2003/03 Student Parent Handbook

Welcome Letter	Staff	Advisory Council	Programs and Policies
Mission	School Improvement	Instructional Program	School Hours
Homework	Grades	Attendance	Bus Transportation
Inclement Weather	School Conduct	Fund Raising	Meals
Lost and Found	Student Health	Insurance	Athletics
Student Accountability Standards		Parent Involvement	AES Facility Data

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 ATLANTIC ADVISORY COUNCIL

Advisory Council members are appointed by the Board of Education whose policies describe their role.  
Primary tasks are:

1. give advice to and counsel with the principal, superintendent and Board of Education,

2. assist the principal/school staff in interpreting the school program and needs of the professional staff,

3. assist the principal, school staff and others on the care and beautification of buildings and grounds,

4. designate one member to attend regular meetings of the Board of Education,

5. help the P. T. O. and other groups within the community in creating an environment that will attract and hold good school staff members,

6. assist the school staff in creating a community atmosphere of pride and concern in regards to the school and its program.

The BOE  also advises, "An important function of the council is to receive requests and suggestions from the citizens in order to promote and encourage more effective use of school facilities for educational, recreational and cultural activities; and to inform and to interpret to the community the necessity for rules and regulations for the use of school facilities." 

Atlantic Elementary School Advisory Council Meetings are planned for the third Tuesday of each month at 5:00.  Any member of the Atlantic Elementary School community is invited to attend the meetings as a guest.   Please call in advance to confirm that the meeting has not been rescheduled and to assure that we set up adequate space and chairs.   Thank you. 

The 2006-2007 members of the Atlantic Advisory Council are:

Atlantic staff members wish to express their appreciation to these parents for the extra time they give the school.  We are also very appreciative of the support from the members of our Board of Education:

COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES ARE IN A SEPARATE BOOK GIVEN TO STUDENTS ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.  PLEASE READ THE BOARD POLICIES AND THIS PIRATE’S  HANDBOOK.  PLEASE  KEEP THEM FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.   

THANK YOU.

I. STUDENT SUCCESS

A. SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
Under the State’s ABC School Improvement Plan, Atlantic Elementary School has 15 areas that are evaluated to ensure that our school is improving each year.  The areas that are evaluated are:  Reading (End-of-Grade Test) in grades 3-8, Mathematics (End-of-Grade Test) in grades 3-8, Writing in Grades 4 and 7 and Computers in Grade 8.  During the 1996-97, 1997-98, 1998-99, 2000-01 School Years Atlantic Elementary made Exemplary Gains in all areas and earned the title North Carolina School of Distinction.  During the 1999-00, 2001-02, and 2002-03 school year, Atlantic Elementary School earned the title of  N.C. School of Excellence, the highest N.C. ABCs academic honor a public school can earn.  Also, in the 2002-03 school year,  Atlantic School earned the distinction as the  #1 Title One School in all of North Carolina, one of 41 schools in the entire nation to be recognized as such.   This past school year the name of the School of Excellence Honor was changed to School of High Growth.  Atlantic Elementary School earned this distinction for the 2003-2004 year. Congratulations to all the students, parents and teachers who worked hard and dedicated their time to achieve these honors.  You are the greatest.

B. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
The instructional program serves students age 4 through grade 8 and some 3-year olds.  Children who qualify by strict Federal guidelines for the age 4 Pre-K class are screened for eligibility.  The K-8 classes are offered for all students in the attendance area who are at least 5 years of age on or before October l6. Students from other districts may request special permission to attend Atlantic Elementary School.   Special Education services are offered to students identified as handicapped or academically gifted and remedial services are available K-8 through our  half- time Title I Teacher. 

Middle school students in grades 6-8 have 8 periods in their day.  They have classes in Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education and Computer, They also have one session per week for music, art, and may elect to take band five periods per week.  There are other exploratory options available for students who do not take band.

