Oak Lane Student Handbook
Office hours are 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM (with the exception of holidays and closings).
Student hours:
7:55 AM . . . . . . . . . . Student Arrival
8:25 AM. . . . . . . . . . .Tardy Bell
3:00 PM. . . . . . . . . . . Dismissal
*No car drop off will be allowed before 7:55 AM unless your child is enrolled in before school care. We do not have staff on duty to monitor students until the 7:55 AM bell.
In order to be counted present for the day, students must be present for half of the day. Late arrivals must check in BEFORE 11:00 AM to be counted present. Early checkouts must remain at school until 12:30 PM to be counted present. Parents or an approved adult must sign-in or sign-out students in the office. Please understand that if we ask for identification at pick-up that is is for the student's safety. Students are not allowed to be checked out after 2:40 without a doctor's note or appointmnet card. Please adhere to this expectation unless it is a true emergency.
The grading period consists of a nine weeks period of instruction. Grading will reflect ongoing processes, focusing on what each child can do using developmentally appropriate assessment codes.
Progress reports are sent home mid-quarter to update parents on students' progress.
K-2 will use Standard Base Grading. More information coming soon!
The following grading scale will be used for Third, Fourth and Fifth Grade:
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F = Below 60
Homework plays an important role in supplementing classroom instruction and furthering the goals of the educational program. Homework reinforces learning and fosters independence, responsibility and self-direction.
Homework assignments should strengthen skills, provide practice in subjects that already have been taught in class and improve a student's ability to work independently. Teachers should take into consideration the differences in financial, educational and technological resources of students and their parents or guardians when making assignments. In addition, the amount of time necessary to complete the tasks should be reasonable in light of the age and maturity of the students and other assignments given to the students.
Parents are encouraged to monitor their students' homework completion to remain informed about the skills their child is learning as well as recognize areas in which their child excels or strugles. Parents are always encouraged to communicate homework concerns wtih their child's teacher.
Parents and legal guardians are responsible for ensuring that students attend and remain at school daily. School administrators shall communicate attendance expectations to parents and guardians and work with students and their families to overcome barriers to attendance.
A. Attendance Records
School officials shall keep accurate records of attendance, including accurate attendance records in each class. Students will be considered in attendance if present at least half of the instructional day on-site in the school or at a place other than the school attending an authorized school-related activity.
To be in attendance during remote instruction days (with the exception of the initial enrollment day), students must: (1) complete their daily assignments, either online or offline; and/or (2) have a daily check-in through two-way communication with (a) the homeroom teacher for grades K-5 or (b) for all other grade levels, each course teacher as scheduled. School officials shall communicate the attendance procedures to students and their families before the first day of remote instruction begins.
B. Late Arrivals and Early Departures
Students are expected to be at school on time and to remain at school until dismissed. During the school day, students are expected to be present at the scheduled starting time for each class and to remain until the class ends.
When a student must be late to school or leave school early, a written excuse signed by a parent or guardian should be presented upon the student’s arrival at school. Tardies or early departures may be excused for any of the reasons listed below in Section C.
Any disciplinary consequences for unexcused tardiness or unexcused early departures from school or class will be consistent with Section D of policy 4300, Student Behavior Policies. The superintendent or designee shall list in the Code of Student Conduct the specific range of consequences that may be imposed on a student for such offenses. Consequences may not exceed a short-term suspension of two days.
C. Excused Absences
When a student must miss school, a written excuse signed by a parent or guardian must be presented to the student’s teacher on the day the student returns after an absence. Absences due to extended illnesses may also require a statement from a health care practitioner. An absence may be excused for any of the following reasons:
1. personal illness or injury that makes the student physically unable to attend school;
2. isolation ordered by the local health officer or the State Board of Health or isolation or quarantine that is a required state or local control measure; 4400 4400 1 of 4
3. death in the immediate family;
4. medical or dental appointment;
5. attendance at the proceedings of a court or administrative tribunal if the student is party to the action or under subpoena as a witness;
6. a minimum of two days each academic year for observance of an event required or suggested by the religion of the student or the student’s parent or legal guardian;
7. participation in a valid educational opportunity, such as travel or service as a legislative or Governor's page, with prior approval from the principal;
8. pregnancy and related conditions or parenting, when medically necessary; or
9. a minimum of two days each academic year for visitation with the student’s parent or legal guardian if the student is not identified as at risk of academic failure because of unexcused absences and the student’s parent or legal guardian (a) is an active or inactive duty member of the uniformed services as defined by policy 4050, Children of Military Families, and (b) has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting; or
10. any other reason as approved by the board in a board resolution.
D. School-Related Activities
While recognizing the importance of classroom learning, the board also acknowledges that outof-classroom, school-related activities can provide students with valuable experiences not available in the classroom setting. The following school-related activities will not be counted as absences from either class or school:
1. field trips sponsored by the school;
2. job shadows and other work-based learning opportunities, as described inG.S. 115C47(34a);
3. school-initiated and -scheduled activities;
4. athletic events that require early dismissal from school; and
5. Career and Technical Education student organization activities approved in advance by the principal.
In addition, students participating in disciplinary techniques categorized as in-school suspension will not be counted as absent.
E. Makeup Work
In the case of excused absences, short-term out-of-school suspensions, and absences under G.S. 130A-440 (for failure to submit a school health assessment form within 30 days of entering school), the student will be permitted to make up his or her missed work. (See also policies 4110, Immunization and Health Requirements for School Admission, and 4351, Short-Term Suspension.) Assignments missed due to participation in school-related activities also are eligible for makeup by the student. The teacher shall determine when work is to be made up. The student is responsible for finding out what assignments are due and completing them within 4400 4400 2 of 4 the specified time period.
F. Unexcused Absences
The principal shall notify parents and take all other steps required by G.S. 115C-378 for excessive, unexcused absences.
Any school disciplinary consequences for unexcused absences will be consistent with Section D of policy 4300, Student Behavior Policies. The superintendent or designee shall list in the Code of Student Conduct the specific range of consequences that may be imposed on a student for such offenses. Consequences may not exceed a short-term suspension of two days.
G. Chronic Absenteeism
Because class attendance and participation are critical elements of the educational process, any absences, whether excused or unexcused, can have a negative impact on a student’s academic achievement. Regular attendance must be prioritized within each school and encouraged throughout the community. School administrators shall monitor and analyze attendance data to develop and implement strategies for reducing chronic absenteeism. Such strategies should involve engaging students and parents, recognizing good and improved attendance, providing early outreach to families of students missing school, and identifying and addressing barriers to attendance.
H. Special Circumstances
1. Students with Chronic Health Problems No penalties will be imposed for absences due to documented chronic health problems.
2. Students Experiencing Homelessness For students experiencing homelessness (see board policy 4125, Homeless Students), school officials must consider issues related to the student’s homelessness, such as a change of caregivers or nighttime residence, before taking disciplinary action or imposing other barriers to school attendance based on excessive absences or tardies.
3. Attendance Requirements for Extracurricular Activities Absences may impact eligibility for participation in extracurricular activities. Principals shall inform students and parents of the applicable attendance standards for the various types of extracurricular activities, including interscholastic athletics. See policy 3620, Extracurricular Activities and Student Organizations.
Students will be recognized at the end of the year during a celebration for academic excellence, academic growth and citizenship. Parents will be notified of the dates and times of any celebrations held.
Oak Lane Elementary offers a fee based Before and After School Care Program. Student sin the program may be dropped off as early as 6:00AM and picked up as late as 6:00PM. If you are interested in this program, please stop by the front office for registration information.
Breakfast and lunch are provided for all students free of charge. Students are also welcomed to bring a healthy lunch option from home. Families are welcome to join their students for lunch in our cafeteria. Items are priced a la carte for guests.
Students nor guests are allowed to bring in outside food identified with marketing labeling (i.e. Bojangles, McDonalds, etc)
Standard school-wide communication includes four report cards and progress reports during the year. Other methods that teachers may use to communicate with parents are notes, student work folders, signed school work sent home, e-mail messages, telephone calls, and class messaging platforms such as ClassDojo. Parents have a responsibility to provide the school with current, accessible telephone numbers or other contact information through which he/she may be reached during the school day. They are encouraged to partner with school staff to develop strategies to benefit the child and support their child in engaging in positive behaviors at school.
The school website is a valuable tool for information. Administration will also send out a weekly newsletter on Sunday evenings thorugh Facebook, Dojo, email and text.
The administration and teachers request conferences with parents to discuss the progress of students. Conferences may be scheduled with individual teachers or with the principal, assistant principals, and guidance counselor by calling the school, sending a note, or sending an email. Conferences with teachers must be scheduled during regular planning periods or before and after school hours when necessary. If a conference scheduled during a planning period is still in progress when students return to class, it will need to be continued at another scheduled time.
The behavioral expectations and consequences of Oak Lane include all those as defined by the Person County Schools Board of Education (see the Parent Gazette). Students will have the opportunity to learn from consequences for undesirable behavior and/or incentives for positive behavior. Our goal is to help keep the focus on learning.
Code of Conduct Violations
Consequences for most behavioral problems will be individually prescribed and administered by the teacher in the classroom. The teacher will communicate with the parent the inappropriate behavior and the consequences. The school has established behavioral expectations and procedures for each area of the school. Students who repeatedly violate classroom regulations or who break certain school rules will be referred to the principal. Consequences may be assigned for students who do not abide by the PCS Student Behavior Policies, Policy 4300 . Students are referred to the principal, and suspension may occur. Consequences for Person County Code of Conduct violations are prescribed by Board Policy. Please help your child understand the importance of maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment.
A time out/in-school suspension placement will result when a student violates the classroom Code of Conduct. Repeated referrals for a time out/in-school suspension placement may result in an out-of-school suspension.
Out-of-school suspension will result when a student violates the Person County Code of Conduct, which mandates out-of-school suspension or for repeated offenses of the guidelines. Out-of-school suspension will be used after all other means of control have not been successful. When students are out-of-school suspended, they may not be on any Person County Schools property for any reason at any time during the suspension. Parents and students are responsible for contacting the teacher to obtain assignments missed during suspensions.
Student Appeals Process
Every student is entitled to due process in discipline matters. The student handbook makes every effort to inform students of the rules and policies. Students are given a choice; that is, they have a choice of behaviors which offer consequences which can be either positive or negative. Depending upon the behavior, there is a progression of negative consequences ranging from less severe to more severe, and the responsibility for negative action lies directly with the student.
The board believes that the dress and personal appearance of students greatly affect their academic performance and their interaction with other students. The board requests that parents outfit their children in clothing that is conducive to learning. Generally, dress and grooming standards as determined by the student and his or her parents will be deemed acceptable. However, the board prohibits any appearance or clothing that does the following:
1. violates a reasonable nondiscriminatory dress code adopted and publicized by the school;
2. is substantially disruptive (for information on gang-related attire, see policy 4328, GangRelated Activity);
3. is provocative or obscene; or
4. endangers the health or safety of the student or others.
Before receiving disciplinary consequences, a student who is not in compliance with this policy or a school dress code will be given a reasonable period of time to make adjustments so that he or she will be in compliance. Disciplinary consequences for a student who fails to comply after being offered this opportunity shall be consistent with Section D of policy 4300, Student Behavior Policies. The superintendent or designee shall list in the Code of Student Conduct the specific range of consequences that may be imposed on a student for violation of the dress code.
Emergency Drills are held at regular intervals throughout the school year to ensure students and staff remain familiar with safety protocol and are prepared in the case of a true emergency.
Fire Drills are held monthly
LockDown Drills are held quarterly
Tornado Drills are held annually.
Earthquake Drills are held annually.
