Elon Elementary School Your Window to the World

Student & Parent Handbook 2019 ~ 2020

720 Walker Rd. ~ Elon, North Carolina 27244 Phone: (336)538-6000 Fax: (336)538-6002 http://www.abss.k12.nc.us/ece Elon Elementary School 720 Walker Road Elon, NC 27244 “Home of the Little Phoenix”

Jack Davern, Ed. S.-Principal 336-538-6000 Tracy Pennington, Ed. S. -Assistant Principal

Dear Parents, Welcome to the 2019 – 2020 school year in our brand new location on Walker Road! We are thrilled to have a beautiful new facility for students to learn, for teachers to instruct, and for school activities to take place! While our location may have changed, our focus on academics remains committed to a high level of student engagement in North Carolina State Standards. Through technology applications, rich lessons and cultural experiences, we are connecting to the world in many meaningful ways! The influence of our local community, students, staff and presence of International teachers will continue to provide authentic cultural experiences to enhance learning! Aligned with our district plan, our initiatives with globalization, standards based grading and the infusion of technology st expands the opportunities for 21 century learners to have a world-class learning environment!

Our accomplishments as a school community could not be possible without the hard work of students, the preparedness of teachers and the level of parental support. At Elon, we recognize that parental involvement comes in many forms. While your work schedule may prevent you from attending events, I encourage good communication between you and your child’s teachers through notes, calls or email messages. Our PTO is committed to continue many of the great events and activities that were established and refined over the years for all students and staff. I hope your membership will take an active role in the plans!

I know that with your support we will continue to be able to make things happen for our students and I look forward to a great year! Please know that I am here for you and your child. My priorities are to spend time in classrooms through the day and to collaborate with teachers in planning sessions. If you have something on your mind or need help with a situation please give me a call to talk or set up a time to meet.

This handbook is designed to keep you informed of several policies and procedures of Elon Elementary and Alamance Burlington Schools. From time to time, these policies will change and written notice of changes will be provided. Although a few selected policies are included in this handbook, all board policies could be found on the ABSS web site at http://www.abss.k12.nc.us/. Please make reference to the ABSS publication – 2019-20 Student Code of Conduct for student related district policies that you may find helpful. Please remember to complete the Photo/Video release form and the attached confirmation receipt of this handbook and return to your child’s teacher.

Thank you,

Mr. Jack Davern, Principal

2 Elon Elementary School

Vision Statement

Students at Elon Elementary will be well prepared for the next steps in their educational career as 21st century learners, responsible citizens and productive members of a global society.

Mission Statement We will reach our vision by providing a safe, 21st century learning environment that reflects and supports our global society through:

Rigorous instruction that integrates and capitalizes on technology Engagement that utilizes differentiated approaches Achievement in core content areas and in the arts Community involvement capitalizing on local culture Highly Qualified instructional staff who embrace the vision

School Colors: Burgundy and Gold School Mascot: Lil’ Phoenix

Introduction This handbook has been developed to be a quick reference for students and parents. These guidelines are to help answer questions you might have about our school. We believe that good communication between home and school is essential for success. Read and discuss this handbook with your child and contact us if we can help in any way. Also, reference the ABSS Student Code of Conduct publication guide and discuss as needed.

3 Elon Elementary School

Faculty and Staff

OFFICE & ADMINISTRATION

Jack Davern Principal Tracy Pennington Assistant Principal Jennifer Langley Secretary/Bookkeeper Alicia Sutton Data Manager Marti Rudisill Receptionist & Day Care Director Magnum Peterson Psychologist Usha Verma School Counselor Angela Mullen School Social Worker Amber Green School Nurse Maggie Derrick Early Birds Becky Kiser Early Birds

CLASSROOM TEACHERS

Aceneth Cruz Kindergarten Teacher Matthew Agner 1st Grade Teacher Lisa Day Kindergarten Teacher Sandra Bays 1st Grade Teacher Tracey Dix Kindergarten Teacher Jill Horne 1st Grade Teacher Stephanie Ash Kindergarten Teacher Ian Lewis 1st Grade Teacher Mallory Bishop Kindergarten Teacher Niki Montgomery 1st Grade Teacher Kimberly Carr Kindergarten Teacher Paola Contreras 1st Grade Teacher

