MARY FORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2015-2016
Parent Handbook and Calendar
Patricia R. Middleton, Principal
Sheldon Bloomfield, Interim Assistant Principal
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2015-2016 Parent Handbook
Mary Ford Elementary School
3180 Thomasina McPherson Blvd
North Charleston, SC 29405
https://maryford.ccsdschools.com
https://www.facebook.com/MaryFordElementary
Important Numbers
Main Office………………..745-2160
Guidance Office………………745-2168
Nurse…………………….…..745-2166
Fax Number………………529-3927
Parent Advocate…………..…745-2360
KidsWell Clinic….………..745-2365
Cafeteria………….………..745-2169
Communities In Schools….745-2186
Mental Health…………..…745-2310
21st Century……………….745-2363
Family Navigator…………….745-2364
Durham School Bus……..745-7084
Table of Contents
Message from the Principal
PBIS
Behavior Rules & Expectations
School Discipline, Bullying, Tardy, &
Bus Discipline Policies
Traffic
General Information
Arrival & Dismissal
Attendance
Birthdays
Buses & Bus Discipline
Bus Rules
Business Education Partners
Cell Phones/Communication Devices
Changes of Address
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CORE Team
Daily Schedule
Discipline
Dress
21st Century (Community Learning Center Program)
Guidance
Homework
Lost & Found
Meal Program
Mentoring Program
Parent/Teacher Communication
Pictures
PTA
Returned Checks
Response to Intervention
SAIL Program
School Improvement Council
Tardy Policy
Telephone
Testing Program
Transfers & Withdrawals
Visitor Management System
Visits & Conferences
Volunteers
504 Plans
Emergency Preparedness Plan
Faculty and Staff Members
Clinic/KidsWell Program
Message from the Principal
Welcome to the opening of what promises to be a wonderful school year filled with Panther Pride! I hope that you and your children are as
excited as I am for the first day of school to arrive. At this time of the year, there is great anticipation of what is to come, and I am as excited
as the teachers, children, and parents of the Mary Ford Elementary (MFE) family.
I ask that you join me in welcoming all new members to our teaching staff and embrace the excitement that their talents bring to our
learning community. Together teachers, students, and parents/guardians make a strong MFE family. We appreciate your support as your
child enters the classroom to learn, and grow through the year. Let’s all commit to an excellent school year, setting every student and
teacher up for success.
This school year we continue to ask our entire school community to embrace the mission of MFE and spread the message that our number
one priority continues to be student achievement. Our overarching goal this year is to continue to challenge our students intellectually,
grow them socially, and continue to guide them toward independent critical thinking and problem solving with Panther PRIDE! This can all
be done through continuous collaboration that is grounded in what is best for our students.
We will also continue to implement the Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS). This initiative, coupled with Response to Intervention
(RTI), allows positive and effective educational and behavioral support for all students. The PBIS School Team will meet monthly and serve
as a catalyst to ensure consistency with school-wide expectations. We ask for your support as we move forward making this school year a
success for all children.
Please feel free to call, email or visit with your ideas, suggestions or concerns. Your input is important to me and is an integral part in all that
we do.
Mrs. Patricia R. Middleton, Principal
School Highlights
Our Mission: Mary Ford Elementary, working in partnership with students’ families and the community, is to ensure that all students
receive a high quality education, which prepares them to succeed in a complex and competitive world.
Our Student Belief Statement: We, the students of Mary Ford Elementary, believe we should always be responsible for our own actions,
treat others with respect and dignity and strive daily to be the best we can be.
Our Student’s Creed: Our futures are bright, we keep our goals in sight, Mary Ford helps us to see all that we can be! We will go to college,
we will succeed, this is our promise, and this is our creed!
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Mary Ford Elementary is a PBIS School
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a systems approach to preventing and responding to school and classroom
discipline problems. PBIS develops school-wide systems that support staff to teach and promote positive behavior in all students. By
reducing behavioral problems, PBIS creates and maintains safe learning environments where teachers can teach and students can learn.
Core Elements of PBIS
School-wide discipline practices and procedures
Active leadership and ongoing participation of Principal
Cultivation of staff commitment for consistent implementation
Team-based planning and problem-solving
Use of building-based discipline and academic data to make decisions
An instructional approach to behavior and classroom management
Classroom management and behaviorally-based interventions
Functional assessment-based behavior support planning
Comprehensive plans for individual students with intensive needs
Active participation of families, students and teacher
Integration with mental health and other community supports
Goals of PBIS
1. Build the capacity of target schools to (a) establish positive social cultures, (b) implement effective school-wide and classroom behavior
support, (c) deliver function-based, comprehensive, intensive individual behavior support, and (d) integrate educational, behavioral and
mental health services.
