Appalachia Elementary School - Wise County Home...

Appalachia Elementary School STUDENT HANDBOOK

2015‐16

P. O. Box 430 3965 Kent Junction Road Appalachia, Virginia 24216

Phone: 1‐276‐565‐1115 Fax: 1‐276‐565‐2333

http://portals.wise.k12.va.us/aes/

Table of Contents Page Contents Page Contents

2 Message for Parents 13 Epinephrine Bill

2 Vision and Mission Statement 14 Dress Code

3 Faculty and Staff 14 Cell Phones

4 School Calendar 14 Prohibited Articles

4 School Hours 15 Compulsory School Age

4 Closing of School & Snow Schedule 15 Requirements for Enrolling

5 Visitors 15 Attendance Policy

5 Parking 16 Attendance Awards

5 Writing Checks 16 Notification of Parent if Student is Absent

5 Textbooks 16 Tardy Slip

5 Moment of Silence 17 Leaving School Early

5 Pledge of Allegiance 17 Summer School

5 National Motto 17 Guidance and Counseling Program

6 Parent/Teacher Conferences 18 Child Study and Intervention

6 PTO 18 Crisis Intervention

6 Volunteer Services 18 Weapons in School

6 Character Education 18 Possession and/or use of Tobacco Products

6 Non‐Discrimation Statement 19 Acceptable us of Computers

6 Harassment Policy 19 Substance Abuse Violations

7 Student Screening Services 19 Bullying

7 School Pictures and Yearbook 20 Student Contact Code for WCPS

7 School Web 0 Student Behavior

7 Fire and Emergency Drills 20 School Bus Behavior

7 Library 21 Content of Student Educational Records

8 Fund Raising 22 Access to Student Records

8 Gifted Education 22 Reviewing, Expunging, & Destruction of Student Records

8 Effective School Wide Discipline 23 Challenge the Content of Student Records

8 Standards of Learning Assessments 23 Cost of Reproducing Student Records

9 Report Cards 23 Directory of Information

9 Grading System 23 Policy on Student Education Records

9 Promotion 23 Student‐Led Groups

9 Principal’s List

9 Honor Roll

10 Homework

10 Responsibility of Students

10 Responsibility of Teachers

11 Responsibility of Parents

11 Instructional Time

11 Food Services

12 PIN Numbers

12 Vending Machine Use

12 Cafeteria Food Prices

12 School Insurance

12 Dental Insurance

12 Accidents or Sickness at School

13 Medications

Message for Parents This handbook will answer many of the questions you have regarding the policies and procedures concerning your child in school this year. Please take time to read it thoroughly and discuss the important points with your child. We welcome your visit to Appalachia Elementary. Feel free to contact us about your concerns relating to your child. An appointment may be made by calling the school, 565‐1115.

We know you are eager for your child's first school experience to be happy and successful. The first years in school will be the time when attitudes toward school will be formed. These early experiences will determine, to a great extent, his/her success throughout school.

You, as a parent, can help make school a happy experience for your child if you will get to know your child's teacher and:

● See that he/she gets up in time to eat a good breakfast and avoid hurrying to school; See that he/she has sufficient rest and sleep;

● See that he/she is wearing the proper clothing; ● Mark or label his/her personal belongings for identification; ● See that he has his/her lunch or lunch money for the day; ● Send only a healthy child to school – start him/her off to school in a happy frame

of mind; ● Show interest in what he/she does at school; ● Encourage your child to talk about his/her daily experiences without pressure.

School Vision and Mission Statement AES‐Always Expect Success

AES Faculty and Staff

Principal Matthew C. Dysart Assistant Principal/Guidance Counselor Marsha Christian Secretary Judy Burns Secretary Phyllis Hall Pre‐K April Roberts Kindergarten Christiana Coomer Kindergarten Beverly Hurley 1st Grade Cindy Mabe 1st Grade Larra Ratliff 2nd Grade Crystal Stanley 2nd Grade Gail Harkleroad 3rd Grade Tammy Barnett 3rd Grade Sherry Richardson 4th Grade Science and History Stacie Fisher 4th & 5th Grade Language Arts Brian Estep 4th & 5th Grade Social Studies and Science Sandra Cohl 4th & 5th Grade Math Shameeka Williams 6th & 7th Grade Language Arts Shelia Sizemore 6th & 7th Grade Math Kim Shuler 6th & 8th Grade Science Christina Ingles 6th & 8th Grade History & Civics Jaret Bolling 7th & 8th Grade Math & Algebra I Amy Webb 7th & 8th Grade Language Arts Jennifer Spears P.E Michael Rhodes Library Nicole Powers Computer & Keyboarding Stephanie Dean Music/Band Brian Wharton Speech Deborah Goodman Special Education Amber Bentley Special Education To Be Announced Special Education Jennifer Whiteaker ISS Barbara Hass Title I & FIC Jackie Huneycutt Title I Katina Alcantara Title I Vanessa Sexton Reading Resource Debbie Minahan Nurse Darlene Fields Custodian Bo Raleigh Custodian Donna Seabolt Custodian LeAnda Henry Cafeteria Staff, Manager Pam Givens

