Student Handbook
2026-2027
Parent/Student Handbook
Wateree Elementary School
A Title 1 School
424 Wildwood Lane
Lugoff, South Carolina 29078
Telephone: (803) 438-8018
Fax: (803) 438-5099
Web Address: https://www.kcsdschools.net/Domain/25
Dr. Danielle Reilly, Principal
Kristi Brown, Assistant Principal
Amy Jordan, Assistant Principal
- Our Mission:
Wateree Elementary’s mission is to nurture a school family where open communication, respect, confidence, and creativity thrive.
- Our Vision:
Every child and staff member deserves to feel safe, valued, loved, and challenged each and every day
Our Beliefs:
- Parent, school, and community involvement are necessary for the total development of students.
- Every child can learn and is entitled to be actively involved in a quality education.
- Every child will be encouraged to reach their full potential, realize their self-worth, develop self-respect, and consider the rights and differences of others.
- Education is the key component to a successful society, and every child can make a positive contribution.
- Each student has the right to learn in a safe and nurturing environment that is committed to self-improvement.
- Every child will have experience with technology and the fine arts in order to be competitive in today’s world.
- Data-driven instruction and frequent monitoring of student progress will help close the achievement gap.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL, Dr. Danielle Reilly:
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I am honored and excited to welcome both our returning Cardinals and our newest families to Wateree Elementary School and West Wateree Early Learning Academy.
It is a privilege to serve the community that I proudly call home. As both a parent whose children attended our schools and an educator with 19 years of experience, I understand the importance of creating schools where every child feels welcomed, supported, and inspired to learn. I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in your child's educational journey.
At Wateree Elementary School and West Wateree Early Learning Academy, our mission is that all students and staff will be safe, loved, valued, and challenged to grow each and every day. This mission serves as the foundation for every decision we make and every relationship we build. We are committed to providing high-quality learning experiences while fostering a positive school culture where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
To unite our two campuses, we are excited to introduce our 2026–2027 theme: "From Sea to Sky…Together We Rise!" This theme represents our shared commitment to growing together as one school community. By working together—students, families, staff, and community—we will encourage one another, celebrate successes, overcome challenges, and help every child reach new heights.
This handbook has been designed to answer many of your questions and provide information about our school policies, procedures, and programs. We believe that student success is built on a strong partnership between home and school. Your involvement, encouragement, and communication play a vital role in helping your child succeed.
Open communication is one of our highest priorities. We encourage you to stay connected with your child's teacher and our school staff throughout the year. If you have questions, concerns, or would like to schedule a conference, please contact our school office at (803) 438-8018 (WES), (803) 438-6330 (WWELA), or reach out to your child's teacher.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children. We look forward to an incredible year of learning, growth, and celebration as we work together to ensure every student is safe, loved, valued, and challenged each and every day.
From Sea to Sky…Together, We Rise!
Sincerely,
Dr. Danielle Reilly, Principal
Kristi Brown, Assistant Principal
Amy Jordan, Assistant Principal
SCHOOL HOURS:
Student Arrival: 7:00 am - 7:30 a.m.
Student Dismissal: 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Please do not drop students off before 7:00 a.m. Supervision will not be provided, and front doors will remain locked for students who arrive before 7:00 a.m. K/1 students and their siblings will be dropped off at the back of the building. The gate to this area will close promptly at 7:30.
Children not picked up by 3:00 p.m. will be sent to Be Great, the after-school program located in the cafeteria, and charged the daily fee.
TARDIES
Students must be at school, in their seats, and ready to learn no later than 7:30 a.m. Any student who arrives after 7:30 a.m. must have a parent walk them into the front office to obtain a tardy slip for admission to class.
EARLY DISMISSAL
If it is absolutely necessary to pick up your child before the end of the school day, please do so by 2:00 p.m. Due to end-of-day procedures and traffic congestion, we cannot call students from class for early dismissals after 2:00 p.m.
ATTENDANCE
Registration
For registration purposes, students must present a certified birth certificate, SC immunization certificate, and proof of residence in the WES attendance zone (new students or students who have moved), which includes the correct and current address on a driver’s license, the correct and current address on registration or tax document for the vehicle, current utility bill (water or electric), check stub from current employer (showing current home address), and a mortgage or lease agreement verifying the current address or a legally notarized document from the landlord. Anyone not having the proper documentation will be directed to the district’s residency officer.
