and/or meet with administrators.
Failure to follow the BYOT polices and the WCS Acceptable Use Agreement for Digital Devices may result in the loss of
privileges for using digital devices while on NES campus.
Please consider the following to help ensure the safety and success of your child’s device:
1. Record the serial number on the device in the event of it being lost or stolen.
2. Seek to use a password protected device.
3. Advise student not to share any passwords.
4. Consider an insurance policy for your device.
5. Monitor your child’s use of the device on a regular basis.
Bully-Free Policy
(School Board Policy 6.3032. This policy applies to behavior at all school-sponsored activities.)
Nolensville Elementary is a Bully-Free school and implements a bully awareness program for all students. Bullying and
bullying-related behaviors (e.g. cyber-bullying, intimidation, hazing, harassment, etc.) are unacceptable behaviors, are
strictly prohibited, and will not be tolerated. Behavior that is found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to
discipline, up to and including suspension or expulsion. Acts may be found to be in violation of this policy whether they
are committed in person, in writing, through an agent or intermediary, or communicated or undertaken through electronic
means.
Bullying: Bullying is defined by Tennessee law as any act that substantially interferes with a student’s educational
benefits, opportunities or performance, and has the effect of:
1) Physically harming a student or damaging a student’s property;
2) Knowingly placing the student or students in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the
student’s property;
3) Causing emotional distress to a student or students; or
4) Creating a hostile educational environment.
Williamson County Schools is committed in its fight against bullying. In the 2013-2014 School year the district unveiled a
new anti-bullying tip line. Parents and students are encouraged to call the tip line if they have witnessed or know of
instances of bullying. The toll free number is 1-855-284-0669. Incidents can also be reported via email
at bullying@wcs.edu. As always, students or parents who have been bullied or witnessed bullying should immediately
report such incidents to the administrative team who will then investigate.
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices
Students will not be allowed to access or use personal cell phones or other electronic devices capable of texting or
calling (i watch, tablets, etc.) during the academic school day unless it is being used for academic purposes and with
NES staff members’ permission. Cell phones, Apple watches and cameras may not be used to take pictures or video in
the school setting. Student communication with parents should be done through the school office. Students are not
permitted to call or text from their devices at school. If your child brings a cell phone to school, he/she is required to turn
it off and leave it in his/her backpack and/or cubby during the school day. Teachers will confiscate phones if students are
using them or if they have them out during the day without permission. The phones will remain in the possession of the
school administrators until a parent comes to retrieve them. Please note that faculty are not liable for any lost or stolen
cell phones. If your child needs to make a call while at school, he or she must notify a teacher, administrator, or staff
member and place the phone call through the school’s phone system.
7Chromebooks
Chromebooks will be provided at the beginning of the school year. Before students are issued a Chromebook, both the
child and parent must read and sign the Acceptable Use Policy, the Video Conferencing form, and the Authorization
District Device form. These forms are available on Skyward for review and acceptance.
Students must act responsibly with their Chromebooks. Teachers will review proper practices with students to maintain
good condition. If a student willingly and intentionally damages a Chromebook, the student may be charged for repairs
up to the cost of total replacement.
Students should take their Chromebook home nightly to charge the device, use the device for any assigned homework,
and to be prepared for any transition to remote learning. Student issued Chromebook charging cords are not needed at
school.
Custodial or Primary Care Parents and Guardians
Both parents will be given equal access to their child and that child’s records unless NES office staff has been provided
with a copy of an official/legal document that includes a case number, a Judge’s signature, and is stamped “filed” with a
court stating otherwise. Please provide the school office with a copy of any Court Order, Marital Dissolution Agreement,
Parenting Plan, or other legal document which affects parental rights. If any changes occur during the school year,
please provide us with a copy of the new document which has been stamped “filed” with the Court.
Dress Code
All clothing must be appropriate and conducive to a learning environment. Students should dress appropriately for
comfort, weather, and learning. All students are expected to dress in a safe, healthy, and non-distracting manner that
respects the rights of others. Nolensville Elementary will follow the guidelines set forth by the county school board policy
6.310.
➢ Tops of shoulders must have a minimum of a 1-inch strap unless otherwise covered by an opaque top
garment.
➢ Skin and undergarments must be covered with opaque clothing from the underarm to mid-thigh.
o Mid-thigh is defined as the mid-point between the waist and mid-knee.
