The Weekly Update #4

Dear North Elementary Families,

Welcome to an exciting new school year at North Elementary School! We are thrilled to begin another year of learning, growth, and success together. This year’s theme, “Be Your Own Superhero,” encourages every student to recognize their unique strengths, embrace challenges with courage, and discover the power they have within themselves to make a positive difference in their school, community, and world.

At North Elementary, we believe that every child has the ability to be a superhero in their own way. Whether it’s showing kindness to others, demonstrating perseverance when learning something new, taking responsibility for their actions, or helping a friend in need, our students have countless opportunities each day to showcase their own special superpowers. Through our House System, students will continue to build connections, develop leadership skills, and work together to create a positive and supportive school community.

Our dedicated staff is committed to helping every student reach their full potential. They bring passion, creativity, and expertise to the classroom each day, providing engaging learning experiences and fostering an environment where students feel safe, valued, and empowered. We are proud of the strong relationships our staff builds with students and families, and we look forward to partnering with you throughout the year.

Strong partnerships between home and school are essential to student success. We encourage families to stay involved, communicate regularly with teachers, and participate in school events and activities. Together, we can help our students develop the confidence, resilience, and character needed to become the heroes of their own stories.

Thank you for being an important part of the North Elementary family. We are excited for a year filled with learning, achievement, and memorable experiences. As we begin this journey together, let’s encourage our students to believe in themselves, embrace their strengths, and remember that they each have the power to “Be Their Own Superhero.”

Here's to a fantastic school year!

Dr. Candy Llewellyn, Principal

Mrs. Ashley Watkins, Assistant Principal
North Elementary School

Vision:

North Elementary will be a community where all students become confident, independent learners and thoughtful citizens who are prepared to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Mission Statement:

North Elementary empowers all students to reach their full potential by providing a strong academic foundation, fostering social-emotional growth, and creating a supportive, student-centered community.

Pledge
At North Elementary School, I am a STAR.
I will STOP, THINK, and ACT RESPONSIBLY.
I pledge to be a good citizen in my class and on the school bus.
I will use self-control. I will be a leader. I will be respectful to others.
I will do my best every single day because...
We are ALL-STARS!

Beliefs

• A student’s first responsibility is to learn. All students can learn.

• Each student is a valued individual and learns in different ways.

• Students learn best when they have appropriate opportunities for success and are actively engaged in the learning process.

• A student’s self-esteem is enhanced by developing positive and tolerant relationships among students, staff, and the community.

• A safe, nurturing, physically comfortable environment promotes student learning.

• The commitment to continuous improvement is imperative. Administrators, teachers, parents, and the community share this responsibility.

• Challenging expectations increases students’ abilities to perform successfully on various assessments.

Expectations for STARS

• We are respectful.

• We are honest.

• We keep our hands and feet to ourselves.

• We do our best.

Contact Information North Elementary School

School Mascot

School Colors

School Hours

Administrative Office Staff

• Mr. Travis Ridley, Superintendent

• Dr. Patrick Neuman, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services

• Dr. Megan Cornelius, Director of Curriculum & Assessment

• Dr. Mark Strickler, Director of Testing, Data, & Record Management

• Mrs. Christy George, Director of Support Services

• Ms. Christine Carr, Director of Innovative Learning

• Mr. Mike Zaweski, Director of Information Technology

• Mrs. Melissa Lynch, Director of Finance and Budget

• Mr. Burke George, Director of Human Resources

• Dr. Joe Douglas, Instructional Specialist

• Mrs. Karen Stiff Elementary Instructional Specialist/Reading Coach

• Mrs. Sherri DiNoia, Elementary Instructional Specialist/Math Coach

• Dr. Kristin Acchione, Instructional Specialist for Science/Social Studies

• Mr. Andy Hartman, Director of Maintenance

• Mr. J.P. DiGiacomo, Director of Transportation

• Mr. Aaron Robertson, Director of Food Services

The PTO works cooperatively with North Elementary on projects designed to support the staff and students. All proceeds from PTO fundraisers go directly to the school to benefit teachers and students through various programs and activities. Memberships are $5.00 per person per year. Teachers are strongly encouraged to attend PTO meetings and functions. Some activities include the Santa Shop and Fun & Field Day.

