Parent and Student Handbook

2024 - 2025

Mission/Vision

McDowell County Schools

Vision

INSPIRING SUCCESS:
Future-Focused, 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.

The McDowell County School System embraces the following as its core values and beliefs. Through all district operations and activities, it will . . .

• Stress the importance of students by making data-driven decisions that
• establish high expectations for all;
• create conditions enabling them to learn; and
• serve their academic, social, emotional, physical, and cultural needs.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships.
• Ensure schools are safe, nurturing places where everyone engages in learning with curiosity and excitement.
• Emphasize the importance of daily attendance by all.
• Create a culture of achievement for students and adults to –
• develop both individual and collective talents,
• maximize and fulfill their potential, and
• prepare for future success.
• Establish a collaborative culture resulting from –
• great customer service,
• respect and compassion for individual and cultural differences,
• access for ALL, and
• a strong work ethic.

Staff

McDowell Connect (MC) offers an extensive array of tools and resources aimed at aiding students in achieving their academic, career, and personal aspirations. Don't miss out on these valuable resources to enhance your educational experience!

Furthermore, a dedicated distance learning advisor and career development coordinator stand ready to help students identify, plan, and reach their academic and career objectives. Take advantage of their expertise and guidance to chart a successful path towards your goals.

McDowell Connect Staff Members

Distance Learning Advisor - Eve Walker

Director of Career Technical Education - Mary Finley

Career Development Coordinator - Kendall Waugh

McDowell Connect Program Overview

McDowell Connect provides custom-tailored educational opportunities specifically designed for students within McDowell County Schools. With a team of fully licensed faculty members and comprehensive student support services, MC empowers students from diverse backgrounds and with varied interests to personalize their learning journey. The best part? It's entirely tuition-free!

Is McDowell Connect right for you?  

• Have you received homeschooling in the past yet found yourself needing additional support to tackle demanding coursework?

• Would you thrive with a blended schedule offering flexibility tailored to your requirements?

• Do circumstances such as involvement in competitive sports, travel commitments, caregiving responsibilities, or health concerns make attending traditional school challenging for you?

• Are you self-driven, dedicated to academic achievement, and capable of independently tracking your progress?

• Do you have the necessary support at home to ensure your success?

Students may choose from a variety of options, including:  

• Fully virtual learning – Access all courses online from any location, facilitated through platforms like the North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS), MTCC Career and College Promise, and MCS virtual programs.

• Blended scheduling – Craft a personalized course load by combining online classes with traditional or homeschool options to suit individual needs.

• Homeschool integration – Seamlessly transfer credits from licensed NC homeschools, enabling students to supplement their existing coursework with a minimum of two additional courses, either online or in a traditional setting.

• Long-term medical accommodations – Students confined to home or hospital settings can maintain academic progress by completing coursework online during extended medical leave.

How does it work?

• To maintain full-time status, students must enroll in a minimum of two courses per semester, with three courses needed to qualify for athletic participation.

• MC offers the option to complement or entirely substitute the homeschool curriculum.

• Students will graduate from their homeschool program.

• Internet access is available at MCS sites and McDowell Technical Community College.

• MCS does not provide transportation services for MC students.

• MCS offers loaner devices for accessing online classes ($40 usage fee).

• Direct communication between students and teachers is facilitated via email and telephone.

• A Distance Learning Advisor is available to oversee student progress and provide support.

McDowell Connect Academic Standards

Location:

McDowell Connect is located at the McDowell High School. The Address is 600 McDowell High Dr., Marion, NC 28752. Phone:  828-652-7920 

Entrance Requirements: 

All students must exhibit the requisite course prerequisites to ensure suitable academic placement and access to advanced placement courses. Upon enrollment, homeschooled students must provide a copy of the DNPE homeschool card and/or a transcript. Additionally, students are expected to have a record of good attendance, no disciplinary issues, and be at grade level upon enrollment. Students must also have their own email addresses, and families should have mechanisms in place to provide student support. 

