![](3D"file:///C:/E3293A52/StudentHandbook2011-12_files/image002.jpg")
Student Handbook
2011-2012
“We’re =
all in
this together!”
![](3D"file:///C:/E3293A52/StudentHandbook2011-12_files/image004.gif")
![=3D"Viewmont](3D"file:///C:/E3293A52/StudentHandbook2011-12_files/image005.gif")
STUDENT
HANDBOOK 2011-2012
![](3D"file:///C:/E3293A52/StudentHandbook2011-12_files/image007.jpg")
“We’re =
all in this
together!”
=
;
=
; &=
nbsp; &nb=
sp;
21
<=
st1:address
w:st=3D"on">Sixteenth Ave.
Hickory,
NC &nb=
sp;
28601
=
;
Office
(828) 324-7049
Cafeteria (828) 327-4683
Fax (828) 327-4619 http://www.hick=
oryschools.net
Dr.
Walter Hart
Mrs.
Superintendent =
;
Principal =
;
Assistant Principal
Dear Students and
Parents,
Welcome to
Students and parent=
s let
us get the year off to a fantastic start by reading this handbook and then
signing the form at the back of the book.=
This booklet will let you know the expectations for all.
Please be aware that any policy contained=
in
this school handbook may not be the complete version of the policy as form=
ally
adopted by the Hickory Board of Education.
For the complete text of all Board policies that pertain to student=
s,
please refer to the district wide student handbook or the Board of
Education’s webpage at ww=
w.hickoryschools.net.
We’re glad yo=
u are
here and we’re going to accomplish great things together. Remember, our motto is, “
Have a terrific yea=
r!
Mrs.
Judy Jolly
Principal
The
=
; &=
nbsp; &nb=
sp;
=
; &=
nbsp;
School Motto
“We’re
all in this together!”
BELIEFS
·
We believe all children can learn and =
high
expectations lead to high student achievement.
·
We believe enthusiastic and knowledgea=
ble
educators along with a challenging and quality curriculum instill in stude=
nts a
lifelong curiosity and love for learning.
·
We believe a quality education provide=
s a
common base of knowledge, promotes problem-solving skills, and instills an=
appreciation
of the arts in order to develop well-rounded individuals who can adapt to a
constantly changing world.
·
We believe a quality education provides
each learner the skills to become a responsible, contributing member of so=
ciety
who respects rules, other people and cultures, and our environment.
·
We believe opportunities for students =
to
reach their full potential are enhanced through the cooperation of home,
school, and community.
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=
;
ATTENDANCE
ARRIVAL
Classes begin at 8:30 a.m.&n=
bsp;
Students should not arrive at school before 8:00 a.m. unless they a=
ttend
the Community Schools Program. Students arriving between 8:00-8:15 a.=
m. will
be seated and supervised in the gym until allowed to go to their classes at
approximately 8:15 a.m. Breakfast
is served between 8:00 and 8:20 a.m.
DISMISSAL
The
dismissal bell rings at 3:00 p.m.
Fox Ridge walkers will meet in a designated area and be escorted to=
the
crossing guard. Other walker=
s will
be in the front of the school near the corner of
Car riders are pick=
ed up
in front of the school. Parents do not park and leave vehicles sitting
unattended in the loading zone.
Parents must either drive up to the curb or walk across the parking=
lot
to pick up students. For =
safety
reasons, students are not allowed to cross the parking lot alone to meet t=
heir
rides. After 3:15, all remain=
ing
students will be placed in the After School Program. Your parents will be =
charged
for this service.
Bus stu=
dents will go to a designated area until the bus arrives. <=
span
style=3D'font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic San=
s MS"'>Bus
students will board the bus at the back of the school. Staff=
members
will be on duty in dismissal areas.
TRAFFIC=
Students must use the front driveway f=
or student
drop-off or pick-up. The tra=
ffic
circle near the cafeteria is for buses only.
ABSENCES
**After
returning to school because of an absence, you will have three school days=
to
turn in missed assignments. =
If an
excessive number of days have been missed due to an extended illness, the
teacher will adjust the due date of missed work appropriately.
