Walkertown Elementary School

Student / Parent Handbook

2024-2025

Walkertown Elementary School Mission:

 Our mission is to provide a high-quality, comprehensive, and meaningful education

for all students. Each student will be expected to succeed within bounds of their abilities and chosen educational goals. Each student will be

treated as an individual, given the tools to be a 21st century lifelong learner, and taught to function as a member of a group and as a productive

member of society.  

 WALKERTOWN PACK PLEDGE

As a student, I will lead the back by….

-Taking pride in everything I do,

-Accepting responsibility for my own

 actions and success,

-Cooperating with peers and adults,

-Showing kindness to everyone in our

 school.

TABLE OF CONTENTS                                         

INTRODUCTION: A Message to Parents………….……..………………………..4

1. SCHOOL INFORMATION………………………..……………...………5                                                                           

        School Year at a Glance

Grading Codes

Progress/Interim/Report Card Dates  

        School Day

        Dismissal Due to Weather Conditions

2. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE………...….………………………………….10                                                                                   

        Reasons for Absences

        Excused/Prearranged/Unexcused Absences

        Early Release from School

        Make-up Work and Absences

3. SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC…………….……….12

School Traffic

        Bus Safety

        Bus Conduct and Discipline

        Pikmykid

              PowerSchool Student Information System (SIS) Parent Portal

4. STUDENT BEHAVIOR PRACTICES………………………………….15

Positive Behavior Intervention and Support

School Rules

        Procedures

        Student Behavior Expectations

        Halls/Restrooms/Cafeteria

        In Assemblies/On the Bus

Character Education

        Policies on Weapons/Firearms/Alcohol/Drugs

Harassment/Bullying

5. GENERAL SCHOOL POLICIES/PROCEDURES……..……………..19

Emergencies

        Health Care at School

        Lost and Found

        Parties and Field Trips

        Student Dress

Bookbags

        Change of Student Name/Address

        Lunch Program

        Telephone Privileges/Message

        Student Council

        School Visitations

              Parent/Teacher Association

Volunteer Program                                                                 

A Message to Parents….

Dear Walkertown Students and Parents,

Welcome to Walkertown Elementary School, home of the “Wolfpack”.  The teachers and staff at Walkertown are committed to providing high quality educational opportunities for all students within a setting that nurtures academic, social, and emotional growth.  For all children to succeed at the highest levels of their potential, we believe a strong relationship between the home and school is necessary.  We encourage parents and community volunteers to take an active role in our school.

Parents are an essential part of a child’s growth and learning and appreciate your continued support and caring for your child’s education.  We will be offering family workshops and activities that you will be invited to attend.  Please support us in making this a successful school year by committing to 15-20 minutes per day to read to your child, as well as helping them understand the importance of completing their assignments.  

The mission for Walkertown Elementary School is to provide a high-quality, comprehensive, and meaningful education for all students.  Each student will be expected to succeed within bounds of their abilities and chosen educational goals. Each student will be treated as an individual, given the tools to be a 21st century lifelong learner, and taught to function as a member of a group and as a productive member of society.

This Student/Parent has very important information regarding our policies and procedures established for the safety of our students and the healthy operation of the school. Please visit our Walkertown Home page by going to https://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/Page/1 , selecting ‘About Us’, then clicking onto Walkertown found in the School Directory. We look forward to working with you this school year for we’re WOLF PACK STRONG!  

Sincerely,

Mrs. Diana McIntosh                                                 Kimberely Cloud, Ed S.

Principal                                                         Assistant Principal

I.  SCHOOL INFORMATION

Address:                Walkertown Elementary School

                        2971 Main Street

                        Walkertown, NC  27051

Telephone:                (336) 703-4252

Fax:                        (743) 255-3979

Office Hours:       7:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

School Mascot:          Wolf

School Colors:        White, Black, and Red

2024-2025 School Year at-a-Glance

1st Semester

August 12……………………..................First Day of School

September 2……………………………...Labor Day

October 10………………………………End of 1st Qtr.

