General Information

 

The Tupelo Public School District serves the community by engaging each
student in an excellent education that develops skills and citizenship
needed for success in a global society.
 

                                                               1. Increase student achievement across the district.
                                                         2. Provide a safe, secure and orderly environment in all schools.
                                                                          3. Attract and retain all stakeholders.
                                                                          4. Maintain Sound financial stability.

 

Board Members: Mr. Paul Mize, Mrs. Amy Tate, Secretary,  Mr. John Milstead,
Mrs. Sherry Davis, President, Dr. Rob Picou, Superintendent, Mrs. Hope Huey, Vice President

 

The Tupelo Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities.  The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:  

Director of Human Resources/TPSD Administrative Office Post Office Box 557  
Tupelo, MS  38802  
662-841-8850

The mission of Lawhon Elementary School is to serve our community by challenging each student to reach his or her potential by providing a strong foundation that meets the individual needs of the students. In a comfortable, safe environment each student will be provided the opportunity to become a confident, self-directed, life-long learner.

ARRIVAL
The safety and security of our children is our top priority! Walkers and car riders should not arrive before 7:30 a.m. Carpool students should be dropped off in the carpool lane on Lake Street near the fourth/fifth grade building from 7:30 a.m. until 7:55 a.m. where staff members will be on duty assisting and greeting students. Please drop off only at that location. Please do not enter the parking lot to drop off or pick up students.

Only the first four cars should unload at one time with staff supervision. Children are allowed to open their own car doors and exit onto the sidewalk. Often staff members open the car doors to expedite the process. When there is a long line of cars, it is preferable that children open their own car doors to allow them to get into the building in a timely manner.

Buses arrive on campus at 7:30 a.m. Students will go directly to their classrooms. Students choosing to eat breakfast will pick it up in the cafeteria and take it to their classrooms. Those students not eating breakfast will walk directly to their classrooms at 7:30 a.m. Students desiring to have breakfast and arriving at school after 7:45 a.m. will be provided a “grab and go” breakfast. Instructional time begins promptly at 8:00 a.m.

 

DISMISSAL
Bus and Daycare Riders

 Bus and daycare riders will be dismissed at 2:50 p.m. to the loading areas. Bus and daycare riders will be loaded on Wayside Street. 

•   Second and third grade bus riders leave through their back gate on Wayside Street to load buses.

• Fourth and fifth grade students are dismissed through the gate by D building to load buses.

• Daycare students will remain in their classrooms until their specific daycare is called.

• Grades 2 and 3 will load daycare vans on Lake Street outside of A building.

• Grades 4 and 5 will load daycare vans on Lake Street outside the gated area between C building and the main office building.

CAR RIDERS

• All car riders will be dismissed to the loading area at 2:50 p.m.

• All car riders will be picked up at the front of the school near the gym.

• Cars will form double lines along the front of the school on Lake Street. Children will wait in the gym until their names are called. They will line up to be loaded by staff. The guardian of a car rider will be issued a name plate with his/her child’s name on it. This should be displayed in the front windshield so that a duty teacher can call the child’s name prior to when the vehicle reaches the front of the line. Please remember your name plate when picking up your child.

• Parents should enter the loading zone from Veterans Boulevard traveling to Canal Street then to Hankins Street directly to the parking lot across from the school on Lake Street. Looping around from the parking lot to the loading zone near the gym on Lake Street will allow sufficient space for all cars and avoid traffic jams on East Main Street. Please do not enter from Main Street.

BUS RIDER POLICY
Bus riders may only ride their assigned bus to and from school. Do not send notes requesting for your child to ride a bus other than his/her assigned bus. District policy does not allow children to ride on any bus other than the one to which they have been assigned according to their home address. We strictly enforce this policy.
 

CHANGE OF TRANSPORTATION HOME

• Always notify your child’s teacher, in writing, of any change in procedures or change in person(s) picking them up. Only persons listed on the student emergency card will be allowed to check the student out. Students will be dismissed in the same way every day unless written notice is received informing us of the change.

• If an emergency arises and you must change your child’s transportation during the school day, the office must be notified, no later than 2:00 p.m. For the safety of all children, changes cannot be made after dismissal is in process.

 

IT IS URGENT THAT PARENTS PICK UP STUDENTS PROMPTLY AT AFTERNOON DISMISSAL,
WHICH IS 2:50 P.M. FOR THE SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF THE CHILDREN,
ALL STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN PICKED UP BY 3:15 P.M.WILL REPORT TO THE MAIN FOYER.

EARLY DEPARTURE FROM SCHOOL (CHECKOUT PROCEDURES)

Parents are strongly encouraged to schedule their child’s doctor, dental, and other appointments after school
hours. If this is not possible, send a note to the teacher on the day of the appointment. Upon arrival, come to the
office to sign out your child. Only persons listed on the student emergency card will be allowed to
check out the student. While you are signing the checkout sheet, the office staff will page your child to come to
the office. The school office is extremely busy from 2:00 p.m. through dismissal. Checkout for students after
2:30 p.m. will not be permitted unless an emergency arises. More than five checkouts without a doctor’s excuse
will be reported to the attendance officer. If there is a medical reason, please submit a medical excuse.
Please note that new state law requires that students are present for 63% of the instructional day - this excludes
recess, lunch and breaks. So that your student is considered "present" for the day, please check in your child no
later than 10:00 a.m and check them out no earlier than 2:00 p.m.

Importance of Instructional Time

Getting to school late or leaving early is detrimental to the education of your child. Please help us model respect
for the school day. Instructional time is valued and protected by our staff. Teachers continue with instruction
until dismissal. We encourage all parents to allow their child/children to remain in class until the instructional
time is complete. It is very important for us to have as much time as possible in order for your child to meet
his/her instructional objectives. Early checkout to avoid traffic will not be allowed. Your cooperation will be
greatly appreciated as we work to protect instructional time.

 

UNLOADING/LOADING STUDENTS

In the mornings, from 7:30 a.m. until 8:00 a.m., car riders may unload in front of the school on Lake Street.
Students should always exit/enter their vehicle from the right side nearest the sidewalk. Before 8:00 a.m.,
parking in front of the buildings is not permitted. After 8:00 a.m., parents must park their vehicle, walk their
child(ren) to the office, and sign them in. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep the students safe.

As you pull away from letting your child(ren) out, please stay in line and follow the car ahead of you. This
keeps accidents from occurring. Also this is not a time for conferring with staff members. Traffic goes much
smoother if parents drop off and move on.

Bus riders load and unload in back of the school. Daycare students unload with car riders in the morning and
load on Lake Street in the afternoon. At 2:30 p.m., Wayside becomes a one-way street until 3:45 p.m. where
entrance is to be made only from East Main St. Parents are not permitted to drop off/pick up their children in
this area on Wayside Street.

Attendance- JBD TPSD Board Policy

To be considered as having attended school for a full day, a student must be present for 63% of his/her
instructional day as fixed by the Board for each individual school. For purposes of reporting absenteeism, a
student who has an absence that is more than 37% of the student's instructional day shall be considered absent
the entire school day.

1. Excused Absences shall include:
a. Parental Excused Absences
Students are allowed to have a maximum of three (3) excused parental absences per semester. Parental
absences must be substantiated in writing within 2 school days of the absence. A parent/guardian can
substantiate the absence by sending a signed note, emailing or faxing to the school attendance office. The
note must have the child’s name and date of absence(s). A parent signed checkout will also substantiate a
parental excused absence. A parental excused absence may be for one class, any 30-minute period within a
class or an entire day.
b. Medical Excused Absences
Students are allowed excused medical absences when the absences result from illness or injury which
prevents the student from being physically able to attend school; a medical or dental appointment; isolation
ordered by the county health officer, and State Board of Health or appropriate school official. Excuses from
the doctor or dentist must be substantiated in writing within 2 school days of the absence.
Unexcused Absences- Any absence, tardy or dismissal, which does not meet the criteria of an excused absence,
shall be considered unexcused. No absence will be considered excused when it is due to suspension, expulsion
or other disciplinary action.

Make-up Assignments
If your child is absent, homework assignments can be requested by 10:00 a.m. by calling the school office at 662-841-8910. This will allow teachers ample time to collect assignments for your child. These assignments can be picked up after school in the main office.

Please communicate with your child’s teacher to establish a timeline for turning in missed assignments due to absences. All students with five or more unexcused absences will be referred to the State Attendance Officer.

60% DAYS
60% days have been set aside for parent/teacher conferences. On those days, school will be dismissed at 12:15 p.m.

Fact: Students who check out frequently, those who are late to school frequently, and those who are absent frequently are
more likely to have serious academic problems. Almost all of the children who fall into these categories have to repeat at
least one grade before third grade. As a parent you owe your child support in getting to school on time, being at school
every day, and staying at school all day.

TARDY
A student is considered tardy if he/she arrives after 8:00 a.m. Five unexcused tardies will result in referral to the attendance officer. If the student is tardy, the parent is required to walk his/her child into the office and sign-in for class. Please do not drop off your child in front of the building after 8:00 a.m. There will not be a staff member present to ensure their safety. Gates are locked at 8:00 a.m. Tardies are excused with a doctor’s note or parental excuse if presented within 2 days.

The Lawhon Cafeteria serves two nutritious meals every school day – breakfast and lunch.

• Breakfast is served beginning at 7:30 a.m. After 7:45 a.m. a “grab and go” breakfast is given.

• At lunch, students will have 2 meal choices. The menu is posted in the classroom and on the school website.

• Although lunches may be purchased on a daily basis, students are encouraged to pay for the meals on a weekly or monthly basis. An envelope, if needed, will be provided each Friday to be returned back to school on Monday.

• Online payments for meals can be made through myschoolbucks.com. At no charge, parents may create an account in order to have emails sent to their home or phone to notify of low meal balances. Parents may check their child's meal account balance at any time at no charge. A small fee is charged when parents prepay money into their child's meal account online. This online service includes breakfast and lunch meals.

• Students who bring their lunches are encouraged to pack a healthy, nutritious meal. They may purchase milk from the cafeteria.

• FREE & REDUCED lunches/breakfast: All students will be given an application for free or reduced meals. The Tupelo Public School District is required to provide every parent with the opportunity to apply. The application is also available online through the TPSD website under Child Nutrition or by visiting www.myschoolapps.com . 

Student Breakfast: $2.00
Staff Breakfast: $2.75

Staff Lunch Price:  $4.50 per lunch meal

Student Lunch Price:
PreK - $3.00
K through 12th - $3.00 
Reduced - .40 cents  

 

AED PROCEDURES

The AED machine is located in the main office.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE DRILLS

• Earthquake, fire, lock down, and tornado drills are held at regular intervals throughout the school year.

• Visitors present in the buildings during drills must participate.

• Help your child remember these basic rules during drills: No Talking  ~  WALK  ~  Move quickly and quietly to the designated area.

• The instructions and routes are posted in each classroom next to the door (or an exit) and throughout the building and will be discussed with all students.

OTHER SAFETY REMINDERS

Evacuation sites: In case of evacuation of the building, due to a fire or other threatening situation the following will serve as our evacuation sites:

• East Heights Baptist Church

• East Main Church of Christ

• Connect Church Tupelo

• Students should bring to school ONLY the materials which are necessary and requested.

• Items that are distracting to others and disruptive to the learning process should not be brought to school
  (Yo-yos, wrestling materials, whistles, chewing gum, and fad toy items are examples of distracting
  materials.) Also, because of the possibility of loss or damage, radios, cell phones, iPods, large amounts of money,
  and other items of significant value should not be brought to school.

• The Tupelo Public School District is not responsible for the loss of such items. Absolutely no weapons, including knives or look-alike (toy) weapons of any kind, may be brought to school. Any student who brings a weapon or look-alike weapon to school will be disciplined in accordance with District policy.

** Lawhon Elementary has a detailed Crisis Management Plan in place to deal with various situations as they may arise.

Enrollment Procedures:
Enrollment Policy

TPSD offers ONLINE registration through INFOSNAP -

New Students or Returning Students.
Once registration has been completed and submitted electronically, a legal parent or guardian must submit 2
proofs of residency to the appropriate school(s).

New students registering in Tupelo Public Schools must submit 2 proofs of residency, birth certificate, and
immunization compliance (MS) Form 121.

 

Withdrawal Procedures:

To withdraw a student from school:

• the parent or legal guardian must contact the school counselor on the day of withdrawal.

• The parent or legal guardian must sign a withdrawal form provided by the school counselor.

• The student must return all textbooks and library books to the media center.

• A record of a student's grades and services received will be provided to the parent or legal guardian at the time of withdrawal.

• If the student is moving out of state a copy of the immunization records will be provided.

