Colfax Elementary School

Parent Handbook2010-2011

Colfax Elementary School9112 W. Market Street

Colfax, NC 27235Phone: 275-4332 or 993-0358

Fax: 993-0172www.gcsnc.com

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Believe – Achieve – SucceedColfax Elementary School

9112 W. Market St.Greensboro, North Carolina 27235

Tel: (336) 275-4332

August 20, 2010

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Colfax Elementary School, home of the Vikings. The start of school is always an exciting time. We look forward each year to the arrival of the students and the opportunity to get to know each one. The staff at Colfax is committed to providing a quality instructional program and the best possible learning environment for your child. It will be a wonderful year of learning.

This handbook contains basic information that will assist you and your child in having a successful year. Please read all of the information thoroughly and discuss it with your child. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please sign and return the form that is being sent home to let us know you have reviewed this handbook. Please return the signed form to your child’s teacher.

I wish each of you the best year ever!

Sincerely,

Michelle Thigpen,Principal

Live – Love – Laugh – Learn – Lead!

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Colfax PTA

Welcome to Colfax Elementary! We are glad you are here and a part of our Colfax family. Our Colfax Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is just that – Parents AND Teachers! We are so blessed to have participation from so many parents as well as teachers and other staff members volunteering in many different ways. We can never have too many volunteers! You do not have to be a PTA member, nor do you have to only volunteer through a PTA committee – the important thing is to share in your child’s education. We hope you will find that our PTA is well aligned with that goal.

Please look over the Volunteer Handbook and sign up sheet that will be sent home with your child. If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact Gloria Gleason, our volunteer coordinator, at gloriawg@msn.com.

Our Colfax PTA executive committee is very excited about our school year and all the programs that we will be able to provide for our children – both inside and outside of the classroom. During our school year, we supply our staff with funds that assist them with purchasing items that they need as well as coordinate programs that benefit all children. The members of our executive committee and their emails are listed at the bottom of this letter.

Ways that you can help:1. Collect labels/box tops:

Box Tops for education Tyson food labels from A+ products There will be a collection box located in the front office.

2. When shopping at the following stores, link your cards to Colfax Elementary: Food Lion – www.foodlion.com and connect your card to Colfax Harris Teeter – www.harristeeter.com – Colfax # 1209 Target – www.target.com – Colfax # 80061 Office Depot – 5% of the school supplies you purchase will go to Colfax Elementary if

you mention our school when checking out

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me any time. I look forward to meeting and working with each of you. I know it will be a great school year!

Karen GrubePTA President 2010-2011

“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re PRICELESS.”Sherry Anderson

Colfax PTA Executive CommitteeKaren Grube President karensgrube@hotmail.comTeresa Dodson President-Elect tdodson@rocketmail.comGloria Gleason Vice President gloriawg@msn.comJennifer Peaslee Vice President ppeaslee@triad.rr.comTracey Powell Secretary thepowells4plus2@yahoo.comRhonda Leonard Treasurer rhondaleonard@triad.rr.com

“…no matter how big government gets, and no matter how many services it provides, it can never take the place of volunteers.”

Ronald Reagan, 40th U.S. President

Table of Contents

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2010-2011 School Calendar……………………………………………p. 5-6Grading Scale…………………………………………………………….p. 7Absences/Tardies/Attendance………………………………………… p. 8

Family trips………………………………………………………..p. 8Student arrival…………………………………………………… p. 10Dropping off and picking up students…………………………..p. 11Early Pickup……………………………………………………….p. 11

Accelerated Reader Program………………………………………….. p. 11Study Island……………………………………………………………….p. 11-12Birthdays/Class Parties…………………………………………………..p. 12

Delivery of balloons………………………………………………p. 12Bringing items to school………………………………………….p. 12

Bus Safety and Discipline………………………………………………..p. 12-13Cafeteria…………………………………………………………………. .p. 14

Health and Wellness Policy……………………………………. .p. 15Prices…………………………………………………………….. .p. 16Snacks……………………………………………………………..p. 16

Child Custody Issues…………………………………………………….p. 16Dress Code for Students………………………………………………. .p. 17Emergencies at School………………………………………………… .p. 17Emergency closing of School…………………………………………. .p. 18Field Trips…………………………………………………………………p. 18Head Lice…………………………………………………………………p. 19Illnesses at School……………………………………………………….p. 19Immunizations and Physical Exams…………………………………...p. 19-20Lost and Found Items……………………………………………………p. 21Media Center……………………………………………………………..p. 21Medicines…………………………………………………………………p. 21-22Parent Teacher Association……………………………………………..p. 22Parent Teacher Conferences………………………………………….. p. 22Parking…………………………………………………………………… p. 22-23Privacy of Student Records……………………………………………. p. 23Promotion and Retention………………………………………………. p. 23Report Cards……………………………………………………………...p. 24Homework………………………………………………………………...p. 24School Advisory Council………………………………………………. p. 24School-Wide and Classroom Discipline……………………………… p. 25-26Testing……………………………………………………………………. p. 27Visiting the School………………………………………………………..p. 27Volunteer Program…………………………………………………….. ..p. 27Character Education……………………………………………………..p. 28-31Procedure for Processing Concerns………………………………….. p. 31

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August20 First teacher workday23 Open House 5:30 – 7:00 pm

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First day of school

27 PTA Fundraiser Starts (Catalog)September6 Labor Day Holiday – No School7 PTA Meeting – School Wide – 7 PM13-27 PTA Fundraiser Starts (Dining And

Value Guide)21 Early Release Day22 Fall Pictures27 First Quarter Interim Reports Go Home

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2010

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October6 Ident-A-Kid15 PTA Family Night – Book Fair18 - 22 Book Fair22 PTA Fall Festival 26 Fall Picture Retakes27 Early Release Day27 End of Grading Period28 Protected Teacher Workday

Teacher/Parent Conferences, Review PEPs and Student Data

29 Optional Teacher Workday

November 8 Report Cards Go Home11 Veterans Day Holiday12 Quarterly Awards Day14 American Education Week

