Arnoldsburg Elementary School

Handbook 2018-2019

CALHOUN COUNTY SCHOOLS

540 Alan B. Mollohan Drive Mt. Zion, WV 26151(304) 354-7011 Fax (304) 354-7420

http://calhoun-k12.wvnet.edu/boe Kelli Whytsell, SuperintendentAndrew Metheney, Director of FinanceTyson Price, Curriculum Director/Attendance DirectorJeannie Bennett, Chief Operational Officer for Student ServicesChris Melonas, Director of Child NutritionNathan Haynes,COO Administrative Services

Kristy Toney, Accounts Payable SupervisorTrudi Anderson, Health NurseSarah Tingler, Payroll Supervisor/HR AssistantCheryl Jarvis, Executive Secretary - SuperintendentJoyce Williams, Executive Secretary

ARNOLDSBURG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 90 Spring Run Road Arnoldsburg, WV 25234

(304) 655-8616 Fax (304) 655-8618http://calhoun-k12.wvnet.edu/arnoldsburg

Charles Thomas, Principal, chthomas@k12.wv.us , Extension 111Preschool: Melissa Moore

Brittney CummingsSpecial Ed.: Crystal Smith Paraprofessionals: Heather Cummings, Kindergarten

Shirley Naylor, KindergartenShelly Mace, Title IKevin Boak, Preschool

Kindergarten: Jacob McCumbersMelinda Fitzwater

Title I: Julie SummersRenita Benson

VrRoom CommunityAmbassador

Robin Hudson Librarians: Amanda HicksLorie Bailey

Asst. Teacher: Betty Jones, PreschoolKayla Falls, Preschool

NCOA Wanda WayneDarlene White

Gifted: Vicky Hardway Secretary: Cathy Dickey

First Grade: Allison Beall Community School Facilitator:

Tracey Keaton

Second Grade: Connie SummersMorgan Allen

Speech: Beth Tanner Cooks: Margaret KirbyRhonda DeWeese

Third Grade: Sonja HartshornSamantha Starcher

Physical Ed.: Krystina Stewart Custodians: Loretta FreshourMarie King

Fourth Grade: Kelley SampsonDana Ferrell

Music: John Bugby

Nurse Trudi Anderson Early Steps to School Success :

Suzanne Allen STC Program Coordinator/Interventionist :

Tammey Webb

BOARD OF EDUCATIONHorst Motz, MemberKevin Cunningham, Member

Richard Kirby, MemberJimmy Gregory, MemberJenna Jett, Member

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SCHOOL DAY SCHEDULE7:30 – 7:50 BreakfastStudents who are parent drop off will receive a grab-and-go breakfast if they arrive after 7:55.7:45 – Instructional Day Begins/Morning Celebration and Pledge of Allegiance***Students are tardy after 8:00am and must be signed in at the office by parent or guardian10:30 – Students arriving or being signed out between 10:30am and 2:30pm are counted half day absent11:00 – Preschool and Kindergarten lunch11:30 - First and Second grade students’ Lunch12:00 – Third and Fourth Grade students’ Lunch3:25 – Early bus departures/Parent Pick-Up

Mission Statement

Arnoldsburg Elementary School is a place where the staff, parents, and community work together to provide students with a high quality education so they become literate, self-sufficient, and life-long learners who contribute positively to society.

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Core beliefs that drive our school….

1. Teachers will remain current in the knowledge of their subject area and effective teaching practices resulting in a variety of effective learning experiences designed for the learning needs of all students. Teachers will also serve as positive role models and be leaders in their classrooms.2. All students have the right to a safe environment in which they are treated with respect and equality and are responsible to treat others in the same way. They should come to school motivated to learn and assume ownership for their learning.3. Parents/Guardians are responsible for sending their children to school ready to learn and for supporting and sustaining a partnership with the school.4. Administrators should always have high expectations of staff and students while maintaining a safe school environment in which learning is the central focus.5. Support staff members will interact with students, parents, and other staff in a collaborative, respectful manner; keeping the central focus of student learning as the top priority.6. Community members play a vital role in supporting the mission of the school system.

GoalsAcademic Proficiency:Through work in areas of ELA and Mathematics, 65% of the students will score at benchmark on the STAR assessment for ELA and iReady Assessment for Math by the end of the 2018-2019 school year.Community School:During the 2018-2019 school year, Arnoldsburg Elementary will build the capacity of our community to support the academic, physical, social, and emotional development of our students through a 10% increase in parent, student, and community involvement over the previous year at school sponsored events and activities.Attendance Rate:Increase the school's attendance rate to above 93% and those considered chronically absent to less than 18% by the end of the 2018--2019 school year.Writing Proficiency:Students will increase writing proficiency demonstrated on short answer text dependent questions referencing the text in their response.

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Expected Behavior in Safe and Supportive Schools

Arnoldsburg Elementary School recognizes the need for students, teachers, administrators, and other school personnel to have a nurturing, orderly, safe and stimulating educational environment. The purpose of the Expected Behavior in Safe and Supportive Schools is to ensure that our school environment is conducive to learning and promotes respect for individuals. Any form of harassment, intimidation, bullying, substance abuse, violence, or other policy violation is unacceptable at AES.

This Expected Behavior in Safe and Supportive Schools is based on the West Virginia Board of Education Policy 4373 (Expected Behavior in Safe and Supportive Schools) and the Calhoun County Board of Education Expected Behavior in Safe and Supportive Schools Policy.

Students will… help create an atmosphere free from bullying, intimidation and harassment. demonstrate honesty and trustworthiness. treat others with respect, deal peacefully with anger, use good manners and be considerate of the feelings of others. demonstrate responsibility, use self-control and be self-disciplined. demonstrate fairness, play by the rules, and will not take advantage of others. demonstrate compassion and caring. demonstrate good citizenship by obeying laws and rules, respecting authority, and by cooperating with others.

Violations: Violations of the Expected Behavior in Safe and Supportive Schools are classified in four levels. A complete listing of violations is available in Calhoun Board of Education policy. The following are a sample of the violations.

