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WELCOME The administration and staff of Hillcrest Elementary School would like to welcome every student and parent! The staff invites you to join us in making this year a huge success for your child. As part of the Alamance-Burlington School System, we hold high expectations for the success and achievement for all of our children. The staff at Hillcrest Elementary is a group of highly qualified, dedicated professionals who strive to make the school experience engaging and meaningful for children. We believe it is important to establish relationships with students so that we are able to know them as individuals and be able to provide differentiated instruction to meet their individual needs. We are committed to nurturing a love of learning in our children, to enhancing their critical thinking, and to developing their 21st Century skills so they are strong communicators, creators, and collaborators. This handbook should give you an overview of general information, policies, and procedures concerning Hillcrest Elementary School. Parents and students are expected to review this handbook and keep it to reference throughout the school year. If and when questions arise that cannot be answered by the handbook, please do not hesitate to call the school office at 570-6120. Welcome to the Hillcrest Hornets family! Jeremy Wells, Principal Mary Beth Chandler, Assistant Principal Jeremy_wells@abss.k12.nc.us Mary_chandler@abss.k12.nc.us

1714 West Davis Street, Burlington 27215 Phone: 336-570-6120 Fax: 336-570-6206

PTO Welcome The Hillcrest PTO's goal is to encourage a sense of community between parents, students, teachers and staff. By supporting the educational and financial needs of Hillcrest Elementary. We welcome your suggestions and solicit your membership in the PTO. If you have any questions, please contact any of the PTO officers or visit our Facebook page for current information.

2017-2018 Hillcrest PTO Executive Committee

President …................................................. Candice Garner - 336.380.5086 Vice President.………………………….… Betsy Huneycutt - 336.269.4086 Secretary ………………………………… Mara Small - 336.264.1461 Treasurer ………………………………… Carrie Sanders - 336.263.888

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School Mission Statement

Providing engaging work for our students will enable Hillcrest Elementary to educate all students to meet high academic standards and to become productive,

culturally-aware citizens in a rapidly changing world.

AIG Program The Academically / Intellectually Gifted (AIG) program of the Alamance-Burlington School System is based on a rigorous, differentiated curriculum that meets the needs of the students, encourages diverse talents, and challenges students to the highest levels possible. The basic components of the program are consistent from school to school and offer a variety of services that are student-oriented and are inclusive of students from all socioeconomic and ethnic groups. If a parent wishes to refer their child for potential screening, the parent must write a letter to the school principal explaining why they feel their child should be nominated for screening. The school principal must receive the letter before November 21, 2017. A nomination is not an automatic referral for further assessment. The AIG Committee will determine if the student (1) requires additional assessment to determine a need for differentiated instruction, (2) is already in a learning environment that is appropriate and does not require additional assessment at that time or (3) is eligible for intellectually and or academically gifted services based on collected information.

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

7:20 am Students enter building 7:50 am Tardy bell rings (students are in their seats); class begins 2:35 pm Bus students are dismissed 2:40 pm All other students are dismissed There are two entrances/exits to Hillcrest. The Davis Street entrance/exit is to be used by car riders. The Harriet Drive entrance/exit is to be USED BY SCHOOL BUSES AND DAYCARE VANS ONLY. Please do not use this lot during opening and dismissal times. We also expect everyone to drive slowly when entering and leaving the drop-off lane and that you do not talk on your cell phone at drop-off. Help us keep our children safe!

Arrival All students should be dropped off in front of Hillcrest Elementary School. Students should not be dropped off in any other area of the building. Students may arrive by car NO EARLIER than 7:20 a.m. When dropping off your student, please pull forward to the end of the first cone, as to allow 4-6 cars to unload at the same time. Several staff members and safety patrol students will be on duty to greet students and will help them find their way to breakfast and their morning location.

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Walking students to class We understand that many parents would like to walk their students to class. In an effort to teach responsibility, independence and make transition to class smoother, we ask parents not walk to class after the first 5 days of school. After the 5th day, please say goodbye to your students in the atrium and allow them to walk to class on their own. This also includes walking to the cafeteria for breakfast.

Pre-Kindergarten and AU Students Due to safety concerns, we do require our pre-kindergarten and AU students be walked to their room by a parent/guardian. If you are walking a pre-K or AU student, please come by the front office and pick up a visitor pass. If your visitor’s badge is not visible, you will be asked to show it or return to the front office. If you arrive after 7:50 a.m., please bring your child to the office and check them in for his or her tardy pass.

