Frequently Asked Questions

Most of the questions asked can be answered by referring to Dowell's policies and procedures.

Policies and Procedures

Instructional time in an elementary school is structured and sequential. Family vacations should be planned with the school calendar in mind to prevent children from missing essential skills. When a student is absent, he/she must bring a written-signed excuse upon returning to school. State law governs excused absences. Please include the following information in the excuse:

Child's name
Teacher's name
Date(s) of absence
Reason for absence
Parent's signature

A child who has been ill due to a communicable disease should provide written permission from the doctor or health officer upon return to school. If a child needs to be out for an extended period of time, please notify the teacher. Please make every effort to schedule medical and dental appointments after school hours to avoid interruption of the instructional program.

If a child has an accident during the day requiring medical attention, we will try to contact a parent. If a parent cannot be contacted, we will take the child to the local emergency room provided a medical release has been signed. Judgement in such cases is at the discretion of the school authorities, and the parent assumes financial responsibility. Please keep updated work and home phone numbers in file in the office.

The After School Program (ASP) operates on the days that school is in session and will begin with the first day of school. Hours are 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The ASP will operate as an extension of the instructional day for the parents and students of Dowell Elementary. It will function under the guidelines established by the Cobb County Board of Education. Registration for the program is required prior to attendance. Application forms and information are available in the school office.

Each week, payment must be received by the morning of the first day the child attends. Fees are $25.00 per week or $5.00 per day for each child. Any account past due may result in termination from the ASP.

Supervised activities that include a study period, P.E., Music, Art, games, movies, computer, etc. are planned by staff members. A nutritious snack is provided daily. The snack is included in the fee.

The staff is happy to offer the After School Program to our students and parents who need this service. They will continually work to modify and improve our program to meet the needs of our children. Your support and cooperation is appreciated.

Law requires regular school attendance for all children between the ages of seven and sixteen. The Dowell school day is from 7:50 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. If the child comes to school after 11:15 a.m. or leaves before 11:15 a.m., he/she is counted absent. Your cooperation is solicited in planning appointments that do not interrupt school hours. A school calendar is included in the handbook to assist you in planning appointments and vacations.

NOTE: PARENTS SHOULD DROP OFF STUDENTS NO EARLIER THAN 7:20 A.M. SINCE THERE IS NO ONE TO SUPERVISE THEM. THE BUILDING IS NOT OPEN FOR STUDENT ARRIVAL PRIOR TO 7:20 A.M.

Balloon and floral bouquets cannot be delivered to students at school. This policy has been made due to concerns regarding the disruption of class and/or dangerous conditions on the bus caused by the student’s possession of these items.

Student birthdays cannot be celebrated at school. Cupcakes, birthday cakes, treats or refreshments of any kind in honor of student birthdays will not be allowed. Also, birthday party invitations cannot be distributed at school, unless every child of the same gender in the classroom receives an invitation. There will be no exceptions.

Bookbags are allowed to facilitate transportation of student materials between school and home. Clear bookbags are encouraged. Parents are requested to monitor the weight of bookbags as children often carry more weight in them than is healthy. Pediatricians recommend that students carry not more than 10% of their own body weight.

Textbooks for the children are provided through the county and state funds and without cost to the child’s parents or guardians. In compliance with the textbook policy, all charges for lost or damaged textbooks must be paid in order to issue replacement. Parents are responsible for all textbooks issued to children should the book be lost, damaged or stolen.

Dowell Elementary has a Citizens Advisory Council, which meets once each quarter. The purpose of this council is to promote communication between school and community. If you would like to be a representative and meet with us; please call the local school office. We encourage and invite your participation on this worthwhile council.

CHANGE IN THE WAY A CHILD IS TO GO HOME

A request for the child to go home a different way or some place other than his/her regular destination must be made in writing. Phone call requests are not appropriate since verification of identification of the caller is very difficult. The safety of children cannot be compromised. Such requests will be accepted only in an emergency situation. Please no student pick-ups in the front office between 2:00 - 2:20 p.m. Thank you! Your cooperation with these procedures will ensure the safety of Dowell students.