Joe Edge 2nd Grade Teacher Maggie Derrick 3rd Grade Teacher Jaime Herman 2nd Grade Teacher Denicea Doyle 3rd Grade Teacher Cheryl Howe 2nd Grade Teacher Donna Johnson 3rd Grade Teacher Stephanie Ector 2nd Grade Teacher Dani Diovisalvi 3rd Grade Teacher Andrea Mejia 2nd Grade Teacher Regina Kellis 3rd Grade Teacher Tia Wilson 2nd Grade Teacher Stella Ospina 3rd Grade Teacher

Theresa Vieruel 4th Grade Teacher Lisa Hiatt 5/4th Grade Teacher Joyce Bulot 4th Grade Teacher Ashley Coble 5th Grade Teacher Luis Galvis 4/5th Grade Teacher Carissa Schmidt 5th Grade Teacher Sarojini Naidoo 4th Grade Teacher Brandy Jo Brehm 5th Grade Teacher Emily Moore 4th Grade Teacher Creag Carson 5th Grade Teacher Amber Honeycutt 4th Grade Teacher

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS

Gayle Canaday Liz Fogleman Cynthia House Melinda Kirby Becky Kiser Becky Louis Jodi Moody Loren Page Mariana Tagliaferro Cindy Vaughn

4 RESOURCE SPECIALISTS & SUPPORT

Mary Black RTI Specialist Donna Davis AIG Teacher Wendy Robertson EC Teacher Ashley Rumley EC Teacher Susan Baker Speech Therapist James Shuler Media Specialist Darcy Smith Art Teacher Stacey Johnson ESL Teacher Crystal Johnson PE Teacher Lynn Johnson Music Teacher Manda Stiegel K-5 Enrichment Denise Bungardy Occupational Therapist

Daily Schedule

7:30 – 7:50 a.m. Breakfast (we stop serving at 7:50) 7:50 a.m. Tardy Bell - Announcements Begin Instructional Day Begins 2:30 p.m. Afternoon Announcements 2:35 p.m. Dismissal Bell 3:30 p.m. Teacher Day ends 4:00 p.m. Business Office Closes

ATTENTION: Very Important Notice!! Students and parents – please be advised that proper supervision of students is provided during the official student hours of operation of Elon Elementary School which are 7:30 a.m. until 2:35 p.m. It is not safe to drop a child off in any traffic line or parking lot. Parents interested in dropping off earlier or picking up later might consider our Early Bird or Little Phoenix After-School Program. Call the office for enrollment details, hours and costs.

Students must have a consistent mode of transport to and from school. Our options include bus rider, car rider or day care providers. Families that live within walking distance will need to use the sidewalk in the front of the school and follow designated pedestrian areas as opposed to walking through parking and traffic areas.

While rare, we know emergencies occur requiring a change with a dismissal routine please contact the office by 1PM where possible.

Without a note/call indicating any dismissal changes, we will send the child home along the normal routine. 5

Arriving Late and Leaving Early

Elon Elementary School will observe the following procedures:

1. Students who report to school at/after 7:50 a.m. will need to be SIGNED IN through the main office at the Ident-a-kid kiosk by the adult bringing them in. 2. School staff, student council or safety patrol leaders will walk students to class. Leaving Early 3. Parents, guardians or other authorized persons coming to pick up a child early must report directly to the office and sign the student out on through the Ident-a- kid kiosk. Office staff will call for your child from their classroom. a. If an adult comes to pick up a student, and that adult is not listed in powerschool as someone who is authorized to pick them up, we will not allow the child to leave with them unless we speak with a parent. b. A drivers license is needed to complete this sign-out process. Ident-a-kid runs a safety background check. c. Picking up students after 2:15 is only for an emergency. Calling for dismissal at this time presents a school safety issue. Office staff must seek administrative approval to call for a student at/after 2:15. d. If a medical appointment is the reason for signing out early, an appointment card will need presented for documentation. If an appointment card is not available, a doctor’s note upon return will be acceptable to document the reason for early sign-out, otherwise it is an unexcused dismissal. Please schedule appointments for after school hours when possible. e. If you need to pick your child up during the day, please be prepared to wait as it will take time to locate your child and additional time may be needed to return to their homeroom to pack up and get needed assignments. f. Students will not be called out of class to wait in the office for pick up.

