2018-2019

Parent Handbook

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Table of Contents

Vision Statement 3 Mission Statement 3 Shared Beliefs 3 About Our School 4 General Information

Car Riders

Classroom Visits

Early Dismissal

Medication

Tardies

Visitor Check-in

Volunteering

Walkers

5

5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6

Attendance and Tardy Policy 7 Classroom Visit Policies and Procedures

Observations

Parent/Teacher Meetings

9 9 9

Discipline Policies and Procedures 10 Title 1 Parent Policy 11 Title 1 Learning Compact 12 Transportation Policies and Procedures

Arrival

Dismissal

Early Dismissal

Bus Information

13 13 13 13 13

Uniform Policy 14

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Vision Statement

“Students at Winding Springs Elementary will achieve the essential academic, interpersonal, and leadership qualities necessary to contribute as effective and successful citizens in an ever-changing society.”

Mission Statement

“The mission of Winding Springs is for staff, students, and partners to work together for the success of every child, every day.”

Shared Beliefs

WSE believes all staff hold high expectations for student achievement and growth

WSE believes all students can and will learn, with effective interventions and implementation of best instructional practices

WSE believes we exist to serve

WSE believes that all decisions should be based upon what is best for each child

WSE believes in the importance of quality work and behaviors throughout the community

WSE believes in the development of strong community involvement and support

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About Our School

WSE is located in the General’s Point neighborhood located off of Gibbon Road

WSE serves approximately 850 children, Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade

WSE provides a learning community designed to promote strong academic and leadership qualities in all students

WSE has a diverse teaching staff, including veterans, new teachers, and staff from the Visiting International Faculty and Education Partners International programs

WSE has established a Parent Teacher Association and is seeking to expand our community partnerships

WSE believes in the importance of technology literate students, with SmartBoards, computers, a technology lab, media lab, iPad carts, and Chrome books available for teaching and learning

WSE tailors the education process to the meet the needs of individual students: o Based on the North Carolina Standard Course of Study o Utilizes a balanced literacy approach to develop strong reading and writing skills o EnVision Math curriculum focused on exploration and problem-solving o Special Area classes, including Technology, Media, Art, Music, Physical Education, and Enhanced

literacy learning through Dance

WSE offers a wealth of student activity opportunities: o Upper Elementary Drum Line o Competitive Dance Team o Chorus o Student Leadership Team o Girls on the Run

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General Information

The Winding Springs Elementary bell schedule is 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Front office hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Please note the following:

The front doors open at 8:00 a.m. for students. All students are admitted into the building at 8:00 a.m., no earlier.

Please do not drop your children off early. There is no adult supervision prior to the 8:00 a.m. opening and this creates an unsafe situation. Families leaving students prior to the opening of school will be contacted by administration to seek resolution to the problem. Families who continually ignore safety protocols by leaving students unattended should note the school may make a report to law enforcement and/or the Department of Social Services.

Escorting students to class is not permitted in an effort to create a more secure environment for all students, while developing a sense of independence in each child.

Car Riders

If your child is an afternoon car rider, please pick them up in the car pool line only. Car riders should be picked up at 3:30 PM. We understand that emergencies do happen and expect an occasional late pick-up when necessary. However, we cannot provide safe supervision for your child on a regular basis after 4:00 PM. For families unable to pick students up on time, the school does offer an After School Enrichment Program.

Please see the section entitled Transportation for more detailed information.

Classroom Visits

Your child’s teacher will be happy to speak with you whenever you have a question or concern. Please remember that the teachers are very busy with your children most of the school day and may not be available to meet with you if you show up unexpectedly.

All visits to the classrooms must be scheduled with the teacher, in advance.

You are welcome to observe in your child’s classroom with prior approval from administration. If you leave a message in the office, they will be happy to contact you and arrange a mutually convenient time to meet.

Please see the section entitled Classroom Visit Policy and Procedures for more detailed information.

Early Dismissal

Your child is at school to learn. Instruction is continuous from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Please make every effort to limit the need for early dismissal.

If you must pick your child up early, please send a note in the agenda or parent communication folder. All parents must report to the office to sign students out through the electronic system. Please do not go directly to the classroom to get your child.

