“We’re = all in this together!”

= ; <= /p>

<= span style=3D'font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Comic S= ans MS"'>VIEWMONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

= ; &= nbsp; &nb= sp;

21 <= st1:address w:st=3D"on">Sixteenth Ave. NW<= /st1:Street>

Hickory, NC&nb= sp; 28601

= ;

Office (828) 324-7049 Cafeteria (828) 327-4683

Fax (828) 327-4619 http://www.hick= oryschools.net

Dr. Lillie Cox Mrs. Judy Jolly Mr. Roger Staley

Superintendent = ; Principal = ; Assistant Principal

VIEWMONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL<= /st1:PlaceType> STUDENT HANDBOOK

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to Viewmont Elementary School.= We are really excited about= the upcoming school year and know it will be the best year ever. Students, parents, teachers, staf= f, and the community of Viewmont School work together to help our students learn and excel in their studies.

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.

<= /o:p>

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 www.hickoryschools.net.

We’re glad yo= u are here and we’re going to accomplish great things together. Remember, our motto is, “We’re all in this together!”

Have a terrific yea= r!

Mrs. Judy Jolly

Principal

The Vie= wmont School staff is co= mmitted to the mission and beliefs listed below.&= nbsp; We want our parents and students to join us in building a school community based on these concepts.

= ; &= 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.

= ; A= TTENDANCE

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. unless they are eating breakfast. 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. Students wil= l be supervised and wait on the corner for parents who wish to park at St.Luke’s and cross the street to pick up chil= dren.

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.

On rainy days, car riders will remain under the main entrance covering until picked up.

Bus stu= dents will go to a designated area until their buses arrive. Staff members will be on duty in dismissal areas. Bus students will b= oard their buses at the back of the school.

TRAFFIC=

All cars are to use the fr= ont driveway for student drop-off or pick-up.= The traffic circle near the cafeteria is for buses only. Parking and student drop-off in t= his area are prohibited.

ABSENCES

If you are absent, your parents must send a note upon return to school. Absences for medical appointments, illnesses, and de= aths will be excused with a written note. Days missed because of vacatio= n are unexcused. A doctor's note is required for absences for students who are absent over fifteen percent of = the total school days. Unexcused absences will be = tallied and investigated. Proper leg= al procedures will be followed for unexcused absences. Perfect Attendance is acknowledge= d and rewarded. Five tardies will eliminate the chance for Perfect Attendance. Hickory Public Schools policy states that students must be in attendance 85% of days enro= lled or more to be eligible for promotion to the next year. Students are expected to attend school on a regular= basis. Failure to do so will jeopar= dize the promotion of the student to the next grade.

**After returning to school because of an absence, you will have 3 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.<= /span>

TARDIES

Student= s are marked tardy at 8:30 a.m. If you are tardy, please report to the office and obtain a pass to enter class. Parents should send a n= ote explaining why the student is tardy. Students who ent= er the classroom after 8:30 disrupt the instructional program and begin their day= in a rushed manner. It is very im= portant that children learn at an early age that promptness and preparedness are i= mportant habits for successful adults. Tardy children interrupt the teacher’s efforts to begin instruction and ca= use disruption for the other students. =

Be Courteous. Be On Time.

Perfect Attendance Awards are given at the en= d of school to students who attend every day and do not have more than five tardies.

EARLY DISMISSAL

We enco= urage you to try to schedule your child’s doctor and dental appointments a= round school hours. If this is not possible, you must come to the office to sign your child out. 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. A parent must also sign in students returning to sch= ool during the day. Parents may not go to the classro= om during instructional hours to pick up a child. The office staff will call the cl= assroom for the student.

&n= bsp;

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

In the event of bad weather or an emergency, the school may have to close. Listen to local radio or televisi= on stations (i.e. WBTV, WSOC, or WCNC) for closing announcements for Hickory Public Sc= hools -- not Catawba County. "Snow" bus routes/stops will be published in the Hickory Daily Record and on t= he Hickory Public Schools website www.hickoryschools.net<= /span>.

WITHDRAWAL OF STUDENTS

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.<= /p>

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 addresses = or telephone numbers during the year. It is very scary to have a sick c= hild and not be able to reach a parent.

        = ;            &= nbsp;           &nb= sp;            = ;                    = ;            &= nbsp;           &nb= sp;

SCHOOL RULES

        = ;           1. Be Respectful.

<= 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.

Hickory Public Schools has a zero-tolerance p= olicy toward violence; therefore, the following rules govern student behavior:

·      = ; Students will not fight under any circumstances.

·      = ; Students will not bring dangerous weapons, such as knives, firearms, laser lights, = and fireworks on school grounds.

·      = ; Students will not bring toys of any sort to school. This includes radios, jam boxes, headphones, G= ameboys, stuffed animals, dolls, and Yugioh Cards.=

·      = ; Students will not threaten or attempt to harm another student or staff member.

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.

Money can easily be lost during an active day at school. Lunch money, book money, and pict= ure money should be sealed in an envelope with the child's name and teacher's = name on the front. Students should not bring extra money to school.<= /span>

CLASS PARTIES<= /o:p>

The teacher = and grade parent chairperson may plan 2 class parties with refreshments each 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

Students who are cl= ean and dressed neatly and comfortably for school feel better about themselves= and behave better. Many students lose clothing at school; it is important to l= abel your belongings with a permanent marker. Always dress so you can participa= te in physical education either inside or outside. Bandannas and hats are not to= be worn at school. *Remember --= - Viewmont School is air-conditioned; therefore, short shorts, midriff tops or tank tops will n= ot be comfortable or appropriate. Flip-flops, clogs, platform shoes, non-secured sandals, and baggy pants are inappropriate and dangerous for PE and outside play. Clothing may not display violence, gang-related accessories, or inappropriate language. If children wear inappropriate clothes, parents wi= ll be called to bring appropriate dress or the children will be sent home.<= /o:p>

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE “KID CONNECTION”=

Community Schools of Catawba County operates the KID CONNECTION program at = Viewmont Elementary School.= You may wish to take advantage of= its services this year.

