Student Handbook

Dear Parents and Students,

       Welcome to Harkers Island Elementary, a community school with a 
tradition of excellence in education. We look forward to working with 
you in the coming year to meet our goal of helping every child succeed 
each day.  Our entire staff is committed to providing the best possible 
educational experience.

     In addition to our high academic performance, Harkers Island enjoys
the reputation of maintaining an extremely safe and orderly educational 
environment. Many of the practices and procedures that help us keep our 
high standards are found in Harkers Island Elementary School Parent 
and Student Handbook
.  A Parent’s Guide to Carteret County Public 
School’s Policies and Procedures
gives additional information regarding 
students enrolled in our public school system. We encourage you to read 
both publications carefully and to contact the school if you have questions 
about this information or any other concern about your child. 

     I look forward to working with you and your child during the upcoming 
school year.  Thank you in advance for all your support and hard work.


Sincerely,

April Lilley

Principal

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OUTSTANDING FEATURES AND PROGRAMS

(To name just a few)

Active PTO and Advisory Council

Active Volunteer Program

School Wide Technology

Unique Island Setting

Computer Lab

General Music and Band

Accelerated Reader Program

Battle of the Books Team (2001-2002 County and Regional Champions- AGAIN!)

Basketball

Softball

Cheerleading

Volleyball

Baseball

During the 2001-2002 school year, input from the staff, parents, and students 
was used to write the following guiding principles for our school.  We thank 
you for your help in this process.

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HIES Vision Statement

Our vision is to become a community in which all students, parents, and staff 
are supportive of the educational process and committed to excellence.

 

HIES Mission Statement

Our mission is to prepare all students to achieve high standards and become 
lifelong learners.

 

HIES Motto
Success!   Every child,  every day.

 

HIES Belief Statements

We believe……

High academic expectations and behavioral standards must be communicated 
to and modeled for each child.

Each member of our school is valuable and deserves fairness, dignity, and 
respect in a safe, clean, environment.

Each child’s true academic potential can be obtained only when parents, 
students, and school staff communicate and work together as a team.

Quality teaching uses a variety of strategies and activities including whole 
group, small group, and individual instruction in a technology rich environment.

Children achieve their fullest potential when engaged in a variety of academic, 
physical, and social experiences.

All members of the school community should be lifelong learners.

A strong reading program is an essential part of an effective school.

Our school has a responsibility to identify and provide assistance to students 
with special educational needs.

Fostering responsible citizenship and respect for diversity is an essential 
role of the school.

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HARKERS ISLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2002-2003 Staff Roster

  Teachers

Mike Crusie                                                                           8th Grade

Cheryl Nelson                                                                        7th Grade

Sharon Stanley                                                                       6th Grade

Terri Trevathan                                                                       5th Grade

Jean Rose                                                                                4th Grade

Paige Willis                                                                             3rd Grade

Terry Lewis                                                                            2nd Grade

Laura Styron                                                                            1st Grade

Renee Koegler                                                                      Kindergarten

Lisa Chadwick                                                                        LAP/Title I

Cecila Smith                                                                            Resource

Kathy Yeomans                                                                       Resource

Dianne Garner                                                                         Media Center

Laranda Taylor                                                                        Technology

Barry Langston                                                                        Music

Allen Pettit                                                                               Band

Rhonda Scibal                                                                      AIG Coordinator  

Cecil Lilley                                                                              Physical Ed.

Robert Davis                                                                           Art

Amanda Vierick                                                                       Counselor

Mary Jane Govoni                                                                    Nurse

Sharon Thomas                                                                       Speech

Barbara Jernigan                                                                      Social Worker

Johnny Clevinger                                                                      Psychologist

 

 

Office Staff

Jamison Ipock                                                                         Principal

Sue McLeod                                                                            Secretary/ SIMS

Mary Jane Govoni                                                                   Nurse

 

Support Staff

Cathy Guthrie                                                                          Instructional Assistant

Trudy Rose                                                                              Instructional Assistant

Karen Taylor                                                                           Instructional Assistant

