Student Handbook

2026-2027

Mrs. Katherine Derryberry, Principal

Mrs. Amanda Putman, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Amy Francis, Attendance Clerk

Mrs. Dawn Green, Bookkeeper

606 South Cedar Lane

Pulaski, Tennessee 38478

Phone: 931-363-5233

Fax: 931-424-7027

Webpage: https://gcboe.us/pes

A MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATION

Dear Pulaski Elementary School Families:

        On behalf of all the faculty and staff, I would like to welcome your child and family to Pulaski Elementary School. Our students are our number one priority. In order for a child to be successful academically, every child must feel safe. Pulaski Elementary School strives to be a safe, positive and caring learning environment for all students.

        Communication between teachers, students, families and the community is very important to the  educational process. Please communicate with our front office to have the accurate phone information for your student at all times. Families are welcome to visit our school. We ask that you be considerate of the learning time in the classroom by making an appointment to discuss your child’s progress or concerns. There are many opportunities throughout the year to show support by participating in the many exciting events hosted by the school or the PTO.

Please feel free to contact me @ 931-363-5233 or kderryberry@gcboe.us with any questions or concerns at any time.  We are looking forward to Positively Encouraging Success through Academics, Attendance and Attitudes by being Respectful, Responsible and Ready.

Sincerely,

Katherine Derryberry, Principal

Amanda Putman, Assistant Principal

Our School Vision Statement

Positively Encouraging Success

Our School Mission Statement

Positively Encouraging Success through Attendance, Academics, and Positive Attitude by being Respectful, Responsible, and Ready

Our School Goal

Through the use of high quality instructional materials across all grade bands and a focus on explicit and systematic foundational skills in grades K-2, Pulaski Elementary School will see an increased performance in ELA and Math.

Our Beliefs

1. All children can learn and succeed.
2. Provide a safe and nurturing environment for every child.
3. Build positive connections and relationships with all students and stakeholders.

Our School Daily Schedule

7:00-7:40        Students arrive. Bus Riders report to the Old Gym. Car Riders report to the New Gym.

7:40-8:00        Students report to homeroom for attendance & announcements & breakfast in the classroom at no cost. This is an important time of the school day.

       **Every student needs to be at school by 7:40 a.m. each morning.

8:00-2:48        Learning is in session.

**If a student arrives at school after 7:50, a parent or guardian must walk the child into the school office and sign him or her in for the day.**

10:15-12:40        Lunch is served in the Cafeteria at no cost to the student.

Time will vary by teacher/grade level.

*DISMISSAL  SCHEDULE*

2:48-3:15        Walkers & car riders

*Kindergarten car riders will dismiss at the Kindergarten awning.

*1st & 2nd grade car riders will dismiss at the New Gym entrance.

School Car Tags must be visible in car at pick up.

2:52-3:20        Bus riders                                        

*School Bus Tags must stay tied to each student’s backpack*

**Additional Car tags and Bus tags are available for $1.00 each.**

*** ATTENDANCE ***

The education of your child is of the highest importance.  Please have your child at school and on time.  Valid reasons for an excused absence are illness, doctor’s appointment, court appearance, or death in the family.   A STUDENT MUST BRING A WRITTEN EXCUSE EVERY TIME HE/SHE IS ABSENT OR TARDY.

Please see Giles County Schools’ webpage for the complete and most recent Giles County Board of Education Attendance Policy. Please note the highlights below:

1. 5 parent notes per school year may be used for student absences or tardiness. After 5 parent notes are used, any illness related absence must be accompanied by a medical note stating that the absence is necessary.
2. ALL and any excuses must be turned into the office within 5 days of the absence.  Please check with the school if there is a question of an excuse to get to the office.
3. 5 unexcused absences= an internal (school-level) truancy meeting will be held with school administrator, student and parent/ guardian.
4. 7 unexcused absences = an external truancy meeting will be held with the truancy board.
5. A referral to juvenile court will be issued if the interventions are unsuccessful.