Dismissal Students will not be released without a “Hillcrest Hornet Car Rider Sign.” Parents will be directed to the front office if they do not have a sign. Please contact the office if you need additional car rider signs. All car riders are dismissed at 2:40 p.m. in the front of the building. Again, we ask that you pull forward so that we may load 4-6 cars at the same time. Make sure to keep the “Hillcrest Hornet Car Rider” sign in the front car window with your child’s name and teacher’s name written on it until your child is in the car so that staff can refer to it as needed. As cars pull into the loading zone, teachers will call students to load. All unattended cars must be parked in a parking space. Cars may not be left unattended on the curb as this stops the flow of traffic. All children must be picked up by 3:00 p.m. After 3:00 pm all students will be in the front office waiting and a parent will need to come to the office to sign the late pick-up form. The safety of our children is our ultimate priority. We are continuously working to make our arrival and dismissal procedures as efficient as possible. Thank you for your patience and flexibility.

Procedures for Walkers and Bike Riders Walkers/Crossing Guards - Children who walk to/from school are to use the main doors to enter/exit the building. They are to walk on the sidewalks to Davis Street or Harriet Drive and are not to cross the parking lot. Adult crossing guards under supervision of the Police Department are located on Davis Street, Harriet Drive, and Sherwood Drive. Please stress to your children to cross the street at the guarded intersections and to follow all safety rules. Students who usually walk need to know how they will get home if it is raining so they will not have to use the office phone to call home every time it rains.

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Bike Riders - Students riding bicycles to school should obey all traffic and safety regulations, including wearing a helmet. Once on school property, students are to walk their bicycles to the stand. They should secure their bicycles and move into the building as quickly as possible. Safety of Students at Dismissal Time - Due to the increased concern and liability for students’ safety at dismissal time each day, students cannot change the way they go home without a written note from parents or guardian. The office cannot accept changes to a student’s normal routine for getting home made after 2:00pm. Please send in a written note with the change request or in case of an emergency, call the office and be prepared to email (email administration or data manger) or fax written authorization before 2:00pm. This policy is made to eliminate the possibility of a student not getting home safely. Teachers will always send home students the way they are expected to go home unless notified of a change.

Attendance and Tardy Policy

Students are expected to be in school regularly and be on time for classes. If a student is absent, a parent /guardian is encouraged to call the school as soon after 7:30 a.m. as possible to report the absence. When the student returns to school, he / she must bring a written note signed by the parent / guardian to the teacher. The note must state the student’s full name, date, reason for the absence, and current telephone number where the parent may be reached. These notes should be given to the teacher within 2 days of absence or it will be unexcused. Students participating in afterschool activities must be present in school for the entire day in order to participate in activities, except where specifically exempted by a physician. All educational trips must have prior approval from the principal. Any trips without prior approval will automatically be an unexcused absence. In order for educational trips to be excused, these requests must be submitted in writing two weeks in advance of the trip to the principal. Please specify in your written request that you are asking for consideration that the absences be excused due to the nature of the trip; not to be confused with requesting homework from the teacher or notifying the school of the absence in general. In order for the absences to be excused as an educational opportunity there must be a valid educational component. The first day back from the trip, the student will be expected to turn in a student-created journal, presentation, or some other product that includes a description of places visited, the tie to curriculum (reading, math, science, etc.) and the specific learning that took place each day. After reviewing the student’s work, a determination will be made as to the number of days that will be excused/unexcused. All students are responsible for work missed due to absences. Teachers will assist students by giving assignments, explanations, and time for completion. If you wish to pick up assignments for your child, call the school and arrange for assignments to be picked up after school hours. We wish to maintain an uninterrupted learning process for our students. Unlawful absences will be monitored by the School Social Worker based on reports from PowerSchool. Parent/guardians will be notified by mail when their child accumulates 3, 6, or 10 unlawful absences. In addition, telephone contact by the SSW is made at 6 unlawful absences

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to assess causes and family needs. If absences continue, a conference is scheduled with the parent/guardian and student at 10 unlawful absences. Once assessment is complete, appropriate services will be provided and referrals to community agencies will be made if necessary. According to the ABSS attendance policy #4400.2 regarding excused absences: a child may be temporarily excused from attendance at school on account of sickness or other unavoidable cause which does not constitute unlawful absence as defined by the State Board of Education. The authority to excuse a student for a lawful absence shall rest with the principal or designee. The principal shall exercise his/her authority to excuse absences in a reasonable manner, keeping the best interest of the student in mind. Any absence not approved by the principal or his/her designee is an unexcused absence. All absences not classified as excused are deemed unexcused. Absence Procedures:

A. After an absence (excused or unexcused)- A Connect Ed call will be issued to remind parents/guardians of the school’s attendance policy.

