JAMES B. EDWARDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The ABCs of JBE
Family Handbook
2023-2024

AMBASSADORS

Our 5th-grade students have the opportunity to apply for this leadership program in the fall. If selected, they will be responsible for
activities such as morning and dismissal announcements, arrival and dismissal guards, community service projects, and flag duty.
JBE Student Ambassadors contribute their time and effort to help make James B. Edwards Elementary School a great place to learn. This
program will educate the Ambassadors on the JBE Leadership Principles, which focus on three pillars of leadership: Leaders are
Respectful, Responsible, and Safe. As ambassadors, students will learn how to demonstrate this at home, in the classroom, and in the
community.

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL

6:55 AM Car rider drop-off begins. If your family chooses to be car riders, please arrive early.
Please be aware of pedestrians and other cars (no cell phones) and pull all the way forward as quickly and safely as possible.
Do not block the entrance to the Kindergarten annex parking lot.
Stay in the line (do not pull out once your child exits your car).
Have your child ready to open their door and jump out (backpacks on, etc.).
Do not park and walk your child up to the school.
7:00 AM Bus riders enter via the southside entrance.
Bus riders alleviate car rider traffic and arrive in time to get breakfast! Please consider this option for your family.
7:00 AM Walkers & bike riders
The gate to the neighborhood behind the school will be open until 7:20.
Walkers and bike riders enter via the southside entrance by the bus lane.
Students are not allowed to enter classrooms directly via back doors.
Only students may enter via these entrances. All adults must enter via the front office door.
7:25 AM Tardy bell rings and all doors close. Any student arriving after the bell rings must enter via the front office door with a
parent and get a tardy pass.
Please work to help your child have a stress-free morning by arriving in plenty of time to be in their seat, ready to learn by
7:25.

Arrival & Dismissal Traffic Flow

Do not pass stopped traffic or drive on the wrong side of the road. Mt. Pleasant Police will patrol for this dangerous action routinely.
All traffic coming from Highway 17 will enter Von Kolnitz Rd. via Hospital Drive.

All traffic coming from Whipple Rd. and North Mathis Ferry Rd. will
enter Von Kolnitz Rd. via Hospital Dr.
All traffic coming from South Mathis Ferry Rd. will enter Von Kolnitz
Dr. directly from Mathis Ferry Rd.
There should be no school traffic making a left-hand turn onto Von
Kolnitz Dr. from Mathis Ferry Rd.

All car line traffic must enter through the front loop of the school.
Visitor parking spots in front of the school are only for parking to volunteer, attend a conference, or sign a student out.
Do not use these spots for morning drop-off, as parents are not allowed to park and walk their students up to the building.
DISMISSAL
2:05 PM Child Development (CD) car rider students are dismissed
2:25 PM Staggered dismissal begins: Buses & Cars Walkers and Bike Riders After School Program Pickups
● CD-K students will have a red bus tag with their street address and subdivision name attached to their bookbag. Red tag
students sit in the front of the bus and are only allowed to get off the bus with a sibling if there is no adult present and
parents have signed the waiver; otherwise, students are brought back to the school. If a red-tag student has an older sibling,
they are allowed to sit together.
The buses are labeled:

Red Bus Orange Bus Blue Bus Pink Bus Green Bus Yellow Bus Gray Bus Brown Bus Teal Bus Purple Bus
● During car rider dismissal, students are at voice level 0, actively listen to announcements, and watch the display board in the
media center for their number/name and cone number.
○ We have ‘buckle up’ parking spots alongside the exit of the car rider line. Please pull over there if your child needs
help getting buckled in rather than getting out of your car in the line.
○ Talking on the patio distracts students from their tasks, slows down the car rider line, and causes adults to have to
raise their voices. Please do not park or walk to the car rider patio area, ask to get your child, or chat with teachers.
● You are welcome to walk to the school to get your child, but please submit this change in the transportation change form to
dismiss your child as a walker.
● Walkers & bike riders are dismissed via the bus entrance (by the bike rack).
● During afternoon car rider pick-up, you must have an official JBE car tag. Each child will be issued 4 car rider tags at the
beginning of the year. The car tag will have a number for your child. If you do not have your car tag, you will be pulled out of
line to check your identification against your child’s emergency/ or PowerSchool information.
● If your child’s dismissal will be different than normal, please do not send in a note (which can get lost) or an email to the
teacher (which might not be read during the school day) with the change in dismissal, but instead submit the transportation
change form by 1:30 the day of the change. This link can be found on the school's website.
● Students are not allowed to be signed out past 1:30 p.m.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