4. A parent or guardian should not go directly to a classroom or out to the playground to pick up a child - this could be interpreted as trespassing.

5. Students leaving before or arriving after 11:30 are considered absent for the day.

6. Transportation Changes are limited to 3 urgent situations per semester. a. Changes must be received in the office, in writing by 1:00 to ensure message delivery to the child and to the teacher. b. After the third change in a semester an administrator will be contacted to help ensure consistent transportation plans for student safety.

7. Without a note indicating any dismissal changes, we will send the child home along the normal routine.

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Procedures for Car Riders Arrival 1. The morning arrival line will begin at the designated area painted “STOP” on the ground (at the flagpole). 2. The first car to arrive will keep to the right, the second car will pull in to the left next to the first car. The third to arrive will keep right and fourth to the left and the pattern will repeat filling each lane in a balanced manner. 3. When drop off begins, cars will be directed to follow the path to the main entrance drop off zone, in the alternating arrival pattern. 4. Once cars safely unload children in the front, cars will exit and the next group of cars will follow the same process to the drop off point. 5. As cars exit the school lot, all traffic will exit to the right onto Walker Rd. toward Powerline Rd. Note: This will be during drop off and dismissal times only. Dismissal 6. Car Riders will be dismissed to a waiting area in the building for pick up at 2:35 p.m. 7. Cars will line up the same as the morning drop off procedure by alternating the lanes. 8. When dismissal begins, parents will be directed to pull forward to the designated cone to meet their child for safe pick up. 9. As car riders pick up and exit, the next group of cars will be given the signal to pull forward to the designated cone to meet their child. This pattern will continue. 10. Students not picked up by the time the traffic circle has cleared will need to be signed out at the office.

= = NEW in 2019-20 = = Two numbered student identification cards will be provided to each child/family. This number code will remain the same as long as the child/family is enrolled. This numbered card is to protect from student names being visible in your car, especially if left in settings other than school.

The tag is designed to be easily displayed by hanging on the rear view mirror. At student pick-up time in the car rider line, this numbered tag must be visible.

As your car approaches, a staff member will notify the indoor car rider area of your arrival based on the number on your card and your child(ren) will meet at designated cone.

A numbered card must be displayed for student safety. If you do not have a card displayed you will be asked to park and report to the main office to sign your child out. Families have two tags and one may given to a caretaker to pick up.

Lost tags will incur a $5 replacement fee. Additional tags may be purchased for $5.

Students riding home with a friend must have a written parent note that specifically includes the number of the tag linked to the child he/she will be riding home with.

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Procedures for Day Cares

Students who are picked-up by Day Care providers will exit to designated areas inside the school. Please notify the office AND your child’s teacher of the specific Day Care that will be picking up. Day care dismissal areas will be supervised by school staff. Little Phoenix will dismiss to a designated area in the school.

Emergency Information

Every parent should supply the school with necessary information in case of emergencies. Student protection relies on us having at least one phone number where a parent could be reached should an emergency arise. Students should also have personal knowledge of phone numbers and their parent’s place of employment. If you do not have a personal phone, please provide a telephone number where someone can be reached who will be able to contact you. We will use our phone messaging service to inform you of school events, delays, emergency release or closings. This phone service is also used by the school district for messages. This year all registration updates are made online by visiting: https://sites.google.com/abss.k12.nc.us/newstudentenrollment/menu

Inclement Weather Procedures

When the possibility of severe weather exists, we will all need to tune in to the local weather forecasts. Whether it is snow, ice, or severe storms it is important for you to know that the school system collaborates with law enforcement and highway departments. The decision to cancel, delay or release school early is generally done prior to 6:00 am. All media are notified and the telephone notification system will be enacted to contact you using the phone number/email in our system (please keep us updated with changes). Local radio stations are among the first to know and announce any delays, closings or early dismissals.

