2016-2017

George Hall Elementary School

1108 Antwerp Street

Mobile, Alabama 36605

Phone: 251-221-1345 Fax: 251-221-1348

WEBSITE

http://hall.mce.schoolinsites.com

FACEBOOK Hall Elementary School

INSTAGRAM Hall_Elementary

TWITTER @HallElementary

SCHOOL MESSENGER: Email and voicemails

School Messenger will be used to communicate with parents. Messengers will be sent as a voicemail or an

email. These messages inform parents of upcoming events, activities, field trips, fund raising activities, and

parent meetings. You will also be notified by School Messenger if there is an emergency at school. It is

important to have current phone and email records in order for you to receive these messages. Please take time

to listen to the School Messenger when you are called.

Remind App

The office will send text reminders to your cell phones.

Subscribe to these reminders now by sending a text to the number 81010 with the message @hallschool

SCHOOL BULLETINS

School bulletins are sent home at the beginning of each month. The bulletins contain important information

such as dates of field trips and meetings, the school schedule, upcoming events, as well as other valuable

information that parents need to know.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of George Hall Elementary School is to engage all students in a rigorous and challenging

educational program. As a community of learners, we promote individual student achievement and empower

our students to excel in a culture of responsibility and mutual respect. Our students will graduate as

knowledgeable and productive citizens in an ever-changing technological world.

STUDENT PLEDGE

As a student at George Hall, I pledge to:

• Cooperate

• Act responsibly

• Respect authority and others

• Extend good manners and show self-control.

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

The faculty and staff of George Hall Elementary School believe that all children can learn.

We believe it is our responsibility to ensure every child in our building is well prepared to meet or exceed proficiency

standards for the next level of education.

We believe that it takes every adult in the building to reach our goals and fulfill our mission, along with parents and other

stakeholders providing effective support.

We believe that each adult in the building must be highly qualified, and well trained to utilize research based strategies,

programs, materials, and supplies to effectively complete the tasks necessary in his/her area of expertise.

We believe that it is the responsibility of each adult in the building to make a positive difference in the lives of the

children we serve by continuously exceeding the proficiency standards of his/her position, thereby setting a standard of

excellence in every area of the school setting that can be emulated by our students for the tasks assigned to them.

George Hall Elementary Schedule

7:30 Breakfast begins

7:50 Cafeteria Door Closed – Breakfast over

7:45 Students in halls move to classrooms

7:55 Students exit cafeteria

8:00 School begins

8:00 Morning announcements

2:55 Move to pods

3:00 Dismissal

THERE ARE NO EARLY DISMISSALS AFTER 2:30 P.M.

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

Students should not arrive before 7:30 a.m.

1. Students who arrive by car are to use the established carpool lanes on Ghent Street.

2. Once on campus, all students proceed to the building using the sidewalk in the quad area (between the

main building and the multi-purpose building).

3. Pre-K – 2nd grade will enter the back door of the lobby.

4. 3rd – 5th will enter the exterior doors to the cafeteria.

5. Once in the building, Pre-K – 2nd grade will stand in the hallways until they are dismissed to their

classes at 7:45. 3rd -5th grade will go to the cafeteria for breakfast before reporting to their classes.

6. No one may enter the front doors of the school!

7. During inclement weather, students will enter the back doors of the building and stand quietly until

instructed to proceed to class.

8. There will be no free play or horse play on campus before school.

TEACHERS ARE NOT ON DUTY UNTIL 7:30. DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL

BEFORE THIS TIME.

9. School begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. each day. The back doors close when the tardy bell rings. Anyone

arriving after the tardy bell must enter the front doors of the school and come to the office to check in.

10. Please make sure your child is on time for school each day!

Morning Carpool Procedures

• Form 2 lines (beginning at the speedbump) on Ghent Street.

• Hold students in your car until carpool begins at 7:30.

• Do not exit cars until teachers blow whistle.

• Do not move your car until teachers have given an all clear to do so.

• DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF THE CARPOOL LINE

• As a rule, no cars and kids should ever move at the same time. Safety is our goal!

TARDY POLICY

Students who are tardy are disruptive to the classroom learning environment. Tardies have an adverse effect on

a child’s educational progress. Students who are late for school should report to the office.

According to the Mobile County Public School System Code of Conduct, “Students are required to be on time

for school. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to make sure their children arrive on time each day.”

Parents will receive a letter when excessive tardies occur.

Students who have more than one tardy per quarter do not qualify for perfect attendance. Students who have

excessive tardies (more than 3 per quarter) and/or excessive absences, will not participate in field trips or school

sponsored events. Parents/guardians and students will be referred to the Early Warning Truancy/Discipline

Program on the fifth (5th) unexcused absence and on the fifteenth (15th) tardy to school.

Students enrolled in Pre-K will be removed from the program after the fifth (5th) unexcused absence

and/or fifteenth (15th) tardy to school.

