Nicholson A–Z Parent Guide
Everything Nicholson families need to know in one convenient place. Browse alphabetically or select a topic below for important school procedures, policies, contacts, and helpful information.
Nicholson Elementary School
School information and front office contacts
1599 Shallowford Road
Marietta, GA 30066
Phone: 770-928-5573
School Hours:
7:50 a.m.–2:45 p.m.
Faith Harmeyer
Principal
Courtney Kelly
Assistant Principal
Evelyn James
SSA
Jill Colacicco
Registrar
Jill.colacicco@cobbk12.org
Kathy Breen
Secretary
Kathleen.breen@cobbk12.org
A Topics
Absences
When your child is absent from school, send an absence note the day they return.
The note should include:
- Your child’s name
- The date or dates of the absence
- A brief explanation for the absence
A doctor’s note is not required, but it is helpful information for school records. You may also respond to the CTLS message you receive.
Arrival
Students may enter the building beginning at 7:15 a.m., when staff supervision begins. No early arrivals are accepted.
Students must be in their classroom promptly at 7:45 a.m. Students arriving after that time are tardy.
A tardy student must be signed in by a parent at the front door and receive a tardy slip.
After School Program
The After School Program, or ASP, is a supervised, prepaid childcare program available every school day from dismissal until 6:00 p.m.
- Annual registration fee: $20 per child
- Daily attendance fee: $10
- Late fee after 6:00 p.m.: $1 per minute
B Topics
Backpacks
Please ensure your child brings a properly sized backpack each day for transporting homework, books, snacks, and other school materials.
Clearly label the backpack with your child’s first and last name.
- Rolling backpacks are only allowed for fourth- and fifth-grade students.
- Backpacks left at home cannot be delivered to the classroom.
Birthdays
Nicholson understands that birthdays are special. Please follow these guidelines when celebrating at school:
- All items must be purchased from a store and remain in the original packaging.
- Homemade treats are not allowed.
- Food items must be checked by the nurse before being taken to the classroom.
- Balloons, candles, outside fast food, and party favors are not permitted.
Invitations for parties held outside of school follow an all-or-nothing policy. Every student in the class must receive an invitation, or no invitations may be distributed.
Invitations may not be distributed to students in other classes or in the lunchroom.
Bus Passes
Your child may not ride a different bus home.
A child may get off at another stop with written permission from a parent. Bring the written note to the front office so office staff can complete and sign a bus pass for the driver.
C Topics
Carpool
Carpool numbers are issued through the front office and are required for students who will be picked up in afternoon carpool.
Parents should display the assigned carpool number in the vehicle’s front windshield.
If your child will ride home with another carpool family, complete a Transportation Change Form and include:
- The other student’s name
- The other family’s carpool number
Carpool runs in front of the school and through the fire lanes. Afternoon carpool begins at 2:20 p.m.
D Topics
Dismissal Changes
Any change to your child’s normal transportation method must be submitted in writing no later than 10:00 a.m.
See the Transportation and Bus Passes sections for additional information.
Early pickups must occur before 1:45 p.m. No student pickups are permitted after 1:45 p.m.
Dress Code
Students should come to school in clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for learning.
The school day includes recess, physical education, art, science lab, frequent movement, and activities that may be messy.
- Tennis shoes are recommended.
- Clothing should be appropriate for the playground and active learning.
- Dressing in layers is recommended during the winter months.
- Label all jackets and outdoor clothing with your child’s name.
E Topics
Emergency Closing
Emergency closings and delayed openings are broadcast through major radio and television stations.
If an emergency occurs during the school day, information may also be shared through:
- The CCSD website
- CCSD Mobile Alerts
- Email, when time permits
- Local radio and television
During an emergency release, individual phone calls to parents cannot be made. Nicholson will follow the instructions listed on each child’s emergency release card.
When school is closed or canceled, ASP is also closed or canceled.
Emergency Drills
Emergency drills are held throughout the school year, including:
- Fire drills
- Tornado drills
- Lockdown drills
All students participate and are expected to follow school safety procedures.
F Topics
Forgotten Items
If your child forgets their lunch or glasses, you may bring the item to school before 10:00 a.m. The office will deliver it to the classroom.
Other items will not be delivered, including:
- Water bottles
- Homework
- Projects
- Other nonessential belongings
Water-filling stations are available throughout the building.
H Topics
Homework Requests
If your child has been absent for two or more days, you may request that homework be placed in the front office.
Email your child’s teacher to make arrangements.
L Topics
Lunch
Students may purchase lunch from the cafeteria or bring lunch from home.
A monthly menu is available on the CCSD website under the Parents section.
Lunch With Your Child
Parents and approved visitors are welcome to have lunch with a student.
Visitors must:
- Bring a photo ID
- Be listed on the child’s account
- Sign in at the front office
- Wear the visitor sticker while inside the building
A visitor who is not listed in ParentVue must be accompanied by the enrolling adult or an authorized contact.
Visitors may purchase lunch from the cafeteria or bring a lunch from home.
M Topics
Medication
All medications must be checked in by a parent through the school clinic.
- Children may not bring medication for check-in on the bus.
- Medication must remain in its original container.
- The container must be labeled with the child’s name.
After the medication is checked in, the clinic will determine whether the nurse must dispense it or whether the child may carry it.
Clinic Direct Line: 770-928-5576
Meet and Greet
During the week before school begins, students and their parents have an opportunity to meet their teachers.
Families may also be able to purchase:
- Required classroom supplies that are not commonly available in stores
- Field trip T-shirts
- PTA memberships
- Calendars
- Yearbooks
N Topics
Nurse
The school nurse’s office is located just past the front office on the main hallway.
The nurse is available daily from 7:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Students may visit the nurse for persistent complaints, illnesses, or injuries. The nurse will contact a parent or guardian when needed based on the child’s symptoms.
The nurse also dispenses necessary medication during the school day. See the Medication section for medication procedures.
Clinic Direct Line: 770-928-5576
R Topics
Records Requests
Requests for student records for a doctor, tutor, or private school application require a completed Request for Confidential Records form, Form JR-3.
The completed form must be submitted to the front office.
Once the form is received, teachers and staff have three days, as allowed by state law, to complete the required assessments and paperwork.
S Topics
Signing Students In or Out
A child arriving late or returning from an appointment must be signed in by a parent at the front door.
To pick up a child for an appointment during the school day, come to the front door. It is helpful to send a note to the teacher informing them of the change.
Only individuals listed in ParentVue or OnTrack as an approved release contact may sign a child out.
The enrolling adult may provide written permission to release a child to an individual who is listed on the appropriate form.
T Topics
Transportation
Any transportation change must be communicated through a written note received no later than 10:00 a.m.
Verbal instructions cannot be followed, with one exception: keeping a child in ASP.
If a written note is not received, your child will be sent home using their usual method of transportation.
This policy is followed for the safety of all students.
Still Have Questions?
The Nicholson front office is always happy to answer questions and help families find the information they need.
Call 770-928-5573