FM RADIO STATIONS AM RADIO WKRR 92.3 WYMY 96.9 WMAG 99.5 WJMH 102.1 WSJS 600 WBAG 1150 WPAW 93.1 WQMG 97.1 WVBZ 100.3 WTQR 104.1 WPTF 680 WSML 1200 WQDR 94.7 WSNW 98.7 WZTK 101.1 WZKL 107.5 WPCM 920 WEAL 1510

TELEVISION NETWORK STATIONS WFMY 2 WRAL 5 WGHP 8 WXII 12 NEWS 14 CBS CBS FOX NBC CAROLINA 8

Student Insurance

In the event of an accident at school, we follow procedures with accident reports. We also have forms for parents to file a claim if desired. Office staff can help with the completion of the form with pertinent information and then parents handle mailing and follow up.

Books and Damage Fees

Each student is responsible for any book assigned to him or her until it is returned to the teacher at the end of the school year, or if the student leaves our school. Assigned books are to be kept neat and clean. Students will be charged a fee for any damaged or lost books. Library books are for use by all students and must be checked out through the media center. Fees may apply to library books if lost or damaged based on the replacement cost. Costs are determined by our Media Specialist.

Payment options for school fees

Payment for any school related event or activity – including lunch accounts, field trips, day care or other school related fees could be made through a variety of options including cash, check or credit card. When sending in cash please place it in an envelope with your child’s name and homeroom teacher on the outside. Inside be sure to include the form or note for the purpose. If sending a check – make it payable to Elon Elementary School. Parents could pay for school lunch with a credit card by visiting www.lunchprepay.com You will need your child’s ID number to register in this service. Parents with a child enrolled in our afterschool program may also pay by credit card. There is a link on our school web site to make payments with a credit card. You will need your child’s student ID number to set up an account to give proper credit. Student ID numbers are found on their report card or you can contact the main office for support.

Lost and Found

The best way to retrieve lost items is to have your child’s name on it somewhere. Students who find items are asked to turn them in at the office. If a student has lost something at school, please check by the office. Items remaining in lost and found area after four weeks will be donated to charity.

9 Attendance and Absences

When a student is absent, a NOTE/email MUST BE SENT to the teacher by the parent or legal guardian stating the reason for the absence within 3 days. Such notes should contain the date of the absence and the specific reason for the absence. A signature and phone number of the parent or legal guardian should be included. A child will be marked with an unexcused absence unless written documentation is received within 3 days. A letter will be mailed by our school social worker after unexcused absences accumulate.

EXCUSED EDUCATIONAL ABSENCES

Excused Absences will not give “credit” for attendance in order to allow for perfect attendance recognition. An Excused Absence for ANY reason is still a recorded absence.

Board Policy excuses absences for the following reasons: 1. Illness or injury; 2. Quarantine; 3. Death in the Immediate Family; 4. Medical, Dental, or Other Health Care Provider Appointments; 5. Court or Administrative Proceedings; 6. Religious Observances; 7. Educational Opportunity; 8. Local School Board Policy; 9. Absence Related to Deployment Activities.

Requests for Educational Excused Absences Parents must provide a written request to Mr. Davern at least one week in advance in order for a team review of the request. The decision to excuse (in part or in full) will be documented with the child’s homeroom teacher and data manager for accurate record keeping. Requests received during or after the trip will be denied.

Requests should provide details on how the trip will reinforce the curriculum under study in the current grade of the child. While many experiences are educational, the parameters for an excused absence are intended to reinforce curriculum standards or afford a unique opportunity such as an academic or athletic competition. Please visit the curriculum section of the ABSS web site for current grade level standards to align your reasons for requesting the time away to grade level standards.

Note: Family vacations, trips to Disney, long weekends at the beach or mountains as well as family reunions and celebrations are not reasons to request excused absences for educational opportunity. Teachers will provide work upon return from the time away. Students will be provided with adequate time to complete assignments. Teachers are not expected to develop lessons or create any additional activities for the student to complete in relation to the trip. Projects and class reports about the trip are not required unless it is a teacher request.

