Welcome to Laurel Elementary School

Honor School of Excellence for 1 Year

School of Excellence for 3 Years

Top 25 School for 5 years

Principal: Ms. Betty Shook

 
The Principal's Pen

                 Welcome to a new and exciting year at Laurel Elementary School.   We have prepared this handbook so that you will have information about our school rules, regulations, and responsibilities.  Please take time to read this handbook thoroughly.  

               On behalf of the faculty and staff, I would like to extend an invitation for you to visit the school, attend the many academic functions, become a member of the PTO and join our volunteer programs. We are happy to have you and your child with us at Laurel Elementary School.
                This is going to be a wonderful year at Laurel Elementary School! I welcome the opportunity and look forward to working with you and your child.  Please feel free to contact me at 828-656-2223 with your questions and / or concerns.  Working together we can make a difference! 
 
It's the "KIDS" that Count!
 
Betty Shook
 
Principal, Laurel Elementary School
 

Parent Handbook

Revised 2005-2006

 
General Information

School begins at 7:45 am and ends at 3:00 pm.

 

School Food Service Prices: 

School Food Service Prices: 
Paid Students and Adults Breakfast } PK-12.......$ 1.00

Adult Breakfast.........Visitors….................................$1.25
        Lunch, PK-5..........................................................$1.50
        Lunch, 6-12..........................................................$1.75
 Adult Lunch..................................................................$2.50
Reduced Students Breakfast} PK-12......................$ .30
Reduced Lunch, PK-12.................................................$ .40

Breakfast/Lunch monies can be taken on Monday for the entire week.  Checks should be made payable to Laurel Elementary School.  School snacks or vending can be purchased after lunchtime.

 

Awards:  Students are recognized for academic and social growth at Awards Presentations.  These are scheduled at the end of each six-weeks grading period.  Parents are notified when their child/children will be receiving awards.  Parents are encouraged to attend these ceremonies. Awards presentation will also be held at the end of the school year to recognize Academic Achievement – Gateway Student Accountability Standards, Perfect Attendance Awards, Accelerated Readers Awards, Citizenship Awards, Principal Awards, Computer Awards, Presidential Awards, Physical Education Awards, Music Awards, Art Awards and others.

 

Co-Curricular Activities:  Laurel Elementary School various co-curricular activities are:  Health Fair Day, Music Programs, Book Fairs, Accelerated Reader, Accelerated Math, and Field Trips.  Students are encouraged to participate in these events.  Parents are encouraged and welcomed at these school presentations as well as to encourage your child/children to become involved.

 

Early Dismissal:  Students leaving school during school hours should be picked up and signed out in the office by parents.  Parents must call the school if another individual is to pick up your child.  After signing out a student, the parents will receive a dismissal slip that must be given to the classroom teacher.  Teachers will not release students unless the dismissal slip is presented. Students will not be released from the school campus without an early dismissal slip from the office.

 

Extra-Curricular Activities:  At Laurel Elementary School, activities include:  Youth Sports sponsored by the County Youth League.  The school works with parents to encourage students to participate.

 

Field Trips:  Teachers may plan for students to participate in a field trip that relates to current curriculum learning in the classrooms.  All students are expected to participate in field trips.  A signed parent permission slip is required for students to go on the field trips.  Students absent the day of a field trip will be considered unexcused.

 

Fund Raising:  To supplement state and local funding for equipment and instructional materials the school commits to some fund-raising during the year.  All funds raised through the school go to support and expand existing educational programs in order that students have exposure to the fullest educational opportunities as possible.  Some of the fundraisers include picture sales, Fall Festival, Book Fairs and others.  Parents are expected to supervise and accompany their children in the neighborhoods where they sell items for safety reasons. We appreciate and need parent support with these projects.

 

Illness or Accident:  If your child should become ill or has an accident at school, you will be notified by telephone.  By completing the student information form, parents can list who and where to call in the event of accident or illness.  Also, list emergency contact persons in the event that parent cannot be reached.

 

Late Arrivals:  Students arriving after 8:00 each morning are considered late and should report to the office first before going to class. Late arrivals are coded as tardies on student’s attendance report.

 

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO):  PTO meets at 7:00 pm on the second Tuesday of the months of September, November, January, March and May.  PTO supports projects for school needs. If you are not a member of the PTO, you are urged to join and become involved in your child’s education.

 

School Insurance:  School insurance may be purchased.  Brochures may be obtained at the school anytime.

 

Traffic Procedure:  When dropping off or picking up students, please be aware of students walking to and from buses.  All cars should park in the gated parking lot, above the light pole sign. This ensures that students clear the bus and school parking lots both mornings and afternoons safely.

 

Volunteers:  We welcome volunteers to our school.  There are always students who need a friendly face that will listen to them read, do math, or other class work.  We also welcome parents as volunteers on field trips, class projects and helping with fall festival.  Call the secretary or office at 656-2223 for more information.  When volunteering please stop in the office to pick up and wear the volunteer badge.

