Family Information

Hamilton County students are provided the opportunity to choose apply to the school of their choices by completing the school choice lottery application.

The application window is open until January 31st. The application is found on PowerSchool.

The Hamilton County Board of Education believes in the establishment of a tradition of regular school attendance for each student. This establishes the first step toward a successful academic career culminating in a high school diploma and is an essential concept to teach for the job market. Considering the importance of school attendance, the following policy has been adopted this year for all Hamilton County Schools.

Any student missing 5 days or more will be turned over to a social worker.
Students with excessive tardies will be turned over to a social worker.
East Lake Elementary has been assigned a Truancy Officer that will conduct home visits when absences or tardies reach an excessive amount.

DOCUMENTATION OF ABSENCE
A Doctor’s statement of reason for absence must be sent to school upon the student’s return for an absence to be excused. Absences without a Doctor’s statement will be considered unexcused. After five (5) absences a social worker referral will be filled out.

CATEGORIES OF EXCUSED ABSENCES

• Personal illness, including doctor and dental appointments (doctor excuse required)
• Death in immediate family (obituary or funeral program required)
• Religious holiday (prior approval required)
• Documented court appearance for the student

STATE ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with The No Child Left Behind Act, the state requires each school to have 93% attendance or greater each day. East Lake’s goal is to have 100%!

EARLY MORNING ARRIVALS
Students should not arrive at school before 7:30 AM as teachers do not go on duty to supervise until this time. Students who arrive early will stand outside the building until the doors open at 7:30 AM.

TARDY STUDENTS
Parents must bring students that arrive after 8:00 AM to the office to sign in and get a tardy pass before they can go to the classroom.

DISMISSAL
Early dismissals are a loss of learning time. If your child has a doctor’s appointment and needs to be dismissed early, write the teacher a note so that the child and teacher can prepare for him/her to leave early. Remember to have your child bring back the doctor’s excuse, because this is time out of school. Students will not be dismissed early from the office after 2:15 PM unless for a medical emergency of the student. We treat early dismissal the same way we treat a tardy. It is time away from school.

LATE PICKUPS
Please make sure if your child is to be a car rider that you have them picked up by 3:00 PM.  After this point it is a late pick up. If you live in the East Lake Elementary Zone there is bus service for most of our students. We will contact the proper authorities if a child is left after the school hours. School hours are from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM.

If your child will be receiving free or reduced lunch, you must fill out a new form every year. Last year’s form will not be accepted.

Hamilton County Lunch application is available online. You can go to the website below to fill yours out!

http://www.hamilton.schoollunchapp.com/

Please review the bus rules with your children. Permission to ride a bus other than the one to which your child is assigned can only be granted if the parent writes a note stating the bus number, who the child is riding home with and the address where the child will get off the bus. The request must be made by the parent in the form of a written note. Please send a note with your child. The note must be presented to the bus driver.

More HCS Bus Information

The purpose of a school dress code is to provide additional opportunities for increased school safety, to encourage our students to experience a greater sense of school identity and belonging, to encourage an improvement in student behavior, to reduce school clothing costs, to encourage a high level of program participation, and to improve and expand academic excellence.

• Shirts:  collar shirts in a solid color (navy blue, light blue, pale yellow, or white),  an East Lake Elementary T-shirt
• Sweater/Sweatshirt:  NO HOODS, solid color (navy blue, pale blue, pale yellow, or white)
• Pants, Shorts, Skirts, Jumpers, Skorts:  no jeans or cargos, solid color (navy or khaki), must be longer than the student’s finger tips standing straight
• Belts: must be black or brown
• Socks: must be worn
• Shoes: no open toes or open heels, no sandals, no boots, and no slippers

Exclusions:

• No hooded sweatshirts
• No blue jean jackets
• No colored leggings
• No writing on any clothing
• No long necklaces or long earrings for safety reasons
• No purses
• No colored shirts underneath uniform shirts

All students must carry clear backpacks.

We ask that all parents and visitors entering our building dress appropriately. This is a learning environment, and we are trying to set good examples for our children.

