Back to School 2018-19 by Gulf Coast Media

• 2018-19 CALENDAR • TAX FREE WEEKEND • NEW DRESS CODE • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

2018-19

• SCHOOL DIRECTORY

GULF COAST MEDIA THE COURIER • THE ONLOOKER • THE ISLANDER • THE BALDWIN TIMES

Gulf Coast Media • GulfCoastNewsToday.com • Back to School 2018 • 3

In this issue 4

Letter from the Superintendent

2018-19 School Calendar

Tax Free Weekend

School Lunches

School Websites and Apps

2018 Varsity Football Schedule

New Dress Code Policy

Homeschooling

Get Outdoors

Baldwin County Construction Report

F.A.Q.

Public School Directory

Private School Directory

A specialty publication of Gulf Coast Media

publisher

Parks Rogers parks@gulfcoastmedia.com

editor

Allison Marlow allisonm@gulfcoastmedia.com

design and layout Paige Marmolejo

advertising

LouAnn Love louann@gulfcoastmedia.com 251.243.7620 Frank Kustura frank@gulfcoastmedia.com 251.923.8129 Jeniece Bouzan jeniece@gulfcoastmedia.com 251.978.0497

901 N. McKenzie St., Foley AL 35205 251.943.2151 • GulfCoastNewsToday.com

4 • Back to School 2018 • Gulf Coast Media • GulfCoastNewsToday.com

LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

ear! y l o o h sc 19 18 0 2 e h t o t e m o Welc It does indeed seem that the summers fly by faster than ever. There is a myth held by some that we all take the summer off and go to the beach. That is not so, not even for most teachers. Teachers and administrators have been busy with professional development, and I guarantee you that every single one has been thinking about what they will do to make this school year the best yet. We also have a first-class, top notch support team. I’d like to give all of our 12-month employees a shout out and thank them for a job well done. Much like the intermission in a two-act play, when the curtain comes down with the final bell of the year, the “BCBE Army” of support personnel kicks into gear. Every division of our organization has been wide open, getting things ready for the new school year. The Business and Finance Division under the direction of Mr. John Wilson, Chief School Finance Officer, is busy preparing work plans and budgets for our new fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. By the way, our finances have been on line for many years and are available at: bcbe.org/accountability. Dr. Joyce Woodburn, Dean of Academics, is raising the bar with our academics and returning Baldwin County Public Schools to their rightful place at the top. We’re making vast strides academically on many fronts, and I could not be prouder of the team work I see across this school system. Our Prevention and Support Division, under the direction of Mr. Anthony Sampson, has been busy working with law enforcement to offer an even greater level of safety and security for our students and personnel. Mr. Frank Boatwright, who directs our building/construction efforts continues to implement new safety features in our schools. Also, he is in charge of our largest construction effort since 2009 as we work to open Orange Beach High School (that includes middle school grades), the new Foley Elementary and the new Bay Minette Elementary, all slated to open a year from now along

with other school additions. Also, Human Resources, under the direction of Mrs. Jennifer Sinclair, has been busy ensuring we advertise for and hire the best employees and that job candidates have the proper certification for employment. Food services (our child nutrition program), overseen by Mrs. Erin Miller, is planning the menus and ensuring food will arrive on time, that it meets specifications and cafeterias are in tip-top shape. Our Educational Technology division, under the direction of Mr. Homer Coffman, has been racing to get Chromebooks in shape to distribute to our more than 32,000 students. Educational Technology also manages the online registration process and works to ensure historical grade data and access will be ready. Our Communications Division, under the direction of Mr. Terry Wilhite, is busy with web sites, social media, rapid communication services, news media, the smart phone app and creating helpful content that will help our system advance academically and build and foster our relationships with all stakeholders. Over the summer, our Transportation Division and team, under the direction of Mr. Mike Vivar and Transportation Supervisor Tony Pollard, inspects all 320 buses, repair what is in need of repairing, washed and cleaned all buses for a safe ride to and from school for more than 15,000 students, traveling more than 16,000 miles each day. A new school year would not be complete without floors so shiny you can see your face in them, lawns mowed and looking neat, the proper number and kind of desks in place and custodians that are highly-trained. Mr. Alan Blackburn oversees that effort. The third largest school system in Alabama could not function without my assistant super-

intendents who do a tremendous job. Mrs. Hope Zeanah, assistant superintendent over elementary, does so much for our school system and organizes our huge “Teacher Institute”, our official kick-off to the new school year. Mr. Marty McRae, assistant superintendent over middle and high schools, has a huge amount of responsibilities that also includes working with our coaches and athletic directors to ensure athletic scheduling and compliance. As the curtain comes up on a new school year, it’s these peoples and hundreds of others on their teams that work behind-the-scenes to get everything ready for our teachers, students and administrators. I began my 43rd consecutive year in education July 1. I’ve never been more excited about the start of a new school year as I am the 2018-19 school year — and you should be, too! We are blessed beyond measure to be in Baldwin County, Alabama, to have the community support we do from parents, elected officials and stakeholders. It takes us all working together to raise the bar academically and we are doing that like never before. That’s the reason I say we are Community Strong, Baldwin Proud! I am honored to be your superintendent. Eddie Tyler, Superintendent

