Student Handbook
         
Schedule
Arrival/Dismissal
Attendance
Inclement Weather
Transportation
Change of Address
Interruptions
Medication
Lost & Found
Transfer/Withdraw
Cafeteria
Guidelines
Procedures
Behavior
Dress Code
Backpacks
Distractors
Programs
Media Center
Guidance

Welcome

It is with great pleasure that we take this opportunity to welcome you to Bradley Academy.  Our goal is for students to have a rewarding and successful year. We are very proud of our arts integration program which is a creative teaching approach integrating the curriculum, visual art, drama, choral music, instrumental music and physical education.
This handbook has been developed by our faculty and administrators to help you and your parents learn as much as possible about school policies and procedures and the services we offer students.  It is a quick reference guide you will find extremely useful as questions arise throughout the school year.

We invite you to make the most of your time with us and look forward to this school year with great excitement.

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School Schedule
The school day begins at 7:30 a.m.    Any student who arrives before 7:00 a.m. must be enrolled in the Extended School Program.  Pupils arriving between 7:00 and 7:15 a.m. must wait in the gym.  Classrooms are opened at 7:20 a.m.  In order to ensure student safety, all doors except the front door will be locked after 7:30 a.m.  Students arriving after 7:30 must report to the office with their parent for a late slip.  Morning announcements will be televised at 7:35.
 
The school day ends for kindergarten pupils at 2:00 p.m.; first grade through sixth grade at 2:30 p.m.  The bell schedule is as follows:  2:00 p.m. kindergarten dismissal, 2:15 p.m. grades 1-6 preparation for dismissal, 2:20 p.m. E.S.P student dismissal., walkers and bus riders dismissal, and 2:27 car riders dismissal.  All pupils must leave school promptly after dismissal.  E.S.P. is available for students who cannot be picked up at the dismissal time only if they are registered with E.S.P.  There are no provisions for students to wait in the office.  On half days, dismissal will be at 10:30 a.m. for students in kindergarten and 11:00 for students in grades 1-6.
 

Parents and visitors will use the front  door when visiting school.  Everyone must report to the office and sign in.  Badges will be issued.

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Arrival & Afternoon Dismissal Procedures
Arrival - The two lanes next to the curb from the front entrance are for dropping your child off in the morning.  Students may use the front entrance.  Students may also use the side entrance from 7:20-7:30.  Parents are encouraged to use this drop-off point in order to allow our teachers to park in the parking lot.

Dismissal - Teachers will give parents  an 8 1/2” x 11” name card (with child’s name).  This should be placed in the front left side of the wind shield when picking up child.  A teacher will call your child’s name in sequential order and the parent should then move up to the specified numbered pole (1-6).  After all 6 cars are loaded, the vehicles will then proceed to exit the premises.  Please do not pass and remain in the vehicles at all times.  If you need to speak with a teacher, please make an appointment by calling the school or by writing a note in your child’s agenda.  Parents should not routinely pick up early in order to avoid traffic at dismissal. 

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Attendance

Tardies

The school day begins at 7:30 a.m.  If a student arrives in the classroom after 7:30 a.m., he/she is considered tardy.  A student who is tardy must report to the office with their parent  for a tardy slip before going to his classroom.  Parents will be notified  after five (5) tardies.  Instruction starts at 7:30 a.m.  It is important that all students arrive on time.
Early Dismissal

Students who are to be dismissed early are to be signed out at the office.  The student will be called to the office.  Only those persons listed on the registration card may pick up students unless a note is sent to the teacher.  Please make every effort to leave students at school the full day.  Instruction continues until dismissal time.  Parents should not routinely pick up early in order to avoid traffic at dismissal.

Absences
The State’s Attendance Act requires that all children must attend some type of day school until the age of 16.  Children may not be kept home except for the following conditions:
A.  Illness of student.
B.  Death in the family.
C.  Special religious holidays.

Students must have a signed note from the parent or guardian stating the reason(s) for the absence and the date.  Student absences are excused for the above reasons with a signed, dated note from parents.  A doctor’s statement may be required when illness is frequently given as a reason for absence.  All other absences are considered unexcused.  According to state law, after 5 unexcused absences the system attendance supervisor must be notified.  Uniformed police officers will deliver a letter to the home.

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Inclement Weather

In case of inclement weather, the Murfreesboro City Schools Director will make the determination to call off school or remain open.  This information will be broadcast over the local radio and TV stations (cable channel 3).  Every effort will be made to make this decision as early as possible.  Be sure to watch for the information on Murfreesboro City Schools.  Do not call the school.