EARLY DISMISSALS

• Students need to remain in school for the entire school day. Only in extreme cases of emergency

should a parent request an early dismissal. When students are called on the intercom, instruction for the

entire class stops. Parents are requested to schedule appointments after school so that class time may be

used effectively. If an emergency does arise, students must be signed out and called from the office.

• No students will be released to anyone at the classroom door.

• Any student who has more than one early dismissal during a quarter is not eligible for perfect

attendance.

• There are no early dismissals after 2:30 p.m.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

• Students must be picked up promptly at dismissal.

• Pre-K and Kindergarten children may not walk home alone.

• Any student picked up late will have to be signed out in the office.

• Excessive late pick-ups will be referred to proper authorities.

• If you know that you will be late, call the school office at 221-1345.

• CHANGES IN DISMISSALS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE.

Afternoon Carpool

• Come to a full stop before the speed bump on Ghent Street. NO students will be allowed to load on

Dominick Street.

• Students will line up when their names are called. Students will load once all traffic has stopped.

Parents must remain in their cars.

• Teachers assigned to traffic duty will announce an all clear when students are loaded. Once the all clear

is called, cars will be signaled to begin exiting the car pool lines.

• Please do not park in the teachers’ parking lot during dismissal.

• Please turn down radios when entering the school grounds.

• Students at carpool are only released to parent in cars – Parents may not walk through carpool to

pick up students.

• Carpool moves slowly early in the school year. Be patient.

Daycare Vans

• Vans form a line in front of the school cafeteria on Antwerp Street.

• Students sit at assigned tables in the cafeteria until their van arrives.

• Teachers will call students by van and escort them to the van.

Ghent Walkers

• Pre-K and Kindergarten students MAY NOT walk alone. You must indicate students (in 2nd-5th grade)

who they are allowed to walk with (on dismissal form) or a parent must be at the brick George Hall sign

at 3:00 to walk them home.

• Ghent walkers will exit the building from the South doors.

• Students will walk in a line along Ghent Street to the crossing guard located at Ghent and Duval.

• Please DO NOT park cars in the teacher parking lot, the field, or streets around the campus. Our goal is

student safety. Students picked up by car should be car riders, not walkers.

Dublin Walkers

• Pre-K and Kindergarten students MAY NOT walk alone. You must indicate students (in 2nd-5th grade)

who they are allowed to walk with (on dismissal form) or a parent must be at the brick George Hall sign

at 3:00 to walk them home.

• Dublin walkers will exit the building from the front doors.

• Students will walk in a line along Ghent Street to the crossing guard located at Ghent and Duval.

• Please DO NOT park cars in the teacher parking lot, the field, or streets around the campus. Our goal is

student safety. Students picked up by car should be car riders, not walkers.

SEVERE WEATHER DISMISSAL

George Hall will use the Severe Weather Dismissal Plan on days when the principal determines it is necessary.

On these days, parents are required to come into the building and sign students out of the classroom. Please be

sure to complete the Severe Weather section of the Dismissal Form to indicate what your child is to do on

severe weather days. This form should not be confused with the Emergency Closing of School form that you are

also required to have on file.

Dismissal Changes

Please come to the office and complete a Change of Dismissal Form if you need to change the way that your

child goes home. The school cannot accept dismissal changes over the phone.

FIRST AID ROOM

We do not have a full-time school nurse to staff the first aid room. Parents can help us by adhering to the

following:

1. When completing your child’s Health Card and Emergency Card, include a telephone number that can

be called in case of emergency. Notify the school if any telephone numbers change.

2. Keep children home if they are running a fever, vomiting, and/or having diarrhea.

3. Only medication prescribed by a doctor may be given at school. The prescribed medication must be in a

bottle labeled by a pharmacist with the doctor’s name and directions for administration. A signed

permission form must be on file in the office in order for prescribed medication to be administered.

Medication that is prescribed for three times a day or 8 hours should not be given at school. It

should be given before the child comes to school and when the child gets home.

4. Please donate $5.00 per student to the school for first aid supplies.

5. Please make us aware of any health concerns that your child may have.

7. RASHES: Any child who has an undiagnosed rash cannot come to school. When a child

is sent home from school with a rash, a physician’s note is required for the child to return to

school.

Mobile County Public School System HEALTH POLICY

When Your Child Should NOT Be At School

Many Parents are concerned about when to keep children who have been ill home from

school. These are a few of the most common reasons children should stay home or may

be sent home from school.

1. FEVER: Your child should stay home if he/she has a fever of 100 degrees

(orally) or higher and should remain home for 24 hours after the fever has gone,

without medication.

