Elementary Parent-Student Handbook

Overview (Click Here)

OVERVIEW

At Columbia County School District, our mission is to enrich, engage, and inspire all students. The elementary years are a magical time of discovery, growth, and building the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. This handbook is designed to help our families navigate school life and ensure every child feels safe, supported, and ready to succeed.

DISTRICT MISSION AND VISION

The Columbia County School District will provide each student with challenging content and instruction in a supportive environment, resulting in increased academic achievement through shared accountability.

The Columbia County School District will lead the nation in educational excellence where each student is engaged, enriched, and inspired.

General Information (Click Here)

School Hours

8:10 a.m. Student Arrival

8:35 a.m. Warning Bell
8:40 a.m. Start Time
3:45 p.m. Dismissal
*12:10 p.m. Early Dismissal

Arrival

School begins promptly at 8:40 a.m. Please make every effort to have your child at school by 8:35 so that he/she may prepare to start the day. Students should not be dropped off earlier than 8:10.

Dismissal

The school day ends at 3:45 p.m. and classroom instruction continues until this time daily. Whenever possible, please schedule medical appointments for after school hours. Students leaving early miss valuable instructional time. Students who are dismissed early for a medical appointment are required to provide a medical excuse from the doctor and must be signed out prior to 3:15. Early dismissal is recorded on student attendance records as tardy. Failure to provide a note will be considered unexcused. Students should be picked up before 4:10 p.m. If not, students will be placed in after-school care, and parents will be charged an hourly fee. If late pickup is habitual, students should be enrolled in the after-school program, or a referral to the school social worker will be made. Students may be released only to individuals on the approved pick-up list with a valid photo ID.

Traffic Procedures

Car Riders: All students transported by personal vehicle must be dropped off and picked up in the designated car rider area. To ensure safety and clear traffic, parents must remain in their vehicles at all times and move continuously forward as the line advances. Students may not exit their vehicles until 8:10 and when a staff member is visible to receive them. Students arriving after 8:40 must be accompanied and signed in by a parent or guardian in the front office.

Bus and Daycare Loading: Buses and Daycare Vans have priority in loading and unloading zones. To prioritize student safety during peak transition times, cars are not permitted to drive through or park in the bus loading zone.

Front Office Access: Visitors to the school attending conferences, picking up a student early, or returning a student to school during the day must park in a designated parking space and enter through the school’s main front entrance.

Attendance (Elementary Student Code of Conduct)

Georgia law requires compulsory school attendance. To receive maximum benefit from academic instruction, students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, enrolled in the Columbia County School District, are expected to attend school each day and arrive at school and to their classes on time unless excused for legitimate reasons.

The Board requires that all parents, guardians, or other persons having control or charge of students enrolled in the Columbia County School District receive a written summary of possible consequences and penalties for failing to comply with the compulsory attendance statutes.

Visitors

For security purposes, all visitors must report to the front office, present a valid photo ID, and utilize the visitor management system to receive a visitor's badge. Classroom observations must be scheduled with administration at least 24 hours in advance. Observations and classroom visits may be limited in duration and frequency per the principal's discretion.

Volunteers

Parent volunteers are welcome and appreciated in the Columbia County School District. In support of school safety, volunteers will be screened according to the level of interaction with the students. Volunteers who have direct interaction with students will be required to complete the child abuse prevention training each year and may be required to have a criminal background check on file prior to service.

All volunteers must sign in and out of the office, obtain a visitor’s badge, and wear it at all times. All volunteers must abide by school rules and procedures at all times.

School administrators with justified concerns have the authority to exclude individuals from participating in volunteer activities in their schools. Volunteers—including parents—who are excluded from Level 2 or 3 volunteer activities due to a disqualifying offense on the background check or sex offender registry may not participate in Level 1 volunteer activities. Parents/guardians who are excluded from volunteer activities may attend public events at the school such as Parent-Teacher Organization meetings and student performances.

Communication

The Columbia County School District is committed to effective and streamlined communication between the school and home to support student success. Parents may receive communication through email, phone calls, text messages, or any platform listed below.

ParentSquare (Official Messaging Platform): Effective for the 2025-2026 school year, ParentSquare is the official District-wide communication platform for school and classroom messaging. This unified system replaces Remind and other third-party messaging apps, providing a consistent experience for families.

ParentSquare will be used for:

School-wide newsletters and notifications
Classroom announcements, volunteer sign-ups, and event reminders
Emergency notifications and weather-related alerts

Parents are encouraged to download the ParentSquare app and verify their contact preferences to ensure they receive timely information from both the district and their child’s school.

Parent Portal (Infinite Campus): Parent Portal remains the primary official system of record for critical student data.