October 11 & 14…………………………Teacher Professional Days

November 11…………………................Veteran’s Day

November 27-30………………………...Fall Break/Thanksgiving

December 19 ……………………………End of 2nd Quarter

December 20-Jan 6……………………...Winter Break

2nd Semester

January 2 & 3…………………………..Teacher Professional Days

January 6………………………………Students Return from Winter Break

January 20……….……………………. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

March 6…………………………………End of 3rd Quarter

March 10-14............................................Spring Break

April 18…………………………………Good Friday

May 20………………………………….End of 4th Quarter

May 20………………………………….Last day of school

                           GRADNG CODES for Grades K-2 

The following information describes how the WSFCS grades students in K-2. Please note the distinctions between attendance, proficiency, and character/work habits.

GRADING CODES for Grades 3-5

The following information describes how the WSFCS grades students in grades 3-5. Please note the distinctions between attendance, proficiency, and character/work habits.

100-90    A

89 - 80    B

79 - 70    C

69 - 60    D

59 - 0      F

:

Academic Areas

A                Excellent Progress

B                Very Good Progress    

C       Satisfactory Progress                                                    

D                Slow Progress

F                Unsatisfactory Progress

Character and Work Habit

O        Outstanding

S        Satisfactory

I        Improving

N     Needs Improvement

U        Unsatisfactory

 This link

Progress Reports        Interim Reports                        Report Cards

TBA                

PowerSchool Student Information System (SIS) Parent Portal is an online resource that gives parents/guardians access to students grades, attendance, test results, homework assignments, school bulletins, calendars, and more. This resource can be found under Quick Links on our WES Website.

1. School Day:

1. Students may enter the building at 7:25 a.m. and report directly to the cafeteria.  Students may go to their classroom at 7:25 a.m.  There will be NO CLASSROOM SUPERVISION prior to 7:25 a.m.  Students may NOT be left at school prior to 7:25 a.m. as we do not have supervision in place.

2. The student day begins at 7:55 a.m.  Students who arrive after 7:55 a.m. MUST sign in at the main office.  At this time the student will be given a ‘tardy slip.’  This will let the teacher know that the office is aware of the tardiness, and it will be recorded.  Please help us keep the number of Tardy's each day to a minimum.

3. Students who need to leave before the school day ends must sign out at the main office.  Remember that only individuals listed on the official registration forms may pick up a child.  If the child must be picked up before school is over at 2:25 p.m. PLEASE come to the main office; DO NOT go to the child’s classroom, playground or bus lot.  The office will call the child while the parent signs the student out. Due to safety reasons, we are asking that no child be picked up after 2:00 from the front office. If you arrive after 2:00, you will be directed to the car rider line at the back of the school.

4.  Please help us maintain our instructional day by leaving your child in school the entire day.  A five- or ten-minute early sign-out or late sign-in disrupts an entire class schedule.  (See the additional note regarding full attendance on pages 6–7).

5. ALL students must be off campus by 3:00 p.m. each day, unless they are in a school sponsored activity or enrolled with the After School Program.  Any child picked up after 3:00 pm may be subject to a $10 charge for each 30 minutes that the child stays beyond 3:00.

2. Dismissal Due to Weather Conditions:

It sometimes becomes necessary during extremely bad weather for a decision to be made concerning the closing of school.  At such a time, school officials, in cooperation with the weather bureau, give this problem their undivided attention.  When a decision is made that schools will close for the day, it must be relayed quickly to students and parents.  In order to accomplish this task efficiently and with maximum coverage, school officials are asking for full cooperation by following the suggestions listed below:

1. Listen to one of the local radio or television stations or view the WSFCS web page in the early morning for the decision on closing school.  The WS/FCS School System has a plan in place for dismissal of school due to weather conditions.  Please refer to this “Student/Parent Handbook.”  

2. A definite decision will be announced by 6:30 a.m. In most cases, the decision will be announced earlier.

3. Please do not call the school.   You will be informed more quickly if you listen to phone call from the district or the website.

