Marion Elementary School

209 Robert StreetMarion, NC 28752

Phone: 828.652.2141

Home of the Bulldogs

2016-2017

The faculty and staff at Marion Elementary School welcome you to a new school year!

We hope this Parent/Student Handbook will be helpful to you as we begin the 2016-2017 school year.  The purpose of this handbook is to provide some general information about our school procedures, policies, and expectations.  Our administration, faculty, and staff hold high expectations for ourselves, as well as our students.  We work hard to provide a safe, orderly environment that fosters student learning.   We are excited for this opportunity to work with your child

and thank you in advance for your support in making this a wonderful and successful year!

Mission StatementThe mission of Marion Elementary is to educate all students to their personal best through a team of students, educators, specialists, parents, guardians and community stakeholders.  As a team, we will ensure all of our students are globally competitive and ready to be successful as they face the challenges of the 21st century.  Hands All Around for the success of our students.

Vision With high expectations of all stakeholders:

We will provide a rigorous, relevant curriculum.  This will include research based standards, teaching methods, and a student centered approach. By embracing technology, diversity and global awareness, students will become college and/or career ready.

We will provide a welcoming, nurturing, safe environment where all stakeholders are valued and respected citizens.

We will provide means to assist stakeholders in promoting healthy initiatives that develop the whole child.

We will provide a team approach within classrooms, professional relations, family involvement and community partnerships.  All stakeholders will be held accountable to provide their personal best.

Marion Elementary Faculty and StaffOffice StaffRod M Slagle PrincipalJessica Stamey Data ManagerKim McCraw Administrative AssistantKristi Lawing School NurseJill King Counselor

Teachers AreaRachel Stewart Pre-SchoolLynne Hill KindergartenKelley Gouge KindergartenBrandy Cowart KindergartenKelly Phillips K,1, 2 Multi-AgeSherry Dixon First GradeChrissy Corson First GradeKrissy Loftis First GradeWhitney Willey First GradeAmy Suttles Second GradeNicole Owenby Second GradeDanna Yelton Second GradeMichelle Smith Third GradeTyla Willis Third GradeMelanie Hamilton Third GradeLindsey Lewis Fourth GradeCourtney Putman Fourth GradeTammy Washburn Fourth GradeEmma Rector Fifth GradeOlivia Moore Fifth GradeMonica Allen Fifth GradePatricia Arthur Exceptional ChildrenCindy Newton Speech PathologistKim Christman ESL TeacherRenee Hensley AIG/Testing CoordinatorLeslie Kazee Title 1 ReadingJessica Mace Media CoordinatorAndrew Denton Physical EducationChristie Dietrich Academic Facilitator

Instructional Assistants AreaElizabeth Gartner PreschoolAmy Stamey PreschoolTess Porter K-5Rhonda Boyd K-5, Bus DriverMaria Anderson K-5, Bus DriverLisa Hutchins K-5Sherry Hollifield K-5Billie Highland K-5Edie Lytle K-5Tera Willis ECTheresa Queen TechnologyFelicia Rutherford Music/ArtShannon Ward RtI TutorCarolyn Wilson Title 1

CafeteriaDebbie Rometti ManagerKathy WhiteDonna MaceColumba HernandezFaye Ketterman

Custodians Terry Ramsey 1st Shift CustodianRobert  Hall 2nd Shift Custodian

    

This handbook does not in any way supersede McDowell County School Board Policy, state or federal guidelines.  These policies are available online at www.mcdowell.k12.nc.us (Click Board of Education, then Board

Policy Manual).  Some policies will be directly addressed later in this handbook.

Arrival & Departure

School hours 8:00am-2:45pmArrivalOur first priority is the safety of our students.  All car riders must enter the building through the entrance near the gym with the exception of Pre-Kindergarten students. Only buses are allowed to drop off students in the front semi-circle due to supervision and safety issues.  Students may begin arriving at 7:15am and are required to go to the gym where there is adult supervision.  Due to safety concerns, students may not arrive before 7:15am and may not be dropped off in other parking areas.  Students will report to their classrooms beginning at 7:45am.  Students who are tardy (after 8:00am) will need to report to the office to sign in.  Please help your child develop good attendance habits by having him/her at school on time!

