Polk Elementary School, built in 1960, is located in the heart of the historic "Old South Baton Rouge" neighborhood, physically located at 408 East Polk St., in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. There are approximately 215 students currently enrolled in grades PK-5. Our faculty consist of 12 Classroom Teachers, 2 Special Education Teachers, 2 Speech Therapists, Librarian, Math Coach, Reading Coach, Art Instructor, Physical Education Instructor, 3 Reading Interventionists, Nurse, Timeout Room Moderator, Cafeteria Staff, Custodian, and 3 Paraeducators. Polk’s Administrative staff includes the Principal, Executive Secretary, Guidance Counselor, Administrative Clerk, and Instructional Specialist.
Principal:
Cherryl C. Matthews
Programs: Developmentally Delayed, Special Options Academy & PreK - 5th Grades
At Polk Elementary, you can count on a superior, quality education that will develop and enhance the academic, social, emotional, and physical characteristics of each student.
School Start Time: 8:30am
School Ends: 3:25pm
School Performance Score: (2009-2010) 60.6 (2010-2011) 65.3
School Performance Label: One Star
School Mission:
"Polk Elementary: Empowering students to reach their full potential in our emerald era!"
Important Upcoming Dates:
First Day of School for Teachers - 8/9/2010
First Day of School for Students- 8/11/2010
Fall Open House - 8/26/2010
Labor Day Holiday (No School) - 9/6/2010
There is no adult supervision for students before 8:00 a.m. Please do not ‘drop off’ students before 8:00 a.m., nor should walk-in students arrive before 8:00 a.m.
Carpool/Picking up students
Parents and others are asked to NOT park in the bus lane at any time. This is a loading zone for deliveries throughout the day. Please park in one of the visitor's parking spaces or along Thomas Delpit Dr. when coming into the building.
At dismissal, all persons picking up students by car are asked to remain in their vehicle, in the line along Thomas Delpit Dr. and pull up to the side gate.
PLEASE DO NOT PARK, THEN COME TO THE BUILDING AND WALK STUDENTS BETWEEN CARS TO THE STREET. This is very hazardous.
All automobiles are to be in a single line along Thomas Delpit Dr. Do not pass or pull around other cars unless directed to do so by school personnel.
Anyone creating a dangerous situation by not following procedures will be reported to school security (Sheriff).
If you arrive at school after 3:00, please get into the carpool line and do not block the bus driveway.
No student can be checked out after 3:00 p.m.
Can I visit my child's classroom?
Custodial parents and legal guardians are welcome to visit classrooms for observations by appointment only any time after 11:00am!! Please limit the visit to 15 minutes and refrain from engaging in conversation in the classroom. If a conference is needed with the teacher, please leave a message and the teacher will contact you.
Visiting Procedures
All visitors must first sign in at the office and affix a visitor tag to the front of their clothing where it is easily visible. All visitors must sign out before leaving.
Any persons entering the building will be asked to sign in at the school check-in computer located outside the attendance office. When signing in, click on visitor and following the on-screen prompts. Once you click done a visitor's badge will print inside the attendance office. Any unauthorized visitations will result in a report to school security (sheriff’s substation).
Tutoring Programs
For the past years, Polk Elementary has been fortunate to offer tutoring free of charge to all 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade students. Student receive extended instruction, a snack, and a ride home. All tutors are highly qualified instructor from the Polk Family. If you are interested in your child participating, please stop by the front office and pickup an application. We encourage every child to participate so that we can continue to "empower our students to reach their full potential in our emerald era!"
School Parties and Trips
School system policy allows for two class parties each school year, one before winter holidays and one at the end of the year. No other class periods can be used for parties.
Class field trips are scheduled as a part of instruction. Parents must give written permission for a student to participate. Small fees may be charged for trips.
No student birthday parties can be scheduled before 2:00pm and must have permission of the classroom teacher as well as Principal at least 2 days in advance
Telephone/Communication Policy
Students cannot receive telephone calls in the office.
No unauthorized persons will be allowed to speak to any student, or to communicate in writing.
Up-to-Date Contact Information
If your telephone number has changed recently, please notify the school immediately. This is a safety precaution. In the event of an emergency we will need a valid contact number!
Be sure to check out our Parental Involvement Page for very important information on how you can get involved at Polk Elementary School. Also be sure to check out our school Newsletters, and upcoming activities or events section for events involving you, our dear parents. Come on by and check us out!
Education is the guardian genius of democracy.
It is the only dictator that free men recognize,
and the only ruler that free men require.
Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar
