Baton Elementary School will be a school in which administration, faculty, student body, parents, and community work together to provide a safe, well-structured environment; a school which challenges a student's full potential as well as fostering a desire for lifelong learning. We recognize that the curriculum should not only teach basic academic skills, but also attempt to meet the social, moral, intellectual, and emotional needs of each student. We believe that every child should be encouraged to work and think creatively and independently, function cooperatively with others, develop self-discipline, and function as a responsible, productive citizen. |
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Baton Elementary School will be a quality school recognized for its high standards of academics and discipline, technological advances, and dedicated teachers who foster a love of learning. We will put children first while focusing on preparing self-confident, self-disciplined, independent learners. |
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Student Arrival and Departure |
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The safety of our students is of utmost importance when arriving or departing from our campus. The official school day for students begins at 8:10 A.M. and ends at 2:40 P.M. Any student arriving after 8:10 will be counted tardy, and must get a tardy slip from the office prior to reporting to the classroom.
Morning Drop Off:
Front of either building only, no earlier than 7:30 a.m. - Students go directly to cafeteria if they are eating breakfast. Otherwise, kindergarten, 1st Graders, and 2nd Graders go to the multipurpose room. Grades 3 -5 report to the gym unless teachers give permission for students to report to their rooms.
Tardy Students:
Parent/Adult is required to come into office to sign in tardy students via computer. If a student is dropped off without being signed in, parent will be called to return to school. Student will not go to class without being signed in by parent.
Departure:
Students will be dismissed at 2:40. Parents of car riders will be given a name card to be placed in the front windshield. Staff members will load students at the awning in front of the old building.
Car riders and walkers must be picked up ONLY in front of the old building. Car riders must be picked up by 3:00 P.M.
Daily Schedule
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7:55 - Bell to dismiss students from multipurpose room or gym
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8:05 - Morning announcements
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8:10 - Tardy bell/Instruction begins
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10:45 - 1:10 (25 minute lunches)
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2:40 - Dismissal
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Early Dismissal/Change in Transportation |
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If a student needs to leave school before the end of the school day, a PARENT OR DESIGNEE MUST COME TO THE OFFICE AND SIGN FOR THE RELEASE OF THE CHILD. The office will call the child from the classroom.
DO NOT WAIT IN THE HALLWAY BESIDE CLASSROOMS OR GO TO THE CLASSROOM FOR THE CHILD. We follow this procedure for the protection of your child.
In order for your child to achieve his or her fullest potential, it is important for him or her to remain the entire school day. We strongly discourage taking students out of school early unless it is an EMERGENCY.
If your child will be going home by a different means of transportation other than the usual, we must have a note from parents explaining the change. WITHOUT PROPER WRITTEN NOTIFICATION, A STUDENT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO GO HOME A DIFFERENT WAY. We will NOT make transportation changes over the phone. This procedure is a safety precaution for your child.
When schools in Caldwell County are dismissed early because of weather conditions, schools will not be told to dismiss all at the same time. For example, schools will be told to dismiss one hour or two hours early. If we dismiss one hour early, school would end at 1:40. If we dismiss two hours early, school would end at 12:40.
Tardy students will make up missed work during speciality class time. Students with excessive tardies or excessive early sign outs will not be allowed to participate in field trips, field days, other special class parties/rewards/activities, or receive perfect attendance certificates.
Students who miss 20 or more days may be retained, 20 days equal one school month.
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Regular attendance is necessary for two reasons: 1) It is required by state law. 2) It is essential to a student's success, enjoyment, and achievement in schoolwork. Irregular attendance may lead to a loss of interest in school, poor and careless study habits, a lack of achievement, and possible failure.
When a child has to be absent, teachers and staff will do everything possible to help him/her make up missed work, but it is impossible to make up the experiences lost in the classroom.
Attendance Guidelines:
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All students must have a written excuse signed by a parent/guardian to his/her teacher on the FIRST day back to school. The note should have the child's name, date(s) of absence(s), reason for absence(s) and the parent/guardian signature. Absences without a note will be coded truancy. The school will require a doctor's note when a student reaches 5 absences, excused or unexcused, and for frequent absences for illness.
