STUDENT HANDBOOK = 2008-2009

We’re all in this tog= ether!

VIEWMONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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21 Sixteenth Ave. N.W.=

Hickory, N.C. 28601

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

Fax (828) 327-4619 http://www.hickoryschools.net/vmt

Dr. Ric Vandett, Superintendent
Mrs. Judy Jolly, Principal
Mr. Roger Staley, Assistant Principal

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VIEWMONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK

Dear Students,<= /o:p>

Welcome to Viewmont= Elementary School.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> We are really excited about = the coming school year and know it will be the best year ever. Students, parents, teachers, staff= , and the community of Viewmont School work together to help you learn and excel in your studies.

Let’s get the = year off to a fantastic start by reading this handbook with your parents and have them sign the form at the back of the book. This booklet will let you know wha= t we expect of you.

We’re glad you= are here and we’re going to accomplish great things together. Remember, our motto is, R= 20;We’re all in this together!”

Have a terrific year= !

Viewmont Elementary School

“Home of the Bears”

The View= mont School staff is com= mitted to the mission and beliefs listed below.&n= bsp; We want our parents and students to join us in building a school community based on these concepts.

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SCHOOL MOTTO

“We’re all in this together!”

BELIEFS

· We believe all children can learn and h= igh expectations lead to high student achievement.

· We believe enthusiastic and knowledgeab= le educators and a challenging and quality curriculum instill in students a lifelong curiosity and love for learning.

· We believe a quality education provides= a common base of knowledge, promotes problem-solving skills, and instills an appreciation of the arts in order to develop well-rounded individuals who c= an adapt to a constantly changing world.

· We believe a quality education provides each learner the skills to become a responsible, contributing member of soc= iety 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<= /span>

ARRIVAL

Classes begin at 8:30 a.m.&nb= sp; Car riders must not arrive before 8:00 a.m. unless they attend the Community Schools Program. Students arriving before 8:15 a.m. will= be seated and supervised in the gym until allowed to go to their classes at approxima= tely 8:15 a.m. Breakfast is served between 8:00 and 8:20.

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 will= be supervised and wait on the corner for parents who wish to park at St.Luke’s and cross the street to pick up child= ren.

Car riders are picke= d up in front of the school. Parents do not park or leave vehicles sitting in= the loading zone. Parents must either drive up to the curb or walk across the parking lot to pick up students. For safety reaso= ns, students are not allowed to cross the parking lot alone to meet their rides= . After 3:15 all remaining students wil= l be placed in the After School Program. Your parents will be charged for this service.

On rainy days, the 4th and 5th grade students will load at the primary entranc= e, and K-3 students may be picked up at the main entrance.

Bus stud= ents will go to a designated area until their buses arrive. Staff members will be on duty in dismissal areas. Bus students will bo= ard their buses at the back of the school.&nbs= p;

TRAFFIC<= o:p>

All cars are to use the fro= nt driveway for student drop-off or pick-up.&= nbsp; The traffic circle near the cafeteria is for buses only. Parking and student drop-off in this area are prohibited.

ABSENCES

If you are absent, your parents must send a note upon return to school. Absences for medical appointments, illnesses and deat= hs will be excused with a written note. Days missed because of vacation= are unexcused. A doctor's note is required for absences for students who are absent over fifteen percent of t= he total school days. Unexcused absences will be t= allied and investigated. Proper legal procedures will be followed for unexcused absences. Perfect Attendance is acknowledged= 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 enrol= led 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 jeopardize the promotion of the student to the next grade= .

**After returning to school because of an absence, you will have 3 school days to t= urn 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

Students= 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 note explaining why the student is tardy. Students who enter the classroom after 8:30 disrupt t= he instructional program and begin their day in a rushed manner. It is very important that children= learn at an early age that promptness and preparedness are important habits for successful adults. Tardy chil= dren interrupt the teacher’s efforts to begin instruction and cause disrup= tion for the other students. Be Courteous. Be On Time.<= o:p>

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

EARLY DISMISSAL

We encou= rage you to try to schedule your child’s doctor and dental appointments ar= ound school hours. If this is not possible, you must come to the office to sign your child out. If someone other than the p= arent will be picking up a student, parents must notify the office with a note or= a verified phone call before the child will be permitted to leave the building. Identification will be requested before the child is released. Students should 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 scho= ol during the day. Parents may not go to the classroom during instructional hours to pick up a child. The office staff will call the cla= ssroom for the student.

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SCHOOL CLOSING

In the event of bad weather or an emergency, the school may have to close. Listen to local radio or television stations for closing announcements for Hickory Public Schools -- not Catawba County. "Snow" bus routes/stops will be published in the Hickory Daily Record and on the Hickory Public Schools website www.hickoryschools.net.<= o:p>

WITHDRAWAL OF STUDENTS

If you are moving and withdrawing your child from school, plea= se call or come by the school a few days prior to the withdrawal date. Your child should return all textb= ooks, library books and pay any outstanding cafeteria fees prior to withdrawing f= rom school. Your cooperation is always greatly appreciated.

STUDENT INFORMATION FORM

D= uring the first week of school your child’s teacher will be sending home an information sheet for you to complete.&nbs= p; 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 telep= hone 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 ch= ild and not be able to reach a parent.

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SCHOOL RULES

        =              1. Be Respectful.

&n= bsp;   Be Safe.

&n= bsp;   Be Responsible.

&n= bsp;   Be Kind.

Hickory Public Schools has a zero-tolerance po= licy toward violence and gang activity; therefore, the following rules govern student behavior:

·      = Students should not fight under any circumstances.

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

·      = Students should not bring toys of any sort to school. This includes radios, jam boxes, headphones, Gameboys, stuffed animals, dolls, s= ports balls, and Yugio Cards.

