Alderman Elementary School

2012-2013 Parent Handbook

“Soaring Toward Success for the Future of our Children”

Come soar with us!

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Alderman’s Mission Statement

“Building foundations and raising expectations to meet life-long situations”

School Vision

“Building relationships through connections, commitment, and curriculum”

Quality Indicators

Data Based Instructional Planning Best Teaching Practices

ClassScapes/Authentic Assessment Rubrics/Student Portfolios

Professional Learning Teams (PLT)

Caring Indicators

Student Support Team Afterschool Enrichment

Extra-curricular Activities Guidance Services Connected Schools

Restitution Second Step

Results

Improved Test Scores Reduced Disciplinary Indicators

Improved Attendance (Students & Staff) Increased Extra-Curricular Activities

Increased Parental Involvement

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Alderman Elementary School

Principal……………………. Bob Maxey Media Coordinator………………Robin Newlin Assistant Principal……….….Laura Jennings Resource Teachers………………Jill Yancey Secretary/Treasure………… Deb Brown Lori Collins Data Manager……………... Kathy Hauglie Jamie Sandrin Receptionist…………………Constance Blanks Joseph Dover (IBS) Technology Facilitator……....Corey Hart New Teacher Guidance Counselor…………Landis Stanfield Paraeducators…………………... Cheryl Williams Social Worker……………….Rebecca McSwain New Paraeducator Nurse……………………….. Frankie Mincey AIG Teacher……………………. Susan Broderick Speech Therapist…………… Suzanne Vannote Literacy Coach………………………..Vicki Gibson School Psychologist………...Anne Milkes Art Teacher……………………...James McDonough Mental Health Therapist…… Melinda McEnroe PE Teacher……………………...Justin Suarez ESL………………………….Tricia Christmas Music Teacher………………….Richard Gemach Teachers Instructional Assistants Garrett Becker-5th Kristen Jupena-K Shiela Bron Jana Bell-first/second Jacob Lawrence-4th Margaret Willetts Terry Brinson-3rd Kimberly Leggett-1st Minnie Clark Holly Draughn-K Penny Rogers-2nd Judy Vaughn Heather Drew-K April Thompson-1st Alison Sineath Melinda Jennings-3rd Kristy Walter-4th Marcella Watkins Rachel Jones-2nd Jessica Williams-5th Barbara Walker

Custodial Staff

Claudette Higgins………………..Senior Custodian

Mary Aiken Robert Pollard

Cafeteria Staff

Marie Hartl………………….Manager

Jewell Pryor Kathy Herron

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Important Dates to Remember

Teacher Workdays

September 24 November 6 January 18 January 22 June 10-12

Student Half Days

October 26 January 17

November 21 February 15 December 21

March 22 June 7

Special Dates

Open House August 23 1st Day of School August 27

Labor Day (Holiday) September 3 Veterans Day (Holiday) November 12 Thanksgiving Holidays November 22-23 Christmas/Winter Break December 24-January 1 M. L. King, Jr. Birthday (Holiday) January 21 Spring Break March 25-April 1 Memorial Day May 27 Last Day of School June 7

Report Card Dates Grading Period Interim Report Issue Date 1st October 3 November 2

2nd December 5 January 25 3rd February 20 April 12 4th May 8 June 12

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School Information and Procedures

Attendance

School Hours 7:30 a.m.: Students may go to classrooms and begin their morning work. 7:30 a.m. – 7:55 a.m.: Students may get breakfast in the cafeteria. 8:00 a.m.: Tardy announcements. Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. are tardy and must be checked in at the office by an adult. 2:30 p.m.: Dismissal begins. Parents who bring their children to school should get them here between 7:30 a.m. and 7:55 a.m. in order to avoid tardiness and to give students an appropriate beginning for the day. Regular Attendance The recent No Child Left Behind legislation strengthens existing attendance laws. All children are required to be in school unless there is a legitimate reason for absences such as sickness. If your child is absent because of sickness, send a written note to the teacher explaining the reason for the absence. All absences are marked unexcused until the written note is sent to the teacher. Please plan vacations during holidays and breaks in the academic calendar. Absences will be monitored by the teachers, principal, social worker, and counselor. We will contact parents if absences become a problem. Regular attendance is very important to children’s success at school. Being at school every day on time ensures that your child gets the maximum instruction that is provided by the school. Regular attendance also helps your child develop the concept of dependability.