All eligible students will be given an opportunity to participate in school trips. No student will be denied participation because of economic hardship or because the student has a disability.
A. Authorization of School Trips
A school trip occurs when a student or group of students leaves a school campus under the sponsorship of the school and under the supervision of school employees to extend the educational experiences of that student or group. This includes such trips taken by extracurricular groups but does not include trips by athletic teams to participate in athletic events or competitions that are part of the team’s regular season or playoffs.
B. Parental Notice and Consent
All students who participate in a school trip must provide signed parental consent forms to participate, unless a student is officially emancipated, in which case the student can consent on his or her own behalf. A student who fails to provide a signed consent form may be denied participation in the trip. No student's grade may be lowered or raised based on parental consent to participate in the school trip. The principal shall develop procedures to ensure parents are given proper notice of trip details and that parents provide signed authorization and consent regarding their child's participation and care during the trip.
C. Costs
Any corresponding fee waiver or reduction procedures, any fees imposed for school trips will be waived or reduced for students who demonstrate real economic hardship.
D. Student Safety and Discipline
Policy 1510/4200/7270, School Safety, applies to all students, school employees, and volunteers while they are taking part in school trips. Students are also subject to the student behavior policies in the 4300 series, the Code of Student Conduct, and all school rules while participating in a school trip. The superintendent shall develop any additional regulations necessary to ensure student safety, provide adequate supervision, and clarify student behavior standards.
E. Transportation and Other Accommodations
In most cases, Oak Lane will use yellow buses for local field trips and activity buses for most field trips. Any contracts with outside companies to provide transportation, lodging, or other accommodations related to a school trip must be approved in accordance with board policy.
Students are required to ride the bus with the school group to the school field trip location. In rare cases a student may ride with a family member to a field trip location with prior approval from the principal. The parent must provide the principal with proof of licensed driver and vehicle insurance. Parents of students wishing their child ride home from the field trip location, but submit a request in writing prior to the trip. Requests will be considered by the principal.
F. Chaperones and Volunteers
All chaperones and volunteers accompanying students on school trips must meet the standards established by policy 5015, School Volunteers. The superintendent shall develop any necessary additional regulations governing chaperones and volunteers on school trips. Chaperones may not bring additional siblings on the field trip as their primary role is to supervise the Oak Lane students in their care and siblings can be distractions.
G. Non-School Sponsored Trips
A non-school sponsored trip is a trip or tour organized and sponsored by (1) an individual teacher or group of teachers acting as private citizens and not as school employees, (2) a travel agency, or (3) any other individual or association not employed by, sponsored by, or under contract with the board. The board and the school system assume no responsibility or liability for non-school sponsored trips.
Non-school sponsored trips may be promoted or advertised in the schools only in accordance with policy 5240, Advertising in the Schools. Promotional materials may be displayed or distributed in the schools only in accordance with policy 5210, Distribution and Display of NonSchool Material. All promotional materials for non-school sponsored trips must prominently state that the trip is not sponsored or endorsed by the school or school system. Moreover, any employee who sponsors or recruits students for a non-school sponsored trip shall notify the students and their parents or guardians that the trip is not sponsored or endorsed by the school or school system and shall obtain a signed acknowledgement from each parent that the trip is not school-sponsored.
Due to most Field Trip venues requiring prepayment, all field trips are non-refundable. The only exception would be if the school must cancel a field trip.
It is understood that students like to be recognized on special occasions and birthdays. We encourage all special deliveries such as flowers, balloons, or gifts to be sent to the home. However, if items are delivered to school, the parent or guardian can come by the office and pick up the items at the end of the school day. No delivery will be sent to the classroom, bus, or car pool area due to safety issues.
The board recognizes that students may need to take medication during school hours. School personnel may administer medication prescribed by a health care practitioner upon the written request of a student’s parent. In limited circumstances, a student may be authorized to self-administer medications. To minimize disruptions to the school day, students should take medications at home rather than at school whenever feasible. School officials may deny a request to administer any medication that could be taken at home or when, in the opinion of the superintendent or designee in consultation with school nursing personnel, the administration of the medication by school personnel would pose a substantial risk of harm to the student or others.