In order for your child to reach their fullest potential, they need to be at school and in their seat on time each day (by 7:25 a.m.) so
that they do not miss crucial instruction.
Charleston County has Attendance and Truancy policies that are clearly written. The district will assess schools to determine if all
absences are documented. We are accountable for following up on student attendance and tardiness issues.
Important facts about CCSD’s Attendance and Truancy Policy:
● All absences are classified as either lawful or unlawful and all absences, regardless of the classification, must be documented.
● Lawful excused absences include: student illness, serious illness of an immediate family member, death of a family member,
religious holidays, and suspension.

● Lawful unexcused absences include: absence as a result of an extracurricular activity that’s not approved or requested by the
administration, those suspended from the bus and do not report to school; those who go to appointments that could be made
outside of school hours; and student illnesses in excess of ten days that are not substantiated by a medical statement.
● Unlawful absences include: students who are absent from school without acceptable cause with the knowledge of their
parents (for example- vacations and accompanying parents on business trips) and those who are willfully absent without the
knowledge of parents. Unlawful absences are ALWAYS unexcused.
● Teachers are not required to allow students to make up work missed during an unexcused absence.
● A written and signed excuse (not email) is required for all absences in the abovementioned categories. There are no
exceptions. Failure to submit proper documentation will require the school to recommend the intervention of a truancy
officer.
● Failure to meet and adhere to the attendance improvement plan if an attendance conference is scheduled can result in a
referral to the Department of Student Services.
● To receive the “Perfect Attendance” award, students must have 0 absences and no more than 3 tardies.
● katherine_perron@charleston.k12.sc.us and jennifer_simpkins@charleston.k12.sc.us are the contact people for JBE
attendance.
Additional information concerning the Charleston County School District's attendance policy is included in the CCSD Code of Conduct.

BEHAVIOR EDUCATION

Each morning begins with a Morning Meeting. A time for greetings and activities designed for every student to be seen and heard and
feel welcome in their classroom community. It is also the structure in which “2nd Step” lessons are taught. “2nd Step” is the social &
emotional curriculum in which every CD-5th grade student participates in songs, videos, and guided discussions to help students
acquire skills for learning and getting along in a social setting. “2nd Step” ‘Parent Links’ will be sent home, and we ask that you review
them with your children.
Please visit www.secondstep.org to set up a family account for extra resources. The code is SSP3FAMILY73.
To build a positive classroom environment, students and teachers collaboratively create rules or agreements that fall into three
categories: Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe
● JBE supports Charleston County School District’s use of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS).
● The expectations of behavior for different areas of the school are articulated in the PBIS Matrix and are posted, taught, and
reinforced to students in each class and throughout the school.
● We encourage families to create their own rules or agreements based on being responsible, being respectful, and being safe.
● We acknowledge our students through compliments and shoutouts for positive behaviors.

