For Parents

Arrival and Dismissal Times

7:05 a.m.    Breakfast/Car Rider Drop-Off & Adult supervision begins.        
7:20 a.m.    Students admitted to classrooms and Teacher arrival time
7:35 a.m.    Instructional Day begins
1:30 p.m.    Cut off time for early dismissals
2:00 p.m.    Bus students & Car riders dismissed 
2:50 p.m.    End of workday for teachers
3:15 p.m.    FMES Front Office closes

Arrival and Dismissal Guidelines

Safety is our top priority.  We need your help to ensure that students are not in dangerous situations.  By following the guidelines below, we can work together to make sure our children get to school and leave safely.  For the safety of all, we ask that drivers not talk on cell phones during pick-up and delivery. We ask that you not smoke in your vehicles or when on school premises during drop-off, pick-up, or visits to the school.  Everyone is reminded of the district policy prohibiting smoking on any school property, including buildings, grounds, and parking lots at any time. Please be sure younger children accompanying you are supervised. 

Arrival

To maximize safe and efficient arrival of our students, drivers should follow the signs for student drop-off at the front entrance. Please do not use the back bus entrance for car drop-off. When dropping off your child(ren) please pull forward as far as you can in the drop-off line (this will help keep the line moving quickly and we can unload more cars).  ALL STUDENTS SHOULD EXIT FROM THE CURB-SIDE (RIGHT SIDE) OF THE VEHICLE.  Since the instructional day begins at 7:35 a.m., no students should arrive before 7:05 (when adult supervision begins) or after 7:35 a.m.  Students arriving after 7:35 a.m. should go directly to the office with a parent to sign them in and get a pass to the classroom. It is also not acceptable to drop your students off at the crosswalk.  Should you wish to walk your students to the crosswalk, you must park in the parking lot. Students should not leave the vehicle until a staff member is outside for morning car duty.

Bus Parking Lot (Back of the School)

State law requires separation of car and bus pick up areas.  Only school district buses are allowed to park in the back parking lot.  Employees have parking spaces in the bus lot.  It is dangerous for our students to be allowed to walk around buses to get to or from cars.  The buses must not be blocked as they have many routes to run.

Dismissal

Parents should use the front entrance for afternoon departure.  Cars must not be left unattended in traffic lanes. When picking up children, parents need to stay in their cars and in the car rider line until it is their turn to have the child walk to the vehicle.  This is to ensure a fluid transition for everyone, and if followed, will allow for a shorter time spent in line.

For the safety of all, 

• All drivers are asked to not talk/text on cell phones during drop-off and pick-up. 
• We ask that you turn your car engine off and not allow it to idle while waiting for your student
• We ask that you not smoke in your vehicles or when on school premises during drop-off, pick-up, or visits to the school.  Everyone is reminded of the district policy prohibiting smoking on any school property, including buildings, grounds, and parking lots at any time.  
• Please do not exit your vehicle to fasten seat belts or open doors for your child(ren). The school will provide an area for you to pull into to complete these tasks. 
• Please be sure younger children accompanying you are supervised.

Car Tags

Parents will be given a card to be placed on the right front dash or the rear view mirror. For safety reasons, anyone without a card will be required to park in the parking lot and come into the building's front door to sign the student out.  Without your card, you may be asked to present a driver’s license and wait, while student records are checked to see who has permission to pick up the student. Additional cards may be acquired from the office for those authorized to pick up the student.

Late Pickup

Students should be picked up no later than 2:20 PM (or when the car line dismissal process is finished).  If you are unable to pick up your child by this time, please make arrangements for your child to be picked up by someone else and notify the office of the arrangements in writing by note or email.  This is extremely important.  FMES may have some late bus students and day care riders who are not picked up when school is let out.  These students will be escorted to the front office or gym area to wait on their transportation.  While waiting in the gym, students are expected to have some type of material to read and to abide by school rules and expectations.

Daycare Riders

Since daycare vans take many children at one time and pick them up at other schools, they are allowed to pick up students at the back parking lot. If for some reason your child does need to ride the daycare van and has a different form of transportation, please communicate this with the school receptionist and teacher, as well as with the daycare.

Parent Volunteers and Dismissal

Many parents graciously volunteer their time to the school.  If you have been volunteering in the building, please follow standard dismissal procedures.

Transportation Changes

Parents are to notify your child’s teacher and our front office staff of any transportation changes.  Teachers are to receive a written note or email stating: the way of transportation, the date, and a parent signature (can be email signature from verified parent email). Please do not call the school about a transportation change.  We need written documentation (note with your signature, or e-mail from your email address list in Powerschool) that a change will occur so participating parties can be accurately informed.  It is the parent’s responsibility to notify daycares of changes.

Important Phone Numbers

Fort Mill Elementary – 803-547-7546
Fort Mill School District – 803-548-2527
Bus Transportation Office – 803-548-1998
Special Services – 803-548-8218

Bus Transportation

Administrators, parents, bus drivers, and students share the responsibility for safe transportation of students.  Riding a bus is a privilege and must not be abused.  Action will be taken by district and school officials to ensure that all students conduct themselves properly.  Where there is evidence of misconduct by any student, action will be taken to correct the situation.

It is important to review the bus rules and expectations set forth by our district transportation department prior to riding on a school bus. Please note that students will not be allowed to ride a different bus home with friends without prior approval from the district transportation office. A complete list of school bus rules, policies and procedures can be found through the Fort Mill School District Transportation website. 

To ensure a safe environment on each bus, the school fully supports the driver in maintaining safe bus habits.  Anyone who violates these safety standards will be subject to disciplinary action by school officials; when necessary, bus transportation will be denied. The driver will report to the school authorities any offenses committed by the students on the bus. When a student is reported for an infraction of the bus rules, the school administrator will investigate the incident and take necessary disciplinary action. A copy of the incident report will be provided to the parents. When a student is suspended from riding a bus, he/she cannot ride another bus during the suspension period.  

Students are assigned to buses at the beginning of the year, and any variation must be approved by the Director of Transportation. If your child needs to ride a different bus home than the one that picks him/her up, then a special request must be made to the district Director of Transportation. 

Returning to Classroom After School

Students are responsible for bringing home materials needed for assignments.  Should a student need to return to class after school hours, we ask for that student to report to the front office to be escorted back to the classroom. At no point should a student or adult enter a classroom after hours without an escort from the school. 
 