4. If there is no announcement, school will be open as usual.

5. At times,  the opening time could be delayed  two hours.    For example,  if school opens at 9:55 (two hour delay), students may arrive at 9:25.  Students may not be left at school prior to this time.

6. Design a “bad weather day plan” with your child.  Make sure your child knows the transportation plan for bad weather days.

7. If school is dismissed early for bad winter weather, the After School program does not operate.  

8. The district and our school will also communicate with you through our Blackboard Connect.  Please make sure your email address and phone number are accurate with the school, as Blackboard Connect uses this information for notifications.  

2. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

One of the goals of our school system and also for Walkertown Elementary is to improve school attendance.  Students should be in school every day.  It is obvious that students with good attendance achieve higher and faster than students who are often absent.  The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools make every effort to provide six and one-half hours of instructional time for our students in every school day.  When students arrive to school late or leave school early, they miss out on some part of the instructional program.  In addition, these comings and goings interrupt the teaching and learning that is taking place in the class.

It is the duty of parents under the N.C. Compulsory Attendance Law, G.S. 115C-378, to require their child or children to attend school for the entire period of time which school is in session.

1. Reasons for Absences:

Anyone may become sick and must be out of school.  When a student is absent, the parent/guardian should send a note to the teacher on the student’s first day back to explain the reason for the absence.  If the school does not receive this written note within 3-5 days, the absence is coded unexcused.  This is important as unexcused absences and tardies are problematic.  A student must be in school at least one-half of the school day to be counted present (half day is 11:15 a.m.)

1. Excused absences per N.C. State Law include:

(a) Illness or Injury  

(b) Quarantine

1. Death in immediate family (please call and discuss with Walkertown administration);  
2. Medical/dental appointments (please try to schedule around the school day)
3. Court or administrative proceedings (if directly involving student)
4. Religious observance
5. Educational opportunity (see #2 and #3 below)

2. Prearranged Absences:

Students may be excused for other reasons if requested in advance to the school principal.  This includes requests for excused absences for an educational opportunity.

Parents should make the request in writing at least ten days in advance and submit a prepared plan of events that are educational, at the child’s academic level, and relevant to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.

3. Unexcused Absences:

Any absences other than those listed above as excused are considered unexcused.  Examples of unexcused absences are:

1. Vacations
2. Business Trips
3. Educational opportunity not related to the child’s academic level and/or North Carolina Standard Course of Study and/or without prior approval of the principal.  We do value the opportunity for travel, but we have a very full curriculum to implement as well.  Please try to schedule family trips around the student days in school.  Requests for trips to be excused as educational should be made under “prearranged policies.”
4. Missing the school bus
5. Not knowing school is in session following bad weather days.

Administrators are required to notify parents regarding excessive unexcused absences.  You will receive notification from us after THREE (3) unexcused absences, again after SIX (6) unexcused absences, and once again after TEN (10) if they continue.  It is every parent’s responsibility to see to it that his/her child is in school daily and absent only for those “excused” reasons.

2. Early Release from School

The State and Local Boards of Education allow students to be excused for late arrivals or early withdrawals only under certain conditions listed as excused absences above.

Local Board Policy, No. 6112, PROHIBITS the early release of students from school for private lessons, tutoring or other similar instruction (i.e. dance lessons, gymnastic lessons, etc.) unless the student is certified as a “Child with Special Needs” and the tutorial program is included in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).  There also is no provision in State or Local Board Policy that authorizes the early withdrawal of a student simply for the convenience of the parent.

It is the parent’s responsibility and duty to ensure that the student arrives at school on time and remains at school the entire school day.

3. Tardiness

When a student arrives to class or school after 7:55 a.m., it can become disruptive to the class.  Local Board Policy was revised to address chronic tardiness.  If a student is habitually tardy, the following set of actions will be followed:

1. When tardies become excessive (more than 10 tardies, in a semester) the principal or his/her designee will notify the parents, verbally or in writing, of their child’s absences.

