Cashwell Elementary Families,

The Faculty and Staff of Elizabeth Cashwell Classical Elementary School extend a warm welcome to each of you! We look forward to a productive 2018-2019 school year! Our aim is to provide high quality, well-rounded educational experience for all students. I extend a sincere and warm invitation for you to come and take part in your child’s education. Students are encouraged to participate in the educational opportunities provided at Cashwell Classical Elementary School.

This handbook provides important information regarding the procedures for our school. Please read it carefully. Review this handbook with your child. We encourage you to keep this document close throughout the school year to use as a reference for policies and procedures. If you have any questions, please call the number listed above for clarification. Information contained in this handbook may also be found on our school website.

Again, we are excited to welcome you to a great new school year of learning. As we all strive to “Work Hard…Be Smart”, you are your child’s most important teacher. We will work as a team to create the best leaders for tomorrow. We Need You! Come and share our vision of excellence in education. We look forward to a strong, supportive relationship.

Kim Robertson, Principal

MISSION STATEMENT

We, the family of E. Cashwell Classical are committed to the 3 Rs of Education:

• Relationships

• Relevance

• Rigor

Relationships are a top priority of our school. We believe in providing a safe, caring and supportive environment in which students and those involved in our school thrive.

Relevance in our school provides continual evaluation of student achievement, uses the most current research-based teaching strategies for student learning and is guided by the essential question “ What does this child need to succeed?”

Rigor is provided by teachers that continually grow as professionals. At Cashwell, a rigorous focus is placed on a strong Character Education program that engages students and maintains high expectations from all who learn here.

Come, be a part of the Cashwell Classical Family!

ATTENDANCE 

Attendance at school for children in North Carolina between the ages of 7 and 16 is mandatory. The following constitute valid/lawful absences from school, provided satisfactory evidence of excuse is provided: illness or injury, quarantine, court or administrative proceedings, bonafide religious observations, or educational opportunity (the Educational Opportunity form must be completed and approved by the principal prior to the absence). Parent notes should include the date of the absence, the specific reason for the absence, and the signature of the parent. Excessive absences are detrimental to student success. A doctor’s note is required when a student accumulates 5 or more excused absences.

If the teacher does not receive a written note within 3 days of the student returning to school for the child’s absence, the absence will be coded unlawful. All other excuses, including vacations and leave periods, are unexcused/unlawful absences. After an accumulation of 3 unlawful absences, a letter of notification will be sent to parents. If you receive a letter, please be advised that you may be in violation of the compulsory attendance law. The school social worker will be notified and you may be prosecuted if these absences cannot be justified. We would, of course, like to avoid such actions by soliciting your cooperation in helping your child maintain regular school attendance.

Students will receive recognition for perfect attendance each grading period only if the student is present every day. Tardies and/or early checkouts cannot exceed three each nine-week grading period to qualify for recognition.

TARDIES 

The warning bell rings at 8:25 am.  You must sign your child in if you arrive at or after the tardy bell.  It is very important that students arrive on time daily to set a pattern of responsible behavior for the future. If a child is tardy, a parent or legal guardian must come into the office, sign your child in and obtain a computer-generated pass to class for your child.  Your child is considered tardy if he/she arrives at or after the 8:30 am tardy bell. We stress the importance of being on time and ready to begin the day. Work habits for later years are being established, so let us work together to eliminate tardies. Students picked up late, tardies and early checkouts cannot exceed three in a nine-week grading period to qualify for perfect attendance recognition.  Special incentives are provided for students that maintain superior attendance such as a dress down pass for the day or having lunch with a student’s buddy classmate.   

PROTECTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL TIME 

Phone calls to teachers will not be forwarded to classrooms during instructional time. A message will be placed in the teacher’s box to return your call. You may also use e-mail to contact the teacher and will find this information on our school web site: eces@ccs.k12.nc.us

All visitors are required to report to the school office upon entering the building. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to visit and volunteer in the school. Teachers are not able to conference with parents while students are under their supervision from 7:45-3:20. The instructional day is short, so conference time between parent and teacher needs to be scheduled before or after school, or during resource time. Please contact the teacher for a time convenient for both of you.