Level I : Inappropriate display of affection, Inappropriate language, Possession of inappropriate Personal Property, Skipping class, Tardiness,

Level II : Gang-related activity, Habitual violation of school rules or policies, insubordination, leaving school without permission, physical fight without injury, possession of imitation weapon, Possession of knife not meeting dangerous weapon definition, profane language/obscene gesture; indecent act toward an employee or student, technology misuse

Level III : Battery against a student, defacing school property/vandalism, false fire alarm, fraud/forgery, gambling, hazing, larceny, sexual misconduct, threat of injury/assault against an employee or a student, trespassing, harassment/bullying/intimidation, imitation drugs, possession, use, distribution or sale of, inhalant abuse, possession/use of substance containing tobacco and/or nicotine

Level IV : Battery on a School Employee, Illegal substance related behaviors, possession and/or Use of Dangerous weapons,

Due to legislation passed during the 2002 West Virginia Legislature, any knife, regardless of the length of the blade, is considered a dangerous weapon (defined in W.Va. Code 61-7-11a.) and is a Level IV category.

Reporting Procedures: Violations of the Expected Behavior in Safe and Supportive Schools observed by school employees or by students must be reported to the school principal or his/her designee for appropriate action to be taken.

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Safe School Procedures

A copy of the complete policy of the safe schools legislation may be obtained at the Calhoun County Board of Education.

A teacher or bus driver may exclude any student from a classroom or bus who: is guilty of disorderly conduct. interferes with the educational process. threatens, abuses, intimidates or attempts to intimidate a school employee or student. willfully disobeys a school employee. uses profane or abusive language.

Once excluded, the student is referred to the principal who will take disciplinary action and notify the parent/guardian. Level IV violations require mandatory suspension by the principal from school, or from transportation to or from the school on any school bus, after an informal hearing.

School-wide Expectations: Treat others with respect and courtesy. Walk quietly and orderly at all times. Listen to and follow directions the first time. Be prepared. Be where you are supposed to be.

A copy of Behavior Procedures for Arnoldsburg Elementary School is available upon request at the school office.

Consequences for Breaking Classroom Rules: In accordance with Policy 4373

Tobacco Control Policy: Arnoldsburg Elementary School prohibits the use of tobacco products in the school building and on school grounds according to WV Codes 16-9A-3 and 16-9A-4 and WV State Board Policy 2422.5A.

Internet Usage Agreement

Read this document carefully and explain this document to your child before signing the Parent/Student Acknowledgement Receipt form.

Acceptable Use:The use of the Internet must be in support of education and consistent with the educational objectives of the West Virginia Board of Education and Calhoun Co. Board of Education.

Unacceptable Use:Transmission of any material in violation of any US state law or regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secrets. Use for commercial activities by profit institutions is not acceptable. Use of

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product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited.

Privileges:The use of the Internet as part of an education program is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. Each student who will access the Internet must be trained by a teacher in the proper use of the network. Based upon acceptable use guidelines outlined in this document, the principal and/or administrator may deny access at any time as deemed necessary.

Network Etiquette:Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of the network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to the following:Be polite. Do not write or send abusive messages/material to others.Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. Do not reveal the personal home address or phone number of yourself, other students, or teachers.Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private.Do not use the Internet is such a way that would disrupt the use of the Internet by other users.

Reliability:The WVDE, Calhoun Co. Board of Education and Arnoldsburg Elementary School make no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service being interrupted. The use of any information obtained via the system is at the user’s own risk. We deny any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the system.

Vandalism:Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, computer equipment, or any connections that are part of the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, uploading, downloading, or creating computer viruses.

Security:Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. Do not use another individual’s account. Attempts to log on to the Internet as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having problems with another computer system may be denied access to the Internet.

Privacy:Investigating or reading another user’s files is considered a violation of their privacy. Reading unprotected files is rude; reading protected files, by whatever mechanism, is considered the same as “breaking and entering.”

Violations include:Accessing or attempting to access another user’s computer files without permissionSupplying or attempting to supply false or misleading information or identification in order to access another user’s accountDeliberate and unauthorized access of use of computers, computer facilities, networks, systems, programs, or dataThe unauthorized manipulation of computer systems, programs, or data

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Internet/Newspapers Pictures and Name Usage: Your child may be possibly featured in school-related articles in local newspapers and on the Internet. School pictures and names can be published on the school/county web site at the discretion of the school/county. Please fill out and return the web site permission form found in the student packet.

Electronic Device Policy

The use and/or display of cellular telephones/ECD are prohibited during the school day. After school tutorial and disciplinary programs are an extension of the school day for participating students and the prohibition of cell phones/ECD’s in these activities extend until the conclusion of the program.

Prohibited Student Use: Accessing and/or viewing an Internet site that is otherwise blocked to students at school. Sending an e-mail, text message or other communication that harasses, intimidates, threatens, bullies, or discriminates against another

individual. Using a camera device at school or at a school-sponsored event to take, send, download or upload a harassing, threatening, or

embarrassing digital image of anyone. Using a camera or other recording device to capture the content of tests, assessments, homework, or class work without express prior

permission from the instructor. If, at any time, while on school buses, the driver, other school staff or chaperones deem the use of cellular phones and other ECDs as

having a negative impact on the safety or the students on the bus, or the driver’s ability to provide a safe transportation environment, the driver has the authority to require all ECDs usage to cease.

Violations of this policy will result in the following penalties: 1st Offense: Telephone/ECD will be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian following a conference with the student and parent.

2nd Offense: Telephone/ECD will be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian. Student will be assigned to lunch detention.

3rd Offense: Telephone/ECD will be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian. Student will be suspended from school for one (1) day.

Subsequent Offenses:

Telephone/ECD will be confiscated and returned to the parent/ guardian. Suspension may be increased and the privilege of possessing a cell phone/ECD at school may be revoked.

Parents/guardians are urged to discuss this policy with their child (ren).  Cell phones/ECD will only be returned to the parent/legal guardian of the student.

In the event that a cellular telephone/ECD is used for an illegal activity, the principal shall report the matter to law enforcement officials. Use of a cellular telephone for purposes of academic dishonesty, recording of altercations, or unethical or immoral activities shall carry additional penalties at the discretion of the principal.

The Board is not responsible for theft, loss, damage or vandalism to cellular telephones/ECD’s brought onto its property.  

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Parents/guardians are advised that, in case of emergencies, the best way to get in touch with their children during the school day is by calling the school office.

Attendance Policy

Rationale Arnoldsburg Elementary School and the Calhoun Co. Board of Education believe that regular attendance is critical to students’ success in school and in their future life endeavors. Irregular school attendance hinders students’ progress.

Half/Full Day: Students arriving at or after 10:30 a.m., or leaving before 2:30 p.m. will be counted a half-day absent. A student who arrives at school in the morning, but leaves before 10:30 a.m. will be counted absent for a full day.

Tardiness: Students who arrive after 8:00am must report to the office with parent or guardian to receive a classroom admittance slip. (Please note: teachers will begin class promptly at 7:45 am). Chronic tardiness may result in disciplinary action.