Facebook.com/ccssaints

Instagram.com/CCSSaints251

6 • Back to School 2018 • Gulf Coast Media • GulfCoastNewsToday.com

2018-19

Baldwin County

SCHOOL CALENDAR

AUGUST 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15

2018

Principal Discretion / Teacher Workday Principal Discretion / Teacher Workday System PD System PD Teacher Institute / Teacher Workday Principal Discretion / Teacher Workday Principal Discretion / Teacher Workday First Day of School

SEPTEMBER 3

Labor Day

JANUARY 1 2 3 21

4-5 6 15

APRIL

OCTOBER 8-11 11 12 15

MAY

NOVEMBER 12 19-23 19-20

Veteran’s Day Thanksgiving Holiday Week (Hurricane Make-up Day –if needed)

DECEMBER 12-18 18 19-31 19

Exam Window End 2nd Quarter (40 days) Christmas Holidays (Hurricane Make-up Days –if needed)

New Year’s Day Workday for Employees (Student Holiday) Students Return King/Lee Holiday

MARCH

15-18 19

Exam Window End 1st Quarter (41 days) System PD (Student Holiday) Fall Break

2019

Mardi Gras Holidays System PD (Student Holiday) End of 3rd Quarter (48 days)

Spring Break Good Friday Holiday

13 Graduation–Spanish Fort, Gulf Shores & Robertsdale 14 Graduation -Foley, Baldwin Co., Daphne & Fairhope 20-23 Exam Window 23 Last Day for Students(44 Days) 24 Teacher Workday

8 • Back to School 2018 • Gulf Coast Media • GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Get ready for the school year with the sales tax holiday Alabama’s 13th annual sales tax holiday for school-related items begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 20, and ends at midnight Sunday July 22, giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies free of the state’s four percent sales or use tax. Baldwin County and all major cities in the county are participating. Tax exempt clothing items are: $100 or less per article of clothing: belts, boots, caps, coats, diapers, dresses, gloves, gym suits, hats, hosiery, jackets, jeans, neckties, pajamas, pants, raincoats, robes, sandals, scarves, school uniforms, shirts, shoes, shorts, socks, sneakers and underwear.

Exempt computers supplies, a single purchase of $750 or less: laptop, desktop, or tower computer system

On the Menu Baldwin County Schools' cafeterias participate in the USDA Child Nutrition Program. Each student is assigned an account number to use in the cafeteria and encouraged to memorize this number. Parents may pay send their child to school with cash or check to pay for meals. We suggest that parents consider paying for meals in advance by either writing a check for the week or month or by submitting a payment online. This provides an additional measure of safety for your child by alleviating the need to bring money to school for daily lunch. Checks can be made payable to the school. To pay online, visit www.MySchool-

Bucks.com For assistance call the Child Nutrition Program office at 251970-4402. Children may also bring a lunch from home. Food is not allowed in the classrooms. There are no board policies that limit what parents can pack for their child’s lunch, however, some schools may have special policies in place because of severe food allergies. Wholesome, healthy lunch items will keep your child fueled and ready to learn for the afternoon until they arrive home. If your child has a special dietary need, please contact your school nurse to complete a Diet Prescription Form.

which consists of a central processing unit (CPU), and devices such as a display monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers sold as a computer package. Computer parts and devices not sold as part of a package with the CPU, will not qualify for the exemption. Also includes computer storage media, handheld electronic schedulers, personal digital assistants, computer printers, printer paper and printer ink. Exempt school supplies are, $50 or less per item: binders, blackboard chalk, book bags, calculators, cellophane tape, compasses, composition books, crayons, erasers, folders, glue, highlighters, index cards, legal pads,

lunch boxes, markers, notebooks, paper, pencil and supply boxes, pencil sharpeners, pencils, pens, protractors, rulers, scissors, writing tablets, clay, paints, paintbrushes, drawing pads, watercolors, clay, glazes, paints, paintbrushes, sketch and drawing pads, watercolors. School instructional material: maps, globes, required textbooks on an official school book list with a sales price of more than $30 and less than $50. Books, $30 or less per book, does not include magazines, newspapers, periodicals or any other document printed in a non-bound form without an ISBN number.

MEAL PRICES FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2018-19

BREAKFAST: ALL ENROLLED PAID STUDENTS: $1.75 ADULT/CHILDREN VISITORS: $2.25 BOARD OF EDUCATION EMPLOYEES: $2

LUNCH: ALL ENROLLED PAID STUDENTS K-8: $2.75 ALL ENROLLED PAID STUDENTS 9-12: $2.75 ADULT/CHILDREN VISITORS: $4 BOARD OF EDUCATION EMPLOYEES: $3.50

WANT TO KNOW WHAT’S ON THE MENU? VISIT BCBE.NUTRISLICE.COM

Gulf Coast Media • GulfCoastNewsToday.com • Back to School 2018 • 9

SCHOOL WEBSITES

Apps and

Baldwin Alabama Public Schools By Custom School Apps

With the Baldwin Alabama Public Schools mobile app, your school district comes alive with the touch of a button. Easily navigate through current news and events or check out the latest updates with social media like Facebook and Twitter. Quickly retrieve contact information, sporting scores, lunch menus, and more! It’s your school district available at your fingertips.