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Student Medications

Medicine CANNOT be administered to a child at school without the written authorization of a physician. This includes any medicated product, including items such as chap-stick, cough drops, creams, drops or patches. The REQUIRED Physician’s Authorization of Medication for a Student at School form is available from our nurse in the school office. We have forms in the office that need to be completed by doctor’s office. Forms are also available on the ABSS web site at http://www.abss.k12.nc.us/Page/10750

With proper authorization, the following procedures for administering medication are: 1. A parent or guardian (not the student) must bring the medicine to the office in the original prescription container, identifying the medication and dosage. (The pharmacist may make up two bottles if you let him/her know you need one for school). 2. A completed Physician’s Authorization form must accompany all medication. 3. The student will report to the nurses office when it is time for his or her medication. 4. Plans to maintain Emergency medications in the classroom are developed by the nurse. Medications/logs will be securely maintained. The school nurse and designees will be responsible for the security and administration of medications.

A.E.D. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is located on the wall in the main hall by the double doors near the gym and cafeteria. This is for use in emergency situations that require it. It is in a case that has an alarm that sounds when case is opened. This device is checked monthly by our nurse. Staff members are trained on its use.

Head Lice While this is an unpleasant situation, it does happen in all schools. We have a procedure for addressing Head Lice in the district and have trained staff to support this process. The biggest problem we have encountered has been with families treating at home without informing the school. This information is kept confidential and it is helpful when determining if there is an isolated case or larger concern. In the event of multiple incidents in the same setting, we send notification letters to parents. Students may be in class with nits, we send home only when active louse are present. A care plan is reviewed and we excuse up to 3 consecutive days for treatment. Students returning will be checked in the office by the nurse or trained staff. Contact our nurse with questions, concerns and support as needed.

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Student Clubs

Through the school year students will have opportunities to become involved with after-school clubs. Clubs are run by volunteer school staff. Students with suspensions, school debt or problems with on time pick-up may experience barriers with participation. After school clubs have a non-refundable fee to obtain needed supplies. Notices of clubs will be sent through homeroom teachers. Spaces are limited. Transportation is not provided by the school. Clubs dismiss from the main entrance area for parent pick up.

Cell Phones / Electronic Devices Students are not permitted to use school phones unless assisted by a school employee. Students will not be called to the office to take outside calls. Emergency messages will be given as appropriate. Cell phones are not permitted to be used during school hours or on buses by students; these should be turned off and out of sight. Students using a cell phone will have it sent to the office for a parent to pick up. Continued violations will face further consequences set forth in school board policy. The school is not responsible for lost/damaged items. This includes electronic items such as phones, iWatches, iPads, iPods, DS games, Nooks, etc. This includes during the school day, field trips, on buses and participation in clubs or other school sponsored events. Details of use on Field Trips will be provided by teachers when field trip information is sent.

STUDENT BIRTHDAYS , DELIVERIES

or other CELEBRATIONS

We acknowledge student birthdays through morning announcements and a small token item from the school. In an effort to prevent hurt feelings with our students, private party invitations (inviting only selected classmates) should be sent privately instead of passing them out at school. Invitations being issued to ALL class members could be passed out at school. School staff are not permitted to provide student directory information with address, phone number etc. Parents wishing to bring in items for a class celebration are welcome to do so. This needs to be coordinated ahead of time with the teacher. Birthday treats cannot be brought into the cafeteria during lunch per ABSS food service guidelines. Drop in surprises compromise instructional time and are not permitted. We cannot accept floral deliveries, balloons or other items for students at any time through the year including birthdays, Valentine’s Day or other holidays or special events. 12

Class Celebrations

Class celebrations are scheduled on the dates listed below. Class celebrations will be coordinated with the class parent and the homeroom teacher. Celebrations are intended to be time for students to enjoy with their classmates – it is not intended for extended family and siblings. Classroom space is limited - overcrowding compromises safety.