No dismissals will occur after 2:45 p.m. NO EXCEPTIONS!

No changes can be made to a child’s transportation over the phone after 2:15 p.m.

Please see the section entitled Attendance and Tardy Policy for more detailed information.

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Medication

If your child needs to take medication of any kind at school, we must have a form completed by your doctor with specific instructions on dosage. Forms are available from the nurse. This includes over the counter medications, prescriptions taken on a daily basis and prescriptions taken on a temporary basis.

Tardies

If your child arrives after 8:30 a.m., they are tardy and must report to the office. An adult must come into the office with the child to sign in. Please make every effort to have your child at school on time. We begin classes promptly at 8:30 a.m. and every minute they are late results in lost instruction.

After 8:30 a.m., school staff will escort students to class, as necessary. Parents may not escort students to class once instruction has begun for the day.

Please see the section entitled Attendance and Tardy Policy for more detailed information.

Visitor Check-In

All visitors must stop at the front office. In the office, you will be required to sign-in and wear a visitor pass. No person is permitted access to the building without this visitor pass.

Volunteering

In order for you to attend your child’s field trip or go to your child’s classroom, you must first register as a volunteer on the CMS website. You may register as a volunteer by visiting the CMS website at http://www.cms.k12.nc.us, then click on the Volunteers & Partners tab and scroll down to CMS Volunteers. Follow the prompts to enter information and complete the registration process.

Walkers

Walkers in grades K-3 must have an older student or adult escort. They may not walk alone. Students in grades 4-5 may walk independently. All walkers should be picked up from a supervising adult in the carpool area.

Please see the section entitled Transportation for more detailed information.

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Attendance and Tardy Policy

Full-day student attendance and timely arrival to school are essential for student success. When students are absent for all or a portion of the day, they are missing important instructional opportunities. Therefore, it is important for all students to arrive on time and attend school every day when they are healthy. North Carolina statute § 115C-378 states that “Every parent, guardian or custodian in this State having charge or control of a child between the ages of seven and 16 years shall cause the child to attend school continuously for a period equal to the time which the public school to which the child is assigned shall be in session.” Therefore, in order to aid our students in developing the necessary academic and life skills to prepare them for college, career, and beyond, Winding Springs Elementary will follow the procedures listed below in response to student truancy:

Students who arrive late to school must report to the main office with a parent and be signed in. A child is considered late if he or she is not in the classroom by 8:30 a.m. ready to begin the school day.

An EXCUSED ABSENCE/TARDY includes:

Illness when documented by the parents/guardians or a physician (chronic, repetitive offenses must have documentation by the physician)

Professional and/or court appearance Periodic medical or dental appointments Inclement weather Required religious observances Death of a family member

Please note that all absences are considered unexcused unless the parent provides a written explanation for the absence. The school may request formal documentation from medical professionals should absences or tardies become excessive. The following steps will be implemented should students be absent or tardy for unexcused reasons:

# of Unexcused Absences or Tardies/Early Checkouts

Action Steps:

3 absences Parents will receive a 3 day absence letter

6 absences

Parents will receive a 6 day absence letter

Parents will be contacted for a meeting with school administration to implement an absence action plan

10+ absences

Parent will be contacted for a meeting with school administration to review absence action plan and make contact with outside supports

Parents will receive a certified 10 day absence letter

School will make a referral to School Resource Officer for address verification

School will follow procedures to report the case to the Juvenile Court for truancy

School will make a referral to the Department of Social Services

3 tardies/early checkouts Parents will receive notification from the classroom teacher

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6 tardies/early checkouts Parent will be contacted for a meeting with school administration to review transportation and/or other issues and to develop an action plan

10+ tardies/early checkouts Parent will be contacted for a meeting with school administration to review the action plan

School will make a referral to School Resource Officer for address verification

School will follow procedures to report the case to the Juvenile Court for truancy

We look forward to partnering with you to ensure students attend and remain in school as mandated by North Carolina law. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you and we look forward to great success for each and every student at Winding Springs Elementary.