School Attendance

Daily school attendance is required. Students are expected to arrive on time and be ready to work when class begins. Good attendance is crucial for academic success. Missing school can significantly impact a child's learning and progress. Being on time and staying all day ensures that students do not miss important instruction and activities.

Chronic Absenteeism

Missing 10% or more of the school year identifies a student as "chronically absent." Chronically absent students often struggle academically, as they miss critical instruction and learning opportunities. Students need to be present every day to ensure continuous academic progress.

Reporting Absences

Parents/Guardians should notify the school by 8:40 a.m. if a student is unable to attend class due to illness. Notes are required for all absences and may be given to the student’s teacher or dropped off in the main office.

Late Arrivals

The tardy bell rings at 8:35 a.m., and instructional time begins promptly at that time. Students arriving after 8:35 a.m. will be counted as tardy and must be signed in by a parent or guardian at the Welcome Desk. Parents should escort their child(ren) to the front entrance and ring the bell located to the left of the front doors for assistance.

Early Dismissal

The instructional day ends at 3:15 p.m. Regular attendance and full-day participation are essential to student success. We have a great deal to teach our students and work hard to make the most of every instructional minute. Whenever possible, students should remain at school for the entire school day.

If your child needs to leave before dismissal, they must be picked up before 2:40 p.m. by a parent, guardian, or designated adult. The adult must sign the child out at the Welcome Desk before the student can be released.

Family Trips or Vacations

Family vacations during the school year are discouraged as these absences are unexcused. Teachers are not required to provide classwork/homework for missed days due to vacations.

Standards of Learning (SOL)

The Standards of Learning (SOL) for Virginia Public Schools describe the commonwealth’s expectations for student learning and achievement in grades K-12 in English, Math, Science, and History. Our curriculum is based on these standards.

Programs

• Special Education: Individualized educational and social services are provided to students identified with a disability.

• Title I: Designed to provide services to K-5 students needing assistance in reading and/or math.

• VALLS (Virginia Language & Literacy Screener): is used to measure literacy components and provide services to students not meeting benchmarks.

• ESOL: The program helps limited English proficient students learn English and adjust culturally to life in America.

• Talented and Gifted Programs: Includes PROMISE (K-2) and CREATE (3-5) to identify and support gifted students.

• After-School Remediation (ASR): Provides extra assistance for students needing remediation in math.

• Family Life: Age-appropriate instructional materials addressing family living and community relationships.

• Physical Education (PE): Students receive PE services twice a week and must wear athletic shoes to participate.

• Resource Classes: Students participate in Art, Music, Library, and PE each week.

• Recess: Students have a short recess daily, weather permitting.

Student Placement

Class placement is based on achievement, behavior, and other factors. The principal determines class rolls. Parent requests for specific teachers will not be honored.

Grading Scales

Kindergarten - Grade 2 Grading Practices

Students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 receive a standards-based report card. Rather than traditional letter grades, student progress is reported based on mastery of the Virginia Standards of Learning and grade-level expectations. Report card marks reflect a student's current level of performance for each standard and skill area.

Academic performance is reported using the following scale:

• M = Shows Mastery – The student consistently demonstrates understanding and application of the standard.
• P = Progressing – The student is making satisfactory progress toward mastery of the standard.
• I = Improvement Needed – The student requires additional support and practice to meet grade-level expectations.

Work habits and citizenship are reported using the following scale:

• + = Satisfactory
• − = Improvement Needed

Standards-based reporting provides families with specific information about student strengths and areas for growth, allowing teachers and parents to work together to support student learning.

Grades 3-5 Grading Practices

For students in Grades 3-5, academic grades are calculated using two categories: Classwork and Tests/Quizzes/Projects. Each category represents 50% of the overall grade for each subject.

To ensure that grades accurately reflect student learning and performance, teachers will record a minimum of seven (7) classwork grades and two (2) test, quiz, or project grades in each core subject area—English, Mathematics, Science/Social Studies—during each nine-week grading period.