24-26 Holidays-Thanksgiving

December6 2nd quarter Interim Reports Go Home6-9 PTA Holiday Shop

22 – Jan 3 Winter Break

January3 Teacher Workday4 Students begin classes after holiday

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7 Fun Run Kick Off Assembly11 PTA School Wide Meeting – 7 PM17 Martin L. King Holiday – No School20 End of Grading Period21 Protected Teacher Workday

Review PEPs31 Report Cards Go Home

February4 Quarterly Awards Program16 Class Group Pictures22 3rd Nine Weeks Interims Go Home24 Early Release Day25 Optional Teacher Workday

March28 Grading Period Ends29 Protected Teacher Workday

Parent/Teacher Conferences, Review PEPs

April5 Report Cards go home8 Quarterly Awards Program12 Spring Pictures15 Early Release Day 18 Optional Teacher Workday19 Optional Teacher Workday 18-25 Spring Break For Students29 Fun Run MayTBA EOG Tests3 5th Grade Graduation Pictures9 4th Quarter Interim Reports Go Home24 PTA School Wide Meeting – 7 PM30 Memorial Day Holiday

June7 K-2 EOY Awards Program8 3-5 EOY Awards Program9 Last Day of School/5th Grade Graduation10, 13 & 14 Teacher Workdays

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Grading Scale93-100 A85-92 B77-84 C70-76 D0-69 E

We encourage all parents to read this Student Handbook very carefully. Your thorough knowledge of school procedures will facilitate your child’s success in school.

When you read this handbook, you will learn important information which will make the school year easier for you and your child.

PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE INFORMATION AND EXPECTATIONS WRITTEN IN THIS HANDBOOK. THANK YOU.

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ABSENCES/TARDIES/ ATTENDANCE

The goal of Guilford County Schools is to have at least 95% attendance. Colfax Elementary seeks to have partnerships with parents to improve attendance and asks that parents commit to this goal. Teachers will work with students to give extra help in making up work missed due to absences. Intervention methods will be utilized after excessive absences. Absence is excused for the following reasons: Illness, quarantine, death in the family, medical appointment, court proceedings, education opportunities, religious reasons or holidays. Suspensions are considered unexcused. An unexcused absence is a student’s willful absence from school without the knowledge of the parent, or a student’s absence from school without justifiable cause.

The instructional day for students is from 7:50 AM to 2:30 PM. The tardy bell rings at 7:50 AM. It is imperative that students are ready to begin the day at 7:50 AM. Students may begin entering the building at 7:25 AM. Tardiness causes your child to begin the day late and possibly could cause some difficulties to his/her having a successful day. Students who arrive late to their classes miss valuable instructional time. A tardy child disrupts the class, which has begun at 7:50 AM. We want children at school, on time, ready to begin the day. If your child is tardy, you must bring him/her to the office and sign him/her in. The student will be given a tardy slip at the front office that must be given to the classroom teacher upon arrival. Please do not just drop your child off and leave. This will help to ensure the safety of your child.

In order to be counted present, a child must be in attendance at least one-half of the school day. The cutoff for one-half day is 11:00 a.m.

In order to receive a perfect attendance certificate for a quarter, a student must not have more than three tardies in an individual quarter.

School Hours:

Office...................................................................................................................7:15-4:00Staff.....................................................................................................................7:20-3:00Students: Tardy......................................................................................................7:50

Dismissal: K-1, daycare, car riders.........................................................2:30 All others.........................................................................2:35 Buses leave....................................................................2:45

Family Trips:

Your child’s daily attendance is important to his academic progress. However, the school realizes that there are times when special out-of- town trips require that your child be absent from school. When this is going to occur, please adhere to the following procedures.

If your child is absent from school because of a family vacation, the absence will automatically be coded as UNEXCUSED unless the following is done:

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1. Send a note at least two weeks before the trip stating that the child will be absent, the reason for the absence, and the dates the child will be out of school. Send this note to the teacher, who will forward it to the principal. The principal will make the final determination regarding either an excused or unexcused absence.

2. Students will be required to make up any work missed. Your child’s teacher will gather work for the time of the absence and it must be turned in the day that your child returns to school. Failure to do so can result in lower grades and loss of learning. They must also do a journal-writing, project, or report about their trip to turn in when they return. Please contact your child’s teacher for assignment rubric.

3. Excused absences will only be considered for out of town trips when permission is requested prior to the trip. Please do not take a trip and then expect the school to excuse the absence.If these procedures are followed your child’s absence will be coded EXCUSED. Please note that there will be no exceptions to these procedures.

If your child is absent, please follow the guidelines given below from the State Department of Public Instruction:

1. Send a note signed by a parent or guardian stating why the child was out of school. Send the note on the day the student returns to school or within three days after returning to school. Be specific and state: cold, sore throat, etc. If your child must be absent for more than two days, please call the school. The schools are required by law to withdraw a student who is absent ten consecutive days without notification from parents. Students are excused for lawful reasons. (See Guilford County Schools Code of Conduct Handbook.)

2. Please do not send your child to school with a fever. This can hinder the recovery of your child and expose other children. Children should not return to school until 24 hours after the temperature has returned to normal. Do not send a child to school if he/she is vomiting.

3. If the child sees a doctor, have the doctor write a note explaining the illness and how long he/she expects the child to be out of school.

4. If a child misses more than two consecutive days, please call and let us know how long you expect him to be out of school. As an intervention method, the school will call the home after 3 absences.

5. Tardies are recorded on class rosters and become part of a child’s permanent record. Students are considered tardy after 7:50 A.M. and must be signed in by a parent at the front office. It is disruptive to the class when students

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arrive late.

6. If students accumulate 3, 6, and 10 consecutive absences, parents will receive a letter from the school concerning the absences. The student may be referred to the School Social Worker or meetings with the Principal may be required.

7. The school social worker becomes involved when excessive absences occur, and a home visit will be made.

8. Excessive absences will be a factor in consideration of retention.

9. Teachers will record the number of absences and tardies on Interim Reports and Report Cards.

10.When students under the age of 16 accumulate unlawful absences, their parents will receive a notification under the North Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law, which states that they are in violation of the law. The law states that:

“Unlawful absences will result in conferences with parents/guardians. Unlawful absences and/or truancy may lead to disciplinary action to include court proceedings involving parents and/or students if a student is under 16 years of age. North Carolina General Statutes (115C-378) require attendance until age 16.”

