Attendance:
All students are expected to attend school regularly and to be on time for classes in order to benefit from the instructional program and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline, and responsibility. In order for your child’s absence to be excused, we are required to have a note explaining the absence on the first day the student returns to school. If a student accumulates 5 absences in a semester, he or she must bring a doctor’s excuse for any subsequent absences. NOTE: To be counted present, students must be in school 3 hours and 30 minutes; students who check out before or arrive after 11:30 are counted absent.

Textbooks: All basic textbooks are loaned to students for their use during the school year. Textbooks are to be kept clean and handled carefully and are not to be written in. Please be sure your child’s name is on the label provided on the inside cover of their books. Parents will be required to pay for lost or damaged books.

Workbooks and other Materials: Although all textbooks are furnished, there are other items which students need that are not funded by the county or state. An instructional fee of $10 is requested of each student. During the year parents may be requested to pay for other supplemental materials.

Make-Up Work: When a student is absent, parents may call the school office early in the morning to request books and assignments which may be picked up after 3:00. Lesson Line may also be helpful.

 Field Trips: Field trips are a worthwhile extension of the school curriculum, but they are also a privilege. Students are expected to behave in an exemplary manner whenever they are representing Capshaw School. Any student who has been a consistent discipline problem may be excluded from any class trip.

Library Services: Each class has library time each week. Library skills are taught and books are checked out during this time. Unscheduled library time is available each day for checking out books, research, or work on special projects.

Parent Library: In the Guidance office is a shelf with books that might be of special interest to parents. Parents are encouraged to check out materials any time.

School Rules:
School-wide rules are simply common sense actions that lead to a pleasant learning atmosphere for everyone

1. Always walk inside the building. 2. Use only quiet voices in the hallway. 3. Listen and speak with respect.4. Be kind and helpful. 5. Take care of our school property. Teachers and students also create more individualized classroom rules for working together harmoniously.

Consequences: Failure of a student to comply with school and classroom rules results in disciplinary action appropriate for the seriousness and frequency of the offense. Minor infractions usually result in "time out" in the classroom or on the playground. On rare occasions, when students "push the limits" on behavior, they are required to stay in detention after school. School Board policy allows students to be detained up to one hour after school with a 24-hour notice to parents. Parents will be notified about persistent or serious discipline problems and will be expected to help work out a plan for correction.

Celebrations of Learning are held after each report card distribution to reward students for academic success, perfect attendance, good attitudes, and outstanding effort.

Parent-Teacher Conferences: An afternoon conference time from 3:00-6:00 is scheduled in the fall and spring, but of course you may request a conference with your child’s teacher at any time. You may send a note or call the school office to arrange a time.

Grade Reports to Parents: Students receive a mid-term progress report in the middle of each grading period and take home report cards at the end of each nine weeks; these report cards are to be signed by parents and returned to school.

The countywide grading scale is as follows:
Kindergarten, Grades 1 and 2, Grades 3-6
Progress Report:

E = Excellent A = 95-100
G = Good B = 85-94
S = Satisfactory C = 75-84
N = Needs improvement D = 70-74
F = Below 70

At Capshaw we do not feel that an emphasis on grades is appropriate in the primary grades. In group activities and unit studies that involve working together, most students receive S or G.

School Office:
The school office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or other hours by special appointment. The principal or the secretary will help you with any questions you may have concerning Capshaw School.

School Store: School supplies may be purchased at the school store from 7:45 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. Prices are comparable to retail prices. Any profit from the store goes for miscellaneous expenses.

School Closing: In case of inclement weather, school may be closed or dismissed early. School closings and early dismissal will be broadcast over local radio and TV stations. Please do not call the school to inquire about dismissal unless you have an urgent message for your child.

Tardy/Early Check Out: Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. must sign in at the office before going to class. Parents who are picking up sick children or who want to take students out of school during the day must sign them out in the office before going to the classroom.

Emergency Procedures: Periodic fire and tornado drills will be run throughout the school year. Detailed information concerning evacuation procedures for fire and safety areas for tornadoes is given to each teacher. Classroom teachers will go over these procedures with students and keep them posted in classrooms.

Any medication that a child must take during the school day must be delivered by an adult in its original container and must be dispensed from the school office. Parents should fill out a form for any medication taken at school. Students should never carry or keep medication in their desks, backpacks, lunch boxes or pockets.  

Lost and Found: All articles which are found should be turned in to the office. Anyone losing something should inquire in the office. To avoid problems, please put your child’s name in or on all belongings.