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STOCKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PARENT / SCHOLARS HANDBOOK

2013-2014

Erin Swanson, Principal

Amy Pearce, Assistant Principal

400 W. Hope Lodge Street

Tarboro, NC 27886 Phone: 252-823-2632

Fax: 252-823-7834

Edgecombe County Public Schools Vision:

Focused, Connected, Ready

Edgecombe County Public Schools Mission: The Edgecombe County Public School community will collaborate to graduate all

students ready to achieve success in a rapidly changing world.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE Letter from the Administration 3

Annual Notice: Access to Student Records 4

Student Directory Info 5

Bell Schedule 5

Inclement Weather 6

Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO) 7

Important Information 8-9

Student Information Form 10

Medicine Dispensing 11

Student Discipline & Code of Conduct 12-23

Transportation 24-26

Student Library Procedures 26

Promotion & Retention / “Read to Achieve” 26

Destruction Policy for Special Education Records__________________________ 28

Breakfast and Lunch Programs 28-31

Attendance – BOE Policy 4170 32

School Board Policies 32

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STOCKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 400 W. Hope Lodge Street

Tarboro, North Carolina 27886 Phone (252) 823-2632 Fax (252) 823-7834 “Student Success - Our Key to the Future”

Erin Swanson, Principal Amy Pearce, Assistant Principal

Dear Parents and Students: We would like to welcome you to Stocks Elementary School! The faculty at Stocks Elementary is proud of the outstanding academic program we offer, and we know that you will partner with us to ensure that your child receives an excellent education. The Parent Teacher Organization at Stocks is very active and would enjoy having you as a volunteer, as would our teachers. We are excited to have you join us here at Stocks and to see you out in the community, as there are so many important ways that we can work together to support our scholars and our schools. Our goals at Stocks Elementary School are to ensure that each student makes significant growth in all areas, and that every student feels loved, respected, and encouraged to find their special gifts and talents. We want Stocks to be the best place in North Carolina to work and to learn, and our team is committed to this vision. As such, our teachers and administrators will always be available to discuss your child‟s academic progress and their experience at Stocks. We welcome your feedback and are eager to work with you. We look forward to an extraordinary school year together! Sincerely, Erin Swanson Principal Amy Pearce Assistant Principal

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ANNUAL NOTICE RE: PARENT RIGHTS OF ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS

Each year parents and students are reminded of the student records policy of Edgecombe County Administrative Unit. Parents of students or 18-year-old students who wish to review any or all of the school records pertaining to the student should contact the principal for an appointment. The records will be reviewed with school personnel. Parents may have a copy of the records for a standard copying fee of ten cents (.10) per page. If parents or adult students believe something in the records is inaccurate or misleading, they may request that it be corrected or they may have comments added to the record. If the principal and the parent adult cannot agree, the latter may contact the Superintendent for a hearing. Records will not be released to most persons or agencies without the written consent of the parent or eligible student. Nonetheless it is the policy of Edgecombe County Administrative Unit to forward school records, without consent, to schools in another unit to which a student transfers. This is to facilitate the prompt placement of the student in the new school. However, parents may request a copy of the record. Similarly, without consent, the unit forwards transcripts, or other information requested by high school students, to colleges and the other educational institutions to which the students are applying. It is the policy of the Edgecombe County Administrative Unit to destroy information of a sensitive nature (e.g., exceptional children‟s records) five years after a student graduates or one year after a non-graduate reaches 21 years of age. However, parents may request that such sensitive information be destroyed immediately after it is determined that a student is no longer in need of special services. In rare instances, these records may be needed by the student or the parents for social security benefits or other similar purposes. Especially in these situations, the parents or the student may wish to secure a copy of these records for their files. Also, federal law permits a school to identify certain information as “directory information” which may be publicly released without permission of the parents. Edgecombe County Administrative Unit identifies this information as the following: name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, diplomas and awards received, and the most recent previous school attended. Any parent or eligible student who objects to the release of any or all of this information without consent must make written notification to the principal of the school where the records are kept within 15 days of the opening day of school in the fall semester. The objection must state what information the parent of student does not want to be classified as directory information. If we do not receive notice by that date, we will assume that you have no objection to the release of such information. We believe that it is in the student‟s best interest to him/her. We make every reasonable effort to protect our students‟ privacy. For example, it is our policy not to release information to businesses for commercial purposes, and we do not release information to individuals without good reason. Therefore, most parents do not restrict the release of directory information. For a complete copy of the Edgecombe County Administrative Unit‟s student record policy, contact your school principal. Parents who have questions or concerns about the student record policy may direct them to the principal, the Superintendent, or the U.S. Department of Education. Legal Ref.: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20USC 1232g); 34CFR Part 99

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STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The Edgecombe County Board of Education is hereby giving notice to the parents of students who will attend or have attended Edgecombe County Schools that the following directory information about students may be released to qualified persons or organizations upon approval of the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent for Personnel: student‟s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, participation in activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, graduation status, and awards received. Persons not wishing to have this information about them or their children released will be allowed five school days upon completion of publication of this ad to inform the child‟s school or school system in writing that any or all of the information designated should not be released without prior consent.

STOCKS ELEMENTARY BELL SCHEDULE

Student Drop Off: 7:30 am

Bus Arrival: 7:45 am

School Start: 8:15 am

School Dismissal: 3:15 pm

Early Release: 12:15 pm

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CANCELLATION OR DELAYED OPENING OF SCHOOLS DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

In the event inclement weather necessitates the altering of the school day or the school calendar, the following guidelines will be used: Cancellation:

1. A decision to cancel school or open late will be made by the superintendent by 6:30 a.m.

2. Decisions on school closings, late openings, and early dismissals will be made by the Superintendent. If it becomes necessary to adjust the schedule, the following media will be notified as soon as possible.

TV STATIONS _________RADIO STATIONS__________ WRAL – TV 5 WCPS 760 AM WRDU 106 FM WITN – TV 7 WGTM 590 AM WRQM 90.9 FM WTVD – TV 11 WPTF 680 AM WRSN 93.9 FM WNCN – TV 17 WVOT 1420 AM WRSV 92.1 FM WRDC – TV 28 WDLX 93.0 AM WSAY 98.5 FM Cox Cable Channel 3 WQDR 94.7 WZRU 96.3 FM

WEQR 102.3 FM WTRG 100.7 FM WDCG 105 FM FOXY 104.3 FM WNCT 107.9 FM FOXY 107.1 FM WRAL 101.5 FM WRHI 96.3 FM WERO 93.3 FM By dialing the What‟s Happening Line 823-5800 you can hear a message regarding the

day's weather decision for your school system. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL FOR THIS INFORMATION. We cannot make a decision about closing school.

3. Generally, any school day(s) lost will be made up from the holiday/leave days in the

school calendar. Unless advised otherwise, personnel at school level have the option to work on days when school is cancelled.

4. If school is closed or cancelled, all school activities are cancelled. Delayed Opening: 5. In the event of delayed opening, the school principal shall insure that buildings will be

open at the normal time and that there is adequate supervision of students who must arrive early due to family circumstances.

6. Staff members are expected to report to the schools at the normal time. Bus drivers will

adjust their departure times to coincide with the delayed opening for school. 7. If there is a delayed opening of school, breakfast will not be served. Without notice from the Superintendent‟s office, we assume a normal school schedule.

