PACTOLUS SCHOOLParent/Student Handbook

2018 - 2019

Principal—Taylor MatkinsAssistant Principal— Liz Mabery

3405 Yankee Hall Rd.Greenville, NC 27834Phone 252.752.6941Fax 252.758.5817

PACTOLUS SCHOOL MISSION“Pactolus School exists to provide an effective and positive environment that fosters

high levels of achievement for all students in order that they may become productive citizens.”

PACTOLUS SCHOOL VISION“Pactolus School will develop lifelong learners who are globally competitive, responsible

citizens and independent thinkers who communicate effectively using innovative resources while gaining transferable skills based on the Common Core State Standards and North

Carolina Essential Standards.”

Table of Contents

Staff/Faculty 5School Information 7After School Schedule 7Awards Day 7Boxtops for Education 8Breakfast 8Bus Transportation 8Cafeteria 9Car Rider Procedures 10Change of Address or Telephone Number 10Child Custody 11Classroom Consequences 11Community Support Service Providers 11Conflict Resolution 13Crisis/Emergency Information 13Daily School Schedule 13Discipline Procedures 14Dress Rules 14Early Arrival/Checkout 16Emergency Information 16Field Day 17Field Trips 17Fees 17Flower/Gift Delivery 17Fundraiser 18Homework 18Independence Day 18Interim Reports 18Media Center Access 18News Media Access 18Parent Teacher Conference 18Picture Days 19PTA 19Records Request 19Report Cards 20Returned Check Policy 20School Insurance 20School Parties 20PBIS Matrix 21Student Electronic Device 22Student Government Association 22Student Loading & Unloading 22Student Services 23

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Suggestions for Parents 24Tardy Procedures 24Twenty One Day Failure Notice 25Telephone Communication 25Title I 25Toys 29Transportation Changes 29Visitors 29Weekly Folders 30

You can find additional information at the Pitt County Schools website:http://www.pitt.k12.nc.us

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Pactolus School3405 Yankee Hall Road Taylor Matkins, PrincipalGreenville, NC 27834 Liz Mabery, Assistant PrincipalPh: 252-752-6941 Fax: 252-758-5817

Dear Pactolus Families,

On behalf of the entire Pactolus staff, we take great pride in welcoming you to another “ARRR-tastic” school year. A strong partnership between home and school can greatly benefit your child as he/she grows and matures. It is a pleasure to have you as a member of the Pactolus family. We are looking forward to working with each and every one of you, as we embrace the new school year, continue to build on a tradition of excellence and provide a positive learning experience.

Thank you for taking the time to read this handbook and the Pitt County Schools Code of Conduct. Make sure that your child understands all of the opportunities and the privileges offered as well as the expectation and responsibilities placed on them

Best wishes for a successful school year!

Go Pirates!!

Sincerely,

Taylor Matkins Liz MaberyPrincipal Assistant PrincipalPactolus School Pactolus School

https://www.pitt.k12.nc.us/pactolusPactolus School exists to provide an effective and positive environment that fosters high levels

of achievement for all students in order that they may become productive citizens.

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Pactolus School Staff2018 - 2019

PRINCIPAL Taylor Matkins

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Liz Mabery

SCHOOL COUNSELOR Patricia Hopkins

INSTRUCTIONAL COACH Amber Stanley

INSTRUCTIONAL COACH Barbara Brodie

KINDERGARTEN STAFF FIFTH GRADE STAFF*Jennifer Heffner Lauren BrewingtonColleen Hopkins *Jenell SimpsonLizabeth Sutherland Angela Nguyen

FIRST GRADE STAFF SIXTH GRADE STAFF*Kelly Bozza Kay GetsingerRandi Finley Melissa MayoLindsay Guzman *Samuel Tripp

SECOND GRADE STAFF SEVENTH GRADE STAFF*Molly Longan Erin BrophyAntje Herron *Jennifer SewellLauren Rall Shelley Tripp

THIRD GRADE STAFF EIGHTH GRADE STAFFStacie Duke *Blair Driver*Jessica Jones Susanne MullisAmanda Davis Rayne WitherspoonShayquanda Daniels

FOURTH GRADE STAFF ISS COORDINATORDanielle Sargeant Valerie HassellBrittany Reddington*Sabrina Whitley

ENCORE STAFF C.A.R.E. TEAM*Addison Cox, P.E. Katie Reynolds, K-2nd Lee Shackelford, P.E. Twana Congleton, K-2ndVatoyia Gardner, Media Valaida Grimes, K-2ndEmily Benson, Art

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REMEDIATION Kathy Smith, Music/Chorus Albert Braxton, K-2Laura O’Neal, Music/Band Clarissa Lee, 3-5Christopher Young, CTE Sonia Williams, 3-5

SUPPORT TEACHERS BUS DRIVERS Ginny Valentino, ELL Henry AcklinIrene Raphael, 6-8 AIG Tonya AndrewsKristen Lee, K-5 AIG Angela Cotton

Valerie HassellEXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN STAFF Candace HinesChristine Galvadoras, K-4 EC Kotisa MooreApril Uzzell, 5-8 EC Marjorie PearsonLindsey Hines, Speech Maurice SmithAmy Flowers, OT Marie Sutton

Kristi Younger

Pre-K STAFFJamie Wilson, TeacherFelicia Williams, Teacher Assistant SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER

Deputy Morston

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERAngela Cotton Renee Lee-BryanPam CunninghamCandace Hines CAFETERIA STAFFMarie Sutton Connie Whitehurst-ManagerLekedra Hunter Consuelo Montiel-Asst. Manager

Tonya AndrewsBrenda Ward

SCHOOL NURSE Shameka MitchellCindy Ferry Kristi Younger

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

Terri Avin CUSTODIANSHenry Acklin-Head

OFFICE STAFF William Taylor-LeadLena Strong-Bookkeeper Daniel CoxPortia Morning- Secretary James StatonLatanya Moore- PowerSchool Manager

* Denotes Grade Level or Department ChairSEE SCHOOL WEBSITE FOR UPDATED INFORMATION

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School ColorsRoyal Blue & White

School MascotPirate

School Mission StatementPactolus School exists to provide an effective and positive environment that fosters high levels of achievement for all students in order that they may become productive citizens.

Pitt County Schools Mission StatementThe Pitt County Schools, through high expectations, excellence in teaching and a safe, orderly environment, will ensure that all students master the skills necessary for success as lifelong learners in a rapidly changing world.