*Two dates will be drop off treat days. Drop off treat days are not class parties and are coordinated with teachers. Treats are small items, similar to what you would find in a party gift bag. Items are dropped off in the office or sent in with students. Office will deliver for teachers to distribute at a time during the day they deem appropriate.  *Halloween/Fall – Thursday, October 31st – Book Character Parade – this is a drop off treat day  Christmas/Winter – Thursday, December 19th – (in classrooms - parents invited) 8:30 – 3rd and 5th Grade 9:30 – 2nd and 4th Grade 10:30 – Kindergarten and 1st Grade  *Valentine’s Day – Friday, February 14th - a drop off treat day (typically valentines are the treat)  Easter/Spring Celebration – Date TBA = Field Day K/1 morning & 2/3 afternoon o Date TBA = Field Day 4/5 morning (parents invited to field days) . Siblings are not to be signed out to attend a field day in another grade  End of Year Receptions – Dates TBA – based on state test schedules – follows awards program.

No homemade items are allowed – store bought or prepackaged items only please. Food from off campus (like pizza) cannot substitute the opportunity for any child to obtain a school lunch. Once all students are served/option of a school lunch, it is acceptable to include “outside” food in celebrations. No money should be collected to “pitch-in” for food.

Visitors

Our campus is secured with a door entry system. All doors are locked during the school day; individuals are easily able to exit. All visitors will need to press the buzzer to gain entry to the building. When pressed, visitors are asked how they could be helped before being buzzed into the safety vestibule. Visitors will enter the main office reception area to use the Ident-a-kid kiosk to sign-in to obtain a visitor pass. This procedure is district-wide. Visitors will need to use their drivers license to check in. With each visit, a visitor tag must be obtained and worn in a visible location. Tags must be disposed of at check out. Students are not allowed to bring visitors to school/on the bus at any time.

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Appointments

Check in at the office when arriving for your appointment. Office staff will call the teacher to meet you in the main office. Parking is available in the front lot.

Parent Teacher Conferences

If you wish to speak with your child’s teacher, or arrange a conference, please send a note with your child, email the teacher or call the main office to leave a request for the teacher to contact you. Teachers cannot conference with parents when they have scheduled classes. Appointments work best as drop-in visits will not guarantee a meeting.

First quarter parent conferences will be held between October 15th and 25th. Students are encouraged to be part of the conference to go over data notebooks. Invitations will be sent to parents to arrange conferences by homeroom teachers. Note: Conferences cannot take place before the school day begins. They may begin as early as 2:45, with the latest being when the main office closes at 4:00. Special conference hours may be announced during the school year. Arrangements to meet outside these times requires teachers and school staff to secure administrative approval. Please be on the look-out for your invitation to arrange your conference!

IMPORTANT ABSS CALENDAR ITEMS

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS/BREAKS 4 EARLY RELEASE DATES September 2nd – Labor Day (11:30 dismissal & bagged lunch day) th th November 11th – Veteran’s Day October 16 February 5 th th November 27th – 29th – Thanksgiving March 11 June 10 December 23rd- January 1st - Break TEACHER WORK DAYS January 20th – Martin Luther King, Jr. (No School for Students) August 19th-23rd September 18th April 10th – Good Friday Holiday October 29th November 5th April 13th – 17th – Spring Break January 2nd & 3rd January 21st May 25th – Memorial Day th th th March 27 June 11 & 12 Inclement Weather PROGRESS REPORT PERIOD REPORT Make up dates: REPORTS Quarterly End Dates CARDS Teacher work days, September 25th 1st = October 28th November 4th th 2nd = January 17th th breaks or Saturdays December 4 January 28 February 21st 3rd = March 26th April 3rd May 8th 4th = June 10th June 10th

14 Elon Elementary School PTO

2019-2020 PTO Executive Board

Co-Presidents: Jill Fisher & Angela Mullen Co-Vice Presidents: Jeanette Gray & KC Caldwell Co-Secretaries: Jennifer Steelman & Heidi Bright Treasurer: Jessica Harvey

To contact your PTO please email [email protected]

The PTO at Elon Elementary strives to bring our community resources together to support and enrich the educational environment of our children. We welcome all parents, guardians, and grandparents of Elon students, as well as teachers and staff. Our PTO supports students and teachers in a variety of ways through fundraisers, projects, celebrations and family events. We will need your help to make things happen for our kids! Classroom support with Technology, Literacy, Field trips, and Campus Safety are a few examples of how PTO has provided support in the past. Ideas and events will be shared out at meetings, in newsletters, bulletins, flyers, connect ed messages and on our Facebook Page.

