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CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2014-15

MISSION STATEMENT

Central Elementary School creates a strong foundation for developing and educating lifelong learners who are socially responsible and globally competitive in the 21st century.

School Colors: RED & BLACK435 E. Stadium Drive

School Mascot: PANTHER CUB(336) 623-8378

STUDENT PLEDGE

As a Panther Cub, I will climb high by:

C - cooperating

L-listening

I -insuring safety

M-making good decisions

B-being respectful and responsible

Central Elementary is a Title I School

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Dear Central Families:

Welcome to CentralElementary School, a great place to learn! We believe Central is a great school for students to attend because we provide a safe and nurturing environment committed to academic excellence.

Regarding our academic program, we offer a challenging curriculum that focuses on balanced literacy, along with a math program that emphasizes computation as well as problem solving. Science, social studies, the integration of technology, arts and physical education complete the curricular program--one that is delivered to students through a differentiated instruction approach. Central uses data analysis and differentiation instructions to challenge students to meet and exceed expectations as they strive to become lifelong learners.

A second component used at Central is relates to behavior. Central is a PBIS school and research shows there is more time spent on instruction in the classroom if students are taught the behavioral expectations that create a positive learning environment. With that thought in mind, Central is in its fourth year of implementing “PBIS”-- a positive behavioral and interventions support program. As we begin the 2014-15 School Year, Central will continue the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program as a way to support a positive approach to behavior, the results of which will impact academics in a positive manner.

Parents are encouraged to play an active role in their child’s education both at home and at school. During the school year, we ask parents to participate in various school activities such as attending conferences and classroom activities, participating in PTSO events, and other school functions. All of these activities will impact the success of all children and offer opportunities for friendships to form.

Central has an extremely gifted and highly qualified faculty. We are committed to working with students and their families as a team. The rigorous curriculum is directly aligned with the NC Learning Standards and Common Core.

Central Mission: CentralElementary School creates a strong foundation for developing and educating lifelong learners who are socially responsible and globally competitive in the 21st Century.

Our Vision at Central is to provide a safe and productive learning environment in which all students are challenged to succeed.

Our Belief:

We believe that:

  • All children can learn.
  • Planning and time on task increases learning.
  • Education is the shared responsibility of the school, family, and community.
  • Learning is for the present and for the future.
  • High expectation increases optimal learning.

Sincerely,

Ms. Barbara Brown, PrincipalMrs. Tania Martin, Assistant Principal

435 E. Stadium Drive, Eden, NC 27288 336.623.8378 (office) 336.623.8405 (fax)

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PTSO

The PTSO raises funds and provides support for programs at Central. They help with our Book Fairs, Student Programs, Teacher Appreciation, Field Day, garden and grounds clean up, and school and playground improvements. The PTSO Board meets each month and general PTSO meetings occur each quarter. These provide opportunities for students, teachers, and parents to share experiences, ask questions, or to make comments and suggestions to make Central better.

Profits from fundraising activities enable our students to benefit from “extras” which would otherwise be impossible to provide. In the past years, these “extras” have included playground equipment, risers for musical programs, black top play area, science materials, technology items, landscaping projects, reading materials, floor tiles, the construction of an athletic field, and an outside covered picnic area.

WE ENCOURAGE YOUR SUPPORT AND YOUR PARTICIPATION!

PTSO VOLUNTEERS

Our Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) sponsors a school volunteer program. Parents, grandparents, friends, and family--we need your time and talents! Whether in the classroom or around school, we can use your help. Please make sure you log all of your volunteer hours!

Parents will receive a Volunteer Sign-up Sheet in August. Please take the time to look this over, sign up, and share with us by volunteering this year.

YOUR INVOLVEMENT COUNTS AND SENDS A POSITIVE MESSAGE TO OUR STUDENTS!

CHARACTER EDUCATION/GUIDANCE/COUNSELING

Building Character, Achievement, and Motivation for ALL Students

Good character starts at home. It has to be modeled and taught. The statement, “It takes a whole village to raise a child,” refers to the community of support necessary for bringing up students. Much of a school’s success is a result of parental involvement. Parental support in reinforcing a school’s educational goal for their children and a positive attitude toward schoolwork is imperative. Character education initiatives are led by our school counselor.

The framework around which our character education is designed is the idea of emphasizing a specific character goal each month. Good character consists of knowing the good, loving the good, and doing the good.

Character education in any school is three fold:

  • Character traits as they are taught through class lessons led by the teachers or the counselor
  • Character as it is revealed in choices students make
  • Character as it is modeled by the adults in the life of a child

Character education is a way of behaving and relating to others and it is reflected in the daily lives of students and staff. During the school year, students will continue character development by learning more about Good Judgment, Responsibility, Respect, Good Citizenship, Service To Others/Kindness, Courage, Self-Discipline, Perseverance, Integrity, and Celebrating School Safety.

Good Character is best summarized by the 3 R’s:

-Respect for Self

-Respect for Others

-Responsibility for all your Actions

HOME HABITS

There are many experiences that parents can provide at home that will help promote school success. Please review this checklist. Look for opportunities to provide additional positive home habits.

  1. Responsibility, Independence, and Caring for Self

The parent/guardian guides the child to:

-Put away toys and games-Learn to put on clothing, shoes, and socks

-Keep room neat-Learn to select and hang up clothing

-Complete specific jobs/tasks-Tend to bathroom and personal grooming needs

-Learn from mistakes made-Learn to button, zip and tie shoelaces

-Take responsibility for his/her actions-Take responsibility for homework and notes

Always praise children for a job well done.

  1. Getting Along with Others:

The parent/guardian should:

-Make arrangements for children to play with others

-Teach children how to share and respect other children’s property

-Help children learn to listen to others, follow directions, and assume responsibility

  1. Routines

The parent/guardian should:

-Designate appropriate times to go to bed, get up, eat, complete homework, rest, and play that are consistent with children’s needs and school schedules.

-Help the child set priorities.

  1. Making Decisions

Whenever opportunities arise, parents should allow children to plan activities or solve problems by encouraging decision-making. The choices should be kept simple: “Which book do you want me to read?” “Which game shall we play?” “Would you like an apple or a banana for a snack?” The way is left open for more than one suggestion so that the parent and child can discuss which might be best. Weighing the consequences and rewards to make the best decision is the ultimate outcome.

  1. A Word on Television

Television can be a learning experience if limited and used properly. There are many informative and educational programs, but too much television may stifle a child’s natural creativity and inhibit his/her curiosity to learn through discovery.

When adults choose programs with children.an appropriate television viewing schedule can be planned. Choosing programs with care and watching along with children help make television a more positive experience. Discussing favorite programs helps children extend their vocabulary and concepts of the world around them.

HOMEWORK

The purpose of homework is to extend and reinforce what has been learned in class and to develop a sense of self-discipline, personal responsibility, and independent thinking. Students routinely have nightly homework.

We encourage parents to:

  • Show a positive interest in their children’s homework as well as their schoolwork.
  • Cooperate with the teacher to make homework more effective.
  • Provide children with a suitable place to do homework, away from TV and other distractions.
  • Serve as consultants about assignments, but do not complete assignments for the child.
  • See that assignments are completed neatly and sign student planners nightly.
  • Encourage but do not pressure children.
  • Talk to your children about their attitudes toward schoolwork and homework.

Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or check your teacher’s web page whenever there is a question about homework. Your child will have nightly homework assignments recorded in his/her student planner. Remember the Parent Resource Center at1130 Center Church Road is a great resource for both students and parents. (623-8098)

DISCIPLINE

Our goal is to maintain a calm environment conducive to learning, characterized by respectful behavior, cooperation, and civility. Without order, safety, and a sense of security and civility, schools cannot work and learning will not occur. Therefore our philosophy of discipline is based on the following:

  • All children can learn and behave properly.
  • Every child is important. Children make mistakes; if they didn’t, they wouldn’t be children.
  • The best discipline is self-discipline.
  • Sometimes the best learned lesson is one learned through adversity.
  • Discipline is about learning, problem solving, and making choices.
  • Common standards of decency call for respect and kindness to be shown to others.

Student Responsibilities:

Do what you are supposed to do when you are supposed to do it by:

  • Complying with the directions of principals, teachers, substitute teachers, teacher assistants, bus drivers, and all other school personnel.
  • Respecting the rights of all teachers, students, and individuals.
  • Being responsible for yourself and your belongings.
  • Keeping your hands, feet, and comments to yourself.

Parent Responsibilities:

  • Insure that your child comes to school on time and ready to learn with supplies that are needed including daily lunch money and homework.
  • Make sure your child has ample sleep each night.
  • Discuss and emphasize this handbook and acceptable standards of behavior.
  • Notify the school of any problems or concerns. Communicate regularly and work together with school personnel to find solutions.
  • Encourage your child to value his/her educational opportunity.

Staff Responsibilities:

  • Provide a safe and orderly environment for students to learn.
  • Help students to understand appropriate behaviors and disciplinary consequences as established by Rockingham County School Board policy.
  • Notify parents of any discipline problems students are experiencing at school and to work together to find appropriate solutions for the student.

INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS:

  • Being disrespectful to school personnel or other individuals assisting a student.
  • Disregarding directions given by staff members.
  • Using inappropriate or offensive language.
  • Fighting.
  • Plagiarism, deceit, or cheating.
  • Stealing.
  • Harassment or bullying of other students or school personnel.
  • Possession of any type of weapon on school property.
  • Continued disregard for school or system rules.
  • Habitual classroom disruption.
  • Lack of compliance to the school dress code and/or safety policies.
  • Assault on a student or school personnel.
  • Buying, selling, or trading any items during school.