Eugenia Johnson                                                                      Instructional Assistant

Ann Chadwick                                                                         Head Custodian

Helen Foley                                                                              Custodian

Minetta Nelson                                                                        Cafeteria Manager

Donna Wade                                                                            Cafeteria Worker

 

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2002-2003 Advisory Council

Yvette Baker

Stacy Davis Baysden

LuAnne Merrill

Diana Pake

Cathy Rose

April Taylor

Geneva Mason

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HARKERS ISLAND RULES AND PROCEDURES

 

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

     The school day is from 8:15 AM until 3:00 PM.  Pupils should report to the cafeteria 
in the morning if they arrive prior to 8:05 AM.  After 8:05 AM, they should report to 
the cafeteria for breakfast or go directly to their classroom.  The tardy bell will ring 
at 8:15 AM.  All pupils should be in their classrooms and ready to begin their daily 
assignments at this time. Students arriving after 8:15 will need to obtain an admit slip 
from the office in order to be allowed into class.  We ask that parents not remain in the 
classrooms after the 8:15 tardy bell.  This allows us to begin our instructional day 
promptly.
     
    
School will dismiss at 3:00 PM. The first-load bus will depart the main exit at 
3:00 PM.  Pupils who ride the second bus will remain in their homeroom until the 
second-load bus arrives at approximately 3:30.  A bell for walkers and riders will 
ring at 3:05.  K-3 pupils will use the front exit at the 3:05 bell.  Pupils in grades 4-8 
will dismiss through the east exit by the cafeteria. To avoid classroom disruptions 
parents are asked not to enter the halls before 3:00 without permission from the office.

     Parents are reminded to park in the parking lot if they arrive prior to the dismissal 
bell. If a child is not ready, parents should pull into the parking lot to wait for them.   
It is important to keep traffic moving in the driveway to avoid dangerous congestion 
either in front of the building or on the highway. No one should park or leave cars 
unattended in front of the building at any time.  This area is used regularly as a 
loading zone.


     All students K-8 arriving late should report to the office to sign-in.  All students 
will also sign-out through the office. We must have parental permission in order for 
a child to be picked up early.  Checking out needs to be limited to reasons for 
missing school as stated in the attendance section. Please do not ask to check 
out your child early unless it is an emergency situation. 
Getting a child out of 
class disrupts everyone’s lessons.  We need your help to ensure that everyone’s 
learning time is protected.

 

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ATTENDANCE

     The success of your child academically depends to a great extent upon regular 
attendance.  All future work habits, including attendance, begin at school.  Be 
mindful that in allowing unnecessary absences parents send the signal that school 
is not important.

 

Carteret County Board of Education’s Attendance Policy

The Carteret County Board of Education’s attendance policy states that 
students are expected to be present for a minimum of 91% of instructional time. 
Failure to meet the attendance standard by a student at the middle and elementary 
grades will be taken into consideration by the principal when making a promotion 
decision. The principal may waive the 91% requirement in extenuating and 
verifiable circumstances such as:

     The student has prolonged and/or chronic health condition which is substantiated 
by a physician.

     The student has achieved national or state recognition in activities, which require 
him/her to be absent.

     The student has experienced severe emotional and/or physical trauma documented 
by a physician, licensed psychologist, or licensed mental health professional.

     The North Carolina Compulsory School Attendance Law (G.S. 115C-378) contains 
the following requirements:

    
The parent, guardian, or custodian of a child shall notify the school of the reason 
for each known absence of the child in accordance with local school board policy.  
Carteret County Board Policy requires that a parent furnish a note signed by the 
parent or the student’s physician stating the reason for all absences and 
tardiness.
Valid and excusable reasons for absences include illness, injury, 
quarantine, and death in the family, medical visits, or judicial proceedings requiring 
the child to appear in court.

     Every parent, guardian, or other person in this state having charge or control of 
a child between the ages of seven and 16 years shall cause such child to attend 
school continuously.  Legal action may be started against you if your child accumulates 
10 unexcused absences.  If you are found guilty in court of failure to comply with 
the North Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law, you may be fined, ordered to 
serve an active jail sentence or both
.
 