Classwork grades may include assignments, classroom activities, participation, and other learning tasks completed during instruction. Tests, quizzes, and projects are designed to assess student mastery of content and skills taught throughout the grading period.

Elementary Grading Scale (gr. 3-5)

B = 80 - 89%

C = 70 - 79%

D = 60 - 69%

F = 0 - 59%

Homework

Homework reinforces learning by giving students practice in applying their knowledge. It helps students learn to work independently, organize their time, and develop self-discipline. Homework assignments should focus on practicing previously taught skills, completing unfinished classwork, or preparing for upcoming assessments.

Homework should provide meaningful practice and should not create excessive stress for students or families. If homework is taking an unreasonable amount of time to complete or is causing undue anxiety for your child, please contact your child's teacher so that concerns can be discussed and appropriate support can be provided.

Make-up Work

Requests for assignments for absent children should be made before 9:00 a.m. If assignments are ready by dismissal, they can be sent home with a designated child or picked up by the parent.

Report Cards

Report cards are issued to students in grades K-5 at the end of the four nine-week grading periods. Interims provide an estimated assessment of academic performance midway through the grading period.

Student Promotion and Retention

Students who are not meeting grade-level expectations in reading and/or mathematics may be considered for retention. If retention is being considered, parents/guardians will be notified and involved in discussions regarding their child's academic progress no later than early spring whenever possible. School staff will work closely with families throughout the year to provide support and interventions designed to help students achieve success.

The decision regarding promotion or retention is based on multiple measures of student performance and progress throughout the school year. Participation in summer school is not a determining factor in promotion, retention, or placement in the next grade level for elementary students. The final decision regarding student promotion or retention rests with the principal.

SOL Testing

The Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments are state-required tests designed to measure student achievement of the Virginia Standards of Learning. Students in Grades 3-5 participate in SOL testing at the end of the school year.

• Grade 3: Reading and Mathematics SOL Assessments
• Grade 4: Reading, Mathematics, and Virginia Studies SOL Assessments
• Grade 5: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and the Integrated Reading and Writing (IRW) Assessment

These assessments provide valuable information about student learning and academic progress and help schools ensure that students are meeting state academic standards.

School Counseling Services

The school counselor supports students' academic, social-emotional, and behavioral development. In addition to coordinating student registration and maintaining student records, the counselor meets with students individually and in small groups and provides classroom lessons on topics such as personal safety, emotional well-being, conflict resolution, and academic success.

Families are encouraged to communicate any significant changes or circumstances that may affect a student's well-being or school experience. If a custody issue, protective order, restraining order, or other court-related matter exists, parents or guardians should notify both the school office and the school counselor as soon as possible and provide current legal documentation. Prompt communication allows school staff to take appropriate precautions and ensure that all court orders and custody agreements are followed.

Access to Records

Parents and legal guardians may review their child's educational records. Please contact the school counselor to schedule an appointment to review records.

Court/Custody Papers

A copy of all custody orders, protective orders, restraining orders, and other court documents affecting a student's care, supervision, or release must be on file with the school. The school can only enforce court orders that have been provided and are on file.

Residency Requirements

Students attending Colonial Heights Public Schools must reside with a parent or legal guardian within the city limits. The responsibility for providing documentation of residency rests with the parent or guardian.

Communication

Effective communication between home and school is essential to student success. School administration provides a monthly school newsletter containing important dates, upcoming events, reminders, and other school information. The newsletter is shared through email and the school's social media platforms.

Teachers communicate with families through school email and the Rooms feature within the Colonial Heights Public Schools (CHPS) app, which is available for download through the App Store and Google Play. Families are encouraged to regularly check these communication platforms for updates regarding classroom activities, assignments, and student progress.

Student grades and attendance information are available through the Parent Portal and should be monitored regularly throughout the school year.

Families who need assistance accessing the CHPS app, Rooms, or the Parent Portal may contact their child's teacher or the school office for support. Additional assistance is available through the Colonial Heights Public Schools Office of Technology and Learning. Technology resources and support information can be found on the CHPS website at: https://www.colonialhts.net/page/technology-resources.

