PLEASANT GARDENS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Parent / Student Handbook

Erin Rayfield, Principal

100 John Roach Drive

Marion NC 28752

Web site: pge.mcdowell.k12.nc.us       

   Phone:  828.724.4422

Fax: 828.724.4217

Twitter: @PGESchool              Facebook: @pgelementary

Our handbook is designed to inform you of the policies, procedures and expectations that you need to know for your child to be successful at Pleasant Gardens Elementary School. Please contact the school with any questions you may have.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Principal 

Erin Rayfield, Principal

Office Staff 

Whitney Mumpower Data Manager

Brenda Holsombach Office Manager

School Nurse 

Lindsey Goins 

Main office: 828-724-4422

Fax: 828-724-4217

After school: 828-724-1372

Pleasant Gardens Elementary Web Page: http://www.pg.mcdowell.k12.nc.us 

Meet Our Faculty and Staff:

All staff can be reached via email: firstname.lastname@mcdowell.k12.nc.us

Teachers

Shannon Daudert Pre School

Chastity Gouge Pre School

Linda Hamilton Kindergarten

Kelly Phillips Kindergarten 

Shelby Wilson Kindergarten

Kinsey Jamison First Grade

 Laura Kealy  First Grade

 Ashley Thornton First Grade

Hannah Hutchins Second Grade

Tammy Smith Second Grade

Stephanie Roland Second Grade

Carrie Lindquist Third Grade

Donna Pyatt  Third Grade

Anna Helms Fourth Grade

Julie Hester Fourth Grade

Marlean Duncan Fifth Grade

Lynn Freeman Fifth Grade

John Beck Fifth Grade

Kristin Brown  Exceptional Children

Jennifer Shosho Exceptional Children

Hannah Smith Exceptional Children

Julie Steele  Speech

Hanna Hagaman ESL

Deana Marsh Physical Education

Alisha Painter STEM/Technology Assistant

Sydney Wilson Media Specialist

Rachael Stewart School Counselor/MTSS

__________ School Social Worker

Mitzi Ray  Behavior Support Assistant

Iris Lawing Academic Facilitator/ Testing Coordinator

Instructional Assistants 

Jennifer Hoilman

Renee McKinney

Cyndi Pendley

Nancy Murdock

Tiffany Morgan

Nikki Boone

EC Instructional Assistants

Crystal Hardin

Jada Allison

Kaitlyn McEntire

Jill Price

Cassidy Walker

Cafeteria 

Casey Wills Cafeteria Manager

Barbara Davis

Custodians 

First Shift Custodian

Gavin Sheehan Second Shift Custodian

Luella Wishon Part-Time Custodian

Bus Drivers 

Ray  #189 

Renee McKinney #205 

Alisha Painter#191

SCHOOL ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL 

Daily Schedule

Morning Arrival 

Pleasant Gardens staff will welcome you each morning with a smile.

Students can be dropped off at 7:30am through the car rider line. If you park and walk to the front of the building, you will be directed to return to your car and pull through the car rider line.  To avoid delays, please follow our safety procedures. DO NOT DROP STUDENTS OFF IN ANY AREA EXCEPT AT THE DROP-OFF STATIONS AT THE FRONT OF THE BUILDING.

Students will go straight to their class (unless an extended day field trip is planned).  Any child entering school after  the final bell at 7:50 AM is considered tardy. They must go to the office for a tardy slip  prior to coming to class. Students are expected to walk orderly when entering and  leaving the building.  

School Departure 

Bus riders and car riders are dismissed at 2:45 PM.  

Again, our first priority is the safety of our students. Parents should drive around the circle to pick up children each afternoon. Each car rider family will be issued tags at the beginning of the year or during registration.  Please make sure your car tag is visible at all times. At no time should parents park in the parking area and  permit children to cross the road to get to a vehicle. Parents should wait in the car  pick-up line unless you have an appointment with a staff member inside of  the school. Cooperation from parents is necessary to keep our students safe during  school dismissal. We appreciate your help in keeping all children safe at all times!

TARDIES

We ask that students arrive at school promptly, before 7:50 am, to avoid interruptions in the instructional day. If parents pull in the car rider line after 7:50, parents are to accompany their student(s) to the main door and sign them in as tardy. The first ten minutes of the school day are a vital part of the school schedule when students make preparations for the entire day. Parents must be responsible for getting students out of bed and to school on time. If a student arrives late, once again, they must be signed in by a parent and pick up a tardy slip before proceeding to class.