2. If the tardies continue after parent notification, appropriate interventions will be used, which include principal notification to the District Attorney’s Office that the parent is in violation of the Compulsory Attendance Law.  Parents will have to go to court because of violation of Local Board Policy.

4. Make-Up Work and Absences

When make-up work is needed, parents should call the school office before 11:00 a.m. and the assignments can be picked up from the office either between 3:00 and 3:30 of the day the request was made or the next day.  This gives the teacher time to prepare the student’s packet of work.  If students miss school due to unexcused trip absences, they should plan to do make-up work when they return.  We do not expect our teachers to prepare work in advance.

3. SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC

We assume each student will use the same method of transportation each day.  Parents and guardians should let the child’s teacher know how the child will get to and from school on a daily basis.  If there is an exception to the daily rule, we require a written note from the parent stating how the child should travel home.  The assistant principal must sign a note for a child to ride a bus other than his/her normal transportation method.  PLEASE make these transportation decisions before your child leaves home.  Telephone messages put an extra strain on everyone – your child and the office.  Plus, oral communications, especially on the phone, can create misunderstandings, embarrassment, and omissions.  If you request a transportation change by phone, please do so before 1:30 pm for safety reasons. No transportation changes that are made by phone will be honored after 1:30 pm as this is not enough time to get everyone notified.  

1. School Traffic

Again we emphasize safety.  The traffic pattern for cars should be followed at all times.  Speed limit of 5 miles per hour must be obeyed.  Respect each driver as you would want him or her to respect you.  When you load or unload at the side, next to the sidewalk, move out of the area as soon as possible.  If you must come into school, park your car out of the traffic lane.  Teachers are on duty to help with this process. Please be cooperative with morning drop-off, afternoon pick-up, and parking procedures.  Please adhere to one way traffic through the pick-up area.

CAR RIDERS, PEASE NOTE:

1. Pick up your student(s) from the Car Rider line via Darrow Road.

2. Pikmykid – This digital phone app assists us in managing dismissal. The app allows parents to notify the school of pick-up changes or authorize other family members to pick up a child from school.

2. Bus Safety

We are always concerned about the safety of our children.   There will be no car traffic on the bus parking lot.  No car traffic should enter the bus driveway.  Bus riders will enter and exit at the south end of the building, completely separate from car traffic. PLEASE sit down and review the following guidelines of school bus safety with your child:

1. Be AT YOUR STOP on time and wait for the bus well away from the road.
2. Move to the bus only when it is completely stopped, and the door opens.
3. Always make sure the driver can see you.  Never stop and bend over near the bus.  The driver will not be able to see you if you are bent over.  If you drop something, wait on the side for the bus to move.
4. When riding the bus, students keep book bags on laps, keep backs against the back of the seat, and keep bottoms flat on the bottom of the seat.  Always keep your voices low and your hands to yourself.
5. Pens, pencils, and papers are never out on the bus.
6. No food, drink, gum, or candy is allowed on the bus.
7. Always help keep the bus clean.
8. Always remember to be polite and respectful to your driver and your friends on the bus.
9. When a student is to go home with another student or the student is to be left at a different stop—REMEMBER—send a signed note telling who the student is going home with, the date, and the bus number.  The administration will sign the note and give it to the bus driver.
10. Parents…Please do not enter a bus to confront a driver.  This can lead to a criminal charge levied against you.  

IMPORTANT: All kindergarten, first and second grade students must have an adult or 4–5th grade student at the bus stop in the morning and afternoon. If an adult is not available, the child will be taken to the school nearest the bus stop and the parents will be required to pick the child up at that school.  A $10 per hour childcare fee, billable by the half-hour will be charged to the parent by the home school.

3. Bus Conduct and Discipline

Many students feel they have a right to ride a school bus.  However, NC State Law is very clear.  “Riding a bus is a privilege which may be withdrawn for misbehavior or for any other reason the principal feels necessary.”  Unfortunately, each year, students have bus transportation withdrawn temporarily or permanently.  The bus driver is the person in charge on the bus. When a child misbehaves, a “Bus Conduct Notice” is written and given to the administrators at school.  The “bus ticket” may result in suspension from the bus.  Students should never assume they are suspended until they are notified by the office. During a suspension, PARENTS are responsible for the child’s transportation to and from school. Absences due to bus problems are unexcused. Students may not ride any other WS/FCS School bus during a suspension.