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PARENT / TEACHER ORGANIZATION INFORMATION

PTO OFFICERS

OFFICE NAME

President Tyronda Whitaker

Vice-President TBD*

Secretary TBD*

Treasurer TBD*

Box Tops TBD*

*The PTO Officers will be elected at the first PTO Meeting.

This information will be sent home to parents.

2013-2014 PTO MEETING DATES All Meetings Scheduled for 6:30 pm

DATE PROGRAM

August 28 Executive Board and Administration (5:20 pm)

September 19 PTO Elections / Opening Meeting

October 17 PTO – K Showcase

December 12 PTO – 1st grade Showcase

February 13 PTO – 2nd grade Showcase

March 13 PTO – 3rd grade Showcase

April 10 PTO – Chorus Showcase

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STOCKS IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. Students riding with parents or walking should not arrive on the grounds before 7:30. Under no circumstances should a child be left on the campus prior to 7:30, as there is no adult on the campus prior to that time assigned to supervise them.

2. Students must be picked up at 3:15.

3. Procedures for Class Visits and Observations Parent visitors who wish to observe classroom instruction should contact the school and request the classroom visit at least one day prior to their visit. This allows teachers the opportunity to check school and class schedules for potential conflicts (assessments, special programs, benchmark testing, etc.). The teacher should approve this observation visit and notify the office of any expected visitors. Parents are expected to remain an observer during their time in the classroom. This is not a time for parent conferences with the teacher or for interacting with students. We ask that parents allow instruction to occur as scheduled following these observations. Parent conferences may be scheduled with the teacher after school hours

4. Our instructional time is valuable and we are working very hard to protect this time. We welcome our parents into the building and appreciate your continued support as we work to provide quality instruction to all students. Visitors are welcome at Stocks! In order to help insure children‟s safety, visitors should report to the office. DO NOT GO DIRECTLY TO THE CLASSROOMS. The office staff will assist to you and give you a visitor‟s badge if needed. Please return the visitor‟s badge the office as you leave the building.

5. Children arriving late for school (after 8:15) should report to the office to sign in and receive a tardy slip. Please help us teach children the importance of arriving at school on time. Students must be inside their classroom when the tardy bell rings in order not to be tardy.

6. Police officers are frequently on the job to direct street crossing at the intersection. Students should not cross the street except at the intersection under the direction of the Police officer. Parking in no parking zones/handicapped spaces may result in a ticket issued by the officer on duty.

7. Parents who arrive to pick up children before dismissal are asked to remain outside or, if willing, become an afternoon volunteer!

8. Mayo Knitting Mill has asked that parents do not use the circle drive behind their building on Cedar Street. They need their trucks to have access to their loading dock.

9. Teachers will recognize students' birthday at school. SENDING BALLOONS, FLOWERS, GIFTS, FOOD, ETC. TO STUDENTS AT SCHOOL FOR STUDENT'S BIRTHDAY OR OTHER SPECIAL DAYS TAKES AWAY FROM OUR INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM.

10. Parties are limited in number. Classroom teachers will be assisted by grade parents to plan and execute any parties. Please consider volunteering!

11. Medicine cannot be administered without legally required documentation. (See Dispensing of Over-the-Counter Medication and Dispensing of Prescribed Medications forms.)

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12. Viking Day will be every Friday. Students and staff will be asked to wear their Stocks T-shirt or sweatshirt to show school pride. On the 3rd Friday of each month, students are encouraged to wear a college t-shirt of their choice.

13. There is a $25.00 service charge for checks returned to Stocks by the bank. If the bank returns a second check, we will accept cash or money orders. This includes the lunchroom.

14. Please sign Report card envelopes and return to school the day after they are issued.

15. There are no refunds for pictures, field trips or other items that are purchased.

16. Progress reports will be sent home every three weeks, except during report card weeks.

17. If there is a change in routine at home or in the method of transportation, please send a note to the teacher to prevent confusion for both the child and the teacher. In case of an emergency, the parent must call before 12:00 to make a change in afternoon transportation. No changes will be made after 12:00. This time is needed to record the change, write notes and deliver them to teachers and bus drivers if they ride a bus.

18. Students will be provided with necessary textbooks and library books free of charge. The school requests that parents encourage students to take good care of the books. We must charge a fee for lost and damaged books.

19. If a student is absent, please send a note to school the following day to explain the absence.

EMERGENCY CARE

1. Parents will be contacted in case of an emergency. Anyone listed as an emergency contact may be contacted if your child needs to be picked up from school. Please list only adults that you give permission to supervise your child. It is important that we have working telephone numbers for all emergency contacts and families.

2. If the principal considers the emergency serious enough to need immediate medical attention, a rescue squad will be called to transport the student to the nearest medical facility. Otherwise, the parent will be notified in order that the student may be taken to the doctor.

3. Parents are asked to have a plan worked out ahead of time when they are called to pick up sick children. It is risky and could be life threatening for us to keep sick children at school. If your child has asthma, be sure you give the school several emergency numbers in case you can't be reached.**Please send in appropriate meds. for asthma, allergies, etc. to nurse as soon as school begins.**

FIRST AID

Children sometimes need to be treated for minor scrapes or scratches. Soap, water and saline solution are the only first aid supplies we are allowed to use.

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STOCKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT INFORMATION FORM

(received from teacher in Opening Packet)

STUDENT‟S NAME________________________________________________ Last First Middle

NAME TO CALL CHILD__________________________SEX_____ RACE_____ ADDRESS (use 911 address)________________________________________ DIRECTIONS TO HOME____________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ MAILING ADDRESS_______________________________________________ HOME PHONE________________________DATE OF BIRTH______________

STUDENT LIVES WITH:__MOTHER & FATHER __FATHER & STEPMOTHER __FATHER ONLY __MOTHER & STEPFATHER __MOTHER ONLY __LEGAL GUARDIAN

MOTHER/STEPMOTHER/GUARDIAN‟S NAME__________________________ EMPLOYER‟S NAME_______________________PHONE_________________ TYPE OF WORK__________________________HOURS__________________

FATHER/STEPFATHER/GUARDIAN‟S NAME___________________________ EMPLOYER‟S NAME_______________________PHONE_________________ TYPE OF WORK__________________________HOURS__________________ NUMBER OF PERSONS LIVING IN HOME_____ THIS CHILD HAS HOW MANY: BROTHERS: __OLDER __YOUNGER SISTERS: __OLDER __YOUNGER HOW MANY OTHER CHILDREN IN STOCKS SCHOOL_____ GRADE: ___K ___1 ___2 ___3 ___PRE-SCHOOL IN CASE OF EMERGENCY WHO MAY WE CALL IN TOWN ____________________________________________PHONE_____________ ____________________________________________PHONE_____________ ____________________________________________PHONE_____________ WHERE DOES CHILD GO AFTER SCHOOL:___________________________ ADDRESS______________________________________PHONE___________ LIST ANY CONDITIONS OR HEALTH PROBLEMS CHILD HAS____________ ________________________________________________________________

I certify that the family address stated is true and correct and that it is our residency. Signature of parent or Legal Guardian_______________________________ Date__________________________________

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EDGECOMBE COUNTY SCHOOLS DISPENSING OF PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS

To be completed by physician

Name of Student: _____________________________________ School______________ Medication: __________________________________________Dosage______________ Date of Birth: _____________________ Allergies________________________________ Form of Medication to be given is circled below: Tablet Ointment Capsule Inhalation Liquid Other (specify): _________________________ Special Storage: __None __Refrig. Purpose of Medication: _____________________________________________________ Time to be administered: ______________________a.m. _____________________p.m. Possible Side Effects: ______________________________________________________ Contraindications: _________________________________________________________ Termination Date for Administering: __________________________________________ ______________________________________ _________________________________ Physician‟s Name Physician‟s Signature ______________________________________ _________________________________ Physician‟s Phone Number Address

To be completed by Parent or Guardian: I hereby give my permission for my child (named above) to receive medication during school hours. This medication has been prescribed by a licensed physician. I assume full responsibility for informing the principal of any changes in my child‟s health or medication. I hereby release the Edgecombe County School Board and their agents and employees from any and all liability that may result from my child taking the prescribed medication. I will furnish this medication within a container properly labeled by the pharmacist with identifying information (e.g., name of child, medication dispensed, dosage, and the time to be given). ______________________________________ _________________________________ Signature of Parent or Guardian Date ______________________________________ Parent or Guardian Phone Number

(School Use) Name, Title and Initials of Person(s) to Administer Medication: ________________________________________________________________________ Approved by: _______________________________ ____________________________ Signature of Principal Date Reviewed by: _______________________________ ____________________________ Signature of School Nurse Date ALL MEDICATION FORMS EXPIRE AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. NEW FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED IN THE SCHOOL OFFICE.

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STUDENT DISCIPLINE

Believing that all students can behave responsibly in the classroom and at home, Stocks staff will work with parents to teach responsibility and self-discipline through:

LIFELONG GUIDELINES*

TRUSTWORTHINESS – To act in a manner that makes one worthy of trust and confidence TRUTHFULNESS - To act with personal responsibility and mental accountability ACTIVE LISTENING – To listen attentively and with the intention of understanding NO PUT-DOWNS – To never use words, actions, and/or body language that degrade, humiliate, or dishonor others PESONAL BEST – To do one‟s best given the circumstances and available resources

LIFESKILLS*

CARING – To feel and show concern for others COMMON SENSE – To use good judgment COOPERATION – To work together toward a common goal or purpose COURAGE – To act according to one‟s beliefs despite fear of adverse consequences CURIOSITY – A desire to investigate and seek understanding of one‟s world EFFORT – To do your best FLEXIBILITY – To be willing to alter plans when necessary FRIENDSHIP – To make and keep a friend through mutual trust and caring INITIATIVE – To do something, of one‟s own free will, because it needs to be done INTEGRITY – To act according to a sense of what‟s right and wrong

9 ORGANIZATION – To plan, arrange, and implement in an orderly way; to keep things orderly and ready to use PATIENCE – To wait calmly for someone or something PERSEVERANCE – To keep at it PRIDE – Satisfaction from doing one‟s personal best PROBLEM SOLVING – To create solution to difficult situations and everyday problems

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RESOURCEFULNESS – To respond to challenges and opportunities in innovative and creative ways RESPONSIBILITY – To respond when appropriate; to be accountable for one‟s actions SENSE OF HUMOR – To laugh and be playful without harming others *Exceeding Expectations, 2001 Susan Kovalik

Stocks Elementary School has adopted the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) approach. Improving student academic and behavior outcomes is about ensuring all students have access to the most effective and accurately implemented instructional and behavioral practices and interventions possible. PBIS provides a decision making framework that guides selection, integration, and implementation of the best evidence-based academic and behavioral practices for improving important academic and behavior outcomes for all students. Please see the following page for our school-wide behavior matrix. In addition, the School Improvement Team has approved Behavior Academy as a behavior intervention alternative for students to redirect inappropriate behaviors. The school administration works collaboratively with the Behavior Academy Director to insure infractions are handled in a timely and appropriate manner. Please refer to Code of Conduct brochure for more information. .

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PBIS BEHAVIOR MATRIX

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ECPS CODE OF CONDUCT SCHOOL BOARD POLICY 4300

I. GENERAL PROVISIONS The Edgecombe County Board of Education adopts the following as its code of student conduct. The code sets out rules governing student conduct and discipline. It is the belief of the Board of Education that every child has the right to learn in a safe and orderly environment. To help the school system and students comply with the code, the Board earnestly solicits the cooperation of every student, of every parent, and of the community at large. Parents and students shall receive a copy of the code when a child is first enrolled in the Edgecombe County Public Schools and at the beginning of each school year. The following code of student conduct has been developed to provide a comprehensive list of expectations for student behavior and consequences for violating these expectations. The basic purpose of the Code of Student Conduct is to help establish and maintain a safe and orderly environment which must prevail if learning is to take place. All students shall comply with the code of student conduct of the Edgecombe County Public Schools, state and federal laws, Board policies, and local school rules governing student behavior and conduct. The code of conduct applies to any student who is on school property, in attendance at school or any school-sponsored activity, while waiting for, riding, or leaving the bus, or whose conduct at any time or place has a direct and immediate effect on maintaining order and discipline or protecting the safety and welfare of students or staff in the school. The term „school‟ as it appears in these guidelines refers to all school buildings, parking areas, and properties. The principal is the recognized and legal authority in the school. The teacher is the authority in the classroom. The code of conduct does not restrict in any way the authority of principals to make conduct rules, consistent with this code. Nor does the code restrict the authority of teachers to make rules consistent with this code. Students shall comply with all directions of principals, teachers, substitute teachers, teachers‟ aides, and other school personnel who are authorized to direct students. Violations of Board policies, the code of student conduct, local rules issued by the individual schools, or North Carolina General Statutes may result in disciplinary action, including short-term suspension (up to 10 days), long-term suspension (up to the remainder of the school year), suspension for 365 days, and expulsion where authorized. Students shall be informed of local school rules that, if broken, may result in suspension or expulsion. Any student suspended or expelled from school shall not go on any school bus or school campus during the suspension or expulsion period without the express permission of the school principal. Students are not to attend any athletic contest or participate in any extracurricular activities during suspension or expulsion. A student who has been suspended or expelled shall not be eligible to enroll in any school in the school district during the suspension or expulsion period. When a principal has a reasonable belief that any student has committed a serious crime, including assault on school personnel or possession of a weapon or controlled substance, the principal shall immediately report such violation to the proper law enforcement agency as required by law and State Board of Education regulations and policy. In such cases, school officials shall cooperate with the law enforcement agency. However, internal disciplinary proceedings shall proceed independently from the criminal investigation and prosecution.

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The suspension procedures are set forth in 4300-R. In addition, any suspension or expulsion of a special needs child must comply with applicable federal and state law. II. PROHIBITED CONDUCT Smoking - Students shall not smoke or possess any other tobacco product or paraphernalia at school, at any school event, or while supervised by school personnel. (As set forth in Board Policy 2505-100% TOBACCO-FREE ENVIRONMENT) Course of Action:

1st violation: Students will be directed to the on-line quit now site at www.healthwellnc.com. Students must visit the site within two days of the policy violation. The date of completion of the visit must be documented by the school principal. Students must implement strategies identified on the site to help them quit. Individual schools have the flexibility to incorporate strategies to assure that the visit to the web site is meaningful for the student.

2nd violation: Students will be assigned two sessions in the STARS program for tobacco education.