Written Excuse: Parents are required to send Absence Excuse notes stating the reason for the absences the day their child returns to school.Parents are only permitted to send five (5) parent excuses per semester. If a student is ill at school, and the school calls to request the student is picked up; a parent note is required to consider the missed time excused. Other excuses must come from a physician.

Makeup Work: The student and parents are responsible for contacting the teacher to obtain makeup work. A student must makeup assigned work within one (1) consecutive day after a single day’s absences and within three (3) days for two or more consecutive days of absence.

Excused Absences: 1) School sponsored activities, 2) Failure of a bus to run, 3) Medical or dental appointments which cannot be scheduled outside the school day, 4) Legal or religious absences with prior written request at the discretion of the principal, 5) Personal illness when school attendance jeopardizes the personal health of classmates, 6) Serious illness in the immediate family, 7) In the case of an extended hospital confinement and/or prolonged illness, parents/ guardians are responsible for contacting the school, 8) Death in the immediate family resulting in up to (3) days of absence, 9) Other prior-approved absences at the discretion of the principal.

Students who miss more than 10% of school in a quarter will be considered chronically absent even if excuses have been provided. Parents will be contacted by school personnel to discuss the importance of attending regularly. Continued absences will be referred to the Attendance Director.

Notification: The principal will notify parents when a child’s excessive absences endanger his/her promotion. In addition, excessive, unexcused absences are subject to legal actions as specified in the West Virginia Code.

Early Dismissal from School: Students shall not be dismissed from school early without permission from the school administration. The school instructional day runs from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Parents who pick up their child early on a continuous basis will be asked by the administration for an appointment card from a physician or dentist.

Parent Pick Up: Regular parent pickup will occur at 3:25 pm. All parents that request it will get a tag to hang on their rearview mirror. This tag will have a number on it that directly correlates to your child(ren). All parents with tags will pull through the loop at the front of the school where

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the teacher on duty can see the tag number. Students will report to the front hallway where they will wait to be called to their parent’s car. If the parent or guardian is not picking up the student, the person doing so must be on the Emergency Notification Form (in student packet). Parents should park in an area that does not block the bus loop, flow of traffic or parking lot and come inside to sign the student out. No one is permitted to park in the pick-up loop.

Bus Notes: If the student is not riding his/her regular bus home or is getting off at a different stop, the parent or guardian must provide written permission to go to another designated place. Phones calls should be used only in emergency cases .

Attendance Director Referral Procedure

The attendance director will make appropriate referrals in compliance with WV Code 18-8-1, when there are ten unexcused absences during the school year. Calhoun County Schools Attendance Director or designated representative of the school or school system shall serve written notice to the parent, guardian, or custodian of such child stating attendance is required. The parent, guardian, or custodian and child shall report in person for a conference with the attendance director, school administrator or designated representative within ten days of receiving written notice to discuss the circumstances resulting in unexcused absences. If the parent, guardian, or custodian does not comply, the attendance director or designated representative of the school or school system shall file a complaint before the county magistrate.

Grading, Homework & Assessments

Grades: Student progress will be reported to parents indicating the level of proficiency that the student has achieved in accordance with the state adopted content standards and objectives.

In the areas of science, social studies, art, music, and physical education in grades K-2 and in the areas of art, music and physical education in grades 3 – 4, teachers shall use (S) if the student has mastered the objectives that have been taught, or (U) for not mastered. In grades K-2, progress in mathematics and English Language Arts and in grades 3 – 4, progress in mathematics, English Language Arts, science and social studies will be determined and assigned according to the average of the current level of proficiency for objectives in each of the West Virginia College and Career Readiness Standards. In grades K-12, letter grades will be given that indicate the level of proficiency achieved by the student.

Grading, Homework & Assessments - continued

Assessments: Student assessment shall be based on mastery of Content Standards and Objectives (CSOs) for any given class/course. Parents may view the CSOs at the county website: http://calhoun-k12.wvnet.edu/boe. A variety of assessments shall be used to determine the level of student mastery. Assessment instruments may include, but are not limited to, quizzes, tests, projects, and teacher observations. Teachers shall utilize on-going assessments to design differentiated instruction. At a minimum, teachers shall assess students weekly to determine areas of weakness and to develop plans for re-teaching.

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Various assessments, such as Phonemic Awareness Screener, Quick Phonics Screener and STAR Reading and Math will be given periodically to determine the progress of your child in critical areas. Students may fall into three areas: intensive, strategic, and benchmark. The first Star tests will be administered in late August. The winter benchmarks for these tests are typically the first full week of December. The spring benchmarks for these tests are typically mid-April.

State mandated tests, General Summative Assessment (GSA) is given to 3rd and 4th graders in May.

Report Cards (every 9 weeks) will be sent home with students. Parents must sign and return the bottom portion within three days.

A report card for Arnoldsburg Elementary School will be inserted with your child’s regular report card sometime during the school year. Signing and returning the regular report card will serve as documentation that you have also received the Arnoldsburg Elementary School Report Card. Promotion and Retention: Parents of students being considered for retention shall be notified in writing, no later than April 1 of each school year. Decisions regarding promotion and/or retention shall be a collaborative decision between the student’s teacher (s), specialist, and principal. In K - 4, a student may be retained if he/she fails to demonstrate mastery of 60% of the CSOs. Homework: Homework is to be assigned to provide additional practice of skills taught in classes. Kindergarten: maximum of 15 minutes per night. Grades 1-4: maximum of 30 minutes per night.

Conferences: Two evening Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled within the calendar year on October 18th and March 19th from 4-7. Additional conferences may be scheduled as needed.

School-Discipline Procedures

Behavior Procedures for Arnoldsburg follows West Virginia Board of Education Policy 4373 “Expected Behavior in Safe and Supportive Schools” in all cases.

Conduct Grade- Students will receive a conduct grade (A: 90-100; B: 80-89; C: 70-79; D: 60-69; F: 59 and Below) All students will start with 100 pts and will lose points based upon leveled infractions. See Levels and point deductions below. Students must have at least 80 pts to participate in the 9 week reward. Any level 3 offense will result in immediate revocation of that 9 week reward.

