J. C. Sawyer Elementary
| 2007-2008 Student Handbook |
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Parents are a child’s best model for positive attitudes towards school and learning. Please encourage good work habits, responsibility, respect, and self-discipline. You can help your child be successful in school by doing the following:
Attendance All students are expected to be in attendance regularly and on time. In order to be considered “in attendance,” a student must be present in school for the school day or at a place other than the school (with the approval of the appropriate school official) for the purpose of attending an authorized school activity. Such activities may include field trips, athletic contests, student conventions, musical festivals, or any similarly approved activity. A student must be present at least one-half of the school instructional day in order to be recorded present for that day. The half day benchmark is 11:20 a.m. To have perfect attendance, a student must:
The school assumes no responsibility/liability for the supervision of unattended students prior to 7:30 a.m. or after 2:40 p.m. unless directly involved in a school-sponsored function. Please make arrangements for your plans to coincide with these hours. The district operates an After School Care Program, for a fee, until 6:00 p.m. You may contact the school office for an application.
Tardy Students arriving to school after 7:50 a.m. will be considered tardy. They should report to the office before going to the classroom. Tardy students must have a parental excuse (phone or written) for the tardy to be considered “lawful.” Parents/Guardians will receive notification of habitual tardiness in writing from the school with a copy to the attendance counselor. Students arriving on a late bus will not be counted tardy and will be allowed time to eat breakfast. Absences Lawful: (a) Court or administrative proceedings (b) Death in the immediate family ( ) Educational opportunity (d) Illness or injury (e) Medical or dental appointments (f) Quarantine (g) Religious observances Unlawful: All other absences not defined as “lawful” are unlawful. After ten consecutive days of unlawful absences, the student is withdrawn from school. Elementary School Procedures for Absences 1. A student returning from an absence should bring a written note, signed by the parent/guardian, stating the cause of the absence. If a note is not received, the absence will be recorded as unexcused. 2. A written note from the parent/guardian will excuse lawful absences only. Make-up work will be provided for the student. 3. All lawful absences in excess of ten consecutive days should be documented on official forms and signed by a physician, dentist, clinical official, court official, or other similar professionals. 4. Students receiving out-of-school suspension will be provided make-up work for assignments missed during the absence. 5. Students who are hospitalized or convalesce at home under doctor’s orders for extended periods may be placed on medical leave and receive assignments to be completed at home or receive homebound services through placement. Release of Students Pre-K-2 students will load buses at 2:20 p.m. while grades 3-5 will load buses at 2:25 p.m. The school must receive a written notification if a student will be deviating from the normal method of going home in the afternoon. If a written notice is not received or the parent/guardian is not at school to pick up the child, the student will be placed on the bus as usual. At other times, students will not be released from school unless a parent/guardian comes to school and signs them out. “Sign out” takes place in the main office. Parents/Guardians must send a note informing the teacher when a student will be leaving for an appointment (medical, dental, etc.). When the parent/guardian physically “signs out” the child, the main office will contact the teacher. Parents/Guardians are requested to remain in the office until the student arrives. Please remember, classroom instruction continues until the bell rings each day. When a student is picked up early, very important instructional time and directions are often missed. If you absolutely must leave before 2:20 p.m., the teacher must have a note indicating the need for an early dismissal. No child will be dismissed before 2:20 p.m. without a note. After School Care Program Childcare services are available for a reasonable fee. Please contact the office for details.
Emergency Contact An emergency contact name (the person to contact in case the parent/guardian cannot be reached in an emergency) must be in every student’s file. This information is requested at the time of registration and updated each August. If a child’s emergency contact changes during the year, the school office should be notified immediately. Change of Address/Telephone Number Parents/Guardians are requested to keep the school informed of any changes of address or telephone numbers. This information is necessary in case of an emergency. Unpublished telephone numbers will be kept confidential. School Delays In the event school is delayed, the same procedure as “School Closing” will be followed. Students are not to report to school before the announced opening time. Bus schedules will run according to time delays. One-hour delay, breakfast will be served. Two-hour delay, breakfast will not be served. School Closing In the event of extremely bad weather, school system officials will address the concern of opening or closing schools. These officials are primarily concerned with the safety and welfare of all students and staff. In order to accomplish this efficiently and with maximum coverage, the following news medium are notified: Radio Stations Television Stations Website WGAI 560 AM WTKR, Channel 3 www.ecpps.k12.nc.us WKJX 96 FM WAVY, Channel 10 WRSF 105.7 FM School System, Channel 8 WRVS 89.9 FM WXBO 1260 AM All of these agencies will be contacted immediately upon a decision to close schools early and by 6:30 a.m. if school is canceled in the morning. The school system has provided a phone system that will notify parents on school closure. However, it is VERY important that the school has a current phone number for the phone system to be effective. IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY ANNOUNCEMENT, SCHOOL WILL OPEN ON SCHEDULE.