Absences
In accordance with Board Policy JH, a student will be allowed no more than ten (10) parent notes/unexcused absences during the 180-day school year. All children are expected to attend each day unless they are ill. Of course, situations do arise that prevent students from attending school. School officials understand that these absences are necessary and, therefore, accept them as excused absences:
- Illness (both temporary and extended)
- Medical/dental appointments
- Serious illness or death in a student’s family
- Absences approved by the school administration
- Recognized religious holidays
General absences include:
- Absences for student health concerns that do not require the attention of a health practitioner (A parent note is required)
- Absences for non-approved out-of-town trips or activities (A parent note is required)
- Absences without acceptable cause or without parental permission. (Students are not allowed these types of absences)
- Absences approved by the school administration
- Recognized religious holidays
Truancy:
Truancy is not permitted under any circumstances. Parents of students with excessive absences or tardies will be called for a Truancy Intervention Plan. They may be reported to the Kershaw County Mental Health Department and/or Family Court.
A note is required for all absences and must be submitted within five (5) days from the date of return to school. (It is recommended that these notes be submitted immediately upon return to school.) The note must be signed by a parent/guardian and state the reason for absence. Medical excuses must be legitimate documents provided and signed by a licensed/certified health practitioner. Parents are encouraged to schedule health appointments after school hours to avoid missing valuable instruction.
Examples of Notes Required From Parents/Guardians:
- Notes to explain an absence
- Notes to explain tardiness
- Notes to request early dismissal
- Notes to excuse the child from recess or physical education class
- Notes to allow the child to ride home in a vehicle with another child
- Notes to change the student’s mode of transportation
- Proper form of taking medication
- Notes to inform about an allergic reaction (should be accompanied by a doctor’s note)
Early Dismissals that lead to an Absence
State Requirements: Any student who checks out before 11:30 am will be considered absent for missing more than half of their instructional day.
FIELD TRIPS/STUDIES
Students who leave the school for field studies represent Wateree Elementary School; therefore, exceptional student conduct is essential. To help maintain the positive public image of Wateree Elementary School, students who have demonstrated they cannot consistently meet expectations for good behavior at school may not be allowed to visit places with less structure. Siblings will not be allowed to attend field trips or field days.
Chaperones may be needed on field trips. The grade level will determine the number of chaperones. An online Volunteer Application and a $19.45 background check must also be completed through the district office before the trip for approval. All field trip chaperones must be on the Approved Volunteer List before they can attend any field trips. The online volunteer application is available at www.kcsdschools.net/volunteer. No parent acting as a chaperone is allowed to drive separately from the school bus for liability reasons and to ensure the safety and supervision of our students. All children must ride the school bus.
Students who cannot attend a field study will remain at school in a structured learning environment and will work on a related curriculum. Likewise, students suspended from riding the school bus may be ineligible to participate in field trips if transportation for these trips is provided by Kershaw County School District or private tour buses.
Fees for field trips must be submitted by the deadline. Each child must have a completed permission form before leaving. No children can call home for permission slips or forgotten items.
No refunds will be issued to students who become ineligible to attend (e.g., due to discipline) or who cannot attend a field study due to illness or family emergencies.
We must have a current phone number for all children attending a field trip.
All children are asked to wear their school t-shirts on all field trips for safety and accountability.
SCHOOL BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
Wateree Elementary students are expected to conduct themselves acceptably so that learning can occur throughout the school day. Behavior that stops teachers from teaching or prevents students from learning is unacceptable. We continue encouraging our students through our LIFESKILLS, Lifelong Guidelines, and PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports).
CELEBRATING POSITIVE BEHAVIOR
Celebrations are held to reward students for their appropriate behavior. Students earn these incentives by meeting PBIS criteria and not receiving Level 2 office referrals.
These rules are taught and practiced during the 1st week of school, are constantly reinforced throughout the school year, and are posted in our hallways as visual reminders for our children. To ensure our students understand which specific behaviors are acceptable, the following list is provided. Please review these expectations with your child.
- Respect adults and peers
- Respect personal space
- Allow privacy
- Clean up after yourself
- Stay on task
- Wash your hands
- Bring only materials needed for school to school. Leave toys and other items at home that would distract you from your work.
- Walk in the classrooms, hallways, and on the sidewalks.
- Speak quietly and politely. Appropriate voices promote a positive atmosphere.
- Our aim is for self-disciplined students. When a student refuses to follow school rules or cooperate with the teacher, disciplinary actions may include the following:
Classroom Actions
- Opportunity to “reset”
- Verbal warnings
- Loss of privileges
- Opportunity for a break
- Time out/Isolation
- Notes home
- Parent contact/Conferences
- Office referrals*
Administrative Actions:
- Student conferences
- Guidance referrals
- Parent conferences
- Suspension
- Mediation
*In all cases of office referrals, a written report of the student’s misconduct is submitted by the teacher to the assistant principal. A copy is sent home with the student for parents to review, sign, and return to school the following day. When possible, a parent may be contacted by phone.