The following expectations have been set school wide (K-4): Level I:

Walk quietly and orderly at all timeso Use quiet voices

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o Line up quickly and quietly Listen to and follow directions

o Raise your hando Do what the teacher says

Be Preparedo Complete homeworko Have writing utensilo Return school communicationo Remember folders, book bags, and bookso Be on time

Be where you are supposed to beo Ask before leaving classroom or seato Walk only to areas where you have permission to go and return

Infractions may result in:1. A warning from teacher. 2. Expectation Station – Reteach of expected behaviors. Discussion held with a teacher. These students will go to regular recess

at 12:00. Not logged into WVEIS and no points deducted from conduct grade. Students will fill out a note for home that explains their reason for attending expectation station. Kindergarten’s expectation station will last from 11:30-11:45. They will be given 15 minutes of recess from 11:45 to 12:00 and an additional 15 minutes of recess during the afternoon time slot to comply with Policy 2510.

3. Lunch Detention for frequent violations. Lunch Detention – Eat lunch at a separate table with no talking. A designated teacher will be supervising this lunch. Students will be provided recess through exercising expected behaviors. Students will be denied a second recess later in the day. Must be logged into WVEIS and 5 points deducted from conduct grade. A print out of the WVEIS letter will be sent home to parents. The kindergarten guidelines for expectation station will apply.

Consequence:For those students who are not compliant with expectation:

1. Three or more violations of expected behaviors, as recorded in the Expectation Tracker, will result in the loss of extra activity provided daily for all students.

2. All trips and special events are considered rewards and may be denied to students, at the discretion of the principal, who have habitually violated the school’s expected behaviors.

Reward:Those students who exhibit expected behaviors will receive:

An extra activity daily. A nine-week reward for students having at least 80 pts on their conduct grade. All trips and special events are considered rewards for expected behaviors.

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Level II: Treat others with respect and courtesy

o Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourselfo Use appropriate languageo Respect other’s propertyo Be kind to otherso Habitual violation of Level I offenses (4th Infraction)

Arnoldsburg Elementary will view violations of Level II expectations as harmful behaviors to a person’s body, feelings, or property. We will have ZERO tolerance for such behaviors. Infractions will result in:

1. The loss of extra activity provided daily. Incident will be recorded into WVEIS and a loss of 5 behavior points from the conduct grade. WVEIS letter will be sent home.

Infractions may result in:2. Lunch Detention – Eat lunch at a separate table with no talking. A designated teacher will be supervising this lunch. Students

will be provided recess through exercising expected behaviors. Students will be denied a second recess later in the day. Must be logged into WVEIS and 5 points deducted from conduct grade. WVEIS letter will be sent home.

3. Conference with the principal and/or phone call to parent, used at administrative discretion. Must be logged into WVEIS and 5 points deducted from conduct grade. WVEIS letter will be sent home.

4. Half day In-school suspension. Phone call to parent. Must be logged into WVEIS and 5 points deducted from conduct grade. WVEIS letter will be sent home.

Level III: A student will not engage in physical altercation with another individual. A student will not willfully cause defacement of or damage to property of school or others. A student will not possess weapons or objects that can be used for weapons. A student will not threaten, verbally or in writing, to injure another student or school employee. A student will not persistently or pervasively bully another student to where it creates an intimidating, threatening, or

emotionally abusive educational environment for a student. Infractions may result in:

1. Conference with the principal and a phone call to parent. Must be logged into WVEIS and 10 points deducted from conduct grade. WVEIS letter will be sent home.

2. In-school suspension. Phone call to parent. Must be logged into WVEIS and 15 points deducted from conduct grade. WVEIS letter will be sent home.

3. Out of school suspension. Must be logged into WVEIS and 25 points deducted from conduct grade. WVEIS letter will be sent home.

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*Administrators will make final decisions of consequences for any Level 2 and/or Level 3 infractions.

School-Related Information

ASPIRE After School Program We are excited to announce that the partnership between Calhoun County Schools, Save the Children, and 21st Century will continue this school year. We will again be able to offer the students of Arnoldsburg a quality afterschool program. The program will contain literacy, healthy choices, STEAM and fun activities. This year’s program is open to all students who regularly attend Arnoldsburg Elementary school.

 The literacy block will provide additional support for children in reading. Staff members will work with readers to promote sight-word growth, comprehension and vocabulary enhancement, and increased opportunities for guided independent reading and fluency development.  The Healthy Choices program provides children with 30 minutes or more of daily, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity that teaches lifelong movement skills and combines fun and fitness. Through exposure to fruits, vegetables and grains, children are encouraged to make better food choices. The evening meal will meet the guidelines of the Office of Child Nutrition.  Students that participated last year improved their reading and healthy choices knowledge significantly.

Afterschool programs have long known that they can embrace the hours between the time school closes and parents return from work to provide children, with exciting, engaging experiences that will help them learn academic, social and professional skills. The research is clear: children in quality afterschool programs are more likely to come to school and stay in school, more likely to hand in their work and get better grades. Our program will run Monday through Thursday beginning at the end of August. Time for the program will be determined at the beginning of the school year. Bus routes will be determined based on the needs of the students who attend.

We hope that you will join with the school in celebrating the continuation of Save the Children by registering your child for quality programming that will support their learning, self-confidence, self-esteem, healthy living, and activity.

Policies, Rules, and ProceduresWhile attending ASPIRE After School, all children are asked to comply with the already existing school rules, as well as, the ASPIRE rules.  In order to maintain a safe environment, we ask that you please review them with your child. 

1. Be respectful to other students, our mentors, teachers and staff members.2. Follow all the directions the first time they are given. 3. Stay in assigned area.

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4. You are only allowed to leave assigned area with a mentor or staff member escort. 5. Keep hands, feet, inappropriate comments, and objects to yourself.6. Walk appropriately on school property.7. Use respectful language at all times, using ‘inside voices’.8. You are not permitted to leave after school before scheduled time without proper advance notification from a parent or guardian, to an

after school staff member. 

After School Discipline PolicyThe ASPIRE Program is a means of providing additional educational support and opportunities to students beyond the formal school day.  Therefore, it must be recognized that inappropriate behavior by the students, especially in the form of threats against other students and/or staff, does not promote a favorable learning environment, and will not be tolerated.  ASPIRE follows West Virginia Board of Education Policy 4373 “Expected Behavior in Safe and Supportive Schools” in all cases. Every teacher and principal in the public schools shall have the right to exercise the same authority as to conduct and behavior over the pupils attending his, during the time they are in attendance…as the parents, guardians or person in parental relating to such pupils may excise over theme. As with any other zero-tolerance policy, there will be consequences for the following types of misconduct:

1. Failure to follow rules, policies and procedure of the After School Program.

2. General misconduct, including loud or boisterous behavior that tends to disturb other students, and includes running in the classroom/halls, minor defacement of property, and pushing or shoving others.