• The principal/counselor must sign the withdrawal form.

• Official records will be sent to the new school upon request from the new school.

 

CHORUS

Lawhon Elementary offers a variety of musical experiences that includes chorus opportunities for students. Ms. Ariel Ray, Lawhon's music teaher, will coordinate all chorus activities. Proper vocal technique, vowel production, posture, and performance etiquette are emphasized.

D.A.R.E.

D.A.R.E., an acronym that stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, is a 17-week course for fifth grade students taught by a uniformed police officer. The nationally-recognized program is a joint effort of the Tupelo Public School District and the Tupelo Police Department to help prevent drug abuse.

 

SAFESPLASH

Tupelo Park and Recreation Department and TPSD have partnered on "SafeSplash", a water safety program offered to every 2nd grader in the district. Lawhon second grade students will attend swim training sessions at the Tupelo Aquatic Center, with parental permissions, under the direction of Mrs. Terry Lee Clayton, our P.E. teacher, and with the support from second grade teachers and other specials staff.
 

CHALLENGE

The Challenge Program is provided for intellectually gifted children in grades two through six in the Tupelo Public School District. Students are screened in first grade grade through teacher observations, group intelligence tests, and achievement tests. In some circumstances, students are screened in higher grades. Students who are referred for testing take an individual intelligence test . The Mississippi Department of Education regulations require that all children score at the 91st percentile to be eligible for the Challenge Program. Students who are in the program meet for a minimum of five hours each week with the Challenge teache

CLUBS

Clubs are led by teachers who volunteer to organize them. They meet on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons, except Lawhon Lyrics which will meet two mornings. Students sign up early in the year and are allowed to participate in two clubs. Examples of club possibilities are: Art Club,, Beta Club, Garden Club, Drama Club, Lawhon Lyrics (choir), Robotics Club, and Good News Club.
 

Assemblies/Performances

All grade levels will have a grade level performance coordinated by our specials staff. Assemblies may be called as the need arises for other special purposes. At all times the student's behavior should be refined and courteous. An indication of cultural level of the school is conduct of its student body at an assemble. Whether guest are present or not, each student is personally responsible for the impression made by the school as a whole. Unacceptable conduct would include whistling, uncalled for clapping, boisterousness, and talking during a program. Children should remember to keep their feet, hands, and other objects to themselves. Parents and guests are encouraged to attend.
 

HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS
In the Tupelo Public School District teachers must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, and may have
masters, specialist or doctorate degrees. Teachers with three years of experience may complete the national
board certification process. District teachers participate in many days of professional development every school
year. The 1200 members of the TPSD faculty and staff embody the core belief that "an excellent public school
system is comprised of superb schools which depend on high-quality staff who are performance driven,
motivated to succeed, and are themselves life-long learners".

LOST AND FOUND
Please write your child’s name in his/her jackets, sweaters, lunch boxes, backpacks, etc. We will have a lost and
found “box” located near the auditorium. Articles found in and around the school will be turned into the office
and placed in the lost and found box. The “lost and found” area will be cleaned out during the last week of each
month. Items will be donated after reasonable effort has been made to find the owners.

MEDIA CENTER
Each student will visit the Media Center weekly as one of his/her “special” classes. In addition, the Media
Center will be available for flexible use in the mornings prior to special activity periods by individuals to check
out books as needed and for research for special projects.

HEAD LICE
The law of the State of Mississippi states: “If a student in any public elementary or secondary school has had
head lice on three (3) consecutive occasions during one (1) school year while attending school, or if the parent
of the student has been notified by school officials that the student has had head lice on three (3) consecutive
occasions in one (1) school year, as determined by the school nurse, public health nurse or a physician, the
principal or administrator shall notify the county health department of the recurring problem of head lice with
that student.”

PERSONAL ITEMS
Children should bring to school only the materials/supplies that are necessary and requested. Items that are
distracting to others and disruptive to the learning process are considered nuisance items and should not be
brought to school. Toy guns, toy knives, whistles, chewing gum, and fad toy items are examples of
distracting materials. Bringing some of these items may result in disciplinary actions. Because of the
possibility of loss or damage, radios, CD players, cell phones, iPods, large amounts of money and other items of
significant value should not be brought to school. The Tupelo Public School District is not responsible for the
loss of such items.