 

Visitation:  Parents are encouraged to visit the school.  Please stop by the office to let us know that you are here and to pick up a visitor badge for you to wear.

Madison County Schools Attendance Policy

The Madison County Board of Education believes that regular school attendance is of crucial importance for educational achievement and that learning experiences that occur in the classroom are essential components of the learning process, time lost from class tends to be irretrievable in terms of opportunity for instructional interaction, and each student should attend school every day.  Further, the Board affirms that the primary responsibility for regular attendance resides with the parents/guardians and the individual student.

Attendance Policy K-5

This policy allows each student 9 days absence per semester before any make up sessions are required. Once the student has missed the 10th day of the semester, he or she will be required to attend after school sessions to receive a passing grade for the semester.  Please note that school sponsored activities do not count as an absence. Three morning tardies or three afternoon early dismissals will count as one absence. To be considered in attendance, the student must be present in school for at least one-half of the school day (8:00-11:30) or 11:30 to the end of the school day). Doctor and dentist appointments will not be excused.

 

A student is considered present in the school when in attendance at the following places:

1.  School sponsored field trips.

2.  Other activities initiated by and scheduled by the school.

3.  Special school events, which may require early dismissal from school.

 

Assignments missed by students because of involvement in school-sponsored activities shall be completed by the student and are due on the second day after the student returns to class.  The number of times that a student misses class for school-sponsored activities should be kept to an absolute minimum.

 

As soon as a parent anticipates a student has extended absence because of a severe, prolonged or chronic illness under a physician’s care, the parent shall notify the principal.  The principal shall arrange for homebound/hospital bound or other appropriate instruction.  If a student makes a good faith effort to complete the work under these conditions, days missed will not be counted against the policy.  This arrangement shall be made only on the advice of the attending physician.  Parents will address all questions regarding this type of instruction to the principal.

Each school will provide quality educational opportunities each six-week for students to make up time missed.  These opportunities will be outside the regular school day and will be held after school at a cost of $5.00 per make-up session.  Parents or guardians must provide transportation home for their child from after school sessions.  After school sessions shall begin immediately after school and will be one (1) hour and 15 minutes in length.  Two (2) after school sessions will be required to make-up one (1) day for grades K-5.  All student work must be academically related.

Should unique situations arise that are not specifically addressed by this policy, the Superintendent, upon written recommendation from the school principal, may authorize alternatives to the policy to achieve fairness to the student without compromising the effectiveness of this policy.

*Each school will develop an incentive program for attendance.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Madison County Public School System is student focused, providing comprehensive educational experiences in a safe environment that equips and empowers students to be responsible citizens.

Madison County Schools’ Belief Statements

·        Everyone is entitled to a safe, orderly, caring and inviting school.

·        Every school will be treated fairly.

·        All stakeholders will be treated fairly and respectfully.

·        Highly qualified and committed staff is essential for successful schools.

·        Character, citizenship, and integrity are integral parts of our curriculum.

·        All schools and programs will be optimally funded to meet their needs.

·        Every student will be prepared for a career.

·        All students can learn.

·        All parents/guardians play a vital role in the education of their children.

 

LAUREL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OFFERS PROGRAMS TAILORED TO EVERY CHILD’S NEED

 

Literature Based Reading Program

Integrated Writing

Hands-On Math Experience

Accelerated Reading Program

Accelerated Math Program

School Wide Title I Program

Computers in Lab & Classrooms

Internet Access Lab, Library, & Classrooms

Reading and Math Enhancement Program

Exceptional Children’s Resource Program

Speech/Language Therapist

School Counseling Program

Media, Music, Art, and Physical Education Support

Social Worker/School Nurse

CORE Reading Program

Wilson Reading Program

Awards Presentations

County Youth League

Volunteers Program

 

Only students and school employees are allowed to ride school buses.  It is requested that parents review these rules and regulations and discuss them with your child /children.

 

Calendar:  A school calendar is provided with the student handbook.  Revisions are made when days are lost to bad weather that closes schools.

 

 

Closing of School:  Early dismissal due to snow or other hazardous weather is made by the superintendent’s office.  Parents should arrange for students on early dismissal days.  Students should know what to do and where to go (a note to the teacher and bus driver is encouraged).  Confusion can be avoided if you provide your child with appropriate instructions in advance.  Information regarding school closings can be obtained through the SCHOOL HOT LINE 777-6254, or announced on radio stations WMVH, WWNC, KISS-FM, and TV station WLOS-TV or www.madison.k12.nc.us.

 

Complaint or Concern:  Laurel Elementary School prefers that parental complaints or concerns are resolved at the school level.  Please contact your child's teacher or the principal for an appointment to discuss issues.  Every effort will be given to provide an environment of fairness and professionalism to deal with problems.

 

Fire Drills:  Fire drills are conducted each month throughout the school year.  Teachers instruct students in fire drill procedures.  If the fire alarm rings when students are in hallways, they should leave by the nearest exit.

