Hawks Happenings

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NBES Families,

We have wrapped up the first nine weeks at NBES! If you haven't had the opportunity to have a parent-teacher conference yet, please reach out to your child's teacher to schedule one. Your child's educational experience is so much richer when home and school work together to help them soar!

November and December are busy months. We are working diligently at school to maintain a structured schedule so we can meet our instructional goals. To celebrate consistent attendance, we are launching a new program to recognize students who are at school on random days—be sure to check out the details further down in this newsletter!

Please remember to check your child's folder every day. Tomorrow, report cards and flyers for our Gratitude Holiday Meal will be coming home. Please note that due to space constraints, only families of Kindergarten and 2nd Grade students are invited to join us for the Gratitude Meal on November 18th. Families of 1st, 3rd, and 4th grade students will be invited to a similar event in the spring.

Looking ahead to December, we will have spirit/dress-up days the week of December 14th. These will be simple, fun days that won't require extra prep or planning at home!

As part of our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) relaunch, we are highlighting a weekly focus on our HAWKS Expectations. We will focus on one expectation each week and recognize one student from each homeroom every Monday (or the first day of the school week) who demonstrated that character trait.

Weekly HAWKS Focus Schedule:

• Nov 2: S – Successful Student

• Nov 9: H – Have Respect

• Nov 16: A – Awesome Attitude

• Nov 23: W – Willing Worker

• Nov 30: K – Kind Kid

• Dec 7: S – Successful Student

Morning Drop-Off Reminder: To keep our morning car-rider line moving safely and efficiently, please fill both lanes upon entering and use a zipper merge (alternating cars one by one) as you enter the drop-off circle.

Thank you for your ongoing support of your child's education and North Buncombe Elementary School. We appreciate our incredible school community!

Warmly,

Heidi Allison

Principal, North Buncombe Elementary School

📞 Phone: 828-645-6054

✉️ Email: heidi.allison@bcsemail.org

October 30 - November 13 - Game On! Read-a-Thon!

November 4 - Report Cards Go Home!

November 11 - Holiday - Veteran's Day - No School

November 12 - 4th Grade Program

November 18 - Gratitude Holiday Meal for grades K and 2nd grade families (please RSVP)

November 20 - Read-a-Thon Celebration

November 20 - PTO meeting at 8:05 AM

November 23 - Makeup Picture Day!

November 25 - 27 - Thanksgiving Break

As you know we recently moved the Spirit Rock to the end of the driveway where it is more visible. We were not aware that the new campus gates would block a good view of the rock. We would like to relocate the rock again. If you have access to heavy equipment that can be used to move the rock and you are willing to help, please reach out to Heidi Allison at heidi.allison@bcsemail.org. Below is a diagram of where we would like the rock to be moved. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!

We are excited to announce that we will be utilizing the MANNA Packs food bag program again this year!

MANNA Packs is a weekly take-home food program that provides a free bag of

supplemental food for extra nutrition over the weekend. These bags will be distributed to students at the end of each week. Food bags may contain items such as: canned meals, proteins, breakfasts, snacks, and drinks.

The MANNA Pack Program’s mission is to serve those families with children who are

experiencing economic difficulty and could use assistance in providing food when school

meals are not an option. If you wish to begin this program, please reach out to your child’s teacher, counselor, or school social worker so we can send a permission slip home. A signed permission slip must be returned in order to participate in the MANNA Pack Program.

If you have any questions about the MANNA Pack program, or would like more information on local resources in Buncombe County, please contact the school social worker, Emily Mitchell, by email emily.mitchell@bcsemail.org or by phone at (828)776-4013.

This year, the NBES Literacy Team is hosting the Read-a-Thon event in the Fall! This will help to encourage our students to make a habit of reading each night earlier in the school year.

Make sure that your child is completing his/her reading log each night! Our goal is that we have at least 80% of our students participate in the Read-a-Thon! If we meet this goal then we will have a visits from various Super Mario characters!

All students should turn in the first reading log on Friday, November 6th. We will send home a NEW reading log for the second week of the event. Students who meet their grade level goal will participate in a fun reward on Friday, November 20th and are eligible for top reader prizes and participation prizes! Thank you for your support of this event!