TARDIES
Be Courteous. Be On Time.<=
/span>
Perfect Attendance Awards are given at the en=
d of
the year to students who attend every day and do not have more than five <=
span
class=3DSpellE>tardies.
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EARLY DISMISSAL
We stro=
ngly
discourage early dismissal. Please schedule doctor and dental appointments
around school hours. If this=
is not
possible, you must come to the office to sign out your child. If someone other than the parent
will be picking up a student, parents must notify the office with a note o=
r a
verified phone call before the child will be
permitted to leave the building.
Identification will be requested before the child is released. Students
will not be dismissed between 2:00 and 3:00 except in cases of medical
appointments or emergencies. When retu=
rning
to school during the day, the parent must come to the office and sign in t=
he
student. Parents may not go to the classroom during instructional hours =
to pick
up a child. The offi=
ce
staff will call the classroom for the student. SCHOOL CLOSINGS In
the event of bad weather or an emergency, the school may have to close. If you are moving and withdrawing your child from school, ple=
ase
call or come by the school a few days prior to the withdrawal date. Your child should return all text=
books,
library books and pay any outstanding cafeteria fees prior to withdrawing =
from
school. Your cooperation is always greatly appreciated. ![](3D"file:///C:/E3293A52/StudentHandbook2011-12_files/image013.gif")
WITHDRAWAL OF STUDENTS
STUDENT INFORMATION FORM
=
During
the first week of school, your child’s teacher will be sending home =
an
information sheet for you to complete.&nb=
sp;
This information is kept in the school office and classroom in case=
you
need to be contacted. Please=
make
sure all telephone numbers and addresses are accurate and legible. Remember to put the name and tele=
phone
number of a person who can be contacted in case you cannot be reached. Notify the school if you change address or
telephone number during the year. It is very scary to have a sick c=
hild
and not be able to reach a parent.
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=
; &=
nbsp; &nb=
sp; =
; &=
nbsp; &nb=
sp; =
; &=
nbsp;
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SCHOOL RULES
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic San=
s MS";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-font-family:"Comic Sans M=
S"'>2.&=
nbsp;
Be Safe.
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic San=
s MS";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-font-family:"Comic Sans M=
S"'>3.&=
nbsp;
Be Responsible.
<=
span
style=3D'font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic San=
s MS";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Comic Sans MS";mso-bidi-font-family:"Comic Sans M=
S"'>4.&=
nbsp;
Be Kind.
Please see Hickory
Public Schools Student Handbook for more specifics.
WHAT TO BRING
Students are expected to come to school with the necessary
supplies to learn. Teachers =
will
provide a list of supplies needed at the beginning of the school year.
Friendships that begin at school are very
important to a child’s social development. Quite often students get together=
off
school grounds for fun times and recreation. While this is encouraged, party
invitations to such events should be sent via the mail rather than distrib=
uted
at school. Passing out invit=
ations
at school takes the focus off instruction and often leads to hurt feelings=
when
some classmates are excluded. A
student address directory is available through the PTA so that you can eas=
ily
mail party invitations.
DRESS
Always dress so you=
can
participate in physical education either inside or outside. Bandannas and =
hats
are not to be worn at school.
Student will not wear short-shorts, midriff tops or tank tops.
Flip-flops, clogs, platform shoes, non-secured sandals, and baggy pants ar=
e not
to be worn to school. Clothing may not display violence, gang-related
accessories, or inappropriate language. Please do not allow students to=
wear
these items to school. If children wear inappropriate clothes or shoes, pa=
rents
will be called to bring suitable clothes or shoes.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE “KID CONNECTION”=
Community
Schools of
Before
school care: $15.00 Af=
ter
school care: $40.00
A
$35.00 registration fee is required.
QUESTIONS: CALL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS 464-9355
Viewmont’s Kid Connection 261-0029
FOOD SERVICES
Each student is encouraged to bring money for=
all
of your meals on Monday, so you do not have to worry about paying for meal=
s the
rest of the week. Many parents pay by the month, which is even more conven=
ient
to them and helpful to school staff.
Meals cannot be charged.&nb=
sp;
Each student is assigned a PIN number and encouraged to memorize the
number. This helps to keep
individual accounts straight and keeps the lunch line moving more smoothly=
at
mealtime. Please send the money or check to the teacher in a sealed envelope=
with
your child’s name and the teacher’s name printed on the outsid=
e.