Absence Due to Educational Opportunity
     An absence may be excused when it is demonstrated that the purpose of the 
absence is to take advantage of a valid educational opportunity. Approval for such 
absence must be obtained before the absence occurs.  In order for a child’s absences 
to be excused during travel or for educational opportunities, the child must make a 
written request to the principal prior to the absence explaining the educational 
value. All schoolwork and any additional related projects must be completed before 
the absence is marked excused.

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Make Up Work

     It is the responsibility of the student and their parent to find out about missing 
work and to schedule times to make up the work.  Any missed work must be made 
up within three school days except in cases of extended excused absences. Failure 
to make up work in the allowed time may result in receiving failing marks. Harkers 
Island teachers stand ready to help students who are absent catch up on their work, 
but there is no substitute for being present in class.   Unexcused absences will not 
receive the same teacher courtesies for make-up work as excused absences.

 

NOTE:  Students who are absent during the school day may not participate 
in any extra- curricular activity unless the absence is for scheduled medical 
or dental care
. A doctor’s note must be received to verify the reason for the 
absence.

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ATHLETICS

Harkers Island School is extremely proud of our record of success in 
athletics. In order to be eligible to participate in our athletic programs students 
must meet the following requirements:

 

Academic Requirements

1.     All students who are promoted to the next grade are eligible until the 
1st nine-week grading period.

2.     Students who fail any subject at the nine-week grading period are ineligible 
until the next nine-week grading period.

3.     Ineligible students may not try out for a team.

 

Behavior Requirements

1.     One out-of-school suspension or a second ISS assignment ends a student’s 
eligibility for the sport. In addition, the student may not join another sport in 
progress.

2.     Student athletes must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively 
on the school at all athletic events. Poor sportsmanship may lead to a student 
becoming ineligible for participation for the remainder of the year.

 

Attendance

A student must be in attendance 85% of the previous semester to be eligible to try 
out for a sport.

 

 Age

A student shall not participate if the student becomes 15 years of age on or before 
October 16th of that school year.

 

Medical Form

The student must receive a medical examination each year by a duly licensed 
physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. 

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CHILL-OUT

Middle school students who are disrupting the learning of others may be sent to 
chill-out in another classroom.  Parents will be notified if their child is sent to chill 
out by a note or phone call.

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COMPLAINT OR CONCERN PROCESS

If a student or parent has a concern about a school policy or a teacher, the following 
procedure should be followed in order to resolve the situation as quickly as possible: 

 

1.     Contact the teacher with whom you have the complaint/concern to discuss the 
situation.

2.     If the problem still exists, contact the principal.

3.     Is the situation is still unresolved contact the appropriate central office personnel.

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DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

           Each teacher has developed a set of classroom regulations and consequences.  
These will be shared with you at the beginning of the year. The discipline plan for 
your child's class will make you aware of your role as a parent and of ways you can 
assist in making our school a better place for pupils to learn.

In order to implement a consistent approach to the handling of disciplinary 
referrals to the office, the following procedure has been adopted. The first time a 
child is formally referred to the office by a teacher for disciplinary action during a 
semester, the principal will confer with the child and notify the parents by note or 
phone that she has seen their child.  The second visit will necessitate a formal 
parent conference to discuss ways to help the child become more successful. 
third visit within the same semester may result in suspension or other appropriate 
consequences. 

