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, Administrative Clerk, Instructional Specialist.
Principal:
Cherryl C. Matthews
Program: Developmentally Delayed, & 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.
Total Enrollment for 2009 -2010: 215
School Start Time: 8:30am
School Ends: 3:25pm
After School Care: Yes, 2nd Grade -TANF ASFA, & 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grades iLEAP/LEAP tutorial
Monday - Thursday 3:30pm - 5:15pm
School Performance Score: 63.6
School Performance Label: One Star
School Mission:
"Goal directed in our Golden Year!"
Important Upcoming Dates:
Mardi Gras Holiday - 2/15/2010 through 2/16/2010
Early Dismissal (Staff Development) - 2/17/2010
End of the 3rd Nine Weeks - 3/11/2010
Report Cards go Home - 3/22/2010
Easter/Spring Break - 3/29/2010 through 4/5/2010
iLEAP / LEAP Testing - 4/12/2010 through 4/16/2010


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.

Fees and Payments
All fees and payments must be made in cash or money order. NO CHECKS ACCEPTED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
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.
No person is allowed to visit a student’s classroom unless there is specific permission of the parent or guardian in writing. The presence of the principal or her designee may be a condition of visitation. This will require advance notice for a classroom visit.
Visiting Procedures
All visitors must first sign in at the office and apply a visitor tag to the front of their clothing where it can easily be seen. 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. Not doing so and applying a tag will result in a report to school security (sheriff’s substation).
High school and middle school students are not permitted in the building unless accompanied by a parent.
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 remain "Goal directed in our Golden Year!"
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 day in advance

Telephone/Communication Policy
Students will be afforded the use of the telephone for real ‘needs’, such as illness. They will not be allowed to unnecessarily tie up the school lines.
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
In this modern age of cellular phone, we recognize that telephone numbers change frequently. 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