MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL... (back to top)

South School is a community of learners and leaders. There is a joy in coming to South, either to teach or to learn. The atmosphere is warm, caring and friendly. As a staff we are proud of our work with children. We are a diverse staff with different talents, strengths and interests. A common bond between us is a love of children and a strong commitment to their development. We want our students to demonstrate a daily commitment to learning, to think critically, and be willing to question, explore, and take risk in their learning. Diversity and community building are important to us. We want our students to accept others and appreciate their differences. We believe it is important for them to learn to take responsibility for their own behavior as individuals, and as active, cooperative, group members.

Teachers teach best and students learn and enjoy more in a positive, vital, robust learning environment. Teaching and learning become challenging and fun. Fostering a strong culture at South is a top priority. Lastly, we want our students to show caring in the daily routines of school life and through service to the school community and the Andover community at large.

I know your child's years at South will form the fabric of many grand memories.

My best regards,

Eileen Woods

ANDOVER VISION (back to top)

The Andover Public Schools is a student-centered, family oriented system with clear beliefs and high expectations. Ever-mindful of our purpose, we value the uniqueness of each student who enters our classrooms. We strongly believe that every child can learn and t hat the world of ideas belongs to every child. All students need and deserve the same high-quality education.

As a system, we are committed to developing life-long learners who value themselves, who respect our environment and the diversity of its people, and who are prepared actively to carry out their responsibilities as world citizens. To these ends, our program will ensure literacy, creativity, teamwork, wellness, and the ability to solve problems. All of our graduates will know how to learn; all of our employees will lead, educate, and inspire.

We are a community of learners, leaders, and educators.

SOUTH SCHOOL VISION (back to top)

South School reflects our community’s commitment to and pride in its youth. The staff and principal are dedicated to providing a caring, nurturing, exciting place of learning. It is essential for South School to foster a climate of high self-esteem, dedication to school and community, and a strong desire for life-long learning.

Exemplary performance for staff and students, staff morale, and public confidence, support, and participation are crucial to our vision.

We endeavor to help all children achieve their individual potential by addressing various cognitive abilities and learning styles, as well as the issues pertaining to each stage of development. Our vision demands that the ever-changing and ever-expanding curriculum be continually reassessed to meet the needs of our 21st century learners.

In summary, the South School Vision is summed up in these words: excellence, equal educational opportunities for all, and the shaping of the whole child academically, socially, and morally.

ATTENDANCE (back to top)

Regular school attendance is essential to the success of the educational program. It is important for the child to develop a positive attitude about punctuality and consistent attendance in school.

ABSENCE NOTIFICATION (back to top)

The attendance policy requires parents to call the school clinic between 8:00 and 8:45 a.m. at 623-8831, to inform the school of a child's absence. Upon returning to school, the student must provide a written explanation to the teacher, describing the reason for the absence.

EARLY DISMISSAL (back to top)

Students should not be dismissed from class except in the case of illness or emergency. It is suggested that doctor and dentist appointments be scheduled for after school hours.

If a child is to be dismissed during the school day, a note must be sent from home on the morning of the dismissal. It should specify the time the child is to be picked up and by whom. The student should be met at the office at the appointed time and signed out in the log provided. Due to concern for student safety, the person meeting the child may be required to show some identification to the school secretary. Upon returning to the school, the student should again sign the log in the office to indicate his/ her return to the building. No child will be dismissed from the office between 2:15 and 2:45 P.M.

FAMILY VACATIONS (back to top)

The School Committee does not condone family or student vacations while school is in session. (See also "Homework Policy.")

The attendance policies above are consistently enforced within each school. For further information, please refer to the "Andover Public Schools Attendance/Tardiness Policy" which is available in the school office.

A NOTE FROM HOME IS REQUIRED WHEN: (back to top)

1.There is a deviation from the child's normal way of returning home after school

2.A child has been absent

3.A child is tardy

4.A child is to be dismissed for any period of time

5.A child requires a temporary excuse from physical education or outdoor recess

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES (back to top)

In accordance with Section 315.1 (c) of Chapter 766 regulations: "Any child who is absent without medical excuse for more than fifteen (15) days in any quarter" will be referred by the principal to the 766 Chairperson for evaluation.