4. CORE BEHAVIOR PRACTICES

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION AND SUPPORT (PBIS)

At Walkertown Elementary School, we believe that all students can and should behave appropriately while they are on school property. We will not tolerate student behavior that hinders the teaching and learning process; therefore, we clearly define both school-wide expectations and individual classroom rules by practicing our student code of character, conduct and supports, which means instead of imposing immediate discipline on minor infractions, we foster positive behaviors in our students by using a tiered disciplinary matrix in teaching students how to modify their behavior before escalating their misbehavior, thus causing escalated disciplinary measures.  PBIS, a school-wide initiative, includes proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors, thus creating a positive school environment. By identifying behavioral expectations in classroom and non-classroom settings (such as hallways, restroom), PBIS focus on problem-solving model that prevent inappropriate behavior through teaching and reinforcing appropriate behaviors. Classroom rules are posted in the classrooms, and the same for hallways, cafeterias, restrooms, and recess areas. These rules are taught just like subject matter. If one is broken the teacher will TEACH and RETEACH, the rule again to facilitate understanding.

PBIS, a behavior modification process consistent with the core principles of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), offers a range of interventions that are systematically applied to students based on their demonstrated level of need, and addresses the role of environment as it applies to the development and improvement of behavior problems. Students earn points towards classroom incentives for positive behavior. However, when a rule is broken, consequences are be enforced. We are aware of the basic responsibility and influence of the home to teach manners and appropriate behavior.  Therefore, we ask parents to read and discuss with their child(ren) the following school wide and classroom rules.

1. School Rules

At Walkertown we follow the guidelines of Pack Pride and the Districtwide Rules.  Our Pack Pride plan focuses on making good decisions in the classroom, on the playground, on the bus, in the halls, and in the cafeteria.  Districtwide Rules:

1. I respect other’s personal space.
2. I respect and value everyone’s individual and group dignity and identity.
3. I arrive on time, stay in class, and have a pass/permission to travel in public spaces.
4. I listen, acknowledge, and respond to directives and requests.
5. I communicate respectfully and use school-appropriate language.

2. Code of Character, Conduct, and Support

To assist in creating a positive and respectful school climate, we have implemented a schoolwide initiative based on Responsive Classroom, in which we teach, model, practice, reteach, and celebrate student actions that are respectful, responsible, and kind. This program assists in creating a school environment in which all students feel safe, supported, engaged, and successful.

Our school community has established several clear expectations for behavior in all areas of our school. Our staff continually teaches those expectations to all students and frequently acknowledges them for their expected behavior. By teaching our students the expected behaviors in a positive way, we have established a common language for everyone in our building. We believe that by teaching and reinforcing expected behavior, we foster a school community where all students will succeed and grow in a safe and supportive school environment. In addition to teaching and acknowledging positive behaviors, all staff members at Spaulding School address unexpected behavior in a consistent way to support the development of appropriate social and emotional skills.

3. Walkertown’s Student Behavior Expectations

1. In the HALLS:

Students in the hall without teacher supervision must all have a HALL PASS or permission from the teacher.

Always WALK.

Keep to the right.

Respect Safety Patrol members.

When you are moving with your class in the hall, do not talk. Remind others of good

        hall discipline. Help in removing trash from the floor. Respect the artwork

        and bulletin boards by keeping your hands to yourself.

2. In the RESTROOMS:

Use the facilities and immediately leave.

Put all paper and towels in the trash container.

Flush the toilet you have used.

Report anyone writing on the walls or throwing items in the commodes that do not

        belong there, to any adult in charge.

Any student found defacing property in any manner will be assessed damage fees

        and may be suspended from school.