Anyone that does visit the school campus needs to report to the office and sign in. It is important that the office be aware of any visitors on campus or in the building for security reasons.

DAILY SCHEDULE

Bus riders/Carpool/Walkers — 7:45 am (arrival)

Breakfast — 7:45-8:20 am

1^st Bell- Students in place — 8:25 am

Tardy Bell — 8:30 am

Day Care Dismissal  and Bus — 3:05 pm

Car Pool Dismissal — 3:10 pm

CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT POLICY 

Cumberland County Board of Education’s Policy states that no staff member shall excuse any pupil from school or class prior to the end of the school day or class, or into any person’s custody, without the direct prior approval and knowledge of the principal or his/her designee. Also “no student shall be permitted to leave school early under     any conditions without parents’/guardians’ written authorization and permission of the principal or his/her designee.”

In view of the above policy, Elizabeth Cashwell Classical Elementary School will observe the following “check-in/check-out” procedures:

1. Students will not be released from class without following the proper checkout procedures at any time during the school day.
2. The individual, who is dropping the student off at school, must “check in” students who report to school at or after 8:30 am. A computer-generated tardy slip is presented to the student, by the parent, for the homeroom teacher.
3. The person picking students up must “check out” students leaving during the school day through the office. This person must provide picture identification to the front office staff.
4. Students must be picked up by a parent or guardian or bring written permission from the parent or guardian if being picked up by someone else. Office personnel must verify the written permission.  Any custodial issues must have court-documented paperwork on file with our data manager.
5. Parents picking up students must report directly to the office to sign the student out. Students will be called from class on the intercom. Teachers will not release students without notification from the office. To limit learning disruptions, we ask that parents wait in the office for students.
6. Students are not released for checking out after 2:30 p.m. Teachers are concluding lessons and preparing the students for dismissal. After 2:00 pm is a very busy time for us and we appreciate your cooperation with this policy. 

WITHDRAWING AND TRANSFERRING

1. Notify the school office and the classroom teacher several days in advance of the intent to transfer.
2. All books or other items belonging to the school must be turned in or reimbursement made prior to withdrawing the student. When the data manager confirms fees are paid, the transfer paperwork will be released.
3. The withdrawal form must be signed by the teacher, librarian, cafeteria manager and principal to obtain clearance to send records to the new school. We will not interrupt instructional time for an employee to complete his/her portion of the form. We request at least a 24-hour notice so that the withdrawal form can be completed and that confirmation of fees is paid in full.
4. On the day of withdrawal, the parent must come to the school and pick up the transfer form.
5. Any student that leaves school before the end of the term and does not enroll at their new location will be marked absent and are subject to North Carolina laws regarding attendance. A home visit will be conducted by our social worker. Grades will reflect any work missed during the absences of the final days. The principal must clear students who do not complete the school year. Report cards will not be released before the end of the day on the last day of school.

CHANGE IN TRANSPORTATION 

It is the parent’s responsibility to inform the school in writing if there is to be a change in the regular mode of transportation from school for a child.  We cannot accept the child’s word that there has been a change in the mode of transportation on a given day. Unless notified in writing, we will send your child home in the regular established manner. We cannot make transportation changes over the telephone. Any change in bus transportation must have the approval of the principal/designee.

FIELD TRIPS

Elizabeth Cashwell Classical Elementary School students will have the opportunity to go on educational field trips during the school year. Field trips are part of the Common Core State Standards and lessons are attached to all field trips. Field trips are for students. Additional adult chaperones to monitor students may be needed. Chaperone safety duties will always include supervising small groups of students on the bus, in restrooms, and at the field trip destinations. Only Cashwell Elementary students are permitted to attend field trips. If you are asked to chaperone, please do not bring children that are not Cashwell Elementary students. Chaperones are invited by the teacher to assist and will ride the school bus or charter bus depending on the make-up of the field trip. For your child’s safety and the safety of all students, we ask that you do not caravan behind, in front of or around school buses or charter buses during a field trip. Student Uniform dress code will be in place for field trips. Fees include entry to locations and transportation. The fee is shared among all students and chaperones, therefore, refunds are not permitted.  Chaperones must have an accepted School Volunteer background check completed before the field trip.