Elementary students in grades Pre-K through grade 3 are in self-contained classrooms.  Elementary students in grades 4 and 5 are in a multi-aged class with two certified teachers with some shared activities and some separate activities.  Elementary students will have special art and music classes one time each week.

Atlantic School qualifies for Title I Reading services. This federal funding is used to support a half time reading teacher who works with our students. 

C. SCHOOL HOURS
Classes begin promptly each day at 8:00 AM and students are dismissed at 2:55 PM.  Students entering in the morning report directly to the auditorium where supervision is provided or to the cafeteria for breakfast.  Middle School students may report to the Media Center for quiet study and elementary students may report to the computer lab for CCC. Student may not change locations or wander the halls.   It is important that students are at school and ready to begin instructional activities at 8:00 AM.  Not only do students miss important information when they arrive late, but they also disrupt the learning of others when they enter the classroom late.    It is also important that students remain in class until the end of the school day so that they are exposed to a full day of direct instruction and have supervised time to begin and understand homework assignments.  Learning is directly related to time on task and appropriate practice.

D. HOMEWORK
Homework is assigned in grade levels 1 through 8 with the amount of time increasing with the student's age. A rule of thumb is 15 minutes per grade level.   The purposes of homework are to reinforce skills, to extend learning, and utilize creative thought.  It is also important to develop the self-discipline for future successes.  Most homework is assigned and begun during the class period so that the teacher can be sure the student is proceeding correctly.  Some students may complete their homework during school hours.  Not completing homework and not having it in class at the assigned time will negatively impact the student's learning and grades.  To help students accomplish their tasks, we would suggest a regular place and time for homework preparation.    Students must come to class everyday prepared with paper,  pencil, books and completed homework. 

A student wishing to come to school early or stay late to work on class assignments must check with the teacher the day before to make sure supervision is available.  Students must also bring a note from the parent giving approval for the student to stay late.

E. GRADING, REPORT CARDS, PROMOTION AND RETENTION, HONORS
A student's performance on class work, tests, and homework helps to determine grades. Reporting periods are 9 weeks long with interim reports sent home 23 days into each quarter.  In grades 1-3, parents are asked to meet with the teacher at the end of the first and third reporting periods to discuss their child’s progress and to help establish goals for the child.  In upper grades, report cards are computer generated.  Progress of students in the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes is discussed with parents in conferences, and strategies for continued growth are developed jointly between the teacher and the parents.  A report card is one means for teachers and parents to communicate, but it can't give all the information parents would like to have and teachers would like to give. Therefore, conferences are highly encouraged.

Letter grades in grades 4-8 have numerical equivalents:   

The grades a student receives on his/her report card may jeopardize promotion to the next grade level. Low End-of-Grade test scores will also jeopardize promotion. N C Student Promotion and Accountability Policy and Procedures (see attachment at the end of this handbook) are in full effect for all 3rd, 5th and 8th grade students.  Students in these grades must meet all state and local accountability requirements for promotion to the next grade. Level I or II EOGs or failing report cards may require remediation and/or summer school. 

Teachers are responsible for early identification of students who are at risk of not meeting local or state promotion standards and for seeking assistance of appropriate resource personnel.  If retention is a possibility, a written notice is given to the parent/guardian by the end of the 2nd grading period--if failure is occurring by that point--with an invitation to a parent conference within two weeks.  Another parent conference is scheduled prior to the final written notice that retention will occur.  3rd, 5th and 8th grade students who do not pass the EOG after remediation and after summer school may appeal to a county wide waiver review committee. The recommendation to retain or not to retain should be based on consensus of a committee composed of a principal and teacher.  Retention decisions for students not in 3rd, 5th or 8th grade will be made by the principal with input from parents and teachers as to what is best for the child.

Academic honors are conferred upon all 4th through 8th grade students who meet certain criteria.  All classes that meet at least four times a week are given equal credit in the calculations.

   Principal's List:      all A's 
   Honor roll:            all A's and B's.  
   Climber's Club:      Improve any report card grade by one letter without letting any grade decline.