After School ScheduleIt is extremely important that students are picked up on time in the afternoons. Car and daycare van riders are dismissed at 3:00 pm daily, and children must be picked up no later than 3:15 pm. OUR SCHOOL OFFICE CLOSES AT 4:00 PM. Most afternoons are reserved for school meetings so no one is on duty after 3:15 pm. Teachers and assistantshave other assigned duties after 3:00 pm each day. Due to an increase in the number of children who are picked up late in the afternoons, there will be a late charge for students who are not picked up by 3:15 pm beginning with the third offense each semester. These charges have been established following the guidelines currently used by After School Programs sponsored by Pitt County Community Schools and Recreation.● Parents/daycare providers arriving for their child between 3:15 pm – 3:30 will be

charged $10.● Parents/daycare providers arriving between 3:30 pm – 3:45 pm will be charged $25.● After 3:45, there will be an additional $10 for each five (5) minute period or any

fraction thereof.The parent will be required to come into the school and sign out the child who is being picked up late. Frequent late pick-ups may result in a social worker referral. If students remain when the school office must close (4:00 pm) administration may have to leave the child in the care of the Department of Social Services.

This policy applies to all daycare vans riders as well. If the daycare is late, the parents of each child will be billed for the late charge.

Awards DaysSemester 1 Awards: February 1st (K-2 @ 8:30, 3-5 @ 9:15, 6-8 @ 10)

Semester 2 Awards: June 5th (Kindergarten Graduation @ 9, 1-2 @ 12:30, 3-5 @ 1:15, 6-7 @ 2)

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June 7th (8th Grade Promotion @ 8:30)* You must arrive and be seated before the assembly begins. Children enrolled in other schools will not be allowed to attend since they are considered truant from the other school. Pactolus students will not be allowed to attend ceremonies other than their own. Visitors who arrive after the start time will be escorted to the assembly to enter during an appropriate time. All cell phones must be silenced during the ceremony.

Box Tops for EducationThe Music Department participates in the Box Tops for Education program sponsored by General Mills. Box Tops for Education helps schools earn money. The Music Department receives 10 cents for each box top submitted. These funds are used to support the musical arts program at Pactolus School. For additional information regarding this program, please visit www.boxtops4education.com.

BreakfastBus riders who will be eating breakfast should report to the cafeteria upon departing from the bus. Car riders who plan to eat breakfast must arrive at school no later than 7:50 a.m.

Bus TransportationIn an effort to provide safe and efficient transportation for your child, Pactolus School will continue to enforce Pitt County School board policies regarding student busing assignments. North Carolina School Transportation Law and Pitt County Schools policies obligate schools to provide transportation to and from a student’s residence/domicile. Students will be permitted to ride a school bus to and from the bus stop nearest the address of residence. Students will only be able to ride on their assigned bus. Proof of residency needs to be provided to the Data Manager two to five days in advance before the assistant principal will approve the new bus assignment. Phone calls will not be accepted for address or transportation changes.

Due to capacity issues and route planning, Pactolus administration will not approve requests for a student to ride a bus that they are not assigned to on a daily basis. (For example: If a student is having a sleepover and requests their friend ride the bus home with them, the request will not be approved. Other arrangements must be made for transportation.)

If your child is normally a bus rider and will be a car rider for one or two days, a written note must be submitted to the child’s teacher each day there is a change in transportation. The note should be signed and dated by the parent/guardian and should include the teacher’s name, child’s name, the parent’s name, parent’s contact number, and the effective date. A separate note should be written for each child. Transportation changes cannot be made by phone. All transportation changes must be received in writing by 12:00 p.m.

As a reminder, bus stops are not under the jurisdiction of Pitt County Schools. Parents/guardians are responsible for the supervision of their children prior to the time they board the bus and after they are delivered back to the designated bus stop.

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RulesStudent Conduct: The purpose of the school bus is to safely transport students to and from school. Riding the bus is a privilege and may be revoked if children do not follow rules

● Be ready at your bus stop and follow safety guidelines when boarding.● Follow directions of your bus driver.● Take a seat quickly and remain seated until exiting the bus.● Keep your hands and feet in the bus and to yourself.● No eating, drinking, chewing gum, or profanity while on the bus.● Talk quietly to your seat partner.

Bus StopsThe school does not assign bus stops. Bus stops are designated by the transportation department. If a parent believes a stop is unsafe, the school should be contacted for the procedure to resolve this problem.

● Parents or other adults are not allowed on the bus at anytimes. It is against the law.

It is the responsibility of school bus drivers to report any student who misbehaves on the bus. Profanity and any other disreputable conduct are strictly prohibited. Any student reported for such actions may lose the privilege of riding the bus. Any misbehavior that distracts the driver is a very serious hazard to the safe operation of the bus and will jeopardize the safety of all students. Therefore, Pitt County Board of Education encourages the following regulations:

First Offense: Driver warns student. (Driver will document date and infraction.)

Second Offense: Conference with driver on the bus after other students exit.

Parent is contacted by the driver.Third Offense: Suspensions from riding the bus for an appropriate period

of time.

A School Bus Incident Report is sent home with each student when they are issued a warning as well as when they are referred to administration for bus behavior problems. The report should be signed by parent/guardian and returned to school. All notes must be brought to the office at the beginning of the school day. The first offense of fighting or other serious offenses will result in automatic suspension from the bus.

Cafeteria

Breakfast and lunch are served in the cafeteria daily. Menus are sent home on a monthly basis. Children need healthy meals to learn. Pitt County Schools offers healthy meals every school day. Belvoir Elementary, Lakeforest Elementary, Northwest Elementary, Pactolus School, South Greenville Elementary, and Wellcome Middle School will be participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2018 - 19 school year. Students at these

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schools will automatically receive free meals at breakfast and lunch. No application is needed for students attending CEP schools and applications will not be sent home with your child attending a CEP school. However, if you have children attending a school other than the CEP schools listed above please complete an application for those students. Students attending a CEP school must be listed as family members in Part I on these applications with their school, grade and income or no income listed. They have to be included as part of your household..At this time, we are not allowing visitors to eat lunch with their child in the cafeteria. Visitors may choose to eat lunch with their child in the conference room. If food is brought in from a restaurant, the food must be removed from its original boxes/bags and put in generic bagging. This includes drinks as well.

Cafeteria Rules1. Go through the line only once.2. Have money ready.3. Talk quietly after you finish eating.4. Pick up all food and trash from tables.5. Wipe tables and sweep the floor.6. Students are not allowed to get out of their seats without teacher permission.

Each classroom will assign at least two students to clean up lunch areas. The tables and seats need to be wiped off and swept under, and all trash needs to be thrown away.