2. Establish the organizational systems needed for maintenance of school-wide behavior support.
3. Develop capacity of state, regional and local school staff to effectively train and support schools in PBIS implementation.
4. Provide evaluation data to determine effectiveness of PBIS and specific structures and features needed for successful implementation and
sustainability throughout the state.
Expected Outcomes for PBIS Schools
1. Increase consistent use of positive teaching and reinforcement strategies for behavior among teachers and other school staff.
2. Reduce discipline referrals, suspensions, and expulsions while increasing academic performance.
3. Increase data based decision making about behaviors and academic skills to be consistently taught and reinforced across all school
settings.
4. Implement effective behavior and/or academic change plans for students with specific needs not being addressed by school-wide systems
(5-15%) through problem-solving teams.
5. Implement effective comprehensive supports/services/interventions for students with the most intensive needs (1-7%) through
wraparound plans that address home, school, and community.
6. Identify students in need of primary, secondary, and tertiary mental health services and facilitate access to a range of flexibly designed and
effectively provided mental health services.
7. Increase family and student voice and participation in implementing positive behavior, academic, and mental health systems and practices
at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
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SCHOOL-WIDE DISCIPLINE PLAN, BULLYING, TARDY AND BUS DISCIPLINE POLICIES
High expectations result in exemplary performance. An environment free of disruption is essential to your child’s education.
We Have Panther Pride…
Arrival &
Assemblies
Cafeteria
Classrooms
Restrooms
Hallways
Recess
Walk in Designated
Enter and exit on
Clean up spills
Keep chair and desk
Report any mess or
Maintain Voice level
Stay in assigned area
area
Voice Level “0”
on floor at all times
broken objects to an
“0” when escorted
adult
by teacher
Departure
Personal
Responsibility
Respect for Self and
Others
Individual Readiness
Demonstrated
Keep hands, feet,
Respect all
Use utensils
Talk only with
Respect others
Keep your personal
Share and take turns
objects, and unkind
presenters and
appropriately
permission or when
privacy
space
words to yourself
performers.
Follow your
Remain in assigned
Get everything
Follow school dress
Wash and dry hands
Have a pass when
Line up when your
transportation plan for
area
you need
code
unsupervised
teacher calls and/or
instructed
coming and leaving
before sitting
school
down
signals your class
Enter and exit the
Participate in a
Follow Voice
Commit to
Be a role model by
Be a role model by
building safely
positive,
Level directions
understanding the
following restroom
following the
work
procedures
hallway procedures
Resist peer pressure
Apologize
Use proper
Deal with
appropriately
negotiation skills
accusations
Learning
appropriate
Be a good sport
manner
Effective Behaviors
Follow instructions
Accept feedback
Make a request
politely
appropriately
appropriately
appropriately
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GENERAL INFORMATION
ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL - Adult supervision begins at 7:10 a.m., students may not arrive before this time. Upon arrival, students report
directly to their classrooms to eat breakfast. Students must be present in their classrooms by 7:30 am (before the tardy bell) to be marked
present and receive breakfast. All students arriving after7:35 am (after the tardy bell) will be marked tardy and will need to have a parent
sign them into the front office.
When picking up your child before regular dismissal time, please come directly to the main office. Your child will be called from the
classroom. Students will not be called out of the classroom prior to parent's arrival. Identification must be shown in the office when a child is
picked up. For the safety of our children, only parents, someone on the emergency card, or someone that the parent has indicated in writing
ahead of time, will be allowed to pick up a child.
It is essential that your child’s afternoon transportation is arranged prior to school each day. Only extreme emergencies should require a
change in transportation. Transportation changes must be made in writing and received by 2:00 pm in a note to the teacher. Buses will
leave as soon as they are loaded and walkers will be dismissed before the buses depart.
Students who ride in cars will be dismissed at 2:30 pm. Security Car Placards are required to pick up students in the car rider line. It is the
responsibility of the parent to distribute their child’s car tag to the driver they authorize to pick up the student in the car rider dismissal line.
All students who ride by car will be dropped off and picked up at the gym entrance of the building. Drivers should enter in single file manner
to the side door. Cars should exit only through the designated driveway. For safety reasons, parents picking up students in the afternoon are
requested not to park in front of the school.
ATTENDANCE - Attendance is a requirement for promotion. Students will not be eligible for promotion if they have more than ten unlawful
or unexcused absences. A valid excuse, written by the parent or guardian, must be received by the school office within three days after the
student returns to school. After 10 absences (per year) medical excuses must be provided.
BIRTHDAYS - Please contact your student’s teacher to make birthday celebration arrangements. Some parents may wish to celebrate by
donating a "Birthday Book" to the school library collection on behalf of their son or daughter. Our school media specialist would be pleased
to give suggestions about suitable book titles. Each student is presented with a birthday ribbon on his or her special day.