 

Tornado Drills: Tornado drills will be practiced to comply with state awareness drills and procedures.

 

Crisis Situation: In the event a crisis situation develops on campus, parents should call Central Office at (828) 649-9276 to find out information regarding their child.  Parents are urged to NOT come to the school due to traffic congestion, which could hamper emergency personnel from arriving or leaving the scene. In the event of a lock down or evacuation school, school staff will follow plan procedures.

Food and Beverages at Schools:  Laurel Elementary School is very proud of the physical appearances of the school. Gum is not permitted at school, as well as no food or drinks are allowed in classrooms, the media center and computer lab. Vending machine items may only be purchased after the school lunch is served.

 

Homework:  It is the student’s responsibility to complete all homework assignments.  Students in grades K-2 will have Friday class work packets to bring home. Parent signatures are required.  Comments are optional.  Students will receive a zero for missing homework and this will be recorded in the teacher’s grade book.  If a student is absent one day, he/she is given one day to turn in assignments, two days absent, two days to turn in assignments, etc.  The teacher will notify parents when failure to turn in work or student performance becomes a problem.

 

Immunizations:  All students attending North Carolina Public School must have all immunizations up to date.  The school nurse or social worker will notify parents if immunization discrepancies exist.  Students not having required immunizations will be suspended from school unless a calendar of scheduled visits for scheduled visits for immunizations is followed. Required Doses: 5 Doses of DPT, 4 Doses of Oral Polio, 2 Doses of MMR, 3 Doses of Hepatitis B, and 1-4 Does of HIB.

 

Parent/Teacher Conferences:  Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled four (4) times during the year.  Please plan to attend when these are announced.  Report cards will be held and only can be picked up after a conference with your child’s teachers.  These conferences provide you with an opportunity to judge the progress of your child and the type of instructional activities/responsibilities that he/she has.  If you wish to meet with your child’s teacher at other times during the school year, please call the school office for an appointment.

 

Phone:  Due to the nature of a small community school, we allow students to call parents at home if the need arises.  Phone calls will be made at the discretion of the school secretary or principal.  Students will not be allowed to call parents at work.  The school secretary will make the call and leave a message.

 

Report Cards:  Report cards are issued to students in grades 1-5 on a six-weeks grading period.   Kindergarten students receive a progress report every nine weeks.

 

Supplementary Materials:  Parents may be requested to purchase extra materials such as workbooks or thesaurus according to teacher goals and objectives.

 

Alternative Transportation:  Parents wanting to alter transportation (bus or other) will need to provide written instructions signed by parent/guardian.  Phone requests will be honored and written instructions will be given to the teacher and/or bus driver by the administrative office.

 

Textbooks:  Grade level textbooks are issued to students at the beginning of the school year.  Calculators are issued to students in grades 2-5 and are school property like textbooks.  Media materials (library books, computer disks, etc.) are also considered as teaching materials.  All lost textbooks or calculators are the responsibility of the student and must be paid for in order that student records are clear for the next school year.  Failure to pay for lost textbooks will results in a court order being issued to parents or guardians.

 

Valuables at School:  Students, not the school, are responsible for their personal property.  Valuables and toys should not be brought to schools.  Toys, cellular phones or other items causing disruptions will be taken and may be picked up in the school office by parents. No pets are allowed on school buses or campus due to health and safety reasons. Rolling book bags represent a safety hazard and are therefore not allowed.

 

Family Education Rights/Privacy Act:

 

The school maintains a cumulative education record on each of its students.  This record contains important information such as personal data, a health record, attendance reports, and standardized test results and subject area grades.  It is useful for many reasons: in case of an emergency, to comply with the compulsory attendance law, for course placement, to meet graduation requirements, etc.  Under the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the following is considered “directory information and can be made public unless a parent/guardian or eligible student requests that any or all of the information may not be released without prior consent: your child’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, dates of school attendance, degrees and awards received and the most recent previous schools attended.  Your child’s education record is confidential and only available to you and to school officials or other agencies, with legitimate educational interests.  Access privileges accorded to parents are transferred to the student when the student reaches 18 years of age or is attending an institution of post-secondary education.

 

Equal Opportunity in Education: 

 

No student in Madison County Schools shall be denied equal opportunity to participate in any district program or activity on the basis of race, sex, religion, marital status, or national origin and no student shall be denied free, appropriate education on account of any handicapped condition.           

 

 

Administrative Regulation/Hazardous Conditions

 

The decision to close school because of inclement weather or other hazardous conditions will be made by the Superintendent of the Madison County Schools or his/her designee based on conditions that exist within the school system.  In accordance with G.S. 115C-84 (a), the Superintendent or his/her, designee will notify the news media that the school system will operate on a modified schedule, or that schools will be closed.

 

 

 

Modification Schedule:

 

Schools will open at the regularly scheduled time and buses will not run on dangerous roads.  Teachers and other staff will report on regular schedule.