Conferences

Conferences can be scheduled by calling the school, emailing, or sending a note to the teacher. Parent-Teacher Conference Night is scheduled for November 2 from 4 pm - 7 pm and March 4 from 4 pm - 6 pm. Please contact your child's teacher for times.

Supplies

Parents are responsible for providing school supplies and replenishing them as needed throughout the school year. If obtaining supplies presents a financial hardship, please let us know so we can help ensure your child has the materials they need.

Library Books and Materials

Care and return of books and materials are taught through the library media center. Replacement costs plus a processing fee are charged for lost or damaged items.

Field Trips

Field trips are an extension of the classroom instructional program. Each grade level plans various field trips throughout the year and more information will be available as the trips are planned.

Parties

Each class is permitted to have two parties during the school term. All food must be store-bought with ingredients visible on the label. Teachers are in charge of organizing all treats and events for their classes.

Birthdays

Parents may send cupcakes or another special treat for the class to enjoy during lunch. All food items must be store-bought, sealed, and include a list of ingredients. To help maintain a consistent school day and ensure all students can participate in celebrations in a similar way, birthday recognitions should be simple and limited to the lunch treat. We ask that families not send pizza, goody bags, balloons, or other party items. Birthday parties are not permitted during instructional time.

At North Elementary School, we believe every student should feel connected, valued, and part of something bigger than themselves. Our House System is designed to build a strong sense of belonging, encourage positive relationships, and promote a positive school culture where every student can thrive.

Upon enrollment, each student is assigned to one of our school Houses. Students remain in their House throughout their time at North Elementary, creating lasting connections with peers and staff across grade levels. Siblings are placed in the same House whenever possible.

The House System provides opportunities for students to:

• Build meaningful relationships with students and staff throughout the school.
• Develop leadership skills and demonstrate responsibility.
• Celebrate individual and collective successes.
• Participate in schoolwide activities and friendly competitions.
• Strengthen school pride and a sense of community.
• Demonstrate positive behavior and good citizenship.

Throughout the year, students earn House points by demonstrating our school expectations, showing kindness and respect, exhibiting leadership, maintaining positive behavior, and contributing to a safe and supportive learning environment. House points may also be awarded for academic effort, attendance, participation in school activities, and acts of service.

House points are tracked throughout the year and celebrated regularly. Students participate in House meetings, team-building activities, service projects, and schoolwide events that foster collaboration, character development, and school spirit. Friendly competition among Houses encourages students to work together while reinforcing the values that make North Elementary a welcoming and supportive place to learn.

The House System is more than a reward program—it is a framework for building relationships, developing character, and creating a culture where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Together, our Houses help make North Elementary a place where students learn, lead, belong, and grow.

School Crisis Plan

The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priorities. In the event of an emergency, North Elementary staff will follow established crisis response procedures designed to protect students and maintain a safe learning environment.

Emergency Notifications

Families will receive notifications through the school's communication systems regarding school closures, delayed openings, early dismissals, or emergency situations. In the event of an actual emergency, the school will provide timely updates and information as circumstances allow.

Safety Drills

Throughout the school year, students and staff participate in a variety of safety drills, including fire, severe weather, lockdown, evacuation, shelter-in-place, and bus evacuation drills. Some drills are announced in advance, while others are conducted without prior notice to help students and staff practice responding appropriately in a real emergency.

While our goal is not to create anxiety or fear, it is important that students understand and practice safety procedures so they are prepared in the unlikely event that an emergency occurs. Families are not typically notified before or after routine safety drills. However, parents and guardians will be notified as soon as possible if an actual emergency situation occurs at the school.

Visitors

To ensure a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff, all visitors must report to the main office upon entering the building and follow established check-in procedures. Visitors will be required to present a valid, state-issued photo identification each time they visit the school, regardless of how frequently they visit. These procedures are in place to protect the safety and security of all students.

Parents, guardians, and visitors are not permitted to walk students to classrooms or other areas of the building. If assistance is needed, a staff member will escort the student to the appropriate location.