 

Transportation Change

A note must be sent to your child’s teacher with specific instructions if there is any change in how your child will be sent home other than his/her regular transportation.   Unless parents provide a note, the teacher will comply with the last written instructions given.  We will not take the child’s word on transportation changes.

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Change of Address and Phone Number

It is imperative that the office at Bradley be able to contact parents during the day.  Children get sick and accidents happen.  Please update any changes of address, phone numbers and emergency phone numbers.

Classroom Interruptions
The primary job of the teacher is to teach.  Teachers cannot be effective in their job if they are interrupted during class time. If you wish to talk to a teacher, please make an appointment with him/her for a time when students are not present.  This includes in the morning before the  school day begins.

Parents are always welcome at Bradley Academy; however, we ask that you not ask to visit during the instructional day unless previous arrangements have been made.  Parents are always welcome to come and eat lunch with their child in the cafeteria after signing in at the office.

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Medication

It is the policy of the Murfreesboro City Schools that all student’s medication be administered by a parent at home.  When necessary, school personnel may assist with self administration.  All medicines must be accompanied by a note concerning the time it should be taken and the dosage.  The medicine will be kept in the office.   If medication is taken on a daily basis, a school medication form must be completed. These are available in the office.

Lost and Found

All lost items will be kept in the front stair well in the lower hall.  It is strongly recommended that your child’s possessions be clearly labeled to assist in the return of misplaced items.  The school is not responsible for items lost by your child.  Students will be given the chance to claim lost items displayed outside the office every other month.  After this time, the items are donated to a local charity.

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School Pictures

Each year in the fall and spring, individual school pictures will be taken of your child.  A group picture of each class will also be taken.  Year books will be prepared to provide a keepsake for students.  Purchase of all pictures is optional.  If you do not wish to have your child’s picture appear in the year book, in the local newspaper, or on local television stations, please send a note to the teacher.

 

Transfers / Withdrawals

When a student is moving to another school, it is best to notify the office and the teacher a few days in advance to allow preparation of the necessary paperwork.  Before the student withdraws permanently, all books must be returned, lunch charges, and ESP charges must be paid.  Grades will not be forwarded to the new school until all “debts” are settled with Bradley.

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Cafeteria
The Murfreesboro City Schools Food Service Department provides nutritional meals for the students.  Free or reduced price lunches and breakfasts are available to students who qualify.
Students have the choice of one of two entrees each day.  They can also choose the side items they want.  Students in grades 2-6 have the option of choosing the salad bar which has salad items and a hot item daily.  Lunch menus will be sent home and posted on the school web site.
Bradley offers a breakfast program daily from 7:00 a.m. until 7:15 a.m.  The meals are made up of the following items:
1.  Bread/Cereal 3.  Juice/Fruit
2.  Milk 4.  Meat/Meat Substitute (2 times per week)
Children need nutritious meals during the day.  Please encourage your child to eat in our cafeteria.  Parents are welcome to eat with their children.  However, children are not allowed to leave school to eat out with a parent.  No soft drinks are allowed to be brought to the cafeteria by students.  Parents are discouraged from bringing “fast food” in for children, however, parents who choose to do so, will be asked to eat in the classroom with their child.
The following are the lunch and breakfast prices:
Student lunches:  $1.60 daily or $8.00 weekly
Student breakfasts:  $1.00 daily or $5.00 weekly
Visitor lunches:  $3.25, Visitor breakfast:  $1.50
(There will be adjusted prices for special lunches i.e. Thanksgiving, etc.)
Children who choose to bring their lunch may buy their drink (according to classroom procedures) as they come through the line.  Money for the week will be collected on Monday only.  The money should be placed in an envelope with your child’s name, teacher’s name and the amount enclosed on the outside of the envelope.  If you are purchasing lunch for the week, it will be $8.00, breakfast will be $5.00.  Please pay for breakfast separately from lunch.  This will mean, if you pay by check, writing two separate checks.  The money brought in for the week on Monday will be sent to the cafeteria from the classroom.  Children will pay their daily $1.60 charge as they come through the lunch line.
If a child must charge lunch, notes will be sent home and money sent back to the office.  There is a limit of two unpaid charges.  If charges are not paid, students will be asked to call parents to bring in lunch money or lunch.

