Tilghman Elementary

    School Start & End Times

    Start 8:45 (Doors open at 8:15)
    Delayed Opening 10:00 (Doors open at 9:45)
    Regular Dismissal 3:15
    Early Dismisssal 1:15
     
     
    Daily Schedule

    8:15 a.m. Doors open, breakfast is served from 8:15 a.m. to 8:35 a.m. All students report to
    the cafeteria upon entering the school.

    8:25 a.m. Students not having breakfast are dismissed to their classrooms.

    8:45 a.m. Late bell rings. All students should be in the classrooms.
    Morning announcements.

    11:25-11:55 a.m. First lunch shift (K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd grades)
    12:00-12:20 p.m. First lunch shift recess. Students return to classrooms at 12:20.

    12:00-12:30 p.m. Second Lunch Shift (4th, 5th, 6th grades)

    12:30 p.m. Second lunch shift students are dismissed to classrooms.

    3:20 p.m. Dismissal bell for all students.
    Car riders dismissed.

    3:20 p.m. Bus students report to the cafeteria.

    3:30 p.m. Walker dismissal after all buses depart from the school.
     
     
    Specialist Schedules
    Music: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
    Band: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
    P.E.: Tuesday and Thursday
    Art: Friday
    Speech: Monday
    Guidance Counselor: Monday and Thursday

    Inclement Weather Procedures

    When weather conditions are severe, the regular school schedules may be changed. A decision to delay school will usually be made by 6:15 a.m. For closings and delay information, call InfoStar at 410-763-9300 and enter 7000. Announcements about delays and closings will also be made on the following stations: WCEM, WCEI, and WBOC TV.

    Payments to the School

    Should you need to send payment to the school, it is advisable to send it in a sealed marked envelope. If you write a check for lunch money, please write the check payable to St. Michaels Cafeteria, not TES.

     

    Student Attendance

    It is important for students to attend school every day. When students are absent, class activities are missed which are very difficult to make up. The rest of the class also misses those things which an absent student would contribute. The Talbot County Board of Education requires attendance of all students and charges the school administration with enforcement of student attendance regulations in accordance with Maryland Public School Law and COMAR.

    Under Maryland Code, an absence shall be considered lawful under the following conditions:

    1. death in the immediate family
    2. illness of the student
    3. court summons
    4. hazardous weather conditions
    5. work approved or sponsored by the school
    6. observance of a religious holiday
    7. state emergency
    8. other emergencies as approved by the superintendent
    9. health exclusion
    10. suspension
    11. lack of authorized transportation

    Given the proven positive results of regular school attendance upon student performance and growth, parents, with the support of the school, should promote and insure the daily school attendance of their child.

    UNLAWFUL CAUSE OF ABSENCE REGULATION 13A.08.01.04
    An absence for any reason other than those cited as lawful are presumed as unlawful and may constitute truancy.

    CODE
    20 Truant. A truant is a student (age 5 up to 16) who is absent without lawful cause as defined in COMAR 13A.08.01.03 from such attendance for a school day or portion thereof.
    Habitual Truant. A student is a habitual truant if he or she is unlawfully absent from school for a number of days or portion of days in excess of 20% of the school days within any marking period, semester, or year.
    21 Other unlawful absences.

    ABSENCE DESCRIPTIONS
    A. Present for a full day = absent no more than 90 minutes
    B. Present for a half day = absent more than 90 minutes and present for more than 90 minutes
    C. Absent whole day = present for 90 minutes or less of the school day
    D. Tardy to school = absent less than 90 minutes in the morning

    TARDINESS CRITERIA
    For the purpose of this policy, tardiness is defined as any absence of student at the time a given class begins, provided that the student is in attendance before the close of that class. Lawful and unlawful tardiness is determined by applying the same criteria as absence. Six (6) unlawful tardies (1 minute up to 90 minutes) equals one unlawful absence.

