We welcome visits by parents in the school.  We ask that you follow the procedures listed to ensure the safety of your children.

1. Check in at the front office and obtain permission for the visitation and the visitors pass.
2. Between the hours of 8:30 am and 3:00 pm visitors are not permitted to escort students to their classes or interrupt classroom instruction.
3. Parent(s) or legal guardians shall request conference appointments during non-student contact time to avoid interrupting the daily program.

1. Shoes must have closed heels, sandals must have straps.  Girls should wear low heed shoes.
2. Tank tops, tops without backs, or tops that do not cover the stomach are not allowed.
3. Muscle shirts are not allowed.
4. See-through clothes without another shirt under are not allowed.
5. Clothes too tight or too short and shirts with low neck should not be worn.
6. Clothes with improper language or pictures will not be allowed.
7. Hats, scarves, or other items such as curlers or sunglasses are not to be worn in the building.
8. Girls and boys shirts should be tucked in at all times.
9. No Unusual or distracting coloring of hair is allowed.
10. Pants or shorts must fit at the waist.

Punctuality is an important character trait and vital to the instructional process.  We trust you will help us by seeing that your child attends daily and arrives on time.

WHEN ABSENT

When your child is absent your must send a note within three days upon his/her return to school.  Absences without a note will be marked unexcused and could lead to an attendance referral through the State Attorney's Office.

* It is utmost importance that the school office have a current telephone number and an emergency number in case of illness or accident while your child is at school *

A schoolwide behavior plan has been developed to provide a safe educational environment which is conducive to learning for our students.  In an effort to accomplish, the goal of high academic achievement, specific rules for behavior and expectations will be implemented.

RULES

1. Follow directions when they are given

2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to ourselves

3. Keep school property clean inside and outside

4. Show respect for adults, other students and ourselves

5. Avoid name calling, use of inappropriate language and gestures, teasing, and taking things that  do not belong to us.

6. Be prepared to learn and on time daily.

CLASSROOM  MANAGEMENT PLAN

A standardized classroom management plan will be used in grades kindergarten through five.  This plan will provide a visual reminder to students of the rewards and consequences for appropriate and inappropriate behavior.  A behavior chart will be posted in each classroom.  Students will each have a pocket on the chart holding cards.  Each card represents a reward or a consequence.  Students will be required to flip a card when he or she behaves inappropriately and will receive the corresponding consequence.  Closure to each school day will occur as teachers record the daily behavior grades.  Each student will begin everyday with their blue card on top.      

The Extended Day Program was established by the Duval County School Board to provide before and after school services for the children of working parents who live in our school's attendance area.  Our Extended Day Program offers before school and after school care and is available on regular student attendance days.  The AM session consists of informal, non structured activities.  The PM session provides a more formal, structured program of enrichment activities such as: arts and crafts, cooking, computer and homework assistance.  The fees are as follows: AM $12.00, PM $22.00, AM/PM $34.00.  Contact Mrs. Masters or Ms. Wolfe for more information at 573-1190

Gregory Drive Elementary School has made provisions for students who are below grade level.  Classroom teachers develop Academic Improvement Plans for identified students.  In school tutoring is also available for those students who need additional help.  Students  use computer assisted instruction in the areas of reading and math in first grade through fifth grade.  If you feel that your child needs additional help, contact your child's teacher to set up a safety net program for him or her.

There is a full time guidance counselor, Mrs. Pogachnik, on staff and she is available to meet with our students.  She will do limited individual counseling, group counseling, and classroom counseling.  Mrs. Pogachnik coordinates our BIGGS Program and also is in charge of the AngelAid Program at our school.   Parents may contact her at 573 -1190

Gregory Drive welcomes community involvement and business partners. The Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North Florida (BIGGS) is available at our school and partners are set up through the guidance counselor.  In addition, we invite community readers to come and share books in our classrooms.  On site workshops are held to inform the parents and community about the needs of our children.  Current business partners include: Wal-Mart, Educational Community Credit Union, Taco Bell, Ryan's Family Steakhouse, Adventure Landing and Bono's Barbeque.  If you are interested in becoming a business partner, please contact the school.

Volunteers are always welcome at Gregory Drive Elementary.  Please contact your child's teacher if you are interested.  There are helpful things that volunteers can do at home as well as  at school.