For purposes of this policy, all references to “parent” include parents, legal guardians, and legal custodians. In addition, for purposes of this policy, the term “health care practitioner” is limited to licensed medical professionals who are legally authorized to prescribe medications under North Carolina law, such as doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathic medicine, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.
Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “medication” and “medicine” include any substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any disease. The term includes all prescription medications and all such substances available over-the-counter without a prescription, such as drugs, herbs, alternative medicines, and supplements (hereinafter “over-the-counter drugs”). The administration of any prescription or over-the-counter drug to students by school employees is prohibited except when performed in accordance with Section A. The self-administration of any prescription or over-the-counter drug by students at school is prohibited and constitutes a violation of policy 4325, Drugs and Alcohol, except in the limited circumstances described in Section C.
The administration, including by parents, school employees, or self-administration, of any substance containing cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at school is prohibited unless (1) authorized by and administered by a caregiver in accordance withG.S. 90-94.1 and G.S. 90-113.101 for the treatment of intractable epilepsy, or (2) the CBD or THC product is available by prescription only and has been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA); and all requirements of this policy are met.
A. Medication Administration By School Employees
1. Conditions for Administering
Medication Authorized school employees may administer medication to students when all of the following conditions are met. These conditions apply to all medications, including those available over-the-counter without a prescription.
- Parental Consent: The student’s parent must make a signed, written request that authorizes school personnel to administer the medication to the student.
- Medication Authorization/Order: A health care practitioner must prescribe the medication for use by the student and provide explicit written instructions for administering the medication.
- Certification of Necessity: The student’s health care practitioner must certify that administration of the medication to the student during the school day is necessary to maintain and support the student’s continued presence in school.
- Proper Container/Labeling: If the medication to be administered is available by prescription only, the parent must provide the medication in a pharmacy-labeled 6125 6125 1 of 5 container with the child’s name, the name of the medication, the exact dose to be given, the time/frequency the medication is to be given, the route of administration, the number of doses in the container, and the expiration date of the medication. If the medication is available over-the-counter, it must be provided in the original container or packaging, labeled with the student’s name.
- Proper Administration: The employee must administer the medication pursuant to the health care practitioner’s written instructions provided to the school by the student’s parent, and in accordance with professional standards.
The board of education and its employees assume no liability for complications or side effects of medication when administered in accordance with the instructions provided by the parent and health care practitioner.
2. Procedures for Administering Medications
The superintendent may develop procedures for the implementation of this policy. A copy of this policy and any procedures that are developed must be made available to all students and parents each school year. If developed, the superintendent’s procedures should be developed according to the guidelines listed below.
- The health and welfare of the student must be of paramount concern in all decisions regarding the administration of medication.
- Procedures for medication administration must be consistent with recommendations of the School Health Unit of the Children & Youth Branch of the N.C. Division of Public Health, as described in the North Carolina School Health Program Manual.
- Students with special needs are to be afforded all rights provided by federal and state law as enumerated in the Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities. Students with disabilities also are to be afforded all rights provided by anti-discrimination laws, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Except as permitted by this policy, no student may possess, use, sell, deliver or manufacture any drug or counterfeit drug prohibited by policy 4325, Drugs and Alcohol, nor be under the influence of any drug in violation of that policy.
- The board generally encourages school personnel to administer medication from a centralized location. However, in all instances, whether administered from a centralized location or multiple locations, any medications kept at school for a student must be kept in a locked and secure place. An exception to the requirement for locked storage may be made for emergency medications that must be immediately accessible. Access to controlled substances should be limited to the school nurse, school staff person authorized to administer medication, and the principal or designee.
- All school personnel who will be administering medications must receive appropriate training.