Snacks: Students should bring only nutritional snacks (i.e. fruit, raw vegetables, and salty snacks) for break time.

Car Rider Procedures

Car riders will be dismissed at the gym door exit. We ask the following when picking up your child(ren):

● Parents should remain in their vehicles at all times as children are escorted to you.

● Pull down to the orange cone if you are first in line.● Cars will be loaded 2 or 3 at a time. ● Wait for the designated staff on duty to signal to you to pull up.● Never pull around other vehicles.

Change of Address or Telephone NumberIt is very important to notify the school when your address or telephone number changes. Accurate information for an emergency or discipline situation is most important when the school is trying to contact a parent. Please notify the school in writing immediately if your phone number changes and bring in proof of residency for address changes. We will send

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home a form so that demographic and emergency information can be updated approximately two times per year.

Child CustodyIf you and your spouse are separated or divorced, and you have been granted custody of your child through a court order, affidavit of hardship, or deed of separation, please advise the school administration. Also, provide us with a copy of the custody order. Without a copy on file, we cannot withhold a child from a parent!

Classroom Consequences (Suggested)1. Warning/5-10 minute timeout in the classroom2. Silent Lunch/Parent Contact3. Choice/Bounce/Parent Contact4. Office Referral/Parent Contact

Other Consequences● Counseling with guidance counselor● Parent conference with teacher and administrator● Individual Behavior Action Plan● Work Detail● In School Suspension (ISS)● Suspension-principal discretion. ● Silent Lunch

**Severe behavior will go directly to the office (example: fighting, stealing money or items belonging to the teacher or the classroom, assaulting an adult, possession of a weapon, etc.).

Community Support Service Providers (Mentors)At no time shall a Community Support Service (CSS) provider come onto a Pitt County Schools campus and attempt to provide services to a student without first following these steps:

1. Community Support Service staff from a mental health provider agency will contact Ms. Hopkins (Guidance Counselor) and supply her with a consent for information exchange/release of information that is signed by the parent/guardian. Upon the school receiving consent for information exchange, the Community Support Service Staff may request copies of the student’s IEP, BIP, 504 Plan and/or MTSS interventions (as applicable) to assist in determining the need for provider support in the school environment.

2. When contacting Ms. Hopkins, the Community Support Service (CSS) provider should schedule a Child and Family Team meeting with them annually prior to coming on campus to provide services to the student for the school year. This meeting should involve the parent/guardian, Ms. Hopkins, the CSS worker, and the appropriate school staff to help determine the extent of need for Community Service Support during school hours. At any point, the principal or the guidance counselor may relate to the parent and the CSS worker that services in the school

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for the student are not helpful, do not seem necessary, or are no longer needed due to the student’s goals having been met.

3. At the Child and Family Team meeting, the Community Support Service provider agency must provide the school with the following information.

a. a copy of the student’s Person-Centered Plan, including their Crisis Plan;b. specific information in the Person-Centered Plan as to the schedule the

CSS worker will follow in the school (NOTE: The schedule should be based upon what best meets the needs of the student and not simply what is most convenient for the CSS worker);

c. a copy of the Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening for the CSS Worker(s) who will serve the student; and

d. contact information for the CSS Worker(s), the Case Manager, and the Provider Agency Director.

4. At the Child and Family Team meeting, the school representative(s) will provide to the CSS Worker:

a. a Pitt County Schools Code of Conduct booklet;b. a Parent-Student Handbook;c. information about the appropriate parking on campus;d. a copy of the school’s bell schedule;e. the student’s class schedule, including a list of the student’s teachers; andf. if working with a student with identified disabilities, information

regarding the student’s behavioral goals and/or Behavior Intervention Plan.

5. The CSS worker will be expected daily to enter the school by the main front doors, report to the main office, sign-in with the staff, wear their agency picture identification badge while on the school campus, and sign-out with the office staff just prior to leaving the school.

6. The CSS worker will professionally introduce himself/herself to the teacher(s) of the student being served and share with the teacher(s) his/her role and responsibilities in providing services to the student in the classroom. The CSS Worker will not interfere with school personnel’s performance of their professional duties such as classroom instruction, counseling, or discipline.

7. The CSS worker will dress appropriately, following the staff dress code policy.8. The CSS worker will conduct themselves in a professional manner. All personal

business may be conducted off campus. Cell phone use is prohibited in the school during the school day.

9. The CSS worker should continue to update school personnel on the goals of the student as detailed in the Person-Centered Plan and be familiar with the student’s goals, objectives and BIP as they are changed and revised.

10. The CSS worker will be responsible for informing the school of any changes in service delivery or personnel and for providing updates to school personnel on the student’s progress on goals.

11. In the event that the assigned CSS worker will be absent, the guidance counselor should be notified as far in advance as possible of the impending absence.

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Additionally, it is the responsibility of the CSS provider agency to provide a qualified and approved substitute familiar with the student’s needs.

12. If there are any problems with a CSS worker or the services being provided to a student, it is recommended that the principal or his/her designee(s) contact the supervisor for the CSS worker to share their concerns. At any time, a principal has the right to refuse to permit or continue permitting a CSS worker or other mental health provider agency staff member from coming onto the school campus and working with the student during the school day.

CSS workers (mentors) will only be allowed to transport students or pick students up from school if they are on the pick-up list completed by the parent.

Conflict ResolutionAs school issues and conflicts arise, parents are encouraged to contact the teacher, bus driver, or other staff member who has firsthand knowledge concerning the student.

Should a parent have an academic or classroom concern regarding their child, initial contact should be made with the child’s teacher to discuss the concern. If the issue is not resolved, the parent can request the teacher schedule a meeting with the guidance counselor or administration.

If there is a transportation issue, the parent should contact the bus driver first and then the assistant principal during school hours.

We respectfully request that parents refrain from contacting teachers, administrators, or other staff members at home unless specific permission has been granted by the individual involved. We will always gladly schedule an appointment during school hours to address any concerns.

Crisis/Emergency InformationIn order to respond to a school emergency or crisis, various drills are conducted to prepare the students and staff for actual emergencies. Please encourage your child to take all drills seriously and to follow all instructions from staff members.

Fire drills are practiced monthly. Tornado drills and lockdown drills are held at least two times per year. All drills are unannounced in order to simulate an actual emergency.

Should an actual crisis or emergency occur, we will notify parents through written communication and/or the electronic notification system.