8th Grade Honors:

Honor Students            93 or above when all 8th grade subject  are averaged
Math:                           Highest math average
Science:                       Highest science average
Social Studies:              Highest social studies average
English:                         Highest English average
Reading:                       Highest reading average

8th grade Valedictorians, Salutatorians are determined by the numerical grade average of all core subjects plus computers and Health/Physical Education.

Seventh Grade Marshals  have at least a 93 average in all core subjects plus Health/PE and computers.

Sixth through Eighth Grade Students with good citizenship are recognized each 9 weeks with a special treat such as a field trip, a dance or intramural games.  In order to be included, a student must have met all classroom standards and not have any disciplinary referrals to the office during the 9-week period. 

Special 8th grade Citizenship Award:  At the end of 8th grade, all staff members working with that class help select a student for special recognition. 

Seventh and Eighth Grade students my earn a special Atlantic Elementary School Citizenship Award if they present at least 3 recommendations from teachers,  a recommendation from a community member, qualify for the Honor Roll and demonstrate a successful Community Service Project.

F. ATTENDANCE AND MAKE-UP WORK
School attendance is compulsory by state law.  Each and every absence must be followed by a signed note from the parent stating the reason for the absence. Absences that exceed three days may require a doctor’s note.   State regulations decree that absences are considered excused only for one of the following reasons:

a) illness or injury,   b) quarantine,   c) death in the immediate family,

d) medical or dental appointments,  e) court or administrative proceedings, 

f) religious holidays or observances, 

g) valid educational opportunity with approval prior to the absence.

State regulations require the school to send a formal warning letter if a student has three unexcused absences; a second letter is sent if there are six unexcused absences.  If the total number of unexcused absences reaches 10, unless some immediate documentation is brought to the school, the principal is required to notify legal authorities that the compulsory attendance law is being violated.  The school social worker will become involved.  

Students are expected to be present for a minimum of 91% of instructional time.  Failure by a student to meet this attendance standard will be taken into consideration by the principal when making a promotional decision.

When a student misses any part of the school day, the student's parent or guardian must sign the student in or out on the office log. 

Any time a student leaves the campus or school event with someone other than his/her parent a note signed by the parent must be given to the office granting permission for the child to leave in the custody of another responsible adult.

Lectures, class discussions and class participation are irretrievable with an absence.  Class work and home work that are missed due to excused absences needs to be made up.  The student and teacher will arrange for make-up work within a reasonable time period.  Failure to make up work within 5 days will result in a failing grade for the work missed.  Students who miss previously announced tests might be required to present verification that the absence was necessary and excusable.  Special arrangements need to be made in the case of extended illness.

If a student is absent for more than ½ of a school day, he/she is not allowed to participate in after school activities, including sports, dances, and other special events.

Going to school is a student’s primary job. To accomplish their job, they must prepare for and participate in classes. What they learn is what they earn.  Students get rewarded by gaining skills and knowledge, building confidence and friendships, creating vision and opportunities.   A productive future is the long term benefit of  investing quality time at school.  Atlantic School faculty and staff are experts at helping young people become successful students.  Students must be here to take advantage of this great opportunity and parents must support our efforts to educate your children.   That support begins by being certain your child is in attendance every school day possible.    
Thank you for that support.

A. BUS TRANSPORTATION

The safety of the students transported to school is a responsibility shared  by the student, the school staff, parents, and the motoring public.   Extra care and vigilance is required during the loading, unloading, and transportation time every day.  Again, students must follow all rules on the bus and comply immediately to any request of the driver. 