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BUS DISCIPLINE POLICY Durham Bus Services and the bus drivers have the responsibility to provide your family with safe transportation to and from school.
Therefore, it is extremely important for students to show behavior that allows the bus driver to provide his/her service in a safe manner.
Students should follow the expectations explained in the Student Code of Conduct in order to show our PRIDE rules on the bus and at the
bus stops. Transportation to and from school is a service delivered to your family; therefore, it is the expectation for all students to practice
PRIDE behaviors.
In order to maintain safety on the bus, service will be denied to students that cause a danger to the safety of others by acting in ways that
distracts the bus driver or show disrespect to others or bus property. Inappropriate behaviors include those behaviors present at the bus
stop too.
The following progressive discipline schedule will be in place for this school year:





First referral from the driver: Verbal warning and referral sent home for signature, review of bus expectations.
Second referral: Verbal warning and referral sent home for signature, review of bus expectations.
Third referral: One day suspension from the bus service.
Fourth referral: Two days suspension from the bus service.
Fifth referral: Three days suspension from the bus service and warning letter sent home warning of removal from the bus for the rest of
the year.
 Sixth referral: Bus riding privileges denied for the remainder of the year.
Any time a student is suspended from the bus it is the responsibility of the parent to provide transportation for the student to get to
and from school.
CHANGING BUSES!
STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RIDE ANY BUS OTHER THAN HIS/HER REGULAR BUS WITHOUT A NOTE SIGNED BY A
PARENT AND APPROVAL OF THE PRINCIPAL OR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL.
Students may also lose bus riding privileges for the year by demonstrating behavior that is extremely dangerous to others on the bus or in
the public. To report problems at the bus stop contact the North Charleston Police department. To report problems with the route or the
bus driver contact Mrs. Middleton or Mr. Bloomfield at 745-7131 or Durham Bus Services at 745-7083.
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BUSINESS/EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS - Local businesses and organizations have a vested interest in the quality of education in their
community. Therefore, local businesses unite with schools for their benefit. These partnerships improve the quality of life in the community
and give local citizens an opportunity to participate in the educational process. Mary Ford is honored to be Business Education Partners with
Solvay Inc., North Charleston Cultural Arts, North Charleston Police Department, North Charleston Fire Department, Hands of Christ, and
Publix located at 1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Kelly Reality, T-Mobil. There are several churches, Westminster Presbyterian, St. Peter’s
Church, and New Hope Baptist Church, that support the school in many and various ways. Mary Ford Foundation and Charleston Promise
Neighborhood are two organizations that are actively supporting the students and community of Mary Ford. Whenever possible please
support these businesses and community affiliates as they are so generous with their ongoing support for Mary Ford Elementary.
CELL PHONES AND COMMUNICATION DEVICES - Students are not permitted to have communication or electronic devices on school
property during the school day without the written approval of the school principal. In order to obtain permission for a student to carry a
cell phone the parent must send a written request to the principal. No student may use a cell phone or port-able communication device on
school property during the school day. During school hours cell phones or communication devices must be turned off (not on vibrate mode)
and stored out of sight. Using a cell phone or telecommunication device may include but not be limited to text messaging, taking pictures or
videos, playing games, receiving and/or sending calls. Students may not activate video cameras at any time unless they are acting pursuant
to the express instructions of a teacher or administrator. Please reference the Charleston County School District Code of Conduct for the
specific policy.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS - The school office must have a parent's current address and telephone number at all times. This is particularly
important in case of an emergency. Please notify the school immediately when moving, changing telephone numbers or place of
employment. You must provide 2 proofs of residence when an address is changed. Student records must be changed by the parent in the Info
Snap data base. A Secured Snap Code has been distributed to the parent for each enrolled student. The website can be accessed through a
link at ccsdschools.com. For additional information please call the school office.
CLINIC - A Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse is on duty throughout the week during school hours. The clinic is located in the
main building across from the office.
Accidents - The school makes every effort to provide a safe environment for your child. In the event of an accident the school nurse or
a member of the staff will render first aid and notify parents, if necessary. Parents must complete an emergency card for each child
with a minimum of three telephone numbers.
Head lice - Screening exams are conducted periodically. Students are sent home for immediate treatment should this condition be
present. Upon returning to school, your child must present proof of treatment, such as a box top from a special anti-lice shampoo.
Your child will then be rechecked, and if treatment was not satisfactory, he or she will not be readmitted to school.
Medications - All medication must be registered with the clinic before school begins on the day medication is to begin. A physician's
authorization form must be on file in the clinic. This form may be received from the school clinic or the main office.
Over the counter medications may be available for occasional use if the student meets criteria approved by the CCSD
physician consultant. Refer to the health card for more information.