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Tardiness Any student who arrives after 8:00 a.m. must be checked in at the office by an adult. The student is marked tardy, and the receptionist will give him/her a tardy slip for admission to class. If tardiness becomes a problem, the principal, social worker, and/or counselor will work with families to establish procedures for getting to school on time. Further action will be taken if tardiness continues to be a problem. Lawful Absences A student shall be present at least half of the school’s instructional day in order to be recorded present. The mid-point in the school day is 11:15 a.m. The following are lawful absences: 1. Illness or Injury 5. Court or Administrative Proceeding 2. Quarantine 6. Religious Observance 3. Death in Immediate Family 7. Immediate Demands of the Home 4. Medical or Dental Proceedings 8. Educational Opportunity Approval for absences 7 and 8 must be granted by the principal prior to the absence. A written request must be submitted at lease five (5) school days in advance in order for proper arrangements to be completed. Absences for items 7 and 8 which do not have prior approval by the principal at least five (5) school days in advance will be coded as unlawful absences. Upon returning, the missed assignments must be submitted in a reasonable length of time, usually the same number of days that were missed. Be sure this time is agreeable with the teachers. The Board of Education seeks full cooperation from parents in promoting good attendance and punctuality. Medical and dental appointments should be scheduled after school hours except in cases of emergency. Family vacations should be taken during school vacation and recess periods. No student will be excused from regular school work to take private lessons in music, art, dance, or any other area without prior approval of the Superintendent’s Office.

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Arrival and Dismissal All car students are to be dropped off and picked up using the middle road in the parking lot. To access this area, please use Canterbury Road. Please do not access the road from Independence Blvd., as that area is for buses only. Walking students will cross Independence at the crosswalk where a crossing guard directs traffic. Morning Drop-off Staff supervises students as they arrive in the morning. Parents are encouraged to say good-bye at the drop-off area. Be prepared to let your child out as soon as they get to the sidewalk. (Have homework signed, backpacks ready etc.) Watch the supervisors and move forward as directed. Remember, rainy days are the most crowded and it takes the longest to get children unloaded. Please come early. The doors are unlocked for students at 7:30 a.m. In order for your child to be on time, they should be in their classroom at 7:55 a.m. If you choose to park, do not park in the parking area closest to the school. Use the parking lots. Escort your child(ren) to the sidewalk. Never let your child out of the car and walk unescorted through the traffic. We ask that you do not go into classrooms in the morning because the teacher is busy getting the day started with the children. Afternoon Pick-up Please stay in your car and pull forward to the loading area as children are dismissed. Supervisor will help children into the cars as needed. Have your doors unlocked as soon as you see your child approach. If you are loaded and the cars in the front are still loading, please be patient and do not pass. If your child is being loaded into a car, we must have them sit in the back seat due to airbags. If this is not possible, the parent must put the child in the front seat. If you park in the parking lots and choose to come into the building at dismissal, please wait in the front hallway for your child. When leaving, cross at the sidewalk and keep your child close to you and be alert to the traffic-loading children.

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After 1:30 p.m. parents or guardians are not allowed to leave parked cars along the sides of the school. These areas are used for car pick-up, van dismissal, and bus pick-up. Refrain from cell phone use during drop off and pick up procedures, as this is a safety issue. The Order of Student Dismissal: Van riders to the cafeteria Bus students, by grade level Car riders, bike riders and walkers Early Dismissal If you should need to pick up your child early for any reason, please come to the office first and bring a picture ID. It is also helpful if you send a note to the teacher stating the date, time, and reason for early dismissal. The teacher will send your note to the office for approval. The teacher should not release your child without approval from the office. This procedure is for your child’s safety. Front office staff will not dismiss students between 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Transportation Changes We must have notification from the parent or guardian if your child’s afternoon transportation is changing from the transportation plan that the teacher has on file. To change your child’s transportation, you may send a note to the teacher or you may call the front office. If you call the office about the change, please call before 1:30 p.m. and do not leave a message on the answering machine. DO NOT call the teacher’s extension to leave transportation changes because the teacher will check her messages after dismissal. Students may not ride a bus home with a friend without a note from a parent of each student. This note should be given to the teacher by 8:00 a.m. and approved by the office and the transportation manager.

Balloon and Flower Delivery New Hanover County Schools Board Policy requires that balloons and flowers be delivered to homes – not schools.

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Bicycles Students may ride bikes to and from school. Bikes should be parked in the bike racks provided. Bikes should never be ridden on the sidewalks or playgrounds. A lock is recommended for safekeeping. The school is not responsible for stolen bikes. The use of a bicycle helmet is North Carolina State law.

Breakfast and Lunch Program The school food program was developed to improve child nutrition. Breakfast and lunch are served daily. Parents are invited to have lunch with their children. If you wish to have lunch with your child, please let the teacher know early in the morning so that a lunch may be ordered for you. Please sign in at the office and then wait in the front hallway for your child’s class to come to the cafeteria for lunch. Alderman’s cafeteria operates on an account system for students. Each student has an account that can be accessed by a numbered card. You may put money into the account weekly, monthly, or annually. When the account is overdrawn, you will receive a statement. There is a $10.00 cap on charges. School menus will not be printed this year. The monthly menus are posted via the web at http://www.nhcs.net/nutrition/monthly_menus_copy(1).htm. 2012-2013 Prices Breakfast Lunch Paid $1.25 $2.10 . Reduced Free $ .40 Milk costs $ .50 per half-pint Adult All meals will now be a la carte

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Bus Behavior Students reported by the bus driver for misconduct will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Parents will be contacted. Continued misconduct or a single serious offense will result in loss of privilege to ride the school bus. Buses should run within 10 minutes of the scheduled time. Anyone not already assigned to a bus may not ride on a friend’s bus without a note from both parents and clearance from the transportation manager. In order to ensure that the students are kept safe, certain rules and expectations are required of all students who ride the buses. These rules are:

• Children must sit in their assigned seats daily and they must remain seated while the bus is moving. They are only allowed to stand when they are getting on or off the bus.