Parents and guardians must maintain an active account to:

Access real-time academic grades, assignment completion, and final report cards/progress reports
View official attendance records
Access individual student schedules
Complete the mandatory Annual Student Update, update emergency contact information, and electronically sign the Handbook Acknowledgment form

If you already have Parent Portal access, log in here. To create a new Parent Portal account, please view the video instructions below. Then, Click Here to set up your username and password.

You only need one Parent Portal account. If you have more than one student, your other student(s) will appear in your account. After creating your account and logging in to the portal, click Today in the left menu, then use the drop-down menu in the upper right corner to select your other student(s).

If you have questions or are unable to activate Parent Portal, please contact your child's school for assistance. For all Infinite Campus Parent Portal password resets, please email the student information system at [email protected].

Communication Folders/Agendas: In addition to our digital platforms, elementary schools may utilize weekly folders and/or student agendas to send home physical copies of student work and important school-to-home notices. Please review these daily/weekly and return them to the classroom as requested by your child's teacher.

Academic Programs (Click Here)

Curriculum and Instruction

The Columbia County School District provides a comprehensive, standards-based curriculum designed to meet the unique needs of every learner. Our elementary programs are anchored in the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) and promote critical thinking.

English Language Arts (Literacy): Our literacy instruction is grounded in the "Science of Reading," utilizing evidence-based practices to ensure all students become proficient readers and writers.

Mathematics: Students engage with the K-12 Georgia Mathematics Standards, which emphasize a balance of conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and real-world problem-solving.

Science: Students explore life, earth, and physical sciences through hands-on inquiry and the 5E instructional model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate).

Social Studies: Instruction focuses on history, geography, government, and economics, encouraging students to become informed and active citizens.

Specials/Encore: To provide a well-rounded education, all elementary students participate in Art, Music, Physical Education, and Media Services. These courses foster creativity, physical wellness, and digital literacy.

Assessment Practices

Assessment is a continuous process in our elementary schools used to identify student strengths, target areas for growth, and inform classroom instruction. We utilize a variety of tools to ensure every child is progressing toward mastery of the Georgia Standards of Excellence.

In accordance with Operating Procedure IH-OP (2), students in grades 3-5 are provided opportunities for retesting on summative assessments (tests/major projects) to ensure mastery of content.

- Eligibility: A student is eligible for one retest per assessment. Reassessment opportunities will only include standards not mastered.
- Requirements: Before a retest is administered, teachers should provide opportunities for reteaching and remediation during small group instruction.
- Grading: The retest score will replace the original score up to a maximum grade of 90.

Assessments

GKIDS 2.0 (Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills): A year-long performance-based assessment that provides teachers with a real-time view of a Kindergarten student's readiness and growth across multiple learning domains.

Georgia Milestones (EOG): Administered in the spring to students in grades 3 through 5. These End-of-Grade assessments measure how well students have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state-adopted content standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics (and Science for Grade 5).

Diagnostic: A comprehensive adaptive assessment that identifies student needs in Reading and Mathematics down to the sub-skill level, allowing teachers to provide targeted intervention and enrichment. Administered three times per year. Diagnostic assessments will not be graded. Results will be shared with parents as required and in accordance with state board rules.

Dyslexia Screener: In accordance with Georgia law (SB48), all students in kindergarten through 3rd grade are screened for characteristics of dyslexia. This universal screening helps the school identify students who may need additional support in foundational literacy skills.

Common District Curriculum Assessments: Administered at the end of a learning unit or module to monitor student mastery of the curriculum units taught within the Columbia County School District.

Grading and Reporting

Kindergarten – Grade 2: Standards-Based Grading

In the primary grades, student progress is reported through a Standards-Based Grading system. This approach provides specific feedback on a student's mastery of the individual Georgia Standards of Excellence.

Grades for K-2 students will be based on the Columbia County Standards-Based Report Card Rubric to indicate progress in meeting the standards by using the following numerical system:

3- Meets: Students meeting mastery for the standard have demonstrated a solid grasp of the content being addressed and are meeting the expectations of their grade level. They can consistently apply their knowledge and skills independently.

2- Progressing: Students who are progressing towards mastery of the standard are on the right track and progressing towards meeting grade-level standards. These students have a basic understanding but have not yet reached a level of proficiency necessary for mastery of the standard.

1- Does Not Meet: Students who do not meet the standard are in need of additional support to reach grade-level expectations. These students struggle with foundational skills or concepts and may require interventions to improve their understanding.

Grades 3 – 5: Numerical Grading

Students in grades 3-5 receive numerical grades in the core subjects of English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science. The final grade for these subjects is calculated by averaging the four nine-week grading periods.

A: 90 - 100

B: 80 - 89

C: 75 - 79

D: 70 - 74

F: Below 70

Progress Reports: Interim reports are issued midway through each nine-week grading period.

