CrozetElementary School
Parent/Student Handbook
2011 – 2012
Soaring to Success!
Crozet Elementary School
Soaring to Success!
Table of Contents
Letter from the Principal…………………………………………………....2
Staff Directory………………………………………………………………….. 3
School Calendar…………………………………………………...... 4
Albemarle County Schools Vision and Mission Statements……5
Crozet Vision Statement…………………………………………………....6
School Improvement Plan (SIP)…………………………………………6
Phone Numbers……………………………………………………………….7
School Hours…………………………………………………………………… 7
Visitors……………………………………………………………………………. 7
EmergencySchool Closing…………………………………………………8
Early Dismissal…………………………………….…………………………… 8
Student Dress and Appearance…….…………………………………….8
Meals Program…………………………………………………………………. 9
Moment of Silence……………………………………………………………. 9
Student Conduct…………….…….…………………………………………..9
CrozetElementary School Rules ….……….……………………………11
Positive Discipline Plan ….………………………………………………….13
Attendance ………………………………………………………………………. 14
Transportation …………………………………………………………………. 16
Homework……………………………………………………………………….. 19
Field Trips……………………………………………………………………….. 20
Protecting Instructional Time………………………………………………20
Testing…………………………………………………………………………….. 20
Organizing for Instruction…………………………………………………..20
Assignment of Students to Classes……………………………………….20
Enrollment Procedures……………………………………………………….21
Home/School Communications…………………………………………..21
Class Parties………………………………………………………………………. 22
Reporting to Parents…………………………………………………………… 22
Volunteers…………………………………………………………………………. 23
Books, Supplies and Materials………………………………………………23
Character Counts………………………………………………………………… 23
Miscellaneous Information……………………………………………………24
Crozet’s After School Program………………………………………………25
Evening Programs and Presentations……………………………………..25
Management of the StudentsSchool Record…………………………..25
Support Programs……………………………………………………………….. 27
Student Health……………………………………………………………………. 29
Acceptable Use of Technology………………………………………………32
PTO………………………………………………………………………………….. 35
Welcome to Crozet School
This handbook is designed to provide you with information about CrozetSchool, including our school program, the operation of the school, as well as some policies and procedures that parents can discuss with their children so that all are familiar with school policy and practice.
Crozet is like other elementary schools in the AlbemarleCounty school division in that we follow the policies and regulations of the Albemarle County School Board and the superintendent of schools. Some of these policies and regulations thatare of particular importance to parents will be cited later in this handbook.
In many ways, Crozet is unique. We meet all existing standards established by the governing board and in many cases exceed what is required. A copy of the Albemarle County School Board Policies and Regulations manual is available in the school library and at all branches of the public library for parents’ use. Where there are no regulations we have worked out school practices which suit our particular needs. This handbook is designed to help you become familiar with the school operation, as it presently exists at Crozet. Part of our philosophy is continuous improvement, so these practices do change from time to time. We welcome your suggestions for our improvement. The school administration, staff and PTO provide parents with opportunities to become active in our school programs and approaches.
Feel free to come to the office and ask us any questions you may have, or call us at 823-4800. Remember, your child’s teacher is your first source of information regarding your child’s academic achievement and social adjustment, and our teachers are very willing to discuss any questions you may have about your child. I am also available to offer assistance whenever needed. We will do our best to make this a great year of learning and growth for your child, and hope that you will actively participate at home and at school with your child to share his or her excitement of learning.