 

Two-hour Delay – Conditions may make it possible that we will have a two-hour delay.  When there is a delay, buses are not scheduled to leave until that amount of time has elapsed and school will run on a delayed schedule.  Teachers and other staff will report on regular schedule.

 

The absence of any announcement means that schools will open on a regular schedule.

 

 

Modification when students are in school:

 

When inclement conditions prevail in the county, or when the threat of an impending storm exists, all principals will notify the Superintendent or his/her designee, and a decision will be made as to whether or not to close school for the day.  All principals will confer with the Superintendent or his/her designee before taking any emergency action or early dismissal action.

 

Modification of schedule when schools have been closed:

 

On any day that schools are closed because of hazardous conditions, all principals will call the Superintendent or his/her designee no later that 3:00 pm and give him/her their recommendations as to whether schools should be open on the following day.

 

Notification Plan:

 

On any day that schools are closed under hazardous conditions, the Superintendent or his/her designee will notify all school employees, students and the public through the local radio and TV stations.

 

 
North Carolina Statewide Student Accountability Standards

 

The new standards at a Glance:

 

·        North Carolina public school students will soon be required to meet statewide standards for promotion from grades 3, 5, 8, and high school graduation.  The standards, also called gateways, will ensure that students are working at grade level in reading, writing and mathematics before being promoted to the next grade.  For high school graduation, students will need a passing score on a new exit exam of essential skills.

·        Students who do not meet the standards will have multiple opportunities for re-testing and more students will receive timely help as soon as the have difficulty with their school work-not at the end of the year when time and options are running out.

·        What does this mean for North Carolina?  It means more students will be at grade level than ever before.  More students will have a strong foundation in reading, writing and math.  Most important, it means students in North Carolina will have specific expectations for their performance in school, and a pledge that they will receive the instructional support and help they need to reach those expectations.

·         These standards were developed over a six-year period in response to the public’s demand for better schools in our state.  In addition to the work of the Committee on Standards and Accountability, the State Board of Education and the Department of Public Instruction, teachers, parents, principals, student, education associations and organizations, business leaders and many others were involved in the creation of these standards.  Eight public input sessions were held around the state and toll-free hotline and a web site were established to increase public involvement.

 

 

The Gateways

Kindergarten Gateways (Revised 2005)

  • Administer DIAL-R Assessment
  • Develop a Personal Education Plan (PEP) prior to entering school if scores show delays in two or more areas.
  • Develop a Personal Education Plan (PEP) any time student is not performing at expected levels on Report Card and Assessment Timeline.
  • Develop a Focus of Concern at weeks 12, 24, 36 if 80% mastery is not met on the Kindergarten Report Card or Kindergarten Assessment Timeline Goals or Math Checklist Goals and Local Attendance Requirements. The PEP will be reviewed and grade placement will be considered or if student attends summer school then grade placement will be considered.

 

First Grade Gateways (Revised 2005)

 

  • All first graders will have their progress assessed using the NC K-2 Literacy Assessment and the expected objective mastery level from the NC Standard Course of Study.
  • Read at 90% competence at Level 13-14 of the K-2 Assessment.
  • Score Level III or IV on the Narrative Retelling.
  • Have mastered at least 80% of the objectives from the Standard Course of Study.
  • Demonstrate at least Level III proficiency in 3 of 4 subject areas listed on the promotion rubric
  • Meet local attendance requirements.
  • Students not meeting the above requirements may attend summer school or be retained in first grade. Reassessment in CORE areas will be made after summer school attendance.  Student may be promoted or retained with the option for an appeal by parents to the Appeals Committee and school principal.

 

 

 

Second Grade Gateways (Revised 2005)

  •  All Second graders will have their progress assessed using the NC K-2 Literacy Assessment and the expected objective mastery level from the NC Standard Course of Study.
  • Read at 90% competence at Level 13-14 of the K-2 Assessment.
  • Score Level III or IV on the Narrative Retelling.
  • Have mastered at least 80% of the objectives from the Standard Course of Study.
  • Demonstrate at least Level III proficiency in 3 of 4 subject areas listed on the promotion rubric
  • Meet local attendance requirements.
  • Students not meeting the above requirements may attend summer school or be retained in second grade. Reassessment in CORE areas will be made after summer school attendance.  Student may be promoted or retained with the option for an appeal by parents to the Appeals Committee and school principal.

 

Third Grade Gateways (Revised 2005)

·        Meet local promotion requirements: Must pass Communication Skills and Math, and either Science or Social Studies.

·        Score at Level III or IV on Third grade EOG tests in reading and math.

·        Meet local attendance requirement.

·        Students not meeting the above requirements may attend summer school or be retained in Third grade. Reassessment after summer school attendance may result in retention or promotion.  A PEP will be developed for each at risk child. Student may be promoted or retained with the option for an appeal by parents to the Appeals Committee and school principal.

 

Fourth Grade Gateways (Revised 2005)

·        Meet local promotion requirements: Must pass Communication Skills and Math, and either Science or Social Studies.

