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WELCOME

The administration and staff of Hillcrest Elementary School would like to welcome every student

and parent back to school or welcome you to our school for your very first year with us.

As part of the Alamance-Burlington School System, we hold high expectations for 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 thus be able to provide differentiated

instruction that meets 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 such

as global awareness, financial literacy, and health awareness. The staff invites you to join us in

making this year a huge success for your child.

We are using this handbook as a means of communicating between home and school. This

information guide 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 for 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!

Mrs. Julie Bethea

Principal “Be the change that you want to see in the world.” “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

-Ghandi -Nelson Mandela

School Vision

The vision of Hillcrest Elementary School is to establish a school culture that provides for the engagement of all students by increasing skills and knowledge for 21st century thinkers,

and promoting an environment that develops health conscious and responsible decision-makers taught by a highly competent and innovative teaching staff.

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.

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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 25, 2014.

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

7:40 am Children go to classrooms

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.

Arrival

All students should be dropped off in front of Hillcrest Elementary School. No students should

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/or the gym/empty

room to read. Please help your child remember to bring a book every day. If you would like to

walk your child directly to his/her classroom, please park in a designated parking spot, check-in

with the front office, and receive a visitor’s sticker to wear throughout our building. The only

parents we require to walk their child to the classroom have children in our pre-kindergarten

classrooms. 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.

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Dismissal

NO student will 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 inhibits 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.

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. On many days, the Hillcrest office is overwhelmed from

2:00 until 2:30 with calls from parents with last minute changes in students’ mode of getting

home. This time of day is very busy for the office staff. Therefore, the office cannot

guarantee requests to change a student’s normal routine for getting home made after

2:00pm. Please plan to call before 2:00pm or send in a written note with the change

request. 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.

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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 7:35 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 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, powerpoint

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.

Absence Procedures:

a. Absences 1 and 2 – (Telephone call made by school staff)

b. When the student accumulates three (3) unexcused absences, the parent, guardian,

or custodian shall be notified by letter of the absences by school social worker, and

that a referral will be made to the Student Services Team (SST) for review.

c. 4th

and 5th

absences – (social worker meet with student and social worker call

parent (5th

))

d. After six (6) unexcused absences the parent, guardian, or custodian shall be notified

by mail by the school social worker 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.” Additionally, the SST

shall establish a conference with the parent and student to review the attendance

record and establish an appropriate plan for improved attendance.

e. Absences 7 – 9 (school social worker makes home visit)

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f. After ten (10) accumulated unexcused absences the parent, guardian, or custodian

shall be notified by letter of the absences, and the principal “must review any report,

or investigation prepared under G.S. 115C-381 and must confer with the student and

his/her parent, guardian, custodian to determine whether the parent, guardian,

custodian has received notification and made a good faith effort to comply with the

law.” This review and parent/student conference shall occur in conjunction with the

SST review after ten absences. The SST review team shall develop an appropriate

plan to improve attendance, and, “If the principal determines that a parent, guardian,

or custodian has not made a good faith effort to comply with the law, the principal

shall notify the district attorney and the director of social services of the county

(Alamance) where the child resides.”

(NOTE: Any student who misses more than ten (10) days (excused or unexcused) shall have a

review by the Student Services Team (SST). In many cases, the SST has already been involved

with the student through the normal “3, 6, 10 day” notification and parent conference process,

and appropriate plans are being implemented to increase attendance. There are situations,

however, where students accumulate more than ten (10) days of excused absences in a year.

Given that attendance is imperative for educational success, it is incumbent upon the SST to

review the student’s performance and develop any plans/strategies should they be deemed

necessary. Chronic absenteeism 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.

Tardies

The tardy bell rings for students to be in their classrooms at 7:50. Students who are tardy inhibit

and interfere with the learning of others. Tardy students must report to the office before going to

class. An adult must sign a late student in. 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. A parent/guardian is also expected to come into the building

to sign out a student when arriving late to pick-up in the afternoons.