3rd violation: Parents will be notified in writing of the violation and that the student must participate in tobacco education classes at Edgecombe County Health Department for Tobacco Education Classes (8 weeks, one class per week).

4th violation: Students will be assigned four days in after school detention. If after implementing the above courses of action, a student continues to violate Board Policy 2505, he/she may be subject to any of the punishments for violation of Level One offenses, as outlined in Board Policy 4300. Level One Violations 1. Dress - No student‟s appearance or clothing will be accepted if it is disruptive, provocative, indecent, vulgar, or obscene, or if it endangers the health or safety of the student or others. (As set forth in Board Policy 4340.) 2. Gambling - No student may participate in any unauthorized gambling or betting including but not limited to any action or statement which relies on chances for the monetary advantage of one participant at the expense of others. This rule does not apply to authorized raffles. 3. Verbal Abuse/Disrespect - No student may use words or actions that disrupt school functions or the learning environment. Examples of prohibited conduct include: cursing, using vulgar, obscene, or abusive language including slurs or insults intended to mock a person‟s race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or intellectual ability, or using sexually offensive or degrading language. 4. Lying - No student shall provide false information to a teacher or any other school staff member. 5. Integrity - Cheating, plagiarism or falsification of student work is prohibited. Violation of this rule may result in academic penalties and other discipline. Students may not violate software copyright laws or gain unauthorized or prohibited access to computers. 6. Disruption - No student shall, by use of passive resistance, noise, threat, fear, intimidation, coercion, force, violence, or any other form of conduct cause the disruption of any lawful function, mission, or process of the school, nor shall any student urge any other student to engage in such conduct. 7. Exchanging, Buying, and Selling - Students shall not exchange, sell or purchase items from one another without written permission from an administrator. 8. Hazing - No student shall participate in hazing. Examples of hazing include requiring a student to wear abnormal dress or undertake dangerous or ridiculous activities, frightening, scolding, swearing, harassing, or subjecting another to personal indignity.

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9. Intimidation - No student shall attempt to extort money, personal property, or personal services. 10. Protests - No student, on or off any school campus, shall engage in any protest, march, picket, sit-in, or similar activity, which has as its purpose the disruption of any lawful function, mission, or process of the school. 11. Boycotts - No student shall participate in any boycott or walkout of any lawful school function at which attendance is required. 12. Disruptive or Obscene Literature and Illustrations - No student shall possess or distribute literature or illustrations that are obscene or that significantly disrupt the educational process. 13. Skipping School /Truancy from Class - Students may not leave school grounds or fail to report to an assigned class during the instructional day unless authorized to do so in accordance with school rules. 14. Theft - No student shall steal, attempt to steal, or knowingly be in possession of stolen property. 15. Damage to Property - No student may intentionally damage or attempt to damage or deface school property while under school jurisdiction. Students and their parents or legal guardians will be held financially responsible for the cost of the damage, as provided by N.C.G.S. § 115C-523. Students will be subject to disciplinary actions as well. 16. Smoking - Students shall not smoke or possess any other tobacco product or paraphernalia at school, at any school event, or while supervised by school personnel. 17. Possession of Cellular Telephones, Pagers, Beepers or Other Disruptive Objects - No student may possess or use any item which may disrupt the learning atmosphere or present a safety hazard at school, on a school bus or at school related events. Such items include but are not limited to cellular telephones, pagers, beepers, matches, lighters, tape players, soda bottles, game boys, or any other electronic equipment unless permission is obtained from a teacher or principal. For a first or subsequent offense, the device will be confiscated and returned only to the student‟s parent or guardian. For a second offense, the student may be suspended from school. 18. Trespassing - No student shall be on the campus of any school except the one to which the student is assigned during the school day without the knowledge and consent of the officials of that school. Students who loiter at any school after the close of the school day without special need or proper supervision are trespassers and may be prosecuted if they do not leave when instructed to do so. A student under suspension from school is trespassing if he/she appears on the property of any school during the suspension period without the express permission of the principal. 19. Conduct on the School Bus - No student, while riding a school bus or other school vehicle, shall fail to follow the directives of the school bus driver and the rules and regulations of school bus safety as well as the rules of the Code of Student Conduct. Violation of these rules may result in temporary or permanent suspension from the privilege of school transportation services as well as from school. 20. Failure to Report Any Acts that Jeopardize the Orderly Operation of School - No student shall fail to report to the school administration information that could jeopardize the orderly operation of a school such as but not limited to knowledge of a planned fight, guns, false alarms, or drugs. Penalty - Grades 6 - 12 Except as otherwise noted, violation of any of the Level One offenses may result in suspension from the Edgecombe County Public School System for up to ten (10) days. For serious or repeated offenses, long-term suspension may be recommended.

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4300 Page 5 of 13

Recommended Course of Action for Level One Offenses Grades Pre-K - 5 The teacher and administrator will decide if the seriousness of the offense can be handled by the teacher/staff member or if the offense warrants referral to the school‟s administration. Referral to an administrator may proceed, as appropriate, with any one or any combination of the following corrective actions:

Student will write a letter to the parent concerning behavior.

Student will call parent at home or at work to explain misbehavior.

The administrator may ask the student‟s parent or guardian to attend a conference with the school administrator.

Student may be assigned to after-school detention with parents assuming responsibility for transporting the child. Teachers may also hold their own detention hall if parents are given prior notice.

Student may be assigned to in-school suspension or a time-out room.

Once the student has been given an opportunity to be heard, the administrator may request that the student‟s parent or guardian remove the child from school for the remainder of the day.

Parent may be expected to attend classes (shadow the child, which may include field trips or other activities) for specified period of time.

Course of action for #17 (possession of a disruptive object) - 1st offense - the device will be confiscated and returned only to the student‟s parents or guardian.

Misconduct on the school bus may result in any of the above actions, as designated by the administrator, and/or suspension from the bus.

Continuous misbehavior in Level One may result in any one or combination of the following corrective actions:

o Student may be given out-of-school short-term suspension. The number of days will be dependent on the seriousness of the offense and the student‟s prior record of behavior offenses.

The principal may assign the student to an alternative class setting designated for students who keep others from learning because of their behavior.

Continued misconduct on the school bus may result in the loss of bus riding privileges for the remainder of the school year. Parents who have concerns about bus issues should discuss those concerns with an administrator by phone or in person at the school. Parents should not, at any time, confront a bus driver at a bus stop.

Any other acceptable action as adopted by the school staff and considered reasonable by the principal for a violation at this level.

Level Two Violations

1. Fireworks - No student shall possess, distribute, ignite or use any fireworks on school premises.

2. Peer Relations - No student shall engage in behavior which is immoral, indecent, overly affectionate, or of a sexual nature in the school setting. No student shall engage in sexual harassment as defined in Policy 4305.

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3. Threats - No student shall direct toward any person within the school context any language, sign, or act which constitutes a threat of force or violence.

4. Fire Alarms - No student shall set off, attempt to set off, or aid and abet anyone in giving a false fire alarm. No student shall interfere with or damage any part of a firm alarm, fire detection, smoke detection, or fire extinguishing system.

5. Failure to Comply with Lawful Directive - No student shall fail to follow a directive after being personally notified by the site administrator.