·        Score at Level III or IV on Fourth grade EOG tests in reading and math.

·        Meet local attendance requirement.

·        Score at or above proficiency level 2.5 on the Fourth grade writing assessment. (Students who do not have this score will be given intervention and assistance to develop their writing skills.)

·        Students not meeting the above requirements may attend summer school or be retained in Fourth grade. Reassessment after summer school attendance may result in retention or promotion.  A PEP will be developed for each at risk child. Student may be promoted or retained with the option for an appeal by parents to the Appeals Committee and school principal.

 

Grade 5 Gateways (Revised 2005)

·        Meet local promotion requirements: Must pass Communication Skills and Math, and either Science or Social Studies.

·        Score at Level III or IV on Fifth grade EOG tests in reading and math.

·        Meet local attendance requirement.

·        Students not meeting the above requirements may attend summer school or be retained in Fifth grade. Reassessment after summer school attendance may result in retention or promotion.  A PEP will be developed for each at risk child. Student may be promoted or retained with the option for an appeal by parents to the Appeals Committee and school principal.

 

 

 Review Procedures

For students not scoring at Level III (grade level proficiency) or above on the reading and math end-of-grade tests, school districts will follow certain procedures to determine if the student should advance to the next grade:

·        The student will be given additional tests to determine if he or she just had a bad test day.

·        If the child has not reached Level III after the second or third testing, teachers or parents may request a formal review process (appeal) to determine if the child should be promoted to the next grade.  The teacher will submit documentation of the student’s work to a review committee (Appeals Committee) (comprised of teachers and principals from other schools, and central office staff) which will review the request and make a recommendation to the student’s principal about promotion.

·        Students not promoted to the next grade after the second or third test will receive extra help in smaller classes or additional instructional opportunities.  These students also will be provided with a personalized education plan that outlines strategies to assist the child, including increased monitoring and evaluations.

·        Based on the experiences of school districts around the state that have already implemented similar standards, educators generally expect that the percentage of students likely to be retained would increase from three to five percent over the current levels.  However, after the first year, the retention rate would likely drop back down because more students will receive the help they need to reach grade level proficiency.

 

 

Local Accountability Procedures:

 

·        Superintendents and local boards of education will be responsible for designing the strategies to reach the state standards.  Additionally, they will provide leadership in ensuring that all educators, students, parents and community members understand and/or participate in implementing the Student Accountability Standards.

·        The decision to promote a child to the next grade will always be a local decision but must be based upon statewide Student Accountability Standards at grades 3, 5, 8 and high school.  The principal always has the final say in determining whether a child is promoted.

·        Local school districts will annually report to the State Board of Education the number of students not performing at grade level who are retained, as well as the number of students who are promoted upon recommendation of the review committee.

·        Just as with graduation requirements and other standards, local boards of education can establish higher standards than those of the states.

 

Students with Disabilities/Student of Limited English Proficiency:

 

·        The Student Accountability Standards do apply to exceptional children and to students with limited English proficiency.

·        The Individualized Education Program Team may exempt students with disabilities from the standards; if it has determined that the students do not have the ability to participate in the State Standard Course of Study.

·        For students in grades 3 through 8 with limited English proficiency who are exempt from statewide testing due to the language barrier, a portfolio may be used to document the students’ progress and English language proficiency.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE STANDARDS, CHECK THE DPI INFO WEB AT www.dpi.state.nc.us    or   call 1-800-431-7373 or 919-715-1246

 

Laurel Elementary School is a BULLY free school.

 

Madison County School Board Policy

 Prohibition against Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying

 

Policy Code: 1710/4021/72. The board believes that all employees and students should be free of unlawful discrimination, including harassment, as a part of a safe, orderly and inviting working and learning environment.  The board commits itself to nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities.  The board expressly prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment, and bullying including on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, religion, age or disability.  The board also prohibits retaliation against an employee or student who has exercised any rights made available through state or federal law.  The board and staff shall promote good human relations by removing any vestige of prejudice and discrimination in school district activities.  Any violation of this policy is considered a serious violation and appropriate action will be taken in response to a violation.

  1. Students: Students and parents are encouraged to submit any complaints of discrimination or harassment, other than sexual harassment, through the grievance procedure established in policy 1740/4010, Student and Parent Grievance Procedure.  The complaint procedure for sexual harassment is established in policy 1745/4027, Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure for Students.
  2. Employees: Employees are encouraged to submit any complaints of discrimination or harassment, other than sexual harassment, through the grievance procedure established in policy 1750/7220, Grievance Procedure for Employees. The complaint procedure for sexual harassment is established in policy 1755/7237, Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure for Employees.

 

Notice: The superintendent is responsible for providing effective notice to students, parents, and employees of the procedures for reporting and investigating complaints of discrimination including sexual harassment.  The school district will investigate complaints of discrimination and harassment and will take reasonable steps to eliminate the discrimination or harassment.