CLASSROOM VISITS
Parents are welcome to visit their child’s classroom.

An appointment is required, unless you are planning to eat in the cafeteria or observe in your child’s classroom. However, as a matter of courtesy to the teacher and to determine times that you may be able to observe your child in his/her classroom, contact your child’s teacher in advance. Parent conferences are by appointment only. All visitors must report to the school office before going anywhere in the building.

By order of the Board of Education:
Please be aware that during instructional time, you may be asked not to go to your child’s classroom.

PARENT/VOLUNTEER HOURS

1. All parents and guardians are welcome to volunteer.
2. Parents and guardians must sign in/out in the Parent/Volunteer handbook located in the main office. Our Family Partnership Specialist can assist you.
3. Please wear the visitors pass while you are volunteering.

It is the policy of the Hamilton County Public School System to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from harassment of any type. The school system prohibits any form of sexual harassment or harassment based upon age, religion, disability, or race/national origin.

Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of harassment or sexual harassment by a student or an employee of the school system, or any third person with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute harassment or sexual harassment, should report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school system official as designated by this policy (Dr. Marvin Lott, Title IX Coordinator, 6703 Bonny Oaks Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421. (423) 209-8477). The school system encourages the reporting party or complainant to use the report form available from the principal of each school or available from the central office locations.

EMERGENCIES

It is imperative that parents complete an emergency contact card for each student listing medical information, work and emergency telephone numbers. The information you provide must be accurate and complete, and should be updated as necessary throughout the school year.

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

Please help us in this area by asking your doctor to prescribe medication that can be given three times daily. You can then give the medication yourself in the morning, after school and at night. If it is necessary for school personnel to administer any medication, Board of Education policy states that certain requirements must be met:

• A written permission form must be on file in the school office. This form is available from the office and must be completely filled out and signed by parents and the child’s licensed health care provider. The school will not administer medication without this form. Your child’s health care provider may fax the completed form to us at (423) 493-0370.
• A new written permission form must be provided at the beginning of each new school year. This form must also be updated when there is a change in time or dose of medication.
• Medication should be brought to the office by an adult and given directly to the office staff.
• All medications must be in the prescription bottle with the proper label.
• The medication will be kept in the office in a locked place.
• No medications other than those prescribed by a physician are permitted and/or administered on school grounds. This includes nonprescription medication.

Children should be kept at home any time they are running a fever or vomiting.

Kindergarten has a skill-based report card. Students are expected to master the majority of these skills to be ready for first grade.

Grades K-5 report cards will be issued every nine weeks.

Two formal parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled during the school year for all parents. You will receive a notice prior to each conference period.

Parents may feel free to contact a teacher whenever you have a question or a problem. Please write a note to the teacher to request a conference time.

Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline

Hamilton County students are expected to behave in a way that does not interrupt the education of other students, or endanger other students or themselves. Violence, non-attendance or tardiness, substance abuse, protests, and other unacceptable behavior are not permitted.

The Code is designed to create a safe and secure environment on school campuses, school buses, and at school functions. The Code’s objective is to establish an environment which encourages student interaction and school pride. It will support and recognize positive behavior.

Zero Tolerance Offenses
(resulting in expulsion)

According to state law, a student who commits a zero tolerance offense is be expelled for one year or more, unless modified by the Superintendent. This includes offenses on school properties, including buses and at school-sponsored activities. All violations will be reported to local law enforcement officials.

Following are those zero tolerance offenses:

• possession of a weapon firearm or explosive, flammable or poison gas device, such as mace
• possession, use, sale of illegal, prescription or counterfeit drugs or drug paraphernalia
• striking a teacher, principal, administrator or any other employee of the Hamilton County Department of Education

Major Offenses
(resulting in short-term or long-term suspension or possible expulsion)

• Alcoholic Beverages
• Selling of alcoholic beverages.
• Incident will be reported to local law officials.
• First offense – suspension of up to 85 days.
• Second offense – may result in expulsion.
• Possession and/or use of alcoholic beverages.
• Incident may not be reported to law officials.