VISITORS (back to top)

All visitors are asked to report to the office and sign in when they enter the school. Visitors going to another part of the building will be asked to wear a visitor's tag.

Parents who are picking up their children should report to the office. We will then call your child to the office to be dismissed. We do ask that parents not go to the classroom to pick up a child

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE HOURS (back to top)

Dr. Woods, the Principal, holds open office hours for which an appointment is not required. A call to the school stating that you will drop by is not required but is appreciated. Any topic related to South School or to education in general may be covered during these informal visits. The open office hours for this school year are: Monday 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

"NO SCHOOL" ANNOUNCEMENTS (back to top)

It is the policy of the School Department to close or delay the opening of school only in case of extreme weather or travel conditions; otherwise school will be held. The widely varying conditions in the several areas of Andover make it difficult to reach a decision that is equally fair to all. Therefore, when schools are open on stormy days, parents are urged to exercise personal judgment as to the wisdom of sending their children to school.

Announcements relative to closing schools will be made over the radio stations listed below, starting at 6:00 a.m.

Parents and pupils are requested to refrain from calling the fire department, police department, and the school department offices to inquire about school sessions.

Radio WCCM 800 AM

WLLH 1400AM

WHDH 850 AM 94.5 FM

WEEI 590 AM 103.3 FM

WBZ 1030 AM 106.7 FM

TV WFXT Boston 25

WNDS Derry, NH 50

WBX Boston 4

EMERGENCY SCHOOL DISMISSAL (back to top)

If weather conditions become hazardous while children are in school, or if an emergency arises in the school building, the School Administration may call for an early dismissal. In this case, students will be dismissed from school and sent to their homes. Students in the secondary schools are dismissed before their younger sisters and brothers. Parents should make arrangements for the safe arrival of their children at an alternate home in case their home is empty.

SCHOOL DAY OPENING (back to top)

Children may enter the building at 8:45 a.m. The formal school day begins at 8:45 a.m. in the student's homeroom where attendance and lunch-count are taken. Children arriving after 8:45 a.m. should come to the main Office and be signed in for the day. Students should not arrive before 8:15; we have no supervision or playground coverage until that time. During inclement weather, students may enter the building after 8:15 a.m. and go to an assigned area to be supervised.

DISMISSAL (back to top)

· Dismissal begins at 2:50 p.m. Walkers and bikers exit through the main front door.

First buses #2 and 5 line up at the atrium.
Buses #6, 7, and 21 exit through the kindergarten door.
Children being picked up by their parents exit through the front door near the gymnasium.
Andover Street walkers exit through the door at the rear of the building closest to the gymnasium.
Second bus and Kids Club students wait in the playground area at the rear of the building.
After-school "Y" pick-up bus, etc., students wait in the cafeteria.

No child will be released to anyone other than her/his parent without a written note from home.

TRANSPORTATION (back to top)

The safe transportation of South students to and from school is a primary concern, whether the mode is by foot, bicycle, car or bus.

Parents should review the following procedures

with their children:

Cars

When parents arrive to drop off or pick up students, they should not enter the horseshoe driveway in front of the school. No one may double park or pass a bus with its flashers on. Children should always enter cars from the curb side. Cars may park on the school side of Woburn St. and the children will use the walkways to get to their cars.

Walkers

All students who walk to school are dismissed in patrol lines. The leaders of these lines are fifth grade students. Children may be excused from patrol lines if a written parental request is received by the classroom teacher. Walkers should remember to cross streets only with a crossing guard.

Bicycles

Children in grades four and up are allowed to ride bicycles to school at the discretion of their parents. The school provides bicycle racks but assumes no liability for damage, loss, etc.

Buses

The time and location of school bus pick-ups is published in the Andover Townsman the week before the opening of school. Bus transportation is available to children who live a mile and a half from school. Students who live closer may also ride the bus if their walking route has been declared hazardous by the Police Department. Only authorized children may ride buses and only on the bus routes to which they have been assigned. Guidelines for conduct on buses are listed in the "Andover Elementary Schools' Code of Behavior." Riding the school bus is a privilege; violation of bus rules may result in suspension of a student's bus riding privileges.

Visitor Parking

During the school day, visitors should use the parking lot near the main entrance to the school.