B. 3 Absences- After three (3) unexcused absences parents/guardians will be notified by letter of the absences and the absences will be reviewed by the school’s Student Services Team.

C. 6 Absences- After six (6) unexcused absences the parent, guardian, or custodian will be notified by mail that he/she may be “in violation of the Compulsory Attendance Law and may be subject to prosecution under the established attendance policies of the state and local boards of education.” The school’s Student Services Team will call parent to review the record of absences and create an appropriate plan for improved attendance.

D. 10 Absences- After ten (10) unexcused absences the parent, guardian, custodian will be notified by letter of the absences. The Principal and Student Services Team (Social Worker, Counselor, and Nurse) will meet to determine whether or not the parent, guardian, custodian is making a good faith effort to comply with the law.

ü If the decision of the Principal and SST is yes, they will conference with the parent to update the attendance plan, and inform them of the legal consequences of the student not attending school.

ü If the decision of the Principal and SST is no, the Social Worker will notify the district attorney and the director of Social Services of Alamance County.

Note: Any student missing more than ten (10) days, excused or unexcused, will be reviewed by the Student Services Team to develop a plan that they deem necessary to improve the student’s chances for educational success. Chronic absenteeism results in significant missed instructional time, affects the student’s academic progress, and is considered to be a violation of both the spirit and the letter of the district attendance policy.

***After 10 absences (excused or unexcused) parents may be required to provide a medical documentation to excuse any health related absences thereafter.

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Tardies

The tardy bell rings for students to be in their classrooms at 7:50. Students will be considered tardy in the mornings if they are not in the classroom by the 7:50 bell. Tardy students must report to the office before going to class. An adult must sign a late student in. This a very important safety policy. Any child who needs to leave school early for any reason should have a note from the parent stating a time and a reason. Parents must come to the school office and sign their child out. Doctor and dentist notes must be provided to verify excused tardies or early pick-ups. Student must return to school unless doctor note excuses them for the rest of the day or if school has dismissed before end of appointment. Tardy Procedures: Note: A tardy is defined as either arriving late after the first bell in the morning (7:50), or leaving early (after having been present for one-half or more of the day) before the final dismissal bell at the end of the day (2:35). Students that are not picked up by 3:00 pm will also be counted tardy. A parent/guardian must come into the building to sign out a student when arriving late to pick-up in the afternoons. Students receiving tardies shall have the following interventions/consequences. (Exceptions may be made by the principal with proper documentation.)

a. After an unexcused tardy – Parents will receive a written reminder regarding the tardy procedures and a Connect Ed call will be issued on the evening the tardy occurs.

b. 3rd Unexcused Tardy – When the student accumulates three (3) unexcused tardies, the parent, guardian, or custodian shall be notified of the tardies by letter.

c. 6th Unexcused Tardy – After six (6) unexcused tardies, the Student Support Team (SST) shall call the parent to review the record of tardies and establish an appropriate plan for being on time.

d. 10th Unexcused Tardy - After ten (10) accumulated unexcused tardies, the parent, guardian, or custodian shall be notified and a member of the Student Support Team (SST) shall establish an in-school conference with the parent/guardian to develop a plan to address future attendance concerns.

e. Additional tardies, and/or chronic tardy problems shall be addressed by the principal, student and parent. Chronic tardiness results in significant missed instructional time, and consequently affects the student’s academic progress, and is considered to be a violation of both the spirit and the letter of the district attendance policy. The Principal has the discretion to exclude a student from participating in extracurricular activities at Hillcrest (i.e. Harmonics, Safety Patrol, Journal Club, Science Olympiad, Talent Show) if your child accumulates more than 10 unexcused absences and/or 12 unexcused tardies.

If there is a question about a tardy or absence, the office needs to be contacted within 5 business days to resolve any concerns or discrepancies.

Attendance Zone

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Students whose families move from one Alamance-Burlington attendance area to another during the school year may apply for a continuation to remain the rest of the school year at Hillcrest if there are no problems with attendance, behavior, or transportation. Students moving outside the Alamance-Burlington Schools area to another system must apply for a transfer and pay tuition to continue attending an ABSS school. If you move during the school year, please notify your child’s teacher and the school office in advance so that we may help make the transfer speedy and efficient. All textbooks and library books need to be returned and fines paid before leaving.