3. A student’s persistent refusal to follow the instructions of program staff, program administrators, or any school employee.  This shall also include a student’s refusal or failure to properly identify oneself on request. 

4. Use of obscene, vulgar, profane, disrespectful, demeaning or threatening words and/or actions or gesture directed to or in the presence of any student or school employee.

5. Mutual physical confrontations between students (fighting).

6. Possession and/or use of any tobacco or drug related items or ‘look a like’ items – this may include cigarettes, chewing tobacco and other tobacco-related products, lighters, alcoholic substances, drug-consumption devices, and any substance suspected of being a ‘drug’.

7. A behavior that may result in physical or mental abuse to one’s self.

8. Committing an act of indecent exposure in the presence of any other student, member of the staff, or school employee. Disciplinary Actions

1. Verbal reprimand2. Special assignments or removal from classroom

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3. Program staff/student behavioral contract4. Parent Contact5. Suspension from After School:

a. First Offense – 1 day suspensionb. Second Offense – 3 days suspensionc. Third Offense – Parent/Staff conference to determine continued enrollment in the program

2. Permanent withdrawal of After School privileges – includes non-academic activities taking place during and beyond the normal After School hours (i.e. games, gym activities, computer lab, field trips, etc.)

3. Immediate notification of authorities if appropriate *Note: The program staff is responsible for utilizing different intervention techniques before a student is referred to the school administration.

Attendance PolicyDuring the ASPIRE enrollment process, the parent or guardian must identify the days their child will attend the program.  This important information assists the School Administration and the Family Center staff to ensure that students are not being dismissed to their bus and returning to an unsupervised situation at home.  The Arnoldsburg Staff are working together to create a safe transition from school to After School and, therefore, attendance by students and communication with parents is very important.  The school district cannot be held responsible for students and families who neglect to follow the attendance procedures in place.  As a result of our need to ensure the safety of students, the following policies must be followed:

1. Students enrolled in the After School Program are expected to attend on all days identified by the parent/guardian during the initial enrollment process.  Changes to that schedule must be submitted to the after school program staff one week prior to going into effect, so that the School administration can be notified in a timely manner.

2. If your child is not going to be attending on a regularly scheduled day, we asked that the School administration be notified by 1:00 pm (304)655-8616 that day or in writing, prior to the absence.

3. Inconsistent or lack of attendance at the After School Program will result in the student’s name being removed from the attendance roster.  Notification for attendance roster removal will occur by written correspondence.

4. Arrangements to have your child re-activated can be made by contacting the school. 

Inclement Weather Policy*In the event of inclement weather, the ASPIRE program will follow the school’s lead for school delays and cancellations. 

*If the school is delayed, the After School Program will be in session.

*If school is cancelled, the After School Program will be cancelled. 

*In the event that the After School Program is in session, and the weather becomes dangerous, the parents are encouraged to arrive early to pick up their children from the program.  Please be sure to call ahead and make arrangements for someone to meet you at the door.  If your child rides the After School Bus, it will arrive at its scheduled time.

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 Child Pickup Policy*All parents shall pick up their child from the After School Program at the Front Entrance.  Parents are reminded to drive slowly and park on both sides of the driveway.  Please turn off your car’s ignition and take your key with you.  Siblings of After School children should never be left unattended in the car.

*All parents or designated adult Pickup Person must enter the school lobby to pick up their child.  The children will be in the lobby area with staff and mentors of the After School Program.

*For the safety of your children, he/she will only be released to the parents or designated pickup person.  Should another adult be picking up your child, please send written notification and be advised that they may be asked for photo identification.  Once a child is released to his/her parent or designated pickup person, the child’s care and safety are the responsibility of the parent or designated adult.

*In the event that a child must be picked up early from the After School Program, (before 5:30pm), the parent must notify the Program Supervisor or staff member, either in writing or by phone to make arrangements for meeting you at the door. *In order that your child is not left feeling confused or upset, we ask that you make every attempt to pick up your child on time.  Dismissal time will be determined at the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year. A letter regarding the After School program will be sent home at that time.

*If there are special court orders regarding parental custody – please provide documentation. Visitation PolicyThe ASPIRE After School Program maintains an “open door” visitation policy.  Parents, teachers, family members, and guests are encouraged to visit the program, anytime, during the hours of operation.  Visitors are free to sit in on any classroom and view the academic progress and growth being developed.  Whenever possible, visitors are also encouraged to participate in the learning activities of the classroom.  Please feel free to speak with any Staff member or mentor/volunteers about your child’s progress or any concerns that you may have about the program.

Food Service Program:  Arnoldsburg Elementary School provides breakfast and lunch to all children daily. Adult employees and adult visitors are also offered the privilege of participating in this program. Calhoun County Schools has been granted eligibility for a universal free breakfast and lunch program for all students enrolled within our schools for the 2018-2019 school year. Calhoun County Schools will continue to use a billing system whereby adult employees may charge meals daily. Bills are calculated monthly and payment is due in full at the designated date included on the billing. Payments will be accepted at t he Calhoun County Board of Education . Adult breakfast: $3.25 Adult lunch: $4.25.  All unpaid bills may result in loss of charging privileges. Students may purchase extra milk for $0.30 per milk.

Non Discrimination and Complaint Statement:In accordance with Federal law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  To file a complaint alleging discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call, toll free, (866) 632-9992 (Voice).  Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Extended Day & Extended Year Programs: After-school and summer-school programs are provided to students who may need additional time for mastery. To enroll a student contact the school or watch for fliers that will be sent home.

Wellness Clinic: The school-based Wellness Clinic is open on Tuesday from 8:30am to 11:30am and Thursday from noon to 3:30pm to help students whose parents have submitted enrollment forms. A parent or teacher may refer students to the clinic. The clinic is staffed with a Minnie Hamilton Center Nurse Practitioner and a Medical Assistant. In addition, there is a School Counselor available for guidance counseling; the School Counselor days and hours are to be determined. Students must be enrolled with Minnie Hamilton Health Care to be seen at the Wellness Clinic. Parents need to contact the principal to schedule counseling services.

Withdrawals: If families move during the school year, they are asked to notify the school office. The student’s records will be sent to the new school upon written request.

School Pictures: Individual pictures will be taken in the Fall and Spring. Class pictures will be taken in the spring. Fall pictures must be paid for on picture day. Parents will receive individual spring pictures prior to paying for them. Pictures or money for the pictures must be returned to the office.

Textbooks: School textbooks are provided at no cost to all students. However, if the student loses a book or there is excessive damage, parents will be asked to pay a fee for the damage or replacement. Failure to pay for replaced or damaged books may result in legal action.