Attendance

Good attendance is essential to the academic success of students and all students are expected to be in attendance each day school is in session. Attendance at Fort Mill Elementary is traditionally outstanding and our goal is to have our students here everyday.  This is a tribute to each family’s efforts to have their child at school daily.  We appreciate this effort! See the FMSD Attendance Policy for more details.

Lawful Absences

According to SC Code of Laws 59-65-10, the following types of absences are the only ones considered lawful:

1. Serious, chronic, or extended illness of the student. (If your child has a chronic illness or is hospitalized for an extended period of time, please submit medical verification to the principal, attendance clerk, and nurse.)
2. Serious illness or death in the immediate family.
3. Recognized religious holiday for the students of the particular religious faith when pre-arranged.
4. Pre-arranged absences for other reasons and/or extreme hardships at the discretion of the principal.

Following any absence, a student is required to present a written note from the parent or guardian stating the date(s) of the absence(s), the reason for the absence(s), and the parent’s signature.  The note should be presented within two days of the child’s absence(s). If we do not receive a note explaining the child’s absence then it will be coded as unlawful. The school will only accept a parent’s written excuse for five total days of absences when the student is ill or absent for another lawful reason. Notes are kept on file by the attendance clerk. 

Unlawful Absences

Any absence by a student with or without the knowledge of the parent not meeting one of the conditions for a lawful absence as defined above will count toward the cumulative limit of absences.  Written notification will be sent by the school for accumulated absences.  A call will be made by the attendance clerk after 3 consecutive absences.  When a child accumulates 5 absences that are unlawful or not excused by a medical note, the parents will be required to attend an attendance intervention (truancy) conference and assist the principal or his/her designee in the development of an attendance intervention plan which will be valid in any SC school district.  Excessive absences and failure to adhere to guidelines of an intervention plan could result in a family court referral.  The school will only accept a parent-written note for five days of absence.  Following those days, doctor’s excuses are required.  All vacations and trips are unlawful reasons for a student to miss school, and will be considered unexcused.

On occasion, the principal may excuse an absence for a student related to a significant life event or national-level competition. Please reach out to the principal to discuss these absences. If approved, the principal can excuse up to three days during a given school year. 

Makeup Work for Absences

Assignments and class work missed may be made up at the teacher’s discretion if a student is absent from school.  This is the responsibility of the student. Should assignments not be available for the entire period of the absence, the student is responsible for getting them upon his/her return in order to cover the material missed. Remember that experiments, discussions, group activities, etc. may be difficult to replicate. Graded work done or tests taken by the class while the student is absent will be made up, depending on the nature of the assignment; therefore, the student may have fewer grades at the end of the grading period.  Additionally, for any tests given after the student returns, the student will be responsible for the material covered in class while he/she is absent. If any work is not made up, it may affect the student’s grade.  The work needs to be made up within two days of the absence or at the teacher’s discretion.  If the student is absent, the parent may call and request to pick up assignments after school in the office.  Please do not expect the teacher to provide assignments during the school day. Virtual/eLearning will not be available for students that are absent.

Tardies

Our school day begins at 7:35am. Students arriving after 7:35 a.m. are tardy. These students must report to the office with a responsible adult to be signed in for admittance to class.  Tardies cost your child valuable educational instruction.  Tardies also interrupt the learning process for other students.  Please try to be considerate of your child’s and other students’ educations and limit tardies as much as possible.  Excessive tardiness may result in an intervention meeting for development of an attendance plan which will remain in the child’s record and transfer to any receiving school.

Early Dismissal

It is recommended and requested that students not be picked up before the regular dismissal time.  This is an interruption of the educational process, not only for your child, but other children as well.  A child must be present for at least half of the school day to be considered present as related to perfect attendance. However, any portion of the day a child can attend is to his/her benefit.  Please provide verification for medical appointments. Please schedule these as near the beginning or end of the day as possible so your child can be in school.
 
If a child will be dismissed from school before the close of the day, please send a note in the morning stating the reason for the early dismissal and the time the child will be picked up.  Parents are requested to enter by the front door, come to the school office, and sign out their child. Students leaving early must be signed out in the office and be dismissed only to a parent or approved adult on the emergency contact list. This procedure is for your child’s protection – please keep student information updated to facilitate this function, especially in emergency situations or early weather related school closings. In an effort to minimize disruption at dismissal time, all early checkouts must occur before 1:30pm.

Daily Schedule
7:05 AM        Breakfast/Car Rider Drop-Off
Adult supervision begins
7:20 AM        Teacher arrival time
7:35 AM        Instructional Day begins 
            *(Students must be in the classroom at this time)*
2:00 PM        Dismissal begins
2:50 PM        End of workday for teachers

OFFICE HOURS
7:05 AM to 3:00 PM
Main office … 803-547-7546
www.fmes.fortmillschools.org
 

Behavior and Bullying

Bullying is an ongoing pattern of targeted behavior, not a one-time occurrence.  While every effort will be made to shape behavior through positive reinforcement, we must all keep in mind that every child should have the right to study, participate in class, and work in a safe environment.  Name calling, intimidation, threats, and disrespectful attitudes toward classmates, volunteers, school staff members, or visitors is not acceptable. Bullying is intentional aggressive behavior. It can take the form of physical or verbal harassment and involves an imbalance of power.  It is not acceptable for a child to draw, write, or make threatening statements online or in person. This behavior will be addressed through disciplinary action at the discretion of the school administrator, as per FMSD Board Policy JICFAA.   

Please be aware that School Board policy and South Carolina Code 59-24-60 require school officials to contact law enforcement officers when a student engages in any activity that may or does result in injury or serious threat of injury to a person or property.  Parents are asked to support the schools in their effort to maintain discipline and high standards of conduct.  At the beginning of each school year teachers and administrators discuss with students behavior expectations, but parents are requested to discuss with children the importance and the need for good behavior and a positive attitude at school, too.  Children must learn self-discipline in order to become effective learners and good citizens. With home-school cooperation, an environment in which all students are safe, secure, and able to learn can be created and maintained.
 

Book Bags

Book bags are required at school. However, rolling book bags are not permitted without a written recommendation of a physician.

Cell Phones, Electronic Devices, and Personal Items

The use of e-readers may be permitted under the supervision of the teacher.  It is a privilege for students to use their personal electronic devices at school and this privilege can be taken away if students act irresponsibly or violate school policy.

All personal items such as toys, fidgets, trading cards, etc. must remain in bookbags and not be removed during the school day.  A fidget may only be used when deemed necessary by the parents and teacher.

The state law is in place which prohibits students from accessing or using “personal electronic communication devices” during the school day. Personal communication devices include cell phones, smartwatches, and any communication device not authorized for classroom use by a student, utilized to access the Internet, wi-fi, or cellular telephone signals.