➢ All pants, trousers, shorts and skirts must be held at the waist.
➢ Leggings and other compression-style garments may be worn so long as an opaque top garment covers
the private body parts.
➢ Hats are not allowed to be worn in buildings except on special occasion(s) as permitted by
administration.
➢ Appropriate shoes are required.
o Tennis shoes with non-marking soles are required for physical education.
o It is recommended that students wear tennis shoes for recess. Please do not send students in
flip flops or shoes without a back as this can result in injury.
Any type of clothing, apparel or accessory, including that which denotes such students' membership in or affiliation with
any gang associated with criminal activities is not permitted (TCA 49-6-4215).
Student uniforms related to student extracurricular activities (band, cheerleading, dance, sports team, etc.) must be in
compliance with this policy during the academic day.
Any apparel or dress that advertises or promotes products or activity prohibited by law or by the Board of Education is
prohibited (e.g., profanity, illustrations, or suggestive language, etc.).
Administrators and teachers shall enforce the dress code policy. The principal or his/her designee shall be the final judge
as to compliance with the dress code. Parents will be notified and asked to bring appropriate clothing if a student is in
violation of the dress code.
8Emergency Information
It is vitally important in times of emergency that the school is in possession of information that will enable us to promptly
and directly reach parents. Please be sure to return a completed emergency dismissal form with contact information. If
there are any changes through the year, you must notify the office immediately. In the event of an early dismissal during
the school day (such as inclement weather), we will follow the instructions as provided by you on this form.
Face Coverings
A cloth or disposable face covering must be worn by all students, staff, and visitors across their nose and mouth while on
school property except as follows:
➢ When an individual cannot safely wear a cloth or disposable face covering.
➢ While eating and/or drinking.
➢ While indoors and maintaining social distancing, at the direction of WCS staff.
➢ While outdoors and maintaining social distancing, at the direction of WCS staff.
Cloth face coverings should be washed after each use.
Allowable exemptions:
➢ Student has an approved Student Face Covering Exemption Request form on file with the school. Parents
should contact the school principal to request the form.
➢ Any child on campus who is under the age of 2.
➢ Student is having trouble breathing.
➢ Student is sleeping.
➢ Student is unable to remove their face covering without assistance.
➢ Staff or student is eating and/or drinking.
➢ Staff has provided a documented medical reason approved by Human Resources.
Face shields may only be used in place of a face covering if a student or staff member has an approved exemption on
file at school or with Human Resources.
Internet and Acceptable Use
Students have the opportunity to access the Internet under close supervision. In addition, students will also need access
to the internet at home when completing either remote or online school work. Before students are allowed access to the
WCS Instructional Resources online, both the child and parent must read and sign the WCS Acceptable Use Agreement
form, the Video Conferencing form, and the Authorization District Device form. These forms are available on Skyward for
review and acceptance.
Lost and Found
Lost and Found items are located in the front office. Please label student’s clothing. At the end of the nine weeks, lost
and found items without children’s names are given to charity.
Medication
Medication procedures are consistent with State of Tennessee Law 49-5-415 and are implemented in schools
countywide. The intent of this legislation is to assure the safe administration of medications to children in school who
require them. Please be aware of the following:
1) The school must have an authorization form completed by the physician and the parent. These forms are available
in the office.
2) Parents or legal guardians must bring their child’s medication into school. Students are not allowed to bring in their
own medication. This includes prescription as well as non-prescription medication. Empty prescription bottles may
be given to the student to take home, unless you inform the school otherwise.
3) No medication will be given unless it is in a properly labeled pharmacy bottle and matches the doctor’s orders
exactly (only one-week supply at a time). If your child is taking an antibiotic that is prescribed for three times per
day, parents should administer the medication before school, after school, and at bedtime. DO NOT send the
antibiotic to school.
94) If you are supplying over-the-counter medication, you must fill out the authorization form available in the school
office. All non-prescription drugs need to be in the original manufacturer’s bottle with the child’s name affixed to the
bottle. For now, you can supply a bottle for the school year.
5) The school is required to designate school personnel to give students medications on field trips. However, if you do
not want your child to receive medication on a field trip, you will need to put the request in writing.