• The children will not be permitted to talk loudly or to use inappropriate language. Loud talking is distracting and prevents the driver from focusing his/her complete attention on driving safely.

• All hands, heads, and objects are to be kept inside the bus. Having hands and heads extended from the window increases the possibility of having accidents which could lead to serious harm to your child.

• Fighting on the bus will result in immediate suspension from the bus and possibly from school. • The students must obey the bus driver at all times. • The use of or possession of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol will result in immediate suspension from the bus and immediate suspension from

school. • Vandalism to the interior or exterior of the bus is prohibited and may result in monetary compensation required from the parents of the

child who does the vandalism. • Tampering with the emergency door or emergency window could lead to serious injury to your child and other children as well. The

students will be taught properly how and when to activate the emergency exits. • Possession of any weapon, as defined in the New Hanover County School Board Policy Manual, will lead to being removed from the bus

and being suspended from school up to ten days with a recommendation to the Superintendents for a longer term of suspension and possibly suspension for the remainder of the school year. In addition, any child having a weapon may be referred to the Office of Juvenile Justice for prosecution.

• For the safety of the children and the driver, anyone other than the students assigned to the bus who attempts to get on the bus without the permission of the bus driver may be charged with trespassing and may face criminal prosecution.

Please talk with your child about the bus rules and stress the importance of following the rules in order for everyone on the bus to be safe.

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Cancellation of School Cancellation of school takes place only during extraordinary circumstances such as extreme weather, equipment failure, or public crisis. The school board members and administrators are aware of the hardship which can be caused by an abrupt cancellation. Therefore, school will not be cancelled unless significant safety risk has been created by unusual circumstances. In the case of snow or hurricanes, announcements concerning school closing will be made on local radio and television stations. If snow begins during the school day, please keep your radio or television on and listen for closing announcements.

Celebrations Individual teachers have developed activities and procedures for celebrating birthdays. In addition to activities on individual birthdays, some teachers have a once-a-month celebration. Often the celebration is connected to the curriculum. Sometimes grade parents provide a treat. Because of health regulations, all food that is served to the children must come from a commercial food establishment that is inspected by the Health Department or it is commercially packaged. We ask that you do not drop off or send food treats to school unless plans have been made beforehand with the teacher. Party invitations cannot be distributed at school unless the entire class is invited. Otherwise you may use the school Dial an Eagle directory for addresses of families who choose to share their addresses and phone numbers.

Cell Phone Policy Students are not permitted to use cell phones on campus. They can have them in the school but are not to use them during instructional times (7:30-2:30). They are not to be turned on, seen, or heard during these hours. Should this occur, phones will be confiscated and returned only to a parent.

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Character Education (Policy #7186) The New Hanover County Board of Education believes it is vital that the public schools support the efforts of families and our community to teach all young people certain fundamental, commonly agreed upon character traits. Support for character development will strengthen the New Hanover County Schools’ efforts to establish a safe and orderly environment where students will have optimum conditions for learning. The Board of Education further believes that everything a school does teaches values. Therefore, the administration, instructional staff, classified staff, and volunteers shall work together to integrate instruction that teaches and reinforces the following eight character traits, as identified and defined by the NC General Assembly in 1996, into the curriculum and activities of their school. 1. Courage 2. Good Judgment 3. Integrity 4. Kindness 5. Perseverance 6. Respect 7. Responsibility 8. Self-discipline Child Custody If you and your spouse are separated or divorced, and you have been granted custody of your child through a court order or deed of separation, you must advise the school principal, data manager and teacher of this fact. Also, you must provide us with a copy of the custody order. Class Visits and Observations We encourage parents to visit the school as often as possible. All people arriving at the school should go directly to the office upon arrival and state the nature of their visit and get a visitors pass. This policy includes parents and all other persons. Parents and others wishing to visit a classroom during school hours of 7:30-2:30 must get administration’s permission first. Teachers will refer all people to the office who do not have official permission from administration. Crisis Plan for Parents Alderman Elementary School is committed to the safety of all children and staff. In the event of an emergency, and the school has to be evacuated, our evacuation site will be the First Baptist Activity Center. For all other emergencies, students and staff will remain on site and follow established crisis procedures. We ask that you cooperate in following these procedures if you hear of an emergency at school.

• Remain as calm as possible.

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• Do not attempt to go to the school. Access routes and streets need to be clear for emergency vehicles. Traffic congestion will make emergency response much more difficult for police, ambulances, and fire departments to get to the school to deal with the emergency quickly. This is an issue of safety.