Homework 1. Homework will be assigned, expected to be completed, and returned on the next day or on the day requested. 2. Students having problems completing an assignment must show evidence of an “effort” to complete the assignment. Further explanations will be offered if an assignment was not understood. 3. Parents will be notified if homework is not done continuously (at least three consecutive times). This warrants after school detention. Textbooks Textbooks are furnished free of charge; however, each student assigned a textbook will be held responsible for its care during the period of assignment. Normal wear and tear is considered appropriate. The pupil to whom they were issued must pay for all lost, damaged, or defaced books. This same policy applies to student use of library books. Outstanding Fees Report cards will be held for any fees owed to the school for textbooks, library books, cafeteria fees, or other applicable charges. Media Center The media center provides each K-5 student with a sequential program of media skills. Students are encouraged to check out library books throughout the year. Students are asked to pay for lost or damaged materials. Money is refunded if both the material and receipt are returned. Report cards are held at the end of the year for any unpaid fees. Physical Education The physical education teacher coordinates a well-planned program in assistance with classroom teachers. All students must wear sneakers/tennis shoes during PE class. A medical statement signed by a doctor must be sent to school in order to excuse students from physical activity for an extended period of time. A note must be received from the parent to excuse a student for an abbreviated period of time. Field Trips Students must have parental permission in writing before they are allowed to go on any school field trip. Any school trip, no matter how near/far, is considered to be under the policies and behavior standards established by the school and the board of education. Students must prove they can conduct themselves in an acceptable manner in order to participate in such activities.
Student Records Under the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, parents, legal guardians, and students are provided certain rights concerning educational records. Education records are available for review by parents, legal guardians or students above the age of 18. Records may be disclosed to other persons only if the parent, legal guardian or the student over 18 years old signs a release or a court subpoenas the records. Parents, legal guardians or students over the age of 18 may obtain copies of any and all information in the educational records at $.10 per page. Parents/Guardians have the right to request that the school correct records believed to be inaccurate or misleading.
Grading and Reporting Policy The school operates on a 9-week grading period. Report cards will be distributed during parent conferences held at the first and third grading periods. Report cards will be sent home by the students for the second grading period and mailed for the fourth grading period. The dates for distribution of report cards are established in the school calendar. Dates are generally seven working days following the end of the grading period. Interim Reports The interim report distribution dates are established in the school calendar. The report is to be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to the teacher by the student. This will insure that parents/guardians receive the report. Requirements for Promotion (NC Public Schools) North Carolina has new promotion requirements for all students in grades 3, 5, 8 and for students to graduate from high school. The Student Accountability Standards require all students to perform at grade level work in reading, writing and mathematics. Working at grade level means that you scored Level III on the end-of-grade test in both reading and mathematics. Students in grades five and eight are also required to score a Level III on the end-of-grade science state test. The end-of-grade tests for reading, mathematics and sciences are given in May of each year. Students in grades four and seven take the NC State Writing Test. The passing score is at least 2.5. This state test is given in March of each year. Each local school district has the right to add their requirements to the standards adopted by the State. The principal or teacher can explain if your district has local standards in addition to the State standards.
Child Nutrition Research indicates that nutritious, well-balanced meals improve student performance. Breakfast and lunch are available to all students in the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public School System. If school is delayed one hour, breakfast will be served. If school is delayed two hours, breakfast will not be served. Lunch menus are printed in the Sunday edition of The Daily Advance, displayed on Channel 8 and on the school system’s website (www.ecpps.k12.nc.us), and they are broadcast on area radio stations. In addition to the regular menu, a salad bar is available. During cold weather, hot soup and sandwiches are also available. Students may want to bring lunch from home. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to send healthy lunches that include vegetable strips and fresh fruit. Easy-open packages and containers will be a great help for teachers who spend a large part of their lunch periods assisting our younger children. We highly recommend you send drinks in non-glass containers and foods that do not require refrigeration. Parents/Guardians are welcome to have lunch with students in our cafeteria. We discourage parents from bringing “fast food” to the school unless the whole class is involved. Lunch schedules are available from the classroom teachers. Breakfast, lunch, milk, ice cream, etc. can be paid for on a weekly or monthly basis. Please send a note to your child’s teacher indicating the amount enclosed and for what you are paying. Checks should be made payable to J.C. Sawyer Cafeteria. Prices Breakfast Lunch Student $1.00 Student $1.60 Reduced Price .30 Reduced Price .40 Adult $ 1.50 Adult (staff) $2.75 Adult (non-staff) $4.00 Ice Cream .60 Additional milk .60 Application forms for free and reduced price meals are available in the school office. Applications for the program must be made each year and a form must be completed for each child in the family. Students who forget lunch money may charge lunch or breakfast. Students with cafeteria accounts exceeding $5.00 will be served a sandwich and milk until the account is paid.