    ABSENCE CRITERIA
    A. Present for a full day = absent no more than 90 minutes
    B. Present for a half day = absent for more than 90 minutes and present for more than 90 minutes

    Written excuses for lawful absences by parent, guardian, medical, court, or social agency notes shall be required on the day the student returns to school. After 15 days, any unlawful absence can not be changed to a lawful absence. Notes from parents will be accepted up to the allowable time limit of five (5) absences for a semester or ten (10) absences for a year.

    Students are to make up work missed for both lawful absences and for unlawful absences. It is the student's responsibility to make up the work. Students shall be allotted two (2) school days for each lawful or unlawful day absent. These make-up absence days will begin the second day after the student returns to school. This policy does not automatically extend due dates for long-term assignments unless approved by the principal.

    Any student absent for a half or whole day shall be ineligible to participate in any extra curricular activity scheduled on that day unless previously excused by the Principal or the Principal's designee.

    CONSEQUENCES FOR UNLAWFUL OR EXCESSIVE ABSENTEEISM
    A failing course grade will be given to all students in grades 6-12 who have more than five (5) unlawful absences in a semester course or more than ten (10) unlawful absences in a year-long course. Parents of students who are in danger of failing due to absences will be notified in writing of the possible consequences and of their right to appeal.

    The parents of students in grades K-5 with more than ten (10) unlawful absences will be referred to District Court by the Office of Student Services.

    Students must receive a two day prior approval for college visits from the administration and the student's teachers.

    The schools strongly discourage families scheduling vacations during the school year. If a student will be absent due to a vacation, the principal must be notified of the dates in advance. While those absences will still be coded unlawful, prior notification will eliminate them from being counted towards grades being automatically affected or toward potential court action.

    APPEAL PROCESS FOR UNUSUAL OR EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES
    Extenuating circumstances, such as for absence deemed unlawful, may be appealed in writing by the parent or guardian directly to the principal whose responsibility it is to assure that the due process is maintained.

    Appeals must be initiated by the parent or guardian within five (5) school days after the student and parent have been notified in writing of the unlawful absence(s).

    The appeals conference shall require the presence of the parent or guardian and the student as well as professional personnel involved.

     

    Grading
     
    The grading system for early childhood years (K-2) is based on a developmental checklist that incorporates academic areas and work habits. Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 are used to indicate progress. Narrative reports are also given to explain student progress. The grading system for grades 3-12 is as follows:
     
    A = Excellent Learning (89.5 - 100%)
    B = Mastery Learning (79.5 - 89%)
    C = Acceptable Learning (69.5 - 79%)
    U = Unsatisfactory Learning for Grades 3-5 (below 69.5%)
    F = Unsatisfactory Learning for Grades 6-12 (below 69.5%)
     
    Grades of U or F will indicate that acceptable learning of the objectives has not yet been achieved by the student and therefore cannot be validated by the teacher. Except for the 4th quarter, a mark of U or F can be changed as necessitated by the retesting guidelines. For grades 6-12, retesting for summative tests must be completed within two weeks of the test. For grades 3-5, retesting must be completed by the end of the next quarter. Grades through retesting are not eligible for marks higher than 70%.
    "I" indicates work that is incomplete due to illness or other excused absences, but is in the process of being completed. In grades 3-5, "I" may also indicate satisfactory progress, but more time is needed to achieve objectives. Except for the 4th quarter, an "I" must be converted to a grade by the end of the next quarter.
     
     
    Pre K & Kindergarten Age of Entry
    For the 2005-2006 school year, a child must be 4 years old by September 1 for Pre K and 5 years old by September 30 for Kindergarten.
    For the 2006-2007 school year, and each year thereafter, a child must be 4 years old by September 1 for Pre K and 5 years old by September 1 for Kindergarten.
    In order to meet the criteria for entrance to Pre K a student must demonstrate income compatible qualifications for free and reduced meals and/or demonstrate risk factors that have been identified as impacting on student achievement and later school success.
     