Bad Weather

At times, changing weather conditions make it necessary for safety reasons to close schools or alter the normal time schedule. On days of inclement weather (i.e. snow, sleet), the Connect Ed phone network will contact students on the phone number provided to the office when students enrolled. Parents need to keep phone numbers updated with any changes that occur to ensure they receive the Connect Ed phone calls. Please continue to tune in to local radio or television stations and listen for announcements concerning the schedule for Alamance-Burlington Schools. The decision to close school or alter normal time schedule is made by the superintendent. On such days, one of the plans described below will be followed:

1) Delayed Openings - It may be possible to hold school by delaying the opening by one or two hours. If this decision is reached, it will be announced on local radio and television stations as well as through a ConnectEd message. Should the announcement say that Alamance-Burlington Schools will open one hour late or two hours late (depending on the severity of the weather condition), simply move the morning schedule forward one or two hours later than usual so that walkers and car riders arrive at school one or two hours later. Breakfast will be served at school on mornings of delayed openings.

2) Early Closing - Should worsening weather conditions during the day make it necessary for an early dismissal, the decision will be reached by late morning and broadcast on both local radio and television stations. A ConnectEd message will also be sent. With the possibility of early closing, it is important that parents discuss with their children what to do in case of early dismissal. To assist parents and the school, along with maximizing the safety of all students, please complete the inclement weather form and return to your child’s teacher. Teachers will then have written instructions concerning how each student is to get home. Should this plan change, notify the school immediately so the teachers can make note of the change. Also, in the event of early dismissal, all students who do not ride the bus will be supervised at school until they are picked up.

Bus Regulations

Bus Information and Discipline Policy

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All students living in the Hillcrest district are eligible to ride the bus. Some of these bus stops will be group bus stops, requiring some students to walk to and from their pick-up/drop-off spot. There will be no waiting for students who are late getting to the bus stops. No transfer students will be allowed to ride buses. Students who come to school on the bus should return home on the same bus unless they have a note from the parents signed by the principal. Only regularly scheduled bus students are to ride the school buses. BUS SAFETY RULES So that we can guarantee your child and the other children riding the bus the safe transportation they deserve, we expect all children to abide by the Bus Safety Rules and the ABSS Student Code of Conduct. Please review both with your child, and stress to your child that RIDING THE BUS IS A PRIVILEGE.

1. I will do my personal best by showing self-control – Use a voice level 0 or 1. Stay seated. Keep the bus neat and clean. No eating or drinking on the bus. Do not throw paper on the floor.

2. I will do my personal best by taking responsibility for my actions - Be ready for your stop.

3. I will do my personal best by actively listening and learning – Follow the bus driver’s directions the first time.

4. I will do my personal best by respecting myself and others – Be on time. Use

appropriate language. Keep your hands and feet to yourself. Treat others kindly.

5. Obey all safety rules - Get on and off the bus quietly and orderly. Find a seat quickly and remain seated until it is time to get off.

The first time a child is reported to the office for misbehavior, he/she will receive a warning and will be placed on bus probation. The second time a child is reported to the office for misbehavior, he/she will be suspended from riding the bus for a designated period of time. If a child is reported for severe misbehavior such as fighting, he/she will be suspended from riding the bus rather than placed on bus probation. In addition, continued misbehavior on the bus can result in permanent bus suspension. You will receive written notification from the office if your child is placed on bus probation or is suspended from riding the bus. Please sign the form and have your child return it to the office the following day. If a child is suspended from riding the bus, it is your responsibility to provide transportation to and from school. According to the Alamance-Burlington School policy the principal may suspend, at his/her discretion, passengers from riding the school bus for:

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1. Delaying the bus schedule or refusing to meet the bus on time at designated stops 2. Fighting, smoking, using profanity, or refusing to obey instructions of school authorities

or a school bus driver while riding on a school bus 3. Tampering with or doing damage to a bus 4. Leaving the bus at an unauthorized stop when enroute from home to school or vice versa 5. Playing, throwing objects, or otherwise distracting the driver’s attention while the bus is

in operation 6. Failing to observe established safety rules and regulations required by law or adopted by

the board of education Kindergarten Bus Drop-Off Procedures

In order to ensure the safe delivery of kindergarten students from school, bus drivers are not to release kindergarten students at bus stops unless a responsible adult is visible to receive the student(s) or an older sibling is present (riding the bus). If this is not possible, the student(s) shall be returned to his/her school at the end of the elementary bus route. The principal or his/her designee shall contact the parent or guardian to pick up the student(s) at school.