2. VOMITING AND/OR DIARRHEA: Your child should stay home if he/she

has vomited or has had diarrhea (more than two or three loose stools) just prior to

the start of the school day and remain at home for 24 hours after the

vomiting/diarrhea have subsided. If one or two loose stools are present along

with vomiting or fever, your child should remain at home. If diarrhea continues

for more than 48 hours your child will need a doctor’s written statement to return

to school.

3. PINKEYE: Conjunctivitis can be very contagious. If the white of your child’s

eye is red and has a thick yellow or greenish colored drainage, you should keep

your child at home.

• Drainage due to allergies is usually clear and involves both eyes

simultaneously.

• Pinkeye can involve only one eye at a time.

• Children with pinkeye are usually light sensitive, and complain of

itching, burning in the eye(s), swollen eyelids, and dried discharge on

eyelids upon awakening.

4. HEAD LICE: Children with live bugs will not be allowed in school until

their heads have been treated and the nits removed. All nits must be removed to

prevent re-infestation.

5. IMPETIGO: Impetigo is a sore that has become infected, and can be found

anywhere on the body including the face. The sore drains infected material and

spreads before becoming crusty. If the sores have not dried, they need to be covered

while the child is at school. Your child can return to school once treated by a

physician for at least 24 hours. Upon returning to school the parent will need to

provide a written statement from the treating physician.

6. RINGWORM: Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin, hair, and nails.

Ringworms must be covered with a clean dressing while the child is at school.

Ringworm of the head (hair) will need to be evaluated by a physician.

8. COUGHING/SNEEZING/NASAL DRAINAGE: Your child should not come to

school with excessive coughing, sneezing, and nasal drainage. If the child has been kept awake

at night with these interruptions, please allow the child to recover at home.

9. STREP THROAT: If your child has been diagnosed as having strep throat (this requires

a special test by a health care provider), your child should stay home for 48 hours after antibiotic

therapy has been started by a physician.

Parents should make sure all emergency

numbers in the office are current.

A DRIVER LICENSE IS NO LONGER AN ACCEPTABLE PROOF

OF RESIDENCE

The following are the only acceptable proofs of residence:

1. Property Tax Records or Deeds

Tax receipt record/Deed

2. Apartment or Home Lease

Apartment or house rent receipt/Apartment or House lease

3. Utility Bills or Utility Deposit Receipts*

Water/Gas/Telephone/Electric/Cable bill or deposit receipt/BFI bill

4. Income Tax Records from IRS to Parent/Guardian

Copy of check/correspondence from IRS

5. Certificate of Residence/Enrollment Card (must be notarized)

6. Other Official Proof

Check or correspondence from the Social Security Office, Department of Human Resources (DHR),

Food Stamp Office or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

7. Bank Records

Checking/Savings/Loan statement

Investment certificate

Bank correspondence

8. Tax Records or Receipts

Business tax records

9. Employment Records

Company check/Verification from employer

10. Two Charge Accounts (counts as one (1) proof)

Any two (2) major charge account statements

*Two different utility bills or utility deposit receipts may be used as the needed proofs

of residence. EXAMPLE: Water and electric bills are acceptable but not two electric

bills.

If the parent/guardian resides in Federal Housing or Section 8 housing, a

current copy of the lease agreement must be provided at registration.

SECTION XII

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Compulsory School Attendance Laws Code of Alabama Section 16-28-12

Each parent/guardian, guardian, or other person having control or custody of any child required to attend school

or receive regular instruction by a private tutor who fails to have the child enrolled in school or who fails to

send the child to school, or have him or her instructed by a private tutor during the time the child is required to

attend a public school, private school, church school, denominational school, or parochial school, or be

instructed by a private tutor, or fails to require the child to regularly attend the school or tutor, or fails to compel

the child to properly conduct himself or herself as a pupil in any public school in accordance with the written

policy on school behavior adopted by the local board of education pursuant to the is section and documented by

the appropriate school official which conduct may result in suspension of the pupil, shall be guilty of a

misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100) and may also be

sentenced to hard labor for the county for not more than 90 days. The absence of a child without the consent of

the principal teacher of the public school he or she attends or should attend, or of the tutor who instructs or

should instruct the child, shall be prima facie evidence of the violation of this section.

Code of Alabama, Amendment 16-28-16 An amendment of 16-28-16 of the Code of Alabama specifies that each child who enrolls in a public school, regardless of

age, is subject to the School Attendance and Truancy Laws of the state.

Definition of Truancy Alabama Department of Education

Prevention and Support Services – (May 2004)

A parent/guardian, guardian, or other person having charge of any child officially enrolled in Alabama public

schools (K-12) shall explain in writing the cause of any and every absence of the child no later than three (3)

days following return to school. A failure to furnish such explanation shall be evidence of the child being truant

each day he is absent.

The child shall also be deemed truant for any absence determined by the principal to be unexcused based upon

the State Department of Education’s current School Attendance Manual. Three (3) unexcused absences within

a school year constitute a student being truant for the purpose of filing a petition with the Court.