We ask that parents spend extra time reviewing this section of the handbook with their child.  Be sure to get to rule 17.  Typically, students will give the same importance to the bus driver as their parents give to the bus driver.   Students must:

1. Be at the morning stop at the announced time and be prompt for loading in the afternoon.                                                                                               
2. Stay off the roadway while waiting at a stop until the bus-crossing arm is out, traffic is stopped and the bus driver motions you to cross the road.
3. Walk quickly, not running, across the roadway about ten feet in front of the bus in view of the driver.
4. Take assigned seat quickly and remain seated until dismissed by the driver.
5. Keep all body parts inside the bus at all times.
6. Never throw any object in the bus or out of the bus.
7. Have only the usual school supplies. If you need to bring special project materials for class, show them to the driver.
8. Do not eat or drink on the bus—it is hard to do the Heimlich maneuver on a bus!
9. Keep the bus aisles clear of all objects and body parts.
10.Use normal classroom conduct and language--no playing, hitting, shouting, etc.  All Carteret County conduct policies
also apply to the bus.
11. Never touch the emergency door, fire extinguisher, first aid supplies, steering wheel, bus driver or keys unless
directed to do so by the bus driver.    
12. Be prepared to pay for any damage that you cause to the bus.
13. Ride only on the bus to which you are assigned unless you have an approved note from the office.
14. Help keep the bus clean. Be prepared to clean any mess you make.
15. Leave the bus area immediately after the bus unloads at school.
16. In the afternoons, exit only at your assigned stop. 
17. NEVER bend over to pick up an object without returning to the bus and telling the driver that you need to pick something up.  If the driver cannot see the student, there is a great risk that the bus will begin to move forward, hitting or killing the unseen child.  This has happened in other school districts

THE BUS RULES ARE MADE TO PROTECT THE STUDENT WHILE BEING TRANSPORTED TO AND FROM SCHOOL.  IT IS THE DUTY OF ALL STUDENTS TO OBEY THE RULES.  STUDENTS REPORTED FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE BUS RULES CAN AND WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM THE BUS.  BUS BEHAVIOR MAY ALSO BE PUNISHED BY SCHOOL CONSEQUENCES AND SUSPENSION.

If a child is to go home other than his/her usual way, the school needs to be notified by 2:30 to ensure that everyone concerned receives the notice

B. INCLEMENT WEATHER
When weather delays the opening of school or mandates the early closing of school, the local radio and television stations will broadcast the information.   Early dismissal means that students are sent home their usual way, but leave school earlier.  If a child is to leave school in any way other than his or her usual way on such an occasion, the parent is asked to notify the school.

C. SCHOOL CONDUCT
The following five key concepts will prevent any discipline problems.  Let these five simple considerations guide you through a successful school year.

                        Be Respectful-  of the school,  yourself and others
                        Be Responsible- for what you say and do
                        Be on time and be ready to learn
                        Follow directions
                        Keep you hands and feet to yourself

In order for the school to be safe and focused on the task of education,  school, county and state rules are in effect. 

Any use or possession of weapons, drugs or alcohol, any assaults, property damage or bomb threats will involve severe suspensions or expulsions and police contact according to Carteret County Public School’s Policies and Procedures. 

Specific school rules more pertinent to Atlantic students include: 

1. Visitors are to report to the office upon arrival on the campus.

2. All staff, students, and parents are to be treated with respect by each other.

3. Students are to be in class, prepared to learn by 8:00 PM.

4. Chewing gum and candy are not allowed during typical school days.

5. Students should not be in the gym or classrooms without supervision.

6. Sunglasses and hats are not appropriate in the building..

7. Students are not to sell items to other students on the bus or at school. 

8. Skateboards are not to be at school.

9. Students are expected to comply with adult requests immediately.

10. Students must not bully, insult or assault anyone at school.

11. Computers are to be used for school work and assignments per the Carteret County’s Acceptable Use Policy.

Each classroom will have expectations posted and discussed.  Students are expected to honor all classroom rules, procedures, and directions.  If students are referred to the office for disciplinary needs,  the consequences will be logical and, if persistent, progressive. They may include  written assignments, parent conferences, after school detentions with work detail or assignments, in school suspensions or out of school suspensions.  We implore all parents to encourage your children to be good citizen and hard workers at school.  If your child has trouble understanding his or her responsibilities as a student,  we will work with you and ask your help and support to correct any problems.  