Asbestos: It is the intention of the Calhoun County Board of Education to comply with all Federal and State regulations controlling asbestos, and to take whatever steps necessary to ensure students and employees a healthy and safe environment in which to learn and work. You are welcome to review a copy of the Asbestos Management Plan in our School District Administrative office, or the Administrative office of any school during regular business hours. The Maintenance /Transportation Supervisor is our designated Asbestos Program Coordinator, and all inquiries regarding asbestos management and asbestos-related issues should be directed to that person at: 304-354-7011 extension 15

Personal Belongings: Students are responsible for personal items brought to school. Do not bring radios, trading cards, bay blades, laser wands, shoe skates, cell phones, cameras, electronic games/devices, or chewing gum to school. No items may be traded at school or on the school bus. Knives or other weapons, alcoholic beverages, drugs, and all tobacco products are strictly forbidden. Bringing these items to school is a severe offense and subject to all state and county laws and policies. There is a lost-and-found container for all misplaced student items. Lost-and-found items will periodically be donated to the local mission.

Closed Campus/School Visitors: Arnoldsburg Elementary School operates a closed campus. Students must remain on the school grounds from the time they arrive until dismissal

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or until they are picked up by person designated on the student’s information sheets as having those rights or the bus (for required procedures on leaving school early see our section on “Early Dismissal from School”). ALL VISITORS must report to the office to sign in and obtain a visitors pass. No student is allowed to bring other students or relatives to school to visit or to attend classes.

Security System: The Calhoun County Board of Education has provided a security system at all schools. All exterior doors are locked. Visitors may gain admittance by pushing the call button at the main entrance. School personnel will then unlock the doors.

Field trips: All school-related field trips may include parents. However, parents wishing to participate in the field trip or provide their child transportation to and from trip must obtain written permission from principal and cover all costs for transportation and parents’ participation in the field trip. Parents must follow buses on the trip and then join their child’s class. A student must stay with their class at all times. Parents who wish to sign their child out after the trip must see a chaperone to obtain the sign out sheet. Parents and visitors on the trip are subject to school policies and rules. Field trips are a privilege not a right. Students may be excluded due to inappropriate behavior. The school will assume the child may participate on field trips unless notified by a parent/guardian. In-county activities using Calhoun County transportation do not require parental permission. Please contact the principal with questions or concerns.

Student Dress Code: It is the policy of this school that the students will conform to the prescribed student dress code. The intent of the administration is to be fair and reasonable on student attire while maintaining good order and discipline in the school. Students should dress comfortably according to existing weather conditions and do so in good taste. Students need to dress and come to school clean and neatly groomed to reflect the high expectations that we all have for our students. In general, if the student is not sure his/her clothing is suitable, the student should wear something else.

Blouses/shirts/dresses with “spaghetti” straps, halter-tops, and single-sleeve or single-strap blouses/shirts may not be worn as outer garments. However, they may be worn under a jacket, blazer or similar garment, or an open or unbuttoned shirt. If any of the aforementioned clothing items are worn, the outer garment must be properly worn at all times. Tube tops may not be worn.

Sleeveless shirts or blouses may be worn. The garment must fit in a manner that does not expose the area immediately below the armpit (male and female students). The chest area may not be exposed below an imaginary line from armpit to armpit. The student’s back may not be exposed.

Students may not wear clothing that is “see-through” or made of sheer material that allows any undergarment or the body to be visible through the material, e.g., meshes shirts or sheer blouses.

The length of shorts and skirts will be no shorter than mid-thigh. Pants with holes are currently fashionable however no holes shall be above the mid-thigh.

Students should wear clothing and shoes that allows participation in physical education classes, especially tennis shoes, which allow the child to run safely. Flip-flops are not appropriate for school day activities and are strongly discouraged because they pose a risk to student’s safety.

Clothing with crude or inappropriate slogans or pictures is not permitted to be worn in school.

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Hats and sunglasses are not to be worn in school. Jewelry including neckwear or wristbands with spikes; “cat of nine tails;” rings with spikes or raised emblems such as a skull, which could cause injury; and other similar items are prohibited.

Physical Education and Recess: No flip flops, boots or heels.

Flowers to students: Flowers sent to students will not be permitted on buses if they contain a glass vase or balloons.

Fundraising: Fundraisers provide important benefits to Arnoldsburg Elementary School and parents and students are encouraged to participate. No fundraising by outside organizations is allowed in the school without permission from the principal.

Parents Right to Know: Parents have the right to request information about the professional qualifications of their child’s teachers and paraprofessionals. You may inquire about: WV certification requirements for subjects and grade levels, any waiver of these requirements, requirements for NCLB highly qualified status, educational level and subject area of majors, paraprofessional qualifications (if your child receives services from a paraprofessional). If your child is taught for more than 20 days by a substitute or other teacher who does not meet the requirements to be considered highly qualified, you will be notified.

Pesticide Application: Arnoldsburg Elementary School adheres to an Integrated Pest Management Plan in accordance with the rules of WV Department of Agriculture. Pesticides are classified as Levels 1 to 4 depending upon the degree of hazard associated with their application. As a parent you have the right to be notified if and when Level 3 or 4 pesticides are to be applied. To receive such notification, please write or call the school.

Emergency School Closing Procedures

The safety of students and school personnel is of utmost importance. Emergency situations sometimes occur that warrant the closing of school.

What should parents do to assist school authorities in emergency situations?Have a radio and/or TV available to listen for announcements of school closing. Please note that during an early dismissal all available phone lines are very busy. Do not call the school regarding school closing; instead, listen to the radio and TV stations listed below, or obtain this information by calling the Calhoun County Board of Education School Closing Number: (304) 354-7011, extension 35.

What procedures will be followed if school is cancelled before the normal dismissal time?Efforts will be made to keep all schools open for a full day; however, it may be advisable to dismiss classes earlier than normal. When this occurs, all radio and TV stations will be notified and the emergency closing announcements will be made at the earliest possible time.

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Unless the school principal or teacher is properly notified in advance, each child will be released from school to return home in the regular manner. Please fill out the Emergency Dismissal form in the student packet and return to school promptly. Notification to the school of special circumstances for a child to follow should be in writing and signed by the parent or guardian. School board policy prohibits releasing a child from the school to anyone except the child’s parent or guardian unless specific permission is given by the parent or guardian to school authorities.