Daily School Schedule7:40 a.m. Unloading of buses

Breakfast7:40 a.m. Car riders enter building

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7:40 a.m. Homeroom Bell7:55 a.m. Tardy Warning Bell8:00 a.m. Tardy Bell

Pledge of Allegiance Morning Announcements

8:05 a.m. Instructional day begins 2:56 p.m. Student dismissal

Discipline ProceduresParents will receive communication when a child is written up. If a student is bounced/sent to choice they will follow the following matrix.

Consequences for Choice Referrals K-2: 3 – 8:3 choice referrals = ½ day of ISS 3 choice referrals = 1 day of ISS6 choice referrals = 1 day of ISS 6 choice referrals = 2 days of ISS9 choice referrals = 1.5 days of ISS 9 choice referrals = 3 days of ISS12 choice referrals = 2 days of ISS 12 choice referrals = 1 day of OSS15 choice referrals = 1 day OSS 15 choice referrals = 3 days OSS18 choice referrals = 2 days OSS 18 choice referrals = 5 days OSS21 choice referrals = 4 days OSS 21 choice referrals = 7 days OSS24 choice referrals = 5 days OSS 24 choice referrals = 10 days OSS

OSS, Project Equal, or another intervention will be given to those students who exceed 24 choice referrals.

Dress Rules - StudentIn order to provide an educational environment that is safe, conducive to learning, promotes school pride, and student self-esteem, Pactolus School has established a more specific set of rules for student dress. Students are expected to adhere to standards of dress and appearance that are compatible with an effective learning environment. Presenting a bodily appearance or wearing clothing which is disruptive, provocative, revealing, profane, vulgar, offensive, obscene, or which endangers the health or safety of the student or others is prohibited. Flip-flops are not allowed. Athletic shoes are required on PE days. Abnormal hair color will not be allowed (i.e. sprayed blue, green, orange, etc.) There shall be no jewelry affixed to a student’s nose, tongue, lips, cheek, or eyebrow. Tattoos that are visible when the uniform is worn must be covered by a band-aid or other concealer.

Disciplinary action may be taken if a student’s dress or appearance is such that it constitutes a threat to the health or safety of others, distracts the attention of other students or staff from their work, or otherwise violates Pitt County Schools’ Student Dress Code and /or Pactolus Rules for Student Dress. Please refer to Pitt County Schools uniform policy.

Shirts and Tops:

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● Must have a collar and be any solid color. Must also include sleeves.● With the exception of brand/manufacturer’s logos/labels, shirts/tops may not contain

insignias, logos, labels, graphics, embroidery, words or pictures ("monograms" are not permitted).

● Must be appropriately sized and long enough to cover the midriff, chest and back of the body when sitting and standing.

Bottoms (Jumpers, Pants - including Jeans, Yoga Pants & Leggings, Capris, Shorts, Skorts and Skirts) and Dresses:● Must be solid khaki, black or navy in color, with the exception of dresses which may

be any solid color. ● Must be of sufficient length. May not be above the student’s fingertips when the

student’s arms are relaxed at his/her sides.● Denim bottoms must be solid khaki, black, blue or navy and contain no holes or cuts.● With the exception of brand/manufacturer’s logos/labels, bottoms and dresses may

not contain insignias, logos, labels, graphics, embroidery, words or pictures. ● Must be appropriately sized. No baggy or sagging pants or shorts are allowed. No

“low rise” clothing is allowed. Pants and shorts must be worn with the waistband at or above the hipbone.

● Dresses must have a collar and sleeves.● Footed tights may be worn under pants, capris, shorts, skorts, skirts, dresses or

jumpers. No fishnet stockings allowed.● If belts are worn, they must not be oversized and must be buckled.

Shoes:● Must be worn at all times. Must conform to requirements for specific classes or

activities as necessary such as PE, JROTC, science labs, etc. No bedroom slippers allowed. If shoes have laces, must be laced and tied.

Outerwear:● Solid colored sweatshirts, sweaters, jackets, coats, hoodies and vests may be worn

over school attire. With the exception of brand/manufacturer’s logos/labels, outerwear may not contain insignias, logos, labels, graphics, embroidery, words or pictures.

● Hoodies and hooded jackets may not have the hood covering the head while in the school building. Violation may result in not being allowed to wear a hoodie at school.

Spirit Wear and School Club Wear:

● Principals, at their discretion, will have the authority to approve school spirit wear and school club wear to be worn on any school day. This includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, fleece jackets, and hoodies.

Other Clothing Items or Accessories:● Clothing must be worn as intended.

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● Undergarments may not be visible at any time. No see-through or mesh clothing permitted.

● Gang-related clothing or accessories are not permitted.● Headwear, sunglasses and bandanas are not permitted.● Solid color, patterned or striped ties may be worn.

Noncompliance with this policy is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will be subject to the consequences therein. See full policy 4316 for details on religious or medical waivers, special activity accommodations, and principal exceptions.

Students are allowed to wear school approved spirit wear any day of the week.

Early Bird

Arrival time is 7:40 a.m. No student should arrive prior to this time. Proper supervision is necessary to ensure the safety of all students and personnel are not available prior to that time.

If for some reason your child needs to arrive earlier, there will be a daily charge of $1.00 per day per child to provide adult supervision between 7:15 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. The student will report to the Media Center. No student is to enter any classroom before 7:40 a.m.

Early Checkout

We discourage early checkout at Pactolus since it interrupts the instructional day. Students leaving early during the school day must be signed out in the office by the parent or legal guardian. The office personnel will request picture ID for verification. There will be no early checkouts after 2:35 p.m.

STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL OTHER THAN THEIR NORMAL DEPARTURE TIME MUST HAVE A WRITTEN NOTE FROM THE PARENT. We cannot take changes by phone. It is extremely important that parents do not ask for exceptions to this procedure. It is designed to insure the safety and well-being of our children. Written parental permission is required when someone other than the parent/guardian is picking up students. The office should be informed of any special circumstances prior to 1:00 p.m. When the student is signed out, he/she will be called to the office. This limits classroom disruption. Please remember, to be recognized for perfect attendance, a student must not only be in attendance each day but also have no tardies or early checkouts. There will be no early checkouts after 2:30 p.m. As a part of the school’s security, a buzz station has been installed at the main entrance. Please use the buzz system to gain entry into our school.

Emergency InformationIn case of emergency, each student is required to have the following information on file in the school office:

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● Parent(s) or guardian(s) names● Child Custody documents that may be in effect ● Working home phone number, place of employment phone numbers, cell phone numbers● Emergency phone numbers of two other people who will be responsible for your child if

you cannot be reached● Physicians’ name and number● Medical alert information● Pick up list (Students will not be released to persons who are not on the list) We will send home a form so that demographic and emergency information will be updated approximately twice per year.