If a student is assigned an after school detention, it will be the parent’s responsibility to arrange transportation for their child to get home.  Parents will be given 24 hours notice for after school detentions in case you must make other arrangements for transportation.

D. APPROPRIATE ATTIRE FOR SCHOOL
It is important that children are safe and that they are focused on the challenges of learning.   We also encourage students to demonstrate respect for themselves in the way that they dress for school.  It is a challenge to parents and school personnel to help children dress appropriately for school because of what we see on television, in magazines and stores, but  to meet the above objectives, Atlantic School will enforce the following dress codes.

1) No middle part of the body or underwear should be exposed when hands are raised or students are sitting.  Have your child check this out before they leave for school.
2) If you bend over with your knees straight and any part of the buttocks are showing, your clothing is too short.
3) Skirts, shorts and dresses should be no shorter than the fingertips when standing.
4). While sitting down with palms on kneecaps, no cleavage is to show at the front above the waist or at the back below the waist.
5) Spaghetti straps are not appropriate for school because they fall down and show underwear straps.
6) No shirts with distracting, vulgar, profane, abusive, or obscene pictures or language are to be worn at school.
7) No "see-through" clothing can be worn which allows viewing of any of the above.
8) Students must follow the dress code while on field trips, at school dances, graduations and other after school activities.    

Students wearing such clothing will be removed from association with other students until the inappropriate attire is corrected.  Parents will be called to bring in appropriate school clothes.   A T-shirt may at times be available from the office to cover tops. 

Again, specific school board policies and penalties for conduct offenses are in the Parent’s Guide to Policies and Procedures. Please review it carefully..

D. FUNDRAISING
Fund raising activities by the schools and school-related organizations are permitted but are required to follow certain guidelines:  Fund raising is limited to projects that have as their purposes the improvement of the school program or the sponsorship of worthwhile student activities.  Students in grades K-8 may not go door-to-door to make sales.  No prizes for the most sales may be awarded to students.  Any fund raising activity should provide at least 40% of the sales price to the school.  All fund raising activities of school shall be approved by the Carteret County Board of Education in advance.

A. MEALS
Application forms for free and reduced meals are available in the office; they must be filled out at the beginning of the school year.  Budget cuts require a $.30 increase this year.

B. LOST AND FOUND
The school maintains lost and found articles (most of which are coats) which have no identifying marks or names, until the end of the school year.   After that time they are given away.  Parents are welcome and encouraged to check the storage area at any time their child has an item missing.

C. STUDENT HEALTH
IMMUNIZATIONS

Students must present proof of immunizations in order to attend public school.   
The following immunizations are required:   

5 Diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough/diphtheria-tetanus; if the 4th dose was administered on or after the 4th birthday, the 5th dose is not required.
4 Oral polio vaccines;  if the third dose was administered on or after the 4th birthday, the 4th dose is not required.
2 MMR doses; 1st dose on or after the 1st birthday; 2nd dose before enrolling in school (Kindergarten).
1  HIB dose after 1 year of age but not required at all after age 5.

MEDICATIONS

1. A signed order by a physician with specific directions for administration and a form with a parent signature must be submitted to the principal or designee for each prescription.  Forms are available at the school.  Each school year, new forms and orders must be submitted.
2. A medication bottle with a pharmacist’s label designating the the patient’s name, instructions, name of drug, and name of physician must be submitted to the principal or designee BY THE PARENT.  STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TRANSPORT PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS TO AND FROM SCHOOL.
3.  A record must be kept of all students receiving medication.  This record must be accessible in the office.