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 receiving tardies shall have the following

interventions/consequences. (Exceptions may be made by the principal with proper

documentation.)

a. Tardies 1 and 2 – (Verbal Warning)

b. 3rd

tardy- When the student accumulates three (3) tardies (excused or unexcused), the

parent, guardian, or custodian shall be notified by letter of the tardies by school social

worker, and that the student is missing valuable instructional time as a result, and

that a referral will be made to the Student Services Team (SST) (School Social

Worker will review for SST) for review.

c. 4th

and 5th

tardy – (Connect Ed Message sent and call from social worker (5th

))

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d. 6th

tardy – After six (6) tardies the parent, guardian, or custodian shall be notified

again by letter of the tardies by school social worker, and that the student is missing

valuable and important instructional time, and that the SST shall establish a

conference with the parent and student to review the record of tardies and establish an

appropriate plan for being on time.

e. Tardies 7 – 9 – (Call from school social worker to reiterate plan. If family did not

show up for first meeting, school social worker will invite parent again.) f. After ten (10) accumulated tardies, the parent, guardian, or custodian shall be

notified by letter of the tardies by school social worker, and the SST shall establish a

conference with the parent and student to review the record of tardies and establish an

appropriate plan for being on time. 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.

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

A detailed map description of the Hillcrest attendance area is on file in the school office. Each

elementary school serves a geographically zoned attendance area. Students whose families move

from one Alamance-Burlington attendance area to another during the school year may apply for

a transfer to remain the rest of the school year in the school they have been attending if there are

no problems with attendance, behavior, or transportation. Students moving outside the

Alamance-Burlington Schools area to another system must transfer and pay tuition. 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:

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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 beginning at 6:30 am, as well as 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. It is especially important that parents of kindergarten

students make prior arrangements in case of late opening or early closing. 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

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.

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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. If this occurs, 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:

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.

Should a parent/guardian not be able to be present at the bus stop, the parent/guardian must

notify the school before the afternoon bus dismissal time and make the necessary timely

transportation arrangements for their child/children.

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Cafeteria

Breakfast/Lunch

Breakfast is served each morning from 7:20 – 7:50 am. Any child may eat breakfast for free.

All students are required to eat lunch at school. Students may bring their own lunches or

purchase food in 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. Please refer to the August school menu for milk and ice

cream prices. A la carte prices are listed on the menu as well.

Parents and grandparents 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. Come to the office for a visitor’s pass before going to the lunchroom. Please do

not go to the classroom. We request you wait for your child at the cafeteria doorway and say

goodbye to them in the lunchroom before signing out.

The Hillcrest School Food Services operates a Debit system so that parents can pay for meals by

the day, the week, the month, or by the semester. Each student has an account with an

identification number and parents pay money into that account. It is the parents’ responsibility to

keep money in the account for purchases. Occasionally, students will forget their lunch money.

Every attempt will be made to contact parents in order to get the money for lunch. If a student

does not have money for lunch, he/she will not miss lunch. Students who owe money to the

cafeteria will receive a Connect Ed call letting parents know to send in money to the cafeteria.

Please make sure you repay your lunch money the following day. Any student with an

outstanding balance will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities. Checks will

be accepted in the School Food Services ONLY.

We encourage all eligible families to apply for our Free / Reduced Meals program. Applications

will be available at the beginning of the year in the office. You must complete a new form

each year. Parents will be notified if their child qualifies for the free or reduced meal program

through the Alamance-Burlington Schools Food Service office.

If you have any questions, please contact Child Nutrition at 336-570-6060, Ext. 151.

Student Cafeteria Prices (These prices are subject to change)

Breakfast *students receiving free/reduced breakfast– no cost to students

Lunch $2.30 per day or $11.50 per week

$ .40 per day or $2.00 per week (reduced)

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.

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.

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.

Discipline

Discipline is a cooperative effort. We must work together to make sure your child has a safe and

structured environment in which to learn. Children have the right to learn in an environment that

allows them to acquire the best education available. Children also have a responsibility to

behave in such a manner that does not interfere with the safety and welfare of others. We place

high expectations on our students for good manners, courtesy and respect for adults, other

students and school property.