Field DayOur annual field day has been tentatively planned for May 17, 2019. Students from other schools and younger siblings are not permitted to attend. Parents are allowed to attend, but must first check in the office.

Field TripsAll money paid for field trips is nonrefundable. Students who will be riding with a parent/guardian to/from a field trip must have completed a “Permission to Travel with

Parent” form. Students who owe money must pay all fees prior to attending. Parents may be asked to accompany their child on the trip should the teacher or school express safety

concerns regarding a student. Parents will be allowed to ride on the bus when charter buses are used to transport students. Parents are also required to pay any field trip fees and

schools fees must be paid before going on a field trip. School fees are $10.

Fees (School)All students are expected to pay school fees for the current year. This money is used topurchase instructional supplies for your child during the school year.

Supplementary Supplies and MaterialsMediaPhysical EducationMusicArtWorkbooks Total: $10.00

If fees have not been paid by October 31, 2018 parents may be asked to show proof of lack of ability to pay. Students who owe money for lost books or pictures may forfeit the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities.Students who wish to participate in athletics should pay their school fees prior to being allowed to play.

Flower/Gift DeliveryWe strongly discourage the delivery of flowers, balloons, and gifts for students. However, if such gifts are delivered, these gifts will be presented to the student at the end of the school day. As a reminder, these items can’t be transported home on the school bus.

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FundraiserOur school fundraiser will involve selling Krispy Kreme tickets. This fundraiser will take place in the fall of 2018.

HomeworkHomework shall be a part of the instructional experiences of each student. Homework is a purposeful continuation or extension of the instructional program to be accomplished by the student outside the regular class. Recommended time for grades K-3 is fifteen to thirty minutes, for fourth and fifth grade, thirty to forty five minutes and sixth-eighth grade, forty five minutes to eighty minutes.

Students are allowed to make up work missed from excused absences. It is the student’s responsibility to contact his/her teacher to find out what assignments were missed. Students have three days to turn in missed assignments.

Independence DayDuring the first two weeks of school, we allow parents to escort students to class. You must arrive prior to 7:55 and obtain a visitor’s pass to escort your child to homeroom. We strongly encourage parents to end the practice of escorting students to class after September 14th. Pitt County Schools will recognize September 18, 2017 as “Independence Day” which means that students can no longer be escorted to class. Parents may not stand in the foyer area located at the front entrance to watch their child walk to class.

Interim ReportsInterim Reports are sent home halfway through each marking period. The dates are listed below. Please make sure you review all grades and contact teachers if you have any questions.

October 2, 2018December 4, 2018February 25, 2019

May 7, 2019

Media Center/Multimedia AccessStudents are encouraged to read for pleasure. We have open book check out times. Students who lose or damage books are subject to a fine or replacement charge. Students should pay all fees prior to field trips and other extracurricular activities.

News Media AccessDuring the school year, students are likely to be recorded, videotaped, interviewed and/or quoted by various types of news media (i.e. radio, television, and newspapers). If you do not wish for your child to be interviewed or photographed, please contact the principal in writing during the first fifteen days of school expressing your child’s restriction to the news media.

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Throughout the school year, many teachers photograph, videotape, and record students for various instructional purposes. Please contact the principal in writing during the first fifteen days of school if you wish for your child not to be photographed, videotaped, or recorded.

Parent /Teacher ConferencesParents are encouraged to consult with their child’s teachers concerning the student’s total development and overall progress at Pactolus School at least once each semester. Conferences usually can be scheduled from 3:15 pm until 4:00 pm any day except Wednesday. Conferences will not be held during the instructional day unless scheduled during the teacher’s planning time.

When requesting a conference with a teacher or administrator, we ask that parents make appointments with teachers and administrators at least 2 to 5 days in advance. We respectfully request that parents not expect to have impromptu conferences since school staff need time to prepare. All staff members are assigned duty stations beginning at 7:40 am and ending at 3:15 or sometime thereafter.

November 7, 2018 and April 3, 2019 have been set aside as Parent Conference Days for K-8 schools. These are early release days. Teachers will set up appointments between the times of 3:00 and 7:00 pm.

If you’d like to visit your child’s classroom, please notify the teacher or administration at least 24 hours in advance so that adequate preparation may be made to make your visit as beneficial to you as possible.

Picture DaysFall pictures do not require prepayment. Spring class and individual pictures must be pre-paid. If paying by check, please make checks payable to Lifetouch.

School attire on Picture Days will be less restrictive, but some type of clothing that will not be acceptable are: ripped jeans, clothing with inappropriate language, see through or revealing items, dresses of inappropriate length, spaghetti straps, low cut blouses, and other deemed inappropriate..

Group Pictures will be prepaid. Checks for group pictures need to be made out to Strawbridge Studios, Inc.

Dates for PicturesOctober 4, 2018 (Fall Pictures)Students are allowed to not wear uniforms

November 16, 2018 (Picture Make-up Day)March 1, 2019 (Classroom/Individual Pictures) Students must wear uniform

PTA OfficersPresident TBDVice President TBD

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Treasurer TBDSecretary TBD

Records RequestsThe parent/guardian must complete a “Student Records Request” or submit a request in writing when requesting student records. Once the request has been submitted, the records will be available for pickup within ten business days. The parent/guardian must sign acknowledging receipt of the records when the records are picked up.

Report CardsEnd of Marking Period: Report Cards Issued:October 29, 2018 November 5, 2018January 1, 2019 February 4, 2019March 28, 2019 April 4, 2019June 7, 2019 Mailed Home

Returned Check PolicyPitt County Schools has made arrangements with the CheckRedi to collect all returned checks for our school. When you provide payment, you authorize CheckRedi to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account or to process the payment as a check transaction. You authorize CheckRedi to collect a fee through an electronic fund transfer from your account if your payment is returned unpaid.

CheckRedi will notify the school if a check is issued on a ‘CLOSED ACCOUNT”. The school will notify the person whom this account belongs to and will result in a $25 fee. This is considered a school debt until it is paid. Students who owe money may forfeit the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities.

PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ON YOUR CHECK:● Driver’s License #● Full Name● Street Address● Phone numbers – Home, work, cell● The student’s name for whom this check is for (if applicable)

If checks are issued to the school without the above information, it may be returned to you by the school so you can put the information on it.

School Insurance (Optional)The student accident insurance coverage for the academic year 2018-2019 will be provided through the agency of Gerber Life through The Young Group out of Raleigh. Please See Pitt County School website for more specific information concerning premiums and coverage details. Since the school does not carry insurance on your child, you may wish to purchase this optional insurance if you do not have other health coverage in the event your child is injured at school.