Student Arrival

Colfax staff members begin their morning duties at 7:25 AM Students may not arrive at school before 7:25 am. At 7:25 students may enter the front doors and proceed to class or breakfast withouttalking.

No students will be allowed to wait outside the building. This is to help ensure the safety and supervision of our students.

In the mornings, faculty members will be stationed at the car rider line from 7:25 to 7:50 a.m. to greet your child in the morning. Students should be dropped off at the loop next to the bus parking lot and NOT at any other location. Please have your child ready to exit your vehicle when you have pulled up to the main side walk. Parents who enter the building after 7:50 with their child must secure a visitor's pass from the office, if you would like to visit the classroom.

All students will enter the main building, using doors facing the bus lot, upon arrival.

Dropping off and Picking up Students

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When picking your child up in the afternoon, please remain in your car. We will open the car rider line at 2:15, after all children have exited the primary playground. Please do not open the gates and move your car any further if children are on this playground! Cars are to enter the entrance east of the bus parking lot and proceed to the loop next to the main entrance. Students are assisted getting into cars by teacher assistants. There will be four “stations,” with a teacher or assistant at each station. Please have your child’s name displayed in the front window of your car, so that a teacher can call out the name of the child as cars come around the circle and pull up at one of the stations. For safety purposes, children are not allowed to leave the supervised area in order to cross the parking lot to go to any cars without an adult. Please do not park and wait in the front office area to pick up a child that is walking out with the class. Also, car drivers are not to move out of the carpool line as this could cause potential accidents.Car riders may NOT be dropped off or picked up in any parking lots.

Early Pickup: For the safety of your child, please report to the office for a visitor's pass, if you

must pick your child up early. We have the Ident-A-Kid computer system for you to type in your child’s name and sign him out. Show your Identification at this time. Only parents/guardians will be allowed to pick up children from school. If you wish to have your child picked up by someone else, we must have advance written permission from you. Do not walk across the parking lot, but please use the sidewalk. Please park in the main school parking lot. The narrow parking lot on West Market St. is for teachers ONLY. Please remember the instructional day ends at 2:30 and refrain from picking up your child within 30 minutes of dismissal unless there is an emergency. This will help ensure that valuable learning time is not lost.

ACCELERATED READER

Accelerated Reader is a computerized reading program available to all students in all classrooms. Students are encouraged to read at their own rate and appropriate level. Students may select books from the Media Center and take the Accelerated Reader tests to determine their reading knowledge. A print-out of the student’s test results is available from your child’s teacher. Quarterly, mid-year, and end of year recognitions/celebrations are held to acknowledge student goals that are met. Please refer to the Colfax website for AR resources.

STUDY ISLAND

Study Island is a computerized study tool that is directly aligned with the NC Standard Course of Study. Each kindergarten through fifth grade student will have a username

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and password to access the site. Students that have web access at home will be able to access the site at home.

BIRTHDAY/CLASS CELEBRATIONS

Birthdays cannot be celebrated individually in each classroom. Parents may send commercially prepared refreshments to the school and teachers may choose to serve these in the cafeteria for the child’s birthday during lunch. Please contact your child’s teacher with any questions and to make arrangements. If you want to invite children from your child’s class to his/her birthday, PLEASE refer to your class directory for information. In order to protect and promote instructional time, special activities must be directly related to the standard course of study. There are only 2 approved class celebrations during the school year. There may be a class celebration prior to winter break and end of the year. Several classes study various holidays and seasons during the year. It is, in these cases, acceptable to "celebrate" these festive times with appropriate activities as they relate to the Standard Course of Study. Please remember that these "celebrations" are to enhance and extend the curriculum that the students are studying and must not promote activities that are done just for fun or traditions. According to NC Health guidelines, all food must be prepared commercially.

Delivery of Balloons/Flowers, etc. to Students

Balloons/flowers, etc. delivered to students at school will not be given to students during the instructional day. Students may not take these items home on the bus.

Bringing Items to School

Items pertaining to special projects assigned for classroom presentation or activities may be brought to school for use. These items are to be used only during the times designated by the teacher. Due to the zero tolerance policy towards violence of the Guilford County School System, any item that could be considered a facsimile of a weapon cannot be brought to school. No weapon facsimiles will be used for projects or presentations. Please be considerate of the bus riders when bringing projects on the school bus. If they are large, please bring them by car. Animals, glass containers, medications, large sports equipment, and toys are not allowed on the bus. The school will not be responsible for lost or damaged articles. Cell phones, beepers, electronic games, music players, and trading cards are not allowed at school! Such items will be confiscated and held in the office for parents to pick up.

BUS SAFETY AND DISCIPLINE

Appropriate behavior will be rewarded and recognized regularly with positive consequences. The greatest potential for injuries to children is during the time they are riding the school bus. Students should take their seats and talk quietly to those seated nearby. Students must obey the instructions of the bus driver. Parents should report any

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bad driving habits to the transportation office (605-3305). Discipline problems should be reported to the principal or assistant principal.

Misbehavior on the bus will be handled in the following manner: if misbehavior occurs, children will be allowed an opportunity to change, and corrective measures will be taken to encourage change. Continued misbehavior will result in further disciplinary action according to the GCS student handbook.

GOING HOME WITH ANOTHER STUDENT

Quite often students invite friends to spend the night or attend a birthday party and ride the school bus home with them. If there are one or two students involved, this does not cause a major problem. However, when it involves more than two students, it does create a seating problem on the bus. It is required that transportation for attending student parties after school be provided by the parents instead of using the school bus. This requirement is being made to insure that all students riding a bus have a seat and that overcrowding does not become a problem. A written note from the parent/guardian is required for these types of changes in transportation.

Students will not be allowed to go home with another student, take an alternate route, or change means of transportation (car/bus, bus/car) without written permission from the parents. The note must be given to the teacher who will send it to the office for approval and give it back to the student. The student riding a bus will then give it to the bus driver when they board the bus in the afternoon. The note must have the teacher’s name, date, bus number, and the child’s first and last name.