Below are the details pertaining to the use of cell phones on campus:

• As a best practice, cell phones should be turned off at the beginning of and throughout the school day and placed in bookbags, handbags, or personal storage space, and out of visibility.
• Students may use their cell phones before the start of the school day and then after the school day ends.  
• Students may use their cell phones during after-school activities.
• As noted in School Board Policy JICJ, the school principal or his/her designee will have the authority to limit the use, take disciplinary action and/or confiscate electronic communication devices if the use or possession of these devices may cause or is causing a disruption to the school and/or event. Unauthorized use of a cell phone or personal electronic device may include, but is not limited to, taking pictures or recording without permission, cheating, harassment or bullying, use during any emergency drill, use during unauthorized time or use for unlawful activities.
  • First Offense: Student warning and email sent home to parents
  • Second Offense: Device is taken by teacher for the day and parents are contacted
  • Third Offense: Device is given to administration and parents will need to puck up the device from the office.

Chaperones

All chaperones for off-campus field trips MUST first be approved by our district-wide background check. This check typically takes some time, so we encourage anyone interested in being a chaperone to turn in their information in a timely manner. If you are interested or have been selected to be a chaperon, please send your full legal name and email to the receptionist. The receptionist will then enter the name and email address into the background check system, and an email will be sent requesting personal information be entered and disclosures signed. Once all information is entered or signed, the background report will start through the platform, SimpliVerified. 

Through this platform, the potential chaperone will have a login and will be able to check at any time to see the status of the request. *Please note that a social security number and driver’s license is required to submit a background check application. Without these documents, an accurate background screening cannot be performed.

Visitors to School

Visitors and volunteers must enter by the front door and stop by the office.  

We appreciate that many parents and family members like to help our school.  In order to provide a learning environment free from distractions, we ask that volunteers dress in an appropriate manner, check in at the office, turn off cell phones, and avoid unscheduled conferences. Children are not allowed to accompany volunteers in our school. Volunteers should plan to attend the volunteer orientation. Volunteers will be required to have a background check prior to volunteering in the school. Because the maintenance of copying machines can be expensive, we require that volunteers be trained by a Fort Mill Elementary staff member before using any school machines.  

Opportunities where we may have visitors include school programs, parent-teacher conferences, book fairs, and other special events. Due to increased security protocol and limited seating, parents and guardians may join their child for lunch up to four times per year per child. Visitors coming for lunch should limit the number of adults to two per visit.   Each student may have 4 lunch visits per year. You may begin having lunch at school with your child after the 3rd week of school. Security doors to other parts of the building will be opened by an office person after the visitors log in at the computer and scan their driver’s license or official government-issued identification.  Security procedures require that badges of visitors/volunteers must be visible at all times.  Visitors must always sign in at the office and obtain this visitor badge before entering the school building. This ensures all students’ safety by letting office and classroom personnel know who is in the building.  The school will communicate events that allow parents to attend in a safe and controlled manner. 

Performances and Assemblies

Our first commitment is to classroom instruction.  Assembly programs and performances are sometimes an important part of the educational program.  It is expected that an atmosphere of respect will be maintained throughout all assemblies by presenters, participants, and members of the audience.  When visitors come to the school, it is expected that they will demonstrate polite behavior and be role models for students by staying for the entire program to avoid disruption.  For example, if attending a performance, please do not get up and leave as soon as your child’s part is over.

Classroom Celebrations, Lunch, and Outside Food

District policy states that all food items brought to school for group consumption by students must be commercially prepared or store bought and have labels that clearly state the ingredients. This includes food items like pizza, donuts, home baked or homemade foods, and others that do not have a clear label on the packaging that it comes in. FMES staff is not responsible for researching or tracking down ingredient lists for food items. 

Outside food and drink will only be allowed through student lunch boxes or containers. No fast food or food service deliveries will be allowed for students. We appreciate you helping us minimize the amount of deliveries to classrooms with lunches. We understand that sometimes parents need to deliver lunches for a variety of reasons. Lunch will need to be in a bag or lunch box to come into the building. We will turn away all food delivery services and/or food that is delivered by parents in a restaurant bag or container. 

If a parent, guardian, family member, or friend is coming to celebrate a birthday for a student, this should occur during lunch in the cafeteria and not during instructional time in the classroom. If you wish to purchase a birthday snack or celebration basket from the cafeteria, you can inquire by clicking HERE.  Chewing gum is not permitted in school unless it is otherwise noted in a child’s individual plan.

Balloons are not permitted in classrooms because they can become a distraction to the students. 

Breakfast food should not be brought to school with students. We ask that students either eat breakfast at home before school or eat a school breakfast, which is ordered the day or week before depending on the grade level.

Deliveries

The school will not accept nor deliver to students any items before, during, or after school unless they are of an educational nature/value or medically necessary.  When sending balloons or flowers to a child, please use his/her home address. Do not send these items to the school. District procedures do not allow these or other large items on a bus.

Invitations

Students and/or teachers may  hand out invitations to out-of-school birthday parties or other gatherings, but must be given to the entire class. If you desire to send the invitations to specific students, please send those directly to their home address.

Classroom Communication

Teachers are expected to communicate with their students’ families on a weekly basis, at minimum.  Teachers may choose the means in which they communicate. Teachers will also hold one parent-teacher conference in the fall.  Additional conferences may be requested by either the teacher, parent, or student.

The main job for our teachers is to provide quality instruction in a safe environment. We encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher should questions, concerns, or general information need to be shared; however, because teachers are busy teaching and planning, please do not expect an immediate response to an email that you send.  In general, teachers should be given 24 hours to respond to an email.  Parents wishing to confer with teachers on the phone are requested to limit their calls to before or after school hours, as teachers cannot leave their classes for telephone conferences.  Administration encourages teachers to leave work at work when leaving for the day. 

Curriculum Information

Fort Mill Elementary has a rigorous academic program that aligns with the SC College and Career Readiness standards, and utilizes best practices in instruction. Curriculum offerings include language arts (reading, literature, oral language, composition, handwriting, and spelling), science, mathematics, social studies, health, art, music, physical education, and technology. Teachers plan together to create long range, unit, and daily lesson plans which address the SC standards.

A hallmark of our instruction is the use of guided small groups, with the focus on differentiating for the needs of all learners.  We utilize a structured literacy/workshop approach for reading.  In math, we utilize a hands-on guided math approach with a focus on understanding concepts as the foundation for higher math. Our social studies and science programs are hands-on and focus on creating meaning for students through a variety of learning activities. 