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Classroom Visit Policies and Procedures

Winding Springs Elementary firmly believes that education is a shared responsibility between families and the school and encourages active engagement and participation by parents/guardians. At times, parents/guardians may wish to observe in a classroom. Charlotte Mecklenburg Board of Education Policy KI addresses Opportunities and Requirements for School Visitors (copies of this policy are available on the CMS website and in the school office). In compliance with the Board of Education policy, the principal may establish and enforce reasonable rules in regards to school visits by parents or other visitors in order to ensure a safe and positive educational environment. Guidelines for Winding Springs Elementary classroom observations and parent/teacher meetings are listed below:

Observations

All observation sessions must be requested through the Principal or Assistant Principal and requests must be received at least one day in advance. Visits may not occur during assessments.

The Principal may limit the duration of any observation in order to avoid distraction or disruption to the teacher’s schedule and classroom atmosphere and reserves the right to decline the request for classroom observation if it is determined that such an observation would cause undue disruption in the educational process.

For security reasons, visitors are required to sign in at the school office, to receive a visitor’s badge, and indicate the name of the teacher or destination before proceeding to contact any other person in the building or on the school grounds. All visitors are asked to sign out when leaving the building.

To protect the learning environment, the parent/guardian should be the only visitor in the classroom during the observation. Observers other than the parent/guardian must be approved by the principal and have written consent from the parent/guardian describing the reason for the observation. Out of respect for the teaching environment, parents/guardians are asked not to bring younger siblings or children or to utilize electronic equipment such as cell phones while in the classroom. Observers should not disrupt the learning environment by engaging students or the teacher in conversation. A follow-up meeting may be scheduled as needed to answer questions or concerns.

During the observation, the principal or his/her designee may be present in the observed setting in order to accommodate follow-up discussion or clarify questions that may arise.

All aspects of individual student confidentiality must be preserved and respected.

Parent/Teacher Meetings

Scheduled Meetings: The parent/guardian and other participants must sign in at the office, receive visitor tags, and receive directions to the meeting location. All visitors must sign out when leaving the building.

Unscheduled Meetings: A parent/guardian who comes to school asking to meet with a teacher must remain in the office until it is determined whether the teacher is available for an unscheduled meeting. If the teacher is available, the parent will be directed to the location of the classroom or office for the unscheduled meeting. The parent must sign out when leaving the building. If the teacher is unavailable, the parent must contact the teacher via phone or through written communication to set up a meeting.

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Discipline Policies and Procedures

Winding Springs Elementary holds high standards for student academic achievement and character

education. Students who engage in behaviors that disrupt the school environment or impede their own

learning or the learning of others will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Charlotte

Mecklenburg Schools Code of Student Conduct. The Code of Student Conduct may be accessed here:

http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/parents/resources/pages/handbooksformsandnotices.aspx.

All disciplinary actions will be implemented as defined by the Tiers of Infraction listed in the Code of

Student Conduct. Listed below are some specific guidelines in regards to the assignment of In-School

and Out-of-School suspensions:

Students may receive an In-School suspension for a Tier One or Tier Two infraction and/or the

referral is the student’s first infraction. Students may also be assigned an In-School suspension

for Tier Two infractions when an In-School suspension will provide more structure and weight as

a consequence than an Out-of-School suspension. This decision will be at the discretion of

school administration.

Out-of-School suspensions are implemented for Tier II or higher infractions as detailed in the

Student Code of Conduct. Determination of Out-of-School suspensions will be based on a variety

of data points, including: Student history, documentation of prior interventions, progress

monitoring data, and individual student circumstances. All decisions regarding Out-of-School

suspensions will be at the discretion of school administration.

All In-School suspensions and Out-of-School suspensions of one to ten days are at the discretion

of the principal and may not be appealed to the superintendent or Board of Education. Students

receiving suspensions that are picked up before 10:30 a.m. will serve the suspension on the

same day. Students receiving a suspension who are picked up after 10:30 a.m. or go home via

bus transportation will serve the suspension the following school day.

Parents or guardians of students receiving an Out-of-School suspension must participate in a

conference with a school administrator. This conference may take place at the time of pick-up or

when the student returns to school. Suspension conferences will be held in person. In the event

of extremely extenuating circumstances, such as job or transportation difficulties, the

suspension conference may be conducted via phone, based on the determination of

administration. In the event that a parent or guardian refuses to participate in a return from

suspension conference, the student committing the behavior infraction will not be allowed to

participate in off-campus special events until the suspension conference has occurred.