**TRUANCY IS A STUDENT THAT IS AWAY FROM SCHOOL WITHOUT A VALID EXCUSE FOR A NUMBER OF DAYS.

**CHRONICALLY OUT OF SCHOOL (COS) IS MISSING 10% OR MORE OF THE DAYS ENROLLED REGARDLESS OF EXCUSED OR UNEXCUSED.

BULLYING AND INTIMIDATION

Students shall be provided a safe learning environment.  It shall be a violation of school board policy for any student to bully, intimidate, or create a hostile educational environment for another student. Situations regarding this will be handled by administration. (Giles County Board Policy 6.304)  

CAFETERIA

GILES COUNTY SCHOOLS WILL HAVE A NO COST BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM THIS YEAR.  HOWEVER, ANY EXTRA ITEMS (MILK, MEAT, VEGETABLE, ETC.) MUST BE PAID IN CASH AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE.  Students will still key in their code as they exit the cafeteria line.  Please help your child learn this number given to them by their teacher.  SOFT DRINKS OF ANY KIND ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CAFETERIA. NO FOODS OR DRINKS ARE TO BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL FROM COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS (SUCH AS MCDONALD’S, HARDEE’S, ETC.).  

CELL PHONE POLICY

        Student cell phones should be turned off and put away while school is in session. (Giles County Board Policy 6.312)

CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM

The state of Tennessee identifies students who miss more than 10% of the school year as chronically absent. This means that students who miss a total of 18 days throughout the year, whether excused or unexcused, are chronically absent. Notification will be sent home each grading period if your child has reached the chronic absentee requirements for that particular grading period. Chronically absent will be documented in your child’s permanent record for the school year.

CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS

Teachers will be allowed to include holiday celebrations in their lesson plans as part of their curriculum.  Parents will be notified ahead of time as to the day, time and specifics of each planned event.  Birthday celebrations will be allowed as part of snack time. This must remain a student only event due to strict time restraints. Teachers must be notified ahead of time for planning purposes.  

DISMISSAL

        Students will be dismissed at 2:48 p.m. Kindergarten Car Riders will be picked up at the Kindergarten awning. 1st and 2nd Grade Car Riders will be picked up at the New Gym awning. Families that have car riders for both will pick up at the Kindergarten awning. All vehicles picking up a car rider must have a school issued car tag visible at pick up. Any student not picked up by 3:15 p.m. will be brought to the principal for dismissal. This will be considered a tardy pick-up. ALL changes in transportation MUST be made in writing to the school office.  A fax or email (afrancis@gcboe.us) is acceptable if sent before 2:00 p.m.

DRESS CODE

Please see Giles County Schools’ webpage for the most recent Giles County Schools’ Dress Code.  A copy will also be sent home with each student.  It is also posted on our school webpage.  The main things to remember for PES grade- level include the following:

• Shirts with short or long sleeves of any color or pattern are acceptable. Cartoon and superhero characters are allowed.
• No writing that is offensive, derogatory, or that disrupts the educational environment.
• Shorts, skirts, jumpers, dresses or skorts must be no shorter than 4” above the top of the knee.
• No spaghetti strap or strapless shirts are to be worn to school.
• Hair styles, cuts, or colors that are disruptive to or impair the educational environment are NOT allowed.

DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee’s policy of non- discrimination, the Giles County School System does not discriminate against any person for reasons of race, color, religion, handicap, national origin, sex, age, or socio-economic status in its policies or in the admission of access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services or activities.  \Complaints of discrimination under Title VI should be directed to the office of Director, 270 Richland, Pulaski, TN 38478 (931)363-4558.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

        Giles County Board of Education has implemented procedures and guidelines for emergencies and crises. Students will be instructed in how to react in such situations. Fire drills, tornado drills, intruder drills, etc. will be held during the school year. It is impossible to know whether the children will be in their classrooms, the library, the playground, cafeteria, etc. For this reason, the teacher instructs the children on what to do and exactly where to go when they hear an emergency alarm.

*IF THE SCHOOLS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, THE CHILDREN CANNOT BE PICKED UP AND CHECKED OUT AT THAT TIME. THE DOORS WILL BE LOCKED AND REMAIN LOCKED UNTIL WE RECEIVE NOTICE FROM OFFICIALS FOR AN ALL CLEAR. PLEASE KNOW IF STUDENTS AND STAFF HAVE TO BE RELOCATED, YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED.

FIELD TRIPS

Each grade will have the opportunity to participate in an educational field trip.  We encourage all parents to let their child participate.  Permission forms will be sent home at the beginning of the year to cover all trips.  You will be notified of each trip well in advance as student assignments will be leading up to the trip.