SCHOOL DELAYS DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER 

In the event of inclement weather or an emergency, all students will be released at a time designated by the Board of Education. The dismissal time will be announced repeatedly on all radio stations and area TV stations.  A telephone message will also be sent to the primary phone number you have provided the school. Ensure our school has correct phone numbers.  School-wide and community-wide communication will be phoned to you, especially in the event of an emergency. 

ENSURE WE HAVE ACCURATE PHONE NUMBERS AND ADDRESS FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR CHILD 

The buses will run regular routes. If you cannot be home, please arrange for childcare with a friend or family member. Please discuss this possibility with your child(ren) to better prepare them in case this situation occurs.

• The established early dismissal time for all schools is two hours earlier than regular dismissal time.
• Make up days for inclement weather will be announced as the need arises.
• Breakfast will not be served if a two-hour delay is announced. Please ensure your child eats breakfast at home.
• Lunch will be
• Students must be at the bus stop 10 minutes prior to the established pick-up time.

SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION 

In an effort to ensure the safety and wellbeing of each student who rides a bus, and to avoid confusion later on, the following Bus Discipline Policy has been established. It outlines rules and expectations so that each student may have a safe bus ride to and from school.  Pre-K and kindergarten students must be met at the bus stop by a parent or responsible adult.  A waiver must be signed in order for a 1^st grade or 2nd-grade student to walk home unattended from the designated bus stop.  This waiver will be sent home on the first day of school or inside the registration packet.

ACCORDING TO THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY SCHOOLS CODE OF CONDUCT HANDBOOK:

School transportation service is a privilege, it is not a right. While riding a school bus, students must obey the directives of the school bus driver for the safety of all riders.  Failure to adhere to established rules of conduct may lead to suspension from the bus and/or school. The following conduct is specifically prohibited:

1. Delaying the bus schedule. ADULTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BOARD A SCHOOL BUS.
2. Fighting, smoking, using profanity or refusing to obey the driver’s instructions.
3. Tampering with or willfully damaging the school bus or equipment.
4. Possessing or using drugs or intoxicating beverages.
5. Boarding or getting off at an unauthorized stop.
6. Distracting the driver’s attention by participating in disruptive behavior.
7. Failing to observe established safety rules and regulations.
8. Willfully trespassing upon a school bus.
9. Violating any other rule of the Student Code of Conduct while on the school bus, at the bus stop, or on any other school vehicle.
10. Any object that is considered a weapon according to the CCS CODE OF CONDUCT.

The Assistant Principal or Principal will handle any inappropriate behaviors demonstrated by students that have been reported by the bus driver. 

ASSIGNED BUSES

School buses pick students up at neighborhood entrances and street corners. Bus stops in front of homes are not permitted. All students living more than 1 mile from our school should ride a school bus. Most buses are new and equipped with the latest safety features. Drivers are experienced and love driving your children to and from school. 

WALKERS

Students walking to school should select the safest and most direct route.

CAR RIDERS

Students living within a mile of Elizabeth Cashwell Classical Elementary School are considered car riders. All other students with the exception of “out of district” students are asked to ride the school bus or day care transportation due to limited space on our campus for vehicles. 

Morning Procedure:

Drop off begins at 7:45 am in front of the school.   School supervision begins at 7:45. It is unsafe to leave your child unsupervised.  Drivers are required to pull as far forward at the main office entrance as possible to clear Legion Road of non-moving traffic. Those parents walking students to class will need to park in the parent parking lot. Do not park in the front (flag area) of the school to walk students in the building between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 8:20 a.m.  It is not safe to cross in front of cars unloading.   During this time, the front of the school is considered a “drop off zone.” This area is not a safe area to cross and may impede the traffic flow. Parking spaces located in front of the school is available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The tardy bell rings at 8:30. Students must be signed in tardy at 8:30 and after.