Records: The superintendent or his designee shall maintain confidential records of complaints or reports of discrimination which identify the names of any individuals accused of discrimination and the resolution of such reports or complaints.  The superintendent shall maintain records of training, corrective action or other steps taken by the district to help provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment.  The superintendent shall report all verified cases of harassment, discrimination, and bullying to the State Board of Education through the Discipline Date Collection Report.

 

MADISON COUNTY K-5 DISCIPLINE PLAN

 

In order to apply discipline on a uniform basis, it is necessary to have certain rules, regulations, and directives that must be followed to maintain order. Students are expected to comply with the discipline procedures, which govern their conduct in the classroom, on the campus, and at school sponsored activities/events.

 

A.     Be respectful to staff, fellow students, and visitors.

B.     Use acceptable language at all times.

C.    Refrain from damaging or destroying school property.

D.    Have acceptable behavior.

E.     Have acceptable dress

F.     Be alcohol and drug free

G.    Refrain from taking articles, which do not belong to them.

 

Students who violate the rules, regulations and directives will be disciplined for their conduct by the principal/designee:

       

A.     When a teacher considers a problem of classroom discipline to be serious as to warrant the principal/designee's attention.           

B.     When the conduct constitutes a violation of the rules, regulations and directives.

C.    When the principal/designee deems it advisable to deal personally with the conduct.

               

 

 

 

THE PRINCIPAL/DESIGNEE HAS THE AUTHORITY TO TAKE WHATEVER REASONABLE AND LEGAL ACTION IS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE STUDENT BEHAVIOR.

 

Disciplinary consequences for conduct violations may include any of, but not limited to the following at the discretion of the principal/designee:

 

A.      Parent Notification

B.      Authority Notification

C.      Suspension from School Bus

D.      Warning

E.      Law Enforcement Notification

F.       Detention

G.      Apology

H.      Written Assignment

I.          Drug Education/Treatment Program Referral

J.        Corporal Punishment

K.      Clean-up Duty

L.       Suspension-In School

M.     Suspension- Out of School

 

This discipline plan is based on a format of five levels along with infractions:

 

Level One

At this level the teacher develops with the student a class plan that emphasizes respect  and responsibility. The teacher through a process of warnings and counseling will deal with students who do not follow the class plan. Discipline notices are optional. Parent contact by the teacher is optional.

 

Infractions

            -Failure to do class work

            -Failure to follow reasonable request

            -Class misbehavior

            -Rude to teacher, assistant or substitute

 

Level Two

At this level the teacher and the principal deal with the student in an effort to involve the student in taking responsibility of his or her behavior. Parent/counselor involvement may be initiated. Parents may be contacted by telephone on discipline notice.

 

Infractions

            -Excessive horseplay or disrespect to other students

            -Failure to follow school policy

            -Inappropriate language or gestures

            -Littering school grounds/buildings

-Internet policy violations

-Misconduct (including all sports events)

                

 

 

Level Three

At this level the principal will involve the parent through school conference. This level may involve the parent coming to school before their child can return to class. Support personnel and other agencies in and out of school may be used to assist the student in corrective behavior. At this level parents may be warned that continued misbehavior will result in short term suspension.

 

Infractions

            -Possession of cigarette lighter or matches

            -Possession of tobacco products

            -Harassment-hazing-physical or implied threats

            -Sexual harassment (parent conference with students involved)

 

Level Four

At this level the student has committed serious infractions on behaviors that may lead to suspension. The length of the suspension will normally vary from one(1) to five(5) school days depending on the offense.

Infractions

            -Indecent exposure

            -Vandalism

            -Fighting

            -Theft

            -Possession of any type of fireworks

            -Gross disrespect to faculty or staff including all school events on or off campus.

            (This includes inappropriate language, actions, gestures towards faculty, staff, or

            the general public)

            -False 911 calls

            -False fire alarms

 

Level Five

This level is a result of serious school offenses that endanger life and the welfare of students and staff and is in violation of Madison County Board of Education Policy or NC State Law. Offenses in this category can result in short or long-term suspension or expulsion from the school system. A hearing procedure will be followed. Outside agencies including law enforcement will be notified.

 

Infractions

            -Conduct directed at disrupting the educational process

            -Physical violence or violent threats

            -Sexual offenses

            -Illegal possession or use of alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia (including

            counterfeit drugs, etc.)

            The use of anything considered a weapon (knife, brass knucks, etc.)

            Possession of explosives

            -The following will lead to a long-term suspension and reported to law

            enforcement

            -Violation of Gun-Free Schools Act by bringing a firearm, bomb, or powerful

            explosive device to school

            -Communicating bomb threats

 

 

MADISON COUNTY SCHOOLS

 

CONTROL OF PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES ON

SCHOOL PROPERTY

 

A student in public school shall not use a personal communication device (PCD) during regular school hours except under specific limitations and circumstances.

 

Prohibited Use

·        Not to be used during the instructional day including tutoring.

·         Not to be used on a yellow bus by any student.