- Only medications clearly prescribed for the student may be administered by school personnel. At the time a parent brings a medication to school for administration, if school personnel have concerns regarding the appropriateness of 6125 6125 2 of 5 the medication or dosage for a student, a confirmation should be obtained from the student’s health care practitioner or another health care practitioner prior to administering the medication or allowing a student to self-administer the medication.
- Although efforts should be made not to disrupt instructional time, a parent has the right to administer medication to his or her child at any time while the child is on school property, unless otherwise prohibited by this policy.
- Written information maintained by school personnel regarding a student’s medicinal and health needs is confidential. Parents and students must be accorded all rights provided by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and state confidentiality laws. Any employee who violates the confidentiality of the records may be subject to disciplinary action.
B. Emergency Medication
Students who are at risk for medical emergencies, such as those with diabetes, asthma, or severe allergies, must have an emergency health care plan developed for them to address emergency administration of medication. Students must meet the requirements of subsection A.1, above, including providing authorization and instructions from the health care practitioner and written consent of the parent, in order for emergency medication to be administered by school personnel while the student is at school, at a school-sponsored activity, and/or while in transit to or from school or a school-sponsored event.
C. Student Self-Administering Medications
The board recognizes that students with certain health conditions like diabetes or asthma, or an allergy that could result in an anaphylactic reaction, may need to possess and self-administer medication on school property in accordance with their individualized health care plan or emergency health care plan.
Students are prohibited from self-administering medication at school unless (1) the medicine has been prescribed for the treatment of diabetes, asthma, or anaphylactic reactions, including insulin or a source of glucose, a prescribed asthma inhaler, or a prescribed epinephrine autoinjector; (2) the medicine is administered in accordance with the student’s individualized health care plan or emergency health care plan and any relevant administrative regulations; and (3) the requirements of this section are met. The superintendent may develop procedures for the possession and self-administration of such medication by students on school property during the school day, at school-sponsored activities, and/or while in transit to or from school or schoolsponsored events.
1. Authorization to Self-Administer Medication Before a student will be allowed to self-administer medication pursuant to this section, the student’s parent must provide to the principal or designee all of the documents listed below:
- written authorization from the student’s parent for the student to possess and selfadminister the medication;
- a written statement from the student’s health care practitioner verifying that:
- the student has diabetes or asthma, or an allergy that could result in anaphylactic reaction; 6125 6125 3 of 5
- the health care practitioner prescribed the medication for use on school property during the school day, at school-sponsored activities, or while in transit to or from school or school-sponsored events; and
- the student understands, has been instructed in self-administration of the medication, and has demonstrated the skill level necessary to use the medication and any accompanying device, and has been determined to be competent for self-administration;
- a written treatment plan and written emergency protocol formulated by the prescribing health care practitioner for managing the student’s diabetes, asthma, or anaphylaxis episodes and for medication use by the student;
- a statement provided by the school system and signed by the student’s parent acknowledging that the board of education and its agents are not liable for injury arising from the student’s possession and self-administration of the medication; and
- any other documents or items necessary to comply with state and federal laws.
Prior to being permitted to self-administer medication at school, the student also must demonstrate to the school nurse, or the nurse’s designee, (1) the skill level necessary to use the medication and any device necessary for its administration; and (2) sufficient knowledge and maturity to be independent in the management of the medication with no oversight from school staff.
If available, the student’s parent should provide to the school backup medication that school personnel are to keep in a location to which the student has immediate access in the event the student does not have the required medication.
All information provided to the school by the student’s parent must be reviewed by the school nurse and kept on file at the school in an easily accessible location. Any permission granted by the principal or designee for a student to possess and selfadminister medication will be effective only for the same school for 365 calendar days. Such permission must be renewed each school year.
2. Responsibilities of the Student
A student who is authorized in accordance with this policy to carry medication for selfadministration must carry the medication in the original labeled container with the student’s name on the label.
3. Consequences for Improper Use
A student who uses his or her medication in a manner other than as prescribed or who permits another person to use the medication may be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the school disciplinary policy. However, school officials shall not impose disciplinary action on the student that limits or restricts the student’s immediate access to the diabetes, asthma, or anaphylactic medication.