Please keep in mind the above procedures are designed to follow up after 
the teacher's discipline procedures have been implemented.  This applies only to 
routine referrals for misbehavior. Any incidences of severe misconduct will be 
dealt with on an individual basis.  The following is a partial list of behaviors that 
are considered more severe in nature and may result in suspension or lead to 
possible expulsion:

 

·       Non-compliance with direction of school personnel

·       Disruption of school

·       Skipping

·       Use of profanity

·       Assault

·       Fighting

·       Bringing a weapon on school property (Any student who possesses a 
deadly weapon as defined  by Carteret County School Policy shall be 
suspended from school for 365 days)

·       Threatening or abusive actions (Bomb threats are a felony and could 
result in a 365 day suspension)

·       Theft or damage to property

·       Possession of tobacco

·       Possession of any narcotics, alcoholic beverage, controlled substances, 
or drug paraphernalia (Violations may result in the suspension of the 
student for the remainder of the school year) 

·       Trespassing  

 

 

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HIES SCHOOL WIDE RULES

 

1.     Do your best to learn.

2.     Help others do their best to learn.

3.     Act in a safe manner.

4.     Be respectful to all members of the HIES school community.

5.     Follow directions from school personnel politely and promptly.

 

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DRESS CODE

            Students must dress in a manner appropriate for school. This means that 
clothing should not distract from learning.

 

·       Shorts should be at least fingertip length or have at least a three inch inseam - 
NO DAISY DUKES.

·       Clothing must not contain any offensive slogans or images

·       Shirts must have straps that are at least one inch in width and should not be 
excessively low cut or revealing

·        Bellies, butts, bras, and underpants must be covered

·       Hats should not be worn inside the building

 

A good rule is that if there is ANY question as to whether or not clothing is 
acceptable, then it should not be worn to school. Students whose clothing is 
deemed inappropriate for school by their teachers will be sent to the office and 
will remain there until they have appropriate attire. 

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EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

            Students should silently evacuate the school according to their assigned 
route or go to their sheltered place in the school. The signal for a fire drill will 
be a continuous ringing of a class bell. The signal for a tornado is three long rings 
of the bell.

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GUM

            Due to health and sanitation reasons, no gum will be allowed in school.  
Students who chew gum at school will be required to scrape gum up during their 
break/lunch time.  More severe consequences may be given for repeat offenders.

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MEDICINES

            Prescription medicine can be administered by school personnel under 
the following guidelines
:

 

1.   An order signed by a physician with specific directions for administration must 
be submitted to the office.  A parent or legal guardian must also sign this order. 
These forms are available in our office and at the offices of most of our area 
physicians.

 

2.   Parents must bring the medication in a bottle with a pharmacist's label designating 
patient's name, dispensing instructions, name of drug, and the physician's name.  
Office personnel will count medication in pill form while observed by the parent.

 

3.   A record will be kept of all children receiving medication.  This record will be 
accessible in the office.

 

4.  A note regarding the medication will be attached to the child's health card.

 

5.   All medication will be kept locked in the office and administered by office 
personnel.  Teachers or assistants will be given medication to administer on 
field trips.

 

NONPRESCRIPTION MEDICINES

The above procedures also apply to all nonprescription medicines administered to 
students in kindergarten through fifth grade.  Students in middle school may keep 
non-prescription medications with them under the following conditions:

 

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

2.     The student may keep enough medication for one day.

3.     Medication must not be stored in the student’s cubby.

4.     The principal will notify the teachers of students taking medication over an 
extended period of time.

 

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PARENT INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Harkers Island Elementary School has always had an excellent volunteer 
program. Classroom volunteers are always needed to work with the teachers and 
the students. We encourage anyone who is interested in helping to contact our 
Volunteer Coordinator, Angela Scott, at 728-5012.

The PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization) provides a means for groups of 
parents to work with the faculty and staff to provide materials and services to the 
school.  PTO meetings are held throughout the year and are open for all interested 
individuals.  PTO officers are elected annually.

The Advisory Council is a group of parents appointed by the Carteret 
County Board of Education to serve as a resource to the principal and to the Board 
of Education.  The Harkers Island Advisory Council meets monthly.  Meetings are 
open to all interested parents.

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PROMOTION POLICY

            Students could be retained under the following conditions:

A.    Failure of two academic subjects

B.    Failure of any three subjects

C.    Failure to meet the NC EOG testing standards

 

The principal makes all promotion decisions with input from the student’s teachers.  
Principals have the authority to promote and to retain students based on local 
standards, which include attendance and grade level criteria, and accountability 
standards established by the State Board of Education.