• Remain at home or at work to make it easier for officials to contact you, if necessary. If the school sends your child home on the bus, it is vitally important that you be there to receive your child.

• Identification will be required to sign out students through office personnel. • Do not call your child’s school building as telephone lines will need to remain open to deal with the emergency. If the phone

system is overloaded, it will hinder efforts to provide and receive necessary information. • Listen to local TV and radio stations for information.

Radio Stations: WAAV-AM 980 WHQR-FM (91.3) WKXB-FM (99.9) WWQQ-FM (101.3), to name a few WGNI-FM (102.7) TV Stations: WECT – Channel 6 WWAY – Channel 3 WSFX – Channel 26

• Be sure that updated emergency contact information is on file. This is particularly important if you have had a change in phone numbers.

• Buses and cars must use the Fordham Road entrance and exit. Lockdown Lockdowns are called by an administrator, central office personnel, or law enforcement for the safety and protection of the students and staff in the building. During a lockdown, parents in the building will go immediately to the office. Parents on the outside of the building may not enter the building and should go directly to their automobile until the lockdown is completed.

Discipline With Dignity Educators know that we must have safe schools that promote dignity for all. When misbehavior occurs it must be confronted with firmness and clarity coupled with respect and dignity. More important, we must understand the needs that lead students to harm themselves and others, then develop and implement strategies that work to prevent these problems. The dignity of all children and all adults should be maintained during all interactions between children and adults:

• Reprimands should be private.

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• Written records/statements on boards, walls, etc. should be avoided. The teaching and support of appropriate behavior is always our objective. Punishment does not promote appropriate behavior in the long run. We believe that convincing students that they are in a caring community encourages cooperation from students. Punishment interferes with the building of relationships, while genuine caring increases authentic relationships. We always communicate our highest expectations for students (for both behavior and academic work) and let them know that we are here to assure that they reach our high expectations. The ideal way to get students’ cooperation in learning is to plan and implement meaningful work that is at an appropriate (challenging) level. Establishing clear procedures and consistently teaching/re-teaching those procedures can prevent discipline problems. Detailed, structured discipline plans (social contracts) should be used with individuals who need them rather than with the whole class. Our goal is to have staff members become familiar with many theories of discipline so they can choose strategies that they believe in and that meet their individual needs. (However, all plans should maintain dignity for all.)

Behavioral Expectations

Area Be Respectful Be Responsible Be Safe Be a Hard-worker

Classroom

• Use appropriate tone of voice

• Raise hand to speak

• Listen to speaker

• Treat others like you want to be treated

• Follow directions the first time

• Have materials ready

• Complete work in a timely manner

• Always walk • Keep hands, feet,

and objects to self

• Keep 4 chair legs and 2 feet on floor

• Ask permission before leaving your area

• Stay on task

• Do your best

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Cafeteria

• Raise hand for attention

• Talk only while seated

• Say please and thank you

• Follow adult directions the first time

• Get all items the first time through kitchen

• Face forward in line

• Talk only to people across and beside of you

• Clean up your area

• Keep hands and feet to self

• Stay in seat • 2 hands on tray

while walking • Eat own food • Eat with mouth

closed

• Eat your lunch

Hallway

• Keep hands, feet and objects to self

• Walk and stand silently

• Walk on right side • Go directly to

destination

• Stay in line • Face forward • Pay attention • Always walk

• Follow directions the first time

Playground

• Use kind words and actions

• Share and take turns

• Show good sportsmanship

• Include everyone

• Put trash in trash cans

• Report inappropriate actions or behavior to teacher or adult

• Be a good listener • Line up when

teacher calls, the first time

• Return equipment to proper owner or place

• Stay within teacher’s sight

• Stay on playground area

• Use equipment properly

• Play carefully • Keep hands, feet,

and other objects to self

• Be aware of your surroundings

• Participate • Do your

best

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Restroom

• Knock on door before opening it

• Give privacy

• Use restroom quietly

• Leave restroom looking neater than when you arrived

• Follow dress code before leaving restroom

• Flush toilets and urinals after use

• Use supplies correctly and be green

• Wash and dry hands before leaving restroom

• Tell an adult if there is a problem

• Use time wisely

• Take turns • Wait

patiently

These are school-wide expectations. The following behaviors are not acceptable and will result in an immediate office referral: fighting, profanity, and weapons. Discipline Procedures Teachers are empowered to create a safe and orderly environment that is conducive to learning based on Alderman’s school-wide expectations. Before referring a student to the office, the following steps should have been implemented: The process:

1. Teacher Student Conference 2. Academic Timeout 3. Office Referral

Parents should also be made aware when student is behaving inappropriately. Expectations for Student Discipline The New Hanover County Board of Education believes that the maintenance of high citizenship standards provides a school climate conducive to effective teaching for learning. The following behaviors are examples of unacceptable student conduct: * Disruption of the learning process * Verbal or physical abuse of peers or staff * Threatening, intimidating, and/or bullying others * Destruction of school property or the property of others * Possession of any dangerous object or weapon * Insubordination * Persistent disobedience

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Alderman Elementary Problem Behaviors, Definitions, & Examples

Behaviors Minor Behavior Definition

Minor Behavior Examples Major Behavior Definition Major Behavior Examples

Inappropriate Language Unsuitable use of words that are not curse words, calling names, use of inappropriate tones.