6. Fighting - No student shall hit, shove, scratch, bite, block passage of, or throw objects at another person. No student shall take any action or make comments or written messages which might reasonably be expected to start a fight. Provided: A student who is attacked may use reasonable force in self-defense but only to the extent to get free from the attack and notify proper school authorities. A student who exceeds reasonable force may be disciplined even though someone else provoked the fight.

7. Sexual Harassment or Harassment including Bullying (Non-physical) – No student shall engage, verbally or through other non-physical means, in sexual harassment, as defined in Board Policy 4315, or in other forms of harassment, including bullying as defined in Board Policy 4315.

Penalty - Grades - 12 For violation of any of the Level Two provisions, a student shall be short-term suspended and may be long-term suspended from the Edgecombe County Public School System for the remainder of the school year. Recommended Course of Action for Level Two Offenses - Grades Pre-K - 5 All Level Two offenses will be referred to a school administrator or designee. An office referral to an administrator may proceed, as appropriate, with any one or any combination of the following corrective actions: Student and parent conference with a school administrator.

In-school or out-of-school suspension up to 10 days with the number of days dependent on the seriousness of the offense and the student‟s prior record of behavior offenses combined with a required parent conference. The principal may assign the student to an alternative class setting designated for students who keep others from learning because of their behavior. Very serious infractions may result in the principal recommending long-term out of school suspension to the superintendent. Any other acceptable action as adopted by the school staff and considered reasonable by the principal for a violation at this level.

Level Three Violations 1. Assault - No student shall assault or attack or cause or attempt to cause physical injury to a teacher or other adult, or to another student, or intentionally behave in such a manner that could reasonably cause physical injury to any teacher or other adult or student. 2. Drugs – No student shall possess, use, transmit, sell, or conspire or attempt to transmit or sell, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, anabolic steroid, other controlled substance, any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage, fortified wine, other intoxicating liquor, drug paraphernalia, or counterfeit drugs, or inhale or ingest any chemicals or products with the intention of altering the student‟s mood or

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behavior. This provision does not prohibit the possession and use of medication taken in accordance with a prescription from a licensed physician. 3. Possession of Weapons other than Firearms - No student shall possess, handle, or transmit any weapon or facsimile of a weapon (including firearm facsimiles). Examples of weapons include knife, razor, bludgeon, BB gun, pepper spray, or any sharp-edged or pointed instrument except for instructional supplies or unaltered nail files and clips. Principals may give advance permission for use or display of weapons for educational or ceremonial purposes. 4. Sexual Harassment or Harassment including Bullying (Physical) - No student shall physically engage in sexual harassment as defined in Policy 4315, which prohibits, among other things, any offensive touching of another person‟s private parts, including buttocks or breasts, or forcing or attempting to force another to engage in a sexual act against their will. Further, no student shall physically engage in harassment, including bullying, as defined in Board Policy 4315. 5. Arson - No student shall burn or attempt to burn any school building or property. No student shall possess pyrotechnic or incendiary material which could result in the burning of school property. 6. Bomb Threat or Hoax - No student shall fail to report to school administration a bomb threat or hoax being discussed or planned to occur on educational property or at a school sponsored curricular or extra-curricular activity. 7. Prohibition of Gangs and Gang Activities – No student shall commit any act which furthers gangs or gang related activities. A „gang‟ is defined as any ongoing organization, association, or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, having as one of its primary activities, the commission of criminal acts and having a common name or common identifying sign(s), or symbol(s). Conduct prohibited includes:

(1) Wearing, possessing, using, distributing, displaying, or selling any clothing, jewelry, emblems, badges, symbols, signs, or other items which may be evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang;

(2) Communicating either verbally or non-verbally (gestures, handshakes, slogans, drawings, etc), to convey membership or affiliation in a gang;

(3) Tagging, or otherwise defacing school or personal property with gang or gang- related symbols or slogans;

(4) Requiring payment of protection, insurance, or otherwise intimidating or threatening any person related to gang activity;

(5) Inciting other students to intimidate or to act with physical violence upon any other person related to gang activity;

(6) Soliciting others for gang membership; (7) Committing any other illegal act or violation of school rules and/or school district

policies that relate to gang activity. NOTE: An established list of gang-related items, symbols, and behaviors shall be secured from law enforcement. The school principal shall maintain this list in the main office of the school and shall notify students, parents/guardians, and staff of the items, symbols, and behaviors prohibited. This notice shall be included in the Student Handbook. Penalty - Grades 6 - 12 For violation of any of the Level Three provisions, a student shall be short-term suspended and may be long-term suspended from the Edgecombe County Public School System for the remainder of the current school year. For the first violation of item (7), when not involved in any kind of altercation, a student shall receive up to five (5) days suspension.

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For a repeated violation of item (7), and violation of any others listed, a student shall be long-term suspended for the remainder of the school year. Any student who is at least thirteen years old and who physically assaults a teacher or other adult, or a student, may be removed to an alternative educational setting, or suspended for up to 365 calendar days in accordance with 4320-R. Any student who is at least thirteen years old, and who physically assaults and seriously injures a teacher or other school personnel, shall be removed to an alternative educational setting in accordance with 4320-R. If an appropriate alternative educational setting is not available, the student shall be suspended for no less than 300 calendar days but no more than 365 calendar days. Any student who is fourteen years or older whose behavior indicates that the student‟s continued presence in school constitutes a clear threat to the safety and health of other students or employees may be expelled from school in accordance with 4300-R. In all cases where a student is subject to a suspension for 300 calendar days or longer, the case will be presented to the Board for possible expulsion. Recommended Course of Action for Level Three Offenses - Grades Pre-K - 5 All Level Three offenses will be referred to a school administrator or a central office administrator, in the absence of a school administrator. Student and parent conference shall be held with a school administrator. Special privileges, such as extra-curricular activities, may be revoked. The school principal will assign the student a short-term out-of-school suspension for up to ten (10) days or recommend long-term out-of-school suspension to the superintendent. The number of days will be dependent upon the seriousness of the offense and the student‟s prior record of behavior offenses. The principal may assign the student to an alternative class setting designated for students who keep others from learning because of their behavior. Any other necessary corrective actions that are considered reasonable by the principal. Level Four Violations 1. Possession or Use of Firearms or Other Explosives - No student shall bring onto school property, possess, handle, use, or transmit any firearm of any kind, or any dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, explosive device, or powerful explosive of any kind. 2. Use or Threatened Use of a Weapon - No student shall use in a threatening or dangerous manner any weapon or other object that can be considered a weapon or a facsimile of a weapon. 3. Bomb Threat or Hoax - (a) No student shall make a bomb threat by making a false report that a device designed to cause damage or destruction by explosion, blasting, or burning is located on school premises. (b) No student shall perpetrate a bomb hoax by placing or concealing on school premises a device intended to cause any person to believe the device to be a bomb. 4. Terrorist Threat or Hoax – (a) No student shall communicate by any means to any person or group of persons, a report, knowing or having reason to know the report is false, that there is located on educational property or at a school-sponsored curricular or extra-curricular activity off educational property any device, substance, or material designed to cause harmful or life-threatening illness or injury to another person; (b) No student, with intent to perpetrate a hoax, shall conceal, place, disseminate or display a device, machine, instrument, artifact, letter, package, material, or substance on educational property or at a school-sponsored curricular or extra-curricular activity off educational property, so as to cause any person reasonably to believe the same to be a substance or material capable of causing harmful or life-threatening illness or injury to another person; (c) No student shall threaten to commit on educational