 
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NC Accountability Standards

To be promoted to the next grade level, students in the 3rd, 5th, and 8th grade 
must score at least an achievement Level III on the end of grade test in both reading 
and mathematics. Students who do not meet the promotion standards will be given 
remediation and retesting. Students who do not score on grade level on the retest 
will not be promoted unless otherwise determined by the principal.

 

If the student did not score at or above proficiency level 2.5 on the end of grade 
writing test administered in grades 4 and 7, the students teacher must provide the 
student with intervention to develop writing skills. Locally developed writing 
assessment tools will be used to determine if the student has made adequate progress. 
Adequate progress must be demonstrated for a student’s promotion.

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SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE

Harkers Island Cafeteria serves a well-balanced and nutritious lunch on a 
daily basis.  The cafeteria also serves breakfast to pupils from 7:30 until 8:10.  
Pupils are encouraged to participate in these programs.  A child cannot perform 
at his best when he or she is hungry. In addition to breakfast and lunch we will 
provide the opportunity for students to buy a nutritious mid-morning snack.  Your 
child’s homeroom teacher will provide free and reduced lunch forms. We 
encourage every student to apply for this benefit.  This will assure that all children 
will have equal access to the programs, regardless of income. 

Lunches may be brought from home. We understand that sometimes students 
forget or lose their lunch money.  That’s why we allow students to charge their 
meals.  Sometimes parents may not get the message that their child had to charge 
a meal at school until the next day.
  Therefore, we allow students to charge for 
several days.  Please help us maintain the valuable, yet inexpensive breakfast 
and lunch meals by charging only in an emergency.  When your child has to charge 
a meal, pay the charges to the cafeteria as soon as possible.

There is a limit to the amount of money that may be borrowed. Kindergarten 
through fifth grade students may borrow up to  $10.00 for lunch. Sixth through 
eighth grade students may borrow up to $4.30. Students exceeding the limit will 
be served a peanut butter sandwich and a carton of milk until repayment is made. 

 

2002-2003 PRICES

                         Breakfast                  Lunch

Adult                $ 1.00                        $2.00

Reduced                .30                            .40

Paid (K-5)             .75                          1.25

Paid (6-8)              .75                          1.40

 

 

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STUDY HABITS

Please encourage your child to get in a regular study routine in a place 
where they can be as free as possible from distractions and display a genuine 
interest in your child's progress.  They should feel that you are concerned about 
their grades and are supportive of good study habits.  Research clearly shows 
that children learn best when they are assigned meaningful homework.  A routine 
check of your child’s homework assignments is a good practice. Remember 
children will not learn if you do their homework for them.  Homework 
assignments are checked and will be reflected in a child's academic average 
for the nine weeks-grading period.

Close contact between school and home can do much to assure that a 
child does not fall behind in their assignments. Parents are encouraged to 
consult the teacher anytime they have concerns over their child's progress. 
Teachers will be happy to discuss strategies for success.

 

 

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SCHOOL INSURANCE

School insurance is available for all pupils.  We have two basic types of 
coverage; one option is School Time coverage.  This covers your child 
only during the school day, or while participating in school-sponsored and 
school-directed activities.  The cost for this coverage is $11.00 to $35.00, 
depending on your choice of low or high option.  The second type of coverage 
available is 24-hour coverage, which covers your child for the year regardless 
whether he is in school or not.  The cost of this coverage is $57.00 to $141.00, 
again according to option. Each child will receive a brochure outlining these 
and other insurance options.  Parents will fill out the appropriate forms 
specifying the insurance they desire and mail payment directly to the company. 

NOTE: The school will not be handling this transaction.  We will be 
available to answer any questions.  Pupils participating in any school-sponsored 
athletic activity are required to have insurance, either one of the plans 
listed above or proof of insurance through another carrier.  THOSE 
PUPILS PLAYING FOOTBALL HAVE TO HAVE HIGH-OPTION 
COVERAGE
.  Please consider this as you evaluate your child's plans 
for the year.