Policies and Regulations
Behavior & Social Guidelines
An important part of creating the most effective learning environment possible is having well established and well understood procedures.  Student and adults must know what is expected of them.  The general school procedures for the cafeteria, halls, and playground are listed below. Teachers will have their individual procedures listed in their rooms. All of the Guidelines and procedures will be in effect in the school from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

 

General Guidelines

Trustworthiness: To act in a manner that makes one worthy of  confidence
Truthfulness:  To act with personal responsibility and mental accountability
Active Listening: To listen with attention and intention
No Put Downs: Not to use words, actions and / or body language to degrade, humiliate or dishonor others

Personal Best: Striving to act according to what is right at all times.

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School Procedures

Cafeteria Procedures
• No talking in the food line.  Talking will result in eating at the time-out table.
• Have everything you need before you are seated.
• Treat cafeteria monitors and classmates with respect.
• No talking when music is on.
• Talk in quiet voices when the music is off to the people at your table only.
• When class is called, clean personal space including chair, floor, and empty trash.
• Put trays in window one at a time.
• When in line, keep hands at sides and voices off.

Hallway Procedures
1. Must have Hall Pass.
2. Go directly to and from destination.
3. No talking .
4. Show courteous behavior.
5. Pick up trash.
6. Walk.
7. Use fountains only for drinking (remove foreign objects immediately.)
8. Respect other groups and classrooms when in hallways.

Restroom Procedures
• Be Quick
• Be Quiet
• Be Clean

Playground Procedures
On the playground students will:
1.  Swing alone with no twisting, standing, or jumping.
2.  Slide down the slide in a seated position with no climbing up the wrong way or
     hanging from the bars.
3.  Use equipment properly.
4.  Respect other’s play ground space.
5.  Play away from the buildings.
6.  Do not pull or climb trees, pick up or throw objects.
7.  Stay in designated area where they can see and be seen by their teacher.
8.  Play safely without pushing, pulling, shoving, or fighting.

Assemblies/Performances/Special Events Procedures
1.Use Audience Etiquette
a.  Remain seated
b.  Keep eyes on performers/speakers
c.  No talking
2.Sit and respond appropriately.
3.Watch for raised hand to signify “Quiet”.
4.Use good manners.

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BEHAVIOR TRACKING SYSTEM

Behavior Tracking Key
OT = off-task behaviors; inattention; school/classroom rule broken
T = loud, inappropriate or disruptive talking
DP = disrespectful to other people or oneself
DT = disrespect to things; school or personal property
R = responsibility for class supplies; books; AGENDA
H = homework or class work not completed AND brought to class
G = gum
L = late to class, unexcused
TW = exhibited trustworthy behavior
TF = exhibited truthful behavior (when it might have been easier to not be truthful)
AL = active listener
NPD = no put downs
PB = did his or her personal best at a time in which it might have been
   easier to not do so

Events code:  record in ().  These do not count as corrections.
(B) = went to bathroom during class/note the time
(A) = absent
(L) = late to class, reasonable excuse
Visits to other areas in building should be noted (i.e. Library/1:25)
Teachers will also add positive comments and write notes to parents in the agenda.  Therefore, parents should sign the agenda each day.

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Dress Code

Students are expected to dress appropriately.  The following will be enforced  so as not to distract students or to disrupt the learning environment:
•Clothing which advertises drugs/sex/violence will not be allowed.
•Oversized shirts must be tucked in.
•Pants must be properly worn on hips.
•No flip flops, cleated athletic shoes, or shoes with wheels, caps, hats, or bandanas are to be worn.
•Children in grades three through six may not wear the silky, nylon running shorts, the sweat
  shorts, or any shorts that are disruptive to the learning environment.
•Children in grade three through six may not wear tank tops, see through apparel, cut off shorts or shirts, clothing which show the midriff, extremely short skirts, strapless tops or spaghetti strap tops.
 
•Pants must be worn at waist level.
•Skirts and shorts should be no shorter than the students finger tips when the arm is
  extended straight alongside the leg. 
•Any article of clothing or jewelry that is disruptive to the classroom is considered
  inappropriate. 
The school reserves the right to notify parents when student’s dress is inappropriate.  Parents will be asked to come and get their child or bring appropriate clothes to school for their child.
The educational staff will determine if clothing is disruptive to the learning environment or unsafe.

Backpacks
Backpacks may be used at school.  However, backpacks with wheels are not appropriate at school and cannot be used.  Children have difficulty controlling them coming down the hall.  They often inadvertently trip other children with them.  Finally, backpacks with wheels occupy a large amount of space in the classroom.
Parties

Invitations for private parties may be distributed only to the entire class.  Students names and private telephone numbers are not to be given out to parents due to the Privacy Act.  Birthday and other observances will be left to the discretion of the teacher.