Consequences are meant to teach and shape behavior and are logical, restorative, and progressive.
For example:
● Reteach expected behavior from the matrix
● Review agreements
● Limit play area at recess
● Take a break
● Classroom Reflection Sheet
● Visual or verbal cues
● Increased proximity
● Apology letter
● Contact parents
If disruptive behavior (such as making noises that distract other learners, not finishing work, horseplay, inappropriate behavior, running, throwing
objects, etc.) continues despite interventions, students will be referred to the administration. Behavior resulting in a referral to administration is
serious. The administration will follow the consequences outlined by the district’s Progressive Discipline Plan and also contact parents.
Be sure to read the Code of Conduct and if you have any questions or concerns or need a hard copy, please contact Mrs. Dorsey or Ms. Simpkins.
To help eliminate loss of or damage to toys, iPods, iPads, or valuables, students are not to bring these items to school - even for show and tell.
Your child's teacher will let you know if a different expectation is needed for a particular situation.
James B. Edwards’ students are an exceptional group of young people and we recognize and encourage exemplary behavior and character through
the Leader of the Month program, shout-outs on the news show, and earning House Points. However, our goal is to develop intrinsically
motivated humans; therefore, extrinsic rewards such as food and trinkets are used sparingly.
BICYCLES
Students are encouraged to ride bicycles to school. Students must dismount and walk their bikes as soon as they reach the campus for safety: to
avoid possible injury to themselves and others. Bikes are to remain in the racks (behind the 5th-grade pod) until students have been dismissed for
the day. The school cannot be responsible for lost bicycles. Locks and other precautionary measures are the responsibility of parents and students.
BIRTHDAYS
To celebrate, your child will hear their name and a happy birthday wish on the morning announcements, receive a special birthday pencil, and we
encourage you to honor your student by purchasing a “Birthday Book Club” book for our library. A gift plate with your child’s name and birthdate
will be placed on the book's inside cover and placed in the library for others to enjoy. Order forms go home the first week of school. Please contact

heidi_benton@charleston.k12.sc.us if you have any questions.
We have one celebration for all the birthdays. Room parents are welcome to coordinate sending one individual treat per student to be eaten at
lunch on that day. Please save balloons, flowers, etc. for home celebrations.
BOOKS, FEES, and SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Each grade level creates a school supply list of materials needed for the year. The JBE PTO provides the wonderful service of ordering supplies and
distributing them to the classroom. Order forms are sent out in the spring. For families who do not buy supply kits in the spring, the supply lists
are posted on the school website and Facebook page.
Instructional fees are due at the beginning of the school year. We encourage you to take advantage of the RevTrack link on the website to pay
these instructional fees. Every effort will be made to collect all fees. jamesbedwardselementary.revtrak.net/ This money is used to buy consumable
supplies not included in (or to refill items from) the school supply list and might include items such as desk name plates, construction paper, extra
pencils, special workbooks, etc.
If a student transfers out of JBE, all state textbooks and library books must be returned.
All lost book fees must be paid. Separate checks must be written for each child in a family for fees and lost books.

BREAKFAST & LUNCH & SNACKS

Breakfast begins at 7:00 a.m.
Each classroom has a daily snack time. Please send a small, healthy snack and water bottle with your child every day.
On July 1st, families are urged to apply for the program. Families that complete the free and reduced meal application receive other benefits
(discounts on Internet service fees, college application fees, SAT fees) and school funding is increased to ensure students receive the support they
need. Please visit ccsdschoolmeals.com for more information or to apply.
BUS RIDERS
Riding the school bus is a privilege that can be revoked if rules are not followed. Unfortunately, parents are often more inconvenienced than
children when bus-riding privileges have been revoked. Please review the rules below with your child:
1. Be at the bus stop on time, 10 minutes before your assigned bus route.
2. Act appropriately on the bus and do not push, fight, or use unacceptable language.
3. Listen to and follow the bus driver's directions.
Ms. Simpkins will handle all reported bus incidents. CCSD’s Bus Progressive Discipline Plan
JBE Bus Rider Parents, Steps for First Student Bus Rider Success:
1. Have your current address on student paperwork and entered into the Powerschool system.
2. Find the closest bus stop to your address. Bus routes and stops are located at https://www.ccsdschools.com/transportation
3. Sign up for the delayed bus notification using the Firstview App. This is located at:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jWGGNUeGXl0D1Gf_QdTrRSrQ-ooQKHvmVmFjNyA9C8k/edit The School Code is : GBMW
4. If the parent gives permission for a younger sibling (younger than 1st grade) to walk home with a 2nd grader or older child, you must
print, complete, and turn in the “The Red Tag Sibling Permission Form.” Located:
https://www.ccsdschools.com/cms/lib/SC50000504/Centricity/domain/118/transportation/Red%20Tag%20Sibling%20Permission%20F
orm.pdf
5. Any bus complaints are entered by the parent at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBFA497ScWPMjIkVhZH5Siyjno6VrRaACSmL5OIMzttLj3bw/viewform