Changes in Afternoon Transportation 

If your child will be going home by a different means, (a car-rider instead of riding the  bus, riding a different bus, getting off at a different stop, etc.), please tell your child that  morning and send a note to the school that has been signed and states the change.  Students will not be allowed to change afternoon transportation unless parental permission is given. Except in an emergency, please make transportation  changes via written note instead of through phone messages due to the  amount of phone calls in our office each afternoon.  Pleasant Gardens Elementary  appreciates your help in this situation.

Releasing Children to a Parent 

In accordance with procedures, if either parent comes to school to get a child, the child  must be released to the parent. The exception is when one parent has legal custody,  which places restrictions on the other parent. If you have custody of your child under the  above circumstances, please file a copy of the legal papers in the school office. The  principal, secretary, and the teacher should be made aware of these restrictions for the  safety of the child.  

Early Checkout of Students 

Please do not pick up children from school during school hours unless it is absolutely  necessary. There may be times when it is necessary for reasons such as dental or doctor  appointments, so please send a note to your child’s teacher documenting the reason for  early checkouts so that we can file it accordingly.  

Parents who need to pick up their child during school hours are required to come to the  office, as in accordance with our safe schools policy. All parents/guardians should  be prepared to show identification and the secretary will call your child to the  office. The office must be notified if someone other than a parent is to pick up your child.  This is for the safety of all our children.  

Frequent, unnecessary early check-outs result in lost instructional time. Please  remember that tardies count toward attendance records. Please see the office or your  child’s teacher with any questions.  

Visiting the School 

We would like to ask you to adhere to the following safety guidelines:  

- All visitors must report to the office first, in accordance with our Safe Schools Policy.

- Conferences should be arranged in advance, and at a time when the teacher does not  have students in the classroom or is on duty.  

From time to time, your child may bring home notes or bulletins from school. These  generally are sent home toward the first of the month. All of these are important and will  inform you of upcoming events, lunch schedules, ball sign-ups, etc.  

Telephones  

Parents are encouraged to call their child’s teacher at a time when classes are not in  session to help preserve instructional time. It is extremely important for us to have a telephone number on file in the office so that we can reach you in case of an emergency. If you do not have a telephone, please give us the phone  number of a close friend, relative, or neighbor that will be available in the event of an  emergency.

Attendance

A student in (Kindergarten through thirteenth grade) must be present at least seventy five percent (75%) of the school’s instructional day to be recorded present for that day.  Students are expected to be in school on a regular basis. Regular attendance is crucial  

for your child’s educational achievement. Children who are absent from school miss  valuable instruction.  

When a student must miss school, a written excuse from a doctor’s office or signed by a  parent or guardian should be presented to the student’s teacher on the day the student  returns after an absence or within a three day period. We can only accept parent  notes for six absences within a school year. Once the parent notes exceed  six absences, it will be necessary to provide a doctor's note to excuse an  absence. An absence may be excused for any of the following reasons relative to  elementary school, in accordance with McDowell County Schools’ Policy 4400:  

1. Personal illness or injury that makes the student physically unable to attend  school.  

2. Isolation ordered by the State Board of Health.  

3. Death in the immediate family.  

4. Medical or dental appointment.  

5. Participation under subpoena as a witness in a court proceeding.  6. A minimum of two days each academic year for observance of an event  required or suggested by the religion of the student or the student’s parent(s).  The student will have the opportunity to make up any tests or other work  missed due to excused absence for a religious observance.  

7. Participation in a valid educational opportunity, such as travel or service as a  legislative or Governor’s page, with prior approval from the principal. 8.  Pregnancy and related conditions or parenting, when medically necessary.  

In accordance with McDowell County Schools Attendance Policy, if a student is absent  from school for five or more days in a semester, the principal or a committee  established by the principal shall consider whether the student’s grades should be  reduced because of the absences. The principal or committee shall review other  measures of academic achievement, the circumstances of the absences, the number of

absences, and the extent to which the student completed missed work. A committee  may recommend to the principal and the principal may make any of the following  determinations:  

1. the student will not receive a passing grade for the semester;  

2. the student’s grade will be reduced;  

3. the student will receive the grade otherwise earned; or  

4. the student will be given additional time to complete the missed work before a  determination of the appropriate grade is made.  