PLACEMENT POLICY
Children are placed in classrooms with consideration of confidential information from parents and teachers.
Requests for specific teachers are not accepted.

SCHOOL INSURANCE
School insurance is available to all students. Purchase of this program is optional and between the parent and
the insurance company offering the coverage. The school has no responsibility connected to the insurance
company or the insurance coverage.

SPECIALS
Each student will have one 50-minute “specials” class per day. These classes will include art, music, physical
education, technology, and media. Students will participate in a variety of activities to provide a well- rounded
education for each individual.

➢ Art
Our students enjoy participating in art class! In this class, students gain a better understanding of
principles of visual art including color, design and art history. In art, the children learn a variety of techniques,
such as water coloring, shading, and dimensions. The artwork of our students can be found at the Tupelo High
School Performing Arts Center, our school building, and, in the spring, at the Gum Tree Museum of Art.
➢ Music
In music class, students explore different styles and genres of music through singing, listening, playing
instruments, and movement. Musical skills are developed using the Orff approach as well as traditional
methods.
➢ Physical Education
Physical Education classes provide a time for exercising and participating in cooperative games, as well
as competitive games. Our Project Fit America grant will be implemented through the physical education
program. Students learn the importance of good sportsmanship and physical exercise. Students will move to
music. Our school offers classes that provide cognitive content and learning experiences in a variety of activity
areas such as basic movement skills, physical fitness, rhythms and dance, and games. Through many planned
physical activities, each student should reach the optimum physical, mental, emotional, and social level of
development. Students are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and clothes – dresses are not a good idea on
P.E. day. Please let us know if your child ever has any special needs (injuries, sickness, etc.).
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➢ Technology Lab
All students will attend computer classes weekly in the computer lab. Lawhon Elementary School is
committed to preparing students for a world of technology by providing instruction in computer ethics, care,
and use. Students work on various programs such as Coding in the lab each week. Each individual classroom is
also equipped with its own computer station.
➢ Project Lead the Way
Project Lead The Way provides transformative learning experiences for students. We create an engaging,
hands-on classroom environment and empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills they need to
thrive.
➢ Media Center
Every child has an organized time to visit the media center. However, all children have access to the
media center every day. During media class, the children learn how to utilize the media center more efficiently
and check out books. All books are due in one week but may be returned early or renewed if extra time is
needed. Students will not be allowed to check out books if they have two library books that are overdue.
 

Parents and Other Visitors

To ensure that we provide a safe and secure environment for all students and staff, we require ALL visitors and parents to come to the office, sign in, and get a visitor badge.  All visitors and parents are also asked to use the FRONT entrance only. Visitors are not permitted in classrooms during instructional time without prior permission from the principal. If you need to conference with a teacher, please arrange a meeting outside of the instructional times of 8:00 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. unless it is during a planning period. Instructional time is protected at Lawhon.

The principal is responsible for all persons in the building and on the campus and will schedule through his/her designee visits from parents, community members, and other educational professionals. The following policy applies to all visitors entering a school other than for attendance at a scheduled activity open to the general public:  In order to assure that no unauthorized persons enter the school with wrongful intent, all visitors will report to the school office when entering to receive authorization and identification passes to visit elsewhere in the building.  Parents or citizens who wish to observe a classroom while school is in session must arrange such visits in advance with the principal so that classroom disruption will be minimal.  Principals are authorized to refuse entry onto school grounds to persons who do not have legitimate business at the school and to request any unauthorized person or persons engaging in unacceptable conduct to immediately leave school property. Principals are further authorized to request assistance of law enforcement officers in cases of emergency and to seek prosecution to the full extent of the law when persons violate the intent of this policy. 

If you would like to communicate electronically with your child’s teacher(s), e-mail is a great way to make contact. All teachers’ e-mail addresses can be found at www.tupeloschools.com.

Parent/Visitor Parking

Please do not park in from of the school during drop off and pick up times. This will clock the traffic flow and can become a safety hazard.