All items identified as offenses are outlined in the Rockingham County Schools Student Handbook. All of the above offenses may result in suspension from school.

DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES

The following disciplinary actions may occur when students choose not to follow school behavior policy:

1)Student - Teacher or Student - Administrator Conference.

2)Parent - Teacher Conference or Parent – Teacher - Administrator Conference.

3)Loss of privileges.

4)Time away from classmates in isolation.

5)Parent called to pick up child.

6)Suspension from school.

7)Individualized alternative instruction.

GRIEVANCE POLICY FOR PARENTS

Parents who are unhappy about something in the classroom should:

1. Talk to your child’s teacher about the problem first.

2. Talk to the assistant principal or principal if you are not satisfied after talking with the teacher.

3. Talk with the superintendent’s designee if you are not satisfied after talking with the principal and

initiate a written grievance.

Please remember to use these channels of communication for all concerns. We will strive to work with you to solve problems.

SCHOOL’S IN SESSION

The length of the normal school day for students is determined by the School Board. The school day shall consist of no less than six and one-half hours including a minimum of five and one-half hours of instructional time. Students may enter the building at 7:20 A.M. School begins each day at 7:45 A.M. Students arriving after 7:50 are considered tardy. School is dismissed each day at 2:15 P.M. Students who leave school early, checking out before the normal end of the school day, miss valuable instructional time; and, as such, are considered the same as tardy in recordkeeping procedures. Children cannot be checked out after 2:00 p.m. Teachers will check their voice mail at 2:00 each day for final messages left by parents.

ABSENTEE NOTES:

When students return to school after being absent, they are to bring a note signed by the parent/guardian to the teacher who will send the note to the office for the correct attendance code and filing. Students returning to school without a written note are coded with an unlawful absence.

Occasionally, absences for out-of-town trips can be recognized and documented as educational opportunities. These must receive prior approval from the principal in order to be counted lawful. A request for approval stating the educational value of the trip and justifying its relevance to a child’s education should be submitted in writing for approval at least five days prior to the anticipated absence. A family vacation is generally not considered an educational opportunity.

FORFEITURE OF PROMOTION:

Students in grades K-8 with more than 20 absences in a school year, including out of school suspension, may be subject to retention, as is established in the Rockingham County Schools Attendance Policy.

TARDIES:

All students who are tardy must be signed in by a parent at the front office. No one is to drop a student off at the back building. Parents must accompany tardy students to the office to sign in. The RCS policy for tardies are as follow:

1-4 Tardies/ check outsParents receive a reminder note regarding policy .

5 Tardies/ Check outs A letter requiring parent signature will be sent home.

10 Tardies/ Check outs Conference with principal and school social worker.

12 Tardies/ Check outsStudent is ineligible for annual Perfect Attendance Award.

15+ Tardies/ Check outsParent interventions agreed upon by principal and school social

worker.

Once the “School In Session “ sign is displayed, parents must walk in with their student to sign them into school. Staff are not present after 7:50 and safety is a priority for our students.

SIGN-OUT POLICY:

If you must pick up your child during school hours or before the end of the day, do not go to the classroom. Come to the office and the secretary will call your child from class. NO STUDENTS WILL BE CHECKED OUT AFTER 2:00 P.M. Please keep this in mind when scheduling after school appointments or activities. You must sign your child out in the office. If your child is returning from an appointment during the day, a parent should accompany the child to the office to sign back in. PLEASE NOTE: Anyone picking up a child from school MUST be on the pick-up list AND show a picture ID .

TRAFFIC INFORMATION – BUS SAFETY

The Rockingham County School System strives to provide students with a transportation system that is both convenient and safe. School bus transportation service is a privilegethat may be withdrawn for inappropriate behavior and/or lack of regard for bus rules.

Parents CANNOT CALL THE SCHOOL to make transportation changes. Parents MUST send in writing a notice to teachers near the first day of the school year stating whether their child will routinely ride a bus or be a car rider. Any exceptions from this routine will require written notice from the parent that includes the date and a phone number so that the parent can be contacted for verification.

If your child is normally a bus rider, any requests to ride a different bus, get off at a different stop, or to go home with another student must be requested in writing by the parent and submitted to the office on the morningof the change of routine. Requests must include a telephone number for verification. If the request is to ride a different bus and that bus is loaded to capacity, the request cannot be approved.

BUS ROUTES AND STOPS

As described in the Rockingham County Schools Bus Driver Handbook, drivers shall adhere to the following:

a)Superintendents shall plan bus routes in a way designed to conserve fuel and to use buses efficiently.

b)A route may not deviate from a general path of direction for a distance of less than one-half mile and then return to the original path except for groups of 10 or more pupils, unescorted pupils in grades K-3, or special education students.

c)Unless safety factors require otherwise, superintendents may not plan bus stops closer together than 0.2 miles. Each student must be at the designated stop at the time of the bus arrival.