Parents and special guests of Kindergarten and Second Grade students are invited to join us on Wednesday, November 18th for our Gratitude Holiday Meal!

Students in other grades will be invited to join a meal in the Spring.

Please make sure to RSVP by November 9th.

Hard copies of the flyers below will be sent home on Wednesday, November 4th.

Every day your child is in school is a day filled with learning, connection, and growth. Consistent attendance is one of the single biggest factors in student success—when students are here on time, they build confidence, stay connected with friends, and reach new academic heights!

To celebrate our students' commitment to showing up ready to learn, we are excited to launch our new Surprise Attendance Days program!

Throughout the school year, on completely unannounced days, we will celebrate every student who is present and on time. On these surprise days, students will be recognized with special rewards—ranging from fun desk treats to school-wide PA system dance parties!

You never know when a Surprise Attendance Day will happen, so help your child Go Beyond by ensuring they are at school, on time, every day.

Thank you for partnering with us to help our Blackhawks soar!

Please know that we are aware that students get sick and we are not encouraging students to come to school if they are sick. By recognizing students on a random attendance day, we are highlighting students while at school even if they may not have perfect attendance for the grading period.

If you are unsure when to keep your child home for sickness, please review this information below:

Any student who becomes ill or suffers a physical injury at school must report the issue immediately to their teacher. Staff will provide basic comfort care and contact parents or designated emergency contacts using the phone numbers on file. Parents must update their contact records immediately if a phone number changes. To prevent widespread illness, students must be kept home if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

• A temperature of 100.4°F or higher (must remain home until fever-free for a full 24 hours without the assistance of fever-reducing medications).

• Unresolved vomiting or persistent diarrhea.

• Visible breathing difficulties or acute signs of severe illness.

• Pink eye accompanied by discharge (until evaluated by a physician and treatment has officially begun).

• Strep throat (until 24 hours after prescription antibiotic treatment has commenced).

• Active head lice (until proper medical shampoo treatment has concluded and no live bugs remain).

• Scabies, bedbugs, or chickenpox (until the sixth day following rash onset or until all lesions are completely dry and crusted).

Specific health questions may be directed to our school nurse, Samantha Martin.

Please check out the resources below if you need help for the Holidays.

Eblen Charities

The Eblen Charities Saint Nicholas Store is open for 5 days prior to Christmas, and parents can begin to sign up online for an appointment starting Monday, November 16th.

Eblen Charities Christmas Assistance

Hearts with Hands

Hope for the Holidays

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 11 AM - 2 PM

Hearts with Hands Warehouse 850 Warren Wilson Road Swannanoa, NC 28778

**Confirmed Pre-Registration Required to Attend**

Please contact the school social worker, Emily Mitchell, by email at emily.mitchell@bcsemail.org or by phone call/text at (828)776-4013 for a registration form.

The next PTO meeting is Friday, November 20 at 8:05 AM in the PTO Modular/Trailer #6. Please join us!

The NBES PTO meets every third Friday at 8:05 AM. Mark your calendars with these dates below! Everyone is always welcome to join the meeting in person or virtually! The Google Meet link will change for each meeting and will be shared via email on the day prior to or the morning of the PTO meeting.

November 20

December 18

January 15

February 19

March 19 (May be rescheduled due to Family Math Day)

April 16 (May be rescheduled due to Career Day)

May 21

June - TBA (if needed)

If you have lost your order form, you can print the image below or call the office to ask for another one to be sent home.

In order to be counted present at school, students must be in class for instruction for at least 193 minutes which does not include lunch and recess. This requirement is not set by the school but rather by the state through the use of the Infinite Campus system. The requirement for 193 minutes of instruction, means that it depends on your child’s class schedule as to how long he/she needs to be at school in order to be counted present for the day. A good rule of thumb is to follow the guidelines below but if you need a specific timeframe for your child, you may contact the school for support.

• Students who arrive at school on time (8:00 AM) must remain in class until 11:45 AM to be counted present for the day.

• On Early Dismissal Days, students have to stay until 10:45 AM to be counted present.

• Students who arrive tardy to school must arrive before 10:10 AM in order to be counted present for the day. The 10:10 AM time is due to a student’s lunch and recess time being in the later part of the day and the need to be engaged in instructional activities for 193 minutes.