COBB COUNTY’S NONDISCRIMNATION COMPLIANCE NOTIFICATION

Federal legislation prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act 1964); sex (Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972); age (Age Discrimination and Employment Act (ADEA); or handicap (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Public Law 94-142, Individuals with Disabilities Act, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.

CONTRIBUTIONS, DONATIONS AND GRANTS

In conformity with the State Board of Education rules and regulations, voluntary contributions, donations and grants may be solicited from and/or received from students and interested citizens for the support and carrying out of the educational program of the Cobb County School District. Incidental to this, students and interested citizens may contribute toward expenditures for materials, supplies, equipment, and activities. No resident student may be charged either tuition or fees as a condition of enrollment or full participation in the instructional program. Pursuant to law, OCGA 20-2-671, admission to all Cobb county Public Schools shall be gratuitous to all eligible children residing within the Cobb County District.

School personnel are bound by law to release children to either of their natural parents unless we have on file a copy of a court order which grants custody to one parent or the other, or to a third party. We cannot enter into cases of court litigation unless subpoenaed by a court to appear as a witness. Therefore, if you are divorced or separated and the court has awarded the custody of your child or children to you, a copy of the court order must be on file in the office.

Student discipline is the responsibility of both the home and the school. At Dowell we expect and insist on proper behavior and conduct to ensure the optimum learning environment. Behavior that is distracting and disruptive is not acceptable. Approved methods of dealing with unacceptable behavior will be employed if necessary. We will work closely with parents to assist all students in maintaining appropriate behavior.

Every child at Dowell is encouraged to observe an appropriate standard of grooming and dress consistent with the school situation. Shoes must always be worn. Caps and hats should not be worn during school except for specific Spirit Days.

Dowell dress code is as follows:
Pants, Slacks, Trousers, and Shorts:

• Shorts may be worn (Administration reserves the right to determine appropriate length) 
• RULE: Closer to the knee than the waist.

Jackets, Coats:

• Cannot be worn inside the buildings after arrival in homeroom
• Appropriate cover for the temperature of the room is acceptable i.e. sweaters, sweatshirts

Shoes:

• For safety/P.E.

Sweatshirts, Sweaters:

• Do not have to be tucked in but cannot extend so as to cover pockets or shorts.

Prohibited Garments (Inclusive but not limited to the following):

• Garments that portray/advocate physical aggression, violence, or any illegal/immoral activities. RULE: If you have to think about its appropriateness-DON’T WEAR IT TO SCHOOL.
• Hats, Caps, Headcovering of any kind (Administration reserves the right to designate cap day for an appropriate school activity)
• Shirts/blouses or tops that show any bare waist or stomach while arms are at side or extended.
• Leotard-type leggings as outer garments
• Garments with deliberate holes or tears
• Spaghetti strap tank tops

Additionally, Dowell Elementary School has adopted an optional uniform. 

The uniform consists of: (Boys & Girls)

• Navy or Khaki Navy or Khaki
• Pants/shorts Pants/Shorts
• White or Navy White or Navy
• Polo Shirt Polo Shirt
• White Dress Shirt Navy or Khaki
• Skirt, skorts or jumper
• White Dress Shirt

Uniforms may be purchased at discount department stores at a very reasonable cost. PTA will sponsor periodic “Swap Shops” throughout the year whereby parents can exchange uniforms to accommodate growing children.

EARLY RELEASE FROM SCHOOL GROUNDS

Children may not leave the school grounds during regular school hours unless authorized to do so. If a child must leave early, a parent or authorized adult must come to the office and sign the child out, rather than going directly to the classroom. Identification will be required.

Should there be an emergency and you need to pick up your child, please come by the school office. There is a sign-out form for this purpose. We ask that you do not go directly to the classroom for students, as teachers will not release them without notification from the office. Your child’s protection is our concern, and we solicit and appreciate your cooperation in following this procedure.

The Cobb County Board of Education Policy Manual defines a field trip as “a planned educational experience directly related to and is correlated with a particular unit of study or a specialized function of the school”. We feel there is a definite place for this educational experience in the instructional program. The principal will approve only those trips that can be shown to have a direct and meaningful relationship to the curriculum. Written permission from parents on a school provided form is required for student participation. Donations are solicited to cover expenses. While no child is denied these experiences, failure to receive sufficient funding may result in cancellation of the trip.