The board does not assume any responsibility for the administration of medication to a student by the student, the student’s parent, or any other person who is not authorized by this policy to administer medications to students.
Purpose
What is your purpose for sending your child to school? It is the school's ultimate purpose to help each student realize their full potential, both academically and socially emotionally. In order for us to do that, the parents' purpose must be aligned. It is important to us that parents partner with school staff to adhere to and support the school procedures, policies and protocols in order to create the most successful learning environment possible. Parents are encouraged to inquire about school policies and procedures to gain more of a "big picture" view.
Each quarter of school, all parents or guardians are invited to meet with their child's teachers in the core academic areas to receive information about the courses, course requirements, and expectations for the year. Students are who are receiving tiered interventions or who are exhibiting challenges in school will be required to meet with the teacher to review intervention plans and discuss next steps to help the child get back on track.
Contact Information
It is imperative that we have a current phone number, address and an emergency contact(s) for all of our students. Please update any changes that may occur throughout the school year. This information should be updated with the classroom teacher and in the front office.
Communication
A weekly newsletter is sent out on Sunday evening via Dojo, Facebook, text and email. The purpose of this newsletter is to keep parents engaged and knowledgeable about what is taking place in their child's school. The Paw Print Newsletter is always a good place to reference for important upcoming dates and links to frequently asked questions.
Oak Lane staff use the Class Dojo app to communicate with parents. Please note that teachers are busy teaching students during the school day and may not be able to check messages until after students have left for the day. All urgent messages such as transportation changes need to be made by calling the office.
The board of education promotes the health and safety of all students and staff and the cleanliness of all school facilities. The board believes that the use of tobacco products on school grounds, in school buildings and facilities, in or on any other school property owned or operated by the school board, or at school-related or school-sponsored events is detrimental to the health and safety of students, staff, and school visitors. To this end, and to comply with state and federal law, the board adopts this tobacco-free policy that prohibits smoking and the use of tobacco products as follows. For the purposes of this policy, the term "tobacco product" means any product that contains or is made or derived from tobacco and is intended for human consumption, including all lighted and smokeless tobacco products, as well as electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, and other electronic smoking devices even if they do not contain tobacco or nicotine.
1. All employees and other persons performing services or activities on behalf of the school system, including volunteers, and contractors, as well as students and visitors, are prohibited from using any tobacco products at any time in any school building, in any school facility, on school campuses, and in or on any other school property owned or operated by the school board.
2. In addition, persons attending a school-sponsored event at a location not specified in subsection 1 above are prohibited from using tobacco products when (a) in the presence of students or school personnel, or (b) in an area where use of tobacco products is otherwise prohibited by law.
3. Nothing in this policy prohibits the use of tobacco products for an instructional or research activity conducted in a school building, provided that such activity is conducted or supervised by a faculty member and that the activity does not include smoking, chewing, or otherwise ingesting tobacco.
4. The administration will consult with the county health department and other appropriate organizations to provide employees with information about support systems and programs to encourage employees to abstain from the use of tobacco products. The school system may, from time to time, provide free non-smoking programs and services to employees of the school system after the regular school day.
5. The principal of each school and other school personnel responsible for school facilities shall post signs in system facilities in a manner and location that adequately notify staff, students, and visitors that the use of tobacco products by any person is prohibited at all times in or on school property.
6. The superintendent and designees shall ensure that adequate notice of this policy is provided to students, parents, school personnel, and the public.
7. All school personnel are required to adhere to and enforce this policy and other policies, rules, or regulations addressing the use of tobacco products.
The following acts are prohibited:
a) Delaying the bus schedule.
b) Fighting, smoking, using profanity, or refusing to
obey driver instructions.
c) Tampering with the bus.
d) Refusing to meet the bus at designated stops.
e) Unauthorized leaving of the bus when in route.
f) Distracting the driver’s attention while the bus is in operation by talking loudly, playing,
throwing trash, paper or other objects inside or outside of the bus.
g) Failing to observe established safety rules and regulations.
h) Violating any other rule of the Code of Student Conduct while on the bus.