We have operated in past years without serious injury to any child. We must continue this record. Please talk to your child about his or her behavior on the bus.We believe all students can act appropriately and safely while riding on a school bus. We will not tolerate students stopping drivers from doing their jobs or preventing other students from having safe transportation.

In order to guarantee your child and the other children riding the bus the safe transportation they deserve, we are utilizing the following Discipline Plan:

THE FOLLOWING RULES MUST BE FOLLOWED ON THE BUS:

1. Stay in your seat while the bus is moving. Keep all parts of your body and all objects inside the bus.

2. No pushing, shoving, or fighting at any time.3. No eating, drinking, loud talking or other inappropriate behavior on the bus at any

time.4. Follow the bus driver's directions the first time they are given.5. Keep hands, arms, etc. to yourself and inside the bus.6. Inappropriate language, cursing, and loud talking are not permitted.7. Face the front and don’t turn around or stand up in the seat.

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8. Food, drinks, chewing gum, radios and tape/CD players or hand held video games are not permitted.

9. Be at your bus stop five minutes before the bus is due to arrive.10. Do not run towards the bus until it comes to a complete stop. The bus will stop

about 15 feet in front of you to keep you safe.11. Delaying the bus schedule is not permitted.12. Fighting, weapons and smoking are not permitted.13. No tampering with the bus. Stay out of the driver's area.14. Meet the bus at designated stops only.15. No unauthorized leaving of the bus while in route; parental permission is required in

writing to change your stop. 16. No horseplay, throwing trash, paper, and other objects or otherwise distracting the

driver's attention while the bus is in operation.17. FAILURE TO OBSERVE ESTABLISHED SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS

WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

1st incident: Driver verbally warns the student.

Subsequent incidents:Driver gives discipline form to school administrator who conferences with the

student(s) involved to investigate and follow through with incident according to the GCS student handbook. The Discipline Form will be given to the student which has to be signed by the parent(s) and returned to the office. If the student is suspended from the bus, the form must be signed and returned before the student is permitted to ride the bus again. Parents will be called if a student is suspended from the bus.

If fighting or serious unsafe conditions occur, a child may be suspended from riding the bus without prior warning.

The transportation policy has already been discussed with your child. Please discuss it with him again to be sure it is understood. Thank you for your support of our program.

CAFETERIA

Breakfast and lunch are served daily. You may view the menu for the month on the GCS website. You are welcome to have lunch with your child: Parents are encouraged to refrain from bringing fast food items to the cafeteria for lunch. Iced tea is available for adults. Also, please sign in at the office before going to the cafeteria. If you want to eat with your child, please sit with his/her class at their lunch table.

Students may buy a prepared lunch, including milk, from the cafeteria, or they may bring their lunches from home. We have plain, chocolate, and skim milk available. Students eat lunch in the cafeteria. If you plan to pay weekly or monthly by check, you may make checks out to Colfax Elementary School Cafeteria. Place the cash or check in an envelope and send it to school the first day of the week. The child's name and teacher's name should be written on the outside of the envelope.

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Breakfast starts at 7:25 a.m. Students are expected to be in their classes by 7:50.

Healthy Student Wellnes Policy IHB-PIV. The district requires well-planned and implemented school nutrition practices, where every meal meets the criteria established by State and Federal authorities.Procedure:

All breakfast and lunch meals will meet minimum nutrition requirements established by local, state and federal statutes and regulations.

To the greatest extent possible, once students are seated, they will be provided at least 10 minutes to eat breakfast and 20 minutes to eat lunch. 

Unless limited by facilities, lunch should be scheduled between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

V. The district focuses on safety in the preparation and storage of all consumable food.       Procedure:

Guilford County Schools shall provide on-going Serve Safe training for all Child Nutrition Employees.

Guilford County Schools will implement a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Plan in each school cafeteria.

Foods from any source other than Environmental Health Services inspected facilities (i.e. stores or restaurants) shall not be served to students during snack time, celebrations (such as international theme days) or as rewards.  This procedure does not apply to students who bring their lunch to school.

Schools should discourage students from sharing their foods or beverages with one another during meal or snack times due to possible allergies or restrictions on some children’s diets.

Schools shall provide students access to hand washing or hand sanitizing before each meal service or snacks.

Foods from outside sources shall not be stored in cafeteria refrigeration. VI. The district requires that all foods available on campus meet the goals of the Wellness Program.Procedure:

All snacks and beverages shall meet General Statutes Chapter 115C-264.2 and State Board of Education regulations (16 N.C.A.C.6H.0104) which states that no food of any kind may be sold by any source other than the Child Nutrition Program during breakfast and lunch until the last child is served the meal.  Also included:

Elementary Schools- no soft drinks sold at any time; bottled water is available in every school that has beverage vending; no snack vending.

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Middle Schools- caffeine-free, diet soft drinks and bottled water are available in every school that has beverage vending. Snack vending in all schools shall meet the Proficient Level of the NC Eat Smart Nutrition Standards.  Seventy-five percent of snack vending products shall not have more than 200 calories per portion. High Schools- caffeine-free, diet soft drinks and bottled water are available in every school that has beverage vending.  Snack vending in all schools shall meet the Proficient Level of the NC Eat Smart Nutrition Standards.  Seventy-five percent of snack vending products shall not have more than 200 calories per portion.

Food or beverages shall not be withheld as punishment.

Students are encouraged to bring healthy choices for snacks and avoid items high in fat, sugar and/or sodium.

 CAFETERIA PRICES (PRICING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Full Price Reduced PriceBreakfast $.90 $.30Adult breakfast a la carte

Lunch prices:Full Price Reduced

K-5 $ 2.30 $ .40

Adult meal with tea a la carteIce cream $ .60 & $ .75

SNACKS

Parents are encouraged to follow the guidelines of the healthy student policy when sending snacks to school and refrain from sending snacks high in sugar content.

CHILD CUSTODY

If you and your spouse are separated or divorced and there is a court order stating that the ex-spouse is not to visit the child at school or pick him up at school, we must have a copy of that signed, court document on file in the school office. The only way we can comply with the court’s order is to have a copy to present to the ex-spouse should the situation arise where this is needed. It is your responsibility to get this information to us.

