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,  Mr. John Milstead,
Mrs. Sherry Davis, Dr. Rob Picou, Superintendent, Mrs. Hope Huey, 

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

Breakfast service begins at 7:15 a.m. The cafeteria will stop serving breakfast at 7:45 a.m. Students who desire breakfast and arrive at school after 7:45 a.m. will be provided a “grab and go” breakfast. Students will be allowed to enter their classroom at 7:30 a.m.; instructional time begins promptly at 7:50 a.m.

Tardy:

A student is considered tardy if he/she arrives to school after 7:50 a.m. If a student is tardy, the parent/guardian is required to walk his/her child into the school and sign him/her in. Please do not drop off your child in front of the building after 7:50 a.m.; there will not be a staff member present there to ensure the student’s safety. Unexcused tardies are calculated each nine weeks and parent letters/conferences will begin at 5 tardies. The attendance officer is notified at 5 unexcused tardies also.

EARLY DEPARTURE FROM SCHOOL (CHECKOUT PROCEDURES)

Parents are strongly encouraged to try 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 sign- ing the checkout sheet, the office staff will page your child to come to the office. The school office is extremely busy from 1:00 p.m. through dismissal. Checkout for students after 1:00 p.m. will not be permitted unless an emergency arises. More than five checkouts without doctor’s excuses will be reported to the attendance officer. If there is a medical reason, please submit a medical excuse.

Dismissal:

All students are dismissed at 2:50 p.m. Students will be dismissed to authorized persons only as indicated on the student information/ emergency form. Always notify your child’s teacher, in writing, of any change in procedures or change in person(s) picking him/her up. Students will be dismissed in the same way every day unless written notice is received informing us of the change. It is urgent that parents pick up students promptly after the 2:50 p.m. afternoon dismissal. For the safety and protection of the children, all students who have not been picked up by 3:25 p.m. will report to the office. Any student picked up after 3:25 p.m. must be signed out by an authorized adult.

Attendance – JBD TPSD Board Policy 

ATTENDANCE

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 in- jury which pre- vents 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.

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.

Tardy:

A student is considered tardy if he/she arrives to school after 7:50 a.m. If a student is tardy, the parent/guardian is required to walk his/her child into the school and sign him/her in. Please do not drop off your child in front of the building after 7:50 a.m.; there will not be a staff member present there to ensure the student’s safety. Unexcused tardies are calculated each nine weeks and parent letters/conferences will begin at 5 tardies. The attendance officer is notified at 5 unexcused tardies also.

Tardy Plan
 

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

• Breakfast is served from 7:15 a.m. until 7:45 a.m. each day.

• Lunch is served between 10:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.

• At lunch, students will have 2 meal choices. The menu is posted on the district website.

• Money for lunch is collected on Monday mornings.

• 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.

• Parents and other visitors who wish to eat lunch in the cafeteria should notify the office by 8:30 a. m. on the day of the visit with a note or a phone call.

• 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 

EMERGENCY DRILLS:  

Thomas Street Elementary School will conduct monthly safety drills according to state regulations. We will have fire drills, tornado drills, lockdown drills, and earthquake drills. These drills are in place to help students and staff know what to do in these situations. We encourage students to stay calm and follow procedures. If you are in the building during one of these drills. you will be expected to participate also.
 

Enrollment Procedures:

Enrollment Policy

Withdrawal Procedures:

• If you need to withdraw your child from school, come by the office to inform us of the date your child will be withdrawing and hte new school the student will be attending.

• The counselor will complete a withdrawal form for the student to take to his new school

• Student records are sent to the new school upon request.

• Your child must be cleared by the media center having turned in all textbooks, and library books belonging to the school.

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 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. Regulations from the Mississippi Department of Education require that all children score at or above the 91st percentile to be eligible for the Challenge Program. Students who are in the program meet for five hours each week with the Challenge teacher.

SPECIAL CLASSES

➢ Art
Our students participate in art class every rotation. In this class students gain a better under-standing of principals of visual art including color, design and art history. In art, the children learn a variety of techniques such as: water coloring, shading, dimensions, and others. 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. Second grade students perform several times throughout the school year at various places in the community, as well as at school. Being a part of this performing group provides opportunities to develop vocal and dance performance skills.

➢ Physical Education
Physical Education classes provide a time for exercising and participating in cooperative games, as well as competitive games. Students learn the importance of good sportsmanship and physical exercise. Our school offers classes that provide cognitive content and learning expe-riences 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 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.).