School Calendar Student’s First Day August 6 Closed; Labor Day September 7 Mid‐Term Grades September 10 Dismissal at 12:30; End of First 9 Weeks October 9 No School October 12 School Closed; Election Day November 3 Mid‐Term Grades November 13 School Closed; Thanksgiving Holidays November 23‐27 Dismissal at 12:30; End of First Semester December 18 Closed; Winter Break December 21 – January 5 First Day of Second Semester January 5 Mid‐Term Grades February 12 Dismissal at 12:30; End of Third 9 Weeks March 4 Closed; Spring Break March 28‐April 1 Mid‐Term Grades April 20 Dismissal at 12:30; End of Second Semester May 12 The School Calendar is subject to change due to inclement weather.

School Hours Regular Two‐Hour Noon to Four School Opens 7:30 9:30 11:00 Teachers in Classrooms 8:00 10:001 11:30 School Starts 8:20 10:20 11:50 Classes Begin 8:30 10:30 12:00 Dismissal Begins 3:30 3:30 4:00 Parents May Pick Up Child 3:33 3:33 4:03

Closing of School and Snow Schedule Whenever traveling to and from school becomes a hazard, school will be closed. The decision to close school will be made at the Central Office and the decision will be announced through various local news media. Please do not call the principal or teachers about possible school closings. If the announcement is for school to operate on a “snow schedule,” buses will run 2 hours later than usual and classes will begin two hours later than normal. A snow schedule means that bus drivers will make their morning runs two hours later than they normally do. School will commence at 10:20 a.m. Dismissal will be the same as on regular days. Lunch will begin 30 minutes later. Parent contact phone number must be on file for early dismissal.

Visitors Hallway doors will be locked by 8:30 a.m. each day. Please push the security intercom system at the main door for entry into the school. Visitors must check in at the office for a sticker and receive teacher approval to enter classrooms. Meetings with teachers/staff will and can be arranged. Teachers may use their planning periods for scheduled meetings with parents. Students are not permitted to bring visitors (friends, brothers, sisters, etc.) to school.

Parking Park only in spaces marked for parking. Absolutely no traffic will be allowed around the playground area when school is in session. This is a no entry area. Parking in the front of the building is for drop‐off only.

Writing Checks Checks should be written to the school payable to Appalachia Elementary School, unless instructed to do otherwise. AES will not cash checks for individuals.

Textbooks

Textbooks and workbooks are provided free of charge to all elementary students.

Moment of Silence The Wise County School Board recognizes that a moment of silence before each school day prepares students and staff for their respective work or school day. Therefore, each teacher shall observe a moment of silence at the beginning of the first class of each school day (Policy IE).

Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance as established in 4 U.S.C. 4 shall be recited daily in each classroom by the Wise County School Division (Policy lEA).

National Motto 'In God We Trust' the National Motto enacted by Congress in 1956 shall be posted in a conspicuous place in each school for all students to read (Policy FEB).

Parent/Teacher Conferences Parent Teacher conferences may be scheduled at the end of each nine weeks. No appointment is necessary for the regularly scheduled conferences that are held in conjunction with PTO/Open House. Additional conferences may be requested by calling the school for an appointment. The school staff welcomes your attendance at the conferences since much can be learned by both the parent and teacher.

PTO Parent teacher organization meetings are held monthly throughout the school year. Notice of these meetings will be sent home prior to each meeting. We encourage all parents to join PTO and to become an active participant in the organization’s continuing effort to improve the school. Volunteer Services Anyone with a sincere desire to help the school, students, and/or school personnel is encouraged to inquire concerning volunteer service.

Character Education Character Education shall be interwoven into the school’s curriculum and taught primarily by example, illustration, and participation. Character traits may include trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Classroom instruction may be used to supplement the program (Policy IGAI).

Non‐Discrimation Statement Wise County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or provision of programs, services, or activities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities.

Harassment Policy

It is the policy of the Wise County School Board to maintain a learning environment for all students that provides for fair and equitable treatment, including freedom from harassment. This policy also prohibits any student or employee, male or female, from harassing another student or employee by making unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, or engaging in other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when (i) submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for employment or academic decisions affecting the student or employee; (ii).such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or defensive learning or working environment; or (iii)

submission to such conduct is made explicitly a term or condition of the individual’s participation in school programs or employment. No student shall be discriminated against or subjected to racial bigotry and prejudice. It shall be a violation of this policy for any student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel to harass a student because of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability (Policy JFH).