The Georgia State Board of Education defines a gifted student as “a student who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual, and/or creative ability(ies), exhibits an exceptionally high degree of motivation, and/or excels in specific academic fields, and who needs special instruction an/or special ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her abilities”.

Cobb County provides services for identified gifted students at all levels. The gifted program is designed to meet the very specific needs of these students and extend competencies in the areas of cognitive skills, learning skills, research and reference skills, communication skills, and metacognitive skills beyond the experiences of the regular classroom.

Cobb’s gifted program is part of the School Improvement Division and is funded by the state. The Georgia State Department of Education governs the procedures for identifying and placing students in the gifted program.

A student already participating in a gifted program in Georgia will most likely be transferred into the Cobb County program. However, the eligibility committee

will review the student’s records and test data before a final placement decision is made. Students who transfer from out-of-state must meet Georgia requirements for placement in the Cobb County Program. Test data from a previous school will be considered if the test results are less than two years old and if they meet the Georgia eligibility criteria. Referrals for transfer students are available from the guidance office or from theTarget teacher.

Gifted services must meet Quality Core Curriculum objectives while providing a differentiated curriculum based on the assessed needs of the students. This gifted curriculum includes a more elaborate, complex, and in-depth study of major ideas, problems, and themes than would ordinarily be available in the regular classroom. The curriculum blends instruction in math, science, social studies, and language arts into units that examine central themes, issues, problems and topics.

Fundamental to curriculum developed for gifted students are learning experiences that develop the use of thinking skills and processes. This instruction enables students to apply these skills and make informed decisions, to understand and apply concepts, to make judgements and to define, create, and implement strategies for solving problems.

For questions, contact the Target teacher at the local school.

HEALTH SERVICES

Georgia Department of Human Resources requires all pupils entering a Georgia Public School for the first time to present a Certificate of Immunization. This certificate must be on the Georgia Form 3231. This form may be secured and completed at the Cobb County Health Department or from your child’s personal physician. The school must have this form on file. Please help us comply with this law and protect our children. A certificate of Ear, Eye, and Dental Examination is also required. The Dental Form may be obtained in a similar manner. The Hearing and Vision portion may be obtained in conjunction with our school evaluation after the school year is started. Vision screening of students in kindergarten, first and fourth years are part of our Hearing and Vision Program. Trained PTA volunteers or staff members will also screen newly entering students and all referrals.

Academic proficiency is the primary goal of homework. It provides practice in necessary skills, trains a child in good work habits, promotes responsibility, and affords the opportunity for an increase in self-direction. Another goal of homework is to help a student learn to budget time. Homework is an essential part of our instructional program.

Active parent participation in your child’s program is encouraged through your support and supervision of homework assignments. Homework is one of the closest ties we can have between school and home. It is a direct means of communication that tells parents a great deal about what is being done at school. Homework begins in the early primary years to foster good study habits. Homework for primary level children should require no more than 30 minutes per day for completion. Intermediate level students should be able to complete their homework within 60 minutes. Please notify the teacher if your child’s assignments do not appear appropriate.

The cooperative goal of home and school is to provide the best educational experience possible; therefore, your cooperation is solicited in guarding valuable instructional time. Please schedule all classroom visits through the office. If a conference with a teacher is needed, please call or come by the school office for an appointment.

It is suggested that you stamp or sew your child’s name in the clothing he/she wears to school. The school will hold lost clothing only a reasonable length of time, after which it will be given to a charitable organization. You may come and look over the collection at any time.

Lunchroom Manager: Brenda Elrod
Phone Number: (770) 528-6556

A nutritious, hot, and attractive lunch is served daily. Students are expected to eat in the dining room whether they buy lunch or bring it from home. Lunch prices are $1.50 for students and $2.50 for adults. Extra milk costs 35 cents. Menus are printed weekly in the newspaper and the monthly menu will be included in the month’s Dolphin Digest, which will go home with the students.