➢Computer Lab
All students will attend computer classes in the computer lab. Thomas Street Elementary School is committed to preparing its students for a world of technology by providing instruction in computer ethics, care, and use. Students become familiar with the different parts of the computer and are taught how to navigate the keyboard properly.

➢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. Books may be checked out anytime between 7:45 and 2:45. All books are due in one week but may be returned early or renewed if extra time is needed.
Other special activities such as Science Lab may be added depending on the number of homerooms per grade level.

CLUBS
Several after school clubs are offered on a monthly basis. These groups engage in fun learning activities and are led by teachers and interventionists.

ARTS INTEGRATION
Thomas Street has participated in an Arts Integration grant for the past 7 years. This year, we will increase these efforts by participating in the Whole Schools Initiative in conjunction with the MS Arts Commission.

GRADE LEVEL PERFORMANCES
Every student in each grade participates in a performance each year. This builds self-confidence in our students and teaches students not only to perform, but proper audience etiquette as well.
 

VISITORS:  
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. 

STUDENT DELIVERIES:  
Students may not receive deliveries (flowers, balloons, candy, etc.) to the school for any occasion.

PERSONAL ITEMS AT SCHOOL:  
Students are asked to refrain from bringing personal items to school, especially those considered valuable as this helps to minimize distractions in the classroom as well as prevent loss or damage to personal items.     
 

IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER:  

It will be our practice to always put the safety of our students and staff firstt in dismissing school for reasons caused by inclement weather. We carefully check the conditions for transportation and make the decision to dismiss school after we have considered all of the information available. If inclement weather should occur during the day and it becomes necessary to close school early, an announcement will be made by Central Office. All local news media will be notified by his office, and radio and television stations will announce the decision of early dismissal. Parents will be notified with a phone call so please keep phone numbers current. School closings and early dismissals will also be announced on the TPSD Weather Related Closings page. Every precaution will be taken to ensure the safety of all students. Students will not be allowed to leave the school campus if a tornado warning is in effect. Parents are welcome to come inside the building to stay, but students may not leave until the warning is lifted.

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SCHOOL & HOME
Clear communication is essential in an effective school-home relationship.  If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact school personnel.  A newsletter will be posted each week informing parents of the happenings in the child’s classroom.  

CONCERNS:  
Direct your communication to one person in the position closest to the situation.  If there is an issue involving the teacher, contact the teacher first.  If there is a concern in which you feel the counselor could be of assistance, please call the office for the counselor.  Contact the principal in general situations involving more than one individual or classroom or if satisfaction is not gained after talking with the teacher. 

PARENT CONFERENCES:  
Parents are strongly encouraged to communicate as much as possible with their child's teacher.  A parent conference can be scheduled by contacting the classroom teacher or the school guidance counselor. The most appropriate times to schedule a parent-teacher conference are before school, after school, and/or during a teacher's planning period.   Parents who wish to arrange a conference should call the school counselor during the day at 841-8960. 

Board Policy Code JCDB Dress Code for Students

Student Appearance

It should be a matter of personal pride for a student of TPSD to maintain high standards of neatness and appropriateness of dress and appearance. Parents will be called to bring a change of clothing to the school if a student is not dressed appropriately.

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, bandannas, 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.

COUNSELING:  
The guidance program at Thomas Street Elementary is committed to the individual growth and development of each student and to working with both students and parents to ensure the greatest benefit from school experiences. Teachers, administration, parents, or students themselves may refer a student in need to the counselor at any time.
    
SPECIAL NEEDS:  
Special Education services are available at Thomas Street Elementary for students with special learning needs.  Testing and evaluation are part of the resources provided by specialists trained in the areas of speech and language, learning disabilities, challenge and teaching the physically handicapped.
 
CHALLENGE PROGRAM:  
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 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 or above the 90th percentile to be eligible for the Challenge Program. Students who are in the program meet for five hours each week with the Challenge teacher.

                                                                                                TITLE I:
 
Title I is the largest federal aid program for elementary, middle, and high schools. Through Title I, the Federal government gives money to school districts around the country based on the number of at-risk students in each district. The purpose of Title I is to ensure that all children have a fair and significant opportunity to obtain a high quality education. Title I schools have a choice as to how they set up their Title I program as long as the program helps its students meet state academic standards. Title I funds at Pierce Street are used to:  

1.    Hire additional instructional staff,
2.    Purchase equipment and learning materials, and
3.    Support parent involvement activities.  Parents-Right-To-Know

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.

 FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT:  
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.
 
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 with the 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 at 72 South Green Street. If you are interested in reviewing this information, please contact the
Central Office at 662-841-8853 to schedule an appointment.