Please note that due to the length of the school day, each school within the Buncombe County Schools system may have a slightly different number of instructional minutes required to be counted present for the day.

This information is posted on our school's website at: https://nbes.buncombeschools.org/o/nbe/page/attendance-information

Updates to the emergency contact/pick-up list (adding or deleting) must be completed through the annual update window. Sept. 15 - Nov. 15.

Parent Portal Information-

NCSIS powered by Infinite Campus | Buncombe County Schools

User Guide

Parent/Student Walkthrough Video

https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/02GM7SNU-W34fF6j

A parent may update their own information all year.

As you know, video cameras are used in common areas throughout our school to help support the safety and security of our students and staff. On October 1, 2026, the Board of Education adopted Policy 7325, "Video and Audio Recording by Employees," to formally establish guidelines for these systems. The policy does not change how our cameras are used, rather it provides a clear framework for their continued use. We appreciate your partnership in maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for all.

October 30 - November 13 - Game On! Read-a-Thon!

November 4 - Report Cards Go Home!

November 11 - Holiday - Veteran's Day - No School

November 12 - 4th Grade Program

November 13 - 4th Grade Honor Roll - 1:20 - 1:35 in classrooms

November 18 - Gratitude Holiday Meal for grades K and 2nd grade families (please RSVP)

November 20 - Read-a-Thon Celebration

November 20 - PTO meeting at 8:05 AM

November 23 - Makeup Picture Day!

November 25 - 27 - Thanksgiving Break

December 4 - NBES Parent Advisory Council Meeting at 8:05 AM

December 21 - January 4 - Winter Break

January 26 - All-County Elementary/Intermediate Chorus - 6 PM at Brookstone Church

January 28 - 2nd Grade Program

April 13–24 | K–8 Art Exhibition at the Asheville Mall

• A Family & Community Night will be held on Tuesday, April 13, from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

As we prepare for the new school year, you will want to download the new parent app! Download Campus Parent now to get prepared. Activation keys will be shared at a later date.

Please click on this link to access our 2026-2027 Handbook. https://nbes.buncombeschools.org/o/nbe/page/nbes-student-handbooks

The handbook has been totally revised this year so please check it out!

We welcome volunteers to assist with school programs. All volunteers must fill out an online application and secure formal approval prior to helping on campus. Volunteer approvals must be renewed annually, and a training session is hosted each fall.

Information regarding volunteering is located on the NBES website at: https://nbes.buncombeschools.org/o/nbe/page/volunteer

An online application must be submitted annually beginning July 1 and as soon as possible, but no later than two weeks prior to the volunteering opportunity. Visit the school’s website at the link above to access the required application. Complete the application accurately and in full. All applications and required background checks must receive official approval before any volunteer service may begin.

Here is a direct link for the volunteer application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCHoH5lEsdDPSqNQfwPPK484hSOCAVNP6rMgeAv5FnCOvS5A/viewform

Buncombe County Schools Volunteer Guidelines

• Please review the Volunteer Guidelines before applying

• Volunteers comply with policy 5020, Visitors to the Schools

• Volunteers are required to abide by policy 5015 and 5015R, School Volunteers.

• Direct link to Board Policies: https://v3.boardpolicyonline.com/b/bl/buncombe/s/2256559

Questions? Please call the main office at (828) 645-6054. Mrs. Honeycutt will be happy to assist you with this process!

The NC State Legislature has passed a new state law prohibiting the use of cell phones during the instructional school day. The instructional day at NBES is once the child arrives on campus until dismissal.

What does this mean? Your child may bring a cell phone to school but it is to be powered off and not seen or used during the instructional day. The NBES Student Handbook also prohibits the use of cell phones on school buses. These guidelines also apply to other electronic devices. Please see the language below in the BCS School Board Policy.

Policy 4318: Therefore, students are permitted to possess such devices on school property so long as the devices are not turned on, used, displayed, visible, or otherwise creating a distraction during the instructional day. Wireless communication devices include, but are not limited to, cellular phones, smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, gaming devices, paging devices, two-way radios, tablet computers, laptop computers, electronic devices with internet capability, and other similar personal electronic devices.