Baldwin County Public Schools Facebook Page

Keep up to date with all the latest news, events and information on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/bcbealabama

MySchoolBucks

By Heartland Payment Systems, Inc. MySchoolBucks makes school meal payments easy for busy parents on-the-go! Quickly and securely add money to your student’s school meal account using your credit card, debit card or electronic check. You can also view recent cafeteria purchases and check current meal account balances for each student. MySchoolBucks is backed by Heartland Payment Systems, one of the largest and most trusted payment processors in the United States.

Forgot to pay a fee at school? No problem. You can make payments online to any school in Baldwin County on the eSchool Payments system. https://baldwincoal.csiepay.com/

10 • Back to School 2018 • Gulf Coast Media • GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Friday night lights glow bright in Baldwin County 2018 BALDWIN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Tickets: $7 Adults, Students Grades 6-12, $4 Students Grades K-5 Baldwin County High School

Fairhope High School

Gulf Shores High School

Spanish Fort High School

8-24 Murphy 8-31 @ Gulf Shores 9-7 St. Paul’s 9-14 @ Saraland 9-21 Blount 9-28 Open 10-5 @ Daphne 10-12 Spanish Fort 10-19 @ Robertsdale 10-26 BC Rain 11-2 @ Charles Henderson

8-24 @ Wetumpka 8-31 Mary Montgomery 9-7 @ Murphy 9-14 Theodore 9-21 @ Davidson 9-28 Daphne 10-5 Baker 10-12 @ Foley 10-19 Open 10-26 Alma Bryant 11-2 McGill-Toolen

8-24 @ Satsuma 8-31 Baldwin County 9-7 @ Robertsdale 9-14 Satellite, Fla. 9-21 @ St. Paul’s 9-28 Open 10-5 @ Saraland 10-12 Blount 10-19 @ Daphne 10-26 Spanish Fort 11-2 BC Rain

8-24 @ McGill-Toolen 8-31 Daphne 9-7 Moss Point, MS 9-14 Robertsdale 9-21 @ BC Rain 9-28 Open 10-5 St Paul’s 10-12 @ Baldwin County 10-19 Blount 10-26 @ Gulf Shores 11-2 @ Saraland

Daphne High School

Foley High School

Robertsdale High School

8-24 Theodore 8-31 @ Spanish Fort 9-7 Saraland 9-14 BC Rain 9-21 Open 9-28 @ Fairhope 10-5 Baldwin County 10-12 @ Robertsdale 10-19 Gulf Shores 10-26 @ St. Paul’s 11-2 @ Blount

8-24 @ Prattville 8-31 Thompson 9-7 @ Theodore 9-14 @ Alma Bryant 9-21 Baker 9-28 Open 10-5 @ McGill 10-12 Fairhope 10-19 @Mary Montgomery 10-26 Murphy 11-2 Davidson

8-24 @ Mary Montgomery 8-31 @ Blount 9-7 Gulf Shores 9-14 @ Spanish Fort 9-21 Saraland 9-28 Faith Academy 10-5 @ BC Rain 10-12 Daphne 10-19 Baldwin County 10-26 Open 11-2 @ St. Paul’s

Dr. Renee Allen Dyken, DMD, MS Dr. Leslie McNeil Talbert, DMD, MS HELPING PATIENTS IN WHICHEVER DIRECTION LIFE TAKES THEM Our top priority is to provide the highest quality and affordable orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We treat each patient with the same loving attention as we would a member of our own family.

TYPES OF TREATMENT

We not only offer Metal and Clear braces, but Invisalign as well.

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LOCATIONS Baldwin County Gulf Shores, Foley, Robertsdale, Loxley

(251) 968-1310 Visit our Website www.islandortho.org Or “LIKE” us on Facebook

We take all insurances with orthodontic coverage. and treat patients of all ages.

12 • Back to School 2018 • Gulf Coast Media • GulfCoastNewsToday.com

NEW DRESS CODE POLICY Major changes were made to the dress code policy for Baldwin County High Schools and Middle Schools for the 2018 school year. Students in grades 7 – 12 will no longer be required to wear uniforms, but must adhere to the set of guidelines below. Elementary students in grades K – 6 will be allowed to add denim pants and shorts to their choices but still must adhere to the following uniform requirements.

GRADES K – 6

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL

Tops:

White or navy collared shirt with sleeves or turtleneck. School color polo as approved by the principal. Small, unobtrusive logo is permitted.

No pictures, emblems, or writings on clothing that: »» Are lewd, offensive, vulgar or obscene, »» Advertises or depicts tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, »» drugs or any other illegal substance »» Contains fighting words or incites criminal activity. • No cut off tops. (No midriff can be showing) • No sleeveless garments. • No see-through garments. • Designed so that the neckline does not reveal cleavage. • Designed to cover all undergarments. • Fit properly (no oversized or overly tight tops). • No tank top/undershirt can be worn as a shirt.

SCHOOL DRESS CODE POLICY

Bottoms: »» Boys: khaki or navy blue pants or shorts from corduroy fabric or denim fabric. »» Girls: Khaki or navy blue pants, skirts, capris, skorts, jumpers or dresses from corduroy or denim fabric.

Undergarments: Excluding the neckline of an undershirt, must not be visible at any time. Pajamas are prohibited.