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A student must be in attendance for at least half the school day (11:30 a.m.) to be counted present.
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Educational opportunities: In order for absences to be excused, parents must complete an Approval for Excused Educational Opportunity Travel form prior to absences. Form is available in the school office.
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Students having ten or more tardies or early dismissals will not be eligible to receive perfect attendance certificates. Students with 20 or more absences are subject to retention.
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Every student who has been absent shall meet with his/her teacher(s) to make up missed work.
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Students with perfect attendance will be recognized at awards day programs at the end of the school year.
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OUT-OF-DISTRICT STUDENTS
: Parents of students who are out of district and who have more than five excused absences, or three unexcused absences, tardies, or early dismissals per semester may be contacted in writing by the principal or designee and advised that the continuation of poor attendance will result in their return to their home school. Out-of-district students having discipline or academic problems may also be required to return to their home school.
NOTIFICATION OF EXCESSIVE ABSENCES (K-12)
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3rd Unexcused Absence: Parent notified by letter
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6th Unexcused Absence: Parent notified he may be prosecuted if absences cannot be justified under the established attendance policies of the State and local boards of education. School social worker will work with the child and his family to eliminate the attendance problem.
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10th Unexcused Absence: If principal determines the parent has not made a good faith effort to comply with the Compulsory Attendance Law, he shall notify the district attorney and director of social services. Juvenile court petitions (pursuant to Chapter 7B of the General Statutes) may be filed for habitual absenteeism.
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Students at Baton Elementary may participate in both breakfast and lunch programs. However, if they prefer, they may bring their lunches and purchase milk, juice, bottled water. We want our students to develop good eating habits, and this is an important part of our health education emphasis.
Students will be served from the items on the bar. Remember, three items constitute a full lunch. Students can purchase only one extra sweet, e.g. a cookie or an ice cream. Elementary students may charge up to $7.00 for meals only. When a student owes $4.00 a letter will be sent home to alert parents about the cafeteria debt. No charging will be allowed for meals when a debt is greater than $7.00
If you go to the
Child Nutrition
home page and register, you can receive an e-mail notification of your child's balance on his/her lunch account.
NOTE:
If a student owes any money,he/she will not be allowed to purchase or charge extra a la carte items (e.g. ice cream, juicy juice, snack cakes) until charges are paid in full.
To avoid delays in serving, lunch money should be paid for by the week on
Monday mornings . However, lunch money may be paid on other days. Please place money or check in an envelope with the student's name, number, teacher's name, and amount enclosed written on the outside. Payments may be paid directly to the cafeteria or put in the designated box in the multi-purpose room. If you wish to pay online, go to www.LunchPrepay.com.
Listed below are prices for the 2009 - 2010 school year. Prices are subject to change.
Breakfast Full Price $1.00 Reduced Price .30
Lunch
Full Price $1.75 Reduced Price .40
Adult Breakfast $1.25
Adult Lunch A la carte
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SICKNESS OR INJURY
Should your child become sick or injured at school, you will be called to come for him or her. The school does not provide aspirin, Tylenol, ear drops, cough syrup, or any other medication. Baton Elementary will follow medication procedures as outlined in Policy A-3270:
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Within the first week of school all parents of students in Caldwell County Schools will receive a brochure on the medication policy in Caldwell County Schools.
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Only medication in a pharmacy labeled container which includes the child's name, the name of the medication, the unit dosage to be given, the number of dosage units, the time medication is to be given, and how it is to be administered will be accepted by designated school personnel.
It is important that you report address and phone number changes promptly, so we will be able to contact you if an emergency occurs.
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The purpose of honor rolls is to recognize and encourage quality student performance. Since educational goals include academics and behavior, both are reflected on the honor rolls. Grades 3-5
A Honor Roll – No grade less than A, no grade of Unsatisfactory for a subject, no grade of D, F, or Unsatisfactory on conduct in any area.
B Honor Roll – No grade less than B, no grade of Unsatisfactory for a subject, no grade of D, F, or Unsatisfactory on conduct in any area.
