Bell Times
School Start Time – 8:00 AM
School End Time – 3:00 PM
Please make sure you are checking here and our Facebook page frequently for updates. And as always, feel free to call the office at 423-825-7337
AND LISTEN TO THE MESSAGE COMPLETELY.
SCHOOL HOURS:
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Our doors open at 7:40 AM.
Breakfast is served 7:40 AM – 8:00
Students begin to transition to class at 7:50 AM.
Students are TARDY at 8:01AM.
Students are to be picked up no later than 3:15 PM.
Dress Code
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SHIRTS Collared polo shirts ONLY in any SOLID color or Calvin Donaldson T-shirt |
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SWEATSHIRTS During colder weather, a simple, solid-colored sweatshirt or sweater without hoods or pockets may be worn over the school shirt. **Hoodies, coats and jackets may be worn to school but must be taken off and hung up at the student’s classroom once inside school. |
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PANTS
**NO athletic pants or shorts, yoga pants, biker shorts, leggings, or pajama-type pants are permitted. |
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SHOES Tennis shoes/gym shoes only. **NO flip-flops, slides, house shoes, sandals, Crocs, boots, booties, or open-toed shoes of any kind. |
Student Support Team
At Calvin Donaldson Elementary School, our Student Support Team is dedicated to helping every child succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. This team includes:
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School Counselor – Provides individual and group counseling, teaches social-emotional lessons, and supports students with conflict resolution, goal-setting, and coping strategies. Contact Mrs. Davey at davey_charity@hcde.org.
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School Social Worker – Connects families with community resources, offers support with attendance and basic needs, and works to strengthen the school–home partnership. Contact Ms. Feely at feely_sarah@hcde.org.
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Student Support Coach – Helps implement behavior and academic interventions, supports positive school culture, and partners with teachers to ensure students receive the tools and encouragement they need to thrive. Contact Ms. Bowers at bowers_shyeila@hcde.org.
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Truancy Specialist – Monitors student attendance, partners with families to reduce barriers that lead to absences, and works to ensure every student is present and engaged in learning each day. Contact Mr. Hommel at hommel_steven@hcde.org.
Together, the Student Support Team works to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Transportation
At CDES, we are very fortunate to have several daycare vans and after school program vans that are available to pick your child up if you cannot be at home when they get home.
Please understand that we do not have an after school care program and staff is off duty at 3:20 pm. If you cannot pick your child up by this time and they do not ride the bus or walk, please consider signing them up for one of the following programs, each of which have vans that pick up at the school in the afternoon:
The Bethlehem Center
South Chattanooga Recreation Center
Alton Park Child Development Center
MORNING DROP OFF
Car drop off in the morning is in the front circle near the main entrance. When you enter the drop-off loop, you may use either lane. Please pull as far forward as possible and wait for the “all clear” before your student exits the car. Wait until all students have exited their cars and are on the sidewalk before you pull away.
Students MAY NOT be dropped off in the parking lot.
AFTERNOON PICK UP
Afternoon car riders are dismissed through the loop at the back of the school. Please have your car rider tag displayed so student names can be quickly called for dismissal. Please do not drive away until all students have been loaded into cars.
Car riders MAY NOT be picked up in the school parking lot, along the street, or in the church lot across the street. ALL students who are leaving school in a car must be dismissed at the back and follow the car rider dismissal procedures.
WALKERS
All walkers will be dismissed before car and bus riders to ensure their safety. If a student is a walker, they must walk ALL THE WAY home. Students who are listed as walkers MAY NOT be picked up in a car in the parking lot, along the street, or in the church parking lot across the street. This is for student safety.
Students who are listed as walkers but get picked up in a car will be moved to the car dismissal line.
BUS & VAN RIDERS
Van riders will leave as their vans arrive.
Buses will leave as their buses arrive. Please keep in mind that buses may be delayed for a number of reasons and both pick-up and drop-off times are approximations.
TRANSPORTATION CHANGES
If you need to change your child’s method of transportation, please notify your child’s teacher or the front office as early as possible. Please indicate whether this is a temporary, one-day change or a permanent change.
EARLY DISMISSAL
There will be NO STUDENTS dismissed after 2:30 pm. The front doors will remain locked from 2:30 pm until dismissal begins to ensure a smooth and timely dismissal.
Pre-K
We are lucky to have 2 Pre-K classes here at CDE.
Each class allows for 20 students with each class having a teacher and an assistant.
Pre-K spots fill up quickly and are on a first come, first serve basis. Packets are available online at www.hcde.org for parents to complete.
You must provide the following items along with the completed application in order to secure a spot for your child:
2 proofs of residency (dated within the last 30 days)
2 proofs of income
your child’s birth certificate (certified copy)
your child’s social security card
your child’s shot record
Our House System
Students, staff, and visitors to Calvin Donaldson Elementary School are sorted into one of four houses. The House System creates a feeling of belonging and encourages building community across the school. The House System aims to foster a culture of belonging and shared responsibility, strengthen positive relationships among students, educators, and the wider community, encourage friendly competition, and recognize the contributions and achievements of all members of our community.
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House Name & Origin |
Color & Mascot | Meaning | Crest |
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Coraggio (Italian) |
Black,
Lion |
Courage |  |
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Fortaleza (Spanish) |
Green,
Bear |
Strength/
Perseverance |
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Kiongozi (Swahili) |
Purple,
Wolf |
Leadership |  |
| Salam
(Arabic) |
Gold,
Stag |
Peace/
Friendship |
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