=
; **Prices are subject to change.
Outside food from local restaurants is not allo=
wed. Viewmont’s cafeteria provides delicious, healt=
hy
lunches for a minimal cost per item, so please come eat and enjoy the time=
with
your child. If you wish to bring a special treat for your child’s cl=
ass,
such as cupcakes, the treat is to be eaten after lunch has been served in =
the
classroom or as the teacher has determined.
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***If your child =
has a
health problem that calls for a special diet, please speak=
with
our school nurse who will then write an appropriate plan.
Please bring in a note from your child’s doctor detailing the dietary
restrictions or allergies.
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INSURANCE
Student accident insurance is available for Viewmont
students. Cost and coverage
information will be available at the beginning of the school year. Checks should be mailed di=
rectly
to the insurance company.
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HEALTH SERVICES
Viewmont
has a school nurse on site two days weekly and she works closely with scho=
ol
personnel to ensure the safety and well being of students and staff and wi=
ll be
called in case of an emergency.
Also, we have staff members who are certified in CPR and First Aid =
and can
respond in the event of an emergency.
If your child becomes ill at school = parents will be contacted immediately by the teacher or office staff. If you cannot be reached, we will= use the emergency contact information you have provided. Please remember to keep all phone numbers current in the event we need to contact= you. It is recommended that your child be free of fever for 24 hours before returning to school. <= /p>
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The Hickory Public School System has strict guidelines for adminis=
tering
of medications at school. No medication, incl=
uding
aspirin, will be given at school except as prescribed by a doctor. Parents=
must
have the doctor complete the "Physician's Authorization of Medication=
for
Students" form which is available in the office. The
physician must also sign the form.
These medication permission forms must be on file in the school off=
ice
before any medication is given. Parent must bring medications to school in=
a
labeled bottle from the pharmacy.
MONTHLY CALENDAR
At the beginning of each month, the PTA produ=
ces a
calendar with the lunch menu and daily happenings. On the back of the calendar you w=
ill
find PTA information and monthly news.&nb=
sp;
This is a very valuable source of information. Don’t forget to check the m=
arquee
for current events.
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HOMEWORK
Homework is given...
·
To enhance parent awarenes=
s of
student progress.
·
To emphasize the importanc=
e of
independent practice and application.
Learning does not s=
top
at school. It is important to
practice at home the things learned at school. Teachers will assign homework eac=
h night
and you are expected to turn in homework daily. With parents' help, students need to s=
et
aside from 30 minutes to an hour of quiet time nightly to read and complete
homework. Kindergarten and first grade students should also have a special=
time
each evening with parents for reading aloud and discussing what has been
learned in school that day. =
REPORT CARDS
We want your parent=
s to know
how well you are learning. T=
eachers
will send progress reports every three weeks and report cards every nine
weeks. Parents will sign the=
report
card envelope indicating they have checked grades, and return the card env=
elope
to the teacher. To show student progress, teachers will also send work home
weekly to show parents what has been accomplished.
The Academic Honor Rolls recognize superior
academic performance. The "A" Honor Roll includes the names of
students who receive all A's and S's on their report cards. The "A/B&=
quot;
Honor Roll includes students who receive all A's, B's, and S's.
CONFERENCES
Cooperation between school and ho=
me is
necessary for a successful school year. Through conferences, parents and
teachers gain a better insight into the child’s needs, as well as any
particular difficulties he/she may have. We would like to have scheduled
conferences with each parent to meet with your child’s teacher twice=
each
year, once in the fall to become acquainted and make plans for the year an=
d once
in the spring to check on the student's progress. Teachers are usually
available for conferences with parents after school hours except on Monday=
s,
which are reserved for faculty meetings.&=
nbsp;
You should call the school or write the teacher a note to make an
appointment for a conference. Other conferences should be arranged when the
parent or teacher recognizes the need.
(Note - Teachers are not available for confer=
ences
or telephone calls during the instructional day and return phone calls dur=
ing
planning time or respond by e-mail or a written response.)