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property an act of terror that is likely to cause serious injury or death, when that threat is intended to cause a significant disruption to the instructional day or a school-sponsored activity, or causes such a disruption; (d) No student shall make a report, knowing or having reason to know the report is false, that there is about to occur or is occurring on educational property, an act of terror that is likely to cause injury or death, when that report is intended to cause a significant disruption to the instructional day or a school-sponsored activity, or cause such a disruption; (e) No student shall conspire to make a terrorist threat or hoax within the meaning of this policy. Penalty For the first violation of item (1) of a Level Four provision, a student shall be suspended for the remainder of the school year. Any student who brings a firearm or explosive onto school property shall be suspended for 365 calendar days unless the Superintendent recommends placement in an alternative program approved by the Board of Education. The incident will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. For the first violation of item (2) of a Level Four provision, a student shall be long-term suspended for the remainder of the current school year and the incident will be reported to law enforcement officials. For the first violation of item (3) of a Level Four provision, a student shall be suspended for the remainder of the school year. Any student who makes a bomb threat or perpetrates a bomb hoax shall be suspended for 365 calendar days unless the Superintendent recommends placement in an alternative program approved by the Board of Education. The incident will be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities. For the first violation of item (4) of a Level Four provision, a student shall be suspended for the remainder of the school year and may be suspended for 365 calendar days. The incident will be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities. Any student who is fourteen years or older whose behavior indicates that the student‟s continued presence in school constitutes a clear threat to the safety and health of other students or employees may be expelled from school in accordance with 4300-R. In all cases where a student is subject to a long-term suspension for violation of a Level IV provision, the case will be presented to the Board for possible expulsion. SOURCE: Edgecombe County Public Schools ADOPTED: May 13, 1996 REVISED: February 8, 1999; January 8, 2001; July 28, 2003; January 12, 2004; June 14, 2004; March 21, 2005; December 12, 2005 (Effective January 1, 2006); August 11, 2008 LEGAL REF: G.S. 115C-47, -288, -276, -391, -397.1, -398, -399

State Board of Education Guidelines of Acts and Conduct that are a Clear Threat to the

Safety of Students and Others Pursuant to NC General Statutes § 115C-391(d), as amended by Chapter 386 of the 1995 Session Laws (effective September 1, 1995), local boards of education may expel a student who is at least 14 years old and whose behavior indicates that the student‟s continued presence in school constitutes a clear threat to the safety of other students or employees. The new legislation directs the State Board of Education to adopt guidelines that define acts and conduct that may result in expulsion. In compliance with the directive of that legislation, the State Board adopts the following guidelines and definitions to assist local boards of education in determining whether expulsion may be warranted in a given situation.

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General Guidelines 1. School boards may expel a student under these guidelines whether or not the acts result in

the filing of criminal charges or a juvenile petition, and whether or not the student is convicted or adjudicated.

2. The acts and conduct do not have to occur on school premises for the school board to expel the student.

3. School boards should consider the facts and circumstance of each case to determine whether expulsion is warranted, including the age and maturity of the student.

4. Students who have been identified to receive special educational services pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1401 et seq., and by Article 9 of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes, are entitled to all protections provided by those laws.

5. School boards are urged to review these guidelines and definitions, to tailor them to meet the needs of local communities and to consider additional provisions that may be necessary for incorporation into expulsion policies.

Definitions of Acts/Conduct That May Support Expulsion Any one or more of the acts listed below committed by a student may constitute a clear threat to the safety of others warranting the student‟s expulsion. 1. Theft or attempted theft by a student from another person by using, or threatening to use, a

dangerous weapon. * 2. The intentional and malicious burning of any structure or personal property, including

vehicles. 3. An attack, or threatened attack, by a student against another person wherein the student

uses a weapon* or displays it in a threatening manner. 4. An attack by a student on school administrators; professional (e.g., teachers) or classified

(e.g., custodial, clerical) personnel; or adult volunteers which does not result in serious injury but which is intended to cause or reasonably could cause serious injury.

5. An attack by a student upon another person whereby the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injuries, severe laceration, loss of consciousness, or the victim requires hospitalization as a result of the attack.

6. Any intentional or negligent act that results in the death of another person. 7. Confining, restraining, or removing another person from one place to another, without the

victim‟s consent, or the consent of the victim‟s parents, for the purpose of committing a felony, or for the purpose of holding the victim as a hostage or for ransom or for use as a shield.

8. Possession by a student of a weapon* on any school property, including vehicles; and possession by a student under age 18 of a handgun, whether on school property or not.

9. The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody or control of another person or persons, by force, threat of force, or violence, or by putting the victim in fear.

10. Any unauthorized and unwanted intentional touching, or attempt to touch, by one person of the sex organ of another. The sex organs are the breasts of the female and the genital areas of the male and female.

*As used in the above definitions, the term ‘weapon’ or ‘dangerous weapon’ means any gun, rifle, pistol, or other firearm of any kind; or any dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade,

mine, or powerful explosive; also any BB gun, air rifle, air pistol, knife, club, dagger, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razor, razor blade, and any sharp-pointed or sharp-edged

instrument.

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STUDENT TRANSPORTATION

SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONS

All students are responsible for observing all rules and regulations regarding conduct and safety on the school bus. Failure to abide by these rules may endanger the children and the driver. Riding the bus is a privilege for all students. 1. Parents should request changes through the Assistant Principal. The request for

changes should be in writing and signed by the parent. In case of an emergency, the parent must call before 12:00 to make a change for the afternoon. Changes are very difficult to make. This time is needed to record the change, write notes and deliver them to teachers and bus drivers to insure the safe delivery of all children.

2. Students should select the safest route to the bus stop obeying all traffic signals, and be sure street or roadway is clear before crossing. Students should be discouraged from playing on their way to the bus stop.

3. Students are to be on time to meet the bus. 4. Students enter the bus as soon as the bus has stopped and the door is opened. 5. Students take assigned seat and remain seated throughout the trip. Do not place arms,

head, etc. outside the window. Eating, drinking, smoking, loud talk, inappropriate language and other acts of improper conduct are unsafe and may result in loss of bus privilege.

6. Students playing, scuffling and fighting are unsafe and may result in loss of bus privilege.

7. Students are not to tamper with the emergency door, fire extinguisher, or first aid kit. 8. When the bus has reached its destination, students are to remain seated until the bus

has stopped and the driver has opened the door. All students must exit and shall not reenter during the school day without permission.

9. Students exiting and crossing in front of the bus should do so in full view of the driver. 10. Students will follow instructions of the driver and the bus monitor. Students who are

disrespectful to an adult on the bus will be removed immediately. 11. New stops will only be added by Transportation Services. If you would like to request an

alternate stop for your child, please obtain a form from the Stocks front office. Bus discipline slips will be written and given to the Assistant Principal. Parents will be notified by letter, which may be mailed or sent home by the student. Serious offense may result in immediate suspension. First offense - Warning Second offense - 1 day bus suspension and a parent conference is required Third offense - 3 days bus suspension Fourth offense - 5 days bus suspension Fifth offense - PARENT CONFERENCE REQUIRED – 10 days bus suspension and possible suspension from bus privilege for the remainder of the year.