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SCHOOL VISITS/PARENT CONFERENCES

          You are encouraged as a parent to come by and visit our school. If you wish to 
volunteer to assist in your child's class or if you have a question please contact 
your child's teacher.  Parent /Teacher conferences should be arranged so they do 
not conflict with the instructional day.  "Corridor visits" to see your child's teacher 
are discouraged. Teachers are responsible for all children in class during the 
school day.  A corridor visit does not allow for you to have the teacher's 
undivided attention. It is courteous to call and schedule appointments instead 
of just showing up.
This enables teachers to arrange their schedules to 
accommodate your conference. 

Parents are encouraged to come by the office for a visit.  I will be more than 
happy to discuss our school programs with you or show you around the facility.  
We have a faculty and a facility in which you can be proud.  You are welcome to 
be a part of it.

 

All visitors to the school are asked to check in at the office. Pupils 
should not leave campus without first checking out with their teacher and the 
office.

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TESTING

A variety of test and assessments are administered to all students to measure 
academic growth. Third grades students take a pretest at the beginning of the 
school year to determine their general skill levels in math and reading. They 
also take the Test of Cognitive Skills mid-year to determine intellectual functioning. 
Students in grades four and seven take the North Carolina Writing Test.   Each May 
students in grades three through eight participate in the North Carolina End-of-Grade 
testing program. Teacher will be happy to review all test results with their students’ 
parents.

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TELEPHONE USAGE                                             

The school telephone is restricted for school business use only. Pupils will 
not be allowed to make personal calls on the school phone. After-school visits to a 
friend's home and non-bus transportation plans should be coordinated prior to 
coming to school.  Pupils will be allowed to use the phone in the event of illness or 
an emergency situation with their teacher’s written permission.

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TRANSPORTATION

     The school bus operates for the convenience of our school patrons.  The bus 
makes two separate runs this year. First load goes down the Ferry Dock Rd, the 
Refuge Fellowship Church area, turns on Cape Lookout Dr, then Island Rd, returning 
to school. The second load heads east on Island Rd, turns north on Lewis St, west on 
Diamond City Dr, north on Yeomans, east on Bayview, south on Barbee and returns 
to school.  Homeroom teachers will announce the exact schedule to your child.  
Please have your child ready and standing at the bus stop prior to the arrival of the 
bus.  The driver is instructed not to wait if a child is not visible at the stop. Stops 
are established with safety as the utmost consideration.   Stops generally cannot be 
any closer than .2 of a mile together. This helps avoid potential traffic hazards.  
Please be aware we cannot stop in front of every house. Students are subject to 
school rules while waiting at the bus stop and while riding on the bus. Remember 
that it is a privilege to ride on the school bus. If a student is not well behaved and 
courteous, this privilege will be taken away.  Pupils must board and depart the bus 
at their assigned stop.  Please send your child with a signed note from you if other 
arrangements need to be made for their transportation.

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TO: PARENTS, STAFF AND OTHER USERS

       OF CARTERET COUNTY SCHOOL FACILITIES

 

FROM: SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE

 

DATE: July 1, 2002

 

RE: ASBESTOS UPDATE

 

As of August 1990, Carteret County Schools have been free of friable asbestos as 
identified by our original Asbestos Management Plan published in 1988.  This is 
not to imply there is no asbestos in the schools.  Remaining asbestos materials 
identified are in rigid form and only considered hazardous if crushed, drilled or 
otherwise broken away from their original mass.  These materials may be found in 
the forms of floor tile, building trim panels, certain plaster materials and like rigid 
forms. 

 

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act requires school systems have a 
professional re-inspect each facility every three years and our maintenance 
director (AHERA trained) perform surveillance every six months to assure the 
condition of any remaining asbestos materials have not become hazardous to the 
health of the building occupants.  The professional re-inspection was conducted 
in our schools during March 2001 and the results are available at each site and at 
our maintenance office.  The semi-annual surveillance reports from our maintenance 
director are also available at each site and at our maintenance office.

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