Bus transportation is a privilege, not a right. In order to provide safe transportation for all

students, the Code of Student Conduct rules should be followed at all times. Students violating

these rules and endangering themselves and others may be suspended from the bus for a

duration deemed sufficient by school administration. Continual violation of the Code of Student

Conduct on the school bus may result in the revocation of bus-riding privileges.

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Title 1 Parent Policy

The purpose of the Title 1 Parent Policy for Winding Springs Elementary is to encourage each parent to become actively involved in their child’s education. During the 2018-2019 school year, the following activities and strategies will be implemented in order to strengthen our family/school connection:

Parents will receive a copy of this Parent Involvement Plan which outlines activities and opportunities to be involved in the educational process. This document will also be available on our website.

Parents will receive a copy of the Winding Springs Elementary Learning Compact (English and Spanish) for grades K-5. The compact will be distributed at Open House, the Title 1 meeting, and during parent/teacher conferences. This agreement between the parent, student, teacher and school administration outlines each member’s responsibility in the learning process.

A Title I Parent meeting will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2018. This meeting will include an explanation of Title 1, a description of parent rights as related to Title 1 schools, assessment information, and available opportunities for parents to be involved in their child’s education.

An explanation of how parents can be involved in the school improvement planning process through the School Leadership Team.

A comprehensive communication plan will be implemented and will include:

Monthly school-wide calendars and grade level newsletters (English and Spanish) will be distributed in paper and web-based formats.

Connect Ed weekly updates (English and Spanish) highlighting school events will be sent on Sunday afternoons.

Agendas and communication folders will be provided to all students to facilitate two-way daily communication between families and the teacher.

Family Support and Community Involvement strategies will include: o Use of Title 1 funds to support a full-time, Spanish-speaking Translator/Interpreter. o Use of Title 1 funds to support the development of a Parent Resource Center. o Monthly committee meetings focused on implementation of school improvement plan tasks. o Active engagement of community partners with the work of the school.

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Title 1 Learning Compact

The Title 1 Learning Compact details the responsibilities of all involved parties to ensure the success of students in a Title 1 school. The complete compact is shown below:

Parent Responsibilities

We will… ❏ Make sure our child attends school on time and

completes his or her homework every day. ❏ Attend parent-teacher conferences, PTA meetings

and Curriculum Nights and volunteer in my child’s class whenever possible in order to help my child learn.

❏ Contact teachers or staff when I am concerned or have a question about my child.

❏ Talk with my child every day about their learning and ask for the home/school communication.

❏ Assist my child with respecting the Anti-Bullying policy.

❏ Ensure my child observes the Digital Citizenship policy.

❏ Read with my child each night. ❏ Make sure my child is dressed according to the

school uniform policy.

Teacher Responsibilities We will…

❏ Provide a safe, welcoming environment for students and families.

❏ Provide challenging opportunities for learning. Address students’ individual needs, whether basic or advanced, and offer special assistance whenever needed.

❏ Help parents identify ways to support their child’s learning. Communicate with parents and families about resources, materials, and workshops.

❏ Communicate regularly with parents and families about children’s academic performance. Provide information about how children are doing, as well as ways they can help promote learning at home.

❏ Have at least one parent-teacher conference annually in person or via phone.

❏ Participate regularly in professional-development programs.

Student Responsibilities I will…

❏ Get and complete my homework assignments. ❏ Get agendas signed on a daily basis. ❏ Bring agendas, books, homework, and papers to

school on time. ❏ Return all borrowed items. ❏ Follow CMS behavior rules. ❏ Wear school uniforms each day. ❏ I will do my best. ❏ Adhere to the Anti-Bullying policy. ❏ Follow the Digital Citizenship policy. ❏ Read every night.

Principal Responsibilities I will…

❏ Set high standards and implement effective programs in reading and math throughout the school.

❏ Educate students, teachers, families and school staff about the importance of daily reading and the partnership approach of the compact. Allocate resources to ensure that high standards are met for all students.

❏ Provide workshops for families on how to help students learn.