Sincerely,
Gwedette Crummie
Principal
1
Staff Directory
2011-2012
Ms. Gwedette CrummiePrincipal
Mrs. Ruth KirbyOffice Manager
Mrs. Annette ShifflettOffice Associate
Mrs. Margaret KovalNurse
Mr. Robert HaxterSchool Psychologist
Mrs. Cory Carpenter Therapist
Mrs. Diana AllenSpeech/Language
Mrs. Melanie HoodGuidance
Mrs.Hope FarrarKindergarten
Ms. Maggie Allen MorrisKindergarten
Mrs. Anne JamesFirst Grade
Mrs. Ginny SlechtaFirst Grade
Ms. Tammi WilliamsFirst Grade
Mrs. Lori AdamsSecond Grade
Mrs. Gay BakerSecond Grade
Mrs.Barbara Huneycutt Second Grade
Ms. Abby Claytor Third Grade
Ms. Paula Dunsmore Third Grade
Ms. Katherine Hamel Third Grade
Mrs. Barbara Albertson Fourth Grade
Mrs. Tammy Scot Fourth Grade
Ms. Shelby Bowen Fifth Grade
Ms. Laura Oetgen Fifth Grade
Ms. Courtney Newman Resource
Mrs. Ann HerndonResource
Mrs. Sharon Arnn-BryantLiteracy Specialist
Ms. Dawn LainePhysical Education
Mr. Andrew MaynardPhysical Education
Mrs. Susan AnholdLibrarian/Media Specialist
Mrs. Tracy BrownMusic
Ms. Ann Friend ClarkArt
Ms. Paula WhiteGifted
Mrs. Erika PughAssistant – Kindergarten
Mrs. Rebecca Wagner Assistant – Kindergarten
Mrs. Lianne Campbell Assistant – First Grade
Mrs. LeAnn DaltonAssistant – First Grade
Mrs. Donna KiewraAssistant – First Grade
Mrs. Paula HuckstepAssistant – Sp. Ed.
Mrs. Mara KuznarAssistant – Sp. Ed.
Mrs. Erika PughAssistant – Sp.Ed.
Mr. Ronnie RainesLead Custodian
Mr. Robert MeyersCustodian
Mr. Doug PughCustodian
Ms. Debbie GibsonCustodian
Ms. Liane WatsonCafeteria Manager
Ms. Mabel FoxCafeteria
Mrs. Crystal Herndon Cafeteria
1
School Calendar
2011 – 2012
August 24Schools Open for Students
September 5Labor Day (Schools Closed)
October 10Professional Learning Day (No Students)
October 28End of 9-Week Grading Period
November 7 – 8Professional Learning Days(No Students)
November 23 – 25Thanksgiving (Schools Closed)
December 19 –
December 31Winter Break (Schools Closed)
January 2Classes Resume
January 16Holiday – Martin L. King Jr. Day (No Students)
January 20End of 9-Week Grading Period
February 20 – 21Professional Learning Days (No Students)
March 30End of 9-Week Grading Period
April 2 – 6Spring Break (Schools Closed)
April 9 Professional Learning Day (No Students)
April 10Classes Resume
May 28Holiday – Memorial Day (No Students)
June 8 End of 9-Week Grading Period
Mission of Albemarle County Schools
The primary mission of Albemarle County Public Schools is to provide and promote a dynamic environment for learning through which all students acquire the knowledge, skills and values necessary to live as informed and productive members of society.
Goals of Albemarle County Schools
Albemarle County Public Schools will nurture a climate that promotes trust; idea sharing and sensitivity to student needs and ensures a healthy environment for intellectual development for all children. To provide such an environment, we will ensure that:
Student Performance Standards
The primary purpose of all disciples is for students to apply knowledge, facts, concepts, and skills in new situations.
School Climate and Board Adopted Values
All schools will promote an environment conductive to learning in which all members of the school community practice the system’s established core values.
Feeder Pattern Support
Individual schools will operate in feeder patterns that provide consistent, comprehensive opportunities and early intervention strategies for students to acquire the knowledge and demonstrate sound physical, mental and emotional health.
Curriculum and Staff Development
Curriculum development and implementation, including staff development, will be a dynamic process that supports student learning. A primary focus ill be in re adding, math, written and oral communication, science, and social studies.
Extended School Community
Schools will welcome and encourage involvement of parents, community members, and businesses that directly support our educational goals. Working together, we will ensure that all students develop these skills and the abilities to be contributing members of the community.
The Vision for CrozetElementary School
Crozet Elementary provides an excellent education for every one of its students. Clear academic goals and challenging expectations are set so that students will gain a sense of self-confidence and pride in successfully performing to their best abilities. Students are eager to learn and are characterized as being respectful, responsible and resourceful citizens.