Nurse’s Clinic/COVID Health Update
Williamson County School Nurses prioritize their school day according to types of medical issues that students have
within the individual school(s) assigned to them. Students requiring licensed nurse procedures and students with
emergency and/or individualized health care plans are the nurses’ top priorities. WCS nurses coordinate and oversee the
school health clinics in each of our schools, perform licensed nurse procedures, and annual or as needed health
screenings. Nurses are available to consult with parents/guardians regarding health issues that impact student
performance and attendance at school. If students have medical needs requiring accommodations for them to be able to
participate in their education in a school setting, or needs for individualized health care plans, the school nurse will work
with the student’s parent/guardian and health care provider as needed to develop the plans and/or accommodations
needed to ensure that the student’s safety and well-being will be maintained in the school setting.
We are very fortunate to have a full-time nurse on staff. She is committed to serving all students and staff. If a student
becomes ill or injured at school, the teacher will have the student evaluated by the school nurse. Through her
examination and in accordance with the district guidelines, the nurse will determine treatment or if the student does not
meet criteria to stay in school. The school nurse will notify parents if a student becomes significantly ill or injured.
When determining whether your child is well enough to attend school, please refer to the WCS Health and Illness
policies which can be accessed at https://www.wcs.edu/domain/1198
Please note that your child should not be sent to school until he/she has been fever free for 72 hours without taking a
fever reducing medication.
COVID update:
Parents/guardians should conduct a health screening on their children before sending them to school. This includes
taking their temperature and assessing for the following COVID-19 symptoms:
➢ Have you been in close contact with a person with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19?
➢ Have you had an usual cough or shortness of breath?
➢ Have you had a sore throat or other flu-like symptoms?
➢ Have you had a fever of 100F or greater in the past 72 hours?
➢ Have you had new loss of taste or smell?
➢ Have you had vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours?
If they answer “yes” to any of the above questions, or have a temperature of 100F or higher, please keep them at home
and seek medical attention, as necessary. Please assist your younger children in how to answer these questions once
they get to school.
Upon arrival at school students will go through a health screening conducted by staff. Their temperature will be checked
with a no touch thermometer, and they will be asked to answer the above six COVID-19 symptom questions. Any student
who does not pass this screening will be kept in the isolation room under the care of staff until you can pick your child up
from school.
Staff will report any observed symptoms in students during the day to the school nurse. The school nurse will determine
if any symptoms are present and, if so, will contact you to pick up your child.
NES School Nurse, Rebekah Metzger, can be reached at rebekah.metzger@wcs.edu or 615-472-4694.
Parent Volunteers
10We welcome and appreciate parent volunteers at Nolensville! However, as we work to maintain student and staff safety,
and limit the amount of people in the building, we will be limiting volunteer opportunities.
We ask that parents adhere to the following procedures in order to protect our students and classroom instructional time.
Williamson County has a three-tiered volunteer guideline to protect children and to continue to maintain the high levels of
volunteerism that we enjoy in our district. The three tiers include:
➢ Tier 1-Someone who volunteers occasionally and in a highly public setting with little or no contact with students and
who is under constant supervision by Williamson County Schools personnel will not be required to complete a
volunteer application or a criminal background check. A volunteer fitting this example might be someone working at
a school field day or fundraising or making an occasional classroom visit.
➢ Tier 2-Regular volunteers with student contact under constant supervision of Williamson County personnel must
complete a volunteer application and a confidentiality agreement acknowledging FERPA (student confidentiality)
requirements. A volunteer fitting this example might include class readers, and front door reception. A new
application must be completed each new school year.
➢ Tier 3-Volunteers who have unsupervised contact with students on or off campus will be required to complete a
volunteer application and confidentiality agreement and have a criminal background fingerprint check through the
Williamson County Schools Human Resources. Room parents must be tier 3 volunteers. All current Tier 3
volunteers who were fingerprinted in 2010 and prior will be re-fingerprinted and receive a new badge this
year.
Procedures for Volunteers
➢ Please complete the volunteer application and turn in to the office. If you intend to go on field trips or volunteer in a
Tier 3 capacity, please get your background check completed early.
➢ When you come in to volunteer, please sign in with the main office and obtain a volunteer badge.
➢ Classroom volunteers should schedule work dates and times with individual teachers. When volunteering in the
classroom remember to encourage, praise and compliment students, supervise students carefully at all times and
enjoy this precious time of learning and growing with our students.