Visitors are not permitted to visit classrooms during instructional hours unless prior arrangements have been approved by school administration. To allow students and staff time to establish routines and procedures at the beginning of the school year, parents and guardians are welcome to begin joining their child for lunch after September 21. Lunch visits are limited to the cafeteria only. Parents and guardians may not accompany students to classrooms, recess, or other areas of the building during the school day.

Volunteers

North Elementary welcomes volunteers on an as-needed basis to support students, staff, and school programs. All volunteer opportunities must be approved in advance by Dr. Llewellyn and coordinated through the school.

All volunteers are required to complete a Volunteer Contract and successfully undergo a background check before serving in the school. The confidentiality, safety, and well-being of students are of the utmost importance. Individuals interested in volunteering should contact Dr. Johnson, School Counselor, to obtain volunteer forms and information regarding volunteer procedures and the required background check process.

District Standards for Student Conduct (Policy JFC-R)

• Student Dress: Appropriate dress is required. Parents will be called to bring a change of clothes if necessary.

• Disruptive Conduct: Conduct that disrupts school activities or endangers health and safety is prohibited.

• Profane, Obscene, or Abusive Language: Vulgar or disruptive language or conduct is prohibited.

• Threats or Intimidation: Threatening behavior is not tolerated.

• Assault and Battery: Physical assault is prohibited.

• Bullying: Harassment and bullying are not tolerated.

• Vandalism: Willful damage to property is prohibited.

• Defiance of Authority: Students must comply with instructions from school personnel.

• Possession or Use of Weapons: Unauthorized weapons are prohibited.

• Theft: Taking personal property without consent is prohibited.

• Cheating: Academic dishonesty is prohibited.

• Other Conduct: Conduct disrupting the educational process or violating laws is prohibited.

North Standards of Student Conduct

• Responsibility: Each student is responsible for their behavior.

• Courtesy: Students are expected to be courteous to everyone in the building.

• Respect: Students must respect the rights and property of others.

• Keeping Order: Students must move and talk quietly in the building.

• Cell Phones/Electronic Devices: Must be turned off and stowed in a backpack during school hours. Failure to do so will result in the parent/guardian picking up the phone/electronic device.

• Work Efforts: Students must complete all work and use their time wisely.

• Toys and Electronics: Toys and electronic devices are not permitted.

• Drills: Students must pay attention to all drill procedures.

• Leaving School: Students must not leave school grounds without a parent or guardian.

• Trading: Buying, selling, or trading items is not allowed.

• Animals: Animals are not allowed at school.

Discipline Procedures

At North Elementary, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all students. Teachers address most behavioral concerns at the classroom level through positive behavior supports, redirection, and restorative practices. Persistent or recurring concerns will be communicated to parents/guardians and may be referred to school administration when necessary.

Certain behaviors require an immediate office referral, including but not limited to fighting, possession of a weapon or look-alike weapon, making threats toward a student or staff member, or any behavior that compromises the safety and well-being of others.

Families play an important role in supporting positive student behavior. We encourage parents and guardians to regularly discuss school expectations with their children and reinforce the importance of treating others with respect, following adult directions, and making safe choices. By working together as partners, we can help ensure that all students feel safe, supported, and successful at North Elementary.

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge to all students.

Cafeteria Expectations

The cafeteria is an extension of the classroom, and students are expected to demonstrate respectful, safe, and responsible behavior at all times. Maintaining a calm and orderly cafeteria helps ensure that all students have an opportunity to enjoy their meal in a safe environment.

Students are expected to:

• Talk quietly and follow adult directions.
• Walk at all times in the cafeteria.
• Remain seated while eating and throughout the lunch period unless given permission by a staff member to get up.
• Raise their hand and wait for assistance if they need help from an adult.
• Keep their legs and personal belongings under the table.
• Clean up their area and dispose of trash properly.
• Treat others with respect and use appropriate table manners.
• Refrain from sharing food with others.