Students with excused absences due to documented chronic health problems are exempt  from this policy.  

The school day begins at 7:50 A.M. and ends at 2:45 P.M. Students must be in their  classroom at 7:50. Students arriving after the beginning of the school day are  considered tardy and must sign-in at the office. Students leaving before the end of the  school day are considered early check-out.  

Lost and Found 

Items found at school are brought to the office and placed in the lost and found box. We  encourage you to have your child’s name on lunch boxes, notebooks, jackets, etc. so that  we may get them to their rightful owner. If your child has lost an important item, please  write your child’s name, a description of the item and your child’s teacher’s name on a  piece of paper. Instruct your child to give this to their teacher or to Mrs.  

Allison in the office. We will do everything possible to find the missing item.  

Cell Phones 

In accordance with the McDowell County School Board Policy, students are not allowed  to have cell phones out or turned on during instructional time (during the school day).  Students needing to place a phone call should use the telephone in the main office. Any  cell phones taken from students by teachers will be turned in to the principal and parents  will be contacted and asked to pick it up from the office.  

Universal Breakfast and Lunch

We have been approved for Universal Breakfast and Lunch which means that all students will be provided a free breakfast and lunch daily.  To get the free lunch, students will be required to take the whole tray.  If a student only needs milk, they will be charged for the individual item.

Outside food deliveries are not permitted for students.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

School closings or delays will be announced as early as possible. Each weather situation is different, but the decisions will be made and announced at the earliest time.

In the event that school opening must be delayed, the delay announcement will indicate if it is for students or both staff and students. During the school year, if it is necessary to either dismiss school early or cancel school because of inclement weather conditions, the superintendent of schools will post messages on the McDowell County School WEATHERLINE (652-3869), send a countywide Parent Link message and notify selected television and radio stations which are listed below.

McDowell County Schools Board Policy 5050 (Inclement Weather and School Closings)

Radio Stations 

WBRM (1250AM), WWNC(570AM), WTOE(1470AM), WMNC(92.1FM), WNCW(88.7FM), WMIT(106.9FM), WSSL(100.5FM), WKYK(940AM)

TV Stations 

WLOS- Asheville, WBTV- Charlotte, WYFF- Greenville

WSPA - Spartanburg, WSOC Charlotte

Student Expectations: 

Role of a Student 

Pleasant Gardens Elementary School is a place of learning. The mission of our school is to help students learn and prepare them to be successful and productive citizens. Students are expected to:

1. Follow all school & classroom rules & procedures.

2. Treat others with respect & dignity.

3. Prepare for & participate in the learning process.

4. Use class time wisely.

5. Listen attentively.

6. Use appropriate language.

7. Respect school and other people’s property.

TRIBE: Take Responsibility, Respect, Integrity, Be Cooperative, Encourage

Guidelines for Success:

Take Responsibility - I will be responsible

Respect - I will respect others and myself

Integrity - I will be honest and have strong morals

Be Cooperative - I will cooperate with others

Encourage Others - I will encourage others.

Citizenship

It is each student’s responsibility to display qualities of good citizenship.  Students’ best conduct is expected in the halls, in the cafeteria, on the playground, in the classroom, or any place considered school grounds.  Teachers and staff will give special emphasis to honesty, morality, and courtesy.  Teachers expect a positive attitude and good behavior and will positively reinforce good behaviors.

Student Dress Code

Copy of MCS Student Dress Code Draft 10.25.22.docx

Discipline

MCS STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT LINK

Weapons 

It is against state law for anyone to have a weapon on school property or at school sponsored events. All employees, students, and visitors must adhere to this law. This  includes pocket knives, other kinds of knives, guns, or any item that can be used as a  weapon. Students who are in possession of a weapon at school or school sponsored  events may be suspended from school. Parents are reminded that even having a gun in  their vehicle while on school property is a violation of this law. In the event of this  occurrence, the weapon must be confiscated and turned over to the sheriff’s department.  (In addition, no toy weapons are allowed at school or school sponsored events. Parents  are held responsible for the items their child brings to school.) Thank you for your  consideration of this state policy.  

Tobacco, Drugs and Alcohol Policy 

The use or possession of tobacco products, drugs, and/or alcohol is prohibited on school  property or at any school related function according to McDowell County School Board  policies. Individuals who are using tobacco products on school ground or at school  sponsored events will be asked to stop or to leave the school grounds. Possession of  illegal drugs or alcohol must be reported. Please refer to the McDowell County School  Code of Student Conduct policy for more information.  