Stupid, ugly, shut up, fart, crap, freaking, sucks. Sticking up middle finger

Indecent language. Swearing or curse words directed towards others in a demeaning or provoking manner.

Calling adults stupid, ugly, you suck. Calling adults/students gay, screw you. Using curse words or sticking up middle finger at another person to cause emotional distress

Physical Contact (minor)/Aggressive Behavior (major)

Inappropriate touching with the hands or feet or other objects which does not result in injury.

Slight pushing, pinching, poking, grabbing, bumping, shoving, and/or horseplay.

Physical contact with the intent or outcome of

causing injury or harm to others.

Punching, hitting, spitting, shoving, tripping, kicking, biting, and stabbing with a

pencil. Noncompliance (minor)

Defiance(major) /Insubordination

(major)

Refusing to obey. Challenging or resisting authority. Engaging in power struggles.

Talking back after directions are given, not following directions, sleeping, not completing work, bringing prohibited items to school.

Refusing boldly to obey. Challenging or resisting

authority. Verbal defiance.

Yelling at teacher, leaving class or school grounds

without permission, “I’m not going to”, “You can’t make

me”, refuses to go to the office.

Disruption (minor)/ Disruptive Behavior

(major)

Any disturbance or interference that takes away from the learning environment which does not cause physical harm or to one’s self or others.

Talking, tapping pencils, repeated noises, continual blurting out, burping out loud, passing gas, throwing paper wads, disabling property.

Any disturbance or interference that takes away

from the learning environment and/or

threatens the safety of others.

Yelling, turning over furniture, throwing items down with force or anger,

throwing objects at someone. (Continues after student-

teacher conference) Property Misuse or

Damage Use of property in a way in which it was not designed which does not cause physical harm or injury to one’s self or others.

Kicking furniture, writing on desks, breaking own pencils or crayons, leaning back in chair.

Intentional destruction of property belonging to the school, another student, or the teacher through misuse or aggressive behavior.

Breaking classroom materials, throwing desks, throwing chairs, destroying books, writing on walls or

furniture.

Dress Code Violation Student wears clothing that does not fit within the

Anything that is not part of the approved school

Student substitutes clothing that does not fit within the

Suggestive or revealing clothing, advertises alcohol

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dress code guidelines practiced by the school and district.

uniform, by adding items that distract or disrupt the education environment, as deemed by the teacher or staff member

dress code guidelines practiced by the school /

district, instead of wearing appropriate uniform.

or drugs, gang related clothing or completely

disregards set uniform policy.

Technology Violation (Property misuse or

damage)

Use of technology in an inappropriate way.

Use of cell phone, pager, PDA or use of non-approved website other than pornographic.

Use of technology in an inappropriate way.

Intentional use of pornographic websites, gang

and /or violence related websites, and/or websites that

promote use of controlled substances

Teasing (minor)/ Bullying (major)

Words or actions said with the intention of hurting another’s feelings. (single time)

I’m not your friend, haha, name calling, telling people they can’t be friends with others, giving inappropriate hand gestures to others

Bullying, repeated verbal abuse, threats to others, inappropriate touching, inappropriate gestures,

pictures or notes. (multiple times)

Touching others on the bottom or other private areas,

threats such as “I’m gonna ….” and repeated

unprovoked comments.

Theft Taking of property that belongs to other students,

teachers, or the school with the estimated value

under ten dollars (with the exception of money or

credit cards of any value)

Taking someone else’s pencil, eraser, snack, toy,

homework, etc.

Taking of property that belongs to other students,

teachers, or the school with the estimated value ten

dollars or more.

Taking money, food, cell phone, jewelry, or

possessions from others.

Inappropriate Items/ Weapons

Having possession of items of a harmless nature

that are not related to instruction

Toys, video games, ipods, etc.

Having possession of a weapon or weapon look-alike either pretending, or being capable of causing

bodily harm.

Guns, knives, look alike guns or knives, razor blades,

sharpened objects (shanks), or other objects readily capable of causing bodily harm found

on the student or in a backpack, purse, etc.

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Major Behaviors Definition Examples

Use/Possession of Tobacco, Alcohol, and other Drugs

Any possession of tobacco, alcohol, and/or other drugs.

Tobacco, alcohol, and/or other drugs found in a backpack, purse, jacket, or

pockets of a student. Use/Possession of

Combustible Items Items used to ignite and/or cause explosions. Ammunition, matches, lighters,

firecrackers, bottle rockets, etc. Bomb Threat / False Alarm Falsely saying there is a bomb and/or pulling a

fire alarm. Pulling the fire alarm, saying there is a

bomb. Arson Attempting or causing a fire to ignite. Lighting a fire.