Footwear: Shoes must be worn at all times and be closed-toed.

SCHOOL DRESS CODE POLICY

Shorts:

Sweatshirts and sweaters: Must be solid colors of: black, brown, navy, tan, gray, white or school colors chosen by the principal.

Coats and jackets: Outerwear items must not have lettering or logos of alcohol, tobacco and/or controlled substances, or pictures symbols or art work that might be considered offensive.

• Length should be at fingertip/hand or mid-thigh, whichever is longer. • Fit properly (no oversized or tight shorts). • No spandex, biker, or see-through shorts. • Must be hemmed and not rolled up

Dresses: • Length should be at fingertip or mid-thigh, whichever is longer. • Splits may not exceed (3) inches above the top of the knee.

Pants: • Proper fit (no sagging or baggy fit: worn at the waist). • No see through or spandex legging pants. • Leggings/tights may be worn only under shirts and dresses of appropriate length. • No oversized or tight pants. • No holes in jeans in inappropriate areas (length rule). • Sweat pants and warm-up suits will be allowed.

Shoes: • Must be worn at all times, fastened properly. • *Classes may require certain shoes. Ex. P.E., Chemistry. •No bedroom slippers.

Accessories: SUBMITTED PHOTO

• Hats, caps, sweatbands, or other head covering will not be worn in building. • No gang related clothing/items will be allowed.

Gulf Coast Media • GulfCoastNewsToday.com • Back to School 2018 • 13

What you need to know about homeschooling Submitted by THE BALDWIN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Is a “cover school” required for home schooling in Alabama?

link: http://alex.state.al.us/browseStand.php

I home school my children. Am I required to register with the state?

It is the opinion of the State Superintendent of Education that a “cover school” is not required of parents who choose to home school their children.

Non-Accredited Homeschools (Require Validation Tests):

While Act 2014-245 requires that private schools (except church schools) register annually with the Department of Education, it is the interpretation of the State Superintendent of Education that this requirement does not apply to home school students.

Are parents or guardians required to submit proof that their children ages 6-17 are in school? Yes. The law requires parents who choose to home school their children to notify the local public school superintendent of their intention to home school. This notification is only required at the initial decision to home school and is not required each year.

Accreditation Parents who are considering homeschool and private school programs need to be aware of the accreditation status of the programs they select. It is the responsibility of the parent to provide proof of program accreditation to Baldwin County Schools. Transcripts indicating successful completion of accredited programs are also required. Parents of homeschool students may visit the Alabama Course of Study website for information regarding grades 6-8 course content. Here is the

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Accredited Homeschools: There are many online programs that are accredited. Parents are responsible for providing proof of accreditation. Several FMS students have been enrolled in these accredited homeschool programs:

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14 • Back to School 2018 • Gulf Coast Media • GulfCoastNewsToday.com

Out of the classroom and into the local watershed By JACQUELINE MCGONIGAL Environmental Assistant City of Foley Environmental Department & Graham Creek Nature Preserve

Some educational researchers suggest students should spend more time learning science through play and exploration in informal education settings. But what exactly is informal education, and where does it occur? Essentially, it takes place outside of the classroom. Lessons are taught by a variety of people with no standardized ways to gauge learning outcomes. Students experience informal education when they walk through museums, visit zoos or play in nature parks. Unlike formal education, it can be any of the “teachable moments” that young people encounter apart from their regular school setting. Informal science education can be taught by community leaders, nature park rangers and naturalists, museum curators, camp counselors, mentors and even student peers. Researchers Robert Uzick of Red Elementary and Patricia Patrick of Columbus State University’s Department of Counseling, Foundations and Leadership tell us that family members, parents specifically, can be the most impactful teachers of all. Parents benefit their children if they become partners in learning. Family members do not have to know all the answers to every scientific question. What’s important is that they set an example by becoming curious and driven to learn, too. Informal science educators and settings can supplement formalized education by encouraging more student-led observations, inquiry, play and discovery without the looming stresses of testing. This is occurring more in Baldwin County as organizations outside of schools are tasked with leading informal science education for students and families in natural spaces-and for good reason! Environmental concepts, for exam-

SUBMITTED PHOTO

ple, can still be taught in classrooms, but the significance of local environmental health may not be as fully appreciated if students aren’t experiencing it directly. Informal science education allows students to learn within their own communities and get the chance to help alleviate some of the conservation issues they observe. This is something that can be nearly impossible to do in a classroom, but could occur within local habitats. Both educational settings foster environmental knowledge and future conservation efforts. Classrooms may be better suited for teaching foundational environmental science concepts, but engaging students in outdoor settings could be more impactful on future conservation behaviors of students. In 2012 University of Minnesota Extension Educators studied 4H and Forestry after-school programs and found when students have positive informal learning experiences outdoors, they’re more likely to participate later in environmental conservation efforts. Children will likely carry perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors attained through learning and outdoor activities