Cafeteria

Breakfast/Lunch Breakfast is served each morning from 7:20 – 7:50 am. Any child may eat breakfast for free. Lunch is served between 10:45-1:30. Please talk with your child’s teacher about his/her specific lunch time. Hillcrest has been identified as a Community Eligibility Site (CEP) and every child may eat lunch for free. All students are required to eat lunch at school. Students may bring their own lunches or eat the meal provided by the cafeteria. Nutritious school lunches are served in the cafeteria daily. A menu will be sent home monthly. Milk is served with each lunch or may be purchased separately. Children are given an adequate lunch period and are expected to eat lunch within that given time. Fruits and vegetables are encouraged for children who bring their lunch and/or snacks from home. Sweets are discouraged. Do not send food from “fast-food” or other restaurants and do not send soft drinks. Parents are invited to eat with our students. Please plan to eat from our school lunch menu or bring a bag lunch. We do not allow fast food to be brought in from the outside to our lunchroom. Please come to the office for a visitor’s pass before going to the lunchroom to meet your child.

Student Cafeteria Prices (These prices are subject to change)

Breakfast *students receive free breakfast– no cost to students Lunch *students receive free lunch – no cost to students Milk $ .50 Fruit Drink $ 1.00 Ice Cream $ .50 or $ .75

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Children will use their Power Schools number for their lunch account. Please put this number on all checks. If you send cash, please put it in an envelope and put your child’s name and account number on the envelope. Money will need to be sent from home to pay for extra food and snacks. Students will not be allowed to purchase chips, ice cream, milk, etc. unless they have money. Each student has an account with an identification number and parents pay money into that account. Checks will be accepted in the School Food Services ONLY. The Lunch Prepay program will allow you to make secure payments on your child’s lunch account, review their recent meal history, and review their current balance at your convenience. If you are interested in this program, please visit the ABSS website at www.abss.k12.nc.us and click on the Lunch Prepay link or you may go directly to www.lunchprepay.com. If you have any questions, please contact Child Nutrition at 336-438-4000, Ext. 20055.

Court Orders

Parents and/or guardians who have any legal documents about custody, visitation, name changes, etc. should bring a copy to the school office. We will keep these on file so we can refer to them if needed. Be sure to alert the classroom teachers also.

Dress Code

Each student is expected to maintain an appearance that is neither distracting to other students nor disruptive. Every student should strive to be clean and dress neatly. To support this expectation the following guidelines will be enforced:

• Students are not allowed to wear hats, bandanas, or sunglasses in the building. • Shorts and skirts must be longer than fingertip length. • All tummies and backs must be covered. Halter tops and backless dresses are not

allowed. Net shirts/spaghetti straps are not allowed. Straps must be at least 2 inches wide. • T-shirts cannot advertise alcohol, tobacco, weapons, drugs, or have obscene language,

pictures, or racial implications. • Jeans and shorts should be the correct size so that they do not “hang” or “sag” below the

waist or drag the floor. Jeans should not have rips or open areas above the knee. • Pants must be pulled up to the waist and secured with a belt if they fall below the waist.

No boxers or underwear must show. • High heel shoes over 2 inches high are not allowed. Flip Flops are not allowed. • Shoes must be tied. Due to safety concerns, shoes with wheels (Heelies) are not allowed.

Parents will be called to bring appropriate clothing or shoes for any student who comes dressed inappropriately. If we are unable to reach the parent, we will provide clothing from our clothes closet.

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Parent/Visitor Dress Code We request that parents who visit during the school day or who accompany our students on field trips follow the same dress code guidelines as our students to help us reinforce our expectations for appropriate attire. Please do not wear hats or bandanas in the building. Please make sure you are appropriately covered, not wearing t-shirts with advertisements inappropriate for an elementary school setting, and boxers/underwear are not showing. Thank you for your cooperation in enforcing and following our dress code when you visit our campus.