➢ Please observe rules of confidentiality. If you work with or notice a student’s work, you are bound by rules of
confidentiality.
Period of Silence or Prayer – Tennessee State Law – (TCA 49-6-1004)
In order for all students and teachers to prepare themselves for the activities of the day, a period of silence of
approximately one minute in duration shall be maintained in each grade in public schools at the beginning of each school
day. The teacher shall not indicate or suggest to the students any action to be taken by them during this time but shall
maintain silence for the full time. It is lawful for any teacher in any of the schools of the state to permit voluntary
participation by students or others in prayer. Nothing contained in this section shall authorize any teacher or other school
authority to prescribe the form or content of any prayer.
Pet Policy
Due to allergies and potential safety concerns, pets are not allowed in the school building or on the school campus
without permission from the classroom teacher and NES administration.
Photography and Video
Following are the guidelines from the WCS Communications Department regarding parents taking photographs at school
events. The purpose of the guidelines is to address problems that have occurred at some schools when parents have
taken pictures at school and posted them to online social media sites.
➢ Parents are advised not to post on social media any pictures taken at school that include any children other
than their own.
➢ Picture-taking at non-public school events: These events occur before, during, and after school and include
class parties, field trips, assemblies to which the public is not invited (ex. grade level musicals during the school
11day, etc.) Parents are encouraged to take photos/video of their own children but should not take photos/video of
other children.
➢ Picture-taking at public school events: This includes events that are open to the public such as Back to School
Bash, PTO events, etc. Parents may take photos at public school events that include other people's children
but are discouraged from posting these photos to social media.
Playground (Recess) Safety
We strive to always put safety first at Nolensville Elementary. To that end, we have established common playground
rules. Please review these rules with your child.
➢ Respect the rights and feelings of others.
➢ You may not cause a problem for yourself or anyone else on the playground.
➢ Rough play will not be tolerated (touch football only).
➢ Learn to interact with others in a positive manner – cooperate.
➢ Play fairly and take turns.
➢ Rocks, sticks, dirt, and mulch are to remain on the ground.
➢ Playground equipment must be used correctly.
o Rules for slides, climbing equipment, and swings are reviewed at the beginning of each year and
throughout the year as needed.
➢ Bike Helmets, Hood Draw Strings, Necklaces, Lanyards, or any other accessories worn around the neck are
prohibited on the playground.
o Remove hood and neck drawstrings from children’s clothing before children play on a playground.
o Remove scarves and mittens connected through the sleeves.
Staff members observing children on the playground are equipped with a first aid kit and a two-way radio for additional
safety. Children may be removed from play for a “cool-down” period if involved in unsafe playground behavior. Children
go to recess everyday unless it is raining or extremely cold/hot. Please keep this in mind when helping your child select
clothing and shoes for the day. Playing on the playground can be hazardous for students wearing flip flops or sandals.
Please see WCS Elementary School Weather procedures for specific policies https://www.wcs.edu/domain/1202
During times of active COVID cases, students will continue to receive recess. Students will socially distance as much as
possible.
Pledge of Allegiance – Tennessee State Law – (TCA 49-6-1001)
As required by our School Board and TN State Law, students will recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag each day at
a designated time. Students will stand and recite the Pledge while facing the flag with their right hands over their hearts.
No student will be compelled if the student or the student’s parents or legal guardians object on religious, philosophical
or other grounds to the student participating in such exercise. Students not participating will remain quiet while others
recite the Pledge of Allegiance and shall make no display that disrupts or distracts others who are reciting the Pledge.
PTO
We encourage all NES parents to become active in NES PTO. When sending in money or notes to PTO, please have
information sent in an envelope with “PTO” written on it. Board policy prohibits teachers from collecting money on behalf
of our PTO.
Parents can find information about joining PTO, volunteering, and upcoming events at the following website:
www.nesparents.com
School Age Child Care - SACC
The Williamson County School’s SACC program is a year round program that provides extended care services for school
aged children. The mission of the Williamson County Schools School Aged Child Care (SACC) Program is to provide a
quality program in a safe, nurturing, and familiar environment which supports student interests in physical, emotional,
social, and cognitive development by providing students with the opportunity to complete homework, play independently,
and participate in structured enrichment activities when school is not in session. Parents can find more information at the
following link: https://www.wcs.edu/domain/1177
12School Safety
Nolensville adheres to the Williamson County’s Crisis Intervention Plan. School safety policies have been established as
follows:
➢ All visitors must enter the building through the front office door; all other doors remain locked during the school day.