Departure Students are dismissed to their respective places at 2:45pm.  Again, our first priority is the safety of our students.  Staff members have created a safety plan designed to keep all students safe.  Parents should follow this plan to help ensure safety for all students.  ALL parents picking up students will need a car rider tag provided by the school. If you do not have a car rider tag, you will need to go to the office to receive one.  Please note, the gate to enter the car-rider line is locked until 2:30pm.  Car riders will report to the gym upon dismissal and will remain in the gym until parents arrive and names are called.  All students that walk to school will be dismissed from the main entrance to the school.  Our staff and student Safety Patrol will remain on duty escorting students from the gym to their cars until 3:15pm.  All car riders will need to be picked up by 3:15pm.  Any student who is not picked up by this time will be sent to our Afterschool program and will be charged a daily fee.

First load bus riders will be dismissed to their buses at 2:45pm.  Second load bus riders will report to the cafeteria.

Changes in Afternoon TransportationIf your child will be going home by a different means (a car rider instead of riding the bus, riding a different bus, or getting off at a different stop), please tell your child that morning and send a note to the school that has been signed and states the change. Students will not be allowed to change afternoon transportation unless parental permission is given.  Except in an emergency, please make transportation changes via a written note instead of calling the school.  This will help with the amount of phone calls we receive in our office each afternoon and will eliminate confusion for your child.  We appreciate your help in this matter.

Revised Attendance Policy (from School Board Policy)

The revised attendance policy has been updated on the county website in the Board Manual. It is policy 4400.

Biggest Changes to the Policy:The Attendance Policy Review Committee was composed of school personnel from across our county representing schools in our district. Three major revisions were made to Policy 4400 Attendance based on recommendations from the Attendance Policy Review Committee.  The definition of present was redefined for both elementary and secondary students.  "A student in (Kindergarten through thirteenth grade) must be present at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the school’s instructional day to be recorded present for that day.  A student in ninth through thirteenth (9th-13th) grade must be present at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the class period to be recorded present for that class period."  As always, students are expected to arrive on time and remain in school the full day. Tardies and Early Checkouts will be closely monitored; however, the previous policy that stated "three tardies equal one absence" is no longer applicable.  Each school's principal will deal appropriately, as outlined in the policy, with students who are chronically tardy or leave school early.Class attendance and participation are critical elements of the educational process and may be taken into account in assessing academic achievement; therefore, the section on "Excessive Absences" was revised at both the elementary and secondary level. Many of the recommendations for the revisions came from the NC State Board of Education (Policies to Lead the Schools) in the regular updates McDowell County Schools receive based on legislative changes.  Also, the Attendance Policy Review Committee, in conjunction with input from other personnel directly involved in attendance issues, diligently and thoroughly reviewed the policy and suggested updates that would be the most beneficial to our students and school system.  The final review and recommendations for revisions were given by Mr. Christopher Campbell, of Campbell and Shatley.  

The recommended policy revisions were approved by the Board of Education on June 13.

Attendance in school and participation in class are an integral part of academic achievement and the teaching-learning process.  Regular attendance develops patterns of behavior essential to professional and personal success in life.  

EXCUSED ABSENCES When a student must miss school, a written excuse signed by a parent or guardian must be presented to the student’s teacher within three (3) days of the student returning to school after an absence.  An absence may be excused for any of the following reasons. 1. Personal illness or injury that makes the student physically unable to attend school. 2. Isolation ordered by the State Board of Health.(Policy Code: 4400)  3. Death in the immediate family. 4. Medical or dental appointment. 5. Participation under subpoena as a witness in a court proceeding. 6. A maximum of two days each academic year for observance of an event required or suggested by the religion of the student or the student’s parent(s).  The student will have the opportunity to make up any tests or other work missed.7. Participation in a valid educational opportunity, with prior approval from the principal. 8. Pregnancy and related conditions or parenting, when medically necessary.

In addition, a student whose parent or legal guardian (a) is an active duty member of the uniformed services, and (b) has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from deployment.  Absences due to extended illnesses generally require a statement from a physician. In the case of excused absences and short-term out-of-school suspensions, the student will be permitted to make up his or her work.  

Behavior Expectations

At Marion Elementary, we strive to create a safe, orderly, and caring environment where students can learn.  Students are expected to display appropriate behavior at all times and in all areas of the school.  

Students who display appropriate behavior may be rewarded in various ways: Principal’s Table, Student-of-the-Month recognition, and individual praise and recognition within the classroom setting.

Each teacher will explain school and classroom rules to his/her students.  Misbehavior will be handled with logical consequences.  These consequences include, but are not limited to, warnings, natural consequences, time out, silent lunch, revoked privileges, lunch detention, in school suspension, out of school suspensions, and bus suspensions. Misbehavior and the consequences that follow will be viewed as an opportunity for individual problem solving and preparation for the real world.  