Student Screening Services Wise County Schools will screen all new students in the areas of speech/voice/language, vision, hearing and fine and gross motor skills within sixty days of enrolling in school. Students in grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 will also be screened for vision and hearing problems. Anyone with questions about screening should contact the child's school or the school board office.

School Pictures and Yearbook School pictures are taken in the fall and spring. The school yearbook may be purchased in late spring. Only a limited number of yearbooks are ordered each year.

School Web Page The AES web site is located at http://portals.wise.k12.va.us/aes/. You can find current information about AES and school activities by visiting our web site.

Fire and Emergency Drills Drills are held throughout the school year. All students and any visitors in the building must participate in a quiet and orderly manner.

Library The school library meets or exceeds state accreditation standards in the holding of books, periodicals, equipment, and audiovisual materials. Parents and students are encouraged to use the library facilities. Library hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Upon transferring to another school, students must turn in all library materials. Upon completion of each school year, the library is required to make a complete inventory. Therefore, all books must be returned two weeks before the last day of school. It shall be the policy of the School Board to charge student fees and to recover funds for the loss of, damage to, or failure to return property owned by or under control of the School Board, caused or committed by such pupil in pursuit of his/her studies.

Fund Raising Fund raising activities sponsored by Appalachia Elementary School involving students in door‐to‐door solicitation are prohibited.

Gifted Education Appalachia Elementary will provide a program of gifted education to include identification and special educational opportunities to develop unique abilities and/or talents. Parents, students, teachers, and others can refer students for screening. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Each child is valued as a contributor in the education process and schools must ensure that children are treated with respect and dignity and that the learning environment is safe for all students and staff. When there is a need to manage aggressive or violent behavior of students in emergency situations, there must be a balance between maintaining an effective and safe learning environment for children and school staff and safeguarding the rights and protections of students. Our school will have policies and procedures to address behaviors that may disrupt the educational process. With Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, AES will respond to group and individual needs, to define, teach, and reward acceptable student behavior at the school wide level, at the classroom level, in non‐classroom settings, and at the individual student level. AES will emphasize prevention and use of proactive strategies that focus on teaching and rewarding student behavior that contributes to improved academic performance and social behavior. In non‐instructional settings, the primary focus will be on close adult supervision. At the classroom level, emphasis will be on group individualized curriculum, differentiated instruction and consistent classroom management. At the student level, school personnel will rely on individual interventions based on formal assessment. With PBIS, AES will better provide teachers a school culture in which they are able to integrate effective practices into daily instruction. We want the best possible education for ALL students.

Standards of Learning Assessments The SOL tests measure student progress in the four core content areas: English/Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies/History. SOL tests are given in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. The state requires that a child's test performance on the SOL be considered as one factor in a multiple set of criteria for determining whether the child is ready to move forward

academically or should be retained. SOL tests are administered in the spring.

Report Cards Report cards are sent home after each nine weeks of school. First grade students are not issued report cards for the first nine weeks of school since this is a period of readiness and adjustment. Kindergarten students are issued evaluation sheets at the end of the nine weeks grading periods.

Grading System A 94 – 100 B 86 – 93 C 78 – 85 D 70 – 77 F below 70

Promotion Grade 1‐2: Students must demonstrate satisfactory or above average progress in English, mathematics, social science and science. Grade 3‐8: Student, to be promoted to the next grade level, must pass three core subjects to include both Math and English (for the purpose of promotion, the literature and language skills grades will be averaged). An annual average of D or above on a core subject is passing in that subject.

Principal’s List Students in grades 1‐8 are eligible for the Principal's List if they have an 'A' average in all subjects.

Honor Roll Requirements (no formal honor roll for grades 1‐2)

● For First Honor Roll (nine weeks or semester) a student must have all A's or all A's except one B.

● For Second Honor Roll (nine weeks or semester), a student must have no grade below a B.

Homework Homework is generally recognized as an integral part of the learning process for all students. The quantity and quality of homework directly influences the success or failure that students experience in school. Consequently, the policy of the Wise County School Board is that teachers should judiciously utilize homework to enhance mastery of instructional concepts and objectives.

The amount and timing of homework will be determined by each teacher consistent with the teacher's assessment of the need for practice to ensure the mastery of instructional concepts and objectives. Responsibility of Students

● Assignments should be clear and concise so students will know exactly what they are expected to do

● Students shall be responsible for getting assignments and asking questions necessary to complete the assignment.

● Students and teachers work cooperatively to satisfy the requirements of work missed due to excused absences.

● Students shall be expected to complete homework within a reasonable time frame. ● Students should complete homework in a neat, legible fashion in accordance with

directions provided by the teacher.

Responsibility of Teachers

● Assignments should be clear and concise so students will know exactly what they are expected to do

● Homework should be utilized to reinforce and clarify instructions, objectives and concepts.

● Homework should be used to stimulate voluntary effort, initiative, independence, responsibility, and self‐direction on the part of the students.

● Assignments should usually be an extension of learning provided in the classroom. ● Homework should be evaluated by the teacher within a reasonable period of time ● Homework of a short‐term or daily nature should be discouraged for weekends

and holidays, leaving such time free for use on long‐range projects/research papers, etc.

● The teacher should utilize strategies which ensure that every student has an opportunity to clearly know what he/she is expected to do.

Responsibility of Parents

● Parents should provide appropriate environment for home study, encourage good study habits, discuss school activities, and provide support and assistance with the child's assignment.

● In no case should anyone other than the student actually complete the homework assignment.

● Through knowledge of homework assignments, parents should gain an understanding of what the child is expected to learn as a result of class work and homework.

● The parents should initiate teacher conferences to discuss any problems concerning the student and his/her progress.

Instructional Time Instructional time is the most important part of the school day and must be protected as much as possible.

● Become familiar with your child's daily schedule. ● When scheduling appointments, try to schedule at a time that will not interfere

with his/her instructional time. ● Parent conferences and visits should be scheduled before school, during teachers

planning time, or after school hours. ● The teacher and principal have every right to restrict, limit, or refuse class

interruptions by visitors.

Food Service Lunch and breakfast are available to students. Applications for free or reduced price meals are available in the school office. Prices for lunch and breakfast are distributed at the beginning of each school year. Patrons and visitors of Appalachia Elementary are welcome and are extended an “Open Invitation” to participate in our school lunch program.

A computer system has been installed to eliminate meal tickets. Parents may pay in advance for meals and a la carte purchases by sending cash or checks to the cafeteria and payment will be applied to the student’s account. Students eligible for free/reduced meals can prepay for a la carte purchases and second meals. Milk, juice, and water will be available. Water may be brought from home and students will be allowed to purchase water and fruit drinks from vending machine with teacher approval.

PIN Numbers

Each student must know his/her 4 digit pin number to access their food account. Vending Machine Use Vending machines are not to be used during breakfast and lunch hours. Other times are with teacher discretion and approval. Cafeteria Food Prices Breakfast .95 Reduced Breakfast .30 Lunch 1.50 Reduced Lunch .40 Adult/Visitor Lunch 2.75 Entrée 1.25 Small Water .55 Large Water .75 A La Carte Items will vary in price

School Insurance The Wise County School Board provides limited student accident coverage. Secondary coverage insurance is for all students and covers accidents that may occur at school. Secondary coverage becomes effective after your personal hospitalization plan has paid all of its coverage benefits. Claim forms must be submitted within 90 days from date of accident. Failure to follow correct procedure may jeopardize your right to payment of benefits. REMEMBER: All accidents should be reported immediately in the office of the school your child attends. If you have questions, please call the office of Appalachia Elementary School. Dental Insurance Dental insurance is optional and may be purchased directly from the Virginia Plan. Information regarding dental insurance will be sent home with students at the beginning of the school year.

Accidents or Sickness at School If a child is injured or becomes ill we make every attempt to contact the parent. It is important that we have current working number(s) where someone can be reached because if the parents cannot be contacted, school officials will do whatever they deem necessary to care for the child.

Medication The Wise County School System discourages the administration of medications during the school day. We recognize that this is not always possible and that some children require long term medications (including asthma medication) that must be taken during school hours. The Wise County School System has developed the following procedures in accordance with those regulations:

● Written orders from a physician or nurse practitioner and with written permission from the students parent or guardian, detailing students name the name of the drug, dosage, and time interval medication is to be taken must be submitted to the school on the appropriate school form.

● The signature of a parent or guardian requesting the school to comply with the physician's order must be on the above‐mentioned form. (Forms are available at school).

● Medication must be in a container APPROPRIATLY LABELED BY THE PHARMACY OR PHYSICIAN WITH A CURRENT DATE. (Extra medicine bottles can be requested at the time of purchase at no additional cost to the parent)Medication is to be brought to school by the parent. No child is to bring medication to school.

The Wise County School System suggests the following for parents sending Over the Counter (OTC) drugs to school with their child for the purpose of self‐medication:

● Parents must also bring "over the counter (OTC) drugs to school and discuss their dispersal with the nurse." WCPS school personnel may give non‐prescription medication to students only with written permission of the parent/guardian. No child is to bring any form of medication to school.

● If a child gets medication from another child, the parent(s) will be held responsible. Self‐administration of any medication (with the exception of asthma medication) is prohibited for students in grades K‐8 (policy JHCD).

Epinephrine Bill The Epinephrine Bill (8.01‐225, 22.1‐274.2, 54.1‐3408) was signed into law on April 26, 2012 stating that each school, in a school division, will make available at least 2 doses of .15 mg. and 2 doses of .3 mg. epinephrine via auto‐injector (for a total of 4 doses). The “stock” doses are for those students who have unidentified allergies and experience first time anaphylaxis.

It is expected that students with known allergies/anaphylaxis will continue to provide a

plan of care and their own individual epinephrine for school use, after school use, the bus ride home, field trips, etc. Stock epinephrine is intended for use on school premises and should not be carried offsite.

Dress Code The purpose of a dress code is not to inhibit any person's taste in attire, but rather to facilitate the process of education through reasonable guidelines of "dress." All students are expected to wear dress appropriate to the occasion. Prohibited items include: cutoffs, tank‐top muscle shirts, hoods, hats, sunglasses, bandannas, chains, flip‐flops, steel toed boots, spiked/high heels, Heelys, lip rings, eyebrows rings, nose rings, pajamas, jelly bracelets, halter tops, sundresses, see‐through clothing, and bare midriffs. Shorts, skirts, or dresses must not be shorter than one's fingertips with arms extended at the sides. Jeans with holes above the knees are not allowed.

Clothing that advertises drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence or other inappropriate material is not to be worn in school. No undergarments should be showing or worn as outer garments. Pants or shorts shall be appropriately sized, worn, and secured at the natural waistline (Policy JFCG).

Cell Phones Cell phones are not allowed at school. If students have cell phones for after hour activities, they should be off and kept in their backpacks or pockets.

Prohibited Articles

Students are not allowed to bring audio devices, knives, firearms, firecrackers, matches, lighters, laser pens, cell phones, cameras, recorders, game boys, squirt guns, tobacco, chewing gum, toys, bats, balls, aerosol sprays, energy drinks, nail polish, diet pills, and other related items to school. However, items such as electronic games, mp3 players, bats, balls, and toys may be brought to school when authorized by the principal for a designated event. Otherwise, such items will be confiscated if brought to school and discipline handled accordingly.

Compulsory School Age

Children must enter school if they are five years old on or before September 30. (Section 22.1‐199). Children will not be assigned to class rolls until verification of age by birth certificate, physical examination, and immunization records (verified by physician's signature) have been received by the school.

Requirements for Enrolling a Pupil in School

● Completion of Registration Form with proof of residence/address. ● Two emergency contact phone numbers. ● Birth Certificate – Verification of age ‐ State law requires the verification of age by

a certified copy of the student's birth certificate (age 5 before September 30). If the person enrolling the student is unable to present a certified copy of the student's birth certificate, he/she must submit an affidavit to the school explaining the reason(s) for being unable to present a certified birth certificate.

● Social Security Number – (Section 22.1 ‐ 260 H.B. 1716) Present a federal social security number within 90 days of enrollment. If unable or unwilling to provide such, the superintendent or his designee may assign an identifying number 'to the student or waive this requirement.

● Immunization Requirements ‐ The following immunizations arc required before a student is admitted to a public school (Section 22.1 ‐271.2)

MMR‐2 doses; Measles, Mumps Rubella One (1) Dose ‐ After 12 months of age Measles, Rubella‐Second dose prior to entering Kindergarten Polio (OPY) ‐ Three doses DTP ‐ Three doses; Hepatitis B‐Three doses Varicella (Chicken Pox) is recommended for students born on or after 1/1/97

Attendance Policy Children must be in attendance each day in order to master the Standards of Learning Objectives which have been mandated by the Virginia State Board of Education. Arriving at school each day on time and staying the entire school day is of utmost importance.

● Each day a child is absent parents are expected to call the school by 9 a.m. and give a reason for the absence.

● For the first five absences within a semester, a note from the parent may excuse the child. After the 5th absence within the semester, the student will provide a statement from a physician to verify excused absences due to illness (unless there are extenuating circumstances which the parent is responsible for speaking to the principal about).

Students attending WCPS are subject to the following compulsory attendance laws

of the Commonwealth of Virginia: 1. At the 5th unexcused Absence, direct contact with the parent by the school

attendance official is required to obtain an explanation of absence, to explain consequences, and to develop a joint attendance plan.

2. At the 6th Unexcused Absence, conference at school with the parent, student, attendance official, other school personnel, and community service providers as appropriate.

3. At the 7th Unexcused Absence, charges will be filed in the Wise County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court against the student or parent.

Attendance Awards

Attendance Awards are issued for exemplary attendance. Students may earn an award in one of the following three categories:

Perfect Attendance: No absences, tardies, or early check‐outs

Excellent Attendance: No absences, with all tardies and/or early check outs excused because of medical or emergency situations

Outstanding Attendance: Maintained 97% attendance throughout the school year. (Policy JED‐R)

Notification of Parent if Student is Absent Section 22.1‐258 of the Code of Virginia requires that ''Whenever any pupil fails to report to school on a regularly scheduled school day and no indication has been received by the school personnel that the pupil's parent/guardian is aware of the pupil’s absence, a reasonable effort to notify the parent/guardian by telephone shall be made by the school."

In order to eliminate the requirement of a large number of phone calls to be made by Appalachia Elementary School, parents/guardians are requested to call the office of Appalachia Elementary School on the morning of your child's absence. Please remember ‐ if you do not call the school, it will be necessary for the school to call you. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance. If no contact is made and no note or doctor’s excuse is received the following day of your child’s return, then the absence will be unexcused.

Tardy Slip

Students who arrive after 8:30 a.m. are required to pick up a ''Tardy Slip" from the office before reporting to their room. C1asses begin at 8:30 a.m.

Leaving School Early

When it is necessary for a student to be taken out of school early, the parent/guardian must sign the student out in the office.

Summer School Any student who fails one or more of the SOL assessments for the relevant grade level in grades 3‐8 may be required to attend summer school. Any student who fails all of the SOL assessments for the relevant grade level in grades 3‐8 shall be required to attend a summer school or participate in another form of remediation.

Summer school instruction shall be designed to improve specific identified student deficiencies. If required to attend a division summer school program, students shall not be charged tuition.

Guidance and Counseling Program Guidance and counseling programs are part of the instructional plan for all Wise County students. They are designed to help each student master the skills necessary for academic, career, and personal/social growth. Services provided are:

● Academic Guidance: assists students and their parents to acquire knowledge of the curriculum choices available to students, to plan a program of studies, to arrange and interpret academic testing, and to seek post‐secondary academic opportunities.

● Career Guidance: helps students to acquire information and plan action about work, jobs, apprenticeships, and post‐secondary academic opportunities.

● Personal/Social Counseling: assists students to develop an understanding of themselves, the rights and needs of others, how to resolve conflict and to define individual goals reflecting their interests, abilities, and aptitudes. Such counseling may be provided whether in groups in which generic issues of social development are addressed or through structured individual or small group multi‐session counseling which focuses on the specific concerns of the participants. Parents may review the program objectives and materials used in guidance and counseling by contacting the school guidance counselor. Parents may choose to exclude their child from any part of the personal/social counseling by signing the appropriate form in the school guidance office.

Questions concerning the guidance program may be directed to the school counselor or principal.

Child Study and Intervention ‘At risk’ students are referred to the child study team to problem solve academic and behavior concerns. Parent meetings will occur first before a referral is made to the CST. At least two CST meetings will be held to make determinations regarding students. All referrals go through the Guidance Office (Mrs. Christian, 565‐1115). Parents, teachers, reading resource, Title I and administrators are included in the CST meetings.

Crisis Intervention

Wise County Schools have developed a Crisis intervention Plan. The objective is to provide for a written plan to be followed in emergency situation, including severe weather conditions and natural and man‐made disasters, that will ensure the safety and care of all our students. Fire/crisis procedures include determining building status. If the school needs to be closed and the students transported to another location, AHS gym, or home, contact the director of transportation Greg Mullins at 328‐8017. Severe damage may result in another location for classes that will be determined and scheduled through the Superintendent’s office.

Weapons in School Carry, bringing, using or possessing any firearm, dangerous or deadly weapon in any school building, on school grounds, in any school vehicle or at any school‐sponsored activity without the authorization of the school or the school division is prohibited. Such weapons include, but are not limited to, any pistol, shotgun, stun gun, laser, revolver, or other firearm designed or intended to propel a projectile of any kind, including toy guns and look‐alike guns, rifle, dirk knife, (including bowie and switchblade), razor, slingshot, brass or metal knuckles, blackjacks, explosives, or other dangerous articles. Violation of this policy shall require that proceedings for the expulsion of the student involved shall be initiated immediately by the principal. Any threats made toward individuals about bringing a weapon to school and causing harm to individuals will also be reason for suspension. The principal may determine if a look‐alike is a weapon.

Possession and/or use of Tobacco Products Recognizing that the use of tobacco in any form is undesirable, that schools should not provide an environment for undesirable habits, and that Section 18.2‐371.2, Code of Virginia, declares it is illegal for “any person less than eighteen years of age to purchase or possess any tobacco product including but not limited to cigarettes and cigars,” the Wise County School Board prohibits the possession or use of all types of tobacco products by public school students (anyone included in Average Daily Membership) at school, during school hours, and on school buses.

Acceptable use of Computers

Misuse of the school computer system may result in disciplinary action including long‐term suspension and/or expulsion. The computer system includes but is not limited to, all hardware, software, date, communication lines and devices, terminals, printers, CD‐ROM devices, tape drives, servers, mainframe and personal computers, filtered Internet access, and local and wide area networks.

Substance Abuse Violations All students identified as involved in substance abuse will be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures. Penalty for violation of the school policy for first‐time offenders using any beverage or substance covered by this rule may be suspended from school and placed on probation for the remainder of the semester. Also, counseling will be recommended. Second‐time offenders abusing any substance or beverage covered by the policy may be subject to expulsion from school and possible prosecution in the courts of this state. Students accused of alcohol and other abuse may be referred to the Wise County Discipline Committee.

In addition to disciplinary measures, the Discipline Committee and/or school principal will provide a list of treatment resources to the parents with a strong recommendation that parents consider professional treatment or counseling. Parents should be advised that second time offenders may be less likely to be expelled from school if proof of such treatment or counseling has been sought or is ongoing. Second time offenders must be referred to the Discipline Committee. The Discipline Committee shall determine options based on student behaviors and possible treatment intervention since the initial referral. Some available options are referral to the Wise County School Board for action, suspension (long or short term), expulsion and/or prosecution by the courts. Expulsion and referral for prosecution may be the most appropriate options for offenders.

Bullying Bullying may be defined as deliberate, hurtful behavior that is physical (hitting, kicking, taking belongings), verbal (name calling, insulting, or racist remarks) or indirect (spreading nasty stories, excluding from groups, etc.). AES will do a number of things to stop bullying, including the use of curriculum materials and activities to decrease bullying behaviors so that students will learn more appropriate ways to interact with peers.

Students who are victims of bullies will receive help in strategies to avoid being a victim. Reporting or telling will be encouraged so that interventions may be implemented that will help both the bully and the victim. Students who display bullying behaviors will be disciplined as follows: conference with the teacher, office referral, parent conference, guidance referral; referral to violence prevention specialist, behavior intervention plan,

and or referral to court services. Students who are repeat offenders will receive more serious consequences. All consequences and interventions have a goal of modifying bullying behaviors.

Student Conduct Code for Wise County Schools

A SEPARATE HANDBOOK ENTITLED "Student Conduct Code" for Wise County Schools is available on the Wise County School web page.

Student Behavior Students must observe the following:

● Hats are not to be worn inside the building; ● No running in the building unless it is an organized activity supervised by the

teacher ● Throwing of objects is prohibited ● Chewing gum is not allowed ● Sunflower seeds are not allowed ● Students are not to sell or trade toys ● Students will show respect for teachers and school personnel and other students ● Students must display proper conduct to and from school as well as in school ● Students will be required to reimburse the school for any breakage or destruction

of school property ● When the conduct of a pupil becomes uncontrollable and student's presence in

the classroom or on school property, including the school bus, is such that instruction is interrupted and/or behavior constitutes a menace to self or others, immediate disciplinary action is subject to be taken.

School Bus Behavior

● The school bus driver is in full charge of the bus and the students. ● Students must obey the bus driver. ● Riding the bus is a privilege. Obey the bus rules at all times. ● Students must ride their assigned bus. Permission to ride another bus may be

granted by the principal provided proper instructions are provided by the parent. Send signed notes to school requesting bus change. Student must turn those in when they arrive at school.

● Students must not extend arms, legs, or heads out of the bus. ● Students must not wave or shout at pedestrians or passengers in other vehicles. ● Eating/drinking on the bus is prohibited. ● Books, book bags, band instruments, or other loose objects must not be placed

in the aisle and must be held in the student’s lap and not encumber another student.

● Students are to sit in the seat designated for them by the bus driver.

● Students should be on time at the bus stop; the bus driver cannot wait for those students not on time.

● Students must remain seated when the bus is in motion. ● Students are never to tamper with the emergency door or other bus equipment. ● Students who must cross the road after getting off the bus must cross in front

of the bus. ● Should any child be reported to the school principal, the offender may be

removed from the bus. ● The right of all students to ride the bus is conditional on their good behavior

and observance of these rules and regulations. ● Horse play at the bus stops could result in bus suspension. ● Pets are not allowed at the bus stop. ● Throwing articles at vehicles while at the bus stop or on a bus will result in bus

suspension. ● Fighting on the bus will result in a bus suspension. ● Students must NEVER use profanity on the school bus.

Leaving the School Bus

● Students must remain seated until the bus comes to a full stop. ● Students must leave the bus at their regular stops. ● If students must cross a highway, they are to do so at the front of the bus and at

a distance of at least ten feet in front of the bus. They must not cross until the driver has signaled that it is safe to do so.

● Riding the bus is a privilege. Should any child be reported to the school principal, the principal will be responsible for the disciplinary action including loss of the privilege of bus transportation.

● If you need help with problems relative to bus transportation, please contact the school principal.

Content of Student Educational Records A student education record is maintained for each student attending Wise County Public Schools, and is kept in the school in which the student is enrolled. These records contain identifying data pertaining to the student‐name; birth data; social security number, if available; address; citizenship status if other than United States; scholastic work completed (level of achievement and grades); standardized test scores; results of Literacy Testing Program testing; attendance data; school/community activities and work experience, employment evaluations of cooperative vocational programs; program of studies plan; health and physical fitness data; immunization records; type of diploma awarded; grade point average; and rank in class. These records also contain the name and address of the parent or legal custodian.

Students with special needs and certain students requiring differentiated programs

and/or special services (such as special education) have records related to their educational program which are also maintained in their educational record. They may include the following types of information: social histories; legal psychological; or medical reports; records of sensitive medical problems; verified reports of serious or recurrent atypical behavior patterns; state‐required reports of evaluation for exceptional educational placement; and services; reports from institutions and agencies such as juvenile court and social services; counselor or teacher case studies; confidential interviews and/or recommendations; reports of parent conferences and permission for evaluation, placement and release of information; vocational assessment date; eligibility committee minutes; and individualized education program. All educational records data is maintained together in a single record.

Access to Student Records Federal and State Law, and the Virginia Department of Education Regulations control access to pupil records. The principal of each school is responsible for the records maintained within that school. Access to student records is limited to those persons having responsibility or legitimate educational interests, including: adult clerical personnel; certain governmental and educational auditors, evaluators, researchers; eligible student; parent; principal, or designee of school that the student plans to attend; professional personnel (within school or school division); federal, state and local officials as authorized by law; and others who have the written permission of parent or eligible student. Both natural parents, regardless of custody status, have the right to access to all student records in the absence of a court order to the contrary. Wise County Public Schools forwards education records upon request to a school in which the student seeks or intends to enroll and notifies parents within five days of the transfer of the record. Reviewing, Expunging, and Destruction of Student Records Records are reviewed periodically to assure accuracy, currency, and completeness. The record data referred to previously is maintained for five years at the school last attended. At that time the records are purged and data which is not required for permanent retention is destroyed. The following educational record data is maintained permanently: record data disclosure form, name and address of student, birth data, name and address of parent, program of studies plan, scholastic work completed, level of achievement, grades, grade point average, rank in class, type of diploma awarded, attendance, test data (as required by state and/or local school division) and Literacy Passport Test results, certificate of immunization, social security number, citizenship status if other than U. S., and driver’s education records. All other data is destroyed five years after withdrawal or graduation. Parents or eligible students have the right to be provided with copies of any of the student’s educational record data prior to their destruction upon written request.

Challenge the Content of Student Records

Parents and eligible students have the opportunity to challenge the content of the student’s record to insure that the records are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy of other rights of the student. Such challenge provides an opportunity for the correction or amendment of inaccurate, misleading or inappropriate information therein and for the insertion of a written explanation by the parents regarding the content of the records. If a parent believes a record is inaccurate, they should request amendment of the record in writing to the school principal. They have the right to a hearing if the request is denied by the school system. Parents or students may also file a complaint with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act Office for the failure to comply with 20 US S. C. 1232 g.

Cost of Reproducing Student Records Two transcripts from the educational record will be sent to other educational institutions at the request of the parents or eligible student at no cost. There may be a nominal charge, not to exceed the actual cost of copying, for additional copies of such transcripts and for any other reproduction of the records; however, records access or transfer of records will not be impeded due to any unpaid school fees.

Directory Information Including student names, birth dates, addresses and phone numbers may be disseminated to military and college officials or to others as determined by school officials for good reason. Directory Information concerning participation in athletics, height, and weight, and other school activities, the winning of scholastic or other honors and awards, and other like information may be disseminated without prior consent. Parents or eligible student may elect not to have directory information published. To request nondisclosure, notice must be given to the school in writing within 15 working days of receiving this notice.

Policy on Student Education Records Parents and eligible students may review and obtain a copy to the written policy on management of student educational records at any Wise County Public School. Questions regarding the maintenance of records for students should be referred to the principal or guidance counselor of the student’s school. Student‐Led Groups Student‐led groups may meet during non‐instructional times. Student attendance is strictly voluntary. Please discuss with you child if you have reservations about participation in such groups.

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