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School PartiesSchool parties should be few in numbers and always have an instructional focus. Various school functions call for different audiences and allow greater opportunity for parent participation. Class parties are to serve as an extension to instruction and provide a break from rigorous instruction. The focus on these days should be on our students. Teachers may limit the number of parent helpers for each party. In order to be fair, different parents may be asked to help with special events on a rotating basis. If you are interested in helping, please contact your child’s teacher well in advance so your name can be shared with the grade parent. All classes that have parties should be scheduled during the last 30 minutes of the school day. Students from other schools as well as siblings are not permitted to attend school parties. All food and drink must be purchased or prepared by a licensed food business. Healthy food choices are strongly recommended. All food items should include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, water, low-fat milk products and other choices that help maintain and support appropriate physical and mental well-being of students.

Pactolus School Positive Behavior Intervention (PBIS) and Support Matrix

Media Center

Classroom Cafeteria Hallway Bathroom Bus Assembly Recess

Be Attentive

A

Look and listen to media coordinator and teachers

Look and listen to teacher and think about what they are saying

Look and listen to staff and teachers

Look straight ahead and slow down at intersections; Stay with your class

Look and listen to staff; Stay with your class

Look and listen to bus driver

Look and listen to presenters and think about what they are saying

Stay with your teacher when returning to the building; Look and listen for your teacher to signal you to return to the building

Be Respectful

R

Walk, keep hands, feet, and objects to self; Use a whisper voice

Stay in assigned area; Ask permission for certain activities; Use kind words with peers and staff

Keep voice volume low

Walk quietly; Keep all hands, feet, and objects to yourself

Keep voice volume low; Keep all hands, feet, and objects to yourself;

Stay quiet and seated; Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself; Use appropriate language

Stay in assigned area; sit quietly

Follow teacher directions; Respect school property; Enter and exit the building quietly; Use appropriate language

Be Responsibl

e

R

Bring pass;Check in/out books promptly; Ask for assistance

Keep room neat and clean; Bring all materials needed for class (pens, pencils, paper, books, notebooks, etc.)

Stay in assigned area; Bring all needed lunch items;Get all lunch items before sitting down

Have your hall pass with you; Follow teacher directions

Have your hall pass with you; Place all trash in the garbage can

Take all materials with you to the bus and off the bus; Walk directly to your bus and get on it

Take all personal items when leaving; Follow teacher directions

Walk to designated play area; Share playground supplies and equipment; Take in supplies when finished

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Be Reliable

R

Use inside voices at all times; Complete assigned work

Enter and exit quietly; Do your best work

Clean your area and place all trash in the garbage can

Go straight to your assigned area

Promptly finish business; Wash your hands

Follow all safety rules; Keep bus free of trash; Sit in assigned area; Be at assigned bus stop on time

Listen to presenters and participate when asked

Demonstrate good sportsmanship; Put all trash in the garbage can

Student Electronic Device Procedure:If a student’s electronic device is seen but not being used (i.e. in a back pocket or bookbag) the teacher will ask for the student to put away. If they do not comply or it is heard during the academic school day, the item should be taken by the staff member and given to the office with the student’s name and date provided. Consequences include:1st offense: Parent/Guardian can pick the item up 24 hours after the item was taken.

2nd offense: Parent/Guardian can pick the item up 48 hours after the item was taken.

3rd offense: Parent/Guardian can pick the item up at the end of the school year.

If a student refuses to give the electronic device to the staff member, they will receive an automatic out of school suspension. Pactolus is not responsible for a lost or damaged electronic device.

Student Government Association (SGA)Pactolus’ SGA is composed of one representative from each classroom in grades 3rd-8th. The student body elects the officers during a general election held each year. The purposes of the SGA are to make members more familiar with good usage of Parliamentary Procedure, to create a yearly school scrapbook, and to sponsor various projects and activities (ex. School Beautification Project).

Student Loading and UnloadingBuses load and unload on the backside of the campus---in the morning by the gym. Passenger cars load and unload ONLY in the front of the school. Cars are to remain in a single file line. Cars should pull up so the student may exit the car on the passenger side facing the front entrance of the school.

Due to an increase in the number of children who are picked up late in the afternoons, there will be a late charge for students who are not picked up by 3:15 pm beginning with the third offense each semester. These charges have been established following the guidelines

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currently used by the After School Program sponsored by Pitt County Community Schools and Recreation.● Parents/daycare providers arriving for their child between 3:15 pm – 3:30 will be

charged $10.● Parents/daycare providers arriving between 3:30 pm – 3:45 pm will be charged $25.● After 3:45, there will be an additional $10 for each five (5) minute period or any

fraction thereof.The parent will be required to come into the school and sign out the child who is being picked up late.

This policy applies to all daycare van riders as well. If the daycare is late, the parents of each child will be billed for the late charge.

Student ServicesPitt County Schools strives to provide optimum teaching and learning conditions for all students through a comprehensive education program. It is recognized that in addition to academic challenges, students are at times faced with a variety of social, developmental, emotional, and behavioral issues that may interfere with their educational success. Qualified professional personnel are available to provide preventive, remedial, and crisis interventions to identify and remove barriers to learning.

To utilize a team approach, these professionals partner with other educators, parents, and the community to support students throughout the educational process. The Student Services Team includes School Counselors, School Social Workers, School Psychologists, School Health Specialist and additional specialized staff.

School Counselors are assigned at each school to provide on-site services and essential student services coordination. Counselors provide developmental, preventive, and responsive direct services to students through individual and group counseling, group guidance, academic and career planning, student assessment, and consultation, referral, and follow-up. Indirect services include the coordination of support services within the system and from outside agencies, assisting teachers in integrating guidance goals into classroom instruction, and consultation and collaboration within schools, with parents and the community to address student needs.

School Social Workers have multiple school assignments and work in K-12 schools on a weekly and as needed basis. Social workers serve as a liaison between home, school, and community, with a primary focus on encouraging parental input and involvement. Assistance is provided in identifying and addressing concerns through assessment of the influences in a student’s total environment that may impact the educational setting. Direct services are provided to students and families in the school and home that includes individual, group, and family counseling, community resource information and referral, and advocacy. Consultation with staff, parents, and community is provided to address student’s needs, school board policy and procedures, and family and child welfare laws.