Toys, Valuables, Electronic Devices, etc. 

Non-instructional items can distract students from learning. Valuables such as CD  players, hand-held computer games, IPods, beepers, cellular phones, games, toys, etc.,  should not be brought to school and Glenwood Elementary cannot be responsible for  these items. In addition, these items can distract students from the instructional  program. Teachers will confiscate items that are interfering with student learning and  turn those items into the office. Parents may choose to pick those items up at their  convenience. Please help us protect instructional time by making sure your child does  not bring valuables to school.  

Immunization records/Medication/Proof of Age 

In accordance with state law, it is mandatory that your child have proof of age and an  adequate certification of immunizations on file in the school office. Please keep your  child’s immunization record up-to-date. Failure to do so may lead to suspension from  school, in accordance with state law. Kindergarten students have thirty calendar days  from the first day of attendance to have their health assessment record completed by a  certified health official and to obtain the required immunizations. After the 30 days, the  child will not be able to attend school until the required immunizations have been  obtained.  

Special Health Concerns 

If your child has severe reactions to bee stings or insect stings, foods, other allergies, or  special health concerns, please notify the school in writing so that we will have necessary  information. The teacher, secretary, and principal should be made aware of these  conditions.  

Administration of Medication at School

The McDowell County School System has adopted a policy regarding the administration  of medication at school. Before prescription medication or over the counter medication  can be given the school must have a completed “Request for Medication” form signed by  the doctor and the parent. The parent must bring the medication to the school office.  

ALL medicines must be in the original package and/or container appropriately labeled  by the pharmacist. Please remember to supply needed item to measure dosage. If  students take medication of any kind while at school the parent must bring the  medication to the school. The medication must be brought in the original container  labeled with the student’s name, name of the medication, and directions for dosage/time.  Medications must be brought to the office immediately upon arrival at school. 

Riding a School Bus 

Riding the school bus is a privilege for students. This privilege can be taken away at any time for disruptive or unsatisfactory behavior.

1. Students will follow all directions of the bus driver.

2. Students are to remain seated at all times in their assigned seats.

3. Students are expected to show respect for self and others.

4. Eating and drinking are not permitted on the bus.

5. Shouting, teasing, pushing or fighting is not allowed at any time on the bus.

6. Students will not be allowed to call home during the school day to arrange visitation with friends.

7. Electronic devices are not permitted on school buses.

8. Be respectful and take care of the bus/school property (damage will be the parents responsibility)

If your child is to go home any other way than he/she normally goes, he/she is to bring a written note from home that has been signed and dated, and states the change. The student must have this note approved by the office. Without a note, this will not be permitted.

We expect students to follow expectations on the bus.  If students choose not to follow bus expectations, students may lose their privilege to ride the bus. It is unlawful for a person to ride on a school bus without a proper assignment. Remember that riding a school bus is a  privilege, not a  right. Violations of these rules may result in loss of bus riding privileges. A student must have a note from a parent or guardian and be approved by the administration to get on or off the bus at a stop that is different from their assigned stop.

Student Assignment to School Buses: Any student attending a school out of their district will not be eligible for school bus transportation.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS/BOOKS

Library books and other classroom resources are provided for the use of all students. In return, students are expected to care for those books, and parents are responsible for these materials that are received and used by their children. Restitution must be made for lost or damaged books. If a lost book is found, the money paid will be refunded

VOLUNTEERING 

Volunteers are always needed; you will need to have an approved background check to volunteer. Not all field trips require volunteers, but there will be several grade levels that have field trips that require parents volunteers.  Parents who want to volunteer for field trips must also have a cleared background check.

BIRTHDAYS

Birthdays are important events to elementary school children. If you wish to provide a small snack for the students in your child’s classroom, please discuss it with the teacher ahead of time.  He or she will let you know what is appropriate to send and what time of day is best. Please remember that students may not receive deliveries of balloons, flowers, etc. at school. NO homemade baked goods are permitted in accordance with the state child nutrition laws. All food for student parties, socials, etc. must be purchased from a grocery/department store.

DELIVERY OF ITEMS TO STUDENTS

No gifts will be delivered to students at school.  The classroom environment should have as few interruptions as possible. All deliveries for students (school supplies, medications, lunch, etc.) are to be left in the office. The school WILL NOT deliver gift items such as flowers, balloons, candy, presents, and etc.

