RUTHERFORD SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

1.     Students have primary responsibility for their actions. We encourage self-control. Students must observe the safety rules of the school for their own security and that of others.

2.      Students are reminded any teacher or staff member in the school has the right to correct unruly individuals at any place at any time.

3.      Students shall show respect for the person and property of others around them.

4.      Students are expected to show respect for school property and take good care of books, desks and other furniture and equipment.

5.      Students shall follow the classroom rules established by the teacher(s).

6.      Students shall not wear dress which is distracting, disruptive or dangerous.

     Students shall follow all rules and procedures as set forth by the Rutherford School and the Gibson County School District.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT FOR RUTHERFORD SCHOOL

     Rutherford School proudly encourages parental involvement in helping to meet the educational needs of our students.  Opportunities for involvement will occur in many areas and other opportunities throughout each school year.  This Engagement Policy is an ongoing document.  Revisions and additions can occur at any time with recommendations from the Family and Community Committee as well as recommendations from concerned parents, community members and Rutherford School faculty and staff.  Any concerns will be brought before the committee for discussion before any changes are made.

Purpose

     The Rutherford School Family Engagement Plan was developed to:

          - Support the Gibson County Special School District Family Engagement Policy.

          - Create a common vision of family and community engagement and the resources needed to reach said goals.

          - Increase and improve the quality and level of family and community involvement in Rutherford School’s students’ educational process.

Plan

A.  Parents will be given opportunities to volunteer within the normal school day as well as beyond the school day.

1.  Parents are invited to read to students during the annual observance of “Read Across America” day.

2.  Parents are a vital part of making the annual Harvest Festival a success.

3.  Parents are invited to participate in student Field Trips as chaperones.

4.  Athletic and Band Parents are encouraged to attend monthly meetings, performances, games and to help with any other needs by these two organizations.

5.  The Parent-Teacher Organization allows parents and faculty to work together in many different educational avenues for the children.

B.   Parents will be given the opportunity to learn about their child’s school day as well as all activities of Rutherford School. 

1.  During the first month of each school year, Community Night is held to allow parents to meet           teachers and experience their child’s typical school day.

2.  A monthly newsletter and school calendar is sent to parents.  This is done to keep them aware of school news and upcoming events.

3.  The school website (www.rutherfordschool.org) is updated daily and allows parents to be aware of school events. The website supplies a link to the Gibson County Special School District.

4.  School news is sent weekly to the local newspaper.

5.  Students are given Mid-Six Weeks grade averages to help parents, teachers and students determine areas of concern.

6.  A meeting is held each August to discuss Title I and Special Education policies and procedures.  This meeting is in conjunction with Community Night and the first PTO meeting for the school year.

C.   Students’ educations are individualized based on their needs.

1.  IEP’s are developed with parents and educators together. They are implemented to the fullest in order to benefit the child.

2.  Annual Job Shadowing allows eighth grade students to spend a day in a field they feel might be of interest to them.

3.  Eighth grade students attend the annual Job Fair to receive information about possible careers.

4.  Eighth grade students are taken on a historical two-day trip each year to the state’s capital, Nashville.  This trip allows students who may otherwise never experience state history to be a part of important elements of the development of the state of Tennessee.

5.  Students are assessed to determine their individual deficiencies and proficiencies.  This information is used to create lessons to aid in honoring their Parent/Student/School Compact.

6.  Students are given the opportunity for early morning and afternoon tutoring beginning in January and continuing through May.  This is also available on an as-needed basis for students who require earlier tutoring.

7.  Students in grades Kindergarten through eighth grade participate in the Learning Center. 

8.  This lab provides students with individualized education plans the Riverdeep program.

D.   Parents are invited to meet with teachers as needs arise.

1.  Annual Teacher-Parent conferences are held to allow parents to visit with teachers and voice concerns.

2.  Parents are encouraged to have telephone conferences and schedule personal conferences when needed.

3.  Parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers via email made available on each teacher’s webpage on the school website.

4.  Teachers are encouraged to mention student successes when they see parents in places other than the school setting.

E.   Parents are a vital part of school decision-making and their child’s education.

1.  Rutherford School is actively updating their School Improvement Plan.  Parents are completing surveys.  Parents are giving input to areas they see as needing improvement.

2.  Parents are completing Parent/Student/School Compacts to aid in their child’s education.

3.  The school website offers a link to the Tennessee Curriculum Standards to allow parents the opportunity to view state requirements.

4.  The school website offers numerous links to practice for standardized testing, various practice sites for individual subjects and games for educational learning.

5.  The school website offers links to websites that provide parent information on keeping children safe, healthy, and informed.

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Parent/Student/Teacher Compact

Rutherford School

      It is the mission of Rutherford School, in partnership with parents and community, to empower each child to achieve his or her fullest potential and become a lifelong learner as well as responsible citizen.  Rutherford School is committed to high expectations and promoting positive attitudes to achieve excellence in a safe and nurturing educational environment.

     This learning compact is a voluntary agreement from parents to promise their commitment in helping your child to succeed in school.  This agreement can be reached through a home/school partnership with student learning as the central focus. 

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Parent/Guardian

     As a Parent/Guardian, I will:

- Maintain and foster high standards of academic achievement and positive behavior.

- Believe that my child can learn.

- See that my child attends school regularly and is on time each day.

- Spend time each day with my child reading, writing, listening and checking homework or other school requirements.

- Support the school by volunteering my time and talents when possible.

- Maintain positive communication with school staff regarding my child’s progress.

- Respect, love and encourage my child’s growth and ideas.

- Provide a quiet place for my child to study at home.

- Support the school in its efforts to maintain proper discipline.

- Establish a set bedtime to enable better learning each day.

__________________________                                    _____________________

Parent/Guardian Signature                                                Date

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Child/Student

     As a student of Rutherford School, I will:

- Believe that I have the ability to learn.

- Attend school regularly and be on time.

- Always try to do my best and take pride in my work.

- Arrive at school prepared with my homework and supplies.

- Show respect for myself, my school and others.

- Ask for help when I need it.

- Accept responsibility for my actions and assignments.

- Discuss with my parent/guardian what I am learning in school.

- Work to resolve conflicts in positive, nonviolent ways.

- Follow school and classroom guidelines and rules.

___________________________                                 _____________________

Student Signature                                                            Date

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Staff/Teacher

     The entire faculty and staff of Rutherford School will share responsibility for improved student achievement.  As a staff/member or teacher, I will:

- Provide a high quality curriculum that challenges each student to reach his/her educational potential.

- Be prepared each day to teach and make learning interesting.

- Believe that each student can learn.

- Provide meaningful and appropriate homework activities.

- Enforce school and classroom rules fairly and consistently.

- Communicate continuously and effectively with my students and their parents.

- Demonstrate a positive attitude and continuously give praise and encouragement to all students.

- Seek ways to involve parents in the school program.

___________________________                                   _____________________

Teacher Signature                                                              Date

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