CAFETERIA

The JBE cafeteria is to be regarded in the same manner as a restaurant. The cafeteria should at all times be a neat, clean, and
pleasant place. Lunch is a time to develop friendships and refuel for the learning ahead. Students are expected to socialize with
those near them at their table only. Students are to be at a volume level zero for the first ten minutes of their lunch to focus on
eating.

CELL PHONES, Smart Watches, Gizmos & Gadgets for Communication

Cell phones, smart watches, etc., are not permitted to be used during school hours, and it is highly recommended that children
not bring them to school. Unless teachers have previously approved it, student communication with parents shouldn't take place during the school
day, including via email. Should a student need to contact a parent during school hours, regular phone lines should be used.
If a parent sends a child to school with a phone or SMART watch, it must be stored in the bookbag and in the “off mode” during school hours (this
is also CCSD’s policy). Teachers are instructed to collect cell phones/devices that are seen or heard during school hours, and parents will berequired to come to the school and personally retrieve the items. The school staff and administration will not be responsible for the loss,
damage, or theft of a student’s personal property.

CHAPERONES

We welcome parents as chaperones for field trips. In order to ensure a safe environment for JBE students, all individuals serving as chaperones
must complete an online application process, which includes a criminal background check, every three years. Here is the link:
https://apps.raptorware.com/vsoft/kiosk/volunteerregistration?ClientId=BED981FC-4E5D-462C-9571-56ED013B4F93
If you choose to attend a trip with your child’s class, please do not bring other children with you. As a chaperone, you will serve in a supervision
role for James B. Edwards students, and this will require your utmost attention to students; please stay off cell phones.
Chaperones must return to James B. Edwards with the class. Children of chaperones may not be signed out from field trips, but must return to the
school.

CONCERNS & QUESTIONS

In order to ensure your child’s academic and social growth, open parent-staff communication is essential.
If you have concerns about any aspect of your child’s education or classroom environment, please communicate with the teacher.
To speak to a teacher in person between 7:00am -2:45 pm you must schedule a meeting with the teacher.
For general JBE concerns not pertaining to your child’s classroom, please email Mrs. Dorsey at ashley_dorsey@charleston.k12.sc.us.
CURRICULUM
CD ELA: Creative Curriculum
CD Phonemic Awareness: Heggerty
CD-5 Math: Bridges
CD-5 Social Emotional Learning: Second Step.
K-2 Phonics & Word Analysis: Orton Gillingham
K-5 ELA: EL Education
JBE follows CCSD’s curriculum that has been developed by district instructional specialists and is aligned with the SCCCR standards and supports
research-based instructional practices.
Adaptive Digital Content: iReady
In addition to having very effective curricula, our grade levels meet once a week in professional learning communities under the direction of our
instructional coaches, Holly Price and Robert Ledford, to plan, evaluate student work, and discuss student concerns. You are welcome to contact
Ms. Price (holly_price@charleston.k12.sc.us) with any questions regarding the ELA curriculum or Robert Ledford
(robert_ledford@charleston.k12.sc.us) with questions regarding the math or science curriculum.

EARLY SIGN-OUT

Parents are discouraged from making appointments for students during school hours; however, if your child must leave school early due to
extenuating circumstances, please send a completed JBE Attendance Form to school that morning.
Students will only be released to parents, legal guardians, or contacts listed on the emergency card. Picture identification will be required to sign
a student out of school.
Parents are not allowed to sign students out after 1:30 pm unless previously approved by an administrator.
EMERGENCIES
It is essential that the office can reach you in an emergency.
● Parents must register students each year and notify the school anytime there is a change in information (i.e., a new phone number).
● We must have the names and telephone numbers of multiple people we can contact in case of an emergency.
● If necessary, EMS will be called in an emergency when no one listed in PowerSchool can be reached.
● Should an emergency dismissal be necessary for any reason, your child will be dismissed following their normal routine (bus, car, etc.)
● CCSD or JBE will broadcast a phone and email message should an emergency early dismissal be required.