Dowell uses the following procedures regarding lunch. If a child realizes he/she has forgotten lunch money, we will allow him/her to contact the parents before 8:30 a.m. Parents can then arrange to bring a lunch or lunch money to the school office before lunchtime. If this is not possible, the student will be allowed to charge his/her lunch during the months of September through April. During the months of May and June, no lunch charges will be allowed. Charges will be expected to be replaced before additional charges are made. Money may be placed on your child’s account on Monday or Tuesday of each week. If your child brings a lunch from home, milk may be purchased separately.

Parents are welcome to eat with us any day. For special days, i.e. Senior Citizens Day, please send a note to notify the lunchroom manager of the number of persons who will be eating. This allows us to prepare sufficient servings so we do not have to substitute for the last few classes.

Please do not bring commercial lunches (i.e. McDonald’s, Hardee’s, etc.) for your child. These commercial lunches will not be allowed in the cafeteria area.

Neither class work nor homework assignments will be sent home when a child is absent for only one day. This work can be made up when the child returns to school. Teachers will provide instructional activities for absences of two days, which may include some at home make-up. Make-up work will be provided for excused absences.

The Media Center is designed to serve the total school population in several areas. The Media Center is open to all students at all times. Kindergarten and first grade students will be allowed to check out one book at a time and return it for another as quickly as it is read. Second through fifth grade students will be allowed to check out two books at a time. Books will be circulated for one week. There will be no late fee; however, children will not be allowed to check out additional books until overdue books are returned or paid for, if lost. The student must purchase books, which are damaged beyond repair through neglect or deliberate misuse. Other media materials and audio-visual equipment provide additional media instruction to enhance the total instructional program. The use of computers is a vital component in the media instructional program.

Medications to be given at school must have a completed medication instruction sheet filled out. Blank forms can be obtained in the office. All medication brought into school must be kept in the office. Prescription drugs must be in the original container, bear the name of the physician prescribing the medication, your child’s name and pharmacy’s number. Medication that is not properly labeled will not be dispensed. Your cooperation is requested in this matter as the health and safety of our children is our primary concern.

NOTE: PRESCRIPTIONS FOR MEDICINES THAT ARE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES MUST BE TRANSPORTED TO AND FROM SCHOOL BY THE PARENT, LEGAL GUARDIAN, OR DESIGNATED ADULT.

The Dowell newsletter, Dolphin Digest, containing information about PTA and school events, will be sent home monthly. Notices are frequently sent home giving general information. Please remind your child of the importance of taking such notices home to you.

Cobb Board of Education policy stipulates only one party is allowed each year. The PTA-sponsored Winter Holiday Party fulfills this regulation. Please do not request parties at other times of the year. Treats (cupcakes, candy, etc.) to celebrate birthdays are prohibited, as previously stated in this handbook.

A Performing Arts Program is provided for all Cobb County students. Students will see a variety of cultural arts programs throughout the school year. A donation amount from parents covers the transportation and program costs. Written permission for student participation must be on file.

Students are not to bring any personal playthings, novelties, equipment, candy, gum, etc. to school unless given permission by a member of the staff. Knives of any sort are strictly prohibited by Board Policy, as well as other items, which could be used as weapons.

An excuse in physical education from local participation of any duration or restrictive participation beyond five consecutive days after returning to school shall be confirmed by a physician’s statement. The statement must specify the type of illness or injury and the nature and duration of the restriction.

Students are not required to dress out for physical education but should wear appropriate clothing for participation in activities, such as tumbling or gymnastics. Some form of lace-up shoes, preferably tennis shoes, are most desirable. Keeping the safety of each student foremost, no sandals, stacks, boots, or clog shoes should be worn to physical education classes.

Individual pictures are scheduled to be taken in the fall. Class group pictures and individual pictures will be taken in the spring. Picture information will be sent home before pictures are taken. All profit from school pictures is used to purchase additional materials, supplies, and educational equipment for the school.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION

Each student is given the opportunity to pledge allegiance to the flag each morning and to observe a moment of silent reflection.