into the future. Student participation in informal science education in outdoor settings may be the biggest step towards learning meaningful environmental lessons and building conservation behaviors. In response to this research, the City of Foley’s Environmental Department has developed a new informal, outdoor science education program, “A Watershed Worth Knowing,” focused on curriculum specific to south Baldwin County’s Wolf Bay watershed. This program is held at Graham Creek Nature Preserve, the City of Foley’s 487 acre park located at 23030 Wolf Bay Drive in Foley. The intent is to raise students’ awareness of Wolf Bay watershed and its ecological functions through participatory discussion, a hands-on experiment illustrating how storm water impacts local waterways and a guided kayaking tour through Graham Creek. In addition to efforts made by the City of Foley’s Environmental Department, this new educational opportunity was made possible by the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Riviera Utilities. Both organiza-

tions worked to secure grant funding from Alabama Municipal Electric Authority for the purchase of six kayaks with accompanying safety equipment, enabling this opportunity to be offered at no cost to students and communities. Starting in the 2018-2019 academic year, middle school and high school teachers can email Jackie McGonigal (jmcgonigal@cityoffoley.org) or call Graham Creek Nature Preserve (251.923.GCNP) to request scheduling for “A Watershed Worth Knowing.” This same program will be open to the community every quarter on a first come, first served basis. Registration is required via emailed requests. Scheduled dates will be announced on the Graham Creek Nature Preserve website, www.grahamcreekpreserve. org and on Graham Creek Nature Preserve’s Facebook page. Jacqueline McGonigal works with the City of Foley’s Environmental Department, serves on Wolf Bay Watershed Watch’s Board of Directors and is completing her Master’s in biology with Miami University’s Project Dragonfly Global Field Program.

Gulf Coast Media • GulfCoastNewsToday.com • Back to School 2018 • 15

BALDWIN COUNTY CONSTRUCTION REPORT Development of Pay As You Go Plan - Phase I

Total cost = $15,027,200 Total number of portables removed = 33

Elberta Elementary

Elsanor Elementary

Central Baldwin Middle

14 classrooms and a new library

19 classrooms

14 rooms

Perdido Elementary

Fairhope High School

16 rooms

20 rooms and cafeteria

Development of Pay As You Go Plan - Phase II Total cost = $23,365,000.00 Total number of portables removed = 36

Daphne East Elementary

Magnolia Elementary

14 classroom addition

Lutheran Schools: A Great Place to Grow! Grow in the Grace and Knowledge of Jesus * Meets and exceeds Alabama Curriculum Standards * Christ Centered * Low student/teacher ratio * Pre K3 & K4 * School opens for the 2018-2019 school year on Wednesday, August 15 Good Shepherd school hours; 7 am – 5:30 pm • Classes 8 am – 3 pm The school will follow the Baldwin County Pulbic School System Holiday schedule.

For more information contact the school at (251) 987-1966 or e-mail gsls2017@yahoo.com

Elberta Middle School/High School

Spanish Fort High School

40 classrooms

24 classroom addition

Good Shepherd Lutheran School 13220 Main St.

(by St. Mark’s Lutheran Church) Elberta Good Shepherd Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

16 • Back to School 2018 • Gulf Coast Media • GulfCoastNewsToday.com

WELCOME TO THE BALDWIN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUBMITTED BY BALDWIN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

F.A.Q.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. How and where do I enroll my child? When is summer registration? A. New and returning students can enroll using this page: bcbe.org/ registration. The registrar at each school is responsible for answering specific questions regarding student enrollment; please call the school to make an appointment with the appropriate person before arriving. All students, whether new to the school system or previously enrolled, are required to take part in any pre-registration activities the school may offer. During pre-registration, students may purchase P.E. uniforms, pay course fees, buy school yearbooks, rent lockers, pick up schedules, and visit classrooms. This list also includes elementary school events such as “Meet Your Teacher” Days, which is an opportunity for parents and students to meet the teacher prior to the opening of

school.

Q. What do you offer for Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten students? Note: On May 10, 2016, Governor Robert Bentley signed into law Alabama Act #2016-297. Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, the Act requires local education agencies to allow a child who is six years of age on or before December 31 to enroll in first grade. This extends the timeframe from the current date of on or before September 1 for first grade only. It does NOT extend the timeframe for enrollment in kindergarten. Act #2016-297 amends the Alabama Code (1975), §16-28-4, minimum age for admission to first grade - a child who is 6 years of age on or before September 1 or the date on which school begins in the enrolling school system shall be entitled to admission

to the public elementary schools at the opening of such schools for that school year or as soon as practical thereafter. A. Please refer to our Pre-K and Kindergarten page for more information: www.bcbe.org/kindergarten

Q. How important is it to attend Open House events? A. Education is a collaborative effort between schools, parents, and the community at large. Open House events provide an opportunity for your child’s teachers to share with you information specific to their grade level or course. Your presence is extremely important; you will learn exactly what is expected of your child in each setting and be shown ways you can help them achieve success.

Q. What information will I need to bring in order to register my child?

A. Please bring the following documents with you for each child you wish to enroll: • Birth certificate • Social Security card [Social Security Card is not required, as per Federal guidance] • Two proofs of residence • One of these must be a recent utility bill with your Baldwin County address • Withdrawal papers from last school attended, including transcript • Immunization form All students are required by Alabama State Law to have an original certificate of immunization (IMM50); copies are unacceptable. These certificates may be obtained from your local physician or Baldwin County Health Department in Robertsdale. The Health Department

Gulf Coast Media • GulfCoastNewsToday.com • Back to School 2018 • 17 may be reached at 251.947.1910. You will be required to complete an enrollment form for each student. These will be made available by the registrar or counselor when you visit the school.