Teachers will handle most discipline issues within the classroom and will communicate these concerns to the parent.  Continued or extreme behavior issues will result in a referral to the office and will be handled by the principal.

Bus Expectations

Student safety is our main concern, and safe passenger behavior is essential.  Whether riding a yellow school bus or an activity bus, students are expected to display appropriate behavior and observe bus safety rules.  Student behavior must allow the driver to focus attention on safe driving and not be distracted by students doing inappropriate things.  All regular school rules apply on our buses plus these safety rules:

Stay seated with back against seat and feet forward. No talking when the interior lights are on. Use a quiet voice when the interior lights are off. Keep hands, feet, and all objects to self and away from windows, doors, and

aisles. Follow safe procedures getting on and off the bus (walk, watch for traffic) Use nice language.  No use of inappropriate words. Obey the driver for any other requests to keep all riders and driver safe.

Riding the bus is a privilege and students who do not display appropriate behavior may be suspended from the bus.  When a student is suspended from the bus, parents must provide transportation to and from school.

Cell Phones

In accordance with the McDowell County School Board Policy, students are not allowed to have cell phones out or turned on during instructional time (during the school day). Students needing to place a phone call should use the telephone in the office. Violations of this policy will result in the cell phone being collected by a staff member and will be taken to the office.  In repeated violations, parent will need to pick up the phone.

Child Custody Matters

According to the policy, if either parent comes to school to get a child, the child must be released to the parent.  The exception to this is when one parent has legal custody, which places restrictions on the other parent.  If you have custody of your child under the above circumstances, please file a copy of the legal papers in the school office. Unless your legal documents are on file with us, we must provide equal rights to both parents.  The principal, secretary, and your child’s teacher should be made aware of these restrictions for the safety of the child.

Conferences/Communication

In order for students to be most successful, parents and teachers must work together. At Marion Elementary, we want to build a partnership with you so that by working together we can help your child excel.  Parent/Teacher conferences are essential in your child’s education.  Specific dates and times for these conferences will be sent to parents closer to the actual dates.  However, if you have concerns about your child, please don’t hesitate to contact the teacher through a note, phone call, or email.  All teachers can be emailed by using their first name.last name@mcdowell.k12.nc.us  (i.e.  john.smith@mcdowell.k12.nc.us).   We will be happy to meet with you to discuss any concerns you may have.  The best time to reach your child’s teacher is to call the school after 3:00pm.  In order to keep students safe and not lose instructional time, teachers will not be available during the school day to take phone calls.

Dress Code for Students (from School Board Policy)

The board believes that the dress and personal appearance of students greatly affect their academic performance and their interaction with other students.  The board requests that parents outfit their children in clothing that is conducive to learning.  The board prohibits any appearance or clothing that does the following: (1) violates the guidelines in this policy;(2) is substantially disruptive; (3) is provocative or obscene; or(4) endangers the health or safety of the student or others.

All students must observe the following guidelines: 1. For safety reasons, pants must be worn at or above the hip line and should not

extend below the bottom of the shoes. 2. Shirts, blouses and dresses shall cover the abdomen, back and both shoulders.

See through clothing is prohibited.  Shirts and tops must meet the waistband of pants, shorts or skirts.

3. Footwear is required and must be safe and appropriate for classroom activities. 4. Any clothing, jewelry, accessories or book bags that depict, advertise or promote gangs or illegal drug, alcohol, or tobacco use or that convey explicit or vulgar language or images are prohibited.  5. Trench coats are prohibited. 6. Skirts, dresses, and shorts must be an appropriate length.7. Jewelry and accessories that could be used as weapons are prohibited. 8. No head covering of any sort shall be worn in the classroom unless required for

religious reasons. The principal may allow exceptions to this dress code only on special occasions, such as holidays, pep rallies and special performances.

Drills

Fire drills are conducted on a monthly basis.  These drills teach the students the safest, quickest route from the school building in case of a fire emergency.   We will also participate in a tornado drill to prepare students in the event we were to have a tornado in this area.

Our school also practices procedures for lock-down situations.  These lockdown drills prepare our staff and students to quickly get to a secure location should it ever be necessary.

Emergency Contact Information

It is extremely important for us to have a telephone number on file in the office for all parents/guardians so that we can reach you in case of an emergency.   In addition to having numbers for you, we also need numbers of close friends, relatives, or neighbors that will be available in the event that you cannot be reached.  If your contact information changes during the school year, please call the office (652-2141) to give the school your new information.