First offense – suspension of at least 20 days.
Second offense – suspension of 85 days or more.
Third offense – expulsion.

Arson
Setting fire to or burning, or initiating the burning of any school property.

Assault/Battery
Threatening to injure, injuring, attempting to inflict injury, force or threat of injury on another person.

Fighting
Injuring or offensively touching another student during a fight.

Gang Activity
Gang-related activity at school or any school function.

Interference With Government Operations
Spreading false rumors of a bombing, fire or another emergency. This includes bomb threats.

Robbery
Taking another person’s possessions or money.

Sexual Offenses
Any acts or attempt of physical sexual assault. Incidents will be reported to local law enforcement officials.

Threats
Threatening a person with the intent to take their money or property, or causing them to do anything against their will.

Trespassing
Unlawfully entering a public school or grounds, or school bus.

Vandalism
Damaging or defacing any property belonging to the stated, county, city or to another person on school grounds or at a school function.

Weapons
Possession of a device capable of injuring another person other than firearms, explosives, flammable or poison gas devices. Examples are clubs, knives, mace, etc.

There are other state and federal violations that have not been listed. Violations of all laws will be reported to law enforcement officials when necessary. Appropriate discipline will be initiated by the school, school board or Superintendent.

Any threat to do harm to another student or school employee or self will be taken seriously by the school administration.

Other Offenses
(resulting in short or long-term suspension)

Harassment
Sexual advances, gestures or verbal phrases which interfere with another student’s education or employee’s work environment.

Pagers & Cellular Phones
Possession of a pager or cellular phone while on school property, including buses, or at a school-sponsored event, without the permission of the school principal or his/her designee.

First offense – pager or phone will be confiscated.

Repeat offenses – may be suspended or possibly expelled.

Misconduct
(resulting in discipline at the discretion of the principal)

Attendance
Skipping school or leaving school without permission, or tardiness.

Parents and guardians are responsible for their students’ attendance. There are penalties for parents and guardians who break this law.

Tobacco Use On School Property

Indecent Language

Disrespect To Teachers/Administrators

Failure To Serve Detention Or Attend Saturday School

Forging An Official Note To/From the School

Improper Conduct

Improper Dress, Cleanliness and Grooming
In order to maintain a focused learning environment, students should be tasteful in selecting clothing, makeup and hair styles. Dress or grooming that is or could be disruptive of others’ education shall not be permitted. Hats or other types of headwear are not permitted without the principal’s approval.

Littering On Campus

Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment is defined as physical discipline. Corporal punishment must be approved as policy for the school by the principal, and students must be notified what misconduct could result in this type of discipline. It is not intended to be used as a first method of discipline, but after several other methods have been used to modify a student’s behavior. Corporal punishment must be witnessed by a second school official or teacher. A parent can then request a written explanation of the reasons for the punishment and the name of the witness.

Searches
Students have the right to be safe and secure at school and pursue their education in a disciplined environment conducive to learning. Therefore, students and all their property will be subject to random administrative searches. Refusal to cooperate with a reasonable request may result in disciplinary action.

Locker Use
The school has the authority and control over the locker and may gain access to it at any time. Any lock to which the school does not have the key or combination will be removed by the school.

Student Vehicles on School Property
Students of driving age are permitted to operate their own vehicles on campus if they have proof of liability insurance coverage and pay required parking fees. However, a student shall permanently lose the privilege to have a vehicle on school grounds if the student is involved in any manner with drugs or drug paraphernalia, other controlled substances including alcohol or possession of a weapon. A principal may prohibit a student from driving a vehicle on school property for a specific period of time for violation(s) of any school regulations. Vehicles parked on school property are subject to search. Parking fees will not be refunded at any time. The school system is not liable for any loss or damage.

School Bus Transportation
By law, school bus transportation is a privilege and not a right. A student shall be prevented from using school bus transportation if his/her behavior physically endangers other riders, causes problems on the school bus or when he/she breaks state and/or local rules and regulations pertaining to school bus transportation.