Dress Code Students are expected to adhere to the standards of cleanliness and dress that are compatible with the requirements of a productive and safe school environment. Those standards generally acceptable to the community as appropriate in a formal setting will be the determining criteria governing student dress. The dress code for Alderman is as follows: Shirts:

• Any solid colored (white, black, blue, red, etc.) shirt/blouse with collar • No graphics/logos • Shirts with holes, rips, or tears are not permitted

Pants / Skirts/Jumper Dress: • Solid dark color (black, navy blue, etc. ) or khaki • No graphics /logos • Jeans are permissible (Jeans should be clean without holes or rips and free of art work and messages. Jeans should not

be too tight or too baggy.) • No sweatpants • Belts must be worn if pants are too loose and are highly recommended if pants have loops

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• Skirts should be at least finger tip length • Clothing must fit

Shoes: • Tennis shoes are preferred and should be worn on PE days • Any comfortable shoe may be worn except for flip flops, sandals that do not have a back strap, shoes with wheelies,

and bedroom slippers Outerwear:

• Sweatshirts (without hoods) and sweaters may be worn in the building in solid colors • No hooded clothing except heavy winter coats • No hooded clothing to be worn in the classroom • Hats, toboggans, and do rags may not be worn

Leggings and socks: • High socks, leggings, and tights must follow uniform code (solid colors) NOTE: Students may wear the school logo collarless T-shirts any day of the week.

Emergency Information In case of an emergency, each student is required to have the following information on file in the school office: 1. Parent(s) or guardians(s) name(s) 2. Complete and current address 3. Home phone and parent(s) work phone numbers 4. Emergency phone numbers of friend or relative 5. Medical alert information Change of Address or Phone Number It is very important for emergency and administrative reasons that every student maintains an up-to-date address and phone number at the school office. Notify the front office immediately if you have a change of address or phone number during the school year. Failure to provide current information may result in a referral to a social worker. If you move out of the school district during the year and you want your child to remain at Alderman, you must complete a Completion of Year Request form that you can get in the school office.

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Field Trips Field trips are a direct outgrowth of the instructional program. Written parental permission is required for students participating in each field trip. Phone calls are not acceptable. A fee may be charged for each field trip to offset the cost of the buses and drivers. An admittance fee may also be charged at certain locations. No students will be excluded because of inability to pay the field trip participation fees. The following field trips are approved and funded by the New Hanover County Board of Education. Grade Level Location Kindergarten Children’s Museum of Wilmington First and Second Grades Pied Piper Theater Third Grade Tar Heels Go Walking Fourth Grade Cape Fear Museum, NC Symphony, People of the Past Fifth Grade NC Aquarium @ Fort Fisher, Cameron Art Museum, Student Orientation

Healthcare A school nurse is available 20 hours per week at Alderman. Sometimes, it is necessary to send a child home from school when ill. Our system follows these procedures:

1. A student is sent home when feeling ill and having a temperature above 100.0 degrees. Occasionally, a below normal temperature with other symptoms may also be an indication of illness and the student will be sent home.

2. Any student with scabies or impetigo will be dismissed until treatment has been rendered.

3. Any student with inflamed eyes, a rash, or a lesion must be out of school until the possibility of a contagious disease can be

ruled out or until written permission from a physician indicating return to school has been received.

4. The discretion of the nurse.

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Medication In order for the nurse at Alderman School to dispense medication, the following procedures must be followed: Prescription Medicine:

• All medications must be in the original container. • The label must clearly name the student, dose and name of the drug. • The prescription must be current. A “Physician’s Authorization for Medication at School” form may be obtained from the

school nurse or school receptionist. It is mandatory that a form be filled out and signed by the prescribing physician prior to administration of the medicine. Any student who does not have a form on file for the current prescription will not be permitted to take the medication at school.

• Parents may come to the school to administer medication to their children if they wish. • Medicine will be administered by the school nurse when the above requirements are met.

Non-Prescription Medicines (aspirin, cough syrup, etc.):

• Must be in the original container. • Must clearly identify the name of the child, dosage, and procedures for administering the medicine. • A “Physician’s Authorization for Medication at School” form may be obtained from the nurse or school receptionist. It is

mandatory that a form be filled out and signed by the physician prior to administration of the medicine. • A parent may come to the school to administer the medicine to the child if he/she wishes. • Medicine will be administered by the school nurse when the above requirements are met.

Students with Diabetes North Carolina law (G.S. 115C-47) was changed in 2002 to strengthen support for students with diabetes attending NC public schools. The law requires development of care plans and staff training relative to students with diabetes. If your child has diabetes and you think your child may need a plan for his/her diabetes while at school, call the school nurse or Section 504 Coordinator and ask for the Parental Request for an Individual Diabetes Care Plan. Student Accident Insurance Applications for Student Accident Insurance may be found on the New Hanover County Schools Operations website under Forms.