DRESS CODE (back to top)

Students are expected to be well-groomed and appropriately attired for school activities. The style of dress or appearance is generally determined by the student and parents. However, clothing that is disruptive or distracting to the educational process or a danger to the health or safety of a student is not permitted. Sneakers are required for Physical Education.

LOST AND FOUND (back to top)

Lost valuables are kept in the office. Other articles are collected in a large box, which is kept in the main hallway. Parents and students are encouraged to check this box regularly. At the end of the school year, unclaimed articles are donated to charity. Please label lunch boxes, wallets, sneakers, and all outer clothing.

DISCIPLINE (back to top)

The Andover Public School's Code of Discipline is distributed to each student at the beginning of the school year. Please refer to it if you have any questions concerning the standards of behavior at South School.

LUNCH (back to top)

Hot lunch, including milk, costs $2.00 each day. Weekly menus are published in the Lawrence-Eagle Tribune and the Andover Townsman. Milk may be purchased separately at a cost of $.50 per day. It is recommended that lunch boxes and bags be clearly marked with your child's name and homeroom teacher. All money should be sent in a sealed envelope or wallet that has your child's name on it. It is also recommended that you provide your child with a nutritious snack. Children who do not have a snack often feel left out.

Snack Bar

Ice Cream (Fridays only) .55

Chips .50

Cookies .50

CLOTHING (back to top)

Articles of clothing, such as coats, hats, boots, mittens, and the like should be labeled with your child's name.

BACKPACK (back to top)

A backpack or tote bag is necessary to help your child get things to and from school.

PLAYGROUND AND RECESS (back to top)

Students arriving at school between 8:15 and 8:45 a.m. play outdoors when weather permits; during bad weather they proceed to the cafetorium. The period between 8:15 and 8:45 is supervised by adults. Students should not be on school property before 8:15 a.m. Morning and afternoon recesses occur daily and are determined for each class at the beginning of the school year. Outdoor recess will be held whenever possible. In cases of inclement weather, recess is held in the classrooms.

The playground is supervised, but the responsibility for appropriate behavior rests with the students. The playground and indoor recess rules, as outlined in the Code of Behavior are discussed in school and should be reviewed at home. Students are expected to treat the playground with respect and to behave with consideration for other children.

Playground maintenance is the responsibility of the Town Maintenance Department, and all questions or problems about equipment or grounds should be directed to them or to the principal.

It is our policy to expect that if a child is well enough to go to school, he or she is well enough to participate in all school activities, including recess.

STEREOS (back to top)

Stereos, tape players and Walkman style radios are not allowed in the school. These items are a distraction to other children and have no place in school. Also, many stereos are expensive and could be subject to theft or damage.

HEALTH SERVICES (back to top)

School Nurse

The South School Health Clinic is located in the main office area. There is a health aide on duty daily and a nurse available on site one day a week and by telephone daily.

Accident and Illness

In case of accident or illness, the nurse or aide will administer first aid and will notify the parents. Any further care is the responsibility of the parents. A card listing emergency information for each child is filled out annually in September. This must include the name of an alternate adult to be contacted in the event that the parents cannot be reached. It is the responsibility of the parent to keep this information current.

Medications

All medical treatment, even the administration of aspirin, is considered outside the province of school responsibility. Prescribed medication should not be taken during school hours if it is possible to achieve the medical regimen at home. If medication must be taken during school hours, it should be delivered to the clinic by a parent or guardian in a container labeled with the student's name, physician's name, date of prescription, name and dosage of the medication, and directions for dispensing it.

Screening

Vision and hearing screening is conducted for all grades. Scoliosis screening is conducted annually for grade five students. These programs are mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Pediculosis screening is conducted at the start of each school year for all grades. If a problem is detected in any of these areas, parents will be notified.

Immunizations

The School Immunization Law is specific and requires one or more certificates from a physician (or parent in the case of religious exemption) that children have been "successfully immunized," or exempted for health reasons, against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, and rubella. The term "successfully immunized" means within the recommendations published by the Department of Public Health or a disease-specific diagnosis by a physician.

Physical Examinations

Massachusetts state law requires a current physical examination for all students. Forms are sent to all students entering Kindergarten and grades three, seven and ten and to all students who are new to the school system. This report form should be completed by a physician and returned to the school clinic.