 

TELEPHONE AND STUDENT MESSAGES

Students may not use the school phones for personal calls except in an emergency and with staff
permission. In the event a student receives a call, he/she will be called out of class only in an
emergency. Normally, phone calls for students will be handled between classes, during lunchtime and
after school.
Parents, please do not cause class interruptions for messages unless absolutely necessary. When
messages are necessary, the best time to call the school office is between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

 

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION

The PTO is an organization of parents and teachers who work together to improve and enhance the school environment. Everyone is invited to join and to share in that partnership of support. Through monthly general meetings (every 2nd Tuesday of the month) and PTO newsletters, parents are kept up

 

The PTO is an organization of parents and teachers who work together to immp

President- Natalie Ellis
Vice President- Kimberly Jeffares (Social Media and PR)
Secretary- Allie West
Treasurer- Bonnie Mize
Fundraising Chair- Savannah Koon
Special Events- Co-Chairs- Missy Ewing, Chassidy Hampton
Hospitality Chair- Hannah Clair McCullough
*Hospitality Committee- Tori Daniel, Kory Hunter, Katie Wiygul, Jene King, Maggie Clark, Catherine Thoms, Erika Thompson
Landscaping/Maintenance Chair- Kathryn Rhea

 

In the Event of Inclement Weather

It will be our practice to always put the safety of our students and staff first in dismissing schools for reasons caused by inclement weather.

• Click for Weather-Related School Closings

• The District will carefully check conditions of transportation and make the decision to dismiss school after considering all of the information available.

• Parental discretion is encouraged in cases regarding safety in unusual, specific situations. The final decision for a child to attend school or not during inclement weather rests with the parent.
• There are some times when major thoroughfares are kept open, and we have school even though some roads are still frozen. It would be our plan for buses to run the open roads, where no dangers exist, in order to complete a school day.
• If inclement weather should occur during the day making it necessary to close school early, an announcement will be made by the Superintendent. The TPSD Communications Director will send notifications via email, text, social media, radio and television.
• Be assured that every precaution will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
• Students will not be allowed to leave the school campus if a tornado warning is in effect.
• Please do not call the school offices, administrators' homes, radio or television stations, or civil defense offices as this ties up lines necessary for notifying the general public.

 

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Board Policy Code JCDB Dress Code for Students

1. Dress and grooming codes are based upon certain sound foundations, not just arbitrarily selected and dictatorially enforced without a justifiable cause. Codes and laws which address indecent exposure, personal well being, health, safety and sanitation are basic fundamentals of society. Due to evidence that suggests that a definite relationship does exist between good dress habits, good work habits, and proper school behavior, conditions conducive to learning will not be impaired or compromised due to temporary or individual fashion fads. No student’s appearance will cause a distraction to such an extent that it will hinder another student’s right to a conducive educational environment.

2. The administration, faculty, and students of Tupelo Public School District recognize that students must be aware of the importance of acceptable standards of personal appearance and dress. All students will be expected to dress in a manner that reflects favorably upon the efforts of the total educational community to provide the best learning experience possible for each student. It is the goal of the TPSD Student Dress Code to reflect neatness, cleanliness, and self-respect so that the school is a desirable place in which to promote learning and character development.

3. The District dress code is not all-inclusive--it is virtually impossible to write a dress and grooming code which will properly address every detail and aspect of appropriate dress and grooming. Therefore, it may become necessary for the building principal or a member of the administrative staff to make a judgment as to whether a student is properly groomed and/or dressed. Students may not wear attire that causes a disruption to the educational environment.

4. The Board prohibits the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, notebook or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark or any other attribute, denotes membership in a group which advocates drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior. This policy shall be applied at the discretion of the principal, after consultation with the superintendent, as the need arises at individual school sites.

5. The Board authorizes the superintendent to implement specific dress codes for all students in accordance with their grade classification:

 

Grades K-6

1. Students are permitted to wear shorts in warm weather provided the shorts are of adequate size and length. The minimum length for shorts is index finger length with arms extended when dropped from the side. Cut-off blue jean shorts are inappropriate as well as shorts withe holes, tears, and/or shreds. Holes, tears, and /or shreds that expose undergarments and inappropriate areas (holes above the knee) are prohibited.

2. The length of dresses and skirts will not exceed four inches above the top of the knee and will also be appropriate for bending, stooping, sitting and working overhead while at school.

3. Transparent clothing without proper underclothing is inappropriate. Transparent wind suits are inappropriate. Wind suits may be worn provided they are not transparent.

4. Muscle shirts, tube tops, tank tops, razor back tops, spaghetti strap tops and fishnet tops are prohibited.

5. No clothing shall be so low in the front as to expose any part of the breast or shall be so low in the back to explode the shoulder blades.