GRADING POLICY

        Progress reports will be issued every 4.5 weeks and report cards will be issued every 9 weeks. These reports need to be signed and returned to school. Physical Education and Music grades are determined on the basis of student participation, following directions, and discipline. Students should wear tennis shoes to participate in P.E. class. A doctor’s note is required to excuse your child from participating in physical activity.

A: 90-100

B: 80-89

C: 70-79

D: 60-69

F: 0-59

*Judgement of the teacher and principal regarding progress in the master of essential competencies, special procedures for special students, flexible placement, attendance, conduct, previous retention and grade level are factors considered before making a decision on promotion/retention.

PTO (PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATION

The Pulaski Elementary PTO is composed of all parents and guardians, and faculty of Pulaski Elementary Students.  A room mother/father chosen from each homeroom will serve on the executive committee of the PTO along with the PTO officers and school principal.  The executive meetings are held an hour before the regular meeting.  Dates and times will be provided via school calendar, website, school status, and school newsletter.  The PTO officers for this school year include:

      President-  Tarah Holt

       Vice-President-  Abby Norwood

       Secretary-  Kristan Patterson

       Treasurer-  Grace Holley

       Cub Run Chair- Chandler Nicholson

PTO Fundraisers: PTO sponsors several fund raising projects during the school year.  The funds are generously used to purchase equipment, supplies, field trips, improvement to school grounds as well as other educational services for the students.  All parents are encouraged to participate in these efforts to support the students of Pulaski Elementary.

REHABILITATION ACT

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights statute which prohibits discrimination against a person with a disability as anyone who has a record of having, or is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity, such as learning, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, caring for oneself and performing manual tasks.  If a teacher or parent suspects a student would come under the 504 policy, please feel free to contact Mrs. Karen Brown, our school counselor, at 931-363-5233 or kbrown@gcboe.us. You may also reach out to school administration at 931-363-5233 or the Giles County Board of Education at 931-363-4558.

Response to Intervention 2 and Assessments

All students receive services through our RTI2 program.  Students participate in benchmark testing (AimswebPlus) three times a year and then are placed in appropriate intervention, remediation or enrichment groups.  Please contact the school for more information or be on the lookout for information about upcoming parent nights.

RETURNED CHECKS

THERE IS A $30 SERVICE CHARGE FOR RETURNED CHECKS.  PLEASE HAVE SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO COVER ANY CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE SCHOOL.  THANK YOU.

ROOM MOTHERS/ FATHERS/ VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers play an essential role in the success of Pulaski Elementary.  Each homeroom class needs parent volunteers who will give assistance in class and school activities and one parent to serve as executive room mother/ father.  Please let your child’s teacher know if you are available.

SCHOOL FEES

ALL K-2 STUDENTS ARE ASKED TO PAY A $20 SUPPLY FEE and $20 CHROMEBOOK FEE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.  SUPPLY FEE MONIES ARE USED FOR INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS.  

SCHOOL FUNDRAISING PROJECTS

The school will have two major fundraisers.  The first is scheduled to be in October.  The second fundraiser is tentatively scheduled for March 2025.  The goal for our school is to raise funds to purchase additional technology and instructional materials for all classrooms. Thank you in advance for your support.

SCHOOL SEARCHES

Lockers and other storage areas, containers, book bags, purses, and packages brought into the school by students or visitors are subject to search.  Any vehicle parked on school property is subject to search by school and law enforcement personnel.

SCHOOL STATUS PHONE SYSTEM

Pulaski Elementary has a phone system called, “School Status,” which has the capacity to call all parents at the same time in case of school emergencies and/ or announcements.  PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL IN THESE SITUATIONS SINCE WE WILL BE TRYING TO CALL YOU.  IT IS OF ABSOLUTE IMPORTANCE WE HAVE A WORKING PHONE NUMBER TO REACH THE PARENTS/ GUARDIANS OF EACH CHILD ATTENDING PULASKI ELEMENTARY. Teachers, administrators, and families are also able to communicate by phone calls, text messages, and/or emails in School Status.

SECURE OUR SCHOOLS HOTLINE

931-424-7042

Secure our schools hotline (SOS) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to anonymously report acts of violence, selling of drugs, and possession of weapons or acts of vandalism.  A reward will be given for information leading to the confiscation of a firearm on school property if in the possession of a student.

SPECIAL SCHOOL SERVICES

Pulaski Elementary is school-wide TITLE 1.  This means all students have the opportunity to benefit from programs that are federally funded.  School-wide parent nights will be held throughout the school year to inform parents and guardians of new programs, activities and strategies to help students succeed academically.