·      = Students should 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 w= ill 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 pictu= re money should be sealed in an envelope with the child's name and teacher's n= ame on the front. Students should not bring extra money to school.

CLASS PARTIES

The teacher and grade parent chairperson may plan 2 class parties with refreshm= ents 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 distribu= ted at school. Passing out invita= tions 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 PTA so that you can easily m= ail party invitations.

DRESS

Students who are cle= an and dressed neatly and comfortably for school feel better about themselves = and behave better. Many students lose clothing at school; it is important to la= bel your belongings with a permanent marker. Always dress so you can participat= e in physical education either inside or outside. Bandannas and hats are not to = be worn at school. *Remember ---= Viewmont= School is air-condi= tioned; therefore, short shorts, midriff tops or tank tops will not be comfortable = or appropriate. Flip-flops, clogs, platform shoes, non-secured sandals, and ba= ggy pants are inappropriate and dangerous for PE and outside play. Clothing may= not display violence, gang-related accessories, or inappropriate language. If children continue to wear inappropriate clothes, parents will be called to bring appropriate dress or the children will be sent home.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE “KID CONNECTION”

Community Schools of Catawba County operates the KID CONNECTION program at <= st1:place w:st=3D"on">Viewmont= Elementary School.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> You may wish to take advantage of = its services this year.

Before school care: $15.00   Aft= er school care: $30.00

A $25.00 registration fee is required.

QUESTIONS:   CALL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS 464-9355<= /h2>
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 meals= the rest of the week. Many parents pay by the month, which is even more conveni= ent to them and helpful to school staff. Meals cannot be charged.&nbs= p; Each student is assigned a PIN number and encouraged to memorize the 3-digit 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 outside= .

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

Paid Regular   = $1.00              $1.6= 5           $.55      &= nbsp;            $8.25        &= nbsp;

**Prices are subject to change.

We ask that you do not bring food from local restaurants such as McDonald’s or a pizza parlor to share with childr= en at a table as other children may wish for equal treatment. If you wish to b= ring a treat, such as cupcakes, to celebrate your child’s birthday, the tr= eat is to be eaten in the cafeteria during the lunch period.<= /p>

***If your child h= as 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 dir= ectly to the insurance company.

HEALTH SERVICES

Viewmont has a school nurse on site two days weekly and she works closely with school personnel to ensure the safety and well being of students and staff and wil= l be contacted at other times 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= .

Our school nurse works closely with our health assistant who is on site daily from 8:30 until 2:30. The nurse assistant will have duti= es assigned by the school nurse and will be calling you concerning a sick or absent child.

If your child becomes ill at school we will contact parents immediately. If we cannot rea= ch you 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.

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 school 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 permis= sion 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 from the pharmacy. <= /h2>

MONTHLY CALENDAR

At the beginning of each month, the PTA produc= es a calendar with the lunch menu and daily happenings. On the back of the calendar you wi= ll find PTA information and monthly news.&nbs= p; This is a very valuable source of information. Don’t forget to check the ma= rquee and school website for current events.

HOMEWORK

Homework is given...

·       To practice and enrich skil= ls and concepts taught in class and to stimulate student discussions.

·       To foster independent study skills.

·       To develop responsibility f= or bringing home books and assignments, completing work and returning it on ti= me.

·       To enhance parent awareness= of student progress.

·       To emphasize the importance= of independent practice and application.

Learning does not st= op at school. It is important fo= r you to practice at home the things you learn at school. Teachers will assign homework to b= e done each weeknight. You are expected to turn in homework daily. With your paren= ts' help, you need to set aside from 30 minutes to one hour of quiet time night= ly for you to read and do homework. Kindergarten and first grade students shou= ld also have a special time with parents for reading aloud and discussing the things learned in school each day. <= /span>

We encourage parents to ask their children to share their homework with them. Reviewing your homework with your parents is an excellent way for parents to be invol= ved in their child’s education. Parents should help by providing an appropriate time and a desirable place for the child to work. = Homework = is an important part of a child’s education; therefore, homework grades will affect grades on report cards.

REPORT CARDS

We want your parents to know how well you are learning. Teachers will send progress reports 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 ho= me 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&q= uot; Honor Roll includes students who receive all A's, B's and S's.

CONFERENCES

Cooperation between school and hom= e 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 his/her 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 Mondays, which are reserved for faculty meetings.&n= bsp; Your parents should call the school or write the teacher a note to m= ake an appointment for a conference. Other conferences should be arranged when = the parent or teacher recognizes the need.

(Note - Teachers are not available for confere= nces 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 the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.&n= bsp; Parents who offer to chaperone students may not bring pre-schoolers, as this would distract from the responsibi= lity and purpose of looking after our students.=

SCHOOL PICTURES

Individual and group pictures will be taken in the fall and sp= ring (October 9th and March 11th). 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 o= ur school in many ways. They pub= lish a monthly calendar with the lunch menu. The PTA sponsors and coordinates many special events including field day, book fairs, teacher appreciation, and B= each Bingo to name a few. The PTA has provided the school with computers, playgr= ound equipment, and other important resources.&= nbsp; Join the PTA and get involved!

VISITORS

Parents are an impor= tant part of our school. For the s= afety of all our students, we ask that all v= isitors report to the office, sign in, and receive a visitor’s pass immediate= ly upon entering the school. Parents may not go directly to a classroom or ent= er the halls during school hours. Visitors are to respect instructional time and not interrupt or distract the teachers or 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.

VISITOR

VOLUNTEERS

We are very proud of the support we receive from the many adul= ts who tutor our students. Paren= ts and guardians are encouraged to be volunteers at the school. Interested persons will need to co= ntact 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 teacher 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 rac= e, or your creed, we are on your side.

·