MAKE SURE CHILDREN KNOW WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT THE PARENT IS NOT AT HOME WHEN AN EARLY DISMISSAL OCCURS.How are parents, students, and the community notified when school are closed or delayed? When the decision is made to close school or delay school, the following radio and television stations are notified to make the appropriate announcements:

Television RadioWSAZ Channel 3 Huntington WVPG Public RadioWCHS Channel 8 Charleston WVRC FM 104.7 SpencerWBOY Channel 12 Clarksburg WXIL FM 95.1 ParkersburgWOWK Channel 13 Huntington

As time warrants, a ParentLink call might be made. Please make any contact information update requests in writing.

Medication and Head Lice Policies

Parents/Guardians may contact Trudi Anderson, (Calhoun County School Nurse) at AES on Wednesday’s at extension 115. In case of an emergency you may also contact Trudi at CMHS 354-6148 ext. 219, or PHE 354-6022 (on Monday’s). If Trudi is unavailable please leave a message and she will contact you as soon as possible.

Prescribed Medication:1. In order for medication to be given to students at school, a county form must be completed by a physician and turned into the office.2. The physician’s order must include: A. Student’s identifying information such as name and date of birth B. Name of the medication C. Dosage D. Reason for giving the medication E. Time to be given F. Signature of the physician G. Reason the medication must be given at school3. All medication must be in the original container, and labeled with the student’s name. Upon request of the parent or guardian, most pharmacies

will label an additional medication bottle for school use, free of charge. Medicine must be transported to the office by the parent.

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Non-prescription Medication:Non-prescription medication may also be given to students at school. Non-prescribed medication shall be in the manufacturer’s original packaging clearly marked with the following: student’s name (affixed to original manufacturer’s bottle); name of medication; ingredients; dosage, time and route; reconstitution directions, if applicable; medication expiration date. The county medication order form must be completed by the parent and the form and medicine turned into the office by the parent.

Definition of Medication:Any drug or remedy used in the maintenance of health, and prevention and treatment of disease and illness. This includes, but is not limited to: Prescription medications of all types, including inhalers and EpiPens; non-prescription medications (over-the-counter), including pain relievers, cough syrup, cough drops, antacids, cold/flu remedies, topical medications such as anti-itch creams or toothache medicines.

Parent/ Guardian/Student Responsibilities: a) must have physician complete county form for administration of medication at school, b) Replenish the school’s supply of medication, c) Correct dosage is delivered to school, d) the student will consume the medication to be given at school, e) Obtaining doctor’s orders if there are changes in the medication, such as dosage, and frequency in writing.

Unused Medication:If a medication has been discontinued, has expired, or the end of the school year arrives, and the student has medication left over, it must be picked up by a responsible adult within one week of discontinuation or the end of the school year. If the medication is not picked up, it will be disposed of in an appropriate manner by the school nurse.

The parent may decline this policy and be responsible for coming to school and personally administering any medication to their child.

Confidentiality and Documentation:Student information related to diagnosis, medications ordered and medications given must be maintained according to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and in such a manner that no one could view these records without proper authorization.

Head Lice:  TITLE: Pediculosis (Head Lice)

Purpose:It is the policy of the Calhoun County Board of Education that any student attending school with pediculosis shall be excluded from school until the student has been treated with an effective pediculicide and all live lice have been removed. Definitions: Head Lice (Pediculosis capitus) are small parasitic insects that live on the scalp and neck hairs of their human hosts. Physically they have remained unchanged for 2000 years. Lice are not a serious health threat because they do not cause illness. Complications related to infestation are rare: pruritis (itching) is the most common problem. Head lice can be a nuisance but they have never been shown to spread disease. Personal Hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice. Head lice eggs are called nits. Nits are the egg casing that contain a developing embryo or can be the empty shell. Nits are laid by the adult female louse and are attached to the base of the hair shaft by strong cement. They are located close to the scalp because they require body heat for incubation. Many nits are more than ¼ inch from the scalp. Such nits are usually not viable and are very unlikely to hatch to become crawling lice. Rationale:

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The American Association of Pediatrics, The National Association of School Nurses and The West Virginia Council of School Nurses does not support the exclusion of children for nits. The presence of nits alone does not indicate an active infestation; exclusion of the children for nits alone could result in missing school unnecessarily and could result in poor academic performance. Process:

The school nurse or designee will assess the student in a private location for the presence of live head lice If live head lice is found the parent/guardian will be notified and the student shall be excluded until treatment is completed and there is

not live lice found. (Nits may persist after treatment, but successful treatment should kill crawling lice) Students with nits greater than ¼ inch from the scalp will not be excluded, but the parent will be notified and made aware of the

situation. In all situations the parent/guardian will be educated with the appropriate health information for the treatment and prevention of

pediculosis. After treatment of live lice the student will be checked on their return to school. If they are found to have no live lice they will be

permitted to return to class, if live lice are still found they will be sent home again. The student will be excused for one full day following the day the live lice were detected. Any additional days will be considered un-

excused unless written documentation is provided from a licensed health care provider. Students that have continual issues with live head lice will be assessed, reeducated and will have a parent meeting scheduled with the

school nurse for reeducation. Reference:Centers for Disease Control and PreventionWV Council of School Nurses-Recommendations for Public School Lice Policy/Procedure ADOPTION DATE: 07/07/14

Additional Policies

Notification of Rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Arnoldsburg Elementary School wants parents/guardians of students to have a clear understanding of the content of student records, how records are handled, and rights with regard to those records.

Rights:1) To inspect and review the student’s education records, 2) To request that a school correct records which you believe to be inaccurate or misleading, 3) Schools must have written permission from the parent/guardian in order to release any information from a student’s education record. Records may be disclosed to school officials with legitimate educational interest, another school to which the student transferred certain officials for audit or evaluation purposes, parties connected to financial aid to students, accrediting organizations, comply with judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, appropriate officials in case of health and safety emergencies, state and local authorities within a juvenile justice system.

Schools may disclose, without consent, “directory” information such as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. Schools must tell parents and students about directory information and parents have until September 18th or 15 days after enrollment, whichever is later, to request that schools do not disclose this information.

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In some cases, the following personally identifiable information, which will not be released without prior consent, may be maintained in a separate, confidential file: 1) Social history, 2) Medical records, 3) Special Education, 4) Discipline records, 5) Legal records.In order to protect the privacy of student data and any confidential information, Arnoldsburg Elementary School will adhere strictly to the laws designed to safeguard such information.

Tobacco Control Policy: Arnoldsburg Elementary School prohibits the use of tobacco products in the school building and on school grounds according to WV Codes 16-9A-3 and 16-9A-4 and WV State Board Policy 2422.5A.