Early Checkout of Students

We understand there will be times when it is necessary for you to pick your child up early from school (such as dental and doctor appointments).   However, frequent, unnecessary early checkouts result in lost instructional time.  Please remember early checkouts are counted as tardies and count toward attendance records.  In the event you need to check your child out of school early, please follow our checkout procedure:

Parents who need to pick up their child during school hours are required to come to the office, as in accordance with our safe schools policy.  All parents/guardians should be prepared to show identification to the office staff.  Your child will be called to the office to meet you.  The office must be notified if someone other than a parent is picking up a child.  Parents are not permitted to go to the classroom to get their children.  Again, this is for the safety of all children.

Field Trips

Field trips are intended to expand/enhance learning and bring real-life experience and meaning to the curriculum.  Often, parents are encouraged to serve as chaperones and supervise students for various field trips.  Their assistance is greatly appreciated!  There are times when students are put into groups and a chaperone will need to supervise a group of students separate from other groups.   In this case, background checks must be completed for parent chaperones.  Your child’s teacher will let you know if this is the case for each particular trip.

The following are guidelines for field trip safety: Parents are not permitted to ride on an activity bus. Students must ride the activity bus going to the field trip location. Students may ride home from the field trip with their parents.  In this case,

parents will need to see the teacher to sign them out.

Food Services

Marion Elementary participates in the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act.  Through this grant, all students receive breakfast and lunch daily at no cost to parents.  Breakfast is served each morning at 7:45am in the classroom.  Lunch will be served at designated times in the school cafeteria.  

We are proud to announce that Marion Elementary is also part of a healthy snack initiative.  A free healthy snack of fruits and vegetables will be provided to our students four times each week.  We are very excited about this opportunity!  Your child’s teacher will give you information regarding snack for the other school day.

Your child may occasionally want to purchase additional servings of food, snack, drink, or ice cream from the cafeteria.  If so, you may put money into his/her lunch account for these items.  Any extra food purchased will be deducted from the lunch account.

Health Concerns

If your child has severe reactions to bee stings or insect stings, allergies to food, or any other special health concern, please notify the school in writing so that we will have the necessary information and will know the proper procedure to follow.  The teacher, office staff, and nurse should be made aware of these conditions.

Homework

Homework is an important part of your child’s education.  Schools do their best job of educating your child when they have you, the parents/guardians as partners. Homework provides significant opportunity for you to show your interest and to give your support.  Homework is an opportunity for your child to practice, review, and apply

knowledge.  The amount of nightly homework varies from 10 minutes at the kindergarten level to up to 50 minutes for 5th grade.  The total suggested amount is 10 minutes per grade level.  We encourage you to be active in teaching your child responsibility for completing homework assignments and appreciate your support at home.  If you have concerns regarding your child’s homework, please discuss this with his/her teacher.

Immunizations

In accordance with state law, it is mandatory that your child have proof of age and an adequate certification of immunizations on file in the school office.  Failure to have this on file may lead to your child being unable to attend school until proper documentation is filed.  Kindergarten students have 30 calendar days from the first day of attendance to have their health assessment record completed by a certified health official and to obtain the required immunizations.  After the 30 days, the child cannot attend school until the required immunizations have been obtained.

Lost and Found Items

Items found at school are taken to our Lost and Found area located in the hallway leading to 5th grade.  Items are placed in the wooden cabinets.  We encourage you to have your child’s name on lunch boxes, notebooks, jackets, and coats so that we may get them back to their rightful owner.  If you child has lost an item, please look in our Lost and Found area or let the teacher know to have the child look for the item.  We have hundreds of hoodies, jackets, and coats that are unclaimed each year.  As these items build up, we take them to shelters for kids in need.  Please encourage your child to keep up with his/her items.   

Medications

The McDowell County School System has adopted a policy regarding the administration of medication at school.  Before prescription medication or over the counter medication can be given to students, the school must have a completed “Request for Medication” form signed by the doctor and the parent on file in the school office.  ALL medications must be in the original package and/or container appropriately labeled by the pharmacist and must be labeled with the student’s name, name of the medication, and directions for dosage.  Please remember to supply needed item to measure the dosage. If a student takes a medication of any kind while at school, the parent must bring the medication to the school.   Please do not send any medications to school with your child.

Physical Education

Your child will have PE class once or twice a week.  Your child’s teacher will let you know what day of the week is their PE day.  For safety reasons, all children should wear tennis shoes or soft-soled shoes during PE class.  Girls should wear clothing appropriate for PE class which eliminates dresses and skirts.  Participation in the program will be required unless excused by a doctor for health reasons.  If you child is temporarily unable to participate in PE class, please send a note with the date and the reason for not participating.