6. The midriff shall not be exposed while walking, standing, and/or sitting.

7. An over shirt is permitted as long as a proper undergarment is worn.

8. Any article of clothing which contains or depicts the following is prohibited: substances illegal by law for minors - alcohol,drugs, tobacco; profane, suggestive, and/or violent language; derogatory symbols. or remarks directed to any ethnic group.

9. Any jewelry and/or items of ornamentation which depicts weapons of violence or substances illegal to minors are prohibited.

10. Hair shall be free from obnoxious odors, and shall be clean and neat in appearance. Picks, combs, rollers, and bonnets/sleet caps
     shall not be worn in, not on the hair.

11. Basketball jerseys shall not be worn without appropriate underclothing. Hoods should not be worn in the building.

12. Shoe/sandals shall be worn. Shoes designed to be laced shall be laced. Shoes with cleats and house shoes are inappropriate.

13. Loose and/or sagging pants,slacks, and shorts falling below the waist without a belt are prohibited.

14. Leggings/yoga pants/running pants and similar tight fitting pants are only permitted when worn with a top tha extends down from
      the shoulders to mid-thigh of the leg (front and back).

15. Sunglasses shall be removed from the head when entering a building.

16. Hats and caps, unless a part of a special event, shall not be worn in the building. The penalty for wearing a hat or cap is
      confiscation. The hat or cap will be returned to the parent upon the completion of the school year.

17. Piercing of exposed body parts that cause a distraction or cause a safety concern are prohibited. This includes body piercings
      other than ear piercing.

18. Doo-rags, bandanas, and wash clothes are prohibited.

19. All fasteners and buckles designed for use with an article of clothing shall be used appropriately at all times.

20. Restrictions on a student's manner of dress or grooming will be determined :
       (a)  where there is clear and present danger to the student's health and safety; or
       (b)  when the attire causes in interference with work, a disruption to the educational
             environment, or creates classroom or school disorder as a result of such manner
             of dress or grooming.

21. Trench coats, or other items of clothing which could be utilized to conceal dangerous or prohibited items are not allowed.

22. Hoods should not be worn in the building.

 

School Nurse Marchell Graham is always on call for assistance. Please let your child’s teacher know of any special medical needs. Nurse Graham will develop a medical action plan with your assistance to ensure your child’s needs are met. The school nurse is available each day at Lawhon.

 

SUPPORT THERAPIST

Employed by LifeCore, our support therapists, Ms. Carlie Moon and Ms. Mary Strange, receive referrals from classroom teachers on children who might benefit from supportive counseling services. These services could include behavior modification and promotion of self-esteem.

 

BARTON READING PROGRAM

 The Barton program is a reading and spelling system influenced by Orton-Gillingham. The instruction takes a simultaneously multi-sensory approach that is explicit and systematic. The program is designed to improve the spelling, reading, and writing skills of children, teenagers, or adults who struggle due to dyslexia or a learning disability. The effectiveness of Barton is supported by independent scientific research that contains all of the essential reading instructions required by the NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT. The Barton program is divided into 10 levels targeting different objectives with each lesson teaching many of the Common Core Standards. It is a small group intervention program provided for students who meet the program criteria.

A Barton student must:

• Be at least 5 years old and in kindergarten

• Can speak and comprehend spoken English

This is not for children with a receptive or expressive language disorder. This is also not an ELL program.

A non-native English speaker must be able to speak and understand spoken English at a second grade level.

 

• Have an IQ of 70 or higher

• Struggle with spelling when writing stories, and cannot easily sound our unknown words when reading. If someone can already read accurately and rapidly, and spells well, but only has trouble with comprehension, then the Barton System would not be needed or appropriate.

• Can pass the Barton student screening (Barton Entry)

We also look at students’:

Assessment scores, including MAAP and STAR Repeaters

Reading and Language scores

Asbestos Notification
In accordance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) regulations established by the EPA,
all school districts are required to provide an annual notification to all parents, teachers, and employees regarding
our asbestos management program. This annual notification informs all persons of their option to review the
Asbestos Management Plan for our school district.To provide continuing management of the asbestos in our schools, all
Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM) are inspected every six months by an accredited asbestos inspector.
Any changes to these materials are recorded in a surveillance report as part of the management plan. Additionally,
an accredited Asbestos Management Planner conducts a comprehensive inspection of all ACM’s every 3 years. This 3-year re-inspection has been performed as required and a copy has been filed withthe Mississippi Department of Education.
A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is located in the principal’s office at each school. In addition, copies of all Asbestos Management Plans for the district are maintained in the Superintendent’s office located at72 South Green Street. If you are
interested in reviewing this information, please contact the Central office at662-841-8853 to schedule an appointment.