·         Driver of bus shall use in case of emergency only.

·         Employees must turn on to silent mode during day.

 

Allowed Use

·        Students may use PCD before and after school.

·         Students may use a PCD while participating in extra-curricular activities, especially to keep parents informed about times to pick them up at school.

 

Storage

·        It will be the responsibility of the student to safeguard and store PCDs during school hours.  Lockers or personal vehicles are preferred.

·         The school is not responsible for the safe keeping or security of PCDs.

·         Improper use of PCDs during allowable times will result in the loss of the privilege to bring it to school.

·         Possession of a PCD when the privilege has been lost may result in suspension from school.

 

Discipline for Use During Prohibited Times

·        1st Offense- The PCD will be taken and the parent or guardian will need to meet with the principal to get it back.

·         2nd Offense- Loss of privilege to bring PCD to school.

·         3rd Offense- Principal’s discretion.

 

Definition

 

              A PCD is defined as any telecommunications device that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message, allows communications between individuals, or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the processor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MADISON COUNTY SCHOOLS Transportation Department

 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

The Mission of the Madison County Schools Transportation Department is to have and operate a well-managed system of buses in order to provide for safe and efficient transportation of school children.

 

BELIEFS

 

There should be a consistent and fair policy governing school bus riders. The school buses should be safe and orderly.

 

There should be mutual respect between all parties involved with school bus transportation.

 

There must be clearly communicated expectations for school bus discipline and operation.

TRANSPORTATION

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ALL BUS RIDERS

 

The Madison County Board of Education recognizes the importance of safe and orderly buses during their routes to and from school. School bus transportation is a privilege, not a right. The transportation of any pupil is subject to the compliance with the lawful rules and regulations adopted by the school board. A student will be subject to disciplinary action for those violations within this policy and those covered by policy 212 (Serious Misconduct). Minor offenses will merit a warning, and repeated minor offenses and/or major offenses will result in bus suspension, parent notification, and possible removal from the bus for an extended period of time.

 

Discipline for exceptional children will follow state and federal guidelines.

 

Passengers may be suspended from riding the bus and/or school, at the discretion of the principal and/or bus designee for:

 

Minor Offenses

 

1.      Failure to keep the bus clean

2.      Loud and boisterous talking

3.      Disruptive and inappropriate behavior

4.      Refusing to meet the bus on time and delaying the bus schedule

5.      Failure to remain in their seat while the bus is in motion

6.      Spitting on bus

7.      Other improper behavior

 

1st Offense – The parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian will be contacted and

                      student may be assigned to a seat.

 

2nd Offense – A conference may be required and the student may be suspended

                                 from riding the bus for: Grades K-5 one to three (1-3) days

                                                                        Grades 6- 12 for three (3) days.

                                When the student is permitted to ride the bus again, they may be

                                 assigned to a seat for a period of time or indefinitely.

         

          3rd Offense – A conference may be required and the student may be suspended

                                 from riding the bus for: Grades K-5 one to five (1-5) days

                                                                        Grades 6- 12 for five (5) days.

                                When the student is permitted to ride the bus again, they may be

                                 assigned to a seat for a period of time or indefinitely.

 

NOTE: The above list may not cover all possible violations. Similar offenses shall be categorized major or minor and handled in the manner that they occur. Other forms of punishment may be suggested and followed through by the principal and/or bus designee.

 

Major Offenses

 

1.      Using or being under the influence of, or having in their possession alcoholic

beverages and/or illegal drugs.

2.      Vandalism of the bus and bus property.

3.      Bullying and any form of harassment as stated in the North Carolina statute.

4.      Throwing items out of the bus windows.

5.      Possession of tobacco or any form of tobacco products on the bus.

6.      Use or possession of any form of weapon.

7.      Verbal or physical abuse to other students or bus driver.

8.      Indecent, abusive, or loud language.

9.      Fighting on the bus or at bus stops.

10. Tampering with any part of the bus, including emergency exits.

11. Having hands, arms, legs, and/or head out of the bus window.

12. Not sitting in assigned seats.

13. Playing, throwing objects, or otherwise distracting the driver’s attention while the bus is in operation.

14. Excessive display of affection.

15. Unauthorized leaving of the bus when in route.

16. Refusal to adhere to a reasonable request of a bus driver.

17. Failure to observe established safety rules and regulations required by North Carolina law or policy by Madison County Board of Education.

18. Spitting on others.

 

1st Offense – A conference may be required and the student may be suspended from

                      riding the bus for: Grades K-5 one – five (1-5) days

                                                   Grades 6-12 five (5) days    

                     When the student is permitted to ride the bus again, they may be assigned to

                      a seat for a period of time or indefinitely.

 

2nd Offense – A conference may be required and the student may be suspended from

                       riding the bus for : Grades K-5 five –ten (5-10) days

                                                     Grades 6-12 ten (10) days

 When the student is permitted to ride the bus again, they may be assigned to a seat for a period of time or indefinitely.