3. In the CAFETERIA:

Wait quietly in the hall until instructed to enter the lunch line. Once in the line,

        move slowly.

DO NOT talk to each other – just the workers. We need to move quickly through

        the line.

Get everything you need the FIRST time through the cafeteria line. You will not

        be allowed to go back through the line without permission from your teacher.

Always WALK. Running is not allowed at anytime.

TALK quietly with your neighbors once seated.

Remain SEATED on your bottom throughout lunch. If you need help, raise your hand.

        Keep your hands to yourself. Practice table manners.

Eat a balanced-healthy lunch.

This behavior is expected for ALL.

Clean up your spills.

When leaving, pick up your trash on the table and under the chair. You are not

        permitted to carry food from the cafeteria.

Student monitors appointed by the teachers will wash the tables, sweep the floor and

        check your class area.

Carbonated drinks are NOT permitted.

Line up quietly as instructed by your teacher.

Keep noise to a minimum.

Please work with all of us to provide the atmosphere we desire so everyone can enjoy

        our lunch time here at Walkertown Elementary.

4. In ASSEMBLIES:

Enter the auditorium in line with your teacher.

Practice good manners taught by your teacher.

Use the restroom before coming to the assembly.

Sit quietly.

When a teacher or administrator raises a hand, it is the signal to get quiet.

Show that you like a performance by clapping softly when asked to do so.

If you get a chance, thank the performers.

Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.

5. On the SCHOOL BUS:

Wait for your classroom teacher to dismiss you at the end of the day.

Board and exit the bus in an orderly manner, which will be explained by the adult

        on duty.

Remain seated until it is time for you to exit the bus.

Talk quietly and only to those students nearest you.

Obey and respect your bus driver.

Walk to the bus; never run near a school bus. Three bus conduct warnings

        (verbal and written) warrant a suspension. (See transportation section

        also for bus information.)

Keep your feet out of the aisles. Keep head and arms out of windows.

4. Character Education

Our school reflects our system-wide program of Character Education. There are seven traits that are incorporated in guidance lessons. They are as follows:

Responsibility – Being dependable by carrying out obligations and duties.

        Respect – Showing respect for self and all others, recognizing and accepting

                the differences and similarities in others.

        Self-Discipline – Demonstrating hard work and commitment to purpose.

        Caring – Being considerate, courteous, helpful, kind and sensitive to others

                regardless of who they are.

        Integrity – Acting justly and honorably, being honest and trustworthy.

        Perseverance – Being persistent in achieving goals despite opposition.

        Courage – Attempting difficult things and bravely facing challenges.

Students also have weekly Second Step Lessons that incorporate Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Second Step® programs help students build social-emotional skills—like nurturing positive relationships, managing emotions, and setting goals—so they can thrive in school and in life.

5. Weapon, Firearms, Alcohol, and Drug Policies

As safe schools, our schools have taken the strongest stance on weapons, firearms, alcohol, and drugs. Bringing any of these items to school – whether real or not – will mean a serious discipline action by the school. Even a first offense of these most serious offenses could mean 8 (EIGHT) days suspended from school.

Students should bring nothing that resembles a gun or weapon whether real or plastic, real or a toy. Weapons, or things that may look like weapons, have no place in our schools. And, of course, drugs and alcohol have no place in school either. NO TOYS ARE TO BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL anyway, unless there is a special ‘show and tell’ project.

PLEASE refer to the system’s Parent Handbook for a complete printing of the policies on this and other issues.

6. Harassment/Bullying

Every student has the right to be free from fear, harm and violence at school, on the school bus and at school-related activities. In accordance, we will make every effort to protect students from bullying, harassment, ridiculing and physical or mental assaults. If you have any knowledge of these infractions, do not hesitate to report them directly to the teacher, principal or assistant principal. We will not tolerate bullying. Any staff member who witnesses a bullying incident will report it directly to the administration.

5. GENERAL SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

1. Emergencies:

When an accident or illness occurs, every effort will be made to contact a parent or guardian. The form entitled “Permission to Secure Medical Care” enables the school to care for your child in case of extreme emergencies.