We follow the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) process in our building.

PBIS is a “proactive systems approach to school-wide discipline designed to be responsive to

current social and educational challenges through assessment and development of effective

interventions.” Our PBIS team has worked diligently to develop school-wide procedures,

expectations, consequences, and rewards:

Our PBIS Matrix and Expectations are displayed throughout the building as a visual

reminder to students what our expectations are for behavior for each area such as the

cafeteria, bathroom, hallway, etc. (Please review the matrix on the following page.)

Each grade level will develop a classroom management system that is consistent across

the grade level. Classroom management plans will be sent home with students the

first week of school.

Students and staff will recite our motto every morning during announcements: “I will

show self control. I will take responsibility for my actions. I will actively listen and

learn. I will respect myself and others. I will do my personal best by showing STAR

behavior.”

Classes will receive a group reward and students will receive individual rewards for

displaying excellent STAR Behavior

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Hillcrest Elementary School's Expectations for STAR Behavior …

I will do my

personal

best by…

HALLWAYS BATHROOMS CAFETERIA BUS ASSEMBLY PLAYGROUND

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL

Showing

self-

control

Use voice

level 0

Walk on the

second block

on the right

side

Use voice

level 0

Enter and

exit the

bathroom

orderly

Enter and exit

cafeteria in an

orderly and quiet

manner

Use voice level 0

when going

through the line.

Use voice level 1

to 2 in the

cafeteria

Use good table

manners while

eating

Use voice

level 0 or 1

Stay seated

No eating or

drinking

Enter and exit

gym in an

orderly and

quiet manner

Use

appropriate

voice level

Sit on your

bottom

Enter and exit

building

at voice level 0

Use equipment

safely

and properly

Being in the

correct place at

the right time

Sitting or

walking quietly

at level 0

Taking

responsibility

for my

actions

Go to your

destination

promptly

Clean up after

yourself

Return to

your

destination

promptly

Have lunch card

ready

Get everything

while in the line

the first time

Be ready for

your stop

Share

information with

parent/

guardian

Be honest and

say sorry

Keeping up with

all materials

(books, lunch

box, etc.)

Make sure

you’re ready

(bathroom,

water, etc.)

Actively

listening

and

learning

Follow

directions

the first time

Pay

attention

Report

problems

immediately

Follow directions

the first time

Follow bus

driver’s

directions

the first

time

Follow

directions the

first time

Keep eyes on

presenters

Look and listen

for attention

signals

Follow

directions the

first time

Stay in

designated area

Look and listen

for teacher’s

signal to leave

Staying focused

and following

directions

Listening for

your name, bus,

van, car, etc.

Respecting

myself and

others

Keep hands

and feet off

the walls

Keep hands

and feet to

yourself

Respect the

privacy of

others

Keep hands

and feet to

yourself

Keep your area

clean

Use good manners

*please

*thank you

Be on time

Use

appropriate

language

Keep hands

and feet to

yourself

Respond

respectfully

*raise hands

*applause

Keep your

hands and feet

to yourself

Play fair and be

a good friend

Keep your hands

and feet to

yourself

Keep all hands,

feet, and

belongings to

yourself

Maintain a safe

distance

between

yourself and

others

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Dress Code

Student 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 unless it is

a designated hat or sunglasses day at school.

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 and 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. Baggy pants and oversized clothing are not allowed.

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.

Shoes must be tied. Due to safety concerns, shoes with wheels (Heelies) are not allowed.

Flip Flops 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.

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. With your

support we will be better equipped to insure a safe, respectful, and focused learning

environment!

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.

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The following are general guidelines that teachers, parents, and students will need to adhere to:

Administration will review and consider for approval all school trip requests before

parents and families are notified of a planned grade level trip.

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.

Criminal background checks must be completed before a parent/guardian is allowed to

serve as a chaperone. (The school will send home paperwork provided by the system to

be completed by the parent/guardian by the assigned due date.)