Physical Education

Physical education is required by the state for all students unless the student has an excuse from a physician due to a physical disability.  If a child must be excused for a temporary illness, a note from a parent or doctor must be sent with the child. Any illness extending more than a week must be excused by a doctor.  Children must wear athletic shoes to participate in Physical Education. Please make sure that students do not wear slides, crocs, etc. to school on days when they have PE.

Textbooks

Textbooks are provided by the state and the school is accountable to the state for these resources. Students are responsible for all textbooks and library books issued to them during the school year. Students will be charged replacement costs for lost or damaged books and these monies will be collected by the end of the year to replace the state funded textbook. If a lost book is later found, the money paid will be refunded.  

Discipline, Conduct, and Behavior Expectations

At FMES, we have high expectations for teachers and students.  All elementary schools in Fort Mill transitioned to a new system called Ci3t. This Ci3T model is designed to address our students’ academic, behavioral, and social needs using a continuum of supports, including a proactive approach for addressing students’ needs in all three areas. This plan has both a proactive and reactive behavioral component. Fort Mill Elementary’s plan was developed in response to information derived from school-wide surveys and student performance measures to determine teachers’ expectations and areas of need at Fort Mill Elementary. 

We believe that "discipline" should be considered as teachable moments. Most concerns can be handled by the teacher in the classroom.  When behavior has risen to a level when the student, other students, or the staff are endangered, then students may be required to be removed from class. Our goal is to maintain a positive learning environment for all of our students.

Fort Mill Elementary is recognized by the Anti-Defamation League as a NO PLACE FOR HATE school. Everyone in our building has the right to be treated with dignity, courtesy, and respect. Every child has the right to learn in a positive classroom environment. Every teacher has the right to teach all students without disruptions. The secret to discipline – we will develop relationships with our students so they know we truly care about them as an individual. As we invest in student relationships, discipline will be more effective.

We have high behavior expectations for all. Fort Mill is a school where we follow the use of positive supports and the use of logical consequences. This model helps all students to be recognized for the positive things that they do each and every day. This consists of clearly defined expectations which are consistently and fairly enforced throughout the building. Individual and class incentives are used to reward students who exhibit good behavior. Interventions such as verbal warnings, checklists, buddy room, mediation, taking away privileges, parent contact and/or conference, out of school suspensions may be used with students who do not follow the expectations.

Students are to report problems with other students immediately and are expected not to retaliate.  Any student participating in a disruption - regardless of who started the argument, fight, etc. - will be subject to consequences. Parents will be contacted regarding repeated or major problems. 

As always, students will be expected to make good choices.  See the FMES WINGS Matrix  (tab below) for more information. Teachers at Fort Mill Elementary follow a Reactive Plan (tab below) for supporting positive behaviors and reducing negative behaviors in the classroom.

While each child is responsible for his or her own behavior, we encourage parental support of the school expectations.  In the event that a student is sent to the office for a discipline referral, parents will be notified by an administrator.  Depending upon the nature of the problem, some possible consequences for inappropriate actions include parent conferences, denial of privileges, and in school or out of school suspension. Student actions that disrupt class work, involve substantial disorder, or invade the rights of others could be a basis for out of school suspension or expulsion. Examples of these student actions or major offenses are: theft, fighting, possession of weapons, damage to school property, assault of school personnel, defiance of school authority, profanity. etc.

Students will also have the opportunity to receive "Junior Jacket Tickets." These are given to students by a staff member in order to brag on a student for demonstrating our FMES WINGS Expectations.  When students receive a ticket, they should also receive behavior specific praise from the staff member giving them the ticket so that they understand the behavior that is being praised. FMES behavior expectations are: 

• Work Ethic - “I have a never give up attitude.”
• Integrity - “I do what is right.”
• Nobility - “I help others.”
• Goals - “I strive for my best.”
• Self Control - “I control my actions and my words.”

Dress Code

In the interests of health, safety, cleanliness, decency, and decorum, students will follow these guidelines as identified in FMSD Board Policy JICA-R. 

Students will follow these guidelines during the traditional school day. School administration reserves the right to permit exceptions to the policy for school-sanctioned events. 

• Shoes must be worn at all times for safety reasons. Shoes with cleats may not be worn. 
• Logos or clothing that promotes alcohol, drugs, tobacco, racism, hate, gang affiliation, nudity, violence, or profanity is not allowed. No clothing or accessories are allowed to disrupt the educational process. The administration reserves the right to determine what is appropriate for school. 
• Students may wear shorts, dresses, skirts, etc. which are of appropriate length. Tops must be long enough that they can be tucked into pants or shorts. Basketball jerseys must be worn with an appropriate garment (i.e. tee shirt). No headwear (hats, caps, hoods, etc.) or sunglasses may be worn in the building.
• The following items are considered inappropriate for school: 
  • flip flops 
  • tops with straps that are less than 3-fingers wide of the student 
  • pants or jeans with holes, tears, or tattered to the extent that skin or undergarments are visible above the mid-thigh 
  • visible undergarments 

Violations will result in the following: First and subsequent offenses will be a phone call to parent/legal guardian.

Lost and Found

Items found at school are turned into the Lost and Found area in the cafeteria.  Students are encouraged to check this area if they are missing any items.  Several times a year when the area is overflowing, items not claimed are taken to a local clothing closet. Please put your child's name on clothes, lunch boxes, notebooks, etc.

FERPA Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.  The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the US Department of Education.  The law requires that student records be managed in a confidential manner. Regulations and procedures for compliance of this act are provided through board policy. For more information about your rights under FERPA, please refer to the district’s website. 

Technology

Please click here to access information related to our district technology policies for students. 

Grading and Assessment Policies

Schools in Fort Mill use a computer program called PARENT PORTAL to post grades.  By logging on to this secure program, parents will be able to check the grades of their students in grades 3-5.  Teachers will post grades within 2 weeks of the due date of the task.   Kindergarten through second grade will be using a Standards Based Report Card.

If you would like to view the report card in its entirety please utilize the desktop version of Parent Portal.  Please access your child’s grades using Parent Portal.  All K-5 grades will be issued report cards on a 9 weeks grading period  as an indication of their progress and confirmation of their achievement and are expected to take them home to share with their parents. 

Academic achievement in grades 3-5 will be graded using a numerical grading scale to denote respectively, excellent, good, average, poor, and failing. The numerical ranges for grades will be as follows:

• 90-100        A
• 80-89           B 
• 70-79           C
• 60-69           D
• 59-50           F

The letter S-satisfactory or N-needs improvement will be used to denote participation in certain related arts classes.