Field Trips

Field trips are an important part of the school curriculum and provide valuable learning experiences for students. They will be reasonable in length, taking into consideration the age and maturity of the students, and time away from school. They will be an extension of the instructional program, including preparation instruction, questioning and observation during the field trip, and follow up activities. The following are general guidelines that teachers, parents, and students will need to adhere to:

v Administration will review and consider for approval all school trip requests before parents and families are notified of a planned grade level trip.

v Parents will be requested to chaperone some field trips to assure the proper supervision of students and to help reinforce learning objectives. Many of our educational field trips will not require additional supervision beyond school staff members.

v Criminal background checks must be completed online before a parent/guardian is allowed to chaperone students.

v No child shall be denied participation in field trips due to financial hardship. v Students will be subject to the Code of Student Conduct and all board policies while on a

school-sponsored field trip. All disciplinary consequences will be available, including removal from the field trip.

v School trips may be cancelled when necessary by the principal, Superintendent, or Board of Education. We cannot guarantee reimbursement when such cancellations occur.

v The principal may deny student participation in a field trip(s) for disciplinary reasons. v Only students assigned to that grade level are permitted to go on the school field trip.

Parents chaperoning field trips are not allowed to bring other siblings. Often times, the school system will sponsor events for our students such as the North Carolina Symphony or the Greensboro Symphony. These events are located at Williams High School. ABSS trips are provided free of charge to the students. Permission forms will be sent home and we will also inform parents of the trips via Connect Ed calls, the school calendar, and classroom newsletters.

Garrett’s Law

Please refer to the ABSS Student Code of Conduct for specific information.

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Head Lice Control Procedures The Alamance-Burlington School System has an established procedure to reduce the incidence of lice in schools. No student will be allowed to stay in school if head lice are found in his/her hair. This procedure is based on recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatricians and the National Association of School Nurses.

a. If lice are detected the parent/guardian will be notified and written instructions will be given to the parent/guardian regarding the head lice procedure and treatment.

b. If nits only are detected the student will remain in school and written instructions regarding treatment and removal of nits will be sent home with the student.

Upon return to school, parent must accompany the student. The student will be rechecked by the school nurse or trained school personnel. The student will not be readmitted to school if lice are detected. If nits are detected, the student will return to class and a “nits remain” letter will be sent home. Further monitoring may continue as needed. Absences will be excused no more than three consecutive calendar days per incidence. Students with repeated infestations will be referred to the school nurse/school social worker, who will determine appropriate interventions. Retreatment of lice is often necessary following the head lice treatment instructions carefully. In an effort to control this problem, parents should conduct periodic checks of their own students at home. The school should be notified if lice are found. Students must not share combs, caps, and other personal items.

Health and Dental Screenings

Please refer to the ABSS Student Code of Conduct for specific information.

Immunization Requirements The North Carolina Immunization Law requires that students must have the following immunizations to start school:

• 1 Kindergarten Health Assessment (no more than 12 months prior to school entry.) • 5 doses DTP (with a booster on or after the 4th birthday). • 4 doses of oral polio vaccine (with a booster on or after the 4th birthday). • 2 MMR doses (1st dose on or after the 1st birthday). • 1 Hib – at least 1 Hib on or after 1st birthday and before 5 years of age

(not required after age 5). • 3 Hepatitis B (required for all children born after July 1, 1994). • 1 Varicella (Chickenpox) dose (required for all children born after April 1, 2001). • 1 Tdap for all students entering 6th grade on or after August 1, 2008. • EXCEPTION – Not all K-9 children will have the above doses, but they still may be in

compliance with NC State Law. Any child that received the 4th DTP and/or the 3rd oral polio on or after their fourth birthday is not required to receive additional doses. Thus, a number of children may be in compliance with 4 DTP, 3 oral polio, 1 Hib, and 2 MMR.

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If we have not received your child’s completed immunization record within 30 days of enrollment, your child will be suspended until these records are provided.

Influenza and Meningococcal Disease and Vaccine Information will be provided to parents/guardians upon request.

Lost and Found

Parents are encouraged to write your child’s name in all of their clothing, especially jackets and sweaters, so lost items can be quickly found and returned to the owner. These articles are placed in the “Lost and Found” bin in the gym. Children who lose coats, sweaters, etc., should check this bin. Unclaimed lost and found articles will be donated to charity throughout the school year.

Medications

Please be aware of the Alamance-Burlington School System’s Medication Policy. If your child must have medication of any type given during school hours, including over-the-counter drugs, you have the following choices:

1. You can come to school to give the medication to your child at the appropriate time. 2. You may obtain a copy of an authorization medication form from the school nurse or

school secretary. Complete the form by taking the form to your child’s doctor or health care provider for assistance. This form must be completed for both prescription and over-the-counter drugs and must have the physician’s signature before any medication can be administered at school. The form must also be signed by the parent or guardian. Prescription medicines must be brought to school in a pharmacy-labeled bottle which contains instructions on how and when the medication is to be given. Over-the-counter drugs must be received in the original container and will be administered according to the prescriber’s written instructions.