Bullying, Harassment, and Intimidation Policy Summary Statement : No person on school property or attending any school-related activity or any education-sponsored event shall engage in bullying, harassment, or intimidation. According to W.Va. Code 18-2c-2, bullying, harassment, and/or intimidation is an intentional gesture, or any written, verbal or physical act, or threat that will have the effect of:  harming an individual; placing an individual in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person; damaging an individual’s property; placing an individual in reasonable fear of damage to his/her property.

Racial, Sexual, Religious/Ethnic Harassment and Violence Policy: Racial, sexual, religious/ethnic harassment and violence will be defined as unwelcome attention and/or verbal and physical conduct related to sex, race, religion, or ethnicity. Harassment and violence is prohibited among staff members, between staff and students, and between staff and students and members of the public on school property or at school sponsored events. Some examples of harassment as addressed by these policies may include but are not limited to: unwelcome touching or other physical contact, obscene gesturing, sexual name calling, ethnic or racial slurs, threats, insults, or assaults against someone due to their sex, race, religion, or ethnic group.

TITLE I - Parent Involvement Policy

Arnoldsburg Elementary School Parental Involvement Policy Part 1 General Expectations AES agrees to implement the following statutory requirements: Consistent with section 118, the school will work with its meaningful consultation with parents of participating children. Consistent with section 1118, school will work with its parents to ensure that the required school-level parental involvement policies meet the requirements of section 1118(b) of the ESEA. The school will provide full participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, including providing information and school reports required under section 1111 of the ESEA in an understandable and uniform format and, including alternative formats upon request, and, to the extent practicable, in a language parents understand. If the school plan for Title 1, Part A, developed under section 1112 of the ESEA, is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, the school will submit any parent comments with the plan when the school submits the plan to the State Department of Education. The school will involve the parents of children served in Title 1, Part A schools in decisions about how the 1 percent of Title 1, Part A funds reserved for parental involvement is spent, and will ensure that not less than 95 percent of the one percent reserved goes directly to the schools. The school procedures in accordance with this definition: Parent involvement means the participation of parents in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities, including ensuring: (A) that parents play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning;(B) that parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education at school; (C) that parents are full partners in their child’s education and are included, as appropriate in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child; (D) the carrying out of other activities, such as those described in section 1118 of the ESEA. The school will inform parents and parental organizations of the purpose and

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existence of the county Parent-Educator Resource Center and the Parental Information and Resource Center in the State.

AES will take the following actions to involve parents in the joint development of its parental involvement plan under section 1112 of the ESEA: 1. Request comment/ suggestions on the district plan from the elected parent representatives of the School Improvement Council of each Title 1 school, and Send a written request for comments/suggestions on the district plan to all parents. 2. AES will take the following action to involve Parents in the process of school review and improvement under section 1116 of the ESEA: Request comments/suggestions on the school plan from the elected parent representatives of the School Improvement Councils of each Title 1 school. Include parents on the annual planning team for the school plan. 3. AES will provide the following necessary coordination, technical assistance, and other support to assist Title 1, Part A schools in planning and implementing effective parental involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance. Provide written suggestions to parents on how they can support their children’s achievement. 4. AES will coordinate and integrate parental involvement strategies in Part A with parental involvement strategies under the following other programs. 5. AES will take the following actions to conduct, with the involvement of parents, and annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of this parental involvement policy in improving the quality of its Title 1, Part A school: AES will build the school’s and parents’ capacity for strong parental involvement, in order to ensure effective involvement of parents and to support a partnership among the school, the school will, with the assistance of its Title 1, Part A schools, provide assistance to parents of children served by the school in understanding topics such as the following: the State’s academic content standards, the

State’s student academic achievement standards, the State and local academic content standards, including alternate assessments; the school will provide materials and training to help parents work with their children to improve their children’s academic achievement; the school will educate its teachers, principal and other staff in how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners and build ties between parents and school; the school will to the extent feasible and appropriate, coordinate and integrate parental involvement programs and activities with Head Start, Preschool, Reading First, Early Reading First, Even Start, & Home Instruction Programs; the school will ensure that information related to the school and parent program meetings will be in language the parents can understand. Title 1 teachers will include newsletters, publication to the local newspaper and on-line sources.

TIPS FOR PARENTS

Make sure your child gets to bed early and eats a good breakfast Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit place to do homework Help your child set a time each day for doing homework Be positive about homework When your child asks for help, provide guidance, not answers Reward progress in homework Stay in touch with your child’s teacher (phone calls, notes, e-mail) Watch your child for signs of frustration Help your child become more organized Organization is key to success

School Complaint Procedures:

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A complaint can be defined as a clear statement of dissatisfaction about any aspect of a school’s work, including access issues under the LEA Access Strategy. Complaints may be written, made by telephone or in person. Complainants can be anyone with an interest in the work of the school, although it is expected that it will be mainly parent/guardians that will make use of the following procedure. Step 1Parents may raise concerns with school staff without any formality. Parents are given the opportunity to discuss their complaint with the appropriate member of staff. The member of the staff endeavors to resolve the complaint. The parent is made aware what action (if any) the school proposes to take. Step 2If the parent is not satisfied with the solution in Step 1, the parent may call the office to set up an appointment with the Principal to discuss the complaint. The teacher may or may not sit in on the meeting. A decision will be made by the Principal based on the information provided.

Appeal Procedures for Citizens:

GeneralThe purpose of the appeal procedure is to provide a way for citizens to work with the county board of education and administrative officials in seeking solutions to problems. Both the school and the citizenry of the community are better served when a sincere effort is made to find constructive solutions to problems. An appeal is a claim by one or more citizens of a violation of state law or the policies, rules and regulation of the West Virginia Board of Education. The written appeal will identify the specific state law or State Board policy, rule or regulation which is claimed to be violated, and shall include as much information as possible to describe the alleged violation.

Appeals Forms are available at the Office of the State Superintendent of Schools, the Calhoun County Board of Education office or the school.

Title IX:

Arnoldsburg Elementary School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, handicapping condition, marital status or national origin in employment or in its programs and activities. Inquiries may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator, Calhoun County Board of Education, Mt. Zion, WV 26151, Phone Number (304) 354-7011; to the Elimination of Sex Discrimination Coordinator, WV Dept. of Education (304) 588-7865; or the U.S. Department of Education’s Director of the Office for Civil Rights. (212) 596-6795.

** All Calhoun County Schools policies can be found on the Calhoun County Schools website: http://calhoun-k12.wvnet.edu/boe

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