No zeroes will be placed in the gradebook - a 50 will be the floor for individual assignments in a gradebook.

Reassessment

• Summative Assessments will be reassessed. 
• Projects will not be reassessed.
• Scores below 90 can have an opportunity for a retake for full credit up to a 90, meaning a student reassessing can’t earn above a 90. 
• D’s and F’s will be required to retake.  B’s and C’s will have the option. 
• Students will have the opportunity for a reteach and one retake on each assessment that is eligible to retake. 
• PLT grade level  discretion on whether a retake is using the same questions or new questions. 
  • Error Analysis on Multiple Choice

FMSD Standards Based Grading Key

Please remember that as the school year progresses, expectations increase.

Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) | A state readiness test given individually to kindergarten students within the first 45 days of school. Readiness skills include: Social foundations, language/literacy, math, & physical well being.

STAR Reading & Math | STAR Reading & Math is a standards-based, computer-adaptive assessment that measures students’ reading & math comprehension. These assessments are administered throughout the year and provide teachers formative data to guide instructional decisions in the classroom throughout the school year. 

STAR CBM Oral Reading Fluency | A tool to measure a student's reading rate and accuracy by having them read aloud from an unfamiliar passage for one minute. This assessment is given to 1st grade students three times a year.

DIBELS Oral Reading Fluency | A tool to measure a student's reading rate and accuracy by having them read aloud from an unfamiliar passage for one minute. This assessment is given to 2nd grade through 5th grade students three times a year.

Concepts About Print Assessment (CAPs) | A foundations of literacy skill assessment on understanding how print works given individually to kindergarten students three times a year.

Phonological Awareness (PAST) | An informal, diagnostic tool that assesses a child's understanding of phonological awareness given to Kindergarten through 2nd grade students three times a year and 3rd through 5th grade as needed.

CORE Phonics Assessment | A tool for identifying which phonics correspondences and patterns a student has learned, and which ones the student needs to be taught. THis assessment is given to Kindergarten three to four times a year

LETRS Spelling Screener | A tool that assesses students' spelling abilities by recording their encoding skills based on phoneme-grapheme correspondences and orthographic patterns. This assessment is given to Kindergarten through 5th grade students one to three times a year.

COGAT | An ability test usually administered in the fall of 2^nd grade to select participants for the Gifted and Talented Math and English Language Arts instruction for grades 3-5.

Iowa Assessment | Iowa testing will only be administered to students in second grade. The assessment is used to assess achievement in math and reading subtests. Students receive a NPR (National Percentile Ranking) score that serves as an estimation of his/her instructional level and will also help select participants in the Gifted and Talented Math and ELA for grades 3-5. 

SC Ready (May) | The South Carolina College-and Career-Ready Assessments (SC READY) are statewide assessments in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science (4th Grade). The SC READY Assessment items measure student performance on the 2015 South Carolina College-and Career-Ready Standards.

SRSS-IE Screener | A social-emotional screener for identifying internalizing and externalizing behaviors.

Homework

• Homework, when given, will be reinforcement activities; no new skills or material will be introduced as part of homework.
• Written homework will be such that it can be completed with a minimum of parental help.
• Teachers will send home completed classwork/homework for parental review and support.
• Homework is not graded. 
• Homework assignments should be such that they can be completed within a reasonable length of time taking into consideration the age and ability level of the children.
• In addition, children are expected to read daily as part of their homework assignments. 
• Overall, at FMES, minimal homework is encouraged. We want our students to be well rounded individuals and realize that families often have many things going on outside of school. Additional homework may be available upon request.

Homework Suggestions for Parents

1. Designate a homework spot and time and be available to assist if help is needed.
2. Encourage your child to write down assignments and check on a daily basis to see what homework is due.
3. When assistance is needed, talk your child through the problem or question until he/she can find the solution. 
4. Help your child check his/her homework and discuss specific problem areas. 
5. Be observant of signs of problems and if homework becomes too challenging, communicate with your child's teacher. 
6. Remember to help your child balance household responsibilities, play, and study. 
7. Review the classwork that the teacher sends home.

Inclement Weather

The decision to close or delay schools will be made by 6:00a.m..  Announcements will be made via BLACKBOARD Messaging System®, and on WRHI AM radio, CN2, and Charlotte TV stations (WSOC, WBTV, WSOC).  Delays and closings will be posted on the district website  www.fortmillschools.org and available at the district office phone number (803-548-2527). Information will be listed for FORT MILL SCHOOL DISTRICT #4, not York County Schools.  No breakfast will be served if school is delayed.  All half day preschool programs will be canceled in the event of a school delay. 

When weather is threatening, please be sure your child and the teacher know how he/she is to get home if school is dismissed early.  The BLACKBOARD Messaging System® phone system will leave messages about changes of schedules.  In order for you to receive these messages, we must have your up-to-date phone number and email address in our database. It is the parent’s responsibility to contact after-school care to learn about their procedures.

Medical Information

Immunization Requirements

All students in grades Pre-kindergarten through 12 are required to furnish a valid South Carolina Certificate of Immunization prior to enrollment.  School officials shall record the immunization data on the student’s health record and/or attach a copy of the certificate to the health record. For more information from DHEC, see this link.

Health Services

Every school's health room is managed by a registered nurse. Any student who is not feeling well should obtain a pass from the appropriate staff or faculty member to visit the health room. The health room is designed to assist students with chronic health conditions and is an emergency station to care for minor injuries and illnesses that occur at school. Injuries that occurred outside the school environment should be treated at home or by a health care provider prior to returning back to school. Our school nurses cannot diagnose illnesses. A nurse cannot administer any medications without a medication consent form completed by a healthcare provider and/or parent or guardian. 

The health and well-being of all students is of utmost importance.  Procedurally, our nurses work towards returning students to the classroom as soon as it is advisable. However, sometimes a student may need to go home due to illness. We will request that you pick up your child if his/her medical condition is unstable, or if he/she is not capable of participating in the daily school activities. This decision is based upon an assessment conducted by the school nurse. In addition, the school must also follow the Department of Public Health School Exclusion List for specific medical conditions to be in compliance with SC State Health guidelines.