LOST AND FOUND

To help you save money and help your child from losing things, please put your child’s name on his/her book bag, lunch box, coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, etc.  With a name on the item, we can return them to its proper owner. All unclaimed items will be donated to charity every two weeks.

ATTENDANCE

Regular school attendance is imperative for student achievement. Students are expected to be in attendance each day school is in session except for personal illness or exempt holidays. A student must be present for 75 percent of the school day to be counted present for the day. North Carolina has compulsory attendance laws that we must follow.  If students are absent from school, they are expected to complete their work remotely.  If the absence is due to illness, please provide documentation of your child’s illness.  In this case, work completion can occur when your child is well enough to participate in school activities. It is very important for your child to develop good attendance habits; however, if it is necessary to be absent, the following procedure should be followed:

1. Family trips will be considered unexcused. If possible, notify the teacher before your child is absent for such things as funerals, etc.
2. When children are absent, upon their return to school, they must bring a note from their parent or guardian as to the exact reason for their absences including the kind of illness. This is required by the State of North Carolina. This written record enables the school and the parents to work together for the best interest of the child.  Excessive absences will require a doctor’s note.
3. In accordance with the North Carolina State attendance policy, all absences will be considered “lawful” or “unlawful”. The ONLY absences that will be considered lawful are:

            1. personal illness or injury which makes the student physically unable to attend;

2. isolation ordered by the State Board of Health, Local Health Department, etc.

3. death in the immediate family;

4. medical or dental appointment;

5. participation under subpoena as a witness in a court proceeding;

6. observance of a religious event with prior approval by the principal

Unexcused Absences 

After the equivalent of three accumulated unexcused absences, a parent or guardian shall be notified through a Parent Link call. At six unexcused absences, the principal shall notify the parent or guardian by mail that he/she may be in violation of the Compulsory Attendance Law. The Principal or Designee will notify the Truancy Officer and the Truancy Officer will work with the student and parents in an effort to eliminate the student’s attendance problems. This could involve attending Truancy Counsel. Six unexcused absences will result in immediate interventions by a truancy response team. These teams may consist of teachers, administrator(s), counselor(s), social worker, and nurse from the child's school and representatives from DSS and the courts. The parent may be in violation of North Carolina's Compulsory Attendance Law, and may be subject to prosecution if the absences cannot be justified under the established policies of the North Carolina State Board of Education. If this is a violation, the school is required to notify the Juvenile Court Counselor.

If a child has accumulated at least ten (10) unexcused absences during the school year, North Carolina law requires that the parent be contacted and confirmed that there was previous notification of the child's excessive absences. This is the final documentation of notification. You may be subject to prosecution if the absences cannot be justified under the established policies of the North Carolina State Board of Education. It is the parent’s responsibility to demonstrate a good faith effort to comply with the Compulsory Attendance Law. If the parent has responded to the three and six day notification, please continue to keep the child's information up to date and ensure that all school requirements are met.

Excessive Absences

Class attendance and participation are critical elements of the educational process and may be taken into account in assessing academic achievement. The principal shall notify parents and take all other steps required by G.S. 115C-378 for excessive absences.

Excused Absences

• Students who are ill & whose attendance in school would endanger their health or the health of others may be temporarily excused from attendance
• Students in whose immediate family there is a serious illness or death
• Students may be excused from attendance in school with local board policies

Unexcused Absences

• Students who are willfully absent from school without the knowledge of their parents
• Students who are absent from school without acceptable cause with the knowledge of their parents
• Additional criteria in accordance with local board policies may be added to the above definition or unlawful absences

Family Vacations

If a family is going on a vacation, the vacation will be counted as unexcused. Families cannot count these as educational opportunities as it does not support what our school board policy has listed for an educational opportunity.

The McDowell County School Board Policy manual can be found in its entirety by visiting the McDowell County Schools Website www.mcdowell.k12.nc.us 

Complete student related policies such as Attendance can be found in the 4000 Series.

Pleasant Gardens Elementary School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities.

Student Accountability Agreement

The McDowell County Board of Education has adopted certain policies for promotion in grades K-5.  As a part of these policies, all students and parents of students in grades K-5 must sign a Student Accountability Agreement along with the teacher at the beginning of the school term.  This form will be sent home to be signed, signed during “Meet the Teacher”, or during an individual parent conference.  Students who enroll later in the school year must also sign the agreement.