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Kindergarten Registration In order to register for kindergarten, a child must be 5 years old on or before August 31. All students registering for the first time must provide a birth certificate, immunization record, social security card, and proof of address (either a copy of lease or deed, property tax statement, or homeowner’s insurance policy). Students must have immunizations complete by October 8, 2012. Students may be suspended from school if immunizations have not been completed by this date. A period of pre-registration for kindergarten will be scheduled each spring. Lost and Found It is important that student names be written in all coats, jackets, etc. Staff will do their best to return any found items to the students. However, at the end of each month all unclaimed lost and found items will be donated to the Salvation Army.

Parent / Teacher Conferences Parent / Teacher conferences are a vital part of good school-community relations. Teachers will attempt to schedule three conferences throughout the school year. If you want to schedule a conference with a teacher, please call the school or send a note and a mutually convenient time can be arranged. It is important that you avoid ‘dropping in’ during the school day to conference, as teachers have carefully planned a full day of instruction.

PTA Event Dates A schedule of all PTA events is located on the PTA website at http://www.aldermanpta.com . A schedule will also be located on the calendar in the school lobby. Returned Checks New Hanover County Schools now uses FARS for check recovery fees. There is a $25.00 fee assessed for non-sufficient funds.

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School Improvement Team Meeting Dates All meetings will be held from 2:45-4:00 unless otherwise indicated. We cordially invite our parents to be a part of these meetings. September 17 February 18 October 15 March 18 November 19 April 15 December 17 May 13 January 14

School Supplies Students are not required to bring any school supplies. The school can and will provide supplies for all students. However, parents may donate supplies to the school if you choose to do so. School Safety Policies As part of our continuing commitment to safety, we ask parents to help us make our buildings and grounds as safe as possible. * Always enter and leave the building through the front side corridor entrance. We keep all other entrances locked. * When volunteering, come to the office to get a “Visitor” sticker, and to sign in. * If you bring your child to school, drop off and pick up children only in the designated area (corridor at the end of the school facing the parking lot). School personnel provide full supervision and assistance in this area. Following these procedures provides for the safety of the children and the expeditious and orderly movement of traffic. * If you come into the building at dismissal time to pick up your child, remain in the front hallway until your child is dismissed from the classroom. * Always check your child in and out of school through the office. * Obey all traffic signs and travel slowly since traffic sometimes becomes congested at arrival and dismissal times. * Parents and visitors may park in the parking lots at the end of the school facing Canterbury Road. The parking spots at the front of the school are reserved for buses after 1:30 p.m.

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Severe Weather Policy School will be in session unless the weather makes it dangerous for school busses to travel. When weather is severe, local radio and TV stations will announce any school district changes in the school schedule early in the morning. If weather conditions become severe during the day and bus schedules change, the local media will announce the changes. In case of early dismissal for any reason, students will use their regular transportation unless the school has received notification from the parent of another plan.

Toys and Other Personal Belongings The school provides playground equipment for physical education. Toys, equipment, and other personal items should not be brought to school. Other items include radios, cassette players, bats, jewelry, and any electronic devices. The school cannot be responsible for personal belongings, and sometimes the items cause disruptions at school. If an item causes a disruption, the item will be confiscated and returned to a parent only. Volunteering We believe that parents are the most significant people in our students’ lives. Parents are their children’s first teachers. Volunteers are needed at the school and here are some ways that parents can help: 1. Volunteer to talk with a class about your job or profession. 2. Donate materials for school projects. 3. Eat lunch with your child. 4. Attend PTA and other school events. 5. Help with special programs and fund raising events during the year. 6. Assist in a classroom or with a small group of students. 7. Run off materials for teachers. When you arrive to volunteer, sign in on the computer located in the front office. Please wear a name-tag at all times, making sure it is visible to school staff. When volunteering at the school please note it is expected that you be willing to work with all children.

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Student Support Services

The following information addresses student support services provided at Alderman School: Response to Intervention (RtI) Team The mission of the Response to Intervention Team is to identify and implement strategies to enhance the learning and achievement of individual students. The team is comprised of the school counselor, an exceptional children’s teacher, classroom teachers, and the parent of the referred student. Other members may include the school psychologist and/or an administrator. If your child is experiencing difficulty in school, a referral may be requested through your child’s teacher or the school counselor. This request will lead to the development of an Intervention Plan for Student Success. Intervention Plan for Students: Each school in New Hanover County has designed a variety of programs and services to provide a successful, quality education for each student. When a student is not being successful and continuously improving nor needs accommodation or modification because of a disability, one method of addressing these concerns is through the school’s Student Support Team. Any individual (parent, student, teacher, or community member) may make a Request of Intervention Assistance as a way to access this proactive problem-solving process in improving student success. Such a request will lead to the development of an Intervention Plan for Student Success through a process of reviewing information, proposing success strategies/interventions and monitoring results. To make a Request for Intervention Assistance, contact the school principal. Disability Information: No otherwise qualified individual with a disability, solely by reason of the disability, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subject to discrimination from any program or activity of this school. The school seeks to locate and identify every 3 through 21 year old person with a disability in its district. A free appropriate public education will be provided to any qualified person with a disability. Exceptional Programs Students with disabilities receive specially designed instruction from certified special education teachers and related services based on educational need. Services are provided in varying amounts of time and may range from consultations to full-time services. Maximum participation in the regular classroom is emphasized. The need for special education is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process.