Truancy Protocol The Mobile County Public School System, in collaboration with Mobile County District Attorney’s Office, the

Juvenile Court System, and Strickland Youth Center has implemented a Truancy/Discipline Program which

began with the 2007-08 school year.

Responsibilities of Parent/Guardians and Students – Grades PreK-8 A. Students are required to be on time for school. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to make

sure their children arrive on time each day.

B. Any time a student is absent, the parent/guardian must send a written note to school satisfactorily

explaining the absence. A satisfactory note from the parent/guardian meets the following State

guidelines: Illness; death in the immediate family; inclement weather (as determined by the principal)

which would be dangerous to the life and health of the child; legal quarantine; emergency conditions as

determined by the principal; and prior permission of the principal and consent of the parent/guardian.

The note or doctor’s excuse must be sent to school within three (3) days of the student’s return to school

to be counted as an excused absence.

C. Students must attend one-half of the instructional day to be counted present. Tardies and early dismissal

are strongly discouraged. The parent/guardian must send a written note if the student is checked out of

school prior to completing one-half of the instructional day.

D. A written note from the parent/guardian, as described above, will excuse absences for up to but not

exceeding ten (10) absences.

E. The parent/guardian of a student who is absent eleven (11) or more times must present a clinical or

doctor’s excuse to the school in order for the absence to be excused.

F. The parent/guardian of any student who has a chronic ailment that may cause the child to miss school

during the year is required to provide the school with a doctor’s statement verifying the child’s

condition. This must be done as soon as the problem occurs and repeated at the beginning of each

school year. A parent/guardian note is still required explaining the absence within three (3) school days.

Failure of the parent/guardian to provide the school with a chronic ailment statement can result in

unexcused absence accumulation and referral to Juvenile Court.

G. Excused absences for family vacation are strongly discouraged and will be permitted only if there are

unusual circumstances, within the principal’s discretion, that merit an excused absence. An excused

absence will not be granted unless the parent/guardian obtains prior permission from the principal.

H. Following the first unexcused absence, the principal will send a notice of absence letter to the

parent/guardian.

I. Following the second unexcused absence, the Attendance Officer/Social Worker will send a notice of

absence letter to the parent/guardian.

J. Following the third unexcused absence, the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office will send a notice

of absence letter to the parent/guardian.

K. On the fifth unexcused absence, a student is referred to the Early Warning Truancy Program.

Attendance at the Early Warning Truancy Program shall be mandatory except where prior

arrangements have been made or an emergency exists.

L. The parent/guardian having housing instability that may cause the child to miss school is requested to

communicate with the school’s registrar and/or administrator regarding their living situation.

NOTE: Only three days are excused for each occurrence of head lice. Students should return to school as soon

as possible clear of lice and nits.

Students Under Age Seven (7): Students under age (7) who accumulate more than ten (10) consecutive or

fifteen (15) days total unexcused absences during a single semester may be withdrawn from school.

Parent/guardian will be notified of pending withdrawal and given one (1) week to appear before the

principal or the Attendance Officer to show cause as to why the student should not be withdrawn.

Early Warning Truancy/Discipline Program Parent/guardian and student will be referred to the Early Warning Truancy/Discipline Program on the fifth (5th)

unexcused absence and on the fifteenth (15th) tardy to school. Referral to the program includes the following

steps:

1. The parent/guardian will receive official notification by U.S. Mail. The notice will require the

parent/guardian and student to report to the Municipal Court located at the City/County Government

Plaza.

2. The parent/guardian and student will meet with the Attendance Officer and the District Attorney. The

Attendance Officer will review the system’s Attendance Policy; the District Attorney will review the

State of Alabama’s Attendance Laws and consequences of breaking the laws.

3. If the parent/guardian and student fail to appear at the scheduled Early Warning Truancy/Discipline

Program, the parent/guardian will receive legal notice and possibly a court referral.

CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM

Breakfast and lunch will be free to students during the 2015-2016 school year. Students will

responsible for the cost of additional servings and a la carte menu items only. Faculty and

visitors will not receive free meals. Prices are listed below.

MEAL COSTS:

Breakfast Lunch

Faculty/Staff/Volunteer $1.50 $3.25

Visitor-Adult $1.75 $3.75

Visitor-Child<10 $1.25 $2.75

Holiday Meals-Adult $5.00

Holiday Meals-<10 years old $3.50

Milk .50 .50

SCHOOL SALE OF COMPETITIVE FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Schools may sell only those competitive foods and beverages which make a significant contribution to the

students’ daily requirement for nutrients. Food services operated for profit in the school, separate and apart

from the non-profit breakfast and lunch program, may not operate during meal service periods. All income

from concessions or extra sale items being vended or sold in the Child Nutrition Program area during meal

service periods must be deposited into the Child Nutrition Program account.