FLYERS & ADVERTISING

Charleston County policy prohibits soliciting on school grounds as well as using the school as a means for advertising for businesses. Therefore,
we are unable to send home flyers/advertisements. An exception will continue to be the Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation offerings and any CCSD
or community sponsored (non-profit) activity that the administration feels would benefit our students.

FRENCH

French is offered as one of the Special Area classes. Research shows that learning another language increases cognitive skills and helps students
(regardless of academic ability or demographics) improve in other academic areas. French is the official language of the Olympics and the United
Nations. Learning French helps broaden our students’ horizons and reduces prejudice toward people who are different.

GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

The school counselor at James B. Edwards supports the same academic and personal social development goals that teachers and administrators
advocate. Guidance is an integral part of the educational program and primarily consists of:
Classroom guidance (emphasis on social & emotional knowledge and skills- Second Step)
Targeted small group intervention as needed. (Examples- dealing with anxiety, conflict resolution, coping with divorce.)
Parent education
Crisis intervention
Assistance with implementing student behavioral management plans

“KALEIDOSCOPE” AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

The Kaleidoscope After School Program will again be offered to our students through CCSD’s Office of Expanded Learning. Enrollment is based on
availability. The fee schedule and registration packets are available in the Kaleidoscope office. Daily hours are from 2:25 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The
program will begin on the first day of school.
Director: Austin Smith austin_smith@charleston.k12.sc.us

HEALTH INFORMATION

The staff at JBE work to maintain a healthy environment to decrease transmission of communicable diseases by frequent, thorough hand-washing,
by cleaning/sanitizing surfaces, and by assessing children who appear ill. We follow sickness guidelines recommended by the American Academy
of Pediatrics, MUSC, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). A full-time RN, Nancy O’Donahugh, attends to the immediate needs of sick and
injured children. Nurse Nancy can be reached at 843-849-2805 ext. 65648.
Each student should have an accurate, up-to-date Health Information Card on file with the nurse in the clinic. In addition, the South Carolina
Department of Health and Environmental Control also requires specific vaccinations for students based on age and grade. It is very important to
check with your doctor and make an appointment for your child to receive any required vaccinations. Proof of immunizations must be provided to
the school, and forgetting to schedule vaccinations may prevent your student from returning to school on time at the beginning of the year!
If your child has any ongoing medical conditions (asthma, seizures, allergies, diabetes), please submit a Care Plan completed by his/her
healthcare provider.
Allergies
At JBE, our first priority is the safety of our children. Because we know that an undiagnosed allergy can present for the first time while a
student is at school, and because we are unable to confidently assess the allergen content of lunches brought from home, JBE is an
“Allergy Aware School.” We expect all staff and all students to be alert and take care of each other.
● The school nurse trains all staff members on how to detect an allergic reaction and what to do in the event of one, including
how to use an EpiPen.
● The school nurse visits all classrooms to teach students about what an allergy is, how to detect an allergic reaction, and how
to keep friends safe (no food sharing is allowed).