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CPN KidsWell School-Based Health Clinic - KidsWell is exclusively offered inside the following CCSD schools: Burns, Chicora, James
Simmons, Mary Ford and Sanders-Clyde. At the KidsWell Clinic your child can be conveniently seen by a Medical University of South
Carolina (MUSC) doctor who is available at your child’s school on a weekly basis and during school hours. Doctors are located at the
KidsWell School-Based Health Center inside Mary Ford on Tuesday. KidsWell offers sick visits, preventive care, chronic care, behavioral
assessment, and prescriptions. Please contact the school for an enrolment package to learn more, or feel free to contact their medical staff at
843-745-2365.
CORE TEAM - In an effort to provide support to our students, a parent or teacher may request that a Teacher Assistance Team be formed to
provide help in resolving academic or behavioral concerns. Background information will be gathered along with student work samples,
behavior charts, grades, and the student’s citizenship folder. The team will develop an intervention plan to provide resources to ensure
student success.
DAILY SCHEDULE 7:10 a.m – 7:30 am Students Report to Classroom (Breakfast Served in Classrooms)
7:35 am
Tardy Bell/Announcements Begin
2:30 pm
Student Dismissal Begins
DISCIPLINE - Children feel secure when they know what is expected. In addition to the School-Wide Discipline Plan outlined on page 4 & 5,
each teacher has developed a specific plan for managing student behavior. This plan will be explained to the parents at Open House and in
writing at the beginning of the school year. As a final step in the teacher's behavior plan, a student who displays unacceptable behavior or
who continues to violate class rules will be referred to administration.
DRESS - Mary Ford is a uniform school so all students are expected to wear uniforms. Mary Ford’s dress code coincides with CCSD’s
dress code policy which can be found on page 11 of the Student Code of Conduct. All students are expected to wear appropriate uniform
clothing which complies with health and safety requirements and which does not interfere with the educational process. Shoes that have a
back and protect the feet from injury must be worn. Pants must be worn at waist level and shorts/skirts must be fingertip length or longer.
Unacceptable examples are backless or strapless blouses or dresses, halter tops, strapless tops, bare-shouldered tops, spaghetti straps,
midriff or tank tops, T-shirts with inappropriate messages, short shorts, flip flops, soccer sandals and sunglasses. Hats are not worn in the
building. Please help your child to have a successful day and get off to a good start by making sure he/she is dressed appropriately. The
following articles of clothing make up Mary Ford’s uniform:
SHIRTS OR BLOUSES WITH A COLLAR – Solid color oxford or polo style, short or long sleeve
KHAKI OR NAVY PANTS, LONG SHORTS, JUMPERS OR SKIRTS - If there are belt loops, a belt must be worn.
SHIRTS/SWEATERS - navy, white, burgundy, light blue, yellow, pink, red, green
SOCKS AND SHOES - leather shoes or tennis shoes and white, navy or black socks
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EMERGENCY CARDS - Parents/Guardians must complete an emergency card for their children at the beginning of the school year.
The school office must have a current address and telephone number at all times in case of an emergency. Please notify the school as soon
as possible when moving, changing telephone numbers or place of employment. This is to ensure the safety of every child by
providing a means of communication if needed.
FIELD TRIPS - Each grade level will participate in standards aligned field trips during the year. Teachers will notify parents if they need
chaperones. Younger children may not accompany parents on field trips as this can be a distraction. We believe field trips offer enrichment
opportunities for our students and will support classroom instruction.
GRADES & REPORT CARDS - Kindergarten - 2nd grade grades are reported using the State Rating Scale of CD: Consistently Demonstrates,
SD: Sometimes Demonstrates or RD: Rarely or Never Demonstrates.
The grading scale for grades 3rd-5th: A=100-93, B=92-85, C=84-77, D=76-70, F=69-0.
GUIDANCE - Guidance in the elementary school is concerned with the mental, emotional, social, physical and educational development
needs of the students. Individual and group counseling is offered along with regular classroom lessons. Guidance helps to implement the
Character Education Program provided by CCSD. Parents/Guardians will be notified about small group participation so they can decide if
their child should participate. Ms. Destiny McCoy, Guidance Counselor is available to meet with parents to discuss any educational or
social/emotional concerns in regards to their children. Parents may request counseling for the students as well.
HOMEWORK - Homework should be meaningful and should be a variety of activities. Homework does not just consist of reading or
studying, but reinforces skills learned during the day as well as develops responsibility. Homework will be acknowledged on a daily basis.
Grade levels are consistent in their homework expectations. Kindergarten - 2nd grade are assigned 10 - 20 minutes per night and grades 3rd 5th are assigned 30 - 50 minutes per night. Please encourage your child to read daily. Reading is the most important activity a student
can do to improve academically.
LOST AND FOUND - All lost clothing is placed in baskets on the stage in the cafeteria. Unclaimed items are donated to charity during the
winter and spring holidays and during the summer. The labeling of clothing, lunch boxes and other personal items is strongly recommended
to ensure the return of lost items.