PLEASE, PARENTS/GUARDIANS, YOU MUST TELL US HOW TO REACH YOU IN CASE OF EMERGENCY.  MAKE SURE YOU HAVE UPDATED YOUR PHONE NUMBER!

2. Health Care:

Green medical forms filled out by your personal doctor must be turned in to the school office before you begin school.

Medication: When it is absolutely necessary to administer medication to a student at school, specific directions must be given to the office/school personnel. All medication must be in the container. The following examples are NOT acceptable: Pills wrapped in foil and medication sent in anything other than the prescription bottle. All medication including over the counter, non-prescription drugs, must be kept by the teacher, where the STUDENT comes to take it when needed. If a child needs medicine, bring it to the office in the original container along with a note from guardian or parents stating the amount of medicine and time to be given. Please sign and date the note.

Medical Screening: Our screening program consists of visual testing at certain times, audio metric (hearing) tests, and daily observations made by the classroom teacher. These services are under the supervision of the public health nurse who visits the school periodically and works primarily through adults rather than children.

Physical Education: Children are not excused from physical education unless a doctor sends a note to the school. After a doctor has said a child should not participate, we will need another note from the doctor allowing him/her to participate again.

3. Lost and Found:

Parents are urged to label or put names on clothing and other personal effects.  This helps prevent loss. Articles misplaced usually find their way to the lost and found container in the main office area and students claim them there. Unclaimed items are displayed during the school year.   Periodically, leftover items are donated to organizations that can use the clothing. You are encouraged to check the lost and found area if your child loses some item of clothing.

4. Parties and Field Trips:

Please do not send balloons, candy, flowers, etc. to students during the school day. We will not deliver such items to the classroom, and parents will have to pick up the items from the school, since they are not allowed on the school bus. All food items sent in must be store bought. No homemade foods can be passed out during the school day.

Field trips at Walkertown will be with approval of the principal and in accordance with WS/FC School Board Policy # 6153. Parents are notified well in advance of the field trip regarding timing and cost.

5. Student Dress:

        Students should wear clothing, which is clean, neat, appropriate and comfortable.  Tennis shoes or rubber sole shoes are requested for PE classes.

        Students are expected to adhere to standards of dress and appearance that are compatible with an effective learning environment when attending school.  Examples of prohibited dress or appearance include, but are not limited to, those listed below.

1. Clothing that contains advertisements for tobacco, alcohol or drugs; pictures or graphics of nudity; words that are profane, lewd, vulgar, or indecent;
2. Halter or bare midriff tops, or bare midriffs;
3. Spaghetti straps or tank tops;
4. Strapless shirts or tube tops;
5. Bare feet, flip flops or Heelys;
6. Short shorts;
7. Pants, slacks or jeans that sag below waist;
8. Hats, caps, do-rags, or bandanas;
9. Underpants or bras showing or worn as outerwear;
10. Provocative, revealing attire that exposes cleavage; and
11. Any symbols, styles or attire frequently associated with gangs, intimidation, violence or violent groups about which students at a particular school have been notified.

6. Book Bag Policy:

Due to safety issues, no book bags will be rolled in the building. Upon entering the building, all book bags must be carried. Bookbags with wheels are not allowed.

7. Change of Student Name:

When a child’s legal name is to be changed, a court order showing the change must be submitted to the school for necessary recording and for a revision of the pupil’s records. We must use a child’s legal name on all school records.

8. Change of Address:

The school must be notified immediately when a change of address or a change of telephone number occurs so that school records are up to date. Please call the office or send a note in with your child.

9. Lunch Program:

Children may bring a bag lunch to eat or participate in the school lunch program. We encourage healthy lunches and healthy drinks. Milk is included with a school lunch. Milk can also be purchased separately.

Each grade level has a designated time for lunch. Please see you child’s teacher for the time your child eats lunch.  An application for the federally funded cafeteria program is available from our school office or cafeteria.