● Students with documented allergies sit at the end of the table near the center of the cafeteria, where the teachers sit.
Students buying lunch from the cafeteria sit next to students with known allergies, and students with lunch from home
(which we are not able to verify the contents of) fill up the opposite end of the table first.
● Tables are cleaned between each class by a member of our custodial team.
● Students are instructed to wash their hands after lunch.
● Classrooms with documented cases of life-threatening food allergies are “No Peanut/Tree Nut Zones.” We ask all families in
these rooms to only send nut free snacks with their child to reduce cross-contact in the classroom.
● We encourage students to be advocates for their health and to recognize and report any symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Please contact Nurse Nancy if your child has a notable allergy. An Allergy Care Plan completed by your child’s healthcare
provider will be kept on file at school.
Health Screenings
JBE’s school nurse conducts routine health screenings, which include vision and hearing screenings.
Lice
Head lice are a nuisance, not a medical emergency and should not disrupt a student’s educational process. Students diagnosed with
head lice will not be sent home early from school; however, a parent must accompany the child to school and provide proof of
treatment. If live lice are still present, the parent must take the child home for further treatment/removal. The CCSD protocol follows
the guidelines of the National Association of School Nurses, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC. One thing to remember
is that a louse is unable to live more than 48 hours without a host, so each Monday morning, our building is lice-free.
Medication
Over-the-counter medication can be administered to students with parental permission. The permission form can be downloaded and
printed from the Nursing Services section of the district website. OTC medications shall be sent to school in the original manufacturer’s
container. The manufacturer’s label must include the name of the medication (brand or generic), the strength of the medication and
instructions for use.
Prescription medications must be brought to school in the original container labeled with the student’s name, date, name of the
medication, name of the prescribing physician, dosage, time(s) the medication is to be given, and name of pharmacy filling the
prescription, and the doctor’s orders must be on file.
Sickness Guidelines:
Please keep your child home if they exhibit the following symptoms:
● Fever of 100F or higher
● Diarrhea
● Vomiting
● Severe Coughing
● Eye discharge- mucus or pus draining from the eye or pink eye
● Change in behavior- lethargy, inability to focus
Sleep Guidelines:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
● children 3-5 years old get 10-13 hours of sleep
● children 6-12 years old get 9-12 hours of sleep
Sun Safety:
Thankfully, JBE has many beautiful oak trees that provide a good amount of shade, and we have a Sunshade on the CD/K playground,
however, we encourage families to follow sun safety guidelines.
● Apply a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen of at least 15 SPF before coming to school (teachers won’t be able to apply during the
day).

● Wear a hat with a 3-inch brim to shield the face, ears, and back of the neck during recess (students are not allowed to wear
hats inside the building).
● Wear sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection at recess.

HOMEWORK

One purpose of homework is for students to practice and use what they have learned.
The other purpose of homework is to help students become disciplined, organized and able to set priorities.
Time guidelines:
Grade Maximum Nightly Minutes Maximum Weekly Minutes
Kindergarten 15 60
1st & 2nd grade 20 80
3rd grade 30 120
4th grade 40 160
5th grade 50 200
If your child is unable to complete the homework in the time outlined, please write the teacher a note. We do not want children to spend all
evening on homework assignments.
Please help establish a consistent, organized place for homework to be done and a schedule for completing homework.
Encourage, motivate, and prompt your child, but do not do the homework for them (unless the teacher indicates that the assignment is a family
activity).

HORTICULTURE

All students visit Kenny Seamon’s Greenhouse throughout the year and participate in classes facilitated by The Lowcountry Sustainability Program
volunteers. We are always looking for volunteers. If you are interested, please let the front office know!

HOUSE SYSTEM

The JBE house system is based on the British University system and was popularized by the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. The purpose is to
promote character, build community within our school, and inspire our students!
Each student is assigned to a house. Each JBE House is associated with one of our Principles of Leadership.
Maison des Collaborateurs (House of collaborators)
Maison des Rêveurs (House of dreamers)
Maison des Travailleurs (House of workers)
Maison des Gardiens (House of guardians)
The entire system is based on lifting our students up and highlighting positive social and academic behaviors. Students will be able to earn points
for their House by making good choices, showing kindness, and much more.
IDENTIFICATION BADGES
All adults in the building (staff, visitors, volunteers, substitutes, etc.) must wear identification badges.
● All non-staff members must check in with the office and receive an identification badge.
● Teachers will not permit parents or other visitors to enter their classrooms without required identification.
● Staff members are expected to ask any adult without identification to please check in with the office.