MEAL PROGRAM - The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) allows Mary Ford Elementary School students to receive free school
breakfast and lunch to all students at no cost. Students will be served breakfast from 7:10 am to 7:30 am. Students arriving on late buses
will be given breakfast by their classroom teachers. Lunch menus are posted on the school website and will be sent home monthly in their
Wednesday folder. For additional information or concerns please contact the cafeteria manager, Brenda Brown, at 843-745-2169.
Adult Breakfast and Lunch rates are as follows:
Adult Breakfast
$2.25
Adult Lunch
$3.75
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MENTORING PROGRAM - Since one-on-one attention from a responsible adult is the best way to help individual children succeed, Mary
Ford has a Mentoring Program available for students who may need additional academic or social support. For more information, contact
the Communities In Schools (CIS) Student Support Specialist, Mr. Ronnie Jacobs at 745-2186.
PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION - Graded papers and other communication from the school are sent home every week in the
Wednesday folder. Please review this information with your child on a regular basis. Interim Reports will be sent home between Report
Cards which will be given every nine weeks. Please see the monthly calendar for dates. If you would like a conference with one of your
child’s teachers, please call the teacher directly.
PICTURES - Both individual and group pictures are taken throughout the school year. Picture order packets are sent home with the students
prior to the scheduled picture date. Please return the order form and payment prior to the date of scheduled picture date. Profit from these
sales is used to improve the educational opportunities of our students. If you do not want pictures sent home please communicate that
directly to your child’s teacher.
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCATION (PTA) - We are excited to establish the Parent Teacher Association this school year. The PTA is an
integral part of the programs and services that will be offered at Mary Ford Elementary School. The Mary Ford PTA will be dedicated to
furthering the goals of South Carolina and National PTA. Your membership and active participation are vitally important to the education of
our children. Please contact Mr. Corey McClary, Parent Advocate, at 843-745-2360 if you are interested in becoming officers.
RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RTI) ● RTI functions on the premise that all students receive research-based and standards-driven instruction in general education.
● The learning of all students is assessed early and often (ongoing progress monitoring). Assessment is focused on direct measurements of
achievement and behavior.
● If there are concerns about student progress interventions are available.
● Individual student data gathered through the process may be used to determine appropriateness of a special education referral (e.g., in the
case of students who do not respond adequately to intervention) and as part of a comprehensive evaluation for determination of eligibility.
SAIL PROGRAM - S.A.I.L. (Students Actively Involved in Learning) is a program for identified gifted and talented students in grades 3-5.
Identified students are those who score 96% or above on an achievement test. Weekly classes are held with a maximum number of twelve
students in the primary classes and fifteen in the elementary classes. Critical, creative and effective skills are stressed through various study
topics. SAIL testing for new students occurs each year in the Spring. Parents may pick up testing nomination forms from the front office to be
returned by September 30th.
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL - The purpose of the School Improvement Council is to allow those closest to the students, parents and
teachers to make decisions to improve educational quality and student achievement in each school. Please see the monthly calendars for
date and time. All meetings are open to the public. South Carolina Act 135 established legal requirements for School Improvement Councils.
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TARDY - A student should be in their seat when the bell rings at 7:30 am or they are counted as tardy. The only excused tardy is with a
medical note or a late bus. Students are required to come to the office for a Tardy Slip with their parent when they arrive late.
TELEPHONE USAGE - The school requests that your child be given all necessary instructions before leaving home in the morning. The office
will interrupt a class only to deliver emergency messages. Families should have a general understanding as to what the student will do after
school in the event of bad weather. Your assistance in this area will allow the office staff to operate more efficiently.
TESTING - Charleston County School District requires the administration of specific assessments throughout the school year. The
kindergarten classes will take math and reading assessments at the beginning of the year and periodically throughout the school year.
Students in 1st -5th grade will take Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments three times during the school year. State mandated
assessments will be administered in the Spring of 2016. Specific information pertaining to dates and testing grades will be communicated by
the school and district. Parents/Guardians will be kept informed of their child’s progress. Teacher will share the Spring 2015 ACT Aspire
tests results during parent conferences in October.
TITLE I SCHOOL - Mary Ford Elementary meets the criteria to be a Title I School. We receive federal funding that is used for teacher salaries
to reduce class sizes, purchase materials, and provide other resources determined by the Title I Team. A copy of Mary Ford’s Title I Plan is
available in the media center for everyone to review. Surveys completed in the spring of each school year are used to assist with developing
the school’s Title I plan.
TRANSFERS AND WITHDRAWALS - Parents must go through the following procedures concerning withdrawing or transferring of pupils:
1. The student must return all library books, textbooks, and school property.
2. School fines must be paid.
3. Parents must come to the office or send a written request stating the withdrawal date, new address and name of school (if known).