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

Marion Elementary is proud of it’s PTO.  Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to to take an active role in their child’s education by becoming part of the parent organization.  The PTO helps us improve communication and education at our school by sponsoring many events and services.  PTO members volunteer their time, participate in special school events, sponsor fundraising, and support the staff and students in a most positive way.  Money earned through our PTO has been used to purchase playground equipment, computers, instructional materials, books, field trips, and staff luncheons.  We encourage every parent to become a PTO member this school year.  You will be receiving more information about this and dates for our PTO meetings soon.

Tardies

The school day begins at 8:00am (breakfast is served at 7:45am).  Any student who is not in the classroom by 8:00am will need to go to the office for a tardy slip.  Being tardy is difficult for students and is strongly discouraged because it results in students missing important information and instruction.   All tardies are recorded and are part of your child’s attendance record.  We encourage you to have your child at school and in their proper places before the 8:00 bell rings.

Tobacco, Drugs, and Alcohol Policy

The use or possession of tobacco products, drugs, and/or alcohol is prohibited on school property or at any school related function according to McDowell County School Board Policy.  Individuals who are using tobacco products on school property or at a school sponsored event will be asked to stop or leave the school grounds.  Possession of illegal drugs or alcohol must be reported.  Please refer to the McDowell County School Code of Student Conduct for more information.

Toys, Valuables, Electronic Devices, etc

Non-instructional items at school can distract students from learning.  Valuables such as electronic devices, games, toys, etc. should not be brought to school.  Marion Elementary cannot be responsible for these items.  Any such items that are interfering with student learning will be confiscated by school staff and turned into the office. Parents may choose to pick those items up at their convenience.  Please help us protect instructional time by making sure your child does not bring these items to school unless specifically told by a teacher for special events.

Visitors

We want our visitors to feel welcome at Marion Elementary!  We encourage you to be involved in various activities throughout the school year.  We ask that you adhere to the following safety guidelines:

All visitors must enter the school through the front doors near the office. All visitors must report to the office first, in accordance with our Safe Schools

Policy and receive a visitor’s badge. Conferences should be arranged in advance, and at a time when the teacher

does not have students in the classroom or is on duty.

Volunteering

As noted above, we LOVE volunteers!  Parent involvement is key to student success! We have many needs for parent volunteers at Marion Elementary such as working directly with students, assisting the teacher with classroom activities, performing clerical tasks for teachers, assisting with the library, and many others.  In order to provide a safe environment for our students, some volunteer activities will require criminal background checks.  If you would like to complete this process while at Marion please contact the office.  The school system will ensure that all volunteers working with individual students will have this check completed.  Volunteers will need to report to the office for a volunteer badge.Information regarding volunteering for this school year will be coming home soon. We look forward to a great year with our wonderful volunteers!

Weapons

It is against state law for anyone to have a weapon on school property or at any school sponsored event.  All employees, students, and visitors must adhere to this law.  This includes pocket knives, other kinds of knives, guns, or any item that could be used as a weapon.  Students who are in possession of a weapon at school or a school sponsored event may be suspended from school.  Parents are reminded that having a gun in their vehicle while on school property is a violation of this law.  In the event of this occurrence, the weapon must be confiscated and turned over to the Marion Police Department or Sheriff’s Department.  In addition, no toy weapons are allowed at school or a school sponsored event.  Parents are held responsible for the items their child brings to school.  Thank you for your adherence to this state policy.

Weather (Early Dismissal or Cancellation)

During the school year, if it is necessary to either dismiss school early or cancel school because of inclement weather conditions, the Superintendent of McDowell County Schools will post the message on the McDowell County School Weatherline (652-3869) and will notify television and radio stations.  The school system’s phone chain will contact you prior to early dismissal according to the phone numbers we have in our system.   (Please make sure those numbers are accurate!)  If road conditions worsen after the dismissal announcement has been made and there is any question regarding student safety, students will be kept at school.  Safety is our top priority!

An early dismissal form will be sent home with your child along with many other beginning of the year forms.  Please fill it out completely and return to your child’s teacher as soon as possible.  During the year, if these plans change, please complete a new form.  Discuss these procedures with your child so he/she understands what is expected when this situation arises.

Thank you for your time in reading this handbook and following these guidelines.  We look forward to a wonderful year working with your child, having you as a supporter and a partner in your child’s education!  Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.