Cobb County Policy and Procedure Manuals are available in our media center, the front office for parent/staff use, on the Cobb website: www.cobb.k12.ga.us/, and on the Dowell website: www.cobb.k12.ga.us/~dowell/. Cobb County’s Student Code of Conduct is included in this handbook. Policies on Student Behavior Code, Tobacco, Drug/Alcohol, Weapons, Gangs, and Sexual Harassment are provided in the student folders sent home with students at the beginning of school. Parents are expected to discuss these policies with their children in an appropriate manner. The classroom teachers will also discuss these policies appropriately with the students.

Students must be registered each year by parents or legal guardians. Registration day will be announced in the local newspaper. A spring registration is conducted for all incoming kindergarten and new first grade students. Kindergarten children must be five on or before September 1, and first grade children must be six on or before September 1.

A certified copy of the birth certificate, a Georgia Certificate of Immunization on Georgia Form 3231, a Dental Certificate on Georgia Form 3300, Social Security number and proof-of-custody, if the child is not living with both natural parents, must be presented for registration to be complete.

Conference reports or report cards describing students’ progress are shared with parents and/or guardians. Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled with parents or guardians of elementary school students twice during the school year to review their children’s academic progress and to discuss their personal and social growth. Conferences are held one week in September and one week in March. Elementary students will be dismissed one hour earlier each day during Conference Weeks. At any time during the year, parents may request a conference, if one is desired. Parents may arrange to inspect school records with an administrator in accordance with Cobb County Policy IHAE.

Throughout the year, students and staff members participate in safety drills. Drills will include procedures for bus evacuation, severe weather, tornado, fire, and immediate danger drills.

The function of the School Safety Patrol is to assist with safe practices at all times. Students are expected to follow safety rules and the directions of our Safety Patrol. Respect should be shown by all staff members and students toward the Safety Patrol members.

When the Cobb County School System is going to be closed because of inclement weather, the decision for closing schools is usually made and given to the radio and television stations by 6:00 a.m. Most metro area radio stations will announce closings right after the headlines on the hour and at frequent intervals.

If a decision to close the schools is made during the working hours of the school day, the statement will be given to the media. During inclement weather periods, please listen to this information prior to leaving for school and frequently during the day. Parents who are away from the home during school hours should make alternate plans for their children. When school closes, the After School Program also closes. School buses will transport the children home.

Be sure you have communicated your alternative plans to our children so they know where to go and what to do, if no one is home. Time does not permit calling parents prior to dismissal.

A bill passed by the Georgia Legislature and signed into law requires that each student must have a copy of his/her social security card on file, or a signed waiver.

No person, firm, corporation, or business shall enter school property for any purpose of selling, trading, or bartering merchandise of any kind to a student, employee, school club, or organization, nor shall any of the above enter school property for the purpose of soliciting money from a student, employee, school club, or organization for any purpose other than approved exceptions.

DOOR TO DOOR SOLICITATION BY STUDENTS IS PROHIBITED.

STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM

The Student Support Team utilizes a process of examining a student’s needs through interdisciplinary teaming. Teams are comprised of classroom teachers, administrators and auxiliary personnel. Any student who experiences difficulty in his/her instructional day is eligible for services. A teacher, administrator, or parents may make requests for service. For further information, you may contact the Learner Support Strategist by calling the school office.

The power of suspension is vested in the school administration. This action will never be taken lightly and only after other means have been exhausted in trying to deal with the problem. In every case involving suspension, parents will be notified. Suspension may be one or more days. Discipline will be enforced. It is the feeling of the administration that children cannot learn in an environment that lacks order. In the school we shall emphasize consistency in dealing with problems. Good manners and behavior are expected at all times. Possession of tobacco, alcohol, and dangerous weapons will result in automatic suspension.

School begins promptly at 7:50 a.m. It is important for the children to start the school day on time. Children who arrive after school begins are tardy, and must stop by the office to get a tardy slip to be admitted to their classroom. Tardy students must have a written reason for their tardiness from the parent or must be accompanied by the parent who personally signs them in.

Be sure your child has all the instructions and necessary materials he/she needs for the school day prior to leaving home. Outgoing calls by students must be approved. If an emergency arises and it is necessary for you to notify your child, please leave the message with a school office member. Your message will be relayed to your child’s teacher.