Students will not be allowed to send or receive text messages from parents or others throughout the day. Any communication between a child and parents must be facilitated through a staff member.

We understand that some students need a communication device for safety after they arrive home. As long as students follow the expectations above this is not a problem. Should concerns arise, a student may be required to turn in the device at the main office each day. This includes Smartwatches.

*Students who have a specialized, documented plan (IEP, 504 or medical plan) that requires the use of electronic devices will be allowed to have those devices.

Please note that NBES is not responsible for any lost or damaged devices that your child brings to school. Likewise, if you provide a cell phone for your child, you are responsible for teaching proper etiquette and safety. NBES is not responsible for student to student interaction after school hours on a parent provided device.

The NBES is ready to rent! Read below to learn more about this opportunity.

Click here to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044EAAAA22A5FA7-64956045-nbes

Payment must be made in the main office with Mrs. Honeycutt or Mrs. Clubb. Do NOT send money to your child's teacher.

The NBES Spirit Rock is a great way to send a message for all to see! Congratulate your favorite student on an accomplishment, wish a student a Happy Birthday, show appreciation to your favorite teacher or staff member, celebrate a team win or let everyone know how much you love your school. The rock is available to reserve for the day or multiple days.

Reservations will be made only to a custodial parent or guardian of a current student, and NBES staff for their use and enjoyment.

Please read below for more information:

• The cost to rent the rock is $10.00 per day. The day is a 24 hour period and runs from 3:30 PM on the day before your rental day (time to get it painted) until 3:30 PM on your rental day.

• Make note that you are painting the rock after 3:30 PM on the day BEFORE the day you signed up for. This way the rock will be ready with your message during morning arrival and remain on the rock through afternoon dismissal.

• Reservations for Mondays include painting time on Friday afternoons after 3:30 PM. The campus gate will not be unlocked for weekend painting.

• Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Your reservation is not confirmed until payment has been received.

• Cash or Checks only. Checks should be made out to NBES. Payment should be turned in to the main office.

• No refunds will be given, even in the event of inclement weather.

Painting Tips (The entire process normally takes about an hour, depending on design):

You will need 2-3 cans of spray paint to completely cover the entire rock (Advice: Do not waste your time or money with the $0.99 cans, they don't work). Paint the "face" of the rock first, and then by the time you finish with the sides and back, the face will be dry and ready for your message.

Get small bottles of acrylic paint in each of the colors you choose for your message (usually less than a $1 each) and paint on with paint brushes.

Please adhere to the following guidelines:

*You must wait until 3:30 PM on the day before your rental to begin painting.

*No obscene or foul language or messages.

*No political, religious or other taboo messages – Administration reserves the right to remove any slogan or message that is not consistent with the intent of the rock and refunds will not be given.

*Keep area around rock clean and free of paint and trash.

Cost: $10 to reserve the rock for 24 hours - parent paints the rock base and message. You may reserve more than one day if you want your message to last longer!

When completing your online reservation, please include your name, child's name* and your phone number*.

*These items will not be visible to the public.

All proceeds will go directly back to NBES to support students and staff.
Questions? Please email Sherlina Honeycutt @ sherlina.honeycutt@bcsemail.org

We are asking for your assistance in keeping our schools safe. As you know, our schools are usually bustling with activity such as visitors dropping by for various reasons. As a reminder, here are our guidelines when multiple people are arriving at the same time.

If you have buzzed in and are being screened and you notice another visitor is arriving, please don't hold the door and allow anyone in without being screened first.

If the other visitor is 15 feet or less from the door, please buzz in and be screened together. If the visitor is more than 15 feet from the door, please buzz in and ensure the door is closed completely after you enter.

We certainly want to encourage politeness and our visitors understand that it is unsafe to hold doors and allow visitors in without being verified by front office staff first. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Safety of students and staff is the top priority of schools. NBES follows all state and local guidelines regarding school safety. In order to provide a safe learning environment, it is extremely important that all parents, grandparents and visitors to our school follow all safety guidelines. If a grandparent participates in your child's drop off/pick up routine, please make sure that you share all of the information above with them.

