All students deserve a champion.
About Our School
Orchard Knob Elementary
About Our School
Building a welcoming school community where every student is known, valued, and empowered to thrive.
1
Our Mission
Our Purpose
The mission of Orchard Knob Elementary is to create a welcoming and structured environment that nurtures curiosity and promotes academic, social, and emotional success.
2
Our Vision
Orchard Knob Elementary is committed to empowering students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a competitive society.
3
Our Beliefs
- All students must be academically, socially, and emotionally prepared to lead productive lives.
- Our students must have the skills and knowledge to become life-long learners and participants in our society.
- Parents and community stakeholders are essential partners of teachers and students at Orchard Knob Elementary.
- Every student deserves the right to receive high-quality, data-driven instruction delivered by highly effective teachers who apply best practices that are grounded in research.
4
Core Values
All students deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
All students can learn and will thrive.
5
Academic Focus
Our instructional program helps students develop the essential literacy and thinking skills needed for success in school and beyond.
Read Effectively
Think Creatively & Critically
Write Logically
6
Location
Orchard Knob Elementary School is located on Orchard Knob Avenue, bordered by East Third and East Fourth streets.
7
Our History
1902
The school originally opened on North Holly Street as Tenth District School.
1904
The school moved to its current site and was renamed Orchard Knob because of its proximity to the historic Orchard Knob Reservation, a significant Civil War battle site.
Leadership and Early Education
- First Principal: Professor John Williams.
- Grades: The school initially served grades one through twelve.
- Early Enrollment: Students who could read were placed in first grade, while those who could not were placed in the “charcoal class,” similar to today’s kindergarten.
Significant Events
- Fire Incident: The original building burned down during Mr. Billingsley’s tenure as principal and was subsequently replaced.
- 1962: Orchard Knob became a city school when the community was incorporated into Chattanooga.
Physical and Educational Changes
- 1945: The school began serving grades one through nine.
- 1968: New classrooms were added.
- Current Facility: The building now includes thirty-two classrooms, a gymnasium, a cafeteria/auditorium, and a kitchen equipped to serve all students.
- 1989: Orchard Knob merged with Highland Park Elementary and now serves grades Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade.
8
School Leadership
Principal
Ms. Vonetta Maston
Assistant Principals
Dr. Megan Bray
Dr. Anthony Goss
Dr. Anthony Goss
9
Faculty and Staff
Faculty
- 26 classroom teachers
- Three ENL teachers
- Five exceptional education teachers
- STEM/eLab teacher
- Media Specialist
- Music teacher
- Physical education teacher
- One school counselor
- One instructional coach
- RTI specialist
- Speech teacher
- SEAD Coach
- Social worker
- Truancy specialist
- School psychologist
Additional Staff
- Secretary
- Clerical assistant
- Bookkeeper
- Behavior Specialist
- Community Forward specialist
- Two permanent substitute teachers
- Three Interventionists
- Five Educational Assistants
- Eight cafeteria workers
- Four custodial staff
Handbook
Orchard Knob Elementary
Parent-Student Handbook
Our Parent-Student Handbook contains important information about school procedures, student expectations, family resources, and ways we can work together to support every student.
Nuestro Manual para Padres y Estudiantes contiene información importante sobre los procedimientos escolares, las expectativas estudiantiles y los recursos disponibles para las familias.
English Version
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Parent-Student Handbook
English Parent-Student Handbook
For easier reading on a phone or tablet, open the handbook in the full-screen Google Drive PDF viewer.
View English Handbook
Versión en Español
Abrir en Pantalla Completa
Manual para Padres y Estudiantes
Manual para Padres y Estudiantes
Para facilitar la lectura en un teléfono o tableta, abra el manual en el visor de PDF de Google Drive.
Ver el Manual en EspañolDress Code
Orchard Knob Elementary
Student Dress Code
Creating a Positive and Respectful Learning Environment
Our dress code helps create a safe, focused, and respectful learning environment for every student. Please use the visual guides below when selecting clothing and shoes for school.
Shirts and Outerwear
- Students may wear any solid-colored collared shirt.
- Collared shirts may have long or short sleeves.
- Students may wear a solid-colored sweater or sweatshirt.
- Hoodies may not be worn inside the building and should be hung up when entering the classroom.
Pants, Shorts, Skirts, and Jumpers
- Approved colors are khaki, navy, gray, and black.
- Shorts, skirts, and jumpers must be approximately knee length.
- Tights may be worn underneath skirts.
- Jeggings, leggings, yoga pants, joggers, sweatpants, and running pants are not permitted.
Shoes
- Students should wear casual or athletic shoes.
- Shoes must fully enclose the heels and toes.