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Academically Intellectually Gifted – AIG AIG, New Hanover County School’s Gifted Education Improvement Plan is designed to provide differentiated services to all students who demonstrate a need for academic advancement. Opportunities are provided for children of all races and economic backgrounds to access appropriate differentiated services through a process that incorporates both formal and informal measures. The model adopted by New Hanover County Schools provides a continuum of services based on individual student interests, abilities, and needs. No one criteria of giftedness is used to match students with differentiated services. Instead, multiple factors are taken into account to determine the appropriate services. A three-step process identifies candidates for differentiated services in grades K-12. This process includes screening, data review by the student match team, and appropriate service options match. Parents, teachers, students, and others in the educational community may nominate students for consideration. For further information contact the principal or AIG specialist.

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Annual Notice about Educational Records The Family Educational Right and Privacy Act (FERPA) requires New Hanover County Schools to annually notify parents and students who are 18 years of age or older about their rights concerning educational records. The following information summarizes these rights. Parents and students 18 years of age or older have the:

• Right to confidentiality of the Official Record at the collection, storage, disclosure and destruction stages • Right to inspect, review and obtain free copies of the Official Record • Right to have a representative of your choosing inspect and review the Official Record with you • Right to a full explanation, interpretation and analysis of the Official Record by the principal or designee • Right to add data or information to the Official Record which explains or clarifies information contained in the Office Record • Right to a list of the types of and the location of all records maintained and disclosed by New Hanover County Schools • Right to know that written consent is required to disclose the Official Record to others EXCEPT for the following: NHCS officials, teachers

and other employees (list posted at each school), other schools where a student intends to enroll, sate and federal education authorities, financial aid applications, studies and research, accrediting organizations, judicial order or subpoena, health or safety emergency, and Directory Information.

• Right to request the correction or removal of information from the Official Record if you believe it is inaccurate, outdated, irrelevant, misleading or violates privacy.

• Right to a hearing if NHCS refuses your request to correct or remove information from the Official Record • Right to file a complaint regarding records with the U.S. Department of Education, FERPA Office, Washington, D.C. 20202. Complaints must

be written and specify allegations of fact • Right to obtain copies of the New Hanover County School Board policies on records from the New Hanover County Schools Superintendent’s

Office • Right to know that the New Hanover County Board of Education has designated a student’s name and school of enrollment as Directory

Information • Right to know that Directory Information is disclosed as part of officially designated school activities such as team/activity rosters, scholar

athlete awards, athletic eligibility, honor society, honor roll, good citizens, academic scholars, presidential awards • Right to refuse to allow New Hanover County Schools disclose Directory Information by notifying the principal within 10 days of receipt of

this notice • Right to know that when records are no longer needed, NHCS destroys them according to a destruction schedule. NHCS permanently

maintains only the following information: student name, address, phone number, grades, attendance, classes attended, grade levels completed, date of birth and identification numbers

• Right to know that the name, address, phone number and school name of each high school student is disclosed to the military and to colleges and other higher learning institutions, upon request

• NHCS has designated the Assistant Superintendent of Student Support as the school official responsible for ensuring confidentiality of the Official Record. A student’s principal also is responsible for maintenance and security of the Official Record. Please direct any inquiries or requests concerning our rights and the Official Record to the principal.

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NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOLS

NOTICE OF RIGHT UNDER SECTION 504 1973 REHABILITATION ACT

Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act is a non-discrimination statute barring discrimination of the basis of handicap. It is the policy of the New Hanover County Schools not to discriminate of the basis of handicap in its educational programs, activities or employment policies as required by the Act. The 1973 Rehabilitation Act requires the school system to locate, evaluate and determine if the student is a qualified individual requiring accommodations necessary to provide access to educational programs. The accommodation will be in the least restrictive environment for the student. Parents are entitled to have the opportunity to review relevant educational records under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The requirements are described in the local board of education policy manual. Parents or guardians disagreeing with the decisions reached by school personnel regarding necessary accommodations for access to education programs may request a hearing before an impartial hearing officer by notifying the school principal.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE SECTION 504 1973 REHABILITATION ACT

When parents or guardians and the school are unable to agree about services proposed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, it is expected that the disagreement be resolved at a level closest to the student. The first attempt to reach accord should be through a meeting involving the classroom teacher(s) that serve the student and the principal at the local school level. If no resolution is reached, the parent or guardian may request, in writing a review by the local Section 504 Coordinator. As a part of that review, the parent or guardian will be given the formal Grievance Procedures adopted by New Hanover County Schools. At any state in this grievance procedure, the complainant has the right to file formal complaints with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 330-C Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202.