Before school care: $15.00   Af= ter school care: $30.00

A $25.00 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 h= ave to worry about paying for meals the rest of the week. Many parents pay by = the month, which is even more convenient to them and helpful to school staff.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Meals cannot be charged. Each student is assigned a PIN nu= mber and encouraged to memorize the 3-digit number. This helps to keep individual acc= ounts 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 outside.

     = ;                Breakfast        =    Lunch          Milk            = ; Lunch 5-days      &= nbsp;

Paid Regular   = ; $1.00        =        $1.65       $.55       &= nbsp;         $8.25        =

**Prices are subject to change.

We ask that you do not bring food from l= ocal restaurants such as McDonald’s or a pizza parlor to share with child= ren at a table as other children may wish for equal treatment. If you wish to bri= ng a treat, such as cupcakes, to celebrate your child’s birthday, the tre= at is to be eaten in the cafeteria during the lunch period.

***If your child = has a health problem that calls for a special diet, please speak= with our school nurse who will write an appropriate plan.

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.

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 contacted at other times in case of an emergency. Also, we have staff members who a= re certified in CPR and First Aid and can respond in the event of an emergenc= y.

If your child becomes ill = at school we will contact parents immediate= ly. If we cannot reach you, we will u= se 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.   <= o:p>

MEDICATION POLICY

The Hickory Public School System has imposed strict guidelines for= the administering of medicines at school. = No medication, including aspirin, will be given to you at school except as prescribed by a doctor. If a doctor wants you to take medicine during scho= ol hours, 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 office before any medication is given. Medications should be brought to school by a parent and must be in a labeled bottle fr= om 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.

HOMEWORK

Homework is given...

·       To practice and enrich ski= lls and concepts taught in class and to stimulate student discussions.

·       To foster independent study skills.

·       To develop responsibility = for bringing home books and assignments, completing work and returning it on t= ime.

·       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 f= or you to practice at home the things you learn at school. Teachers will assign homework to = be done each weeknight. You are expected to turn in homework daily. With your pare= nts' help, you need to set aside from 30 minutes to one hour of quiet time nigh= tly for you to read and do homework. Kindergarten and first grade students sho= uld also have a special time with parents for reading aloud and discussing the things learned in school each day. =

We encourage parents to ask their children to= share their homework with them. Re= viewing homework is an excellent way for parents to be involved in their childR= 17;s education. Parents should he= lp by providing an appropriate time and a desirable place for the child to work.= Homework is an important part of a child’s edu= cation; therefore, homework grades will affect grades on report cards.<= /span>

REPORT CARDS

We want your parents to know how well you are learning. Teachers will send progress repor= ts every three weeks and report cards every nine weeks. Your parents will sign the report= card envelope indicating they have checked your grades, and you will return the= card envelope to your teacher. To show your progress, teachers will also send h= ome weekly work you have done during each quarter. Be sure to show your parents what you have 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 and 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 but may return phone calls during planning time or e-mail.)

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-schoolers, as this would distract from the responsib= ility and purpose of looking after our students.

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. The PTA members work hard to help= our school in many ways. They pu= blish a monthly calendar with the lunch menu. The PTA sponsors and coordinates many special events including field day, book fairs, teacher appreciation, and = Pizza Bingo to name a few. The PTA has provided the school with computers, playg= round equipment, and other important resources.= Join 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.

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.         = ;

Our promise to Viewmont kids&= #8230;

·       No matter where you live in our city, no matter what your name is, or your ra= ce, or your creed, we are on your side.

·       You deserve a childhood free from hunger, disease and terrible need. We have joined together to see th= at you have it.

·       You deserve to know the excitement of learning and the rewards of achievement.= We have joined together to see th= at you know it.

·       You deserve to have your innocence protected, your talents nurtured, your drea= ms encouraged. We have joined t= ogether to help give you that chance.

·       You are our hope for the future, our greatest wealth. We have joined together to show y= ou how deeply we believe it.

Dream, Believe, Achieve!

<= /o:p>

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 Viewmont School.

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 Vie= wmont School and showing= Viewmont pride.

-written by Wanda Logan

“We’re all in this together!”

SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION

Riding a school bus is a privilege. Misbehavior on a bus is intolerable and will result in an appropria= te consequence. Usual bus discipline includes a w= arning and notification of parents for the first offense, and a one-day suspensio= n of riding privilege for the second offense.&= nbsp; Children who continue to disobey the bus rules receive additional suspensions from the bus. Th= e term of each suspension can double for every new offense. A child can loose the privileg= e of riding the bus for the remainder of the year if repetitive bus suspensions= do not correct the behavior.

&n= bsp;

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. Keep aisles clear of books, lunch boxes, bags, etc. Place your book bag on your lap, = not in the seat.

I. Do not push, fight, wrestle, or otherwise annoy anyone.

J. Keep arms, hands, head, and objects inside the bus. <= /o:p>

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 their parents. Submit this request to the office for approval. We will honor your requests if bu= ses are not at capacity.

Viewmont Elementary School

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.<= /span>

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.

HICKORY <= st1:PlaceType w:st=3D"on">CITY ADMINISTRATIVE SCHOOL UNIT<= /o:p>

432 Fourth Avenue, SW

Hickory, North Carolina 28602

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

&nb= sp;

<= 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 with your child. Send the signed form to school wi= th your child tomorrow.

I have read this bo= oklet with my child and understand the expectations for my child at school.=

Parent’s sign= ature_________________________________________

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!