No child shall be denied participation in field trips due to financial hardship.

Nearby community sites will be utilized whenever possible in order to keep distances

traveled to a minimum.

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.

School trips may be cancelled when necessary by the principal, Superintendent, or Board

of Education. We cannot guarantee reimbursement when such cancellations occur.

The principal may deny student participation in a field trip(s) for disciplinary reasons.

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.

When ABSS trips are provided free of charge to the students, permission slips are not necessary.

We will inform parents of the trips via classroom newsletters and websites, but will not seek

written permission slips as in other field trips.

Garrett’s Law

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

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.

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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.

Homework The purpose of homework is to reinforce and extend what your child has learned in class and to

develop a sense of self-discipline, personal responsibility and independent thinking. As a rule,

new material is not assigned for homework. Your child may be assigned homework each night.

The amount of homework assigned will depend on the grade level. Some students will finish

faster, and others will take longer than the suggested time.

Ways you can help with homework are:

Check your child’s planner daily. Ask each day if he/she has an assignment.

Check with teachers if he/she does not have any work for several days.

Be sure he/she leaves home with it in the morning.

Help your child but do not do the work for them. Your child needs the practice.

If you do not understand the assignment, write a note to the teacher. Also encourage

your child to listen carefully when directions are given.

Let your child’s teacher know if your child is struggling with homework.

It is very important that your child has an appropriate place to work at home.

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 1

st birthday).

1 Hib – at least 1 Hib on or after 1st birthday and before 5 years of age

(not required after age 5).

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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.

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 urged to tag or mark all articles of clothing so lost items can be quickly identified 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 discarded or 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.

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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.

Money Matters

All money that is to be processed through the Hillcrest office is to be CASH ONLY. Our office

procedures make it difficult to handle checks that are returned to us for insufficient funds,

therefore we must enforce the policy of NO CHECKS ACCEPTED at

Hillcrest School office. 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, simply register your child in the new school. The data manager

there will 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

Parents MUST contact the school office prior to visiting a classroom for the purpose of

observing their child. We ask that the observation be limited to 20 – 30 minutes. Any

concerns you may have after the observation are to be addressed to the teacher and/or the

principal by making an appointment, not during the time of the visit. This will prevent any

interruptions of the remaining instructional day for both the teacher and children. If not

approved through the office before proceeding to the classroom, you will be asked to return

to the office and schedule an appointment for a later time.

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 as it serves as a deterrent to many problems

that could arise. 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.

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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.

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

confiscated and a parent is required to attend a conference in order to gain possession of the item.

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

shall ensure that careful attention and remediation/intervention is 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.

PTO

Parents, we feel, are our PARTNERS in the important job of educating the children of this

community. 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 the PTO website which is

located on the school website.

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2014-2015 Hillcrest PTO

Executive Committee

President ……...……………...…………………………………………… Betsy Huneycutt

Vice President.………………………….……………………………........ Angela Mitchell

Secretary …………………………………………………………….……. Jaclyn Allegretto

Treasurer …………………………………………………………….......... Carrie Sanders

Report Cards and Progress Reports

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. Report cards for grade one – five shall be issued at the end of each

nine-week grading period. Conferences and individual progress reports will supplement report

cards to enhance communication between the home and school. Parents will receive their

child’s/children’s first report card during a required, scheduled conference. Report cards will not

be sent home by children the first 9-weeks.

Grading Period Progress Reports Report Cards

August 25 – October 24 September 24 October 31

October 27 – January 16 December 2 January 23

January 19 – March 26 February 23 April 17

March 27 – June 10 May 6 June 10

School Insurance

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. Providing insurance is a

parental responsibility. 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.

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Sick Children

If your child should be sent to school ill or become ill 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,

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, however, classroom interruptions distract from the

learning process. ALL parents and visitors MUST report directly to the office. If you wish to

discuss your child with the teacher, it is recommended that you arrange a conference with the

teacher at a time when the teacher can be free from 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

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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 the sheriff 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.

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.”