This request is to protect your child, and we ask that you cooperate with us by providing these papers. If you have questions or concerns about custody issues regarding your children, be sure to discuss these with your child’s teacher. In addition, please contact the principal or assistant principal.

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DRESS CODE FOR STUDENTS

See GCS Code of Conduct Student Handbook. All student dress should be appropriate and safe without causing the child embarrassment.

We realize that each student is an individual who makes choices about ways of dressing and grooming but we must maintain a dress code to ensure attention to academics. To maintain a positive learning environment and to en courage development of positive self-esteem, we ask that each student come to school fully dressed and groomed in an appropriate manner. Any style of clothing or make-up that disrupts the learning environment or is harmful to the health of the student will not be allowed. Clothing that advertises illegal items for minors to purchase or possess will not be allowed. Overt or implied obscene language, expressions or gestures will not be permitted on any type of clothing.

Please adhere to the following requests:

No tops with spaghetti straps or half shirts (shirts must meet the top of the pants). No bare midriffs and tops must fit appropriate to avoid indecent exposure. Skirts, shorts and dresses must be an appropriate length. Judge the

length by having your child drop her hands to the sides of her legs. If her hands touch bare legs, then the outfit is too short.

No bandannas, headbands, or hats on any part of the body. Pants or shorts must rest on the waist. If wearing pants, both pant legs must remain down. STUDENTS SHOULD WEAR SHOES WITH CLOSED TOE AND HEEL (NO

Wheelies) FOR THEIR SAFETY. Flip flops, wheelies, crocs, and sandals are not safe or appropriate for PE/recess. Tennis shoes are required for PE/recess every day in order to participate. Parents will be contacted to bring a change of clothes/shoes if needed.

Students are expected to hang up their large jackets in their rooms upon arrival. A student may choose to wear an additional sweater or sweatshirt when needed.

EMERGENCIES AT SCHOOL

During the school year, there may be times that the school will need to get in touch with you regarding your child’s welfare. Whenever you leave home, you should be sure that those persons whom you have listed as persons the school can contact in case of an emergency know where you can be reached. Should your phone number change or become disconnected, BE SURE you let the school know. We do not want a serious situation to occur and not be able to find a family member. Please keep emergency information updated at all times. It is most important for your child to know you can be reached.

EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOL

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Consideration is given to the closing of schools when extreme weather conditions are, or may become, detrimental to the health and safety of students and staff or when the learning process is seriously impaired. The decision to close schools is made by the Superintendent.

Public announcements and releases to news media are made by the Superintendent. Whenever there is an indication of snow, sleet or other excessive weather conditions, please listen to Channel 2, Greensboro, or look at the Guilford County Schools web site for instructions. The announcement is usually made by 6:30 AM. You may call 370-8370 for a recording of current decisions. This will allow you to know whether or not school will be held or if it will start late or dismiss early. You will be sent a form to fill out at the beginning of the year which states where your child should go if school is dismissed early. Please return this form. Your cooperation in this matter will relieve your child's anxiety and allow us to know what to do if this occurs.

Many parents request that the school call them or another individual to pick up their child in the event of early dismissal. WE CANNOT HONOR THIS REQUEST. Our phone lines become completely tied up on early dismissal days and it is very hard to get an open line. Keeping this in mind, do not list on the form you will receive that you want to be called. Also, do not tell your child to call you. LET YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER KNOW WHAT YOUR PLANS WILL BE DURING SUCH AN EMERGENCY. All children should be taught what to do in case of an emergency closing. Please be sure this information is clear and up to date and with your child’s teacher.

FIELD TRIPS

Teachers will be arranging out-of-school learning experiences for their classes during the school year. These trips will enhance and extend the curriculum. A Field Trip Permission form must be completed and returned to your child’s teacher for each trip that is taken. This signed form gives your permission for your child to go with the class and the teacher whenever a field trip occurs. Please return the field trip permission form as soon as possible so your child can go on the field trip. Fees must be charged for field trips to cover such things as admission charges, bus transportation, and payment for bus drivers. For all children’s safety, no child may attend a field trip without written permission from the parent or guardian.

Teachers will request additional chaperones only when needed for safety or required for a certain child/adult ratio by the site visited. Please do not promise your child that you will chaperone a trip during the year without prior approval from your child’s teacher.

There are numerous opportunities to share a special time with your child and volunteer within the classrooms during the school year. These include activities such as: Reading Buddies, Class Volunteers, Brush Strokes, Lunch Buddies, Fall Festival, Book Fair, Holiday Shop, Skate Night, Field Day, Class Picnics, American Education Week, and Reading Rangers which you may attend with your child. Any volunteer who works with

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children in the school MUST have a Criminal Records Check. Please complete this at the beginning of the year if you plan to volunteer.

HEAD LICE

Head lice can be a reoccurring problem in any school setting. Should your child have head lice:

1. You will be notified to pick up your child. An accompanying letter will give you directions for dealing with the lice.

2. Call your doctor and request information for NITS shampoo.

3. After shampooing the hair, you will need to pull ALL nits off the hair shaft.

4. A child must be “nit” free before he/she may return to school.

5. Before your child may return to his class, you will need to bring him to the school office. Office personnel will check your child’s hair to determine that there are no nits remaining. If your child still has nits, he will not be allowed to return to class until the hair is free of nits.

ILLNESSES AT SCHOOL

A public health nurse visits our school each week. She oversees the general health supervision of students. If for some reason you would like for the nurse to see your child, please call the school or send a note to that effect to your child’s teacher.

Parents are notified by telephone when their child is sick at school. Be sure that you provide specific instructions where you may be reached in case of an emergency. If you cannot be reached, the school will call the person(s) you have listed on the registration form and data card. It is difficult for a child to have to remain at school when he is sick and we cannot reach parents.It is important that we have current phone numbers where the parent or other designated person may be reached. Please contact the school any time these names or numbers change.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND PHYSICAL EXAMS

All students’ immunizations must meet North Carolina Immunization Requirements:

5 DPT (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) If 4th dose is on/after 4th birthday, 5th dose is not required.

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4 OVP (Oral Polio Vaccine) If 3rd dose is after 4th birthday, 4th dose is not required.