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TRANSPORTATION LETTER PROVIDED TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS DURING OPEN HOUSE (8/22/13)

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Welcome back to the 2013-2014 school year. We are excited about starting our new school year, and we look forward to working with each of you to ensure that all of students are successful. This year, our district plans to adopt five Core Values, one being the importance of providing SAFE SCHOOLS for our community. In an effort to honor that value, we a have few important protocols we have established regarding transportation. We ask that you respect and honor each of these to ensure safety for all students at Stocks Elementary School.

Bus Transportation: Please make sure that your student is at the bus stop before the bus arrives. You may check with teachers and/or the front office staff regarding pick up and drop off locations and times. If you have a concern about a drop off location, please receive a form from the front office. Once you submit the form, we will turn it over to transportation and they will approve or deny the request. No school staff member, including drivers and administrators, will approve bus stop changes. These approvals will come from ECPS Transportation Department only. Thank you for your understanding. Also, please talk with your student about the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street, waiting for the stop arm to be out before walking to the bus, and remaining on the curb while waiting for the bus.

Change in Pick-Up: We understand that emergencies arise and that a student‟s mode of transportation may need to change on some days. If, for any reason, a child‟s mode of transportation needs to change, or they need to be dropped off at a different location, please do one of the following:

o Send a note to school with the student in the morning and ask them to turn it in to their teacher. Please include a contact number you can be reached at so our office staff can verify. We will not approve a change unless we are able to contact and verify with the parent/guardian. Notes must be submitted BEFORE 12:00 p.m.

o Stop by the front office in person to request the change before 12:00 p.m. o Inform your student‟s bus driver in person at the bus stop in the morning. They will relay

the message to the front office. Please note that we will not be accepting change requests via phone calls or by persons that are not the legal guardian. This is to ensure the safety of your student!

Morning Drop-Off: All car riders should be dropped off in the morning at the main entrance between 7:30 and 8:15 a.m. Please do not drop off a student before 7:30 a.m., as there will be no adult supervision. If you arrive after 8:15 a.m., your student will be marked tardy and you must escort him/her inside to the front office and sign them in. We ask that you park in the parking lot if you need to escort your student in. Please do not park in the drop off lane! If you are escorting a student in or out, please hold hands when they are crossing the parking lot and driving lane, and use the crosswalk. Also, please do not pass cars in the drop off lane. This is a hazard for our students getting out of cars in the lane.

Afternoon Pick-Up: PreK, Kindergarten, and 1st grade students will be picked up at the main

entrance once dismissed at 3:15 p.m. 2nd

and 3rd

grade students will be picked up in the parking lot that faces West Hope Lodge Street. Older siblings will walk to the main entrance to meet younger siblings. Teachers will escort students to the car. If you pick a student up in the 2

nd/3

rd

grade lot in the afternoon, please do not park in the gravel parking lot and walk up to get your student. Please wait in the line of traffic. In the PreK, Kindergarten, and 1

st grade car pick-up

area, if you must park, please do not park in the driving lane. Please use the parking lot. Also, please walk to your student and hold his/her hand as they cross the driving lane, rather than have them cross the driving lane alone.

Again, thank you for your support in providing a Safe School for each of our students. Please feel free to contact the front office with any questions at 823-2632. We look forward to our work together this year!

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BUS LOT TRAFFIC The bus parking lot is for buses only. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.

CAR TRANSPORTATION

Students riding with parents or walking should not arrive on the grounds before 7:30, as there is no adult on the campus prior to that time assigned to supervise them.

All students should be dropped off and picked up at the Cedar Street Entrance. Drive to the turnaround area at the end of the street and stop near the walkway. Please do not let a child out of the car at a place he/she will need to cross a lane of traffic. Staff members are at this door and in the halls in the morning to greet children and make sure they get to assigned place. If it is necessary to come in with a child, park in one of the parking lots, not on the side of the road. You should have your child at school by 8:15 in order for your child to be in their classroom on time. If the student is not in their classroom at 8:15, they will be counted tardy. Pre-K, K, and 1st grade teachers will bring children out the Cedar Street door at 3:15. Teachers will help children into cars. The bus area is for buses ONLY in the morning. Cars should stay on Cedar St. in the morning. Buses dismiss at 3:05. Cars for 2nd & 3rd grade students are allowed on the bus lot after the buses leave. Pre-K, K, & 1st grade students are picked up at the front at 3:15. Older siblings will be picked up with younger sibling

STUDENT LIBRARY PROCEDURES

1. K-3 classes will come to the library on a regular basis. 2. Students are allowed to check out two books at a time. 3. If a student finishes the library book before the next scheduled visit, he/she may come to

the library and exchange the book at the teacher's discretion. 4. If a library book is lost, families will be expected to cover the cost of the book. 5. If a library book is damaged, the student is responsible. A damage fee must be paid to

the school. 6. At the end of the year, any fines owed the library must be cleared. 7. There will be a Daily Open Checkout time available for students. Teachers will review

the procedures for Open Checkout Time with their students.

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PROMOTION AND RETENTION The Board recognizes that all children do not progress at the same rate. Although it is generally accepted that students progress one grade level per year, it is not practical to assume that all children follow this pattern. An orderly procedure for the promotion or retention of individual students is required in order to best meet the needs of all students. Teachers are responsible for the early identification of students who are at risk of not meeting local or state promotion standards and for seeking assistance of appropriate resource personnel. All decisions involving promotion and retention should be based on what is in the best interest of the individual child. Standards of achievement must be considered along with the social, emotional, and physical well-being of the child. Retention may be considered at any grade level when it is deemed appropriate. It is generally accepted that retention in early years has more potential to benefit a student than does retention in later grades. Retention at any grade level is encouraged when it can be determined to be in the best interest of the student. It is expected that students may be retained only once in each grade span (i.e., K-3, 4-6, and 7-8). At grades K-1, particular consideration should be given to the developmental needs, especially language, of the student. Students who are significantly less mature or who are lagging behind their peers developmentally may benefit from extra time in kindergarten or first grade. In order to implement the intent of this policy, the following guidelines are established:

1. Social promotion is discouraged. 2. Retention to repeat the same program of work is of questionable value. Emphasis

should be based on providing instruction which will strengthen the child's area of weakness.

3. The following factors will be used in determining whether a student is to be retained: a. Competence in reading/language arts and mathematics b. Present and past performance as measured and recorded by

the teacher c. Social development of the child and probable consequences of

retention d. Developmental testing when appropriate

4. Complete documentation is required in the decision to retain a child. Adequate records on the student's performance and standards on which performance is measured shall be available to the teacher and the principal. This information shall substantiate their decision and shall be made available to the parent. A concerted effort shall be made to identify students who are likely to be retained during the first semester of the school year and formal contact with the home should begin by the beginning of the second semester in an effort to notify parents of the student's needs, the school's concern, and the possible consequences.

5. In order for a student to be promoted to the next grade, he shall have attended a minimum of 155 days. This policy will be administered on a case by case basis.

6. Students at the elementary level shall not be permitted to skip grades. Exceptionally gifted students should be provided with enrichment experiences which will challenge their abilities.

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7. A list of students who could possibly the retained will be turned into the office at the end of the first semester. At this time, a letter will be sent to parents. Teachers will schedule a conference to discuss the child‟s problems. At the end of each grading period, after this, another letter will be sent if the child continues to be a candidate for retention.

8. At the end of the 4th grading period, the screening committee will hold a series of meetings to discuss each child in danger of retention.