Prescription Medication

If a student brings medication to school, the following requirements must be met:

1. Prescription medications are medicines that require a written prescription from a health care practitioner. In order for a child to be given prescription medicine at school, the child’s health care practitioner and the child’s parent or guardian must sign a permission form. A medication permission form (M105) must be completed by the health care practitioner for each prescription medication to be given at school. Click here to download the M105 form.
2. A responsible adult should deliver the medicine and the permission form to the school. The medicine must be in the original container with the label on it from their pharmacy. No Ziploc bags will be accepted.
3. If a prescription medicine is currently being given at school and needed while your child is on a field trip, the parent/guardian must bring and supply the medicine to school by the day of the field trip. It must be in the original, marked container. Additional labeled bottles may be obtained from your pharmacy. No Ziploc bags will be accepted. 

Over the Counter Medication

1. Non-prescription medications are medicines that you can buy without a written prescription from a health care practitioner. Non-prescription medications are sometimes called “over-the-counter” medicines.
2. In order for a child to be given non-prescription medicines at school, the child’s parent/guardian must sign a permission form. The medication must be in the original, marked container with the manufacturer’s seal unbroken. A medication permission form (M105) will need to be completed on each medication that is to be given at school.

Contagious Diseases

Students with contagious diseases are not allowed to attend school.  Children should be kept at home if they have experienced vomiting or fever during the night.  Students should be fever free for 24 hours without using medicine to bring the temperature down before returning to school.

If your child is displaying symptoms and awaiting test results please notify your school nurse by phone or email: Jennifer McGuire RN (803) 548-8150 or mcguirej@fortmillschools.org

Students will need to contact their school regarding missed assignments or schoolwork during their quarantine or isolation period.

General First-Aid and Medication Administration

The school health rooms will supply the following items for first-aid purposes: Vaseline, Saline Eye Wash, Aloe Vera, 1% Hydrocortisone. If you do not wish for your child to be treated with these items, please provide your written response to your school’s nurse.

Medical Emergencies

If medical emergencies arise, the school nurse and school administrator will enact medical care deemed appropriate to the student (i.e. call 911 or transport the student to the hospital). In these cases, the schools will make every attempt to contact the parent/guardian. Please be sure to keep your student's emergency information updated with correct phone numbers.  If a parent/guardian is out of town and has left their child in the care of another adult, written documentation should be on file with the school. This documentation will authorize the school to contact the alternate person in case of illness or a medical emergency.

Medical Orders, Documentation, and Devices

To ensure the safety, consistency, and legal compliance of student health services, the following requirements apply:
1. Independent Medical Orders Required

Medical orders must be written, signed, and dated by a licensed healthcare provider (MD, DO, NP, or PA) who is not the student’s parent or guardian.

This requirement applies even if the parent/guardian is a licensed healthcare provider. In such cases, medical orders must be completed by another independent licensed provider.

2. Medical Excuses and Documentation

Medical excuses, notes, or documentation cannot be written or signed by a student’s parent or guardian, even if that parent/guardian is a licensed medical professional.

All medical documentation must be issued by the student’s independent healthcare provider (MD, DO, NP, or PA).

3. Medical Devices on Campus

If a student requires the use of a medical device during the school day, a formal medical note from a licensed healthcare provider is required prior to use on campus.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Boots, slings, or braces
• Crutches or walkers
• Wheelchairs

4. Required Accommodations Documentation

When a medical device is prescribed, the healthcare provider must also include any necessary school-day accommodations. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Activity restrictions (e.g., PE, recess)
• Mobility assistance needs
• Elevator access, extra time between classes, or seating accommodations

School Health Rooms

Every school's health room is managed by a registered nurse. Any student who is not feeling well should obtain a pass from the appropriate staff or faculty member to visit the health room. The health room is designed to assist students with chronic health conditions and is an emergency station to care for minor injuries and illnesses that occur at school. Injuries that occurred outside the school environment should be treated at home or by a health care provider prior to returning back to school. Our school nurses cannot diagnose illnesses. A nurse cannot administer any medications without a medication consent form completed by a healthcare provider and/or parent or guardian. 

The health and well-being of all students is of utmost importance.  Procedurally, our nurses work towards returning students to the classroom as soon as it is advisable. However, sometimes a student may need to go home due to illness. We will request that you pick up your child if his/her medical condition is unstable, or if he/she is not capable of participating in the daily school activities. This decision is based upon an assessment conducted by the school nurse. In addition, the school must also follow the Department of Public Health School Exclusion List for specific medical conditions to be in compliance with SC State Health guidelines.

Money

For your convenience, Fort Mill Elementary utilizes online payments only through the Pay Fees application on our school website and on the FMSD website. This includes your payments for lunch funds and field trips.  We feel that this process keeps money from being lost at school.  The school does not provide refunds for lost checks or cash. If you cannot pay online, here are the options available to you:

1. You may pay with a credit card at the school in the front office.
2. If you must send a check, please put it in a sealed envelope with the child's first and last name, the teacher's name, and the purpose, e.g. Zoo Field Trip.  Your check must have a phone number or it cannot be accepted.  You may write the phone number in the memo line if it is not printed.
3. PLEASE do not send cash to school with your children for payment of field trips, etc.  If you must pay in cash, please drop it off at the school. The school is not responsible for any lost cash.

School Fees

Students and families must settle all fees and property owed to the school prior to the end of the school year.  This includes library books, textbooks, and teacher materials. 

Fort Mill School District has implemented an online payment process.  Our goal is to keep cash and checks out of the schools and classrooms. The online system is set up to accept payment for registration fees, lunch accounts, activity fees (i.e. field trips) and classroom fees (i.e. class t-shirts and yearbooks).

Click on ‘$ Pay Fees’ on the school home page or go to https://www.studentquickpay.com/fort-mill/ and you will be able to see current fees and your child’s lunch account.  If you have not created an account and need your child’s student ID, please call the school office. 
 

Non-Discrimination Policy

Fort Mill School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  The following persons has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Non-discrimination Inquiries (Students and Families):

Cori Hustedt, Executive Director of Student Services
Fort Mill School District
2233 Deerfield Drive
Fort Mill, SC 29715
(803) 548-8421

Non-discrimination Inquiries (Students and Families – Disability Inquiries):

Dr. Amy Maziarz, Senior Executive Director of Special Services
Fort Mill School District
2233 Deerfield Drive
Fort Mill, SC 29715
(803) 548-8038

Non-discrimination Inquires (Employees):

Peter Olinger, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Fort Mill School District
2233 Deerfield Drive
Fort Mill, SC 29715
(803) 548-8381

Additional information regarding non-discrimination policies may be obtained from:

Washington DC (Metro)
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-1475
Telephone: 202-453-6020
FAX: 202-453-6021; TDD: 800-877-8339
Email: OCR.DC@ed.gov

Promotion and Retention of Students

Every parent and teacher would like for students to move along successfully through each grade level. Our goal is to evaluate each child's skills at the beginning of the year and provide instruction to ensure academic growth throughout the year.  Please examine student work that is returned for your review because it will help you to see how your child is progressing. Parent conferences in the fall will provide you with another opportunity to discuss your child’s progress. 