CNP and School’s Compliance with Guidelines

• Must be in compliance with USDA, Alabama State Nutrition Policy and MCPSS Comprehensive

Wellness Plan.

• Competitive Foods will be prohibited. Competitive foods and beverages are any foods that compete

with the CNP meals.

• Meal service times – is considered from the beginning time of the first meal wave to the ending time of

the last meal wave. No foods/beverages of competitive sources can be served during these times. Daily

lunch meal service times cannot start prior to 10:00 a.m. of a full day school schedule.

• Breaks to have access to vending or other sales cannot be scheduled immediately (fifteen minutes)

before, during, or immediately (fifteen minutes) after meal service times. This is effect competes with

the meal service. Foods/beverages sold will follow the policy for sale of competitive foods as outlined

in the memorandum dated November 6, 2001, which clarifies the sale of competitive foods during meal

service times.

• Foods served and/or sold through the cafeteria shall adhere to the guidelines established by USDA

and published in the School Meals Initiative (SMI) for Healthy Children, 1995 guidance. Service

sizes will comply with the meal pattern requirements as described by USDA regulations. Adults receive

secondary student serving sizes. School lunches should meet the standard of providing one-third and

school breakfasts the standard of furnishing one-fourth of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for

protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, calcium, and calories.

• Foods not normally used in meeting the requirements of the reimbursable meal and not meeting the

nutritional criteria should be eliminated or portion sizes reduced in order to be in compliance with the

requirements.

• Guidelines for foods/beverages served during school hours MUST comply with USDA and the

Alabama State Department of Education. Alabama Department of Education Obesity Task Force is

the committee who developed the initial Nutrition Policy.

• No one on the school campus will provide access to “for sale” or “free” foods/beverages or

minimal nutritional value. Foods/beverages that have as the first ingredient: sugar, corn syrup,

shortening, lard, or similar, may not be available to students on school grounds during the normal school

day. This includes school parties, celebrations and meetings, or candy jars on the teacher’s desk.

• Fund Raising – Foods sold for fundraising purposes are prohibited during meal times. All

fundraising activities that involve the selling of food should reinforce food choices that promote

good health. All food sold/served during the school day must meet the requirements of USDA and

Alabama State Department of Education. Pizza by the slice, doughnuts, etc. does not meet the

criteria for nutritional requirements. Also, the health hazard potential of some foods being out of

temperature pose a concern for food-borne illnesses.

• All events outside of the school day are not affected by the Wellness Plan. Booster clubs, etc. are

free to select items for sale for specific fundraising and concession sales as they see fit as long as the

activity does not conflict with the position of the Alabama State Nutrition Policy and MCPSS

Comprehensive Wellness Plan.

• Students cannot be denied access to meal service in the cafeteria. Food and/or physical activity are

not used as a punishment, or food as a reward. If a school requires students to wear ID badges, they

cannot be denied access to meals if they do not have their badge. They must be provided meal service.

Adequate time should be allowed for students to eat their meals.

Guidelines for Foods and Beverages

(Not part of a reimbursable meal)

Special attention must be given to portion sizes:

• Chips (baked) crackers, popcorn, cereal, trail mix, nuts, seeds, dried fruit and pretzels – 1 ¼ oz.

• Low-fat* cookies/cereal bars – 1 oz.

• Low-fat* bakery items (pastries and muffins) – 2 oz.

• Frozen dairy desserts, low fat* ice cream, pudding and “Jello” fruit bowls – 4 oz. – This

includes ice cream that is purchased for sales from Ice Cream Warehouse/Blue Bunny.

• Yogurt (low fat) – 8 oz.

• Beverages – water – any size

• Other beverages – sports, 100% juice, low-sugar smoothies, etc – 12 oz.

• 1% or less fat milk – 16 oz.

*Low-fat indicates foods with less than or equal to 3 grams total fat per serving.

Nutritional content of foods served must be considered when selling or providing foods to

students. All of the following criteria for foods served must be met:

• Low or moderate in fat (10% or less of the Daily Value of total fat)

• 30 grams or less of carbohydrates per serving (10% or less of the Daily Value of total CHO)

• 360 mg of sodium or less

• Contain 5% Daily Value of more of at least one: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium or Fiber.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, and Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410

or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

George Hall Rules

Cooperate

Act Responsibly

Respect Others

Extend Good Manners

Show Self Control

Discipline Plan

1. Verbal warning

2. Lose privileges (snack is a privilege)

3. Teacher/student conference

4. Note home

5. Phone call home

6. Teacher/parent conference

7. Administrator/student conference

8. Administrator calls home

9. Refocus

10. Suspension

NOTE:

1. Repeated office referrals will result in suspension.

2. Students involved in fighting and severe classroom disruptions will be suspended.

3. George Hall Elementary has a ZERO tolerance for physical aggression and bullying.

Daily Folder

Conduct Folders will come home with your child daily. Daily conduct grades are scored as follows:

E Excellent

S Satisfactory

N Needs Improvement

U Unsatisfactory

Be sure to check your child’s folder daily!