Part of having a safe school is making sure that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. NBES has a safety plan that is updated at least yearly. We have a well trained School Resource Officer provided by Buncombe County Sherriff's Department. Staff members participate in safety training yearly. Part of our training with students involves classroom discussions and safety drills. Please see the list below for more information.

Classroom discussions focus on:

• keeping hands, feet and other objects to self
• following teacher directions
• students not opening outside doors for anyone
• staying with the class when transitioning through the building
• how to exit the school quickly when the fire alarm is heard

Safety Drills include:

• monthly fire drill
• bus safety drills at the beginning of each semester
• perimeter and full lockdown drills
• bomb threat/evacuation drill (we won't actually leave campus)
• tornado drill

During safety drills students are assured that we are just practicing what to do in case we have an emergency.

ALL parents and visitors to campus must sign in at the office and obtain a visitor sticker (or a volunteer pass if applicable). Please note that you must sign in even if you are only visiting the cafeteria. Your cooperation in helping us to follow Central Office policy and ensuring the safety of all children is expected and appreciated.

If you have an appointment or scheduled time to be at school in the morning, and wish to walk in with your child, please still plan to follow the established procedure of coming to the office, signing the visitor registry, and obtaining a visitor tag.

Visitors will only be allowed to visit a classroom (during instructional time) if the visitor has scheduled the visit with the teacher beforehand or if the visitor is a scheduled volunteer.

Parents are invited to eat with their child in the cafeteria; however, as a courtesy to other students, we ask that you do not bring outside food such as fast food and/or sodas into the school cafeteria. Parents should arrive at school in time to get a visitor’s pass and report to the lunchroom hallway five minutes before the scheduled lunch time. Please always let the teacher know ahead of time if you plan to eat with your child.

The daily lunch menu will be read during morning announcements. Occasionally there will be a menu change due to late deliveries or snow days. You can find links to BCS menus here: https://www.buncombeschools.org/page/menus-and-pricing

Should you desire to bring in a special snack for your child’s birthday or another event, please coordinate this with your child’s teacher so as not to conflict with our lunchroom policies. In addition, any food brought into the school to be shared with students must be store bought with ingredients listed. Please allow school staff to distribute snacks due to their knowledge and understanding of students’ allergies and dietary needs. Our school also encourages healthy snacks and choices.

The Buncombe County Board of Education and North Buncombe Elementary School staff believe that regular school attendance is of the utmost importance to the educational achievement of each student.

When students are absent from school for an acceptable reason (illness, death in the family, doctor’s appointment, etc.), a written note explaining the absence is required upon the student returning to school. Doctor/parent notes must be received within three days of the student’s return to school in order for the absence to be excused.

Family trips are not considered excused absences. The following absences must have prior approval by the principal to be excused:

• The observance of an event required or suggested by the religion of the student or the student’s parents/guardians.
• The student/student’s parents/guardians want to take advantage of a valid educational opportunity.

The NB District Educational Leave form must be completed at least two weeks prior to the trip and submitted to the principal. Parents/Guardians must request an Educational Leave form from the NBES main office or follow the link below.

Attendance letters will be sent from the Principal and School Social Worker to the parents of students who accumulate 3, 6 and 10 unexcused days of absence. Excessive and unexcused absences will be reported to the proper authorities. Elementary School students may only have a maximum combined total of eighteen (18) excused and unexcused absences in a school year. Students missing in excess of 18 days may be required to attend an attendance make-up program. Doctor’s notes may be required for multiple health related absences or a history of absences. The school social worker will contact parents of students who have excessive tardies or absences. Please make every attempt to schedule vacations, medical appointments, and other activities during non-school times.

Sign up for Ingles Tools for Schools and give back to NBES!

Link your Advantage Card to NBES to help support our school each time you shop! Remember to sign up EACH year!

https://www.ingles-markets.com/tools-for-schools-link

Growing, Learning, Succeeding at NBES!

Click here for previous editions of the Hawks Happenings Newsletters!

Email: heidi.allison@bcsemail.org
Website: https://nbes.buncombeschools.org/o/nbe
Location: 251 Flat Creek Church Road, Weaverville, NC, USA
Phone: (828) 645-6054
Facebook: facebook.com/NBuncombeES