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School Psychologists also serve the K-12 schools through weekly and as needed contact at their multiple school assignments. Psychologists provide evaluations and analyzed test results to identify students’ cognitive strengths and weaknesses and learning, emotional, and behavioral problems. They are extensively involved in all aspects of the Exceptional Children’s Program including consultations with staff and parents, behavioral intervention plans, serving as members of School-Based and Administrative Placements Committees, program planning and staff development, and all compliance issues. Additional servicesinclude community resource information and referral and coordinating contractual services for assessments.

School Health Specialists are being provided by Pitt County Memorial Hospital to serve K-8 schools on a weekly basis. These professionals are Registered Nurses and have multiple school assignments. Coordination of health care services is provided to promote healthy lifestyles and behaviors, disease and injury prevention education, evaluation of specific medical concerns affecting student achievement, linking students to health care providers, medication management, assisting with coordinating care of children with exceptional needs.

Suggestions for ParentsThe parent is the child’s first teacher and should encourage the child to develop good behavior and a positive attitude toward school. The parent can help by:

1. Recognizing that the teacher takes the place of parent while the child is in school.2. Teaching the child respect for law and authority, the rights of others, and for private

and public property.3. Arranging for prompt and regular school attendance and compliance with attendance

rules and procedures.4. Working with the school in carrying out recommendations made in the best interest of

the child, including discipline.5. Talking with the child about school activities and showing an active interest in report

cards, interim reports, and progress.6. Providing a suitable quiet place and a schedule time for study at home.7. Suggesting an alternative when told there is no homework such as:

● Reading—a continuous assignment for everyone including magazines, newspapers, and books chosen for enjoyment.

● Reviewing—class work, arithmetic processes, grammar usage, spelling● Research—science or long term projects that have been assigned

8. Adhering to family agreements regarding the use of the telephone or TV during study time.

9. Establishing a set bedtime to assure adequate rest.Your interest and support at home are important to your child and greatly appreciated by his or her teacher.

Tardy ProceduresThe tardy warning bell rings at 7:55 a.m. and the tardy bell rings at 8:00 a.m. Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. are considered tardy. Students must be in their class before the tardy

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bell begins to ring. Tardy students will report to office to receive a tardy pass before entering the classroom. Parents must sign in children who are tardy.

Attendance in school for the full time allotted for classes is essential for student success. Unexcused Tardies/Early Dismissals cost your child valuable educational instruction. They also interrupt the learning process for other students. Additionally, punctuality is an important trait to reinforce at school. Students are expected to arrive at school and class on time and stay for the entire day of instruction.

Repeated tardiness to and early dismissals from school may result in a consequence. The following actions will be initiated on the days indicated.

Days

Tardy/Early DismissalConsequences

3 to 6 Contact from Administration(may be electronic message, Letter, Phone Call)

8 to 10 May be assigned an additional consequence for each subsequent tardy/early dismissal.

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School based meeting with parents or School Social Worker visit; may be assigned an additional consequence for each subsequent tardy or early dismissal.

Twenty One Day Failure NoticeA student, who is absent a total of 21 days per school year, whether for reasons defined as lawful or unlawful, shall automatically fail for the school. If a student has passing grades but ammasses twenty-one or more days, he or she must appeal to the principal for a ruling. Appeals of decisions involving the 21 day failure rule may be made to the Pitt County Board of Education.

Telephone CommunicationIn order to protect instructional time, parents who call during the school day will always be connected to the teacher’s voicemail unless the teacher has notified the office they are expecting your phone call. Teachers generally check their voicemail before and after school.Phones are used for business purposes; therefore, phones for students will not be accepted.

Title I EventsSept. 13, 2018:K-8 Curriculum Night (5:30-7pm)Oct. 9, 2018: How to Help with Reading (8am)

Dec. 13, 2018: Internet Safety and your Child (11:30am-1pm)March 21, 2019:EOG-Help Prepare your Child (5:30-7pm)

May 16, 2019: Sizzling Summer Ideas/Book Bingo (5:30-7pm)

Title I Parent Involvement PolicySection 1118 of the ESSA Waiver formally replacing ESEA requires the involvement of parents of participating children in the planning and implementation of District and School

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Title I projects. Such programs, activities, and procedures shall be planned and implemented with meaningful consultation with parents of participating children

To involve parents in the policy process we will:● Encourage all parents to attend Pactolus’ Curriculum Night Meetings, held at the

beginning of the year, to learn about Pactolus School’s participation in Title I, the requirements of the Title I program, and your rights as parents to be involved.

● Hold Title I Parent Involvement meetings at different times and on different days, and may provide transportation, child care, or home visits to accommodate the scheduling needs of our parents.

● Involve parents in an organized, ongoing, and timely way in the planning, review, and improvement of Pactolus School’s Title I programs, including the planning, review, and improvement of the school parental involvement policy and the joint development of the school-wide program plan.

● Provide parents with timely information about Title I programs, a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at Pactolus School, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet.

● Upon request, provide parents with opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children, and respond to suggestions as soon as possible.

● If Pactolus School’s school-wide program plan is not satisfactory to the parents, we are required to submit any parent comments on the plan to Pitt County Schools Federal Programs Office.

To share responsibilities for high student academic achievement we will:● Develop with parents, a school-parent compact that outlines how parents, school staff,

and students will share responsibility for improved student academic achievement.● Help parents create a supportive and effective learning environment at home by providing

information on the importance of attendance, homework completion and the positive use of extracurricular time; limiting time spent watching television and playing video games; and volunteering in their child’s classroom and participating in decisions relating to the education of their children.

● Address the importance of communication between teachers and parents through parent-teacher conferences, progress reports, and provide reasonable access to staff, opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child’s class, and observe classroom activities.

To build capacity for involvement we will:● Ensure effective involvement of parents and support partnerships among Pactolus School,

our parents, and our community to improve student academic achievement.● Provide assistance to parents in understanding topics such as the State’s academic content

standards, the State’s student academic standards, State and Local assessments, the requirements of Title I, and how to monitor your child’s progress and work with educators to improve the achievement of your children.

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● Provide parents with materials and training, such as literacy materials and technology training, to help them work with their children to improve their achievement, and to foster parental involvement.

● Educate teachers and school staff about the value of the contributions of parents; how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners; implement andcoordinate parent programs; and build ties between the parents, the school, and the community.

● Coordinate and integrate Title I parent programs and activities with other programs, and conduct activities and provide resources that encourage and support parents in more fully participating in the education of their children.

● Ensure that information related to school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities is sent to parents in a format and to the extent practicable, in a language the parents can understand.

● Provide other reasonable support for parental involvement activities as requested.

To be accessible to all parents we will:● Provide full opportunities for the participation of parents with limited English

proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children.● Provide information related to Pitt County Schools, Pactolus School, plans, meeting

notices, report cards, and other accountability information in a format, and to the extent practicable, in a language that parents understand.