Principal’s List – B average with no grade less than C, no grade of Unsatisfactory for a subject, no grade of D, F, or Unsatisfactory on conduct in any area. |
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All students in grades K-5 are involved in the annual testing program provided through the county or state.
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K -2 students will complete literacy and math assessments throughout the school year. Assessments and student portfolios will be used to determine whether students meet guidelines for promotion.
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County benchmark tests in reading and math will be given to 3 -5 students:
Benchmark #1: August - September (2 days of teacher's choice) Benchmark #2: January (2 days of teacher's choice) Benchmark #3: March - April (2 days of teacher's choice)
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Caldwell County 3rd Grade On Demand Writing Task: March
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NC Writing Assessment for 4th Grade
On Demand #1: September Content Specific #1: November Content Specific #2: February On Demand #2: April
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5th Grade Science EOG: May
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End- of -Grade Tests in reading and math for grades 3-5: May
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Students who do not score Level 3 must take a retest.
3rd and 5th Grades are "gateway" grades. Students who do not score at least Level 3 may be retained.
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Learning does not end at school. Teachers will assign homework that is directly related to activities in the classroom. Homework will serve as reinforcement and practice of information and skills introduced in the classroom.
Students should set aside at least 30 minutes of quiet time to read and do homework. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to work with your child and to see the quality of work he/she can accomplish. |
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Bus Transportation and Conduct |
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Riding a school bus is a privilege; it is the responsibility of the student to honor established rules. A copy of school bus regulations will be sent home. Study these carefully. Students will be suspended from riding the bus for continued misconduct.
Bus Discipline
The Caldwell County School System has policies to ensure the safety of all students who ride the bus. The following rules for students' behavior should be obeyed:
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Follow driver directions.
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Remain seated at all times.
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Do not bring food, drinks, and toys on the bus.
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Keep hands, feet, arms, and personal belongings to yourself.
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Do not shove or push when loading and unloading.
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Stay in assigned seat.
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Remain quiet with no loud noises.
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No profanity is allowed.
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Always help to keep the bus clean.
Violation of rules result in the following consequences:
1st offense - Written warning
2nd offense - 3 day suspension from riding the bus
3rd offense - 5 day suspension from riding the bus
4th offense - 10 day suspension with recommendation for suspension for
remainder of school year from the bus.
Any behavior that endangers the safety of students and driver will be handled quickly with possible suspension.
Any student who needs to ride a different bus other than the one he/she is assigned must have a note from the parent. Then the note must be given to the student's teacher or brought to the office in the morning.
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During the school year each class is permitted to take EDUCATIONAL field trips. A blanket permission form will be sent to you early in the year. Prior to each trip teachers will inform parents of dates and cost. It is a privilege for students to participate in off-campus activities. Inappropriate behavior and poor attendance/excessive tardies are legitimate reasons to exclude children from class trips. |
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Floral deliveries to students are not allowed at any time during the school day. This policy includes deliveries from florists or deliveries by parents/other family members. Balloons or stuffed animals are included in this policy. |
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Five spaces in front of the new building have been designated for visitors parking. |
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Telephone use by students is limited to emergencies. If an emergency should arise, parents or guardians who need to contact children may call the office (728-9531) to leave a message. |
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The Media Center operates on a flexible schedule, which allows students to exchange library books at any time. Students’ books are checked out for a one week period, but may be returned as soon as they finish reading them by getting a book exchange pass from their classroom teacher. Students are encouraged to read and return books frequently throughout the school year. |
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To provide a safe, secure, and orderly environment on all Caldwell County School Campuses, all persons except students entering a school building during the school day, must report to the school office before proceeding to any other part of the building. Therefore, all visitors must sign in upon arrival in the school office. Please respect the time your child and his/her teacher have together, by causing as few disruptions as possible. |
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Special directions for the school regarding child custody should be presented to the school office in the form of a letter and court order. Please inform your expectations to your child’s teacher. |
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All students are expected to participate in physical education unless a doctor’s excuse or a note from a doctor is presented. Clothing and shoes must be appropriate for physical activities. Sneakers or shoes with a strap across the heel are required for participation in P.E. |
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Student Directory Information |
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Under Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, public schools may release certain “Directory Information” about students so that their awards, honors, participation, etc. can be noted to the media and others. However, before Directory Information may be released, the school must inform parents that such a release may be authorized unless the parent or student over age 18 requests that the Directory Information be withheld. Baton Elementary may release Directory Information about students including name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, participation in school activities, height, weight, dates of attendance, awards received and school last attended. Such information will be available for release unless the parent requests that such information be withheld. Parents have the right to object to the release of directory information or challenge the accuracy of the information by informing the school principal in writing. |
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· Cosmetics, make-up, fingernail polish, perfume, etc. .