Foster Grandparents Program- The South Central Human Resource Agency sponsors a Foster Grandparent program which provides elderly paid volunteers to help students who need special assistance in academic performance, emotional support, or perceptual training.

Project B.A.S.I.C- Better attitudes and skills in children. This is a grant based program contracted with Centerstone that is stationed in our school environment.  A counselor is available for students who may experience social, emotional, behavioral or academic needs.

Speech and Hearing- The program offers instruction in articulation, fluency, and voice problems for people from age 3 up to age 22.  Instruction is offered for the hearing impaired.

STUDENT ILLNESS

The school nurse will notify the parents of any child who becomes ill or hurt during the school day.  IT IS OF UPMOST IMPORTANCE THE SCHOOL HAVE A WORKING PHONE NUMBER AT ALL TIMES IN CASE OF EMERGENCY!  The proper forms must be filled out by the parent or guardian of any student who requires medication to be taken at school.  PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL IF HE OR SHE HAS FEVER, VOMITING OR DIARRHEA.  Your child should be fever free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.  

LICE/ BED BUGS:  STUDENTS WHO ARE SENT HOME WITH HEAD LICE OR NITS WILL NOT BE READMITTED IN SCHOOL UNTIL ALL NITS ARE REMOVED.  STUDENTS RETURNING TO SCHOOL MUST BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL BY A PARENT AND CHECKED BY A SCHOOL NURSE OR SUBMIT A LETTER FROM A PHYSICIAN STATING THAT THE STUDENT IS FREE OF LICE AND NITS. PLEASE SEE GCBOE POLICY 6.4031.

TRAFFIC FLOW

There is no traffic in the bus lane on Cedar Lane between 7:00-8:00 or between 2:30-3:30. All parents who bring their children to school or pick them up MUST use the drive in the back of the school entering from Ballentine Street.  

VISITORS

Parents and guests are welcome to visit our school but the safety of our students is of main concern.  ALL VISITORS INCLUDING PARENTS MUST REPORT TO THE OFFICE UPON ENTERING THE BUILDING OR COMING ONTO THE CAMPUS TO RECEIVE A VISITOR’S BADGE. YOU MUST HAVE A VALID PHOTO ID TO SCAN INTO OUR SYSTEM. All visitors are expected to follow the Visitor Code of Conduct posted in our school office and on the district webpage (gcboe.us). You must be on the student’s contact list to visit during lunch. Any parent who wishes to speak or meet with a teacher must make an appointment.  Disruption of instructional time is avoided if at all possible. Visitors are welcome during lunch hours. A table is designated for students and their guests.  Please do not accompany students back to their classes after lunch. (Visitor Lunch $5.00)

PLEASE RESPECT PRIVACY OF ALL STUDENTS. NOT PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEOS SHOULD BE TAKEN OF ANY STUDENTS OTHER THAN YOUR OWN.

FERPA/PPRA GUIDELINES

FERPA requirements

• Annual Notification: Schools must annually notify parents and eligible students of their privacy rights under FERPA.
• Consent for Disclosure: Generally, schools must obtain written consent before disclosing a student's PII. Exceptions include disclosure to school officials with a legitimate educational interest or to other schools where the student intends to enroll.
• Student Records: Schools must keep education records confidential and disclose information only to legally permitted individuals.
• Parental/Student Access: Parents or eligible students have the right to review education records and request corrections.
• Policy and Training: Local education agencies (LEAs) must have policies on the dissemination of PII and directory information, and ensure staff training on FERPA.

PPRA requirements

• Annual Notification: Schools must notify parents of their rights under PPRA.
• Protected Information: PPRA protects students from being required to participate in certain surveys or activities without consent. These include surveys concerning:

• Political affiliations or beliefs
• Mental or psychological problems
• Sex behavior or attitudes
• Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior
• Critical appraisals of close family members
• Privileged or analogous relationships (e.g., with lawyers, doctors, ministers)
• Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs

• Opt-out Rights: Parents have the right to opt their children out of surveys that are not required by law and are not related to those eight protected areas.
• Third-Party Surveys: Schools must provide notice and an opportunity for parents to opt out of any survey that is created by a third party and covers the eight protected areas.
• Marketing: Schools cannot use student data for marketing purposes without consent.
• Physical Examinations: Parental consent is required for any non-emergency physical examination or screening, except those that are part of a student's regular curriculum.