Report Cards: Formal report cards are issued at the conclusion of each nine-week grading period.

Homework Guidelines

The Columbia County School District recognizes that homework reinforces instruction and develops responsibility. Homework is defined as a meaningful extension of the instructional program.

The duration of assignments for the average student (to include study time) should not exceed the following:

- Kindergarten: 15 minutes per night
- Grade One: 30 minutes per night
- Grades Two & Three: 45 minutes per night
- Grades Four & Five: 60 minutes per night

Daily reading is strongly encouraged for all students and may be included as part of these time allotments.

Field Trips

Field trips are planned as an extension of the classroom curriculum and provide students with valuable educational experiences outside of the school building.

A student may participate in a field trip only if a signed parental permission form is on file. Verbal permission over the telephone is not accepted.

A fee may be requested to cover the cost of transportation and admission. No student will be denied the opportunity to participate due to an inability to pay; however, if insufficient funds are collected, a trip may be canceled.

Students are expected to represent their school with excellent behavior. Participation in field trips is a privilege, and students who have demonstrated a pattern of inappropriate behavior or who are on out-of-school suspension may be restricted from attending.

English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program

The purpose of the ESOL program is to ensure that high school English Learners (ELs) increase their English language proficiency. The English Language Proficiency (ELP) of each EL is determined upon enrollment and then assessed annually with the ACCESS for ELLs test. ESOL services are determined by the student’s ELP level. ESOL courses develop academic language and the reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills needed for academic achievement.

Gifted Education Program

Gifted services are provided through classes taught by gifted-endorsed teachers. Gifted students receive gifted-content instruction in various subjects, as determined by individual schools. If you have questions about the gifted program, please contact the school counselor.

Transportation and Safety (Click Here)

Bus Transportation

Bus transportation is a privilege. Students must adhere to all safety rules established by the Transportation Department and may only ride their assigned bus.

- Students must remain seated, keep hands and feet to themselves, and follow the driver’s instructions at all times. Use of loud voices or horseplay is prohibited.
- Students may only ride the bus to which they are assigned. Exceptions for emergency situations must be approved by the principal and require a written request from the parent.
- For students aged 8 or younger, a parent, guardian, or authorized adult must be present at the bus stop for the student to be released. If an adult is not present, the student will return to school.
- Failure to comply with bus safety rules may result in a referral to the administration. Repeated or severe infractions will result in the suspension of bus riding privileges.

Transportation Changes

To ensure the safety and security of all students, transportation changes will not be accepted via telephone. A parent/guardian must send a signed, written note to the classroom teacher requesting any transportation change. All requests must include the student’s full name, the teacher’s name, the specific change (e.g., "Car Rider" instead of "Bus 123"), and the dates for which the change is effective. For student safety and consistency, transportation changes should only be utilized for rare and/or emergency situations.

While written notes are preferred, in emergency situations, an email may be sent to the school’s designated transportation email address or the classroom teacher. Please note that technology issues can arise at any time, or an oversight may prevent a note from reaching the designated school personnel. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to confirm the school’s receipt of the transportation change.

All transportation changes must be received no later than 12:00 PM to allow for proper processing and notification of staff and students. Requests received after this time may not be honored except in extreme emergencies. The school's default procedure is to send a student home via their regular mode of transportation unless notified otherwise.

Emergency Closings

The decision to close schools will be made by a public announcement the previous night. If a closing decision cannot be made at that time, a delayed opening will be implemented until a final decision can be made. All activities, including Before/After school programs, at the closed schools will be canceled and/or postponed.

Student Support and Health (Click Here)

School Nutrition Program

The School Nutrition Program provides well-balanced, nutritious meals to support student learning. Breakfast and lunch are available daily in the school cafeteria.

Meal Costs for 2026-2027 School Year:

Breakfast: $2.00

Lunch: $3.75

In addition to standard meals, various à la carte items may be available for purchase. Please note that students must have sufficient funds in their account or cash on hand to purchase à la carte items; these items cannot be "charged" if an account has a zero or negative balance.

All families are encouraged to complete a Free and Reduced Meal Application. Families may apply for free or reduced-price meals. For quicker processing, families are encouraged to submit the application online at www.ccboe.net/ nutrition/. Printed meal applications are available at your child’s school.

Manage student meal accounts and make online payments through the secure portal linked on the district website.

Clinic and Medication

Our school clinic is staffed by RN and LPN nurses to provide medical care and assist students with healthcare needs during the school day.

If a student becomes ill or is injured, the school will contact the parent or guardian. It is critical that the school has up-to-date emergency contact information on file. If the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the school will contact the emergency contacts listed on the student's record. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, 911 will be called.