 

3rd Offense – The student will not be allowed to ride the bus for the remainder of the

                       school year.

 

Other Bus Regulations

 

-               A student is subject to all school rules while riding on the school bus, after

           school bus, activity bus, or other vehicle being transported to and from

           school, athletic events, or any school sponsored event.

-               The driver of the school bus is subject to the direction of the principal, has the

                   authority over the responsibility for, the operation of the bus and

                   maintenance of good order and conduct. The student is to obey the driver.

-               The bus driver may assign seating for a student or students while they are

                   riding on a school bus.

-               Bus conduct reports and discipline actions are cumulative for the school year.

 

 

 

See Student/Parent contract on next page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bus Safety Contract

Student/Parent/Driver

 

The State Board of Education and the Madison County Board of Education have adopted a policy requiring students to meet state and local standards for bus safety that will include all grades K-12. We are committed to provide and promote safe orderly bus transportation for the students of Madison County.

As a student in Madison County Schools, I pledge to…

·         observe established safety rules and regulations while sitting in my assigned seat,

respect myself and the rights of others on the bus

·         not delay the bus schedule

·         not fight, smoke, use any profanity, or refuse to obey instructions of school authorities or a bus driver

·         not tamper or vandalize the school bus in any way

·         not refusing to meet the bus at designated stops

·         not leave the bus without permission when in route

·         not play, throw trash, paper, or other objects, or otherwise distract the driver’s attention while the bus is in operation

 

Signed: _______________________________ Date: __________________

 

As the parent/guardian of  ______________________I, pledge to…     

·         support the school staff in their efforts to promote appropriate behavior

·         encourage our children to respect and obey the rules and regulations of bus transportation, and bus driver

·         read, sign, and return the bus conduct referrals sent to you

·         attend parent/bus driver conferences as requested

·         provide proper permission for any bus changes

 

Signed: _______________________________ Date: __________________

 

As a bus driver of Madison County Schools, I pledge to…

·         explain all bus safety rules

·         provide a climate that is fair, and consistent to bus safety, at all times to all students

·         not allow any student off the bus without written documentation

·         evacuate only all students safely in case of an emergency

·         communicate with parents through conferences, and/or by telephone

·         attend bus safety meetings

·         post all rules on the bus

 

Signed: _______________________________ Date: __________________

 

The principal or bus designee of your child’s school is committed to providing a safe and orderly environment that is conducive to bus safety. As the administrator of the school, she/he will support the drivers in their efforts to provide bus safety to all students. This completed contract must be returned within 10 days to the school office. As required by the Madison County Board of Education.

 

Parental involvement is essential as we work together to give your child the best and safest bus transportation as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title I

Madison County Public Schools

School Board Policy

 

Policy #:   213

Subject:  LEA Parent Involvement Policy

 

Adopted: January 26, 2004

 

Revised:

 

The Madison County Board of Education recognizes the important role of family in a child’s education and encourages the shared responsibility between the school and family.  Schools and parents must work as knowledgeable partners to maximize the quality of the educational program of students.  Parents and family involvement is an on-going process that assists parents and families to meet their basic obligation as their child’s first teacher and promotes clear, two-way communication between the home and school.

 

The Board shall abide by and support all rules and regulations pertaining to Title 1, Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Public Law 107-110.  A written plan for Title I parental involvement that establishes programs and practices to enhance parental involvement and reflects the needs of students and families will be jointly developed by parents and school staff.  The plan will be unique to each school and will include a home/school compact.  The plan will support the development, implementation, and regular evaluation of the parental involvement program.

 

In accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, section 1118(2), Madison County Schools will:

·        Involve parents in the development of the School Level and LEA Title I plans by using the School Improvement Team members and provide each school with opportunities for review of the plan.

 

·        Provide coordination, technical assistance, and other support from various central office departments to assist schools in planning and implementing parent involvement activities, such as Parent/Child Reading Nights, that are designed to improve student academic achievement and school performance.

 

·        Coordinate and integrate all parental involvement strategies in the schools.

 

·        Conduct annually with parents a review of this policy and of the strategies for parental involvement listed in the Title I application.

 

·        Insure that parents are always involved in the schools’ activities including being a part of each school’s leadership team.

 

·        Build capacity for strong parental involvement by:

 

Ø     helping parents understand all national, state, and local standards and expectations through community-based meetings, and sending information in languages represented by parents;

 

Ø     providing materials to parents to help them with their children’s education;

 

Ø     working with school staffs to insure all school personnel understand the value of parent involvement;

 

Ø     involving parents in all schools’ pre-school programs;

 

Ø     insuring that all communications are in easy to understand formats for all parents;

 

Ø     including parents on the School Improvement Team;

 

Ø     providing opportunities for the schools to conduct programs in the communities; and

 

Ø     providing support based on reasonable parent requests.

 

Madison County School System is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or limited English proficiency in its activities, program, or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504.

 

Adopted January 26, 2004

 

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