1 MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) 1st doses on/after 1st birthday.

2nd MMR Given at least 30 days after 1st MMR is required for those who entered kindergarten after July 1, 1994.

1 Hib For students who are under 5 years of age.

3 Hepatitis B 3 doses required for all children born on/after 7-1-94.

1 Varicella One dose required for all children born after April 1, 2001.

5th Grade Parents: North Carolina Law states that a booster dose of Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is required for individuals attending public school who are entering 6th Grade if 5 or more years have passes since the last dose of Tetanus/Diphtheria Toxoid.

Individuals who began their tetanus/ Diphtheria Toxoid (Td) series on or after the age of seven years shall be required to have only three (3) doses of Td of which one must have been within the past ten years. A minimum of 6 months is recommended between the 2nd and 3rd dose.

Proof of these immunizations, with the dates received and a doctor or clinic signature must be presented to the school within 30 CALENDAR DAYS after the first day of attendance. If the proof of immunization is not presented within 30 CALENDAR DAYS, it is the responsibility of the principal to exclude the child from school until that proof is received or until the child begins an immunization schedule.

REQUIRED CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATIONS ARE AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE AT GUILFORD COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH.

PLEASE CALL FOR APPOINTMENT:1100 E. WENDOVER AVENUE OR 501 E. GREEN DR. GREENSBORO, NC 27405 HIGH POINT, NC 27260 PH: 641-6625 PH: 845-6625

IMMUNIZATIONS MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM STUDENTS’ HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.

A physical exam is required for all new kindergarten students. The Kindergarten Health Assessment may be picked up in the school office. By law, the Kindergarten Health Assessment Form must be completed and signed by a licensed physician or clinic and all necessary immunizations completed within 30 days of enrollment in school

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to avoid exclusion from school. This is required by state law and strictly enforced.

LOST AND FOUND ITEMS

Label your child’s personal belongings such as coats, caps, sweater, books, lunch boxes, etc. If items are lost, call the school or send a note to the teacher. We will make an attempt to locate the lost article. Labeling does help us find lost items and makes your child responsible for his belongings. All unclaimed items are donated to charity.

MEDIA CENTER

The Media Center at Colfax Elementary School belongs to the students. It is their Media Center in which to seek and use all types of information, select books to read for pleasure and knowledge, and learn life-long study/media skills. A wide variety of K-5 media is available to support these objectives. Students may select the medium that best suits their needs, interests, and abilities. Also, opportunities are provided for everyone for research using the “expanded” reference collection and an excellent non-fiction collection covering all subject areas. All students will, also, be introduced to the technology available in the school. All students take part in the Media Center's instructional program. Students are reminded that time spent in the Media Center is part of the instructional program and proper conduct is expected from all. The media center is open from 7:30 am until 3 pm most school days.

Students are also reminded that fees are charged for lost or damaged library books that are checked out to them. If a lost book is found after the fee has been paid and is in good condition, the money will be refunded. Payments for lost or damaged books should be given to the media specialist. Payments can be by check (payable to Colfax Elementary) or with exact change. The media center cannot make change for fees collected.

MEDICINES (PRESCRIBED)

Medication should not be administered by district employees unless the parent is unable to make arrangements for the student to receive the prescribed medication before or after school hours. Whenever medication, prescription or non-prescription, is prescribed by a physician or health-care clinician to be given during school hours, instructions by the physician or health-care clinician and a signed permission by the parent must be on file in the school office before any medication will be dispensed. (A permission form is available at the front office.) Medication must be delivered in person by the parent or guardian at the time the Authorization of Medication for a Student form is submitted. All medications shall be administered in the form and manner as directed by the physician and according to the instructions prescribed. The labeled container shall include the name of the student, the name of the drug, the

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frequency, the dosage, and the description of the anticipated reactions of the student to the medication. Whenever the medication is changed by the physician, the parent is responsible for informing the school and personally delivering the medication to school. Do not send medication to school by a child.

MEDICINES (NON-PRESCRIBED)

Written authorization by a health care provider is required in order for school employees to administer non-prescribed medications during school hours. The medication must be properly labeled and contained in the original container. The school principal, or designee, shall be responsible for the safekeeping of the medication which is to be administered. The medication bottles shall be properly labeled with student’s name, name of the medication, dosage, how administered, and for prescribed medication, physician’s name. No district employee shall furnish any child any medication to be taken internally.

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION

The Colfax PTA needs the participation of all parents. We have an excellent history of having a strong and involved PTA. Please join the PTA at Open House. Everything that the PTA does goes directly towards assisting the students, staff and school community have a successful school year. There are many opportunities to be involved in your child’s education through the PTA committees. We welcome your input and collaboration.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parents are encouraged to have conferences with their child’s teacher. If you have questions concerning your child's progress, please contact the school and set up a conference. Teachers will contact parents for conferences at the end of the 1 st and 3 rd quarters and as needed. Parent-teacher conferences may be held before or after school has been dismissed for the day, on teacher workdays, or during the day at the discretion of the teacher and according to her planning time. Please do not call or come during the instructional day to conference with the teacher without prior notice. She/he has obligations to other children. Teachers have been instructed not to engage in extended conversations with parents during the instructional day. If an emergency conference is necessary, arrangements must be made through the school administration.

If for some reason you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment, please notify the teacher and reschedule a conference ASAP.

PARKINGIn the interest of safety, we are requesting that you follow this plan:

Do not pull into the bus parking lot in the front of the school in the mornings or afternoons when buses are unloading and loading. At all times, car riders must

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be dropped off and picked up at the car rider area ONLY! This is for the safety of all children. *** Please note the RESERVED PARKING signs in the parking lot. These signs have been posted to reserve these few spaces for the administration and office staff. We may need to leave during the day for meetings or to go to the bank, and we need close access to the building. We appreciate your thoughtfulness in this matter.

PRIVACY OF STUDENT RECORDS

In accordance with the Guilford County Board of Education Policy (JR) and the Family Rights and Privacy Act, we want to inform you of your rights concerning access to student information. Please note these pertinent sections from our policy.

“The privacy of student records is quaranteed for parents and students. Parents have the right to seeany and all official records, files, and data directlyrelated to their children from pre-school until the stu-dent has attained eighteen (18) years of age, or isattending an institution of post-secondary education.This includes all material in the education record ofstudents.”