9. Every effort will be made to have a conference with the parent of any child to be retained by the end of the first semester.

Please follow the link below to read more about the General Assembly‟s Read to Achieve legislation, which will affect third graders beginning in the 2013-2014 school year: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/Meetings/Attachment.aspx?S=10399&AID=11774&MID=783

DESTRUCTION POLICY FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Records for Special Education students will no longer be maintained for longer than five years from the time of the student‟s exit/graduation from the Edgecombe County School System. These records contain personally identifiable information and will no longer be needed to provide special education and related services. Parents are entitled to receive a copy of the record that may be needed for social security benefits or other purposes. Please contact the School-Based Chairperson should you wish to obtain a copy of your child‟s records.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAMS

You want your child to do the very best he/she can at school...so do we! There is one simple step you can take to help your child do well. Make sure your child starts the day with a nutritious breakfast. Children who eat breakfast score better on tests, stay healthier (so they're absent less), and arrive at school on time! Breakfast can be purchased at school for $1.00 for paying child, for $.30 for the reduced-price child and at no cost for the child eligible for free meals and reduced-price. Unfortunately, we are unable to permit charged breakfast. Lunch is served in the cafeteria daily. The lunch is planned from food requirements set by the Food and Nutrition Services of the US Department of Agriculture. It is a balanced meal and includes milk, bread, meat or meat alternate, and fruits and/or vegetables. It is designed to meet about one-third of a child's daily food needs. A choice lunch program will be offered. A child is entitled to select one milk, one serving of bread, one serving of meat, and two fruits or vegetables from the choices offered. If the child so chooses, he/she only has to select three of the five offered food groups. In addition to the menu choices of the day, other food items will be available for the child to buy. These include fruit juices, fresh fruit, chips, cookies and other snack items. Lunch can be purchased for $1.85. The reduced price cost is $.40 and meals are available at no cost to those children eligible for free meals.

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Students may charge 1 time only. The child will be given charge slip to take home when a charge is made. If a child does not have lunch money and has an unpaid charge, the parent will be called to bring money or lunch and pay the charge. This is a time consuming process we provide for those rare times when parents forget to give out lunch money. Please help us continue this service by remembering lunch money! Students are encouraged to eat lunches served by our lunchroom or bag lunches from home. Please do not send carbonated beverages. Breakfast and lunch money will be collected daily in the lunchroom at mealtime unless it has been paid in advance. Information about online lunch pre-pay and returned checks are on the following two pages. We strongly encourage you to use our prepaid meal service! Breakfast and lunch menus can be found on the district website, www.ecps.us. If you would like a hard copy, please send a note to your teacher. Please discuss the menu with your child and help him/her decide what to eat for breakfast and lunch. Parents are welcome to have lunch with their child. However, we do request an advance notice and that you purchase a nutritious lunch from our cafeteria. Food brought from outside restaurants is not permitted. No food may be brought in from the outside until after lunch time is completed.

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Edgecombe County Public Schools Child Nutrition Introduces LunchPrepay.com

The one-stop shop for automated school meal account management.

Make meal payments on the internet using your credit card Check your child’s meal account balance Get low balance alerts by e-mail See what your child is buying

LunchPrepay.com brings school lunch into the age of technology. Using the secure site to make

your payments and monitor your student’s account gives you the assurance of knowing where

your money is going and how it is being spent. Using LunchPrepay.com will remove the stress

that comes with making sure your student has cash for lunch. LunchPrepay.com is an easy,

secure and convenient way to pay for lunch.

LunchPrepay.com Facts:

You get quick and easy access to your child's meal account 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The ability to pay for multiple children's accounts with one single payment. Accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover The ability to look-up your child's account balance, any time, any place the internet is available. The ability to see 45 calendar days of purchases and payments. Automated notification, via e-mail, when your child's account balance falls below an amount you

have set. Peace of mind, knowing that the money is being used for good nutrition. Simple account setup process LunchPrepay.com is a commercial free site. There are no banners, no pop ups ads and no advertising. We do not share any information with third parties, other than your financial institution and your

child's school. LunchPrepay.com is a secure site that utilizes all of the current industry privacy standards.

For more information go to www.lunchprepay.com or call Edgecombe County Public Schools Child Nutrition, Helen Edmondson, 252-641-2637 or hedmondson@ecps.us.

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ChecXchange Announcement to Parents ___________________________________________________________________________

To: Parents and Guardians

From: Edgecombe County Public Schools Child Nutrition Department

Ruth McDowell, Child Nutrition Director

Date: August 25, 2013

Subject: Non-Sufficiently Funded Checks

The Edgecombe County Public Schools Child Nutrition Department has contracted with the

ChecXchange™ for the electronic collection of checks returned for insufficient funds (NSF), due to

the volume of uncollectible checks received.

The Edgecombe County Public Schools Child Nutrition Department will gladly accept your

checks. When you provide a check as payment, you authorize us either to use information from

the check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account or to process the

payment as a check transaction. You authorize us to collect a fee through an electronic fund

transfer from your account if your payment is returned unpaid.

Please include the following on your check:

Full Name

Street Address

Phone Numbers

If there are any questions, please contact Helen Edmondson @ 252.641.2637 or email

hedmondson@ecps.us. ==========================================================

“The Edgecombe County Public Schools Child Nutrition Department has elected to use an outside

company to recover returned checks. No longer will the Child Nutrition Department or school staff

arrange for the repayment of checks returned for non-sufficient funds. ChecXchange ™ will be

responsible for the electronic collection of all returned checks in Child Nutrition accounts.”

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ATTENDANCE

It is important that your child attend school each day, arriving on time and leaving at the designated time. When a child returns to school following an absence, a note should be sent stating the reason for the absence. The following shall constitute valid/lawful excuses for the non-attendance of a student at school provided satisfactory evidence of the excuse is provided to the appropriate school official:

1. Illness or injury 2. Death in the immediate family 3. Medical or dental appointments when approved by the appropriate school official

prior to the absence, except in the case of an emergency 4. Court or administrative proceedings 5. Religious observation may be considered lawful at the discretion of the local

board of education 6. Educational opportunity when it is demonstrated that the purpose of the absence

is to take advantage of a valid educational opportunity. Approval must be granted by the principal prior to the absence.

In the event a note is not received within three days, the child is coded with an unlawful absence. If an extended absence is expected, or if the child is diagnosed with a contagious disease, please inform the principal's office. According to Edgecombe County School Board Policy, after the third and sixth absence, excused or unexcused, parents must be notified by letter. After the sixth unexcused absence, parents must be sent a certified letter with copies going to the superintendent and the district attorney. On the tenth unexcused absence, the principal must notify the district attorney and the superintendent and request the district attorney to notify the parent of intent to prosecute should absences continue.

ATTENDANCE AWARDS

In order to receive a perfect attendance certificate, a student must attend school each day and must not have been tardy. If a student is excused for any reason--this is an absence. In order to receive an excellent attendance certificate, a student must be present every day during the school year with no more than 5 TARDIES. If a student arrives late or leaves early, this is counted as tardy. If a student leaves and then returns, this is counted as tardy. Signing out before 11:45 am or signing after 11:45 will be counted as an absence.

SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES Parents / guardians are encouraged to become familiar with all Edgecombe County School Board Policies. A full listing of policies may be found here: http://www.ecps.us/domain/578