➢ All visitors are required to present photo identification and state their reason for visiting in order to enter the building.
➢ Parents, visitors and volunteers must sign in and out in the office and wear a NES visitor sticker or WCS volunteer
badge.
➢ Visitors are only to go to the area designated upon sign in.
➢ Parents and volunteers must schedule appointments to visit classrooms.
➢ School personnel escort visitors touring the school.
➢ Parking is only allowed in designated parking places.
➢ Fire drills, tornado drills, and lockdown drills are scheduled for the year.
➢ A State Fire Marshall inspects the school to ensure fire safety policies are followed.
➢ Office personnel must verify the identification of individuals when releasing a student. Parents must communicate in
writing giving permission for someone other than the parent to pick up student.
➢ Students are expected to follow safety guidelines established by the school and teachers.
➢ Students must have written permission from parents to change their mode of transportation at dismissal.
➢ Teachers and teacher assistants supervise students and direct traffic during arrival and dismissal following safety
policies.
➢ A student information form is on file in the office with the student’s updated emergency information. This form is sent
home at the beginning of the school year for parents to complete. Please notify the office immediately if there are any
changes to this information.
➢ During COVID-19, face masks are required for all students, staff, volunteers, and visitors that enter the building.
Anyone who would like to enter the building must also be able to answer the six screening questions with “no”
answers in order to enter.
School Bus Safety
Students are expected to behave in a safe and respectful manner and to follow directions given by the bus driver. We
ask parents to read and discuss the WCS Transportation policies with their child. These rules can be found at
https://www.wcs.edu/domain/1157 This policy will be strictly followed for the safety of all children. Students are to stay
seated on the bus, demonstrate self-control, and talk quietly. Riding the school bus is a privilege. Any inappropriate
behavior will result in disciplinary action which may include suspension from riding the bus. Specific questions about bus
routes and times for bus arrival can be answered by visiting the above website as well. You may also reach the WCS
Transportation Department at 615-472-4950. Parents may also sign up with the Safe Stop bus app to track their
student’s bus.
Students riding the bus will arrive and be dismissed through the front doors. Students are to ride their assigned bus and
are to be picked up and delivered only to their assigned bus stop.
All students will participate in a bus evacuation drill to ensure they understand this procedure.
Students are required to wear a mask at all times while on the bus. Student temperatures and wellness checks will
occur as students get off buses before entering the school building.
School Immunization Law, Chapter 76, Section 15
“No child shall, except as hereinafter provided, be admitted to school except upon presentation of a physician’s
certificate, that the child has been successfully immunized against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, mumps,
and rubella.” Requirements for Kindergarten also include immunizations against hepatitis B and chicken pox (or
physician-documented history of disease)
NOTE: Children exempt from physical examination and immunizations must present a statement signed by the parent or
guardian upon enrollment.
13Tobacco Free Campus
The use of Tobacco products, including vaping products and battery-operated devices, is prohibited on school
property. This policy shall be in effect whether or not school is in session.
Toys, Electronics, and Items from Home
Students are not allowed to bring computer games, cell phones/Apple watches (exception – BYOT 4-5), Game Boys, CD
players, IPods, MP3 players, toys, virtual pets, trading cards, etc. to school. Our goal is to keep students focused on
learning. Any exceptions to this policy will be communicated to the parents from the teacher. Electronics that are brought
to school will be taken up by the teacher and will be given to the office. They will remain in the possession of school
administration until a parent comes to retrieve them. Please note that Nolensville faculty are not liable or
responsible for any lost or stolen cell phones, electronics, or other nonacademic related items; thus, we ask
children to leave them at home.
Transportation Changes
Children’s schedules have become more complicated in recent years, often resulting in multiple destinations during a
given week. In addition, the mode of transportation and the person responsible for pick-up each day often varies. To
work most efficiently and to ensure that every child arrives safely to the correct designation, please plan ahead.
➢ For a change in car transportation, NES utilizes School Dismissal Manager for parents to establish their
routine dismissal plans and to make daily dismissal changes as needed. Parents will be given information to
establish their account and dismissal routines at the start of the school year. Parents will be given two weeks
to set their routines for the year. If a parent needs to make a dismissal change, they will do that through the
app prior to 2:45 PM. During medium spread with only K-2 in the building dismissal changes must be made by
2:30 PM.