Internet Usage Agreement

Before students can use a device, all parents must sign the online agreement form.

McDowell County Schools

Mission Statement

 Inspiring Success:  Student-Centered; Mission-Driven

Mission Statement

The mission of McDowell County Schools is to deliver excellence in education where students are engaged in collaboration, communication, and innovation so that they graduate ready to achieve success and positively shape the future.

NINE CHARACTER CONCEPTS

1. Courage

Having the determination to do the right thing even when others don’t; having the strength to follow your conscience rather than the crowd; attempting difficult things that are worthwhile.

2. Good Judgment

Choosing worthy goals and setting proper priorities; thinking through the consequences of your actions; and basing decisions on practical wisdom and good sense.

3. Integrity

Having the inner strength to be truthful, trustworthy, and honest in all things; acting justly and honorably.

4. Kindness

Being considerate, courteous, helpful, and understanding of others; showing care, compassion, friendship, and generosity; and treating others, as you would like to be treated.

5. Perseverance

Being persistent in the pursuit of worthy objectives in spite of difficulty, opposition, or discouragement; and exhibiting patience and having the fortitude to try again when confronted with delays, mistakes, or failures.

6. Respect

Showing high regard for authority, for other people, for self, for property, and for country; and understanding that all people have value as human beings.

7. Responsibility

Being dependable in carrying out obligations and duties; showing reliability and consistency in words and conduct; being accountable for your own actions; and being committed to active involvement in your community.

8. Self-Discipline

Demonstrating hard work and commitment to purpose; regulating yourself for improvement and restraining from inappropriate behaviors; being in proper control of words, actions, impulses, and desires; choosing abstinence from premarital sex, drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances and behaviors; and doing your best in all situations.

9. Citizenship/Civic Virtue

Obeying the laws of the nation and state; abiding by school rules; and understanding the rights and responsibilities of a member of the United States of America.

      As the Student Citizen Act of 2001 encourages, in addition to the above list of traits, McDowell County Schools will include instruction in the following:

1.        Respect for Others – holding students, teachers, school personnel, and members of the community in high esteem and demonstrating in words and deeds that everyone deserves to be treated with courtesy, respect, and proper deference.

2.        Respect for School Property and Personal Property – holding students and school personnel responsible for appreciation, care, and maintenance of personal and school property.

3.        Responsibility for School Safety – helping to create a harmonious school atmosphere that is free from threats, weapons, and violent or disruptive behavior; cultivating an orderly learning environment in which students and school personnel feel safe and secure; and encouraging the resolution of conflict and disagreements through peaceful means including peer mediation.

4.        Service to Others – engaging in meaningful service to their schools and communities. Schools may teach service-learning by (i) incorporating it into their standard curriculum or (ii) involving a classroom or another group of students in hands-on community service projects.

  (This list was developed by the Wake County Character Education Task Force in 1994, on behalf of the Wake County Public Schools System.  It was selected to be used in the 1996 legislation.

 McDowell County Schools listed Good Citizenship in the first list instead of in the second list and added Respect for School Property.)

SCHOOLWIDE TITLE I PROGRAMS

All McDowell County Elementary Schools operate school-wide Title I programs. Title I provides federal funding for schools to help students who are behind academically or are at risk of falling behind. Funding is based on the number of lower-income children in a school but services are provided to help all students achieve academic success. Title I money may be combined with other funds to provide more services and resources for students. These services can include additional personnel, parental involvement activities, professional development, and purchase of materials and supplies. A school-wide Title I program can offer programs that can help improve your child’s education. A good education can give your child a better chance of success in life!

Title I schools are required to notify parents of their rights to receive certain information. ∙ Parents may request information concerning the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher(s), including the degrees held, certifications held, and whether the teacher is certified in the area he/she is teaching.

Schools must notify parents if their child has been assigned, or has been taught for at least four consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet the Highly Qualified definition. ∙ Parents may request information concerning whether or not their child is receiving instruction by a teacher assistant, and if so, his/her qualifications.

Parent communication and involvement are important, especially under the No Child Left Behind legislation. Parents in Title I schools have certain rights concerning parent involvement. ∙ Parents must be a part of developing or revising, as needed, a written parent involvement policy that is distributed to all parents.