Afternoon Procedure:

Carpool is for students living within a mile of our school. All other students should ride a school bus or utilize PRIME TIME or other daycare faculty.  With 700+ students and 100 staff members, you can understand our facility cannot accommodate a high number of vehicles.  The carpool area is on the north side of our campus in the teacher parking lot. The carpool bell rings at 3:10 and students will begin loading at 3:12 pm. Parents remain in your car and students will be placed in your vehicle. On days of inclement weather students will be called out of building G and H. Please be patient on inclement weather days. If you wish to walk up and get your child, park in the parent parking lot directly in front of our school and walk to the Pre-K playground.

IMMUNIZATIONS 

ENSURE PROPER IMMUNIZATIONS BEFORE YOUR CHILD BEGINS SCHOOL.  This will prevent unnecessary absences, as students will not be allowed to attend without required immunizations. 

North Carolina General Statute # 130A-1569 (a) requires the parent or legal guardian to furnish proof of the following immunizations:

• 5 doses DTP*/Dtap- Five doses: no pertussis on or after age 7; series complete if a 4^th dose is on/after the fourth birthday; 3 doses Td requires if series began on or after the 7^th
• 4 doses Oral Polio*/IPV – Four doses of vaccine; Series complete if a 3^rd dose is given on or after the 4^th birthday, no polio on or after age18.
• 2 MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)- Measles: Two doses at least 30 days apart, first dose on or after 12 months of age, second dose before K-1 entry, two doses required if the child entered K-1 on or after 07/01/1994. Mumps/Rubella: One dose on or after 12 months of age.
• 3 Hepatitis –B- three doses series required for K-1 entry, if born on or after 07/01/1994
• 1-2 HIB*- Hib is not given if the child is 5 years or older; 4 (or three if PedvaxHib) doses in primary series; Series complete at least 1 dose given on or after 07/01/1994.
• 1 dose Varicella given on or after 12 months of age if born on or after 04/01/01. If proper evidence has not been presented, in a timely manner, that the required immunizations have been completed, we have no choice but to dismiss your child until evidence is shown. The dismissal will be sent to you, the Health Department, Cumberland County Schools Healthful Living Department, and a copy will be kept on file in your child’s record. 

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT 

Each student has been provided a copy of the Cumberland County Schools “Student Code of Conduct”. Students are responsible for knowing the rules of our school. Please review this booklet with your child. The faculty and staff at Elizabeth Cashwell Classical Elementary School fully support and implement the rules and policies contained therein on a consistent basis. 

NON-EDUCATIONAL ITEMS AT SCHOOL 

Students are prohibited from bringing items such as an item resembling a weapon, electronic games, mobile phones, sunglasses, candy, shoes with wheels, trading cards, fidget-spinners not documented in his/her IEP, and/or other questionable items. These items will be confiscated and placed in an administrative office, and students will be informed that their parents must pick up the items in question.

TIGER CUB CARDS

TIGER CUB CARDS are designed to promote success at Elizabeth Cashwell for all students. The cards are issued to students on a daily basis, including while riding on the school bus, to students that demonstrate the following:

• Display excellent behavior
• Utilize appropriate manners with peers, adults, and in the cafeteria
• Complete homework assignments
• Move around campus in an orderly and quiet fashion
• Participate in class
• Show good sportsmanship
• Bring materials needed for class (pencil, paper, etc.)
• Follow the rules of the classroom

SCHOOL ADMISSION POLICY 

To be eligible to attend Cashwell Classical Elementary School, the child, or his parent, guardian, or person having lawful control of the child shall reside in the attendance area or have been approved to attend by the Superintendent of Schools through the student assignment office. 

CALENDAR INFORMATION

Please visit the following websites to see important dates before, during and after the school year: 

• ccs.k12.nc.us/google-calendar
• eces.k12.nc.us/calendars 

CLUBS AND TEAMS

• Chorus Club
• Art Club
• Safety Patrol
• Battle of the Books Team
• Strings Class- (5th-grade students only)
• Beta Club
• Spelling Bee Contest
• Civic Oration Team Contest
• Science Olympiad Team
• Color Guard
• Young Ladies of Distinction
• Young Men of Distinction 

LOST AND FOUND

Any personal belongings found on school grounds should be turned in to the office to be placed in the lost and found box. Any student missing personal belongings should check for them in the lost and found box. The school cannot be responsible for money, books, clothing, etc. left unattended. Items that have not been claimed after a reasonable amount of time will be turned over to a charitable organization. Please write your child’s name in their belongings.