Some ongoing fundraisers that are easy for every parent to take part in are: saving Sunny-D Labels and Box Tops For Education, along with using your Harris Teeter VIC card (our number is 1342) and Food Lion MVP card (our number is 212995) . You must re- register every school year by telling them your school number when you use your store cards or register online. Don’t forget to indicate your school as Elon Elementary on your Target card as well. If you are an online shopper with Amazon, please consider starting your order at smile.amazon.com and choose to support Elon Elementary PTO with your purchases! We also have periodic restaurant nights where a portion of the sales come back to our school.

We have many opportunities for you to help our school. Below is a list of committee groups organized through PTO. Contact a PTO officer to become more involved.

PTO Committee List Reading Volunteers Merchant Fundraising Incentive Rebates

Restaurant Family Nights/ Spirit Wear Communications Box Tops for Nights Special Event Education Book Fair House & Staff Hospitality Spring Fling Grounds Appreciation PTO Meetings are held in the Cafeteria at 6:30PM unless otherwise indicated. Be on the lookout for specific event dates. 15 School Food Service

The School cafeteria will begin serving on the first day of school. Menus will be sent home each month and posted on the web. The Student lunch price is $2.60; Breakfast is $1.50. Students should pay in advance for their meals on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. All families are encouraged to use www.lunchprepay.com where all transactions could be monitored and online payments accepted. Cash or check payments could be made payable to the school, details available at http://www.abss.k12.nc.us/Page/9333. Written notices and phone calls will be made to alert parents when accounts go negative. NOTE: Students with school debt may have limited participation in in fee based, activities.

Free and reduced price meals (Breakfast AND Lunch) are available for those who qualify. Application forms are mailed to families and are available on the first day of school in the office and cafeteria. All families are encouraged to return an application. One application qualifies for both breakfast and lunch and applies to all children in the home. If status changes during the school year a new application could be completed. One application is needed per family. Complete online at https://www.lunchapplication.com/

The cafeteria is maintained as a vital part of the health program of our school. In order to keep the cafeteria clean and attractive, each student must follow the PBiS expectations: 1. Refrain from bringing carbonated drinks such as Coke, Pepsi, etc. to school. 2. Foods cannot be heated in the microwave for students unless medically necessary. 3. Keep the cafeteria line orderly and dispose of all trash properly. 4. Eat in the designated area in the cafeteria. 5. Refrain from sharing food with one another off of plates for better health. 6. Remain in the cafeteria until instructed to leave by the supervising adult.

Visitors during lunch – A plan for this will be established after the opening of the new school. Please be on alert for an update through announcements and flyers.

As stated in the Healthy Active Children Policy (HSP-S-000), structured recess and other physical Recess activity shall not be taken away as a form of punishment. Classes have designated areas for play.

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Elon Elementary School Approach to Discipline It is the responsibility of every staff member to help our children understand and follow all school expectations and regulations. It is a student responsibility to cooperate. It is the parent responsibility to help their child understand why they come to school and the behavior that is expected. With that in mind, we will continue with the implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBiS. This approach has proven to be very successful in reducing the number of office referrals and the number of out of school suspensions while increasing teaching time. It has also increased parental communication and documentation of incidents. We will continue to strengthen our PBiS Program with the R.E.A.C.H. acronym. Students will be reminded of the expectations to: have Respect, demonstrate Effort, have a great Attitude, maintain self- Control and Honesty through the day. Our school wide discipline plan will center on accentuating these positive qualities, teaching alternate behaviors and encouraging students to make appropriate choices. Expectations will be clearly defined and posted for each area on campus as reminders. Students in all grades will be involved in a back to school review of PBiS expectations and work in classrooms with teachers to develop specific classroom expectations. Students will earn tickets or points during each report period. Classroom incentives/prizes will be available as well as quarterly, grade level celebrations for students who have earned the number of tickets/points needed to participate.