Bullying
Bullying will not be tolerated at WES. We take reports of bullying very seriously. Children are encouraged to report bullying incidents to a WES staff member. Records of all reported incidents are kept on file by our guidance counselor. Incidents of bullying can also be reported through the school district's website.
DRESS CODE
Responsibility for students' dress and appearance shall rest with the students and their parents. You have the right to determine how the student will dress, provided that the attire (1) complies with requirements for health and safety, (2) does not interfere with the educational process, and (3) is not destructive to school property. You may refer to the Kershaw County School District Student Dress Code JICA for the entire dress code.
- For health and safety reasons, all students must wear shoes.
- Students should not wear clothing with inappropriate printed language or symbols, tobacco advertising, or alcoholic beverage advertising.
- Pants must be worn at the waist. A belt must be worn if pants or shorts do not stay at the natural waist. No undergarments should ever be exposed.
- No cut-off, half, or midriff shirts are allowed. At no time should a student’s midsection be exposed. No see-through shirts or blouses, spaghetti straps, or undergarments that are showing are allowed.
- No bandanas may be worn or carried.
- Hats, hoods, and/or sunglasses should not be worn inside any building unless permitted for a school-related activity or for medical reasons.
- Clothing should not be excessively form-fitting. Leggings should be adequately covered to maintain modesty. Shorts, skorts, skirts, and dresses must be worn at or below fingertip length with arms extended.
STUDENT CELL PHONE USE
Kershaw County's Cell Phone Policy aligns with the state's Free to Focus SC Initiative. To create a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment, Kershaw County Schools are cell phone-free and personal electronic device-free during the school day. Phones and personal electronic devices must be powered off and stored in backpacks or lockers from arrival to dismissal. No use of smartwatches, tablets, wireless earbuds, wearable technology, or accessories during school hours unless the devices are used for medical or educational needs with written approval.
TOYS AND ELECTRONICS
Collector’s cards (i.e., sports, Pokémon), fidget spinners, video games, e-readers, iPods/MP3 players, and other toy-like items are prohibited at school or on the school bus. Per Policy JICJ, if any of the above-mentioned items are seen at school or on the bus, they will be confiscated and returned when a parent comes to claim them.
CONTACT WITH TEACHERS
It is essential to build a relationship with your child’s teacher. Communication is key! Teachers may be contacted by sending a note, email, a Dojo message, or by calling the school office. Please remember phone calls need to be made before or after school hours to protect instructional time. Please allow 24 hours for faculty/staff to respond.
STUDENT INTERIMS & REPORT CARDS
Students' grades can be accessed via PowerSchool Parent Portal and/or Canvas. Please reach out to Mrs. Motley with any questions about PowerSchool Parent Portal. Reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher with any questions about Canvas. As teachers enter grades, progress reports (interim) will be sent home at the midpoint of each nine weeks via email. Report cards will be sent home quarterly via email. The teacher or school office should be notified if a report is not received.
PROMOTION/RETENTION POLICY
Students must achieve passing grades and demonstrate mastery of grade-appropriate S.C. State Standards to be promoted to the next grade. The following shall be considered when determining promotion/retention:
Kindergarten
- maturity (academic, social, emotional, and physical)
- individual progress as measured by the state kindergarten standards and assessment test results
- teacher, principal, school psychologist, parents, and district office instructional staff observation
Grades One and Two
- classroom assessment results
- work samples
- teacher judgment
- standardized or criterion-referenced test results
- grades
- parent input
Grades Three through Five
- available standardized or criterion-referenced test results
- documented progress on the academic assistance plan
- teacher judgment
- grades, work samples, parent input
- Grade 3: State Read to Succeed Guidelines
Parents will be invited to conferences frequently throughout the school year. It will be discussed at one or more of these conferences if retention is being considered. A letter from the teacher and principal will notify the parent of retention and the appeals process.
The Individual Education Plan (IEP) team will determine if alternatives to the promotion/retention policy are required for each student with a disability. The alternatives will be described in the IEP.
GRADING POLICY
Students will have 10 school days to turn in missing or late assignments. After 10 days, the work will not be accepted for a grade. Late work will have a 10-point total deduction. If a student is absent from school, he/she will have 48 hours to turn in the missing work.
Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, South Carolina law no longer allows school districts to require a "grade floor" or minimum grade that is higher than a student's actual performance. This means grades will more accurately reflect the quality of a student's completed work and academic achievement. Our teachers remain committed to providing meaningful feedback, opportunities for learning and growth, and support to help every student succeed.
GRADING SCALE
A 90 -100
B 80 - 89
C 70 - 79
D 60 - 69
F 0 - 59
PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT INFORMATION
Please provide current contact information. We must have a working telephone number to reach a parent or guardian in case of an emergency. Please notify the teacher and Mrs. Motley whenever there is a change to a phone number or address.
TEXTBOOKS / WORKBOOKS / CHROMEBOOKS
As part of the educational program, students are provided with the textbooks and workbooks necessary for their particular grade level. All students will be issued a Chromebook. Students are expected to use all books and technology carefully so that wear and tear will be kept to a minimum. If textbooks, workbooks, or Chromebooks are lost or damaged, an assessment fee will be charged. Separate technology guidelines and permission forms will be sent home.
TRANSPORTATION CHANGES
Please notify the teacher in writing if there is a change in how your child regularly goes home. If you email or DOJO your teacher on the day of a change in transportation, we cannot guarantee they will receive the message, as they do not always check throughout the day because they are busy teaching. Therefore, please call the school to verify that the message has been received before 2 pm. If no notification is received, your child will follow his/her regular transportation method.
VOLUNTEERS/PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
We invite parents and community residents to assist with instructional programs by volunteering their time in classrooms, the media center, and the office. All visitors must sign in at the front lobby using their driver's license or state-issued ID and receive a visitor or volunteer pass.
All volunteers must complete the Kershaw County School District volunteer application and be approved by the district office. All volunteers will have a SLED and BIB conducted in order to volunteer in the school or attend field trips. All volunteers must complete the Level 2 Volunteer Application.
VISITORS:
You are encouraged to visit our school for observations, conferences, or volunteering. As a visitor, you must inform our office personnel of your presence on campus. Our district-wide computer system requires all visitors to scan their driver’s license or state-issued ID on the front-office computer and must wear a visitor’s sticker at all times. Visitors are not permitted on our playgrounds during the school day. Parents and friends are welcome to attend all school functions and programs noted on the school calendar. Please make an appointment to confer with teachers and administrators. We cannot permit parents or visitors to interrupt a class to speak to the teacher or to drop off items. Every minute is valuable learning time! Due to safety concerns, small children and siblings who do not attend Wateree Elementary should not interrupt the instructional day at school, nor are they permitted to attend field trips or field days.
SCHOOL LUNCH AND BREAKFAST PROGRAM
Wateree Elementary’s cafeteria provides nourishing and well-balanced meals for students, visitors, and staff. While students are encouraged to eat the school-provided lunch, they may also bring lunches from home. Glass containers, candy, and sodas are discouraged.
Breakfast is served in the classrooms from 7:00 to 7:30 each morning. All students will be able to eat school breakfast, free of charge. We strongly encourage you not to let your students bring high-sugar and caffeinated beverages to school, such as energy drinks, Starbucks teas and coffees, and sodas. We also ask that children do not bring fast-food breakfasts or lunches.
LUNCH APPLICATIONS/LUNCH ACCOUNTS
The district’s food service department determines meal prices based on budgetary demands, which the Kershaw County School Board approves. At this time, all students in Kershaw County Schools will be provided a free breakfast and lunch. All extra “à la carte” items must be purchased with cash or through myschoolbucks.com account provided by the family.
Parents may deposit money into their child’s lunch account by accessing www.myschoolbucks.com or our school webpage. Parents can also check the balance in their child’s account anytime. Please include a note with any money that is sent to the school so teachers know how to process.
CELEBRATIONS (Birthdays or Holidays)
All food items for any celebration must be STORE-BOUGHT due to the increasing number of students with food allergies. Please do not send party invitations to the school for birthdays for distribution. Please contact your child’s teacher if you plan to bring treats. We will allow lunchtime celebrations for birthdays. You must arrive at your child’s designated lunchtime. Birthday parties cannot take place during the school day in the classroom.
SEAGUL (Gifted and Talented Program)
Students who qualify for the district’s gifted and talented program will be served in the Seagul program at Wateree Elementary School. Seagul students will meet during a 40-minute enrichment period, Monday through Friday. Seagul teachers worked hard revising and developing new units of study for each grade level and look forward to working collaboratively with classroom teachers to meet the individual needs of the GT students as we implement the new South Carolina state standards.