Q. What if I am not the legal guardian/custodian for a child? What do I need to do? A. To enroll a student in the Baldwin County School System you must have legal custody of the student. Delegations of parental authority or powers of attorney will not be accepted. The enrolling guardian/custodian shall reside in the attendance zone in which enrollment is sought. The student being enrolled must actually reside with his/her guardian/ custodian. In addition to the matters noted in the preceding paragraph, it shall be the sole duty and responsibility of the enrolling guardian/custodian to provide all documentation otherwise required by the Baldwin County Board of Education as a prerequisite to enrollment. Please see the School Guardianship Guidelines for complete details.

Q. Do you allow a student to attend a school out of zone? A. In order to adequately project school facility needs in our rapidly growing county, currently the Board of Education only allows a zone variance — the ability to attend a school outside of one’s own zone — in the case of extreme hardship, which is usually mostly medical in nature. Zone variances are not granted for the sake of convenience. If you believe you are eligible for a zone variance due to extreme hardship, please contact the principal of the school you wish your child to attend first. If the principal agrees that the student meets the requirements for eligibility for a zone variance, the parent must complete a Zone Variance Request Form provided by the school they are requesting to attend and attach a statement as to the necessity of the zone variance. *Please note: If a student has a

zone variance, it is the responsibility of the parent to provide transportation for the child.

Q. What is the procedure and criteria for placement in the district’s Gifted Education Program? A. Baldwin County Public Schools offers services for gifted and talented students in first grade through twelfth grade. All parents have the right to refer their child for the district’s Gifted Education Program.

Q. Do you offer After School care? A. After School Childcare is offered at many schools. As a convenience, you may register for After School Childcare now though the bcbe.org website. Select Directory/ Afterschool Childcare/Registration. Read the information then go to – Sign In. For your convenience, there is a Parent Portal – Quick Start Help Guide under Forms and Documents, to assist you. The deadline to register for After School Childcare is August 14 at noon, one week before the first day of school. After School Childcare registration will re-open on August 24, 2017 at noon in order to attend after school the next school week. After School Childcare offers academic enrichments, homework time, physical activities along with outside time — supervised by certified teachers and staff from the community.” More details: We offer After School Childcare at elementary, intermediate, some middle schools and three high schools in the county. After School Childcare Programs serve students ages 5-12 at elementary schools; Middle and High school students may attend on their school campus, if the program is available. All students must attend the After School Childcare Program on the campus of their day school. Busing of students is not an option. A complete list of ASCC locations and a link for registration and payments is available at https://www. bcbe.org/afterschool. Cash is not accepted; Registration and payments are online. Site Manager or designee

18 • Back to School 2018 • Gulf Coast Media • GulfCoastNewsToday.com can assist you at the site, if needed. Payments are due one week in advance of attendance. Students may participate in the After School Childcare Program on a full-time or daily basis. Full-time students are those who attend the program 3 to 5 days per week; the fee for full-time is $35 weekly; the daily rate of $10.00 per day applies to 1 or 2 days per week. Parents must notify the Site Manager of the days their children will attend at the time of Registration in order to assist the After School Department in ensuring appropriate levels of staffing. Part-time students may attend only on those days the parents have pre-selected at Registration as attendance days. Fees are charged based on Registration and are not influenced by attendance. Pre-payment for services is required. The discount for BCBE teachers is $25.00 per week per child. We now offer a Family Rate for those with more than one child. The After School Child Care Program operates from 3 -5:30 p.m. at most sites; seven sites offer the choice of pick up by 6 p.m. All sites follow the school calendar. Parents must complete online registration, pay the $20 non-refundable registration fee, and the first week fee - no fewer than two days prior to the first day of attendance in the program. Registration and fee payments are all Online. Payments not made by Sunday close of day are subject to late fee. Questions may be directed to the After School Childcare Department: 251-972-8518.

A. Check your school’s handbook for guidance.

Q. What about the dress code? How strictly is it enforced? A. Baldwin County students are required to wear approved uniforms or follow the school’s dress code daily. Please check your school’s student handbook for guidance. For complete guidelines, see the Uniform Policy in the Student Handbook.

Q. What about lunches? Can I pay for lunches online? What can my child take from home for lunch?

A. Required materials vary from school to school and from grade level to grade level. Many schools have supply lists posted on their websites. You may also find lists conveniently placed in the school supply aisles at stores such as Wal-mart and Target. Supply lists are also available in each school’s office.

A. Baldwin County Schools’ cafeterias participate in the USDA Child Nutrition Program. Nutritious meals are provided to students daily at nominal cost. Each student is assigned an account number to use in the cafeteria and encouraged to memorize this number. Parents may pay send their child to school with cash or check to pay for meals. We suggest that parents consider paying for meals in advance by either writing a check for the week or month or by submitting a payment online. This provides an additional measure of safety for your child by alleviating the need to bring money to school for daily lunch. Checks can be made payable to the school. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Child Nutrition Program office at 251-970-4402. Children may also bring a lunch from home to eat during their designated lunch time. Food is not allowed in the classrooms. There are no board policies that limit what parents can pack for their child’s lunch, however, some schools may have special policies in place because of severe food allergies. Wholesome, healthy lunch items will keep your child fueled and ready to learn for the afternoon until they arrive home. If your child has a special dietary need, please contact your school nurse to complete a Diet Prescription Form.