4. Parents are asked to give the school at least five days notice before the student transfers.
VISITOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - To better protect our students, visitors, and staff, the campus screens for registered sex offenders. A
valid state issued ID is required to enter our campus. Please report to the main office to check in to receive a visitor’s pass and check out as
you leave. Thank you for your cooperation.
VISITS AND CONFERENCES - All visitors must report to the office before going to the classrooms to receive a Visitor’s Pass. After receiving a
Visitor's Pass, parents may visit their child's classroom to observe. No small children are to accompany the parent on these visits. Parents
are asked not to interrupt the teacher while observing. Parents are welcome to have lunch with their child. Please see your child’s teacher for
the time.
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VOLUNTEERS - Parent participation is critical for a student’s success. There are many volunteer opportunities during school hours and after
school. If you are interested in volunteering please contact our Parent Advocate, Corey McClary, at 843-745-2360. Volunteers working in the
classroom may not bring pre-school children with them. This could cause distractions in the classroom and pose a hazard to the young child.
A volunteer application must be completed and approved annually before any adult may begin volunteering at Mary Ford Elementary School
including volunteering as a field trip chaperone.
21st CENTURY Community Learning Center Program - After school extended day is available at Mary Ford for students from kindergarten
through 5th grade with greater emphasis on students in grades 3rd -5th. The 21st Century Community Learning Center Program service is
provided through the 21st Century Grant. Their goal is to provide a safe and engaging after school learning environment which offers quality
care, academic support, and a wealth of enrichment/recreational activities focusing on the positive development of each child.
504 PLANS and SPECIAL EDUCATION - If a student is having academic or emotional problems, the teacher or parent/guardian may request
individual testing by the school psychologist. If the results indicate the need for specific accommodations, the parent/guardian will be
invited to a meeting with the psychologist, teacher and principal to discuss an appropriate educational plan for the student. At Mary Ford we
believe in inclusive practices for all children with special needs. 504 Plans are available for students with any diagnosed condition that
interferes with learning, such as attention deficit disorder or asthma. Please contact our Guidance Counselor, Ms. McCoy at 843-2168 if you
have any questions or concerns.
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FACULTY & STAFFChild Development Teachers
4th Grade Teachers
Special Area Teachers
Ms. Hamilton/Ms. Patterson
Ms. Ash
Ms. Benjamin, Art
Vacant /Ms. Smalls
Ms. J. Moody
Ms. Brown, Music
Vacant /Ms. Cathron
5th Grade Teachers
Ms. Lewis, Computer
Kindergarten Teachers
Ms. Bickerstaff-Givens
Ms. McCoy, Guidance
Ms. Burns/ Ms. Miller
Ms. Gould
Mr. Murray, P.E.
Ms. Tuten/Ms. Smith
Ms. Heyward
Ms. A. Lewis, Media Specialist
Ms. Parker/ Ms. Simmons
Instructional Support Teachers
Support Staff
1st Grade Teachers
Ms. Blalock, Master Reading Teacher
Ms. Brothers, Sec./Bookkeeper
Ms. Ferguson
Ms. Hart, Master Reading Teacher
Mr. Alston, Data Clerk
Ms. Hatcher
Ms. W. Moody, Master Reading Teacher
Ms. Davis & Ms. Seffens, Nurse
Ms. Stevens
Ms. Osborne, SAIL (Gifted & Talented)
Mr. McClary, Parent Advocate
Ms. Watson
Ms. Smith, Reading Coach
Mr. Jacobs, CIS Student Support Specialist
2nd Grade Teachers
Ms. Knee, ESOL
Ms. Hill, Family Navigator
Ms. Leamy
Special Education Teachers
Ms. Hostetler, Reading Partners
Ms. Singleton
Mr. Nelson, Resource
Ms. Womble, Mental Health
Ms. Nathaniel
Dr. Bowens, Multi CAT/ Ms. Spellman
Mr. Rouse, Day Porter
3rd Grade Teachers
Ms. Barr, PIC/ Ms. Slaughter/Ms. Johnson
Ms. Singleton, Day Porter
Ms. Constantino
Ms. Mundy, PMD/Mr. Suckiel/Ms. Clemmons
Ms. Brown, Cafeteria Manager
Ms. Delaney
Ms. Salvino, Speech Pathologist
Ms. Hartley
VACANT, Resource
Ms. Marsh, Occupational Therapist
Ms. Beebe, School Psychologist
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Emergency Preparedness Plan for Anti-Terrorism
The Charleston County School District has developed an Emergency Preparedness Plan for Anti-Terrorism Protection to ensure the safety of
our students and staff, in the event of an emergency situation. We have reviewed the literature for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
and have been assisted by local agencies and community collaborators in preparing our plan.