SAFETY DRILLS 

A variety of safety drills are conducted throughout the year. The State Law requires fire drills at regular intervals. Tornado drills and school lockdowns will be held periodically. It is essential that everyone obeys orders promptly and follows prescribed procedures immediately.

PARTIES/CELEBRATIONS SCHEDULE 

1. All students’ birthdays will be recognized through our “Principal Birthday Luncheon” on a monthly basis, and birthdays are also recognized on the daily morning announcements. DO NOT BRING CUPCAKES OR SNACKS TO CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY AT SCHOOL.
2. There are a number of reasons why we say NO to individual requests:
   • To protect instructional time
   • For the health and safety of our students, precautions must be used in regards to what we allow students to eat. There are specific requirements by the Health Department regarding the preparation and serving of food to children. (We are regulated and monitored by the health department)
3. Many students are made to feel left out.
4. Teachers are permitted 2 celebrations events per school year; birthdays of individual students are not these two celebrations. Teachers will plan for the last school day at Winter Break and the last school day of the school year for these two celebrations.

PROMOTION

The Cumberland County Board of Education holds high expectations for all students and believes staff, students, parents, and the community must share accountability for student achievement. Local student standards and performance guidelines are based on the need for students to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, mathematics, and a belief in the need to provide early and ongoing assistance to students who are not performing at proficient levels. It is imperative that promotion standards be rigorous enough to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to be successful at the next grade level. Recognizing the state’s guidelines for the retention, the Board of Education acknowledges the necessity of thoughtful decisions regarding retaining students. The complex dimensions of all promotion/retention decisions make clear that each child’s placement deserves to be decided on its own merits. Our Student Services Team, which parents are always a member of, will meet to discuss student progress when Tier I strategies the classroom teacher has in place show a need to be intensified to a Tier II or Tier III Level.

The school principal has the ultimate responsibility for promotion/retention decisions in accordance with General Statue 115C-288(a) and in alignment with local board policy. 

MEDICAL CONCERNS 

Parents need to make us aware of a student who requires medication on a periodic basis during the school hours, or who has a medical condition, which might require emergency procedures, (such as bee stings, diabetes, breathing problems, etc.)  If your child has such a medical condition, you should indicate this on the School Health Form. As conditions arise that require your child to take prescription medication during the school day, please contact the school office. Should your child need to take prescription medications, a school medical form must be completed by a physician. Non-prescription medication should not be brought to school. 

MEDICATION POLICY

DO NOT SEND COUGH DROPS, ASPIRIN, INHALERS, OR ANY OTHER MEDICINE TO SCHOOL WITH

YOUR CHILD. Parents must obtain a Physician’s School Medication Form from the school in order for personnel to administer a prescribed medicine. Administration of medicine is done in the office. A labeled bottle with the student’s name and the dosage is required and should be left in the school office. A log will be kept of medication administration at school. A parent/guardian must bring the medicine to school and have it logged inappropriately.

We ask for your cooperation and understanding in this procedure.    

PHONE USAGE

Students must acquire permission from their teacher prior to using the telephone. Parents, friends, and relatives are not to call students at school unless there is an emergency. Cell phones are not permitted. Phone calls from deployed parents to recognize a birthday or a special event are always welcome. Working with families to promote the welfare of students is a priority of our mission.

BOOKS AND DAMAGE FEES 

Books assigned by the teacher or checked out from the media center are to be kept neat and clean. Fees will be assessed for damaged or lost books. If books are found, you will receive reimbursement for the current school year only. Report cards and/or transfer documents are held until fees are cleared. 

PRIME TIME AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Primetime is a program at Elizabeth Cashwell Classical Elementary School that offers supervised after school care (3:10 p.m.-6:00 p.m.)