State law requires that the school send a letter at the end of the second quarter (usually January) and at the end of the 3rd quarter (usually in March or early April) to alert parents of the possibility of retention for a student.  The final decision will be made prior to the start of the next year, but the letters give parents a chance to work together with the teacher to make the progress needed to meet state standards for their grade.  If you receive a retention letter, it does not mean that your child will be held back because we continue to hope that she/he will improve and be ready for the next grade. Retention can often be prevented by making sure the child completes and turns in all assignments, examining the possibility of health issues which may affect classroom performance, providing a routine time and place for the child to study daily, reading daily with the student, and making sure children have enough sleep.  If you are unsure of what your child needs to know to pass, you can visit the state website at http://www.ed.sc.gov and search for curriculum standards, or ask your child’s teacher or administrator for the information.  

Many things are taken into account in determining if a child is ready for the next grade: attendance, mastery of state standards, knowledge of the English language, age, physical size, intellectual ability, previous grade placement, behavior, maturity, level of achievement, motivation, and disabilities are all considered.  A Light’s Retention Scale is a normed assessment used by elementary schools in Fort Mill to assist with making this important decision. Review Board Policy IKE-R Promotion And Retention Of Students for additional information.
 

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

Our school encourages your participation in PTO sponsored activities during this year.  Our PTO is an extension of the school family, and is dedicated to the support of instructional programs, teaching and learning, and safety.  This important group has one major fundraiser each year.  In addition, the PTO needs volunteers to help with special programs and serve on committees.  Please consider volunteering your time to assist this organization in helping all classrooms, teachers, and students through their many beneficial projects. See the FMES PTO website for more details and information about ongoing events. 

School Improvement Council

All elementary schools have a School Improvement Council made up of teachers, parents, community members, and administrators that will help to facilitate communications between the community and the school, as well as constantly evaluate ways to improve the school. Officers of the PTO may be elected to serve on the School Improvement Council. Additional members will be elected later in the fall. 

Restraint

For the purposes of these guidelines, physical restraint is defined as a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of an individual to move his or her arms, legs, or head freely.  This definition encompasses mechanical restraints, further defined as a device that restricts the movement or function of a child or a portion of a child’s body.

Restraint, as defined by these guidelines, does not include the following:  

1. temporarily gently holding an individual to help him or her participate in education or daily living activities;
2. escorting techniques, where a student is provided limited physical encouragement to help him or her move from one location to another without rising to the level of physically forcing compliance (e.g., hand on the back or a hand on the elbow);
3. chemical restraints (medication for safety or behavioral supports) determined by medical personnel;
4. appropriate use of adaptive equipment or products, provided they are used in accordance with manufacturers’ recommended usage.

• Adaptive equipment may include, but is not limited to, adaptive seating products or therapeutically prescribed devices such as weighted vests. 
• If adaptive equipment, such as a Rifton chair or weighted vest is used for the purpose of limiting mobility or as a punitive measure, its use constitutes restraint.

The use of restraint is limited to emergency situations where the behavior of the student poses a threat of imminent, serious, physical harm to self and/or others and the student has the ability to cause such harm. Restraint may be used only as a last resort after proper positive behavioral interventions and de-escalation techniques have failed to de-escalate the risk of injury.  Restraint should never be used: 

1. as punishment
2. to force compliance or address non-compliance
3. as a substitute for appropriate educational support
4. in response to property destruction
5. in response to a student’s flight, escape, or running away, unless there is imminent risk of injury related to the escape
6. in response to verbal threats and profanity that do not rise to the level of physical harm unless the student demonstrates a means of carrying out the threats
7. longer than needed to resolve the risk of actual harm.

Necessary Documentation and Review

The use of restraint in the school setting triggers the district’s obligation to create and maintain specific documentation regarding the incident.  Documentation must include:

1. actions attempted prior to the restraint in an effort to manage or de-escalate the situation; 
2. a clear description of the safety concerns posed to the student or others; 
3. student’s behavior before, during, and after restraint; 
4. location of the restraint; 
5. amount of time in restraint; 
6. a description of the physical restraint techniques used and training personnel received prior to implementing restraint; 
7. names and position titles of personnel involved with the incident; 
8. date and time the administrator was notified; 
9. date and time the parents were notified and by whom; 
10. name and position of person(s) completing the documentation.

Training

Restraint training must be provided and reviewed, at least annually, by a credentialed trainer through a nationally recognized, externally developed professional training program.  The training must include the following components: 

1. prevention of behavior problems through a positive behavioral supports climate; 
2. conflict prevention and conflict management skills; 
3. de-escalation skills that enable staff members to respond to students in ways more likely to calm, rather than escalate, the situation; 
4. information on physical and emotional risks of escalation and restraint; 
5. instruction on personal safety skills for staff who work with students who are more likely to present safety concerns; 
6. prohibition on the use of prone restraints (face down on stomach) with the exception of approved Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) endorsed floor restraints, supine restraints (face up on the back), or any hold or maneuver that places pressure or weight on the student’s chest, lungs, sternum, diaphragm, back, neck, or throat.  The training program used must include some method of assessment that ensures appropriate skills are in place.  The program must also provide documentation that a participant has successfully completed the training, either through a certificate or other credential.  Fort Mill Schools must keep a list of those who have completed training, including a description of the content of the training, on file. The school district retains discretion as to which personnel should receive restraint training.  However, training must be provided to enough staff members that the school district can ensure a sufficient number of staff is available if restraint is used.

Risk Assessments

The safety and security of all students is of utmost importance to our faculty and staff. Should a concern arise about a student being a danger to him/herself or others, District protocols for conducting a risk assessment (suicide and/or threat) will be followed to the extent appropriate. These assessments may include interviews with students and staff, a review of student records, and consultation with district mental health staff, local law enforcement, or other community agencies that help support our schools and students. If, as part of its assessment and response, the District determines there is an articulated and significant threat to the health or safety of a student or other individuals, it may disclose personally identifiable information from education records to any person whose knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.