Cafeteria staff and other supervising adults are present to assist students and ensure a safe, positive environment. Because student safety is our priority, remaining seated and following adult directions are especially important expectations. Students who do not follow cafeteria expectations may receive consequences in accordance with school behavior procedures.

Eating with Your Child

Beginning September 21, parents and guardians are welcome to join their child for lunch. A designated visitor table will be available for families and their child to enjoy lunch together. Lunch visits are limited to the cafeteria only and may not include visits to classrooms, recess, or other areas of the school.

Information Changes

It is extremely important that families notify the school office immediately of any changes to contact information, family status, custody arrangements, guardianship, home address, email address, or telephone numbers. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date information allows school staff to communicate effectively with families and respond appropriately in the event of an emergency, illness, injury, or other situation involving a student. The school must be able to reach a parent, guardian, or emergency contact at all times during the school day.

Check Acceptance Policy

Personal checks are accepted for school-related payments. A fee of $15 will be assessed for any returned check.

Lost and Found

Families are encouraged to label all personal belongings, including jackets, lunch boxes, water bottles, and backpacks, with the student's name. Lost items are placed in the school's Lost and Found area. Unclaimed items will be donated periodically and at the end of the school year.

School Clinic Procedures

The school clinic is available to provide basic first aid, assess student illness or injury, and assist with student health needs during the school day. To ensure that students receive appropriate care when needed, parents and guardians must keep all emergency contact information current and notify the school of any significant medical changes.

To help maintain a healthy learning environment, students should not be sent to school when they are ill. If a student becomes ill during the school day, a parent, guardian, or emergency contact may be asked to pick up the student.

Assistive Devices

Students requiring the use of assistive devices (such as crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, or other mobility supports) during the school day must provide documentation from a licensed healthcare provider outlining any restrictions or accommodations needed.

Medication Procedures

Whenever possible, medications should be administered at home. Any questions regarding medication administration should be directed to the school nurse or clinic staff.

Prescription and non-prescription medications may only be administered at school with the appropriate authorization forms and parent/guardian consent. All medications must be delivered to the school by a parent or guardian and must remain in the original labeled container. Students may not transport medication to or from school unless specifically authorized by school division policy and a healthcare provider.

If a parent or guardian chooses to administer medication to their child during the school day, the medication must be given in the clinic in the presence of the school nurse or trained clinic staff.

Soiled Clothing

If a student soils their clothing but is well enough to remain at school, a parent or guardian will be asked to provide a clean change of clothes. Clothing contaminated with urine, blood, vomit, or feces must be taken home by a parent or guardian and may not be transported on the school bus.

Illness and Exclusion from School

Students should remain at home or may be sent home from school if they exhibit symptoms that may indicate a contagious illness or prevent them from fully participating in the school day. Examples include:

• Fever of 100.0°F or higher
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea not related to a documented medical condition
• Undiagnosed rash or skin condition that may be contagious
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye) or other contagious infections
• Strep throat or other bacterial infections until at least 24 hours after beginning prescribed antibiotic treatment
• Any illness or condition that, in the judgment of the school nurse or administrator, may pose a health risk to the student or others

Students who have a fever must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school. Likewise, students who are sent home or remain home due to vomiting and/or diarrhea may not return to school the following day and must be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning. This practice helps prevent the spread of illness and supports a healthy learning environment for all students and staff.

The school follows current guidance from Colonial Heights Public Schools, the Virginia Department of Health, and other applicable health authorities regarding communicable diseases and student health requirements.

Character Kid of the Month

One student per class per month is honored for exemplifying a specific character trait.

Kiwanis Terrific Kids

One student per class per month is honored for responsible behavior and good citizenship.

Safety Patrol

Fifth-grade students are selected for their good citizenship and commitment to character.

Student House Leaders

Students in grades 3 - 5 are invited to apply to be Student House leaders. These students must have teacher recommendations and go through an interview process before being chosen.

Year-End Awards

• All A Honor Roll: Grades 3-5 with an A average in each subject.

• A & B Honor Roll: Grades 3-5 with an A or B average in each subject.

• Citizenship: One student per class recognized for outstanding citizenship.