Application Process & Deadline:

Interested families should complete the online application, ensuring that ALL items on the Application Checklist are included. Once all required items are received, you will be contacted to schedule a registration appointment with the Distance Learning Advisor. Please note that only complete enrollment packets will be considered.

The enrollment deadline for each semester is the 10th day of school. Students enrolling after the start of classes are expected to complete all missed assignments. Current MCS students interested in applying must arrange a conference with their school’s principal to discuss their educational needs and academic options. If the traditional school cannot accommodate the student's specific academic requirements, families may choose to apply for enrollment at McDowell Connect. Online applications are available. If approved to attend McDowell Connect, students must maintain passing grades; failure to do so will result in transfer back to their school of residence at the end of the semester.

Internet Access:

As courses offered through NCVPS and MCS virtual programs are conducted entirely online, students must have internet access. This can be achieved from home, local libraries, MCS sites, and other suitable locations. Laptops are provided for students to utilize at home.

Academic Standards:

To foster a positive learning atmosphere devoid of harassment, negativity, and offensive behavior, students accepted into McDowell Connect must adhere to all regulations and policies outlined in the MCS Student Code of Conduct. This document is accessible on the MCS webpage for reference.

Academic Failure:

The administration retains the authority to mandate in-person attendance for McDowell Connect or to withdraw students from class(es) if they fail to demonstrate sufficient academic advancement. Additionally, students who fail an end-of-course exam (Biology, English II, or Math I) will be ineligible to re-register for the same class through MC.

Academic Dishonesty:

Any academic dishonesty in online classes will be met with zero tolerance. Students caught engaging in such behavior will face grade deductions on assignments or tests and may be subject to disciplinary measures outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Academic dishonesty encompasses cheating, copying the work of others, plagiarism, and unauthorized communication between students during examinations. The Distance Learning Advisor or another supervising professional employee will determine academic dishonesty by considering written evidence, observations, and information provided by students.

Academic Supports:

The Distance Learning Advisor (DLA) is accessible daily at the McDowell High School Library from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Their role is to aid students experiencing challenges with class logins and offer a peaceful study environment.

Clubs/Athletics:

Students must register for at least two courses per semester to qualify as full-time. Additionally, they must enroll in a total of three classes to be eligible for participation in clubs and athletics. The remaining courses can consist of a mixture of homeschool courses (from a Registered Homeschool through the Division of Non-Public Education) and/or courses offered at the traditional school.

Attendance:

During the initial week of school, students must be on campus for at least two afternoons to familiarize themselves with class logins and navigation. Daily attendance is optional except for students failing one or more online classes. Students are expected to sign in and complete assignments daily. The approximate duration for each class is 1 to 1 ½ hours per day. The Distance Learning Advisor and staff oversee this attendance and engagement.

Furthermore, students enrolled in courses necessitating a state/local exam, such as AP Exams, End of Grade Exams (Reading, Math, and Science), End of Course Exams (Math I & III, English II, and Biology), or CTE Post Assessments/Credentials, will be expected to sit for the exam after the semester or academic year. Attendance by both students and parents at an open house event at McDowell High School is mandatory at the start of each school year. Additionally, students must participate in ALL State Tests or CTE credentials.

Dual Enrollment:

To be recognized as a full-time student, individuals must be registered in at least two courses through MC (In-person, NCVPS, or MCS virtual programs). The remaining courses can blend homeschool courses sourced from a Registered Homeschool through the Division of Non-Public Education.

What is the Curriculum:

MC students can enroll in in-person classes, and online courses via the North Carolina Virtual Public Schools (NCVPS) and MCS virtual programs, accessible from any location. While NCVPS provides numerous traditional courses, it may only offer some elective, core course, or academic/honors level. In addition to online courses, students can participate in seated classes such as band, JROTC, and CTE classes. Furthermore, students may qualify to enroll in Career and College Promise classes that McDowell Technical Community College offers.

Graduation:

Students will receive their high school diploma upon graduation from their North Carolina Registered Homeschool Program.