Suspension Procedures
Short-Term Suspension Of Ten Days Or Less

The student will be informed of the reason for suspension prior to serving the suspension. If the student denies the charge, he/she will be given an informal hearing where an explanation of the evidence is given and the student is afforded an opportunity to respond. If a student’s presence in the school is posing any danger to other students or school officials, or a continual interruption of student education, the student will be removed from the school immediately. In this case, the notice, information hearing, and parent notification will follow as soon as possible. The matter may be referred to local law enforcement officials.

When a student is suspended, the principal will notify the parent or guardian and the Superintendent of the suspension, cause and condition for readmission within 24 hours.

If the suspension is more than five days, the principal will develop a behavior modification plan which will be reviewed by the Superintendent upon request.

A short-term suspension of ten days or less cannot be appealed beyond the school level.

Long-Term Suspension and Expulsion
School administrators will notify the parent or guardian and the Superintendent of a student suspension of ten days or more, the cause and conditions for readmission within 24 hours. The administrator will give written notice to the parent or guardian of the suspension and their rights to appeal. The notice will be sent by mail or be hand delivered.

The administrator will develop a behavior modification plan for the student, which will be reviewed by the Superintendent upon request.

Appeals Procedure
(for long-term suspension of expulsion)

Appeals will be filed with the administrator who suspended the student, orally or in writing, within five calendar days of the notice.

The first level of appeals is to a committee of three school administrators. The hearing will be held not later than ten school days after the first day of the suspension. A school representative and the student will be allowed to present the case to the committee regarding the suspension. Either party may have an attorney present as a silent witness.

The committee may:

• decide in favor of the school administrator
• override the suspension
• assign the student to an alternative program
• suspend the student for a specified length of time.

The decision can then be appealed to the second level, which is the Superintendent or his/her designee. He/She must be notified orally or in writing within five calendar days. Either party may have an attorney speak on their behalf. The Superintendent or his/her designee has the right to any of the same four options as the appeals committee.

The decision can then be appealed to the third level of appeal, which is the Board of Education. The Board must be notified orally or in writing within five calendar days. The Board may act upon the review of the record or may conduct a hearing, and has the same four options as did the appeals committee and the Superintendent or his/her designee. The decision of the Board shall be final, except for zero tolerance violations in which the Superintendent has final authority.

NOTE: This code will be implemented in compliance with the requirements of applicable Federal and State statutes and accompanying regulations governing the appropriate discipline of students suspected or identified as having a disability.

This is only a synopsis of the Code of Acceptable Behavior & Discipline. For questions or comments about the Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline, please call the Hamilton County Department of Education at (423) 209-8533.

1. Be positive.  Smile and greet others.  Be encouraging when sharing ideas.
2. Be a problem solver.  Talk out problems using positive words.  Try to solve the problem before asking for help.  Be an active listener.
3. Be present.  Be aware of your hands and feet.  Be ready to be an active learner.  Be here on time.  Your classmates are counting on you.
4. Be proactive.  Bring all necessary materials.  Respond appropriately and in a respective manner.  Remove your jacket before entering the hallway.  Always think of ways to improve your work.

Each child will be issued textbooks to support classroom learning. Also children will be given an opportunity to check out library books. If a child is using a textbook or library book, they assume the responsibility for the cost of that book if it becomes lost or damaged. Likewise if an item in a classroom is broken or damaged by a child because of inappropriate use or behavior, we ask that a parent assist in replacing the item.

If you are to participate in any volunteer activity that will involve unsupervised contact with students, you must complete a background check through IdentoGo. If you are unsure as to whether or not you will be involved in activity that will require unsupervised contact, please contact your school’s administration for further clarification.

You must complete a volunteer request form and waiver agreement through the Volunteer Request link below to be processed as a volunteer. In order to submit a volunteer request form, you must first be able to provide the date of your fingerprinting, as it is required you complete a background check before you can be processed as a volunteer.