School Title I Program Description:Students in grades K-8 will receive title one supplemental instruction based on needs identified through various reading and math assessments.

Students will then be prioritized according to their needs based on the assessments and teacher recommendation. A typical Title I participant may receive instruction 5 days per week for 30 minutes per day. The amount of services may be altered to meet the educational needs of our students through the inclusion and pull-out models.

Several parent workshops will be held throughout the school year. Parents are encouraged to attend curriculum night and scheduled conferences. Home visits may be attempted for Title I students as needed.

Parent Engagement PlanSchool: Pactolus Year: 2018-19

*Section 1118C – Documentation may include invitations, meeting agendas, sign-in sheets, minutes, calendars, etc.

Requirements Date(s) Events/Activities Documentation

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· Annual Meeting to inform parents that your

school is in a Title I Program

August 23rd, 2018 Informational Meeting to inform parents of Title I

Status

Invitations, Meeting Agenda, Sign-In Sheet, Connect 5

Message, Handouts

· Explain how parents are involved in supporting Parent Engagement Policy

and Comprehensive School Plans

August 23rd, 2018 Parents will be invited to give input into planning,

review, and improvement of our Title I plan and school

parental involvement policy and comprehensive plans.

Invitations, Meeting Agenda, Sign-In Sheet, Handouts

· School’s responsibility to provide ahigh-qualityurriculum

in a supportive and effective learning

environment.How do you inform

parents about the PCS School-Parent

Compact

September 13th, 2018 We will inform parents of the school’s curriculum. The PCS School Parent

Compact is distributed at the first Title I parent

engagement event. Aparent compact is sent

home with each child atthe beginning of the

school year.

Examples of Compacts, Sign In Sheets,

·Communicationbetween teacher and

parents on an ongoing basis about child’s

achievement, progress reports or

opportunities to volunteer. Explainyour school process.

Ongoing throughout the 2018-19 School

Year

Communication folders, progress reports, report cards,

Connect 5 Messages, Parent/Teacher Conference

Signed Communication folders, Signed Report Cards and Progess

Reports,

Requirements Date(s) Events/Activities Documentation

· Parent engagement training that support parents in helping

their child at home* List parent workshops

See above Title I Engagement Events, EOG Informative Meetings,

Parent/TeacherConferences

Invitation, Meeting Agenda, Sign-In Sheets, Handouts, PowerPoint Presentations

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· Information related to school and parent

programs,How does the school

present information to parents in a language that they understand?

On-going Information will be present to parents through flyers, Connect 5 phone calls,

Pactolus Facebook, Home/School Connect,

Example of Items SentHome

· Parent Communication:Explain how the

schools enhance the home-school

relationship andkeeping them

informed about school activities

On-going Connect 5, Monthly Home/School Connect,

Handbook, Flyers, School/Teacher

Websites, Facebook

Example of ItemsSent Home

ToysToys are not permitted in the school. If toys are brought to school, the teacher may confiscate and keep it until a parent comes to pick it up and the student could be disciplined according to Pactolus policies and Pitt County School’s Code of Conduct. This includes electronic toys, cell phones, etc. Upon the second violation of this procedure, the Pitt County Schools Code of Conduct will be implemented.

Transportation ChangesAny changes made to the mode of transportation from school must be submitted to

the child’s teacher in writing by 8:00 a.m. if at all possible. Transportation changes will not be accepted after 12:00 p.m. Faxed notes and email notes will only be accepted in emergency situations. Example: If your child is normally a bus rider and will be a car rider for one or two days, a written note must be submitted to the child’s teacher each day there is a change in transportation. The note should be signed and dated by the parent/guardian and should include the teacher’s name, child’s name, the parent’s name, parent’s contact number, and the effective date. A separate note should be written for each child. Changes cannot be made over the phone.

All transportation changes must be received in writing by 12:00 p.m. Unless a discipline or safety violation has occurred, children will not be held off the bus without a written note from the parent.

Visitors/VolunteersVisitation: We encourage parent and community participation in all of Pactolus’ activities. We want all of our guests to feel welcome. In order to provide for the safety and well-being

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of our students and staff, we respectfully request that all guests to the school go directly to the office upon arrival to sign in with the secretary and receive a visitor’s badge. This procedure includes all persons and helps us to maintain a safe learning environment for our students and staff. Parents are welcomed to visit the school campus anytime. We ask that you observe the following procedures whenever you arrive at the school campus.

1. Check in at the office and state your purpose. 2. If you would like to visit or observe in a classroom, arrangements must be made

with the teacher/principal at least 24 hour in advance.3. Secure a visitor’s pass before going to the classroom. Visitor passes must be visible

and worn on the left or right shoulder. Anyone without a Visitor’s Pass will be asked to return to the office.

4. Please park in designated parking areas, not in the yellow no parking zones. Cars should never be left unattended unless parked in a parking place.

5. We encourage all parents to participate in our assemblies and activities. However, fire regulations limit the number of people in our gym, library, and cafeteria. School age students from other schools will not be allowed to attend. Attending one of our school functions is not a lawful absence from their school.

Parents should not go to the classroom to get the child, but should come to the office. The office staff will call for the student. Because attendance in school is critical for optimal learning, parents are encouraged to make medical/dental appointments after school hours whenever possible.

We ask that no one go directly to the classrooms for the safety and security of the students and staff. Always check-in at the office first.

Volunteers: The school actively seeks help from the community. We realize your help makes Pactolus an even better place for your child to learn. If you would like to volunteer or have a special talent you would like to share, please contact your child’s teacher or the office.

● All volunteers are requested to sign in and sign out with each visit in our volunteer notebook in the office and receive a volunteer pass.

Additional opportunities for parents to volunteer are listed below:

Parents may share a book, hobby, or career with students by scheduling an appointment with the child’s teacher on dates listed below. Examples: Share your favorite picture book through a read aloud, share about your hobby of collecting Indian arrowheads, or share about your job as a nurse.

Weekly FoldersPactolus will be sending home a weekly folder every Tuesday in an effort to keep parents informed of their child’s progress, school information and events. The folder will contain graded papers/tests, notes newsletters, etc. Please look over the papers with your child. The folder needs to be signed and returned the next day so your child’s teacher will know that you have seen it. Only parents or legal guardians may sign the folders. Teachers may

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impose consequences for students if folders are not returned or returned unsigned. Thank you so much for your cooperation to keep communication open between school and home.

Note: If a teacher workday or holiday falls on a Tuesday, the folder will be sent the next student day.

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