3. You may discuss with your prescriber an alternative schedule for administering medication (e.g., outside of school hours). Most pediatricians in the Burlington-Alamance area have received information from ABSS regarding this policy and should be familiar with it. School personnel will not administer any medication to students unless they have received an authorization for medication form properly completed, and the medication has been received in an appropriately labeled container. In fairness to those giving the medication and to protect the safety of your child, there will be no exceptions to this policy.

4. In addition to the medication policy presented here, there are modifications to the policy that are necessary when students participate in field trips. During the planning of any and all field trips, your child’s teacher will review the “Field Trip Medication Policy” with the parents of students participating.

If you have questions about the policy or other issues related to the administration of medication in the schools, please contact the Hillcrest office.

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Money Matters Through out the year students will have opportunities to attend fieldtrips. Field trips can be paid for with cash, check or online (when possible). Other vendors and services provided through Hillcrest will accept checks such as the PTO of Hillcrest, the cafeteria, and the school picture company. Students are discouraged from bringing large amounts of money to school.

Moving

If you need to change schools, first register your child in the new school. The data manager at the new school will then request school records. We cannot send records with you. Please notify our data manager as well so she can request records from the teacher.

Parents Observing in the Classroom Please contact the school office prior to visiting a classroom for the purpose of observing your child for academic and/or behavior reasons. We ask that the observation be limited to 20 – 30 minutes. Any concerns you may have after the observation should be discussed with the teacher and/or the principal.

Parent – Teacher Conferences We believe that parent conferences help us communicate students’ progress and educational needs with parents and guardians; therefore, the teachers will schedule a conference with every parent early in the fall semester. Additional conferences will be scheduled throughout the year, at the request of the teacher or parent. We encourage open parent/school communication; remember, however, that there are times when parent/teacher conferences cannot be held effectively (i.e. open house or classroom visitation, during the teacher’s instructional time, etc.) If you would like to conference with a teacher, please call or email in advance and set up an appointment time.

Parties Two classroom parties will be permitted during the year – a holiday party in December and one at the end of the year. Take-home treats and goodie bags may be sent home at Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Easter and other occasions. Parties will be held in the classrooms at the end of the day. All foods need to be store bought. All beverages brought in need to be juice or water.

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Birthday parties for individual children may not be held at school, but store-bought cupcakes may be sent in after 1:30 for an afternoon snack for the class. Please be aware that the school cannot provide names, addresses or telephone numbers for birthday invitations for private purposes. Please do not send party invitations to school to be given to specific children. Only whole class invitations will be allowed to be distributed.

Personal Property

Electronics, expensive jewelry, valuable items and large sums of money are not to be brought to school. If such items are brought, they are not the responsibility of the school. Students are not allowed to use, display, transmit or have in the “on” position on school property any wireless communication device or personal entertainment device (CD players, iPods, cell phones, electronic games, etc). If a device is used or possessed in violation of this policy, it will be brought to the office and a parent is required to come to school to retrieve it.

Promotion / Retention of Students The school principal has ultimate responsibility for promotion/retention decisions in all grades. More information regarding the promotion/retention of third grade students will be shared with those parents at the beginning of the school year. Teachers in grades K-5 will identify students at risk of retention and notify parents in writing and hold parent/teacher conferences at several points during the school year. Following notification, the teacher or appropriate academic team will plan for the careful attention and remediation/intervention to be provided to any student at risk of retention. The decision on the retention of a student shall be made at the end of the year by the retention committee, in collaboration with the parent or guardian of the student.

Report Cards and Progress Reports

Report cards for grade one – five shall be sent home at the end of each nine-week grading period. Parents will receive their child’s/children’s first report card during a required, scheduled conference. Report cards for Kindergarten students will be sent home at the end of the second and fourth nine-weeks and there will be two required parent conferences scheduled during the first and third nine-week grading periods. Grading Period Progress Reports Report Cards

August 28 – October 27 September 27 November 3 October 31 – January 19 December 7 January 26 January 22 – March 27 February 23 April 13 March 28 – June 8 May 7 June 8

School Insurance

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Insurance information will be sent home with your child the first day of school. The school system does not carry accident insurance on your child/children. The school system does offer group accident insurance to parents at reduced rates. All transactions are between the parents and the insurance company; the school system is not the agent.