The fees are reasonable and discounts are given to families with two or more children enrolled. Prime Time is sponsored by Cumberland County Schools, but is operated by a separate staff and is not part of our regular day program. For additional information call the Prime Time Director at 678-2451.   

VOLUNTEERS 

Cashwell Elementary welcomes volunteers to assist in the classrooms and for special events. There are many things that volunteers can help do in working with students. Parents whose schedules permit are invited to come on a regular basis, thus allowing the teacher to plan how to best utilize the volunteer time. If your visit disrupts your child’s studies, the teacher may suggest volunteering in another classroom. Any time that you are able to volunteer, either in your student’s classroom or elsewhere in the school, please know you will be welcomed and appreciated. A volunteer logbook is maintained in the office so please remember to sign in and you are required to complete a background check for the safety of our students. 

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION 

The PTA is here to assist you in all aspects of your children’s education and their future. They are very involved in many ways through the wonderful volunteer program set up in the school. Through this program, it enables our volunteers to assist the teachers with many countless jobs such as tutoring children, organizing book-fairs, fundraising, hospitality coordinator, grounds beautification, a quarterly newsletter to parents, or serving on our School Improvement Team to enhance student success.

We welcome each and every volunteer, whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or an extended family member. You need not have a child enrolled at our school to be a member of our wonderful team. Our PTA is an important part of the way our school functions. Members are expected to meet regularly and communicate with our School Improvement Team to enhance student learning and promote success for all.

We look forward to learning about your special talents, interests, and hobbies. If you would like to volunteer and/or need more information, please contact the volunteer coordinator or your child’s teacher, during school hours Monday-Friday at 424-2312. We will be glad to help you and answer any of your questions. Elected positions include President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

FOOD SERVICE 

All students will receive a free breakfast and a free lunch each day. All students and teachers will receive a healthy fruit or vegetable snack three or four days a week through a USDA grant secured by our school. When/if you send a bag lunch we appreciate your sending a well-balanced meal as students will not be able to get the free school lunch. Please make our Cafeteria manager aware of any food allergies.

Breakfast will be served to students from 7:45 a.m. until 8:20 a.m. Breakfast will not be served after that time unless a bus arrives late due to unforeseen circumstances.

Extra cartons of milk are available to purchase. Optional items such as fruits, vegetables, flavored water, regular water, smoothies, and yogurt may be purchased by students depending on availability.

Menu lists can be seen in the Saturday Extra newspaper.

Separate food items such as sodas, chips, and candy are not permitted during lunch. 

DISCLAIMERS

As required by the ESSA, Title I  Information is available at our school to include, but is not limited to the following:

• The School Improvement Plan
• Qualifications of your child’s teacher
• Professional development opportunities for teachers and assistants to ensure highly qualified personnel
• Opportunities for parent involvement and input
• The Cumberland County Schools Improvement Plan and School Parent Involvement Plan
• Cumberland County System Report Card
• School Report Card

Please contact our school and we will be glad to provide you with this information upon request. 

SECTION 504 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT:

No otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall, solely by reason of his/’her disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination from any program or activity of the school. Qualified disabled students are entitled to free appropriate education. Disabled persons who believe they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability may appeal to the person in the school designated to hear said grievances. If still unresolved, grievances may then be appealed to the district ADA/Section 504 Coordinator: Natasha Scott, Cumberland County Schools, P.O. 2357, Fayetteville, N.C. 28302, telephone 678-2433, email is natashascott@ccs.k12.nc.us.

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that governs the maintenance of students’ records. Under this law, parents of students or students (if they are at least 18 years of age) have both the right to inspect records kept by the school about the student and the right to correct inaccuracies in the records. Access to the records by persons other than the parents or the student is limited and generally requires prior consent by the parents of the student. Copies of this policy may be found in the office of the Superintendent and in the Principal’s office of each school within the Cumberland County School System. Complaints about failures of school personnel to comply with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act may be made, in writing to FERPA Office, Federal Building No. 10, 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202. 