Parents must submit a written request to the principal requesting a time to meet if the parents wish to preview their child’s record.

PROMOTION and RETENTION of STUDENTS

The Board of Education directs that promotion and retention of students in the school system shall be made in the best interest of the student. A variety of factors should be considered and carefully evaluated before promotion and retention decisions are made namely academic progress, social maturity, age, and psychological and physical needs. Students should be assigned to the grade level that provides the student the best opportunity for progressing in his educational development.

North Carolina public school students are required to meet statewide standards for promotion from grades 3, 5, 8 and high school graduation. The standards, also called Gateways, will ensure that students are working at grade level in reading, math and writing before being promoted to the next grade.

Report cards will be issued every nine weeks and progress reports at the mid-point of each grading period. You should expect to receive report cards and progress reports at these times.

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We feel that these two reports convey to you, the parent, how your child is doing. As a parent, we ask that you take the time to look over both very carefully so you will be aware of your child's progress. Parents are required to sign these reports and return them to school.

We assume the responsibility of sending these reports, but we cannot assume the responsibility of the follow-up of these reports at home.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued each nine weeks. (See School/PTA Calendar for report card dates). Conferences will also be held at the end of the 1st and 3rd quarters. Other conferences may be set up throughout the year at your request and/or at the request of the teacher.

When you call the school (275-4332) during the instructional day you will be asked to leave a voice message for the teacher to return your call unless it is an emergency. She/he will return your call within 24 hours.

Interim reports will be sent home with students four weeks before the report cards. Teachers will keep you informed of your child’s daily progress through the weekly envelope. Study that work carefully. Test results will also be sent home. If you have questions about the grades and would like to help your child review, call the teacher. Always talk with your child about the contents of the weekly folder.

HOMEWORK

Homework is assigned to provide students with the opportunity to independently practice a skill that has already been taught or an extension activity to a lesson, such as a project. Each grade level will work cooperatively to develop a uniform homework policy.

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Guilford County Board of Education policy CLA states that “Each school shall have a seven (7) member Community School Advisory Council composed of five citizens of that attendance zone and one teacher elected by the faculty of the school”. Four (4) members must be parents of children attending that school. Parent participation on the School Leadership Team may substitute for the School Advisory Council. At Colfax, we would like to have 3 parents on the Leadership Team, who are elected in the spring for two year terms.

Parents who do not reside in the school attendance zone but whose children

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attend the school by an approved transfer shall be classified as residents of the attendance zone. Legal guardians shall have the same status as parents.No employee of the Board may serve on the Council except as an elected faculty member. No individual may serve on more than one Council at a time. Each Council shall meet at least once each semester. The Leadership Team meets once per month on the first Wednesday of the month after school. Additional meetings may be called by the principal and/or the chairman as deemed necessary. All meetings of the Council shall be open to the public with meeting dates posted at least five (5) school days in advance of the meeting at the area in each school designated for announcements.

SCHOOL-WIDE AND CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE

The entire staff at Colfax Elementary School has the goal of establishing an atmosphere where children will feel safe, secure, happy, and responsible.

In an effort to accomplish this goal, each teacher has established rules and consequences for their classroom. They will send a letter home at the beginning of the school year outlining rules, rewards, and consequences. Please go over these with your child. Our School-wide Rules are:

1. Respect yourself and others.

2. Come to school ready to give your personal best. Be responsible for your learning and your work.

3. Keep your hands and objects to yourself. Speak kindly to everyone.

4. Do not wear hats, bandannas, or headbands in the building.

5. Do not chew gum in school.

6. Always wear appropriate clothing in an appropriate manner.

7. Walk quietly on the right side in the halls in a straight line.

All students are expected to follow the school rules at all times.

Cafeteria Behavior

To encourage positive behavior, students follow a management plan based on these rules:

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1. Enter and leave the cafeteria in a quiet and orderly manner. No running. 2. A red cup will be placed on the tables when the students arrive. This

means no talking for the first ten minutes. After the first 10 minutes this will change to a green cup and the children can talk. If they talk too loudly, the red cup will be placed back on the table and there will be no talking for 5 more minutes. Children are expected to talk softly during the allowed times, using an inside voice.

3. Speak only to school staff while in the serving line.4. Practice good manners and eating habits.5. Keep hands and feet to yourself.6. Do not change seats once you are seated.7. Face forward in your seat.8. Talk to the people at your table only. (The people on your left, right and

across from you.)9. Stay in your seat at all times and raise your hand for help.10. Keep the area where you eat clean and throw away trays when directed to

do so.11. Line up quietly when directed.

Hallway Regulations

1. Students should walk quietly on the right hand side of the hall.2. There will be absolutely no running in the halls.3. Students are expected to keep hands and feet off the walls.

Restroom Regulations

1. Restrooms should be kept clean at all times.2. To help prevent accidents and maintain safety, students should avoid

spilling or throwing water and paper on the floor.3. Students are expected to use the bathrooms quietly.4. Writing utensils are not allowed inside the bathroom.

Each student receives a copy of the Guilford County Schools Code of Conduct which lists specific conducts and consequences if students do not follow the expected behaviors. Please read this system-wide Code of Conduct carefully with your child, sign the form enclosed, and return it to your child’s teacher. If students cannot follow rules, parents will be contacted and disciplinary measures will be taken.

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TESTING

Benchmark testing is done quarterly each school year. At this time, we appreciate your support with the following:

1. Talk with your child and explain the importance of testing. We do not want to stress the importance of testing to the point that the child becomes very nervous and does not do his best. However, we do want each child to understand that the tests are important and he should take the time to do his best.

2. Be sure your child gets adequate rest each night and eats a good breakfast each morning.

3. Your child’s attendance during testing week is very important. If your child is sick, do not place the testing above the health of your child. Please be aware that your child needs to be here unless sickness is a factor.