As parents, you have a very important role in making our plan successful. The following provides assurances and important information
regarding our plan:
1. The District has a PLAN for all buildings outlined at each level of the National ALERT SCALE. The Nation is at Alert Level Orange or
high alert. The National Alert Levels are Green (Low), Blue (Guarded), Yellow (Elevated), Orange (High) and Red (Severe.)
2. Parents need to send updated information for Student Emergency Contact Cards.
3. Parents need to send additional medication for dispensing if we go to ALERT LEVEL RED, in case there is a delay in student dismissal
during this alert period.
4. No one needs to panic; nothing good happens when we are not calm.
5. Develop a family Emergency Plan. The American Red Cross website, www.redcross.org, contains sample emergency plans for families.
6. Use the designated and published contact places, e.g., phone number, drop-off points, information centers, etc., rather than calling
schools and district offices for information.
7. Be available and reachable in the event of a school closing to pick up your children as directed.
8. Listen to the radio and TV stations for updated information.
9. Limit visitation to schools during the RED Alert Level unless absolutely necessary.
10. Make appointments if school visits are necessary.
11. Follow all posted rules while visiting schools and office buildings. These rules are for the safety of our children, staff and you.
12. Remind students to avoid playing pranks or making jokes about serious issues related to terrorism.
13. Encourage students to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious to the school principal or teachers. Please help us to support the
efforts for effective school safety.
16
Mary Ford Elementary School
Character Word for the Month:
Respect
August
2015
Respect is thinking and acting in a positive way about yourself or others.
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
9
10
11
12
17
18
19
16
23
30
17
st
1 Day of School
for K-5th Students
24
1st Day of School
for CD Students
31
6
7
8
13
14
15
20
21
22
27
28
29
Meet the Teacher
Night
4:00 - 6:00 pm
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
25
26
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
Mary Ford Elementary School
Character Word for the Month:
Responsibility
September
2015
Sun
Being accountable for what you do, for your actions and behavior.
Mon
Tue
1
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
2
3
4
5
9
10
11
12
Faculty & Staff
Banking In
School
Grandparents
17
18
19
25
26
Parent Breakfast
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
6
7
8
Labor Day
No School
13
14
Meeting
15
PBIS Town Hall
Meeting
20
21
22
Fall Fundraiser
27
28
16
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
23
Early Dismissal
29
Lunch with
Progress Report Go
Home
Open House &
PTO Meeting @
6:00 pm
24
MUSC Focus Group
3-6 pm
PBIS Celebration
30
PBIS Town Hall Meetings and PBIS Celebrations are held during school hours for students.
18
Mary Ford Elementary School
Character Word for the Month:
Trustworthiness
October
2015
Sun
4
Habitually telling the truth. Faithfull to truth and facts.
Mon
5
Tue
6
Wed
7
Muffins for Mom
& Parent Breakfast
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
8
9
10
16
17
23
24
Banking in School
Walk to School
11
12
13
Columbus Day
14
15
Faculty & Staff
PTO & Family Fun
Night @ 6:00 pm
Meeting
18
19
End of 1st Quarter
25
26
Report Card Pick-Up
20
21
22
Fall Picture Day
PBIS Town Hall
Meeting
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
Boeing Family
Science Night
27
28
29
Early Dismissal
Boeing Family
Science Night
No School
Teacher Workday
30
PBIS Celebration
31
Halloween
Muffins for Mom will be held during breakfast 7:10 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. followed by Parent Breakfast meeting at 7:45 a.m.
Report card pick up will be by appointment only.
19
Mary Ford Elementary School
Character Word for the Month:
Fairness
November
2015
Practicing justice, equality, and equity. Cooperating with one another
Sun
Mon
Tue
1
2
3
Election Day
No School
8
9
10
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
4
5
6
7
Boeing Family
Science Night
Awards Day
11
12
13
14
Veterans Day
Boeing Family
Science Night
21
Donuts for Dads &
Parent Breakfast
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
15
22
29
16
17
Banking in School
18
19
20
PBIS Town Hall
Faculty & Staff
PTO Meeting @
6:00 p.m.
Progress Reports
Go Home
Meeting
Meeting
Boeing Family
Science Night
PBIS Celebration
23
24
25
Thanksgiving Break
No School
Thanksgiving Break
No School
Thanksgiving Break
No School
26
27
28
Thanksgiving Break
No School
30
Students Return from
Break
“Doughnuts for Dads” will be held during breakfast 7:10 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. followed by Parent Meeting at 7:45 a.m.
20
Mary Ford Elementary School
Character Word for the Month:
Caring
December
2015
Sun
Caring is showing concern through kind thoughts, words and actions.