∙ Parents must be invited to an annual public meeting.

∙ Parents have a right to be involved in planning and implementing the parent involvement program in their school.

∙ Parents can receive materials and training to foster greater parent involvement. ∙ Parents have the right to see yearly “report cards” showing how their child and the school are performing under the school-wide Title I program.

Parents can help!

∙ Look at your child’s performance and be sure you understand where your child stands in reading and mathematics.

∙ Talk with your child’s teacher (s) and principal to find out how you and your school can work together to improve your child’s performance.

∙ Attend parent conferences.

∙ Participate in parent involvement activities and opportunities.

∙ Be aware of your school’s performance under No Child Left Behind and the state testing program.

∙ Communicate your school’s successes to your community and look for ways to support your school.

Educators cannot improve schools alone. In North Carolina, we reach these high standards as a partnership with parents, schools, and communities. Adapted from Information for Parents in Title I Schools published by Public Schools of North Carolina, Department of Public Instruction.

SECTION II

PRIVACY OF STUDENT RECORDS

RIGHT OF PARENTS TO REVIEW AND INSPECT

STUDENT CUMULATIVE RECORDS

Those who have the right to inspect and review the cumulative record folder kept about the student include (1) parents/guardians of students who are under 18 years of age, (2) parents/guardians who claim students who are at least 18 as dependents under Section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code, and (3) students who are at least 18 (hereafter called eligible students).

The McDowell County School system presumes that parents of students who are currently attending a school within the McDowell County School System claim the student as a dependent for tax purposes. Any student at least 18 years of age and attending a school within the system who does not want the parents to have access to the cumulative record folder must so inform the principal of the school where the records are kept and prove that he/she is not a tax dependent of the parents. If a parent of a student who is at least 18 and no longer attending a school within the district wishes to inspect and review the child’s cumulative record file, the parent must prove to the principal that the student is a dependent for federal income tax purposes.

Requests from parents or eligible students who wish to review the cumulative record folder shall be made to the principal of the student’s school. When the principal receives a request for review of the records from a parent or a student who has a right to inspect the records, the principal shall schedule the review. The appointment date should be as early as possible but never later than 45 days after the request is made. The inspection and review shall be made in the office of the principal or at another designated place.

A school official competent in interpreting student records shall be present to explain the implications of the records that are examined. Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect records and live within fifty miles of the place where the records are kept must do so at the place designated by the school system. After the inspection, they may request copies of the records they inspected. Parents or students who live farther than 50 miles from the place where the records are kept may request copies of the

records without first inspecting them at the school or central office. The copies shall be sent by registered mail, return receipt requested.

IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Child Find Project - Child Find is a component of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires states to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities, aged birth to 22, who are in need of early intervention or special education. Referrals may be made to any school or to the Exceptional Children’s department.

Discipline Authority of School Personnel and Case-by-Case Determination - School personnel may consider any unique circumstances on a case-by-case basis when determining whether a change of placement, made in accordance with the following requirements related to discipline, is appropriate for a child with a disability who violates a school code of student conduct. Note: A removal is usually called an out-of-school suspension (OSS), but it may also include any time the school calls and asks you to pick up your child before the end of the school day because of disciplinary reasons. It also includes in-school-suspension (ISS), if services are not provided to your child, and suspension from the bus, IF transportation is a related service for child’s IEP. General - To the extent that they also take such action for children without disabilities, school personnel may, for not more than 10 school days in a row, remove a child with a disability who violates a code of student conduct from his or her current placement to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting, another setting, or suspension. School personnel may also impose additional removals of the child of not more than 10 school days in a row in that same school year for separate incidents of misconduct, as long as those removals do not constitute a change of placement.

Once a child with a disability has been removed from his or her current placement for a total of 10 school days in the same school year, the school district must, during any subsequent days of removal in that school year, provide services to the extent required below under the sub-heading Services. If the behavior that violated the student code of conduct was not a manifestation of the child’s disability and the disciplinary change of placement would exceed 10 school days in a row, school personnel may apply the disciplinary procedures to that child with a disability in the same manner and for the same duration as it would to children without disabilities, except that the school must provide services to that child as described below under Services. The child’s IEP Team determines the interim alternative educational setting for such services.