     
    Maryland School Assessments
    In 2003, Maryland began a new Maryland School Assessment Program, MSA, to meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, NCLB. Each year children in grades 3-8 and high school students enrolled in geometry and/or English 10 take the MSA tests in reading and mathematics. The tests in grades 3-8 occur annually in mid-March. This year's dates are March 13-22 with make-up testing through March 28th. Each year your child is tested, you receive an individual score report in June that explains how your child did in comparison to the rest of the school, Talbot County, and the state as a whole. The report also labels your child's performance as basic, proficient or advanced as required by NCLB. High school students receive their home reports about ten weeks after their tests, which occur in January or May when they complete the English or geometry course.
    Homework
    Homework should be an integral and relevant part of every student's instructional program. It should be used consistently throughout the grades and classes.
    The term "homework" refers to an assignment to be prepared during a period of supervised study in class or outside of class, which requires individual work in the home. Parents are encouraged to assist by providing quiet time for study, checking assignments, and questioning when no assignments are brought home.
    The purposes of homework are: 1) to improve the learning process, 2) to aid in the mastery of skills, and 3) to create and stimulate interest on the part of the pupil.
     
     
    Honor Roll
    The purpose of the Honor Roll is to recognize students who have maintained outstanding scholastic performance.
    To be eligible for the Honor Roll, students must earn an average of 85% or greater while receiving no more than one grade less than 75% and have only one grade between 75% and 79.5%
    Students who earn grades between 89.5% and 100% in all their courses are recognized by being named to the Principal's Honor Roll.
     
     
    Promotion/Retention
    The Board of Education reaffirms its belief in the mission statement that "each student will learn, grow, and succeed." It also believes that the successful learner will demonstrate exit outcomes. We further believe that success is enhanced through positive interaction of school, parents, students, and community with all accepting responsibility for the success of students.
    As a result of our instructional process based on mastery learnning, TCPS expects each student to master the essential objectives as outlined in the various Courses of Study to prepare them for their post-secondary experience.
    Promotion: Student advances to the next grade level.
    Retention: Student remains in the same grade because specified baseline expectations were not met.
    Assignment: Student is placed in the next grade even though specified baseline expectations have not been met. Instead, the student has demonstrated progress with interventions or has previously been retained in elementary and/or middle school.
    Baseline Expectations: The minimum skills necessary to make progress in the next grade.
    Intervention: Additional instruction provided to students who do not meet baseline expectations in reading and/or mathematics.
     
    Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
    As parents and students you have rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) as well as state and local regulations and policies concerning student records, their access, release, and confidentiality.
    Parent Conferences
    Talbot County Public Schools provides two parent conference dates per school year. Parents may call the school to make an appointment for a conference on these dates. However, parents are encouraged to call for an appointment with the teacher whenever a concern arises.
    Visitors
    All visitors must report to the principal or central office before visiting in the building. Students are not permitted to bring friends, relatives, and/or other visitors to school with them without prior approval by a school administrator at least 24 hours in advance. Unauthorized persons in the school building or on school grounds will be asked to leave the campus.
     
    Student Insurance
    It is recommended that students take the school accident insurance protection offered at the beginning of the year if parents do not have adequate coverage. Students participating in interscholastic athletics and certain classes are required to purchase school insurance.
     
     
    Special Education
    Programs are available for any child with special needs. Services are arranged through the IEP procedures based on the individual's educational needs.
     