McDowell Connect Academic Requirements

Program Requirements: To access different aspects of NCVPS/MCS virtual programs,  it is recommended that you have access to:  

• Chromebook

Student Requirements for Success:

Here are some essential qualities for students to succeed in online learning:

• Self-Motivation
• Ability to work independently and maintain focus
• Strong time management abilities
• Willingness to seek help when needed, proactively addressing challenges
• Active engagement with computer-based media
• Consistent submission of assignments within deadlines
• Responsiveness to requests from teachers and parents
• Proficiency in basic computer skills, including email, web navigation, and word processing
• Access to support at home and a conducive environment for studying
• Availability of transportation to McDowell High School if academic assistance is required

Parent Requirements for Success:

Here are some tips for parents to support their child's online learning:

• Set up a quiet, distraction-free workspace for your child.
• Establish a daily schedule for schoolwork and prioritize it.
• Ensure your child has the necessary tools for academic success, such as supplies and internet access. Monitor their progress in each course and offer assistance when needed.
• Stay positive, show interest, and be available and supportive.
• Engage in daily conversations with your child to stay updated on their progress and well-being. Provide any required academic tools, such as headphones with a microphone or a graphing calculator, and be alert to signs of stress or frustration.
• Don't hesitate to ask for assistance if needed.

McDowell Connect Agreement

Student’s Name: _____________________________________________

By signing below, you accept the following:

1. I have read, understand, and will adhere to all information outlined in the McDowell Connect Standards and policies as stated in the MCS Student Code of Conduct.

2. I acknowledge that I am responsible for regularly logging into my online course and completing all assignments. Additional time may be necessary to complete coursework in the evenings and/or weekends.

3. I understand that falling behind in my coursework will require me to attend tutor sessions at least three (3) days per week until I am caught up in my classes.

4. I recognize that I am responsible for procuring the necessary computer equipment and software for NCVPS/MC courses/MCS virtual programs when working from home. I also understand that I may incur additional expenses for equipment or software required for my MC courses, such as a graphing calculator, headset with microphone, or software.

5. I pledge to complete all coursework independently. Enlisting another individual to complete assignments for courses I am enrolled in constitutes cheating and is a direct violation of the student code of conduct.

6. I commit to contacting my assigned NCVPS/MCS Distance Learning Advisor (DLA) via email or phone if I have any questions or require assistance, including login issues or academic challenges.

7. I agree to attend scheduled tutoring sessions if instructional support is needed.

8. As determined by the Distance Learning Advisor, I will participate in all required EOGs, EOCs, and/or CTE Post Assessment/Credentials in person at the designated school location. I understand that I am obligated to take ALL State Tests or CTE credentials associated with my courses.

9. I understand that failure to log into a course within the first 10 days of class will result in being dropped from the course.

10. I acknowledge that all grades earned through MC, including "F’s," will be recorded on my transcript and factored into my GPA. This encompasses failing to drop a class before the official drop date (refer to NCVPS.org for official drop dates), failing to complete all coursework by the final day of class, and/or failing to take any required EOC’s or CTE Post Assessments/Credentials.

11. I understand that McDowell Connect and/or McDowell County Schools reserve the right to terminate my enrollment should I fail to comply with all academic standards and policies.

Parent/Guardian’s Signature_______________________________ Date____________

Student’s Signature______________________________________ Date____________

Parent/Guardian’s Email Address__________________________ Contact Number___________

Student’s Email Address_________________________________ Contact Number___________

NCVPS Enrollment

Student Information  

Name:________________________________________

Student ID:____________________Grade:_____  

Address_______________________________________________________________________ Phone:____________________________________Email:_______________________________  Home Internet Access:___________________*Coursework cannot be done on a cell phone.  

CourseTitle/CourseCode:________________________________________  

Semester: Summer         Year Long         Fall         Spring  

Parent Contact Information

Name: _______________________________________________________________________  Address: _____________________________________________________________________  Phone: ___________________________________Email_______________________________