HEALTH ROOM SERVICES
Wateree Elementary has a Registered Nurse assigned to the school. She coordinates the school health program and liaises between school personnel, community organizations, and medical resources. We have a well-equipped Health Room staffed by the school nurse and/or health room assistant. The Health Room is set up to assist students with minor first aid and minor illnesses. The nurse reports students' illnesses to parents and follows the school district policies and the DPH exclusion policies for South Carolina schools and daycares regarding whether a student should go home due to illness or injury. Students with a temperature of 100.4° or above will be sent home. Before returning to school, all students must be fever-free for 24 hours without Tylenol, Motrin, etc. In addition, any student who is vomiting will be sent home.
For student safety, we must have your current address, phone number(s), and an additional emergency contact on file. The health room is also where any medication that needs to be taken during the school day is stored. The school nurse/health room assistant is trained to assist students with medication during the school day in accordance with the school district’s policy (JLCD-R) for assisting students with medications (Effective 9/6/2006).
The school district medication permission form must be completed by a parent/guardian, and the physician’s signature is required for all medications taken to school. This includes all medications (over-the-counter and prescription). All medications (prescription and over-the-counter, including cough drops/lozenges) must be in the original pharmacy-labeled container and must be brought in by an adult. Please do not send any medication with students. The parent/guardian must inform school personnel of any changes to the medication routine or the student’s health status.
TRANSPORTATION
- CAR RIDERS
- ARRIVAL PROCEDURES - Students CANNOT be dropped off in the front parking lot or grass area. All students must come through the car rider line. When exiting the car, students must exit from the correct side of the vehicle closest to the school building. The front parking lot will not be used for arrival. K/1 students and their siblings will be dropped off in the K/1 car rider line located behind the building. The gate to this drop-off area will close promptly at 7:30 am
- DISMISSAL PROCEDURES - All parents must remain in their car during afternoon dismissal. The parking lot will not be used for pick-up. Failure to follow this procedure could result in being placed on no trespass. Students will only be loaded on the right side of the car. ALL CARS MUST HAVE A CAR SIGN visible in the front window with the names of all children being picked up. Cars without signs will be directed to the front parking lot so an adult can enter the front office to sign out their child(ren).
- WALKERS
- DISMISSAL PROCEDURES - Students who walk home to our neighboring subdivisions must have completed a “Walker Permission Slip” signed by the parent. The form must be on file with the front office before walking home on the first day of school. A “Walker Permission Slip” is not needed if the parent is walking with the student from the school to their home in a neighboring subdivision/house. Parents walking their child home cannot park on school property. This means you are a car rider and should be in the car rider line.
- BUS
- School bus transportation is a privilege that may be withdrawn for inappropriate behavior. We have excellent drivers who work with students before a referral is made to the school’s administration for assistance. If discipline problems occur on the bus, the driver will complete a disciplinary report and submit it to the school for appropriate action in accordance with the Kershaw County School Bus Discipline Code. A copy of the school bus referral will be sent to the parents via the student or mail, and/or the parents may be phoned regarding the incident. If the problem persists, students may be suspended from riding a bus. If your child is suspended from the school bus, you must send a change of transportation note indicating how your child will go home and with whom.
- Make sure you have made prior arrangements with the Lugoff Bus Transportation Office. Their contact number is (803) 438-8017. The bus supervisor is William Grigsby, william.grigsby@kcsdschools.net.
- Rules for Safe Bus Riding
- PBIS/School rules are enforced on the bus.
- Board the bus in an orderly manner and remain seated. If seats are assigned, sit in your assigned seat.
- Remain seated while the bus is in motion.
- Keep arms, hands, feet, and other body parts inside the bus and to yourself.
- Do not throw things on the bus or from a bus window. Keep the bus clean and sanitary.
- Keep books, packages, coats, and other objects in your lap and free from the aisle.
- Be on time at your designated bus stop. Buses are unable to wait for children.
- If no one is at the bus stop to receive children, they will be returned to school and sent to the after-school program until they are picked up. Parents will be charged a daily fee.
- Do not bring onto the bus large objects (i.e., science fair projects) or any other items prohibited by district policy.
2027-2028 Teacher Request Procedures
At Wateree Elementary, we do not accept specific teacher requests. Our teachers are fantastic; however, we understand that not all of our teachers may be a fantastic fit for your child(ren). Please provide us with characteristics that would make a teacher a good fit for your child. There are many factors taken into consideration when creating classes. If you request a specific teacher, please note this does not guarantee that your child will be placed in that specific teacher’s class. Please email this information to Mrs. Motley no later than Friday, May 7, 2027.
(Please note this is a guide, and information is subject to change.)