· Expensive jewelry
· Money beyond what is needed for lunch or field trips
· Book bags with wheels are not permitted unless the proncipal grants special permission. No novelty items or key chains may be attached to book bags.
· Chewing gum unless a teacher approves its use in a special classroom activity
· Fireworks, matches, explosives, lighters
· Students may not bring sodas for lunch or snacks. Water in plastic water bottles is acceptable. Water bottles must remain in bookbags before and after school and on buses.
· Tobacco, alcohol, drugs, medication unless prescribed by a doctor and delivered by a parent to school.
· Toys, games, trading cards, skateboards, ball gloves
· Knives, toy guns, sharp objects or anything that resembles a weapon.
Radios, DVD players, CD players, electronic games, cell phones – (the school will not be responsible for these items if lost or broken).
At the discretion of Baton Elementary faculty or staff, some of the above such as games or electronic items, may be permitted for special activities. Those are the only times these items should be brought to school. |
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1. Keep hands, feet, objects and inappropriate comments to yourself.
2. Show respect for the rights and property of others.
3. Walk with care, slowly and quietly as you move about the campus.
When moving through the halls or across campus, stay to the right.
4. Use appropriate language.
5. Move quietly through the hallways without talking or running. When moving through the halls, stay to the right.
6. FIGHTING is NOT allowed under any circumstances. Suspension is the penalty for fighting.
7. Bullying is NOT allowed under any circumstances. Suspension is the penalty for bullying.
8. Use acceptable table manners in the cafeteria. During the first ten minutes of the class’s lunch time, students should refrain from talking.
Student Behavior
Acceptable behavior on the part of all students is necessary to provide a safe and orderly environment conducive to learning. For successful teaching to occur, each class will have rules for appropriate behavior and safe living in the classroom. Teachers have primary responsibility for the discipline of students in their care. Administrators will evaluate each situation and administer discipline accordingly when students are referred for disciplinary purposes. |
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Students in the Caldwell County School System are expected to behave in a manner that will reflect favorably on themselves and their schools during school hours and at any out of school activity. It is the shared responsibility of the home and school to develop self-discipline skills within students appropriate to their age. While the exercise of individual rights and liberties within schools is encouraged and protected, it is also recognized those rights and liberties are muted by the need of the system to provide a quality education to all.
The consequences listed are intended to serve as guidelines for staff using reasonable discretion and appropriate due process for students who violate board policy or school regulations. Potential consequences include but are not restricted to the following:
· Student warning
· Removal of privileges
· Parent notice
· Time out in office or classroom
· Referral to student support services
· After-school detention
· Parent conference
· Restitution
· In-school suspension
· Corporal punishment
· Out-of-school suspension
· Long-term suspension or expulsion
(Note: A new elementary alternative school is available for students exhibiting behaviors that impair their ability to function and learn in a regular setting.)
Student dress and appearance are the responsibility of the parents. Student dress often establishes a pattern for classroom behavior. It also determines how children feel about themselves. Students enrolled in Caldwell County Schools should come appropriately dressed for learning activities, weather conditions, and safety. A student’s appearance, mode of dress, or condition of personal hygiene shall not distract or disrupt the learning environment or constitute a threat to the safety, health, or well being of students and staff. Clothing should fit appropriately and not expose too much of the body.
Clothing and accessories that contain obscene, threatening, or suggestive writing/pictures are not permitted. The display of alcoholic beverages, drugs, or tobacco products is also prohibited.