Transfer Students: Transfers within McDowell County Schools - Students with IEPs are assigned to the school they would normally attend based on attendance zone or a parent’s school choice. However, changes to school assignment will be made when the goals, objectives, services and/or the accommodations on the IEP cannot be implemented at the attendance zone or choice school. If it is determined that a student’s IEP cannot be implemented at the student’s attendance zone or choice school, then the student will be assigned to a school that can implement the IEP within the region of the attendance zone school. If it is determined that a student’s IEP cannot be implemented at the regional school because of class size, transportation issues, accessibility and/or other factors, then Special Education and Related Service will determine the school assignment.

Dispute Resolution - Any person who has a concern about the education of a student with a disability can raise the issue in one of several ways. For example, it is always appropriate to: discuss the matter with the student's teacher or principal at the local school, or it is also helpful to contact the Director of Exceptional Children Program in the central office of the school system, charter school, or state operated program. The Exceptional Children Division's consultants for dispute resolution and consultants for instructional support and related services are also able to offer consultation to assist parents, advocates, or school system, charter school, or state operated programs personnel who request help with problem-solving. Consultants at the Department of Public Instruction are neutral and refrain from taking sides when there is a disagreement, but consistently advocate for appropriate services for children with disabilities. They are committed to the protection of rights for children with disabilities and their parents. An informal means of problem solving is provided through the Exceptional Children Division's Facilitated IEP Program for school systems, charter schools, state operated programs, and parents. Formal means for dispute resolution are also available through the Department of Public Instruction, Exceptional Children Division. These options are requirements of federal and state laws governing special education - Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), and Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities. When there is an unresolved disagreement over identification, evaluation or educational placement of a child with a disability or the provision of free appropriate public education, the options for dispute resolution are mediation, formal written complaint, and due process hearing. A formal complaint filed on the same issue(s) as contained in a petition for a due process hearing will not be investigated. These options are also available to the adult student who has reached the age of majority (18), unless legally deemed incompetent or unable to make educational decisions.

For more information please contact:

Department of Exceptional Children Programs at 652-6580

NOTIFICATION of RIGHTS UNDER FERPA

At the beginning of each school year, the McDowell County School System shall send the following notice to parents of students under the age of eighteen and to students who are at least eighteen and are currently attending school within the system:

TO ALL PARENTS OF STUDENTS CURRENTLY ATTENDING THE MCDOWELL COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM AND ALL STUDENTS CURRENTLY ATTENDING THE SYSTEM WHO HAVE REACHED THE AGE OF 18:

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:

The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes to be inaccurate. Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the School principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by McDowell County Schools to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-5901.

According to FERPA, information designated as directory information may be released by the district without parental consent, provided annual notification has been given. Directory information is information that is generally considered NOT harmful or an invasion of privacy if released. In addition, Federal No Child Left Behind legislation requires that McDowell County Schools provide military recruiters, upon request, with 3 directory information categories – names, addresses and telephone listings –unless parents have advised McDowell County Schools in writing that they do not want their student’s information disclosed to the military. Traditionally, military recruiters only request this information for current 11th and 12th grade students.

Directory information may include, but is not limited to, the information listed below: Name of student

Address of student

Telephone number of student

Photographs

Audio recordings

Video recordings

Dates of attendance

Grade level

Major Field of Study

Date and Place of Birth

The most recent educational agency or institution attended

Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

Weight and height of members of athletic teams

Degrees, honors, and awards received

Schools do use discretion when releasing directory information and will not release such information if it is the principal’s judgment that releasing such information would not be in the best interest of the student.

Please consider very carefully any decision to withhold “directory information.” If you inform McDowell County Schools in writing not to release information, any requests for such information from individuals or entities not affiliated with McDowell County Schools shall be refused. FOR EXAMPLE: REFUSAL COULD MEAN NO INFORMATION TO NEWSPAPER, SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER, ANNUAL PUBLISHER (NO PICTURE OR NAME IN THE ANNUAL), NO INCLUSION IN ANY SCHOOL NEWS RELEASE (EXAMPLE: HONOR ROLL), ETC. Any parent/guardian or eligible student (18 years of age or older), who wants to withhold the release of directory information entirely, or who only wants to withhold the release of directory information to the military, must notify the principal of the school where the student is enrolled, in writing, within (14) days of the student’s first day of school. A request to withhold directory information does not carry over from one school year to the next or from one school to another.

Request to Withhold Release of Directory Information forms are available on the McDowell County School District website and at your child’s school.