Section 504

Federal Legislation and Alamance-Burlington Schools policy mandates that every student receive free and appropriate education. Some students may have physical or mental handicapping conditions that substantially limit their ability to learn and participate in school activities. If your child has a medical diagnosis of a condition that is interfering with your child's education then your child may be eligible for 504 rights and protections and possibly for a 504 plan. Please contact the school’s 504 coordinator (our guidance counselor) or the principal.

Sick Children

If your child comes to school sick or becomes sick while in school, you will be contacted immediately to come and take him/her home. If a parent cannot be reached, be sure that your contact person is someone who is willing to come to school and pick up your child when needed. Please be sure that the person is included on your child’s pick-up list. Please keep your child home if he or she has a temperature or is throwing up. Children should not be at school until they have gone 24 hours without a fever or being sick on their stomach.

Smoking and Tobacco Products

The ABSS 100% Tobacco-Free Schools Policy prohibits all tobacco use by everyone at all times on all school grounds and at all sporting events. Students, staff, parents, and other visitors may not use any kind of tobacco products, including cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. Tobacco may not be used on any school grounds or at school events, including athletic events, buses, parking lots and off-campus events. This policy was adopted in June 2008 and went into effect on August 1, 2008 to protect the health of all ABSS students and staff, promote positive role models in schools and promote a healthy learning and working environment. The policy was adopted following state legislation mandating tobacco-free policies in all North Carolina public schools. The complete tobacco products policy can be read on the ABSS Website under “District Information” and then “Board of Education.”

Student Personal Information It is extremely important that we know how to reach parents during the school day due to sickness or emergencies. If you change jobs or your home phone number is changed or disconnected, please notify the office as soon as possible. By having correct phone numbers,

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the Alamance-Burlington School System’s Connect Ed phoning system will be able to reach you in case of emergency or inclement weather. The Connect Ed system will automatically call you about school delays or early dismissals due to weather. Be sure to also give us the name and phone number of your emergency contact person who can come to school immediately when called.

Visitors

Parents are encouraged to visit the school. Please talk with your child’s teacher in advance about times when you can volunteer in the classroom. All parents and visitors should report directly to the office. If you wish to discuss your child with the teacher, we ask that you arrange a conference with the teacher at a time when the teacher can be free from his/her classroom duties. Security and safety of students and staff are a high priority for the Hillcrest staff. Sometimes this contradicts an “open door” policy in making Hillcrest inviting to visitors and guests. When visitors are in the building without a visitor’s pass, the staff has been instructed to question them on their identification and purpose of being in the building. Visitors should secure a visitor’s pass upon reporting to the office. During special events such as assemblies, class events, field day, etc. parents should report directly to the location of the event. They should be prepared to be questioned by a staff member when they are not wearing a visitor’s pass. Pets are not allowed on school property. If your pet is with you when you come to pick up your child, please leave the pet in the car. Be sure to roll down your window!

Weapons on School Property

Please be reminded of the General Statute 14-269.2 which refers to weapons on school property. This includes in the school, on the bus, even on the playground. Types of weapons included are guns, BB guns, rifles, pistols, explosives, air rifles, knives, blackjacks, sling shot, brass knuckles, etc. It is the principal’s responsibility under the law to not only discipline students who violate the law, but to report any violators to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Remember, if a student brings or possesses a weapon on school owned property they could be suspended for the rest of the year. By law, the incident must be turned over to law enforcement and possession of a firearm on school campus is a felony. Also possession of any form of a “look alike” weapon is in violation of North Carolina Law and Alamance-Burlington Board of Education Policy. Help us continue to have a safe school environment.

Wellness Policy & Procedures

Federal and state laws require the ABSS to enact a local “Wellness Policy” for its public schools. This Wellness Policy discusses laws regarding physical activity, nutritional education and nutritional guidelines for school nutrition programs. The Wellness Policy also states that ABSS will issue other recommendations regarding food and beverages which are not specifically covered by federal and state law.

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The Wellness Policy requirements and recommendations are stated in the ABSS “Wellness Procedures”. The Wellness Procedures describe (i) mandates and suggestions for disease control with respect to foods from commercial and non-commercial sources, (ii) recommendations for eating environments, (iii) goals and mandates for school lunches, (iv) laws and recommendations with respect to vending machines, (v) mandates regarding competition with federal school nutrition programs, (vi) laws and recommendations regarding fundraisers, concessions policies and student stores, (vii) laws and recommendations regarding school parties, celebrations and rewards, and (viii) goals and mandates regarding nutrition education and physical education. The Wellness Policy can be read in full on the ABSS Website under “District Information” and then “Board of Education.”

Notes