Class Dojo Classroom Management Program

Class Dojo Classroom Management Program will be used in every classroom at George Hall. Students and

classes as a whole will be given points for positive behaviors and have points taken for negative behaviors.

Students and classes will receive awards based on the number of positive points earned over time. Class Dojo is

an online program that works on computers and mobile devices. You child’s teacher will share with you

information on registering yourself in the program. There are options available for text message

communication between you and the teacher and settings for you to receive notifications concerning your

child’s points during the day.

UNIFORM POLICY

The Mobile County Public School System has a mandatory uniform policy. All students must be in complete

uniform the first day of school.

Boys – navy pants or knee length navy shorts, solid red polo type shirt; black, brown, or blue belt.

Girls – navy pants, knee length navy shorts (or skorts), solid red polo type shirt; black, brown, or blue belt. No

crop or cargo pants. If jumper or skirt is worn, shorts must be worn underneath.

Shirts – must be tucked in at all times and belts must be worn. Undershirts (long and short-sleeve) must be

solid white.

Shoes – white or black athletic type tennis shoe. No other shoes will be allowed at George Hall, including

hi-tops, boots, Mary Janes, mules (open back shoes), or church type shoes.

Socks- Black or white crew socks are worn with the uniform. NO KNEE SOCKS.

Outer Wear – In cooler weather, navy or red sweatshirts, sweaters, or school jackets may be worn in the

building. Students may not wear any jacket or any other clothing with logos, names, or other ornamentation in

the building. Students are required to be in full uniform on field trips.

Accessories – Hats, head scarves, or caps are not allowed at George Hall, with the exception of caps worn for

warmth in the winter, or from protection from the rain. Hats, head scarves, or caps are not allowed in the

building. No purses.

Jewelry – Jewelry is not allowed (with the exception of single stud earrings) as it becomes a distraction and/or

hazard. . Students may wear 1 plastic, rubber, or vinyl inspiration type bracelet.

No artificial nails, cologne, or make-up are allowed – Students who come to school wearing

artificial nails will be asked to have them removed. Artificial nails are a safety concern for other students.

NOTE: Writing on the outer area of any item of the school uniform is prohibited.

Students must be in uniform on the first day of school.

CELEBRATIONS

Classes are only allowed two class parties per year. However, there are times when classes are allowed to

celebrate important events and accomplishments. All such celebrations MUST take place at 2:30pm, no

exceptions. Only parents/guardians (those listed in the computer and on the Emergency Card) will be allowed

to visit the classrooms.

SUPPLIES

Having supplies is important to the students’ school day. Please make every effort to provide these at the

beginning of the year. Remember that these supplies run out and need to be replenished periodically. Some of

the supplies are pooled together and used by the entire class (hand soap, paper towels, etc.). These community

supplies will not be returned. Other personal supplies such as paper, pencils, binders, or colors will not be

returned after the first semester.

TELEPHONE

The telephone in the office is for school business and may be used only in case of emergency. You should

make arrangements for your children before they leave home as to transportation, after school plans, etc. In

extreme cases we will deliver messages to students, but we do not call students to the phone. Your help in this

matter is greatly appreciated.

STUDENT CELL PHONES

Students may not have cell phones or any smart devices at school. Devices will be taken from students and

stored in the office. Devices will not be given back to the student. Only parents/guardians may come to the

office to retrieve the device.

PARENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

George Hall needs an active parent volunteer program. There is a place for any parent who has time to give to

the school. Teachers appreciate parent volunteers and welcome any assistance.

PTO

Parents, teachers, and community leaders are encouraged to join the PTO. The cost for family membership is

$5.00. This fee is collected during the year. PTO sponsors many programs and activities at Hall.

FUNDRAISING

The school will sponsor several approved fund raising activities during the year. Every parent is encouraged to

help with these projects because the money raised is spent for up keep of the building (such as painting), books,

materials, supplies, and equipment that will benefit all of the students. When fund raising projects are

announced in the bulletin, please help us.

SCHOOL INSURANCE

School insurance is available to all students. The purchase of school insurance is not required. An insurance

brochure is sent home early in the school year. Parents are urged to read the forms carefully to make sure they

know what is offered.

SCHOOL CAMPUS AFTER HOURS

Students are to leave campus immediately after school is dismissed. They should stay off campus unless they

are participating in a school sponsored event. Please remind your children that the school has an alarm system

and security cameras. Unsupervised children on campus may be suspected of any theft or destruction of school

property.