INTERRUPTIONS

Please give your child all necessary instructions and items at home. The office will only interrupt a class during instructional time for emergency
situations. Telephone messages other than those of an urgent or emergency nature, cannot be delivered to students. If forgotten water bottles,
books, lunchboxes, etc., are brought from home to be delivered to a student, the office will notify the teacher via email and the teacher will send
them to the student when it is convenient and does not interrupt instructional time. Our office staff will only deliver prescription glasses to students.

Uber Eats, DoorDash, Chick-Fil-A, etc., will NOT be accepted or delivered to students. Our purpose throughout the day is your
students' safety, well-being, and instruction.

LIBRARY

The JBE library operates on our special area schedule. In line with the American Association of School Libraries principle “Access for All,” students
and staff may visit the library throughout the day to check out materials using self-service kiosks. 

MEDIA RELEASE

If you grant permission for your child’s picture to appear in the media (yearbook, JBE News Show, JBE website, newspaper, TV, videos, etc.) as part
of positive media coverage for our school, please check yes on the registration paperwork. If you need to deny media, please mark no, and we
will send an “Opt Out of Media” form home for you to sign.

MTSS

MTSS is a multi-tiered system of support that helps JBE evaluate the need for and provide the necessary support for all students to be successful
in all areas (academic, social-emotional learning, and mental health). The MTSS team comprises administrators, school counselors, psychologists,
instructional coaches, and classroom teachers. Find out more about MTSS by clicking here.

PERMANENT RECORDS

Parents and legal guardians have the legal right to inspect their child’s/children’s permanent records. This inspection must occur in the presence of
a school official and the records may not be removed from the school. Non-Custodial parents also have the legal right to access records unless a
court order indicates the contrary.

PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP

These principles guide how we interact with each other and the world around us.
Leaders are responsible.
I make healthy choices for my body and my mind.

I manage my feelings and develop skills for calming down when anxious, angry, or frustrated.

I am confident and communicate my needs.

I take responsibility for the mistakes I make and I work to repair the damage I have done.

Leaders work hard.

I take learning seriously. I am determined and have true grit!
When things don’t go my way, I try again, and again, and again.
I choose work that challenges me because that is how I get stronger.
I have a growth mindset. I seek feedback from others to improve my work.

Leaders plan for success.

I dream big. I set goals for myself and make an action plan to meet those goals.
I measure my growth along the way, can be flexible, and adjust my plan when things don’t go as expected.

I celebrate the growth I make and I encourage others to meet their goals as well.

Leaders respect others.

I actively listen to understand people’s feelings, beliefs, and ideas because diversity is our strength.
I use both my words and body language to make others feel comfortable and appreciated.

I am a peacemaker when others have conflict.
Leaders collaborate.

When we work together, the finished product is more powerful than what any of us could have done alone.
I listen to others’ ideas and share my own. I bring people together to find positive solutions to problems.

Leaders make the world a better place.
I share my talents. I look for ways to help others.

I am a contributing citizen who serves my community. I am a good steward of the environment.

REPORTING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT & GROWTH

Report card grades communicate a student’s achievement in relation to the SC State Curriculum standards. Report cards and spring MAP
reports will be filed in each child’s permanent record.

● In grades 3 and 4, if a student’s quarterly or yearly average is less than a 60, a 60 will be recorded on the report card with the
following note: “Actual average is lower than 60” in the comments and a parent conference will be requested.
● However, in grade 5 the numerical average based on the teacher’s grade book will be posted on the report card even if it is
below a 60.
Progress Reports and Report Cards will be sent home quarterly.
Student-Led Conferences
All families will have a data conference scheduled in the fall.
Additional conferences may be scheduled in advance with your child's teacher.
Please do not conference with teachers while they are teaching, supervising children, or on duty.

SAFETY DRILLS

Fire, severe weather, and lockdown drills are important safety precautions. Students should remain on volume level 0. It is essential that when the
signal is given, everyone is able to hear directions and obey promptly.

SCHOOL ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Optional student accident insurance is available. If you are interested in purchasing this, please request the forms from our front office.
This is only offered at the beginning of each school year.