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Cumberland County School System inclusive of Elizabeth Cashwell Classical Elementary School not to discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, origin, sex, or handicap in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title IX of 1972 Educational Amendments and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE TITLE IV

Students who believe that they have been mistreated because of sex discrimination in the public school may appeal to the person designated in each school as the one responsible for hearing said complaints. If after appealing to this designated official the student is dissatisfied he/she may submit a request in writing to the Superintendent for a review of the case. The Superintendent or his designated representative will arrange a conference with the student and make a decision regarding the grievance. If the decision rendered by the Superintendent is unsatisfactory to the student, the student shall, within ten days, give written notice to the Superintendent and request a review by the Cumberland County Board of Education. The Board of Education shall render a decision within thirty days of receipt of the grievance. (Adopted September 8, 1975).

UNIFORM POLICY

FILE: JCDB-R

Administrative Procedure for Uniform Dress Implementation

1. Students are expected to adhere to uniform dress policies as developed by the School and approved by the Board of Education.
2. A student may request an exemption from a school’s prescribed uniform dress plan by making the request for exemption to the school principal. Appropriate documentation must accompany the request.
3. Medical exemptions require a doctor’s note that states, in specific terms, the clothing that cannot be worn.
4. Religious exemptions require a copy of applicable doctrine and a letter from an official of the religion with which the student is affiliated.
5. If a student refuses to adhere to an established uniform dress policy and does not claim any of the exemptions stated above, the school will take the following steps as appropriate. A. First Offense:

The school will notify the student and the parents of the specific violation and request a change of clothing from the parent. A letter outlining appropriate uniform dress will be mailed at this time. The student will be given two days to comply. The school will determine if there is a valid need for financial assistance that prevents compliance with the uniform dress policy. The school will provide appropriate resources as needed. B. Second Offense:

The parent will be contacted with a request for a change of clothing for the student. The school will provide a temporary change of clothing that complies with stated policies if needed. A disciplinary conference will be conducted for non-compliance with the policy.

1. Disciplinary violation strikes will not be given.
2. Consequence: In-School-Suspension up to 2 days.

Elementary Schools do not provide In-School-Suspension; therefore, consequences will be at the discretion of the principal.

Subsequent Offenses:

The parent will be contacted with a request for a change of clothing for the student. The school will provide a temporary change of clothing that complies with stated policies if needed. A disciplinary conference will be conducted for non-compliance with the policy.

Consequences: In-School-Suspension up to 2 days.

1. Parents of students who do not meet any of the exemptions, but refuse to cooperate with the policy will be requested to meet with the principal and to write a letter explaining their reasons for non-compliance. Principals will reinforce the value of the policy and the need for complete cooperation. At the request of the principal, the appropriate Executive Director will meet with the parents.

Dress Code Attire

Shirts – Solid White, Black, Light Blue, Navy Blue, or Orange (Polo-Style or Oxford Style Dress Shirt)

Slacks/ Shorts – Navy, Khaki or Black

Jumpers/ Skirt/ Capri – Navy, Khaki or Black

Shoes – Tennis, Topsider, Dress Shoes, Boot or other close-toed shoes

Socks – Solid White, Black, Khaki, or Navy (ankle, knee, tights, hose)

Sweaters – Solid White, Black, Light Blue or Navy, Crewneck, V-Neck, or Cardigan

Blazers – Navy, Black, or Tan

Belts – Navy, Black, Brown, or Tan

Coats – Any Style or Color

Guidelines

School logos are the only acceptable decoration.

Belts will be worn with attire that has belt loops.

Undershirts must be solid white.

Shirt tails must be worn tucked in at all times.

Attire will be neat, clean, and in good repair.

Shoes must cover both the toe and the heel. Shoes with skates are not permitted.

Sweatshirts or other hooded attire is not permitted.

Overalls (long or short) may not be worn.

Shorts, skirts, and jumpers must be below the tips of fingers.

Blue jeans and clothing made of denim fabric may not be worn.

No sagging or baggy clothing is permitted.

Team or Club T-shirts may be worn on competition days.

Bandanas are not permitted.

Ribbons and hair clips may be worn.

Hats will not be worn inside the building.

Cargo, low cut pants, and attire with oversized side pockets are not permitted.