LOST AND FOUND

Articles which are found, other than textbooks and library books, are taken to the office. Parents are urged to

mark children’s belongings with their name (articles of clothing must be marked on the inside) so if lost, they

may be returned. Books that are found are taken to the library.

FIELD TRIPS

Students go on several field trips during the school year. Participation in field trips is based on attendance,

discipline, grades, and completion of homework.

IMMUNIZATION CERTIFICATE

Alabama law requires that all students enrolled in an Alabama school have a Certificate of Immunization. This

form may be secured by taking your child’s shot records to the Health Department or to your family doctor.

VISITORS

All visitors must come directly to the office when they enter the building. A George Hall visitor pass will

be issued after the visitor has signed in. The visitor pass must be worn or carried while the visitor is in the

building. In no instance can a visitor be in the hall or classroom without signing in and obtaining a pass. We

welcome visitors at the appropriate times; however we will not disrupt class. Parents are encouraged to observe

in the classroom; however, there cannot be any interaction with the teacher or students during instruction. (If

you need to speak with the teacher please schedule a conference before school, after school, or during the

teacher’s planning period.) Parents cannot take small children to the classroom. Office personnel can take care

of forgotten money, snacks, books, and homework. This procedure helps ensure the safety of our children.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are mailed home the second and fourth quarters. Parents are required to conference with

teachers in order to pick up first and third quarter report cards. Please discuss the report card with your

child. The report card is yours to keep. If you have any questions, please contact the teacher. Progress

reports are mailed home every three weeks.

CONFERENCES

All teachers will schedule parent conferences throughout the year to discuss school progress. Parents should

feel free to schedule conferences at any time. Conferences may be scheduled by calling the school secretary or

by sending a note to the teacher. We do not interrupt the instructional day for parent/teacher conferences.

Please schedule conferences at mutually convenient times. The principal is always available for conferences.

An “open door” policy is in place at George Hall.

WITHDRAWAL OF STUDENTS

If you are withdrawing your child from George Hall, please call or come by the school a few days prior to the

withdrawal date. This will allow ample time to complete the necessary paperwork, saving you and the office

time. Students must have all library books and textbooks cleared before withdrawal. Your cooperation will be

greatly appreciated.

ACADEMICS

MATH: The AL Mathematics standards and the Standards for Mathematical Practice will guide math

instruction. Classrooms will be student-centered, and the teacher will serve as a facilitator.

Daily instruction will focus on the following: talk moves, conceptual understanding, learning

environment, productive math discourse, task selection, and quality questioning. When

appropriate, math Units will be aligned to Cross-Curricular Units of Study. Math instruction

will allow students to balance a conceptual understanding of mathematics, procedural practice,

and the application of mathematics through problem solving. Teachers will implement and

structure lessons and instruction in a way that students have the opportunity to discover the

concept being learned for themselves, and then teachers confirm the mathematical concept by

following a concrete, pictorial, abstract approach, and going back and forth between those three

as student needs dictate. Talk moves will be used daily to guide collaborative discussions.

Instruction will include the use of manipulatives to help guide students through the concrete,

pictorial, abstract model of mathematics. In addition higher order questioning will facilitate

productive math discourse and deepen conceptual understanding. Students will use math

journals on a daily basis. Purposeful work stations or learning centers will help reinforce ideas

and concepts and give students more opportunities to explore and engage in various

mathematical concepts. Pacing and instruction will follow pacing from EngageNY: A Story of

Units. Each Unit will have a Big Idea that students will know and understand by the end of the

Unit. Essential questions will be based on the unwrapped Math ALCCRS and will guide daily

instruction. All teachers have been intensely trained to teach math strategies to help aid students

understanding. Students are taught to be problem solvers, and to communicate their math

thought processes to others using manipulatives, math journals, and discussions. Students work

with partners, in small groups, and in a whole group setting to solve math tasks. Teachers in

grades K-5 use Engage NY Math lessons to guide daily instruction. Students will also use math

programs to aid in their learning including: Math Facts in a Flash, Ready Common Core

Teacher Toolbox, STAR Math, Stride Academy and Think Through Math.

ELA: The AL College and Career Readiness Standards in the following five core reading areas are a

focus of the ELA block: Speaking and Listening, Writing, Language, Reading Literature,

Informational Text, and Reading Foundations. Teachers incorporate literacy instruction through

the implementation of Units of Study. The content for the Units of Study were developed

around the Science and Social Studies content standards for each grade level. Students read and

are exposed to various types of text for each Unit of Study. Each Unit of Study has a central

focus question that students will know and understand by the end of the Unit. Daily essential

questions guide the instruction for that day. Students are expected to become close readers and

be able to read and understand both informational and fiction text. Teachers model and guide

students through the use of various literacy strategies that they can then apply when they read

independently. Teachers focus on teaching students how to read, to read in various contexts,

and to apply what they have read to a real world problem or question. Students work with

partners, in small groups, and in a whole group setting to read and answer questions about the

text, answering questions with text-based evidence. Science and Social Studies are embedded

within the ELA block. Units of Study that focus on Science standards help students understand

how the world works, whereas Units of Study that focus on Social Studies standards help

students understand their place in their community, country, and world. ELA instruction is

supported through the following programs as well: Ready Common Core Teacher Toolbox,

Stride Academy, STAR Literacy, and STAR Reading. Students also take part in Accelerated

Reader on a daily basis. Direct instruction will also take place to ensure student understanding

of critical reading components: phonemic awareness, phonics, reading practice, spelling, oral

language, word study, and vocabulary.

WRITING:

The writing program at George Hall centers around the teaching of three types of

writing: Argumentative, Explanatory, and Narrative. Following CCRS, students learn to focus

on the three types of writing as well as the production and distribution of writing, research, and

range of writing tasks. Students are taught prewriting strategies, such as outlines and lists, to

help organize their ideas and provide structure to their writing. Student writing is analyzed and

scored using writing rubrics for each of the types of writings. Our writing program focuses on

teaching each type of writing in modeled, collaborative, and independent settings with the

products ranging from short responses to fully developed research papers. Writing is integrated

throughout the school day and is used during the Units of Study and Math tasks on a daily basis.

The Six Traits of Effective Writing program will be used to teach writing in grades K-5.

READING TIPS FOR PARENTS

• Provide a special place in your home where your child can read, write, and do homework.

• Establish a routine time to read to and with your child. Spend at least 20 minutes reading with your

child each day.

• Obtain library cards for you and your children. Visit the library regularly and choose books to read

at home with your child.

• Keep books and other appropriate reading materials where your child can reach them.

• Show your child how you use reading and writing everyday for fun and at work.

• Talk about the book you read to or with your child. Ask questions about what happened at the

beginning, middle, or end of the story. Ask about the characters in the story. Have your child retell or

rewrite a new ending to the story.

• Help your child make connections to other books or experiences they may have had.

• Make reading fun by using different voices for different parts of the story.

• Encourage your child to read independently instead of watching TV or playing video games.

• Take reading and writing supplies whenever you leave home so your child can read and write

anytime.

• Talk to and listen to your child about his/her everyday happenings. Explain what you are doing and

how things work.

HOMEWORK

Parents should set aside a specific time to have their children complete homework. Parents are expected to keep

up with their child’s progress by reviewing the work samples, progress reports, and homework assignments sent

home.

It is the responsibility of the child to complete and return homework assignments. Students should be able to

complete most homework with little or no help. Homework time for the average child in kindergarten through

second grade should be 30 minutes. Average third through fifth grade students should complete homework in

60 minutes.

Homework is assigned Monday through Thursday nights in grades Pre-K-5. In addition to homework, projects

are often assigned at all grade levels. Projects are an integral part of the school experience, because they

enhance classroom learning and give practice in the lifelong skills of planning and problem solving. Homework

is reviewed and scored each day. Homework counts as a percentage of your child’s grade.

Reading at home, either to the child or with the child, should be a part of the evening routine. Reading a book to

or with your child for 20 minutes at night is a wonderful way to relax. It is also a requirement from the MCPSS

Division of Curriculum and Instruction.

LIBRARY BOOKS

Students are expected to take care of library books. If library books are lost or damaged, it is the responsibility

of the parent to pay for them. When a book is lost or damaged, parents will receive a notice with the amount

the parent is expected to pay. To remain accredited, the library must maintain ten books per child.

TEXTBOOKS

Students are allowed to borrow state textbooks. These books must be properly cared for and kept covered at all

times. Books in all subject areas are assigned by number to the students. If a book is lost or damaged, it must

be paid for before an additional book is issued. Each school receives one book per student enrolled at each

grade level. All textbooks must be covered.

Accelerated Reader

Accelerated Reader is a technology-based school improvement and student assessment program. It provides

daily formative assessment and periodic progress-monitoring technology to enhance the core curriculum,

support differentiated instruction, and personalize practice in reading, writing, and math.

Reading is the foundational skill for success in all subjects and to success in life. Accelerated Reader (AR)

creates a culture of reading through the deliberate practice of reading at a student’s instructional level. After

students take the initial reading assessments, we utilize the benchmarks to develop the 35Z90 Plan:

• 35: Thirty-five minutes of deliberate reading practice per school day for all students. This reading time is in

addition to the required classroom instruction.

• Z: The reading practice is within each student’s personalized reading level or reading zone.

• 90: Each student’s tested reading comprehension of all literature on average is 90%.

Children have the opportunity to check out books from the George Hall media center. After reading the books,

students take Accelerated Reading (AR) tests on the books. Students who work consistently with the AR

program dramatically increase their reading scores. Students’ progress is measured three times each year on the

STAR Reading test