Q. Do you allow students to bring and use cell phones on campus?

Meal Prices for School Year 20182019

Q. How can I find out what school supplies are necessary?

Breakfast: All enrolled paid students: $1.75; Adult/Children Visitors: $2.25; Board of Education Employees: $2.00; Lunch: All enrolled paid students K-8: $2.50; All enrolled paid students 9-12: $2.75; Adult/Children Visitors: $4.00; Board of Education Employees: $3.50

Q. Is bus service available in my neighborhood? What do I need to do to allow my child to ride the bus? A. The Transportation Department for Baldwin County Schools oversees the daily operation of more than 280 bus routes. About half of our students ride the bus. Baldwin buses travel more than 16,000 miles each day. The Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama has rated our bus transportation program as the most efficiently run in Alabama. Our Transportation program also regularly garners awards for safety. All Baldwin County students are provided transportation to and from school daily, regardless of their proximity to their local school. There is one person at each school responsible for managing student transportation. Maps of each bus route are available to assist in determining which bus will be designated to transport your child. Please contact your school prior to the beginning of the school year if you have additional questions.

it dangerous for students to attend school (as announced by the Superintendent) • Legal quarantine • Death in the immediate family • Emergency condition as determined by the principal or superintendent • Absence to observe traditional religious holidays of local, national, or international origin when verified by the student’s minister or religious leader. A written note from the parents or guardians will excuse absences for up to but not exceeding nine absences in grades K-8 and four absences in grades 9-12. Future absences for illness will require a doctor’s note in order to be excused.

Q. What are the procedures for checking a student in late to school, or checking a student out early? A. Parents or guardians must check their child out through the front office of the school. No child will be allowed to leave campus without the express consent of their parent or guardian. Early checkouts are discouraged; however, in the case of a medical necessity, it is requested that a doctor’s note is submitted to the office the next day.

Q. My child requires a special medical procedure to attend school. Is there Q. What if I choose to take my child to a nurse at my child’s school? If not, where can I find assistance? school myself? A. Please contact your local school prior to the beginning of school to determine where you may safely drop off and pick up your child. Each school has very specific traffic flow patterns for the safety of all of our students. You will also learn what time students may enter the building and when they will be deemed tardy to school.

Q. What are the requirements for excused absences? (BOE policy 985) A. The following are permissible reasons for excused absences: • Student illness • Inclement weather, which makes

A. The school system has a Registered School Nurse and/or a Licensed Practical Nurse assigned to each school. If your child requires a special medical procedure, the child’s physician will need to provide medical orders for your child’s care. Please contact the Supervisor of Health Services or your assigned school nurse before the planned date of enrollment. This will allow the nurse adequate time to plan for your child’s arrival and ensure a smooth transition to your new school. The Health Services Supervisor can be reached at 251-239-4327. The school’s office personnel will provide you the

Gulf Coast Media • GulfCoastNewsToday.com • Back to School 2018 • 19 contact information for your child’s assigned school nurse.

website, especially the section titled: Medication at School.

meet the Alabama Administrative Code (AAC) criteria.

Q. My child receives medication daily. Will there be someone at school to safely assist with his or her medication?

Q. What if your child received special education services at their previous school?

Q. What about fees? How do I pay them?

A. Your child will receive medication from a licensed nurse or a trained medication assistant. The school nurses are required to follow the Alabama Board of Nursing and the State Department of Education standards and guidelines in order to administer medications in the schools. All medication assistants receive a maximum of 12 hours medication training before permission is granted to assist with medication administration. A Prescriber/Parent Authorization Form must be signed before a child may receive prescription medication. The Prescriber/ Parent Authorization form is on the Health Services Section of this website. For more info., please review the Health Services section of the

A. The Baldwin County Board of Education will continue to provide special education services to students who transfer into the district with an active Individualized Education Plan (IEP). To help make this transition as smooth as possible, it is important to provide a copy of your child’s most recent IEP and evaluation at registration, if the information is available. If the IEP is available, it will be implemented as written (including services comparable to those in the IEP from the previous school). Additional records, if needed, will be requested from the previous school. A special education teacher will contact the parent/ guardian to schedule a meeting to review these services and determine if further evaluations are needed to

A. Fees are set by your local school. Please contact your local school or check the school’s registration information for details. Check your school’s web site. School fees can be paid at the school office or online: bcbe.org/schoolfees. You can find the school fee payment link also under “resources” at bcbe.org.

Q. How can I check my child’s grades online? A. All Baldwin County schools use the Chalkable school information system for recording grades and attendance. At the beginning of the school year, you will be provided with a user id and password for each of your children who are enrolled in school. You may then access online grades by going to the website for your child’s school, clicking on the

online grades icon in the upper left panel, and entering the user id and password. You will be able to view your child’s grades for each course, along with attendance and discipline records. Please protect this confidential information. Should you misplace it, you must request it in person from the school registrar. No passwords will be provided over the phone.