10. Telephone Privileges and Messages:

Students may use the phone only in the case of an emergency. Please communicate after-school information to your children before they come to school. Unnecessary phone calls are disruptive to our learning environment.

Although telephone messages are discouraged due to our limited staff, necessary or emergency messages will be delivered to the students if time and circumstances permit. We cannot interrupt the instructional process in order to call students to the telephone.

11. School Visitations:

1. Regular Visitations

 All parents and visitors should come by the school office and identify themselves before conducting business in Walkertown Elementary. You will check in with your government issued identification, using our Identi-Kid system which takes your picture and prints you an identification badge.  You will need to visibly display this badge as you make your way through the building. For the child’s protection, we need to be aware of every person in the building at all times. Special care will be taken before a child is released during the school day. School officials cannot prevent either parent from having contact with the student when the custody of a child is not documented in a court order or substantiated by legal papers. If legal custody changes during the year, presentation of proper legal documents to the Principal or Assistant Principal must be on file.

2.  Cell Phones

Please respect our educational environment by turning off cell phones or placing them on vibrate when visiting our school. In addition, electronic games should be kept at home.  All cell phones that are brought to your school by your child must be kept off during the day.

3.  Lunch Visits

Parents are invited to come during the lunch period and dine with the student in the school cafeteria. Parents generally come a few minutes before the scheduled lunchtime and wait in the hallway outside the office to go to lunch as the class comes by. Please remember to check in the office before heading to the cafeteria.  Parents are asked not to invite children other than their own to the parent/child table.  If you want to visit with classmates, the parent can join his/her child at the assigned student tables if there is space.  Outside food brought for your child should be limited to family members and not shared with others.

4. Conference Visits

Please follow the guidelines for conferences. Parents should not visit or confer with teachers at the beginning or at the end of school days when teachers have responsibilities for all students. Please do not detain our teachers from their professional responsibilities to the children by visiting the classroom unannounced (see “Observation Visits” below). The WS/FC School System has designated special days during the school year as parent-teacher conference days. In addition to these, parents are encouraged to call the school office and request that the teacher designate a time for a conference. This may occur at any point during the school year.

5. Observation Visits

Parents are welcome to observe in their child’s classroom. We feel that a parent’s support will benefit the child’s progress in school. Arrange directly with your teacher, or call the school and make arrangements with the Principal prior to the observation. Observations will be limited to thirty (30) minutes. Again, this is not a time to confer with the teacher because the teaching/learning process is taking place. The teacher is also in charge of all students in the class at this time.

6. Civility Policy

It is the intent of the WS/FC Board of Education and Walkertown Elementary to promote mutual respect, civility and orderly conduct between and among WS/FCS employees, volunteers, parents and the public. It is not the intent of the Board to deprive any person of his or her right to freedom of expression. The intent of the civility policy is to maintain, to the greatest extent reasonably possible, a safe, harassment-free workplace for teachers, students, administrators, staff, parents and other members of the community. Positive communication is encouraged and volatile, hostile, threatening, profane, or aggressive communications or actions are not acceptable.

7. Vacationers

Friends or relatives of school age will NOT be allowed to attend school with Walkertown students.

12.  Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Walkertown PTA is an active and involved group dedicated to the total welfare of children. The PTA offers parents the opportunity to become involved in activities at Walkertown. The Walkertown PTA is a member of the Winston-Salem Forsyth County PTA Council, and the State and the National PTA. Joining the PTA during the membership drive is an excellent way to support Walkertown. The dates for our PTA meetings will be listed in the information in the School Calendar. Most general meetings are held in conjunction with a special student program.

13. Volunteer Program

Volunteers are important to the overall success of our instructional program. Volunteers are scheduled at a time convenient to both the volunteer and the school. Volunteers who are directly involved with students must be on the approved volunteer list. Use this link to register for approved volunteer status. https://www.wsfcsvolunteers.com/

We believe in working together as a team to accomplish positive results.  You’re a vital part of our team as we ensure that all of our students are WOLFPACK STRONG!