 SCHOOL POLICIES FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

PLEASE KEEP THIS HANDBOOK IN A SAFE PLACE TO REFERENCE THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR.

Giles County Schools Discipline Code will be given at the beginning of school. A complete copy of all Giles County Board of Education policies can be located at the school district website (www.gcboe.us).

1. Please take pride in your school. It is expected of us by the taxpayers, Giles County School Board and the County Commission to maintain and preserve the school building in its present condition. It is your responsibility as a student to take pride in your school and the school grounds. The parent/ guardian will be financially responsible for any damages to the building or furniture caused by a child.
2. Students should arrive between 7:00-7:40.  Any student arriving after 7:50 a.m. must enter the building through the office and be signed in by a parent or guardian.  

GYM DOORS WILL BE LOCKED @ 7:50.

3. Sign-outs and tardies are counted against attendance.  
4. All students are required to take Physical Education.  If a student cannot participate in P.E. on their scheduled day, it is assumed that in most cases, he or she cannot participate in recess.  A note should accompany a child who is unable to participate in P.E. on a given day.
5. Behavioral problems in the classroom are the responsibility of the teacher; however, a student may be corrected by any member of the staff who sees inappropriate behavior.  Unacceptable behavior includes but is not limited to throwing of rocks, dirt, sticks or other objects; foul language, drawing of inappropriate pictures, and fighting of any kind.  
6. Knives, guns, alcoholic beverages, and abusive drugs are absolutely prohibited on school property.  A student found guilty of this will be subject to dismissal from school.
7. Students should have their FULL NAMES on all personal items coming from home (clothes, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc.). A Lost and Found box is located in the front lobby by the office.
8. If a student has a special problem, he or she should try to work it out with the teacher.  If a solution cannot be reached, then the Principal should be involved. The parents and teacher should be included at all times.        
9. NO TOY GUNS OR WEAPONS ARE TO BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL.
10. NO TOYS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED AT SCHOOL UNLESS SPECIAL PERMISSION IS GRANTED BY ADMINISTRATION. THIS INCLUDED BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO DOLLS, STUFFED ANIMALS, TRADING CARDS, BOUNCY BALLS, ETC.
11. RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS IS A PRIVILEGE.  IT SHOULD NOT BE ABUSED.  STUDENTS MUST OBEY SCHOOL BUS RULES ACCORDING TO THOSE PROVIDED BY THE GILES COUNTY SCHOOLS PUPIL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM.  ABUSE OF THE RULES WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF BUS PRIVILEGES.
12. All car riders should be picked up by 3:15.  Voluntary Pre-K and Journey’s Pre-K dismissal is at 1:45-2:00 p.m. Any student not picked up by 3:15 p.m. will be brought to the principal for dismissal. This will be considered a tardy pick-up.
13. Cars for K-2 pickup will not be allowed on campus until 2:30 p.m.
14. ALL changes in transportation MUST be made in writing to the school office.  A fax or email (afrancis@gcboe.us) is acceptable if sent before 2:00 p.m.

PHONE NUMBERS OF INTEREST

Giles County Board of Education: 931-363-4558

        Director of Schools- Ext.2106

        Assistant Director of Schools-  Ext.2105

        Supervisor of Federal Programs- Ext. 2122

Supervisor of PreK-5th Grades- Ext.2120

Supervisor of Student Support Services- Ext.2112

Supervisor of Special Education- Ext.2113

Giles County Schools Bus Garage: 931-363-4598

Pulaski Elementary School: 931-363-5233

Pulaski Elementary Cafeteria, Andrea Poarch, Manager: 931-363-6743

Southside Elementary: 931-424-7005

Bridgeforth Middle School: 931-363-7526

Giles County High School: 931-363-6532

Elkton School: 931-468-2286

Minor Hill School: 931-347-0163

Richland Elementary: 931-527-0663

Richland High School: 931-527-3577

Pulaski Elementary School

Student Handbook

2026-2027

Scan here to view the Pulaski Elementary School Student Handbook. You can also visit our school website at www.gcboe.us/pes. For a complete printed copy, please come by our school office.

I have read, understood, and reviewed with my child the Pulaski Elementary School Student Handbook.

________________________________________________             __________________

(Parent/Guardian signature)                                                (Date)

________________________________________________                 __________________

(Student name)                                                                (Homeroom Teacher)