 

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age
(“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. They are:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the district receives a request for access.

• The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading.

• The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
Department of Education
Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605

 

• The Tupelo Public School District routinely makes public certain directory information regarding students. This directory information includes the student name, address, telephone number, picture, height and weight of athletes, extracurricular activities, awards, honor rolls, electronic listings, Internet web pages, and other information which is typically found in school yearbooks, programs, bulletins, and student newspapers. In addition, the District discloses names, addresses, and telephone numbers to military recruiters upon request. Parents and eligible students shall have from July 15 until September 1 to review this notice and request in writing to the school principal that all or any part of the directory information not be disclosed without prior written consent.

                                                                                   

                                                                                        Title I and Parents' Right to Know

                                                                                                         Title I, Part A
On January 8, 2002, President George W. Bush signed into law the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001.
This Act, which redefines the federal role in K - 12 education, is the most sweeping reform of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) since it was enacted in 1965. There are four main principles of the law:

• stronger accountability for results

• increased flexibility and local control

• expanded options for parents

• an emphasis on teaching methods that have been proven to work

Research has shown that students from lower socio-economic environments do not perform as well academically as their peers. The NCLB Act strives to close that achievement gap, and the Title I grant program supports the process by helping to ensure that all students have opportunities to achieve their highest academic potential.

Title I funds may be used in combination with other Federal, State, and local funds in order to upgrade the
entire educational program of a school. However, funds allocated to the Title I program may not be used to fund
other programs.

Title I funding in the Tupelo Public School District provides vital funding for the Early Childhood Education
Center’s Pre-K program. This program allows the Tupelo Public School District to provide early intervention for
our youngest students.

The qualifications of teachers and paraprofessionals employed in schools funded by Title I will be provided upon parent request.
Title I School wide Programs are available at the Early Childhood Education Center and the eight K-5 elementary schools.
For further information, please contact the principal of the school where your child attends or the Director of Federal Programs. In addition, a parent may request information on the level of achievement of the parent’s child on each state academic assessment, and/or a timely notice that the parent’s child has been assigned or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified.

Title III, ELL

Title III of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 provides Federal financial support to state and local
educational agencies to supplement English language instruction in order to ensure that all English Language
Learners, including immigrant children and youth, attain English proficiency, develop high levels of academic
language proficiency in English, and meet the same challenging State academic achievement standards as all
Mississippi students are expected to meet.

                                                                                        
                                                                                       Title X, Homeless Education
The Purpose of Title X, Homeless grants to local education agencies is to provide activities for, and services to,
homeless children and youth including preschool-age children that enable these children and youth to enroll,
attend, and succeed in school. These services provide before or after school tutoring, supplemental
instruction and enriched educational activities. All activities may be provided on school grounds or at other
facilities including sectarian property.

The McKinney-Vento Act defines “homeless children and youth” as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and
adequate nighttime residence. The term includes:
Children and youth who are:

• sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason (sometimes referred to as doubled-up);

• living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;

• living in emergency or transitional shelters;

• abandoned in hospitals; or

• awaiting foster care placement;

Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or
ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

For More information, please contact the

Tupelo Public School District’s McKinney Vento Liaison Jeni Chandler at
662-841-1083 or Corlis Curry at 662-841-8850.

 

                                                         Free and Appropriate Education of Disabled (Special Education)

The Tupelo Public School District's Department of Special Education is committed to providing accessibility to
all needed programs and facilities to ensure a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for approximately 1,089
students with disabilities currently identified within the district. The district is involved in on-going formal
activities to identify, locate and evaluate all children from birth through 21 years of age who are suspected of
having a disability and who may be in need of special education and/or related services. The district currently
30
has 70 highly qualified special education teachers, 32 special education assistants, and 3 interpreters for the deaf
located at 17 different sites. The goal of Tupelo Public School District's Department of Special Education is to
be a service-oriented department that provides specialized programs to meet the unique needs of students with
disabilities.