SCHOOL INSURANCE (back to top)

Insurance is available at the beginning of the school year. The school does not realize any profit, and does not endorse the plan, but requests that parents read the policy carefully. The application form is sent home for parental review. It is necessary to return the form whether or not the policy is purchased.

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS (back to top)

Instructional Assistants are paraprofessionals who are assigned to specific teams or curriculum areas. Their main responsibility is to provide assistance to students under the direction and guidance of a classroom teacher. They may work with individual students, small groups, or with a teacher in a whole classroom setting. They are not responsible for the planning or evaluation of student work. These assistants are also responsible for monitoring and supervising lunchroom times and recess. They correct student papers, keep student records updated, and participate with the teacher or teaching team to maintain school rules and regulations.

REPORT CARDS (back to top)

There are 3 marking periods during the year. In grades K-1, a conference is held in lieu of a report card for the first marking period. In grades 2-5, report cards are handed out at a conference at the end of the first marking period.

HOMEWORK POLICY (back to top)

Homework is a useful discipline in developing and maintaining needed skills, training students in good work habits, increasing self-reliance, and teaching students to budget study time. It is also designed to reinforce what is covered in class.

Homework policies in individual classrooms are outlined by the teachers at the beginning of the school year. The following provides a general overview of homework plans.

Assignments

For grades 1-3, Language Arts and Mathematics homework is assigned a minimum of once a week as defined by School Committee policy. Additional long-term projects in these subjects and occasional assignments in Science or Social Studies may be given at the discretion of the teacher.

For grades 4-5, Language Arts and Mathematics homework is assigned a minimum of twice a week as defined by School Committee policy. Additional long-term projects in these subjects and occasional assignments in Science or Social Studies may be given at the discretion of the teacher.

Late Work and Make-up Work

Make-up work or extra help will be provided if the student is ill. Teachers are not bound to provide homework in advance for students leaving on vacation. The school will indicate material covered and assignments missed during the absence when requested by a parent.

Home and Hospital Tutoring

The Andover Public Schools provide home/hospital tutoring "to any child who, in the judgment of the child's physician, will have to remain at home or in a hospital... for a period of not less than fourteen school days..." To receive tutoring services, the parent or guardian should present a physician's note to the school nurse, who will then notify the Pupil Personnel Administrator's office. A tutor will be sent to the home or hospital.

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION (back to top)

A major responsibility of education is to bring out the best in every child. South's concern is for both those served in regular education as well as those served in special needs programs. Our goal and our practice is to offer rich academic and social opportunities for all of our students.

Mainstreaming, one of South's continuing goals, is a model which provides for effective academic and social interaction of students with differing abilities and levels of achievement within the regular classroom. The entire South Staff is committed to furthering mainstreaming.

We have found that our students in mixed groups learn from many models, have better self-images, and appreciate, rather than denigrate, the differences among them. South staff members are always aware of individual learning styles and attempt to vary teaching approaches to accommodate all students.

The principal, instructional specialists, special needs liaison, and grade level teams meet regularly to discuss the progress of all students.

READING SUPPORT TEACHER (back to top)

South School has one full-time Reading Support Teacher. The Reading Support Teacher will: work regularly with teachers and students to prevent and/or remediate reading failure; recommend, model and supervise implementation of preventative classroom accommodations; conduct demonstration reaching lessons in the area of reading; act as a peer coach, providing feedback to classroom teachers; provide frequent home-school communications; and monitor student achievement in reading programs.

LEARNING SPECIALIST (back to top)

There is one Learning Specialist assigned to South School. Her main task is to monitor and evaluate the curriculum as it relates directly to student progress. She works closely with teachers and teaching teams to decide upon appropriate materials, instructional strategies, and student achievement pacing. She tests all incoming students for placement within the curriculum areas. On a quarterly basis, the Learning Specialist gathers information to assess the status of the various curricula. She also researches and coordinates special new programs. She coordinates all achievement testing programs. She meets with parents and is responsible for disseminating information relating to curriculum and testing. She acts as liaison between regular programs and special needs, and supervises the computerized curriculum management system.

THE INDIVIDUALIZED SPECIAL

NEEDS PROGRAM (back to top)

South’s Special Needs Program is overseen by the Principal and Educational Team Facilitator.