Immunizations 1. The North Carolina Immunization Law requires that all students be immunized. Students in grades K-12 must show evidence of at least: 5 DTP/DT shots (if 4th dose is after 4th birthday, 5th dose is not Required) 4 Oral Polio Vaccine doses (if 3rd dose is after 4th birthday, 4th dose is not required) 1 Hib-at least 1 Hib on/after 1st birthday and before 5 years of age (not required after age 5) 2 MMR doses (1st dose on/after 1st birthday) ` 3 Hepatitis B doses (if child was born on or after July 1, 1994) 2. Students who are sick should not be sent to school. 3. Parents/Guardians will be contacted if students become too ill to properly function in the classroom.
Medications School personnel cannot administer medication to students unless we have received a medication form properly completed and signed by the doctor. The medication must be received in an appropriately labeled container. In fairness to those giving the medication and to protect the safety of your child, there will be no exceptions to this policy. 1. You may come to school and give the medication to your child at the appropriate time(s). 2. You may obtain a copy of a medication form from the school nurse or school secretary. Take the form to your child’s doctor and have him/her complete this form by listing the medication(s) needed, dosage, and number of times per day the medication is to be administered. The physician must complete and sign this form for prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Prescription medicines must be brought to school in a pharmacy-labeled bottle that contains instructions on how and when the medication is to be given. Over-the-counter drugs must be received in the original container and will be administered according to the doctor’s written instructions. 3. You may discuss with your doctor an alternative schedule for administering medication (e.g., outside of school hours). Insurance The school board does not provide coverage for accidents that occur at school. Low-cost student accident insurance is made available through an independent insurance agency. Application forms may be obtained from your child’s teacher or the school office.
Discipline Teachers have the authority and responsibility to maintain discipline in the classroom. School discipline policies will be established and consistently enforced. When a student is having a problem, the teacher may conference with the student, conference with the parent, use classroom disciplinary procedures, or refer the situation directly to the building principal. Education is the primary purpose of a public school. In order for teachers to teach and for students to learn, an atmosphere conducive to learning must be consistently maintained. This atmosphere is accomplished through the development of well-ordered, appropriate behavior in the school setting and is essential in creating a quality learning environment, promoting quality instruction and reaching quality educational goals. Parents and school should work together to teach positive discipline practices to our students. At the school level, good decision making and conflict management are stressed through class meetings, Kelso’s Choices, and teaching the Positive Behavior Matrix, which is displayed on the back of this handbook. In the end, school and home working together will enhance the overall school climate and learning. Strategies such as in-school detention, after-school detention, placement with a buddy teacher, out-of-school suspension, and mandatory parent conferences are used as more stringent measures for addressing behavioral infractions.
Staff 1. Parents and students can expect the staff to model and teach students appropriate behavior. 2. Parents and students can expect the staff to make every effort possible to provide students with quality class work on a daily basis. Quality work is defined as work that is challenging, novel, and related to the real world. It is given in an environment that protects students from negative consequences for initial failure. Students are provided with choice and receive positive affirmation. Modifications are provided to meet the needs of all students, including children with special needs. 3. Parents and students can expect school staff to provide a caring, respectful learning environment. No student will be humiliated or embarrassed in front of others. 4. Parents and students can expect school staff to never place a student in a situation that is not adequately supervised. Breach of Contract Breach of Contract of these expectations will be addressed as a disciplinary matter with staff. Parents 1. Teachers can expect parents to be their child’s primary teachers. 2. Teachers can expect parents to work collaboratively with school staff. 3. Teachers can expect parents to ensure that students arrive at school on time, prepared to learn. 4. Teachers can expect parents to teach their child to behave appropriately. Breach of Contract Breach of contract by parents will result in their child either being removed or not allowed to enter the learning environment. For example, children who normally take medicine to control their behavior and arrive to school not properly medicated and unable to function in a classroom will be held in a non-classroom location until parents can return to pick them up. Students 1. Parents and teachers can expect students to make every effort to learn. 2. Parents and teachers can expect students to demonstrate appropriate behaviors at all times. 3. Parents and teachers can expect students to never do anything that will place themselves or others in a dangerous situation. 4. Parents and teachers can expect students to attend school regularly and work diligently to succeed academically. Breach of Contract Students not meeting these expectations will lose control of their educational future. They will be removed from class, school, or the school system, as deemed necessary. Dress Code J.C. Sawyer Elementary School recognizes its responsibility and obligation to provide an educational environment conducive to good behavior and to the creation of a good educational atmosphere in the school. While we are concerned about fashion and comfort in student dress, we are also concerned about the health and safety, modesty, distracting influences, and instructional progress of students. Although student dress and grooming are the personal responsibility of the student and his/her parents, students are expected to exercise good taste. All students are expected to dress appropriately for the occasion; extreme or distracting apparel or appearance is to be avoided. Based on this statement, the following student dress and grooming code will be in effect:
Parents will be contacted immediately and asked to bring appropriate clothing to school if students fail to follow the J.C. Sawyer Dress Code.