Student Behavior Code

Students shall be subject to disciplinary action for any of the following. These offenses could result in, but are not limited to, out-of-school suspension. 1. Being disrespectful to faculty and/or staff. 2. Damaging school property (marking the walls, scarring furniture, breaking windows, etc.) 3. Leaving the school grounds without permission. 4. Dishonesty (being untruthful, stealing, extortion, etc.). 5. Profanity and obscenity (including hand gestures). 6. Smoking or possession of cigarettes or matches/lighters on the school campus or bus. 7. Failure to follow instructions of a faculty member. 8. Fighting or other disruption that creates a disturbance. 9. Possession or use of any item that might inflict bodily harm, including but not limited to drugs, knives, razor blades, fireworks, bullets, etc. 10. Loitering or failing to report directly to class or designated area. 11. Threatening or harassing other students verbally, physically, notes, cyber, etc 12. Any disruption to the classroom/school environment impacting the learning of others Note: Bus suspensions impact morning and afternoon routes for the regular school days.

Student Bus Rider Responsibilities - Know the school bus rules, safety procedures and regulations - Learn and follow the rules and regulations of the school bus and maintain good bus behavior - Take responsibility for your actions and behavior if you break a rule A personalized Bus rider letter will be given to students over opening days of school with additional details on bus expectations as well as possible consequences for misbehavior. 17 Student Dress Code

Students, staff and visitors are expected to dress appropriately for the classroom, recess, PE and the weather. School dress contributes to the school atmosphere. We expect students to wear clothes that FIT…

1. Shorts, shirts, dresses/skirts shall be of appropriate fit. 2. Pants shall be worn at the waist; 3. Undergarments shall not be visible; 4. Students must wear shoes; this is a requirement for PE & Recess. Flip flops are prohibited; however sandals with back straps are acceptable. We highly recommend good fitting, closed toe shoes with the new school layout and the outdoor areas. 5. Shirts should have sleeves to cover shoulders. The stomach area should be covered. 6. Sunglasses and hats/head covers may only be worn outdoors or for a special event. 7. Clothing and accessories, as well as messages on clothing or accessories shall not be lewd, vulgar, provocative and obscene, degrade individuals or groups, or promote violence, alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances. 8. Students may not display any type of affiliation with groups that may distract from teaching and learning through clothing or accessories.

The foregoing are examples only and in no way limit the scope of this dress code. If a student is not dressed appropriately, a parent will be notified to bring a change of clothes.

ABSS Board of Education Meeting Dates 2019-2020

August 26th September 23rd October 28th *December 2nd January 27th February 24th March 23rd April 27th May 19th June 22nd

All meetings are held at the ABSS Board of Education 1712 Vaughn Rd. and begin at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated.

Please visit the ABSS web site at http://www.abss.k12.nc.us/ for all meeting agendas, minutes and board policies. *November and December meeting combined

The district web site and our school site will post current events and information related to school closings and delays due to inclement weather or other emergency situations. Updates and revisions to policies will be posted on the web as well as provided in writing. 18

Homework

At Elon Elementary homework will be assigned to students on an individual basis where extra practice is needed to support mastery learning of state standards. Research based best practices on homework shape this section of the handbook and the bulleted list of beliefs.

Homework that is provided would need guidance by a family member to help reinforce the area that the assignment is designed to support. Parents should view homework as extra help to better understand a specific area of challenge in the classroom.

 We believe in the importance of reading each night based on grade level recommendations that spiral with standards and procedures to keep skills sharp.  We believe it is important to keep math skills sharp through building fact fluency and spiral reviews of content through the year.  We believe that projects are one way to enrich a variety of cross-curricular standards to demonstrate mastery of connecting them to produce a product. Projects require parental support and guidance; evaluation would be on the student presentation component.  We believe that the assigned tasks at each grade level should be developmentally appropriate and not exhaustive.  We believe that if there is great difficulty with an assignment, that the work be put away and communication made with the teacher.

Elon Elementary does not support the distribution of one size fits all worksheets or "busy work" to an entire class for nightly activity. Assignments are differentiated to meet the individual needs of students. This means, that there may be many nights where a student may not have homework; conversely there may be many nights a student does have homework. This will be based on specific learning needs. Please address specific homework questions and need with your child's teacher.

We encourage students to be actively involved in the PTO Reading Incentive program to enhance reading skills and abilities.

~ Adopted by the Elon Elementary School Improvement Team, June 2017

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