Non-prescription medicine can be kept by students in grades 6-8 under the following guidelines:

1. The principal must have a note from the parent or guardian identifying the medication and the reason for taking it.

2. Only enough medication for one day should be kept by the student.

3. Medication must be kept in a pocket or purse, not left unattended.

4. The principal will notify teachers of any student taking medication over an extended period of time.

D. INSURANCE
The school system does not carry insurance on students.  Parents may purchase insurance for a small fee from a private company.  Information about school insurance, application forms and mail back envelopes addressed to the insurance company are sent home at the beginning of the year.  If you choose to purchase school insurance please write your check to the company and mail directly to the company in the envelope provided.  New students may enroll at the point of registration at the school.

Please note:  If you purchase school insurance and/or dental insurance and you wish to make a claim, you will need to contact the insurance company to get the proper forms on which to file.  The school office can provide you with the phone numbers of the companies, but we do not have the claim forms.

E. ATHLETICS
Atlantic Elementary School is pleased to be able to sponsor an athletic program for the students.  While the school cannot (due to limited enrollment)  field its own football team, it does provide for the interested students to join with students from Harkers Island and Smyrna and have a "Down East Dolphins" team when there are sufficient numbers. A girls' volleyball team and and this year a girl's soccer team, along with a football cheerleading squad operates in a like manner.  In the spring of the year the Down East school combine for a boys' baseball team and a girls' softball team. Atlantic Elementary has boys and girls basketball teams made up of its students.  Cheerleading is also offered to the 7^th and 8^th students at Atlantic for the basketball season.

Before a student can participate with any of these teams, he/she must provide proof of insurance, a medical examination, and parent permission form.   In order to be eligible for athletic participation, a student must be making satisfactory progress and be failing no subject.  After making the team, the student must still meet  academic,  behavioral, and attendance requirements.

 Academic Requirements: at the end of each 4 and 1/2 week period and 9-week period, homeroom teachers will check grades.

In order to participate in athletics a student must have a passing grade in every subject on his or her report card.  If a student receives a failing grade on his/her report card he/she is not eligible to play or practice until the next report card comes out and demonstrates passing grades.
If daily classroom grades do not meet these criteria, the student must pull up the grade(s) before further participation is allowed.  The grade(s) may sometimes be pulled up by scoring high on the next classroom test or by doing extra work.  Handicapping conditions will be taken into consideration.  When improvement has been made, a note will be sent to the coach from the subject teacher.

Behavioral Requirements:  All school expectations for proper conduct apply to conduct at games, on the school campus, and on the school bus.

1. There will be no athletic participation on the afternoon of an assigned detention.

2. Two after school detentions in one week, or an in-school suspension will prevent participation in the next game.

3. Serious misconduct, an out-of-school suspension or the second in-school suspension will result in expulsion from the squad.

Attendance Requirements: 
Attendance at school is required in order to participate in a practice or game the same day. In cases of extraordinary emergencies relating to attendance, the student should contact a member of the middle school team immediately in order to seek resolution to the player's participation status.

IV. Student Accountability Standards
2004-2005

The Student Accountability Standards are expectations for student achievement in all North Carolina public schools.  There are two elementary standards, one middle school standard and one high school standard.  They are broken down into Gateways.  Click on the link above to learn more about each one. 

V. Parent Involvement

            Research indicates that a child’s success in school is related directly to the amount of support the family provides that child throughout their school career.   Atlantic Elementary School is a community school that must rely on family and community support to provide our students with many of the things that are readily available in larger towns and cities.  With strong community commitment, we can still provide our students with valuable experiences in the arts, dance, color or winter guard and other important enriching activities.   You have well proven yourselves in the sports arena with very successful baseball and softball teams. 

              The school would like to invite you to share that type of enthusiasm with our children in other areas, too.   Please,  give us a call at anytime to discuss possibilities.  Consider helping the PTO with their mission to serve the students and teachers of Atlantic Elementary School.   Contact the office or your child’s teacher to make arrangements to support our efforts to provide the very best educational experience possible for your children.   When we all work together, outstanding things happen. 

Thank in advance for your help,
Chris Yeomans,  Principal 
225-3961