The emphasis of the staff is on teaching for learning and they are committed to professional growth to assure effective teaching practices. Learning progress is monitored closely and a learning environment supporting high achievement is maintained that is both inviting and orderly.
Parental involvement and support are strong and indeed necessary for success of this vision. Parents continually strive to provide strong motivation for their child’s school success. Open communication is consistently maintained between the administration, staff and parents.
The CrozetSchool community will always be on a journey towards excellence.
School Improvement Program
(SIP)-CrozetSchool is committed to improving the quality of education that it provides to its students. We maintain that all students can learn and succeed in school and that it is our responsibility to develop a partnership with parents to assure that this happens. A group of staff members and parents work on a school improvement team to look at data that includes student performance and school climate. They then help to develop a school improvement plan to address areas that can be improved. Information from this team is reported to the entire school community. Parents, who wish to be more involved in the school and work with school improvement, should contact the principal or a PTO officer.
School Information
Phone Numbers
Crozet Office823-4800
Albemarle County Schools296-5886
Superintendent of Schools296-5826
Extended Day Enrichment296-5840
Transportation Department973-5716
Special Services296-5885
School Hours
In general the school building is open to students from 7:45 a.m. until 2:20 p.m. (school dismissal) with the following exceptions (the actual school day is from 7:55 – 2:20).
The Crozet After-School Program operates within the school from 2:20 – 6:00 p.m. For those children whose parents have enrolled them in this child care programs (for which there are separate fees).
Students should arrive in their classrooms by 8:00 a.m. or they will be considered tardy. If a student arrives after 8:00 he/she must check in with the school office to obtain a tardy pass prior to entering the classroom.
The school office is open each weekday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Faculty hours are from 7:50 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays and 7:50 a.m. – 2:35 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Parents who wish to contact teachers should call the school office and parent messages will be given to teachers to return the call. Students who do not ride the bus or attend the after school program must be picked up immediately after school.
All Visitors
While we love to have parents in Crozet, please help us make sure that your students’ learning is not interrupted during the school day. These are the ways you can help:
- All parents and visitors must check in the office, sign in as a visitor and wear a visitor’s badge before going anywhere in the building.
- By October 1st, all students are able to get to their classrooms in the morning on their own.
- If you are having lunch with your child please meet your child in the cafeteria after checking in at the office. There is no need to go to the classroom first.
- If you want to spend time in the classroom, either as a volunteer or an observer, please arrange it with the classroom teacher ahead of time.
- Please consult with your child’s teacher concerning birthday or party
EmergencySchool Closing
When schools are to be closed, an announcement will be made over all local radio and TV stations (Channel 29-WVIR, Channel 3-WHS, WINA 1010, WQMZ Z-95, 3WV 97.5, WUVA 92.7, WCYK 99.7 or WVAO 102.3) or your can call the school information number, 296-5881, for up to date school closing information. IF NO ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSING IS MADE, SCHOOLS WILL OPERATE ON SCHEDULE.
It is sometimes necessary to close schools during the school day. When this is done, an announcement is made over radio and television stations. It is very important that your child knows what procedure to follow on such occasions. A form goes home at the beginning of school year asking you to designate what your child should do if there is an early closing. Please return these forms promptly and update if your plans change.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL OFFICE WHEN THERE IS A CLOSING OR POSSIBILITY OF SUCH! The lines need to be kept open for emergencies.
Early Dismissal
If a child is to be dismissed early, he/she should bring a note from home to that effect. Parents picking up a child should report to the office to sign out the student, and the child will be called over the intercom. Parents may not pick up their children from the classrooms. A student will not be allowed to leave school with anyone other than his/her parents or guardians unless the school office has prior notification from the parent or guardian. If you are sending someone to pick your child up from school, please notify the school office by phone or by note with your child in the morning.
Student Dress and Appearance
Students are expected to come to school clean and reasonably well groomed. The following guidelines apply to boys and girls:
- Clothing that exposes the body beyond acceptable standards is inappropriate. A bare midriff and fishnet clothing will be prohibited.
- Clothing with words, pictures or symbols that suggest vulgarity, racial slurs, obscenity, or substance abuse will be prohibited.
- Clothing with excessive rips or slashes will be prohibited.
If staff members are unsure about the appearance of a student, they inform the principal of the concern and the principal will decide the appropriateness of the student’s appearance for school.
Meals Program
Breakfast, hot lunches, chef salads and peanut butter and jelly along with choices of fruit and vegetables are provided daily. Free and reduced lunches and breakfasts are available to those children who qualify. Forms are sent home with each student at the beginning of the year. Parents may also request forms during the school year.
A breakfast costs $1.30 day, lunch costs $2.25 per day and extra milk is $.50 per carton. Ice cream and other snack items are $.75 and are purchased by all grades. Ice cream is served only on Thursdays. Parents are strongly encouraged to purchase lunch tickets by the week or by the month. This is more efficient and reduces the risk of losing money.
Moment of Silence
(From School Board Policy Manual)
“School Board policy provides that for one minute each day all students must be seated and silent so that each pupil, in the exercise of his or her individual choice, meditate or pray, or engage in any other silent activity which does not interfere with, distract, or impede other pupils in the like exercise of individual choice.”
We observe a minute of silence daily. You may wish to discuss the use of this time with your child.
Student Conduct
Every student has a right to quality education in a safe environment that is conducive to learning and free of disruption. Conversely, every student has the responsibility not to deny that right to others. Accordingly, the School Board has adopted polices and regulations designed to encourage good citizenship, reasonable standards of behavior, and a favorable atmosphere for learning and to discourage conduct that adversely affects the health and welfare of the students and staff.
Standards of conduct are designed to define the basic rules and major expectations of students in the public schools of AlbemarleCounty. It is the responsibility of the AlbemarleCountySchools and the administration to provide rules of conduct for student behavior in order to protect the health, safety, welfare and individual rights of its students. The local school principal has the responsibility and authority to exercise reasonable judgment in enforcing this policy and the regulation. VirginiaState law requires that the school inform parents of its expectations for student conduct and the discipline policies and procedures. Parents are required in return to come familiar with these school conduct standards and must return a signed form to the school indicating their awareness of school conduct standards. The form will go out at the beginning of the school year or will be given to students and parents when they enroll in school.
Expectations:
Each student has the right to expect a safe educational environment in which he/she can strive to achieve his/her intellectual potential. The most important student responsibility is to avoid disruptive conduct that infringes on the rights of others. Students, parents and school personnel are expected to cooperate in efforts to insure a safe learning environment free of disruption.
- The student is expected to be diligent in his/her studies and conduct himself/herself in such a way that the rights and privileges or others are not violated. The student is required to know and conform to the rules and regulations of the school, to conform to the direction of the school staff, and to comply with provisions of law.
- Parents are expected to teach their children conduct that does not infringe on the rights of others, to cooperate with school authorities, and to support necessary disciplinary measures. It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school of any unusual behavior pattern or medical problem that might lead to serious difficulties.
- The teacher has primarily responsibility for all matters of conduct and discipline in the classroom, in the school building, and on the school grounds. Teachers have the authority to use such reasonable measures as may be necessary to maintain discipline in the classroom.
- The principal/designee has the responsibility to:
- Establish and implement rules and regulations for student conduct in school that are not covered by this policy.
- Make these policies, rules, and regulations readily available to students and parents.
- Supervise and support teachers in their obligation to maintain discipline and create an atmosphere conducive to student self-regulation.
- Impose necessary corrective measures including, but not limited to, imposing suspension or recommending expulsion to the Superintendent.
- defend every individual within the school against arbitrary and unfair treatment
- All school personnel have the responsibility in the maintenance of proper school discipline.
CrozetElementary School Rules
The following school rules were developed to benefit all the people in our school community. Their purpose is to maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect and harmony.
Use appropriate language at all times. Students will speak respectfully to one another and to adults