Buses and Bus Conduct Please refer to the system Guide for Parents and Students for specific rules and regulations for riding buses. Keep in mind that riding a bus is a privilege, not a right. It is absolutely necessary that students follow rules of good conduct and obey the driver. Video cameras will be placed on buses to monitor student behavior. It is against state law for any unauthorized person (student or adult) to board a bus. Communication with bus drivers should be handled through the school administration. The following rules have been established in order to insure the safety of all students who ride buses: 1. Use only the bus and bus stop assigned. 2. Orderly behavior is required at the bus stop. 3. Remain seated, facing front, when the bus is in motion. 4. Talk quietly and do not make any unnecessary noise. 5. Do not talk to the driver unless it is necessary. 6. Keep head and arms inside the bus. 7. Do not litter inside the bus or throw anything out the window. 8. Be quiet when the bus is crossing railroad tracks.
Parking and Traffic Patterns Persons bringing students to school should be aware of traffic patterns. Parents/Guardians who drop off students each morning will proceed to the crosswalk on either side and drop students off. Students should come to the crosswalk area and cross (Do not walk or run down the driving lane). Parents who need to come in should park in the parking lot or on either the left or right side of the crosswalk that is on the flagpole side. During the afternoon, Pre-K-2nd grade students who are car riders will be picked up from the porch side near the entrance. Third through fifth grade students who are car riders will be picked up from the cafeteria area. Younger siblings who have brothers/sisters in Grades 3-5 should wait with the older siblings for pick up. Please do not leave cars unattended nor with children left in them. The safety of our students is crucial. The speed limit on our school campus is 5 mph. Fire and Tornado Drills Emergency drills are held monthly. Instructions are posted in each classroom indicating how to leave the building and where to report. Students should become familiar with this procedure. Teachers will teach and review safety procedures throughout the school year. Students must be serious during the drills. Vandalism and Property Damage The construction and maintenance of our school buildings and their contents are a cost to the tax payers. Students who destroy or vandalize school property will be required to pay for loss or damage they inflict. If students willfully destroy school property, suspension and subsequent expulsion from school may be necessary. If a student happens to damage school property by accident, s/he should report it to a teacher or to the office immediately. Visitor Regulations Welcome, Visitors! Visits should be scheduled, however, so that instruction is not interrupted. Upon entering the building, all visitors must first report to the main office, sign in, and receive a visitor’s pass. All students must be checked out through the office before leaving school at any time other than afternoon dismissal. Teachers have been requested not to release students unless notified by the office. This is done in an effort to insure the safety and well being of all students. In an effort to minimize the lost of instructional time, cellular phones are not permitted to be used while in the classroom. PLEASE turn your cellular phone off before entering your child’s room. Lost and Found All personal belongings of students should be labeled with name, address, and telephone number. This is especially important in jackets, sweaters, lunch boxes, and book bags.
Radios/Cellular Phone/CD/DVD/MP3 and/or Electronic Game Players These items should not be brought to school. If these items are lost while at school, it is NOT the responsibility of the school. Any radio/cellular phone/CD/DVD /MP3 and/or Electronic Game player brought to school may be confiscated by staff members and returned to the student at the staff member’s discretion. Telephone and Messages School office phones are for office use only. Students will not be allowed to use the office/classroom phones for personal calls except in an emergency and with staff permission. Parents need to let children know what to do and where to go daily. Students will not be allowed to use the phone after school. Changes in afternoon transportation will not be made without a written note from parents/guardians. We will be unable to deliver messages to students regarding transportation unless an emergency occurs. The time before dismissal is an extremely busy in the office. Because of that, we will not be able to guarantee that we can answer the phones between 1:30 – 2:45. Bicycles We suggest that students record their bicycle serial numbers. When traveling to and from school, students must obey all traffic regulations. Students should put a lock on their bicycles and lock the bicycle to the bicycle rack. Walking Students Students who walk to school should come straight to school, remain on the sidewalks at all times, and cross only at designated crosswalks. The school crossing guard will assist walking students at busy intersections. Remember the safety rules and walk with a friend and never accept a ride with a stranger. |