Q. Who should I contact if I have a problem? A. If you feel that your child is having difficulty in any particular class, please contact the teacher to schedule an appointment. If the problem is occurring outside the bounds of a particular classroom, e.g., on the bus or in the cafeteria, please contact the principal.

20 • Back to School 2018 • Gulf Coast Media • GulfCoastNewsToday.com

PUBLIC SCHOOL DIRECTORY Baldwin County High School 1 Tiger Drive Bay Minette, AL 36507 www.baldwincountyhighschool.com 251-937-2341

Daphne High School 9300 Champions Way Daphne, AL 36526 http://www.daphnehs.com 251-626-8787

Fairhope High School 1 Pirate Drive Fairhope , AL 36532 http://www.fairhopehs.com 251-928-8309

Gulf Shores High School 600 East 15th Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 36542 http://www.gs-hs.com 251-968-4747

Baldwin County Virtual School 450 Fairhope Avenue Fairhope, AL 36532 www.bcbe.org/virtualschool 251-937-2341

Daphne Middle School 1 Jody Davis Circle Daphne , AL 36526 http://www.daphnemiddleschool.com 251-626-2845

Fairhope Intermediate School 20698 Bishop Road Fairhope , AL 36532 http://www.fairhopeintermediate.com 251-928-7841

Gulf Shores Middle School 450 East 15th Avenue Gulf Shores , AL 36542 http://www.gsmsdolphins.com 251-968-8719

Bay Minette Elementary School 800 Blackburn Avenue Bay Minette, AL 36507 www.bayminetteelementaryschool.com/ 251-937-7651

Delta Elementary School 10251 White House Fork Rd. Ext Bay Minette , AL 36507 http://www.deltaelementary.com 251-937-3657

Fairhope Middle School Two Pirate Drive Fairhope, AL 36532 http://www.fairhopems.com 251-928-2573

J. Larry Newton Elementary School 9761 County Road 32 Fairhope, AL 36532 http://www.jlnewtonschool.com 251-990-3858

Bay Minette Intermediate School 600 Blackburn Ave. Bay Minette, AL 36507 http://www.bayminetteintermediate.com/ 251-580-0678

Elberta Elementary School 25820 US Highway 98 Elberta , AL 36530 http://www.elbertaelementary.com 251-986-5888

Foley Elementary School 450 North Cedar Street Foley , AL 36535 http://www.foleyelementary.com 251-943-8861

Loxley Elementary School 4999 South Magnolia Street Loxley, AL 36551 http://www.loxleyelementary.com 251-964-5334

Bay Minette Middle School 1311 West 13th Street Bay Minette, AL 36507 http://www.bayminettemiddle.com 251-580-2960

Elberta High School 13355 Main Street Elberta, AL 36530 http://www.elbertahighschool.com 251-986-8127

Foley High School 1 Pride Place Foley , AL 36535 http://www.foleyhs.com 251-943-2221

Magnolia School 1 Jaguar Loop Foley , AL 36535 http://www.magnoliaschoolk6.com 251-965-6200

C.F. Taylor Alternative School 19150 Wilters Street Robertsdale , AL 36567 251-970-4415

Elberta Middle School 13355 Main Street Elberta , AL 36530 http://www.elbertamiddle.com 251-986-8127

Foley Intermediate School 2000 South Cedar Street Foley , AL 36535 http://www.foleyintermediate.org 251-943-1244

North Baldwin Center for Technology 505 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd Bay Minette, AL 36507 http://www.nbctschool.com

Elsanor Elementary School 23440 US Highway 90 Robertsdale, AL 36567 http://www.elsanorschool.com 251-947-5401

Foley Middle School 200 North Oak Street Foley , AL 36535 http://www.foleymiddle.com 251-943-1255

Fairhope Elementary School 408 North Section Street Fairhope, AL 36532 http://www.fairhopeelementary.com 251-928-8400

Gulf Shores Elementary School 1600 East 3rd Street Gulf Shores , AL 36542 http://www.gsesdolphins.com 251-968-7375

Central Baldwin Middle School PO Box 930 Robertsdale, AL 36567 http://www.centralbaldwinmiddle.com 251-947-2327 Daphne East Elementary School 26651 County Road 13 Daphne, AL 36526 http://www.daphneeast.org/ 251-626-1663 Daphne Elementary School 2307 Main Street Daphne , AL 36526 http://www.daphneelementary.com 251-626-2424

Orange Beach Elementary School 4900 Wilson Boulevard Orange Beach, AL 36561 http://www.orangebeachelementary.com 251-981-6751 Perdido School 23589 County Road 47 Perdido, AL 36562 http://www.perdidoschool.com 251-937-8456 Pine Grove Elementary School 43980 Pine Grove Road Bay Minette, AL 36507 http://www.pgelementary.com 251-937-8456

Know the Rules.

KEEP KIDS SAFE. Make sure you know and follow these school bus safety rules for motorists. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only smart; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the law! Yellow Flashing Lights signal that the bus is getting ready to stop and load or unload children. This means you should slow down and prepare to stop. Red Flashing Lights & Extended Stop Arms signal that the bus has stopped, and children will be entering or exiting the bus. This means you should stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn and the bus resumes moving. As always, be alert and watch out for children whenever you are behind the wheel.