Mon
Tue
1
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
2
3
4
5
11
12
19
Parent Breakfast
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
6
13
7
14
8
9
10
PBIS Town Hall
Meeting
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
Banking in School
15
16
17
18
Picture w/Santa
Operation Christmas
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
20
27
21
PTO Meeting @ 6:00
p.m.
21
22
23
24
Winter Break
No School
Winter Break
No School
Winter Break
No School
Winter Break
No School
28
29
30
31
Winter Break
No School
Winter Break
No School
Winter Break
No School
Winter Break
No School
25
Christmas Day
26
Mary Ford Elementary School
Character Word for the Month:
Citizenship
January
2016
Sun
Being law abiding and involved in service at school, community and country.
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
Winter Break
No School
3
4
5
Students Return from
Winter Break
6
7
8
9
13
14
15
16
End of 2nd Quarter
No School
PD for Teachers
No School
Teacher Workday
21
22
23
30
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
10
11
12
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
17
18
19
20
MLK Day
No School
PBIS Town Hall
Meeting
Faculty & Staff
Report Card
Conference/Pick Up
24
31
25
26
Banking in School
Meeting
PTO & Family Fun
Night 6:00 pm
27
28
29
Awards Day
PBIS Celebration
Report Card Conferences will be held January 19, 2015
Report Card pick up will be by appointment only January 20 – 27, 2016
22
Mary Ford Elementary School
Character Word for the Month:
Honesty
February
2016
Sun
Telling the truth and admitting wrongdoing. Acting with integrity.
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
10
11
12
13
Faculty & Staff
Banking in School
20
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
7
8
9
Meeting
14
21
15
16
17
18
19
Presidents' Day
No School
PBIS Town Hall
Meeting
Faculty & Staff
PTO Meeting @
Progress Reports Go
Home
Meeting
6:00p.m.
24
25
22
23
Early Dismissal
28
23
29
26
PBIS Celebration
27
Mary Ford Elementary School
Character Word for the Month:
Courage
March
2016
Sun
Doing the right thing in the face of difficulty and following your conscience instead
of the crowd.
Mon
Tue
1
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
2
3
4
5
10
11
12
18
19
26
Parent Breakfast
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
6
7
8
9
Faculty & Staff
Banking in School
Meeting
13
14
15
16
17
PBIS Town Hall
Early Dismissal
PTO & Family Fun
Meeting
20
21
Night
22
23
24
25
End of 3rd Quarter
Faculty & Staff
PBIS Celebration
Teacher Workday
No School
Meeting
27
24
28
29
30
31
SRING BREAK
No School
SRING BREAK
No School
SRING BREAK
No School
SRING BREAK
No School
Mary Ford Elementary School
April
2016
Sun
Character Word for the Month:
Perseverance
Doing your best and striving for excellence. Setting goals and staying focused.
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
SRING BREAK
No School
3
10
4
5
6
Student Return to
school
Parent Breakfast
Report Card
Conference/Pick Up
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
11
12
13
7
8
9
14
15
16
Faculty & Staff
Awards Day
Meeting
17
24
18
25
19
20
21
PBIS Town Hall
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
Meeting
PTO Meeting @
6:00 pm
26
27
28
Early Dismissal
25
22
23
29
30
PBIS Celebration
Mary Ford Elementary School
Character Word for the Month:
Integrity
May
2016
Sun
1
National Teacher
Appreciation Week
Integrity is doing the right thing when nobody is watching.
Mon
Tue
2
3
Progress Reports
Go Home
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
4
5
6
7
12
13
14
19
20
21
CD Promotion Ceremony
Last Day for
CD Students ONLY
Parent Breakfast
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
8
9
10
11
Faculty & Staff
Banking In School
Meeting
15
22
16
23
17
18
PBIS Town Hall
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
Meeting
PTO Meeting @
6:00 pm
24
25
26
Faculty & Staff
Meeting
29
26
30
31
Memorial Day
No School
1st -4th Grade
Awards Day
27
Field Day
28
Mary Ford Elementary School
Character Word for the Month:
Integrity
June
2016
Sun
5
Integrity is doing the right thing when nobody is watching.
Mon
6
Tue
7
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
Half Day
for Students
Last Day for
Students
(Half Day)
Teacher Workday
5th Grade Moving Up
Program
Kindergarten Moving
Up Ceremony
9
10
11
8
Last Day for
Teachers
Report Cards Sent
Home
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Make time for reading!!!
During the busy summer months, it can be hard for you and your child to find a chance to read. Set aside a quiet time each
day for reading, and remember to include "reading time” when planning summer activities. Enjoy!!
27
Mary Ford Elementary School
A Title I School
3180 Thomasina McPherson Blvd.
North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone # (843) 745-2160
Fax # (843) 529-3927
Mrs. Patricia R. Middleton, Principal
Mr. Sheldon Bloomfield, Interim Assistant Principal
Every Day is a Great Day for Learning at Mary Ford!
28