VISITING THE SCHOOL

We are happy for you to visit Colfax Elementary at any time to spend some time in your child’s learning environment. You are welcome to volunteer and/or observe in the classroom. You may come to school to have lunch with your child. If possible, please contact the teacher ahead of time. When you come to school to pick up your child early, please go directly to the office to sign out your child. Do not retrieve your child from the classroom. When you come to school to visit, always enter through the front door of the building and pick up a Visitor’s Pass in the office. This is for everyone’s protection. No one will be allowed down the hallways without a Visitor’s Pass. This is for everyone’s safety.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The Colfax PTA is looking forward to an exciting year. It is our hope that each of you will become involved in school activities throughout the year. Any time that you can give to your child and to Colfax Elementary School will be rewarding for you and valuable to your child. Encourage grandparents, friends, and co-workers to volunteer, also.

Some of the volunteer opportunities listed below are some of the areas where your help is essential. Check the Volunteer Handout for other opportunities!

1. Room representatives for each class will be needed to help with stations, tutoring, reading/math buddies, class parties, to weigh and measure our children, and to recruit other Moms or Dads to help on special occasions. Co-room representatives are recommended.

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2. We will need assistance in the Media Center whenever you can give it! Reading to our children, helping with Media Center activities, checking out books, and straightening shelves - you name it!

3. We need two people each day to help in the office to answer the phone and help

visitors. This is greatly needed to allow secretaries to do other important tasks. If you can help one day a week for a few hours, please let us know!

4. Help is needed in planning and working in PTA membership programs. Do you have ideas to share?

5. Please see the PTA calendar of events. Attend the membership meetings, the Book Fair, and all school sponsored events.

Character Education

“Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education”

Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

http://www.gcsnc.com/charactered/index.html

At Guilford County Schools, we recognize that teachers of the highest caliber, an engaging curriculum and even the most advanced technology are not enough to prepare our students for life outside the classroom. It also takes something else. We refer to this missing piece as character development. And while the details of this essential lesson are not outlined in any textbook, it willbe reinforced by every teacher, at every grade level, in every school.

The benefit of strong character can’t be measured by any test. Rather, it’s demonstrated during those common instances when our students are given the opportunity to think for themselves. Simply put, character is about making the right choices. And if we can emphasize it from the moment a child begins school, character development can equip students with the tools andmotivation necessary to be the change they wish to see in the world.

(Excerpt from Colfax SIP)

Area for Improvement:

Expand character development strategies to create learning opportunities that address the whole child.

Overall SMART Goal:

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By June 2012, 100% of students will engage in civic education, character education and service learning through curriculum integration.

Supports this Area of the GCS Strategic Plan:

Area V – Safe Schools and Character Development

Target SMART Goal:

By June 2011, at least 50% of students will engage in civic education, character education and service learning through curriculum integration.

Strategy 1:Implement school-wide and classroom-level activities to support the monthly

district character traits.

Strategy 2:Provide opportunities for students to build and use citizenship skills.

Strategy 3:Provide opportunities for students to participate in service learning.

GCS Character Education Monthly Themes

MONTH TRAITS and DEFINITIONSAugust / September

National Day of Remembrance 9-11

RESPONSIBILITY

Being dependable in carrying out obligations and duties. Showing reliability and consistency in words and conduct. Being accountable for your own actions. Being committed to active involvement in your school and community. 

OctoberCharacter Education Week

Make A Difference DayRed Ribbon Week

RESPECT

Showing high regard for other people, for self, for property, and for country. Understanding that all people have value as human beings.

November / DecemberTeaching Tolerance Month

Veteran’s DayKids’ Vote

Mix It Up DayNational No-Bullying Month

Merry Giving

KINDNESS

Being considerate, courteous, helpful, and understanding of others. Showing care, compassion, friendship, and generosity. Treating others as you would like to be treated.

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January / February“MLK Day” – National Day of

ServiceNational No Name-Calling Week

“Love the Bus” DayPresident’s Day

COURAGE

Having the determination to do the right thing even when others don’t. Having the strength to follow your conscience rather than the crowd. Attempting difficult things that are worthwhile.

MarchVolunteer Greensboro’ Human

Race

INTEGRITY

Having the inner strength to be truthful, trustworthy, and honest in all things. Acting justly and honorably.

AprilNational Volunteer WeekGlobal Youth Service Day

Earth Day

SELF DISCIPLINE

Demonstrating hard work and commitment to purpose. Regulating yourself for improvement and restraining from inappropriate behaviors. Being in proper control of your words, actions, impulses, and desires. Doing your best in all situations.

May / JuneMemorial Day

Flag DayCharacter Development Awards

Event

PERSEVERANCE

Being persistent in the pursuit of worthy objectives in spite of difficulty, opposition, or discouragement. Exhibiting patience and having the determination and strength to try again when confronted with delays, mistakes, or failures.

The links below provide a variety of resources and activities to support and to engage our youth in service learning:

http://www.habitat.org/youthprograms/parent_teacher_leader/resources/parent_teacher_leader_resources.aspx

http://www.habitat.org/youthprograms/parent_teacher_leader/resources/hfhlessons.aspx

http://www.gysd.org/

http:// www.ncpublicschools.org/servicelearning www.abcdbooks.org

www.americaspromise.org

www.earthecho.org

www.fsu.edu/~flserve

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www.kidsconsortium.org

www.learnandserve.org

www.ecs.org/nclc

www.dropoutprevention.org

www.servicelearning.org

www.service-learningpartnership.org

www.nylc.org

www.rmcdenver.com

www.rootshoots.org

www.slprovidersnetwork.org

www.servicelearningtexas.org

www.whatkidscando.org

www.childrenforchildren.org

www.ysa.org

PROCEDURES FOR PROCESSING CONCERNS

1. Classroom TeacherIf you have any concern that relates to the instruction or to the classroom behavior of your child, you should arrange a conference with your child’s teacher. If you feel unsuccessful after the initial conference, ask the teacher for further information or clarification. If after this conference, you still have a concern, make an appointment with both the principal and the teacher.

2. Principal – Michelle Thigpen, Principal

3. Regional Executive Director Sandra Culmer – 878-5391

4. Regional Superintendent Angelo Kidd – 878-5391

5. GCS Superintendent Maurice Green - 370-8100

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6. Board of Education

WORKING TOGETHER, WE DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE for ACHIEVEMENT, WELLNESS, AND POSITIVE SELF-ESTEEM FOR ALL!

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