DISCIPLINARY MEASURES
▪ Parent notification that bus privileges may be revoked
▪ Possible suspension of bus riding privileges
▪ Depending upon seriousness of offense, a possible short and/or long-term suspension
from school may occur.
CONSEQUENCE FOR FAILING TO FOLLOW BUS RULES
1st discipline notice - Conference with principal and parent notification.
(Suspension of bus privileges may result without warning on the
first offense. This is at the discretion of the principal.)
2nd discipline notice - 1-3 days suspension from the bus.
3rd discipline notice - 5 day suspension from bus
4th discipline notice - 5-10 day suspension or possibly for the remainder of the year.
Video cameras are on all buses and are in use at all times. The principal and bus driver will view
videotapes when warranted. Disciplinary action will take place if necessary. Due to student
confidentiality concerns, parents/guardians are not allowed to view bus video at any time.
SEVERE CLAUSE for bus misbehaviors will result in an automatic bus suspension (length to be
determined by administration). Students are reminded of the North Carolina Compulsory
Attendance Law which states that “In the event that bus privileges are suspended, the North
Carolina State Compulsory School Attendance law requires that the student attend school.”
Therefore, it will be the responsibility of the parent to arrange transportation for his/her child
to and from school when his/her child is suspended from the bus. Some examples of severe
disruptions are as follows:
▪ Fighting
▪ Physical harm or threat of physical harm to another student
▪ Property damage (restitution for damages will also be required)
▪ Refusal to follow driver’s instructions
▪ Total disruption which creates a safety hazard
▪ Violation of probationary status
For the safety of all our students:
When waiting on students, place your vehicle in park. Do not move your car until a staff member has given you the ok to move.
When leaving please look ahead and behind when moving your car.
Please do not have a conference / conversation with the staff members in the drop-off or pick-up line. If you need to come inside for any reason, please park in the parking lot.
Be considerate of others when dropping off or picking up. Have your child’s money, notes, books, etc. ready before you enter the drop off area. If you need to get out of the car, please park in the parking lot.
Be patient. Children are precious cargo.
Please do not talk on cell phones while in carpool line. Everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings as we work to unload and load students safely.
Visitors
All visitors and parents are required to check in through the office with their driver’s license and receive a visitor’s badge. Badges must be worn for the entire visit. All personnel have been instructed to notify the office if they see visitors in the building without proper identification. Visitors should return to the office to check out before exiting the building. Visitors must get prior approval before visiting classrooms. This policy deters any unnecessary classroom interruptions and helps provide a safe environment for everyone in our school. Please contact your child’s teacher to make an appointment when necessary.
Volunteers
Any volunteer must register online and be approved before being permitted to work with students. All visitors must report to the office upon arrival to sign in with the receptionist. Volunteers must provide identification to the receptionist if requested. Volunteer badge must be worn while in the building.
All parents are encouraged to join the PTO. Meeting dates are posted on the school website and will be announced through the Paw Print Newsletter. Oak Lane's PTO needs YOU!!!
Research shows that when parents are involved in their children's education, children are more likely to.
Earn better grades
Pass their classes
Have better social skills
Have a more positive attitude about school
Graduate & continue their education
Score higher on tests
Attend school regularly
Show improved behavior
Complete homework assignments
Please join today at the link below! PayPal and Venmo links are included in the membership form. If you would like to pay by cash or check, please send payment in an envelope or baggie labeled "PTO Membership" as well as your child's name and homeroom teacher's name. Make checks payable to Oak Lane PTO.Your input is valuable.
Inclement weather may necessitate the early closing or delay of school. Decisions to close school are made by the district office. An automated message will be sent out with updates about school closings or delays. Please ensure your contact information is up to date.
Heather Bowling
Rhonda Salvitti