     
    Wellness Centers
    The goal of the Wellness Center is to offer comprehensive health care, as well as management of minor acute illnesses to those students who are currently without medical care or who have difficulty with access to care. All of the care is offered by a nurse practitioner.
    Prior to obtaining care at the Wellness Center, a parental consent form must be signed and returned to the Wellness Center. The forms are mailed to the students' home addresses about a month prior to the first day of school. They are also available in the health room. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the nurse practitioner.
    Administering Medication to Students
    Students will not be permitted to take medications while at school unless certain conditions are satisfied.
    If medication must be administered by school personnel, it must be done under the following conditions:
    1. A completed "Medication Authorization" signed by a physician or certified nurse practitioner and parent/guardian must be presented to the principal or school nurse. It is the responsibility of the parent to submit an updated authorization form each year to the principal.
    2. The medication must be delivered directly to the school health staff, principal, or designee by the parent in its original, labeled container. All containers and written messages must include the student's name. All medications will be securely stored in the health suite. Students are not permitted to have prescription or over-the-counter medications in their possession while at school or in transit to or from school with the exception of prescribed inhalers or medications.
    3. Medications prescribed and dispensed by health professionals of the school's Wellness Center can be transported on the date of first issuance from school to home by the student. The medication labels will include the student's name, name of medication, date prescribed, dosage, and practitioner's name.
    4. Parents may come to the school to administer medicine to their child, but must report their plan to do so in advance to the school principal.
    5. It shall be required that a parent or guardian administer the first dose of the medication in order to closely monitor unexpected side effects. The first dose of medication dispensed at a school will be administered at the Wellness Center.

     

    Dress Code
     
    School is a place where the entire community comes together to help students achieve their educational and career goals. Student dress should reflect the importance of that purpose. School dress can be fun and stylish without being offensive or distracting.
    The Board of Education believes that student dress and grooming should be clean and neat and should not be disruptive to the educational process. Moreover, the Board believes that clear standards for student dress must be established, communicated, and enforced uniformly by school level (elementary or secondary) as appropriate. To this end, it is the responsiblity of each principal to meet with his/her respective group of administrators to establish collective standards.

    Standards for student dress should reflect parent, student, and staff input from each school and should be published at least three (3) months before the school year begins. With the possible exception of "dress down days" or "school spirit days," the following minimum standards of dress will apply for all students:

      • No tank tops
      • No clothing with obscene or inappropriate comments or pictures
      • No clothing that depicts drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or violence
      • No clothing which may cause a disruption to the learning environment
      • No gym shorts, short shorts, cut-offs, halters, midriffs, or tube tops
      • No clothing with holes
      • No pants worn 2" or more below the waist
      • No skirts or dresses worn more than 6" above the knee
      • No jewelry or accessories that could be viewed as potentially dangerous

    Student Conduct

    A school is a community of students, teachers, administrators, parents, and businesses working together to prepare students for careers, college, or advanced technical training. Student behavior is an important factor in meeting with success in the classroom. Students are responsible for following school rules and regulations which are designed to ensure a safe and orderly atmosphere where students may learn effectively. Respect for others as well as one's self is a cardinal rule at school. Copies of specific rules and regulations are available in the school office.

    Students on suspension (including Checkmate) cannot participate in extra curricular activities. Violation of any school policy at extra curricular activities may result in revocation of extra curricular privileges. Police may be called for these infractions.

    Violations of school rules or regulations will result in action by the school administration. Each school will fully cooperate with police and other authorities in an effort to maintain the school as a safe and drug free learning environment.

    The same code of behavior is expected on Talbot County Public School buses.

    Bus Rules

      • Observe same conduct as in the classroom.
      • Be courteous; use no profane language.
      • Do not eat or drink on the bus.
      • Keep the bus clean.
      • Cooperate with the driver.
      • Do not smoke.
      • Do not be destructive.
      • Stay in your seat.
      • Keep head, hands, and feet inside the bus.
      • Bus driver is authorized to assign seats.
      • No skateboards or balloons allowed.

    Ride Smart and Safe

    • Stay out of the street while waiting for the bus.
    • Wear bright clothing and allow extra time to walk to the bus stop.
    • Remain seated at all times while bus is moving. Keep aisles clear. Stow school bags under the seat.
    • Do not shout, yell, or sing; it distracts the driver. Wait until bus comes to a complete stop before exiting.
    • Avoid the DANGER ZONE. Walk 10 giant steps in front of the bus so the driver can see you clearly. NEVER retrieve anything that falls under the bus.
    • Wait for driver's signal before crossing in front of the bus. Be sure to look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT to see that all cars have stopped.


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