- Shoes should be safe for classroom learning, recess, physical activity, and movement throughout the school.
- Slides, sandals, flip-flops, house shoes, Crocs, and mules are not permitted.
Not Permitted
- Hoodies, hats, and other head coverings may not be worn inside the building.
- Joggers, sweatpants, and running pants are not permitted.
- Slides, sandals, flip-flops, house shoes, Crocs, and mules are not permitted.
- Clothing with rips, tears, or holes is not permitted.
Behavior Expectations - ROAR
Orchard Knob Elementary
ROAR Behavior Expectations
Respectful. On Task. Accountable. Responsible.
All students have the right to learn in a safe and orderly environment. Because our school mascot is the lion, we use the acronym ROAR to teach and reinforce clear, student-friendly expectations throughout the school day.
1
What ROAR Means
These four expectations guide how students learn, interact, solve problems, and care for our school community.
R
Respectful
Be kind to people and places.
O
On Task
Focus and do what you are here to do.
A
Accountable
Own your choices and make things right.
R
Responsible
Follow procedures, stay safe, and take care of our school.
2
Schoolwide ROAR Guide
Use the guide below to review the schoolwide expectations students practice in classrooms and shared spaces.
ROAR expectations are explicitly taught, modeled, practiced, and reinforced throughout the school year.
3
ROAR Throughout the School Day
Expectations may look slightly different in each school setting, but every student is expected to be Respectful, On Task, Accountable, and Responsible.
1
ROAR in the Morning
R
Respectful
Say “Good morning.” Use a kind voice.
O
On Task
Go to your morning spot. Listen during morning meeting.
A
Accountable
Bring your backpack and materials. Be ready to start the day.
R
Responsible
Follow morning procedures. Put your belongings where they belong.
2
ROAR in the Classroom
R
Respectful
Use kind words and actions with classmates and teachers. Listen when others are speaking.
O
On Task
Focus on your work. Participate fully and complete your tasks.
A
Accountable
Come prepared with what you need. Own your choices and fix mistakes.
R
Responsible
Follow directions the first time. Take care of materials and your learning space.
3
ROAR in the Bathroom
R
Respectful
Give others privacy. Use a quiet voice.
O
On Task
Go in and out quickly. Return to class right away.
A
Accountable
Use the restroom correctly. Tell an adult if there is a problem.
R
Responsible
Flush, wash your hands, and throw away trash. Help keep the restroom clean.
4
ROAR in the Hallway
R
Respectful
Walk quietly. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
O
On Task
Stay on the right. Go straight to your destination.
A
Accountable
Stop and listen to adults. Make a better choice when redirected.
R
Responsible
Walk safely and stay with your group. Help keep the hallway clear.
5
ROAR in the Cafeteria
R
Respectful
Use polite words and a calm voice. Include others and use good manners.
O
On Task
Stay in your seat. Eat your food and follow routines.
A
Accountable
Listen and respond to directions. Clean up any mess you make.
R
Responsible
Throw away your trash. Pick up after yourself.
6
ROAR on the Playground
R
Respectful
Include others. Play fairly and show good sportsmanship.
O
On Task
Follow the game rules. Play safely and stay active.
A
Accountable
Stop and listen at the signal. Solve problems peacefully.
R
Responsible
Use equipment safely. Return equipment and keep the playground clean.
7
ROAR in the Gym
R
Respectful
Play fairly. Encourage others and wait your turn.
O
On Task
Participate in the activity. Listen and follow directions.
A
Accountable
Give your best effort. Accept feedback and make good choices.
R
Responsible
Use equipment safely. Return equipment to its place.
8
ROAR in the Office
R
Respectful
Use kind words when speaking to staff. Use a calm, respectful voice.
O
On Task
Stay seated while waiting. Use a quiet voice.
A
Accountable
Listen for directions. Respond quickly and appropriately.
R
Responsible
Clean up after yourself. Return to class promptly.
9
ROAR on the Stairs
R
Respectful
Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Give others space.
O
On Task
Walk on the right side. Move safely and keep going.
A
Accountable
Stop when an adult asks. Follow directions right away.
R
Responsible
Use the handrail. Walk carefully to prevent accidents.
10
ROAR at Dismissal
R
Respectful
Use kind words and thank your teacher or bus driver. Wait patiently and respectfully.
O
On Task
Go straight to your dismissal spot. Stay with your group and listen for directions.
A
Accountable
Have your backpack and belongings. Know how you are getting home.
R
Responsible
Follow safety rules. Walk with control and keep your area orderly.
4
Working Together
Help Every Student ROAR
Families can support our school by reviewing these expectations at home and encouraging students to make respectful, focused, accountable, and responsible choices each day.