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Objects Brought To School

Please do not allow your child to bring toys or extra money to school.  Instruction is interrupted when students have toys, etc. to distract them.  Teachers will give special permission for items to be brought on designated days.  NEITHER THE TEACHER, NOR THE SCHOOL WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ITEMS BROUGHT TO SCHOOL.

 

DISCIPLINE BASED PROGRAMS

Music
Music instruction is provided for all students.  Goals of the program include the development of musical skills and abilities as well as helping students appreciate, understand, and enjoy the many aspects and concepts of music. 

Drama
Drama experiences will be provided for all students. Students will receive instruction in drama which actively involves them as observers, organizers, creators, and evaluators in challenging, imaginative experiences that develop them physically, intellectually, and emotionally.  It motivates learning in other content areas and improves learning retention.  Children learn self confidence, the ability to express themselves and critical thinking skills.

Art
Art classes are scheduled for all students.  Art gives children the opportunity to express themselves while developing their drawing and painting skills.  We also develop a students artistic perception and aesthetic awareness.  Cultural and historical connections are made to emphasize the importance of the human spirit.

Physical Education
Each child is required by state law to participate in physical education.  The major areas taught are games, sports, gymnastics, physical fitness, and rhythmic activities.  Each child needs to wear tennis shoes to physical education class.  No other special attire is required. 
If a child has any health problems or a chronic illness, the physical education teacher should be informed by the parent. 
All pupils take part except for those who have:
1.  A statement from a doctor excusing them from participation.
2.  A parent’s written request stating the reason for the child to be temporarily excused.
Supplementary Programs
D.A.R.E.
D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a highly respected national program specially designed for fifth graders in Murfreesboro City Schools.  It is intended to equip students with the skills of: stress management, positive ways to fulfill emotional needs, dealing with peer pressure, and building friendships.  Acquisition of these skills provides a comprehensive approach for prevention of substance abuse.  D.A.R.E.  training is conducted in fifth grade classes by well trained Murfreesboro City Police Officers during a 17 week period.  An additional benefit of this program is the exposure children have to a police officer in a positive setting.  We are confident that this program will benefit our students, school, and community.

Extended School Program
Bradley’s E.S.P. is open from 6:00 a.m. until 7:15 a.m. and from school dismissal until 6:00 p.m. during the school year.  It is open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during breaks and days out.  This offers several opportunities for extended learning times for students.  Programs will be offered after school and during intercessions and summer break. 
Special sessions are designed to provide enrichment, remedial, and recreational activities for children. Fliers will be sent home periodically listing programs offered.  Rates and information concerning this program are available from the E.S.P. Their office is located beside the publishing lab.  The E.S.P. phone number is 898-7121.

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Media Center

The Library Media Center is available for book check out and research from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily.  It is an open library even though classes are scheduled.  Library classes are used to teach literature appreciation and library skills.  An automated circulation and card catalog system provide students with a quick and easy way to access library media materials.  Research materials, both print and electronic, and the Internet are also available for student use in the library and in all classrooms.  Students are encouraged to return or renew books within a seven day period. There is no overdue charge for failure to do so. Students are required to pay for lost or damaged books.  The student’s final report card will be held until all books are paid for or returned.

 

Guidance

The Guidance Program at Bradley serves every student in grades K-6.  The guidance counselor instructs students on self-help skills, as well as providing individual counseling services for students and families in need.  Referrals for individual guidance are processed through the classroom teacher, but parental and self referrals are also accepted.  Once a referral has been made, the guidance counselor will determine if a student needs individual or group guidance.

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Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
The purpose of the Bradley Parent Teacher Organization is to foster a greater understanding among parents, students, and teachers, and thus produce the best possible school environment for our children.  Parents are encouraged to join PTO and attend their general meetings held during the school year.  All Executive Board meetings are open to anyone interested in attending. Annual dues are charged for membership.  This money will go directly to your child’s classroom.
The PTO sponsors fundraisers each year to provide additional instructional resources for students.  Parents are often asked to assist with classroom and school wide functions, volunteer in classrooms, and serve on special committees. Board representatives serve on school committees with teachers to provide input in school improvement.
We urge all parents to become involved and be a part of PTO and your child’s education.  We are all at our best when we work as a team!!  Watch for newsletters and PTO information being sent home regularly.

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