Shoes must be worn at school at all times. Students should wear safe and comfortable shoes. Tennis shoes are encouraged to allow students safe participation in daily activities and may be required for specific activities such as Physical Education.
Some examples of inappropriate dress include, but are not limited to:
· Hats inside the building
· Sunglasses
· Visible undergarments or undergarments worn as outer garments
· Unsafe shoes
· Body Piercings other than ears
· Excessively Revealing Clothing
· Items that could be considered a weapon.
Student dress or appearance that interferes with or disrupts the learning environment may be prohibited at the discretion of the principal or his designee.
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School safety is a top priority for school administrators, teachers, and staff. Baton Elementary conducts monthly fire drills, annual tornado drill, and one lockdown drill per semester. If you would like more information concerning our school safety plan, please feel free to contact the principal at 728-9531. |
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Please write owner’s name in coats, sweaters, caps, gloves, and other personal items. Doing so will help school personnel to identify lost property turned in to the office. |
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School insurance information will be sent home early in the school year. Enrollment applications and payments should be mailed directly to the company. Do NOT send money to school. |
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Students found to have head lice and/or their nits are to be excluded from school until treated and nits are removed from the hair. The absences accrued from exclusion due to lice infestation shall be excused for the day the lice were discovered and the following day ONLY. If the lice are found on Friday or the day before a holiday, students are expected back the first day school resumes. Designated personnel in each school have been trained in the identification of head lice and the appropriate execution of school policy and procedures. Parents are required to accompany a child returning to school, so that the child can return home if additional nits or lice are found. Chronic cases are to be reported to the County Health Department and the Department of Social Services. |
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PTO meetings have been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on the following Tuesdays:
- September 15, 2009
- December 1, 2009
- February 2, 2010
- April 13, 2010
Please make every effort to attend these meetings. The PTO membership fee is $1.00 and may be paid at PTO meetings or sent to school in an envelope addressed to PTO.
PTO Officers for 2009 - 2010 school year Melissa Soots - President Dawn Wright - Vice President Robin Church - Secretary Lisa Austin & Chaninie Winebarger - Co-Treasurers Angela Schoonover & Anna Setzer - Co-Volunteer Coordinators |
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Grades K-2
Letter Grades will not be used in grades K-2. Early academic success is crucial for students, especially in the early grades. Therefore, parents of K-2 students will receive a written report each grading period that details student progress. Teachers will schedule individual parent conferences for parents of all students at the end of the 1st grading period. Teachers will schedule parent conferences of students not performing well at the end of the 3rd grading period. Discussion of retention will be held then. Parents may schedule conferences at other times by sending a note to the teacher or by calling.
Grades 3-5
Reading, Written Composition, Spelling, Math, Social Studies, and Science/Health will be graded A-F. Conduct for these classes will also be graded A-F.
A = 93-100 B = 85-92 C = 77-84 D = 70-76 F = 69 and below
Other required courses taught separately (Physical Education, Music, Visual Art) will be graded O-S-N-U.
Caldwell County Schools provide Academically/Intellectually Gifted Services for students meeting eligibility criteria. Contact the AIG Specialist at your school for information.
Report cards will be issued each nine weeks. During each 9-week grading period, mid term reports indication a child's progress will be sent to parents. Parents should sign and return both the mid term report and the report card. Students should return them promptly to their teacher.
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Within 30 calendar days of first enrolling in school, parents are required to present evidence that their child has had the following immunizations required by North Carolina State Law:
5 DPT shots (If 4th dose is on/after 4th birthday, 5th dose is not required.) 4 Polio Vaccine doses (If 3rd dose is on/after 4th birthday, 4th dose is not required.) 1 - 4 Hib doses (Not required after age 5) 1 MMR doses (1st dose on or after 1st birthday. 2nd dose before enrolling in school)
Failure to meet this requirement will result in suspension until the immunizationn is on file at school.
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Teachers will not distribute birthday or other party invitations. Students may do that themselves during noninstructional times. |
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Parents may inspect and review their children's educational records at any time of the school day by appearing in person in the school office. |
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