❏ Welcome all families and include and encourage families with low literacy and math skills and/or limited English proficiency. Also ensure that translators or equipment are available so that all families can participate.

❏ Provide a variety of opportunities for parents and families to volunteer at the school.

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Transportation Policies and Procedures

Winding Springs Elementary has established transportation procedures in order to provide the safest environment for our students. Please help us insure the safety of everyone by adhering to the following: Arrival

Walkers should stay on sidewalks and in designated crosswalks to ensure safety.

Car riders will be dropped off along the sidewalk at the front entrance. Please help us keep traffic flowing in the car pool lane by pulling up as far as possible before your student exits the car. DO NOT DROP STUDENTS PRIOR TO THE SCHOOL OPENING TIME OF 8:00 A.M. If you need care before school, please contact the ASEP program at 980-343-5140.

Safety is the key! Please keep our staff and students safe by: o Parking in marked spaces only. o Not passing other vehicles in the parking lot or car pool lane. o Allowing students in the drop-off lane to exit on the passenger side of the car only.

Dismissal

Walkers and car riders should complete the registration form below and return it to your student’s teacher.

Parents of walkers should collect students from staff members at the car pool lane. Students walking home by themselves will be escorted across the parking lot to the sidewalk.

Car riders will be dismissed by staff members attending the car pool lane. They will be called by number and directed into the loading zone. Please pull up as far as possible to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

Display the car rider tag clearly on the mirror or visor when using the car pool lane. Early Dismissal

Please use the front door bell and the office staff will electronically open the door. Listen for the slight buzzing sound to alert you that the door is open.

Students will be sent to the office for pick-up so disruption to classroom instruction is minimized.

To ensure safety and maintain accuracy in transportation, early dismissal WILL NOT occur after 2:30 p.m.

Parents wishing to change their student’s regular mode of transportation must send a note to the student’s teacher. Calls made to the office to change transportation will not be accepted after 2:00 p.m. Students without permission will follow their normal transportation routine.

Bus Information

Bus information is provided at the beginning of each school year. Parents who wish for students to ride the bus or need to make changes to bus transportation must do so through the bus transportation website located on the CMS webpage - Departments – Transportation.

All students utilizing bus transportation must adhere to the Code of Student Conduct regulations specified in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Code of Student Conduct.

Please see the section entitled Discipline for more detailed information.

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Uniform Policy

Winding Springs Elementary is a Uniform School. Research shows that the impact uniforms have on students and schools is significant. School uniforms:

Encourage discipline

Help students resist peer pressure to buy and wear trendy clothes

Help identify intruders in the school

Diminish economic and social barriers between students

Increase a sense of belonging and school pride

Improve attendance While there may be certain days where the school has a “dress down” day, it is expected that all students will be in uniform each day. The specific attire regarding “dress down” days will be communicated to you. All uniform guidelines will be communicated via the school website, Connect Ed messages, and in each of the grade level welcome letters. In the event a student arrives to school out of uniform, the following responses will be implemented:

1st occurrence: The parent or guardian will receive a reminder note or call from the student’s teacher. Dependent on the school’s uniform closet, the student may be loaned a uniform item to wear during the school day.

2nd occurrence: The parent or guardian will be contacted to bring correct uniform attire to the school.

3rd occurrence: The parent or guardian will be contacted by school administration for a conference regarding uniform expectations.

Please see below for the complete list of appropriate uniform attire.

Girls: o Shirts – White, hunter green, or navy blue

collared shirts, short or long-sleeved o Bottoms – Khaki skirts, skorts, jumpers, pants, or

capris o Tights – White, hunter green, navy blue, or black

tights – no patterns or colors other than listed o Shoes – tennis shoes or black rubber-soled Mary

Janes – no boots or heels of any kind

Boys: o Shirts – White, hunter green, or navy blue

collared shirts, short or long-sleeved o Bottoms – Khaki shorts or pants o Socks – ankle or short – no visible knee socks o Shoes – tennis shoes only – no boots of any

kind o Belt – if needed - no sagging pants

All Students: o Outerwear – Hooded sweatshirts are not allowed to be worn in the school building o Sweaters – White, hunter green, or navy blue may be worn in the school building