➢ For a change in bus transportation, please update your students dismissal mode in School Dismissal Manager.
A bus pass will then be issued from the office that the student must show to the bus driver.
➢ Students without an updated dismissal change in the School Dismissal Manager app will be sent home
by means of their regular afternoon transportation routine. Please help us to keep all children safe by
following these expectations.
Visitors
In addition to the expectations set forth below, all visitors must have a cloth face covering to enter the building. Prior to
entering, visitors will have their temperature taken and will be asked the following questions:
➢ Have you been in close contact with a person with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19?
➢ Have you had unusual cough or shortness of breath?
➢ Have you had a sore throat or other flu-like symptoms?
➢ Have you had a fever of 100F or greater in the last 72 hours?
➢ Have you had new loss of taste or smell?
➢ Have you had vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours?
If a visitor answers “yes” to any of the above questions, or have a temperature of 100F or higher, they will not be allowed
to enter the building.
All visitors must follow these expectations:
➢ All visitors must enter and exit through the main office doors.
➢ All visitors must present a photo identification to enter the building.
➢ All visitors must sign in and out of the office and wear a visitor sticker or volunteer badge.
➢ Appointments must be made to visit classrooms in the event of a conference or to volunteer.
Weapons
No weapons of any kind are allowed in school. Any item that constitutes a weapon will be confiscated and appropriate
disciplinary action will be taken.
14Withdrawal Procedures
If a move or other circumstance requires a withdrawal from school, a withdrawal form must be completed. All textbooks
must be turned in and a student must be in good financial standing with the library and cafeteria. Once all of the
qualifications are met, a parent/legal guardian may withdraw a student from school.
Curriculum/Instruction
Assessment Information
Williamson County students participate in both formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments are
ongoing classroom assessments utilized to inform instruction. Examples include: exit tickets, quizzes, unit tests,
AIMSweb and STAR universal screeners and benchmark assessments. Summative assessments typically take place at
the end of a course. They are utilized to guide the school on overall approaches and strategies for instruction.
Students in grades K-5 will participate in the district-wide reading and math benchmark screeners through AIMSweb
Plus. Students in grades 3-5 will also participate in state assessments. During assessment windows we ask that parents
make every attempt to have students at school on time. No absences will be excused for family trips.
Please refer to the following link for information regarding district assessments including the assessment calendar.
Child Find
Williamson County Schools wants to make sure every child in Williamson County gets the help they need to learn and
grow. Do you know a child who is between the ages of birth and 22 years, growing or learning slower than other children
the same age and has learning difficulties? If so, call the Student Support Services of Williamson County Schools at 615-
472-4130 to inform us of the child’s name and address. The sooner Student Support Services knows of the needs of a
child, the sooner they can get help.
Homework
Homework has many values and can enrich a child’s understanding of daily classroom instruction. It also ties the home
and school together. A reasonable amount of homework will be assigned, depending on the grade level. Parents are
encouraged to talk to students about homework and their responsibility to complete and turn in assignments.
➢ All homework assigned will be reviewed and feedback will be given to the student.
➢ Beginning with second grade, when homework is given for a grade, the percentage of the quarterly grade attributed
to homework will not exceed 20% based on board policy.
➢ Teachers will not assign homework assignments over holidays or breaks during the school year or homework with a
“due” date that immediately follows a vacation period.
➢ Homework is a review or extension of classwork and should be completed independently by the student. Parents
are encouraged to monitor student work for completion.
➢ If your child is struggling to complete homework or spending over the maximum time, please contact the teacher.
Guidelines for time spent on homework: K-2: not to exceed 30 minutes; 3-5: not to exceed 60 minutes.
After School Detention
Students in 2nd-5th grade with two or more missing assignments may be assigned after school detention. Parents will be
notified of the missing assignments by Friday. If the missing assignments are not turned in by Monday at 8:45 a.m., your
child will be assigned afterschool detention on Wednesday afternoon from 3:45-4:30. The focus of the detention will be
to help your child get caught up and complete their missing assignments. WCS transportation will not be provided.
Parents will be responsible for picking up students in the front office at 4:30.
Library
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