FIELD TRIPS
Each grade plans several educational field trips related to t=
he
North Carolina Standard Course of Study.&=
nbsp;
Parents who offer to chaperone students may not bring pre-
SCHOOL PICTURES
Individual and group pictures will be taken in the fall and s=
pring
(October and March). Notices=
will
be sent home indicating the date, time, and price.
PTA
All parents and teachers are encouraged to join the PTA. PTA members work hard to help our=
school
in many ways. They publish a
monthly calendar with the lunch menu. The PTA sponsors and coordinates many
special events including field day, book fairs, and fall festival to name a
few. The PTA has provided the school with computers, playground equipment,=
and
other important resources. J=
oin the
PTA and get involved!
VISITORS
Parents are an impo=
rtant
part of our school. For the =
safety
of all our students, we ask that all =
visitors
report to the office, sign in, and receive a visitor’s pass immediat=
ely
upon entering the school.&nbs=
p;
Parents may not go
directly to a classroom or enter the halls during school hours.=
=
Visitors are to respect instructional time and not
interrupt or distract the teachers and students. Any visitor=
in
the building without a visitor’s pass will be asked by staff members=
to
go to the office to obtain a pass.
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VOLUNTEERS
We are very proud of the support we receive from the many adu=
lts
who tutor our students. Pare=
nts and
guardians are encouraged to be volunteers at the school. Interested persons will need to c=
ontact
the school office, their child’s teacher, or the PTA Volunteer
Coordinator to offer their services.
Volunteers are used in the reading programs, in classrooms as teach=
er
helpers, and with PTA projects.
Volunteers are to sign in and sign out through the office. =
;
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<=
/o:p>
Our promise to Viewmont kids<= o:p>
·
·
·
·
·
Dream, Believe, Achieve!
VIEWMONT SCHOOL SONG
Viewmont
bears show excellence each and every day
In
our work and in our play and all we do or say.
We
pledge each day to do our best and follow every rule,
Respect
ourselves and others too and honor
We’re
all in this together, our vision guides our quest
For
character and knowledge and strength to do our best.
Our
students, our parents, teachers and friends work side by side
Supporting
-written by Wanda Logan
“We’re
all in this together!”
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SCHOOL
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Riding =
a school
bus is a privilege. Misbehav=
ior on
a bus is intolerable and will result in an appropriate consequence. Usual bus discipline includes a
notification of parents for the first offense and a possible suspension of
riding privileges. Children =
who
continue to disobey the bus rules receive additional suspensions from the
bus. The term of each suspen=
sion
can double for every new offense. <=
/span>A
child can loose the privilege of riding the bus for the remainder of the y=
ear
if repetitive bus suspensions do not correct the behavior.
In the
interest of safety, school bus riders must obey the following rules:
A. Be at your bus stop at the designated time. Ride only your assigned bus.
B. Stay out of the street while waiting for the bus.
C. Board the bus in a single line and in an orderly manner.
D. Be seated promptly without disturbing others.
E. Remain seated while the bus is moving.
F. If b=
us
driver assigns seats, sit only in your assigned seat.
G. Do not shout or make loud noises at any time. Use only language that would be p=
roper
in the classroom.
H. Remember: Bottom to bottom (of the seat), back to back (of=
the
seat) and book bag on your lap.
I. Do not push, fight, wrestle, or otherwise annoy anyone.
J. Keep arms, hands, head, and objects inside the bus.
K. Do not eat or drink on the bus. This includes chewing gum.
L. Do not throw anything from the bus or inside the bus.
M. Help keep the bus clean.&=
nbsp;
Do not litter.
The transportation director establishes routes and assigns
stops. Riders who wish to ride another bus or get off at a different stop=
will
need a note from parents.
Submit this request to the office for approval. We will honor your requests if bu=
ses are
not at capacity.
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Title=
1 Parent
Involvement Policy
In
an effort to involve parents in the development and ongoing
Support
of our parent involvement plan, we will:
-
work
with parents serving on the School Improvement
Team, PTA Board, or other school team.
-
share
the parent involvement policy with all parents by
sending it home at the beginning of the school
year.
-
share
the parent involvement policy at our opening PTA
program each fall.