All precautions are taken at the school to ensure safe crossings. There is a safety officer at the crossing. Safety begins at home, and we will enforce safety rules in the school. Children must respect and obey safety officers.

The designated drop off area for parents who bring their child to school is the sidewalk immediately in the front of the school. Students should not be dropped off from the second lane of the parking lot. Parents who wish to accompany their child into the building should park in designated spaces only. Every attempt is made to facilitate a timely drop-off procedure. However, student safety must be the primary concern. Your cooperation in following established procedures is greatly appreciated.

Request for transfer from one school to another within the county when no physical move is involved must be directed to the County Office. Dowell cannot accept transfers outside its attendance area unless they have been cleared through the Cobb County Board of Education.

Children who ride buses are to ride only the bus to which they have been assigned, and must board and depart at their assigned stop. Good behavior is expected on the buses, and children who continually cause disturbances will lose the privilege of riding the bus. Students are expected to respect and to follow the directions of the bus driver.

If your child misses the bus in the afternoon, instruct him/her to go directly to the school office. Parents or an authorized adult will be called at this time.

Deliberate and willful destruction of school property will not be tolerated. Offenders will be dealt with accordingly. After hours, vandalism will be reported to the police immediately and charges brought against offenders. Parents are responsible for property maliciously destroyed by a student.

We are always looking for volunteers to assist with student activities and to help occasionally in the office/clinic. Please contact the school secretary or your child’s teacher if you desire to help. Minutes given here or there benefit our children immensely.

The teachers coordinate volunteers for classroom instructional activities. Please contact the PTA, our teachers, our media specialist, or our secretary to become involved in our school’s programs. The students’ response to your help will be very rewarding. We welcome you to become a part of our volunteer family. There is always a place of you at Dowell.

Students who walk to school should leave home so that they will arrive at school no earlier than 15 to 20 minutes before the 7:50 a.m. bell. Students are expected to follow the directions of the crossing guard.

All visitors, including parents and volunteers, are to report to the school office immediately upon arrival at the school, where they are to sign in and put on a Visitors/Volunteer badge. Permission it visit any part of the school will be granted at the principal’s discretion in accordance with school operations and Cobb County policy. Persons whose presence is unauthorized in school shall be instructed to leave; unauthorized persons shall be reported to the police department and to the director of Safety and Security, if they fail to comply with this directive.

Students are not permitted to bring students from other schools to visit in the classroom.

If you are in the building without a Visitor/Volunteer badge, please do not be offended when a member of the staff asks you for identification and the purpose for being in the building. You will be asked to report to the school office. It is impossible for all of us to know each of you personally, and the welfare of the students takes precedence over any other consideration.

When students are going to withdraw from school, they should bring a note from the parent or guardian who initially registered the student, stating the last day they will be attending. The student should give the note to the teacher who will send the information to the front office. The teacher will give the student a copy of the withdrawal form to take home. Notification should be at least one day in advance of the date of the withdrawal, as instructional time is not used to complete paper work. All books must be returned by the time of withdrawal, and all outstanding fees must be paid.

CHART OF RESPONSIBILITIES FOR - RESPONSE TO CIVIL RIGHTS CONCERNS

Policies of the Cobb County Board of Education require full compliance with all federal and state non-discrimination laws. This compliance policy is inclusive of the following federal laws:

Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act

of 1964

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972

Age Discrimination and Employment Act

( ADEA)

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Public Law 101-476, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)

Director of Construction

Facilities Accessibility

Chief Human Resources Officer

Title VI; Title VII; Title IX; ADEA; Employee Issues; ADA; Personnel Issues; Section 504

Assistant Superintendent, Special Student Services

Student Program Accessibility; Section 504; ADA; Public Law 101-476 (IDEA)

Director, Student Activities

Title IX; Student Issues

Assistant Superintendent, Operational Support Services

Title VI; Student Issues

Questions concerning policies and practices of an individual school of the Cobb County School System may be addressed to the building Principal; to any of the persons listed above at the Cobb County Board of Education, P.O. Box 1088, Marietta, GA 30061, (770) 426-3300; or to the Director, Office for Civil Rights, Education Department, Washington, D.C. 20201.