School Counselors

The School Counseling program strives to prepare all students for academic, social/emotional, and career success by providing data-driven, comprehensive school counseling programming. School Counselors teach core curriculum to all students to support academic, social/emotional, and career development. They offer small group and short-term individual counseling services as needed to support student success in the school environment. School counselors do not provide long-term counseling or therapy and will refer parents to outside resources for ongoing issues or issues beyond the scope of school counseling (trauma, mental health, family dynamic, etc). Parents can refer students to the school counselor by reaching out to their child’s school counselor via phone or email or in person by appointment. Students can self-refer by writing a note to the school counselor and placing it in the school counselors’ secure student mailbox. Students may inform their teacher that they would like to see the school counselor in which case the teacher would put in a referral on behalf of the student. School counselors are available to consult and collaborate with teachers and parents to help students achieve school success. They can provide information about community resources for families as well as recommendations for books or online resources upon request. 

Parent Resources

The school counselors are available to consult and collaborate with parents and teachers to support student success. You may want to consult the counselor when you have concerns about your child’s social/emotional well-being and behavior as these areas may impact school success. Please reach out via phone or email to your child’s school counselor if you wish to discuss concerns or if you would like to learn more about the Fort Mill Elementary School Counseling Program. School counselors can sit in on parent-teacher conferences upon request when there are social/emotional or behavior concerns present. 

Homebound

Students who experience extended illness or injuries that result in long term absence from school may apply for homebound instruction.  Information concerning homebound may be obtained from our school psychologist or a school administrator.

Student Nutrition and Meals

Our cafeteria staff serves breakfast and lunch every school day. Breakfast is an important start to our student’s day and it is served in the classroom. Lunch is served in the cafeteria daily. Menus, as well as nutritional and allergen information are available on our website (fmsdstudentnutrition.com) and teachers post the menu in the classroom. There is also a free App available for your smartphone. Menus are planned by a Registered Dietitian and include input from parents, staff and students.  The menus must meet dietary guidelines that include calorie, saturated fat, sugar, and sodium restrictions.  We believe in giving students a variety of healthy options and we offer several fruits and vegetable choices daily. 

• A lunch meal includes foods from the five food groups - 2 oz. of grains,  2 oz. of protein, 1/2 cup fruit, 1/2 cup vegetable, 1 cup of milk.  Students may choose all of the five groups or at the minimum three food groups out of the five. One choice must be 1/2 cup of a fruit or a vegetable. Students have the option to select up to a cup of fruit and a cup of vegetable with their meal. 
• A breakfast meal includes 4 items and students must select 3 of the 4 items and one choice must be a fruit. 
• If a student does not take the required food components, then each item on the tray must be charged at a la carte pricing. Our cafeteria staff reminds students to take the required food groups. 
• The cafeteria also offers extra sale items like milk, juice, water, and snacks to purchase. If you do not want your student to purchase extra sale items, please complete the online form Opt Out for Snacks and Extras. 
• All foods served by the cafeteria meets State and Federal guidelines. 
• Our kitchens are tree nut and peanut safe.

 
PIN Number

Each student is set up with a unique meal account identification number to use in the cafeteria to purchase breakfast, lunch, and ala carte items. This is a 6-digit number and is the last 6 digits of your student’s PowerSchool number.  This number should never be shared with other students. Please help your student memorize their pin number. 

Meal Payments

Please take advantage of the options to prepay for your student's meals. Prepaid meal accounts help the lunch lines go faster and gives students more time to eat, relax, and socialize. It also gives you the peace of mind of not having to worry about meal money every day or that the money might get lost, stolen or used for items other than meals.
There are three easy ways to pay for meals and extras.

• Online via the district website’s Pay Fees lunch card feature called Quick Pay. This is a free service for adding money to your student’s meal account. You are also able to see meal purchases and balances. You can set up email alerts for balances on Parent Portal.
• By a separate check made out to your school’s cafeteria. The check should not include other school fees. Please note the child's cafeteria account number on the check - if the check is written for more than one child, each child's account number and the amount to credit to each child should be noted on the check. The check must include a phone number.
• Cash is also accepted as payment but is strongly discouraged as it can be lost.
• Transfer of funds from one sibling to another is also available by completing this form: Transfer form

Meal Pricing

Meal prices are set to cover the cost of food and labor. Our department is self-funded and our goal is to break even at the end of the school year. We depend on our students paying for their meals. If you are unable to pay for your meals, please apply for free and reduced priced meals.

• Breakfast = $1.35 - Reduced Breakfast Price = $0.30 - Free to students who qualify for free.
• Lunch = $2.25 - Reduced Lunch Price: $0.40 - Free to students who qualify for free.
• The price for adult breakfast is $3.35 - Adult lunch is $5.10.

Free and Reduced Meal Application Program

Our district participates in the USDA Free and Reduced Meal Program. We encourage families to apply if they meet or fall at or below the income guidelines found on each application. Applications are printed in English and Spanish and we can provide any language needed. If another language is needed, please contact our office at 803.802.1968. To qualify for free or reduced priced meals, students must complete a meal application and have it approved. Applications are available in the school office, cafeteria, district website and you can apply online at https://linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/new . Students must reapply each year.

Charge Policy

Our cafeteria does not deny students meals and we allow students to charge meals up to $15. Automated calls, emails and letters are sent out weekly for students who owe the cafeteria money. Our cafeterias depend on meal payments to provide funding for our program.

Food Allergies & Special Dietary Needs

Due to the number of food allergies, homemade or home baked foods are not allowed to be distributed to students within the classroom or applicable classroom setting.  Acceptable foods for distribution are those items that were prepared in a commercial and/or licensed kitchen, and most importantly, are packaged with a label clearly listing the contents and ingredients of the food item.  This policy is designed to provide consistency and minimize allergy risks in all classrooms, while maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for all students (Board Policy J LCDD).

Students with Special Dietary Needs will need to have documentation of their diet changes signed by a medical provider. Please contact the school nurse for the forms to complete.

Wellness Policy

Our district has a Wellness Policy (Board Policy ADF and EFE). Information on the wellness policy and how you can be a part of this committee can be found here - FMSD Wellness Policy info.

Classroom Celebration Baskets

Let the student nutrition team help make celebrating your child’s birthday or any special occasion at school easier.

If you order a Classroom Celebration Basket from the Cafeteria they can take care of everything.

Celebration treats will be delivered to your child’s classroom or to the cafeteria on the date you specify. Complete the Celebration Basket Form and add money to your student’s account to purchase a basket. 

Title IX

It is the policy of Fort Mill Elementary not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs, activities or employment policies as required by the Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments.  Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX may be directed to the District’s Compliance Coordinator or to the Director of the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington D.C.