In
an effort to involve parents in the process of school
Improvement,
we will:
-
solicit
parent input in developing the School Improvement
Plan.
This will be done through parents serving on the
School Improvement Team, PTA Board, or other
school
teams.
-
solicit
parent input in developing the School Title 1 Plan. This will
be done through parents serving on the School
Improvement Team, PTA =
Board,
or other school team.
-
solicit
parent input in planning parent involvement
programs and activities. This will be done through parents serving on the School Improvement Team, PTA Board, or other school teams.<= o:p>
-
actively
recruit parents, especially minority parents, to
serve on various parent/teacher teams.
In
an effort to plan and implement effective parent involvement activities to
improve student academic achievement and school performance, we will:
-
periodically
provide information about NCLB
requirements, program services, and parent su=
pport
topics through parent information nights and/=
or
school
newsletters.
-
pay
reasonable and necessary expenses associated with
parent involvement activities, to enable pare=
nts
to participate in school-related meetings and training sessions.
-
provide
a variety of opportunities and strategies to
improve parent involvement at the school.
-
arrange
school meetings at a variety of times, or conduct
in-home conferences if necessary.
In
an effort to evaluate and improve the content and effectiveness of the sch=
ool
and district’s educational programs, we will:
-
solicit
parent evaluation of school programs and services
through a HPS survey each spring. Results of this survey will be us=
ed to
evaluate and write the school Title 1 Plan and School Improvement Plan.
-
provide
parents with a list of objectives for their child’s
grade level.
-
provide
parents with information regarding state and
local assessment procedures and student
achievement
standards.
-
provide
parents with information on how they can partner
with teachers to improve the academic achieve=
ment
of their children.
-
provide
this and other helpful information through parent
meetings and school
newsletters.
In an effort to provide materials and trainin=
g to
help parents work with their children to improve their children’s
academic achievement, we will:
-
provide
at least two parent night activities during the
school year that wi=
ll engage
parents and help them learn
to provide instruct=
ional
support at home.
-
provide
ongoing communication to parents regarding their
children’s ac=
ademic
needs to offer resources for the parents to use to help their children at =
home.
In an effort to provide quality communication=
with
parents, we will:
-
hold
parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year.
-
send
home academic progress reports every three weeks.
-
send
home various information regarding Title 1 and other school programs.
-
inform
parents that all School Improvement Team and PTA Board meetings are open to
them.
-
inform
parents that school administrators, teachers and Title 1 staff are availab=
le
for conferences.
-
encourage
parents to visit their child’s classroom and to become involved in s=
chool
activities and programs.
-
provide
information regarding Title 1 program services, teacher availability, cont=
act
information, and parent involvement opportunities.
-
provide,
to the greatest extent possible, information in
both English and Sp=
anish.
-
encourage
parents to utilize the HPS and individual school
websites.
432
FILE: DFO
Fiscal Management
CHARGED MEALS
The Child Nutrition Programs operate as a non-p=
rofit business
enterprise fund separate from Hickory Public Schools and support the total
education of each child by providing nutritious meals.
Students who pay full or reduced prices for mea=
ls are
expected to provide payment either on a daily basis or by pre-paying. However, the Board recognizes that
periodically students may be unable to pay for a meal on a particular day.=
On such occasions, students will =
be
allowed to charge meals; however, once a student accrues three (3) days of
charged meals, full or reduced price meal charge privileges shall be
suspended. Charge privileges=
for an
“alternate meal” will be provided to the student. Once the student’s account =
has
been paid in full, the student may choose from the regular meal menu and c=
harge
privileges will be reinstated.
Principals or their designees will work with
parents/guardians to determine the best method to ensure payment of meal c=
osts
for students who have exceeded their charge privileges.
Adopted: &=
nbsp; July
27, 2009
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<=
span
style=3D'font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic San=
s MS"'>
Parents:
Please sign the line
below after you have read this booklet and HPS
Student Handbook with your child.&nbs=
p;
Send the signed form to school with your child tomorrow.
I have read this bo=
oklet
with my child and understand the expectations for my child at school.
Parent’s
signature_________________________________________
I have read this bo=
oklet
with my parent and understand the expectations for me at school.
Child’s
signature_________________________________________
Thank
you for your support!