SPEECH

The speech and language clinician provides services for students with disorders in articulation, voice, language and fluency. In addition to
providing direct therapy to students, the clinician also screens speech and resource referrals and provides consultation for classroom teachers.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES/ASSEMBLIES

The school and its staff sponsor a variety of activities. Assemblies are conducted for both educational and entertainment purposes and are
considered part of the academic program. Students are taught expectations for assembly behavior (JBE matrix).

TECHNOLOGY

James B. Edwards Elementary School actively integrates technology into its curriculum and instruction. All students at JBE work with robots and
learn to communicate with them through coding. Our students in CD through second grade apply the directional language of forwards, backwards,
left, and right 90 degree turns with BeeBots. Third and fourth graders employ block coding with Sphero Edu to enforce algorithms, sequencing,
loops and cause and effect Fifth graders are introduced to text coding (Java Script) with Sphero Edu.

Teachers at our school participate in ongoing professional development in technology. We are a one-to-one school, meaning there is a device for
every K-5 student in the building. Grades CD - 2 have iPads and grades 3 - 5 have Chromebooks. Our library has 6 computers and is open each
morning by 6:30.

TRANSFERS

If a student will be transferring to another school, the parent must notify the teacher and the office in writing. The new school is responsible for
requesting permanent records.

UNIFORMS

The uniform policy was created by the JBE School Improvement Council in 2015 and was intended to increase school pride and keep students’
focus on learning and not on what others are wearing. For this reason, uniforms should only be purchased through the school or an approved
vendor. The uniform policy applies to all students in CD through 5th grade. To order uniforms, visit: https://www.jbeone.org/uniforms
If you need uniform assistance, please contact our school counselor, Erin Bua, at erin_bua@charleston.k12.sc.us
Tops- Students must wear a navy or light blue, or green JBE T-shirt, JBE collared shirt, or JBE dress. Any shirt worn under a uniform shirt must be
solid white, light blue, or navy. However, any JBE shirt (“vintage,” event shirts, etc.) may be worn on Friday.
Bottoms- All bottoms must be free of large logos, lettering, and graphics
● Students may wear solids, stripes, plaid, polka dots, or other prints.
● Bottoms must be at least fingertip length.
Cool Weather/Chilly Classroom Gear- Students may wear a JBE sweatshirt, JBE fleece, or a solid white or navy sweater, sweatshirt or fleece in the
classroom. Jackets and coats, however, are to be worn outdoors only and do not have to be uniform.
Field Trip Uniforms- Students are Global Leaders in the community and teachers may request specific attire for field trips.
Other Dress Code Information
—Hats and hoods may not be worn in the building.
—Oversized shirts, jackets, and coats are not permitted.
—Spaghetti straps are not permitted.
—Oversized pants, jeans, sweat pants, or shorts are not permitted.
—Shorts and skirts must reach the end of the student’s longest finger while hands are at his/her sides.
—Sneakers must be tied or secured with Velcro. All shoes must be secured with a back strap. Flip Flops are not permitted.
—Wearing any attire, including jewelry, which may cause a disruption in learning or which may become a safety threat is not appropriate.
—All clothing must be appropriate for school as deemed by the school administration.
Several “No Uniform” days and theme days will be announced throughout the year. Thank you for supporting the uniform policy.

VISITING OR VOLUNTEERING

We love our JBE families! In order to ensure a safe environment for JBE students, all individuals serving as a chaperone or volunteer must
complete an online application process, which includes a criminal background check, every three years. A fee will be required to complete the
background check. To complete the application, click here.
When visiting or volunteering, stop by the school office upon arrival. You will receive an identification sticker/badge to wear while you are at
school.
For the safety of our children, teachers are required to enforce our visitor badge policy.
If a classroom observation is desired, please coordinate with the Administration.
If you need to speak to a teacher, please email your teacher to schedule a conference in advance. Beginning at 7 a.m., teachers are fully occupied
with welcoming students, morning work, etc. and are not available to talk to parents during arrival.