• Perfect Attendance: No absences, tardies, or early dismissals.

• Outstanding Attendance: No absences and no more than two tardies or early dismissals per semester.

• Virginia Wellness Award: Grades 1-5 showing improvement in physical fitness.

• President’s Award for Educational Excellence: Grade 5 students with a high GPA and Pass Advanced SOL test scores.

Bus Transportation

Riding the bus is a privilege and an important part of ensuring students arrive safely to and from school. Families are encouraged to review bus expectations regularly with their children. Because school buses are not equipped with seat belts, it is essential that students remain seated, face forward, keep aisles clear, and follow the driver's directions at all times. Students should use appropriate voice levels and avoid behaviors that may distract the driver. Maintaining a safe bus environment is a shared responsibility. Failure to follow bus rules and safety expectations may result in disciplinary consequences, including suspension of bus privileges.

Bus Stop Supervision

For the safety of our students, an adult must be present at the bus stop to receive all students in Pre-K through Grade 2. Students in Grades 3-5 may be released from the bus without an adult present.

If no authorized adult is present to receive a Pre-K through Grade 2 student, the student will remain on the bus and be transported back to the school. A parent, guardian, or authorized emergency contact will be required to come to the school and provide identification before the child can be released.

Families are responsible for ensuring that appropriate supervision is available at the bus stop each day.

Bus Stop Behavior

• No throwing objects.

• Wait on the side of the street.

• No fighting or unsafe horseplay.

Bus Rules and Regulations

• Report to the bus stop five minutes before arrival.
• Remain seated and face forward while the bus is in motion.
• No extending body parts or objects out of the bus window.
• Conduct should be similar to the classroom.
• Only get off at designated stops.
• No glass objects or dangerous items.
• No food, candy, gum, suckers, or drinks are permitted on the bus.
• Cell phones and other electronic devices may not be used on the bus.
• Hats and hoods must be removed while riding the bus.
• No loud noises or distractions for the driver.
• The emergency door is for emergencies only.

**Students are expected to follow the directions of the bus driver at all times. **

Van/Daycare Pick-up

Arrive on time for pick-up. Students will be called to meet the vans.

Car Riders

Parents/guardians should display their school-issued car rider tag during dismissal. Any changes to the person picking up a student must be communicated to the school in advance.

To ensure the safety of all students and maintain an efficient flow of traffic, families are expected to abide by all traffic rules while on school property. The speed limit in the school parking lot is 5 mph. Students should be seated on the right (passenger) side of the vehicle whenever possible so they can exit directly onto the sidewalk rather than into the traffic lane. This practice helps keep students safe and reduces delays in the car rider line.

Walkers

Parents must notify the school in writing if their child will walk to and/or from school. Students in Grades 3-5 may walk home independently if they reside within the designated walk zone. For the safety of our younger students, children in Pre-K through Grade 2 who are designated as walkers must be met by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult at the school's main entrance at dismissal. Students in these grade levels will not be released to walk home independently.

Bike Riders

Grades 3-5 students may ride bikes with a bike permit and appropriate safety gear.

Transportation Changes

To help ensure that all students arrive home safely, the school maintains a daily transportation roster. If your child's transportation arrangements will change, please notify the school office as soon as possible. Calling the school office is the preferred method for communicating transportation changes, as it allows staff to update transportation records promptly and accurately. Parents may also send a written note to the teacher.

Please do not rely on email as the primary method for communicating transportation changes. Teachers are actively engaged in instruction throughout the school day and may not have the opportunity to check email before dismissal. Transportation changes should be communicated to the school office before 2:00 p.m. whenever possible to ensure that the change can be processed and communicated appropriately.

Proper identification is required when picking up a child.

Vehicular Travel

Abide by all traffic rules in the school parking lot. The speed limit is 5 mph. For student safety and to help maintain an efficient flow of traffic during arrival and dismissal, students should be seated on the right (passenger) side of the vehicle whenever possible. This allows students to exit directly onto the sidewalk rather than into the traffic lane, helping keep students safe and reducing delays in the car rider line.