Students experiencing learning difficulties may be referred by either their teacher or parents for an evaluation. Upon completion of the evaluation, a team which includes parents, the school psychologist, regular and special education teachers, and instructional specialists meets to discuss the results of the assessments.

When a student is found to be eligible for specialized instruction an educational plan is developed to meet his/her needs.

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE TEACHER (back to top)

There is one full-time technology resource teacher at South School. The technology resource teacher works with classroom teachers to design and develop student learning activities that integrate computing and technology into all curriculum areas; co-teaches with the classroom teacher to instruct students in the use of technology for problem-solving, data collection, communications, presentations and decision-making; and instructs teachers in the use of new technologies, including digital cameras, scanners, the Internet, computer software and hardware.

SCHOOL ADJUSTMENT COUNSELOR (back to top)

Counseling services are provided to meet the complex social, emotional, and developmental needs of South's students. The school adjustment counselor addresses individual student issues such as school transition, the building of self-discipline, self-esteem, and responsible decision-making. Whenever possible a collaborative approach is used. The adjustment counselor also offers student and parent support groups, including groups for students who are experiencing social difficulties and others that offer support to the parents of special needs students.

SPECIAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS (back to top)

Beyond the Basics – a before and after school enrichment program which offers a wide variety of courses to students in the entire school. Some of the topics of study include: Problem Solving Strategies, Ancient Civilizations, Junior Great Books, Cooperative Games, Math Games Around the World, Chess, Spanish, French, Artistic Poetry, Caldecott Kids, Origami, Recycled Paper Art, Karate, Computer Software Exploration, Homework Helpers and Babysitting Course. Over 200 students participate on a yearly basis.

Student Government - Our Student Responsibility Program with its recommended Circle Meetings provides a framework for student government, shared responsibility and student involvement in problem solving and decision making. Students have an opportunity to join any of the following three committees: Spirit, Student Issues and Community Service.

Student Laptop Computers - In order to further South School’s goal of technology integration, all students in grades 4 and 5 work with laptop computers on a regular basis. Some examples of student use of the laptop include: accessing the Internet for research, communicating with other communities, creating multimedia projects, analyzing data and word processing.

Full Day Kindergarten – The Full Day Kindergarten program operates as an extension of family life and encourages family participation. The school and parents work as a team to nuture children’s individuality, sense of self, and self-responsibility in the larger world. Integrated learning is the aim of the curriculum, focusing on hands-on learning experiences, problem-solving, and high level thinking skills.

Grade-Level Performances – each student at South is involved in integrated thematic grade level performances featuring student created music, movement and artwork.

Student Newspaper Club (Tiger Times) – an afterschool club, overseen by South School parents, in which students become familiar with interviewing, reporting, editing, layout and business techniques similar to those of a professional newspaper. A paper is published every 6 weeks.

South School News (WSSN) – club for 4^th and 5^th graders interested in television production. Students generate topics of interest in national, local, and school news. They research, write, and edit their work, which is then filmed by their peers for airing on South School’s TV channel.

Children’s Studio for the Arts – a summer program devoted to the exploration of drama, music, dance/movement and visual arts.

Destination ImagiNation (formerly Odyssey of the Mind) - this organization provides opportunities to explore and discover unlimited creative potential through teamwork, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Math Olympiad – a program which provides opportunities for children to engage in creative problem solving activities which develop a child’s ability to reason, to be logical, to be resourceful, and occasionally to be ingenious. South School’s team is comprised of fourth and fifth graders

Outdoor Education – all fifth grade students spend a week at an environmental school accompanied by their classroom teachers. The goals of this program are to promote academic growth, cultivate a sense of community, further personal growth and foster independence. Outdoor education occurs as part of the Science curriculum in grade 5. Students who choose not to go attend regular classes at South. Further information about this trip is available from the fifth grade teachers.

South School Talent Show – students in grades 3-5 are invited to share their musical, artistic, athletic and creative talents with the school and the community.

Musical Theater – students in grades 3, 4 and 5 perform a full-scale musical each spring. Past performances have included a western-themed musical entitled, Tumbleweeds, an adaptation of The Little Mermaid and The Wizard of Oz..

CONTENTS