All medications (including over-the-counter items like Tylenol, Motrin, and cough drops) must be delivered to the clinic upon arrival at school. The only medications students are permitted to carry on their person are inhalers, diabetic supplies, emergency seizure medications, and Epi-Pens. Students diagnosed with these conditions must have a permission to carry authorization form on file signed by physician, student and parent or guardian.

A District Medication Authorization Form must be signed by the parent and, for long-term or prescription medications, by the attending physician.

To maintain a healthy environment for all, please keep your student home if they exhibit symptoms of illness. Students must be fever-free (under 100.4 degrees) for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school. Students should be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning.

All out-of-state transfer students must have a valid Georgia Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231) on file within 30 days of enrollment. All in-state transfer students must have a valid Georgia Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231) on file before enrollment.

Hospital Homebound

Hospital/Homebound educational services are provided for a student who will be absent for an extended period of time (10 days or more) due to a medical condition, and the district deems the student eligible to receive services. Approval of services is based on a completed medical referral form to the CCSD signed by the treating licensed physician. Included in this form shall be a statement by the treating physician that the student will be absent for a minimum of ten school days and that the student is physically able to participate in educational instruction. Intermittent Hospital/Homebound services may be provided for students with chronic health conditions when absences due to the illness are anticipated to be for a period of at least three consecutive school days for each occurrence. An Educational Service Plan (ESP) will be developed by the local school prior to the student receiving Hospital/Homebound services. Hospital/Homebound instructional services may be in home or hospital settings. The student should be counted present if instructional services are provided three hours per week.

Behavioral Expectations (Click Here)

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, data-driven framework proven to reduce disciplinary incidents, increase a school’s sense of safety, and support improved academic outcomes. Implementation of PBIS is saving countless instructional hours that would otherwise be lost to discipline.

PBIS schools apply a multi-tiered approach to prevention, using disciplinary data and principles of behavior analysis to develop school-wide, targeted, and individualized interventions and supports to improve school climate for all students.

Student Code of Conduct

All students are subject to the Columbia County School District Code of Conduct. While the handbook provides elementary-specific guidelines, the District Code of Conduct is the governing document for all disciplinary actions.

Dress Code for Students (Elementary Student Code of Conduct)

It is essential that students respect the learning environment by being appropriately dressed for school. The purpose of the student dress code is not to inhibit any person’s taste in attire, but rather to better facilitate the process of education through reasonable guidelines of dress which instill excellence and pride.

The guidelines below have been created to help students and families make informed decisions when deciding what to wear to school. If a student is dressed in a style that does not follow the guidelines below or the style is considered extreme or excessive, the student will be asked to correct the situation and change, as well as be assigned the appropriate disposition.

Clothing that does NOT promote an image of excellence is an outfit that:

- Is immodest and may disrupt the learning environment
- Shows undergarments
- Covers the head, ears, and/or face such as hoodies, and hats, and/or is oversized to include long coats and bulky jackets
- Includes inappropriate pictures or text
- Promotes sorority/fraternity or any participation in a secret organization
- Promotes gang or criminal activity
- Includes clothing that is considered sleepwear, or costumes with the exception of approved spirit days

Jewelry and accessories should not pose a danger to self or others such as spiked rings, collars, bracelets, extreme piercings, safety pins, and bulky chains. Sunglasses should not be worn inside the school building. Health and safety regulations require that shoes be worn at all times at school and be appropriate for the designated activity.

Electronic Devices (Elementary Student Code of Conduct)

In accordance with Georgia State Law, electronic devices should not be out, on, or in use at any time during the school day, including while on school bus transportation.

Examples include, but are not limited to, cellphones, tablets, headphones, earbuds, smart glasses, smartwatches, and other similar electronic devices. Electronic devices must be powered off, kept in a bookbag or locker, and not on a student’s person. Electronic device ringers, alerts, and alarms should be turned off.

Internet and Photograph Permission (Elementary Student Code of Conduct)

All students in K – 5 must have written parental consent to access the Internet. This consent form will remain in your child’s permanent record. Should you decide that you do not want your child to access the Internet at school, you will have to notify the school, and that notice will be placed in the permanent record. The universal nature of the Internet makes it necessary to use care when identifying students on individual school and system websites. Unless a parent objects in writing to the principal of the school where the child is enrolled, the Columbia County School System and individual schools may periodically acknowledge student work, activities, and/or achievements on their websites. Such information about your child will be limited to photographs, the student’s first name, school, grade level, and/or student work.

Notices (Click Here)

Title I Information

Schools designated as Title I receive federal funding to support student achievement. Parents have the right to be involved in the planning and implementation of Title I programs, including the School-Parent Compact.

FERPA & Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents certain rights regarding student education records. Parents may inspect records and request corrections of inaccuracies.

Right to Know Professional Qualifications

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), parents may request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teacher(s) and paraprofessional(s).

The Columbia County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, national origin, religion, or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices.