SES Bear Pledge
On my honor I will try my best
in reading, math and all the rest.
I will follow all of the rules
for the safety of my class and school.
I promise to act respectfully
to myself and to my school family.
I want to learn because this is the key to
gaining success and helping me.
Welcome to Stoneville Elementary School! We hope you find this handbook helpful in understanding our school's and district's policies and procedures that pertain to you and your children. If you need further assistance, please call the school office at 573-4000.
100% Tobacco Free Schools Policy
For the safety of our students, Stoneville Elementary School is proud to have a 100% tobacco free school policy. The use of tobacco products are prohibited anywhere, anytime by anyone on our campus. This includes parking and pick-up areas. Please adhere to this policy at all times.
Stoneville Elementary is a Title I School
A school is designated as a Title I school when the students being served in that school meet certain socio-economic conditions as determined by federal and local guidelines. Because of these conditions, extra funding is provided to assist the school in providing extra staff, materials, and staff development for staff and parents to better meet the educatinal needs of all the students.
School Hours
The instructional day starts at 8:00 am and ends at 2:30 pm. All students are dismissed at 2:30 pm. Children who are brought to school in cars should be dropped off no earlier than 7:30 am at the designated location behing the primary building. Staff will be on duty there each morning to provide assistance. Once your children arrive, they may choose to go immediately to their classrooms or to the cafeteria for breakfast. Classrooms are open to students at 7:30 am. In the afternoon, children who ride cars should be picked up at 2:30 pm behind the primary building. Staff will be on duty to provide assistance. All cars must enter the parking lot behind the primary building from Church Street (right turns only) in the morning and afternoon - no left turns to get in the parking lot.
Because the instructional day begins at 8:00 am, students who are not in their classrooms at that time are considered tardy. Children who are tardy must be signed in by their parents at the school office before they are allowed to go to their classrooms. Children with more than two (2) tardies per six weeks will not be eligible for perfect attendance awards.
The school day is 6 1/2 hours long. Children must attend school for one half of the school day to be counted present for that day. If coming in late, students must be present by 11:15 am and if leaving early, must not leave before 11:15 am to be counted present for that day.
If your child is absent from school, please send a note explaining the absence. Once a student has missed ten days of school, a doctor's note will be required for all future absences.
Emergency Contact Information
It is imperative that we have your current telephone numbers and emergency numbers so we can get in touch with you in the event of an emergency. Please call or visit the main office to update your information any time it changes.
Notes
Written messages must be sent to your child's teacher in the morning when:
There will be a change in your child's transportation. Should a decision be made during the day that
will change who will be picking up the child, please be sure we are notified before 2:00 pm.
Your child is to ride home on a bus that is different from his/her regular bus.
You plan to pick up your child early (before the school day is over).
Your child has been absent from school (we must record the reason for absence).
You would like to request a conference with your child's teacher.
No child will be allowed to change their transportation plans without notification from an adult. NO EXCEPTIONS. This is for the safety of our students.
Grievance Policy for Parents
Parents who are unhappy about something in the classroom should follow these steps:
Talk to your child's teacher about the problem first.
Talk to the school principal if you are not satisfied after talking with the teacher.
Talk with the Director of Elementary Programs if you are not satisfied after talking with the principal.
Please remember to use these channels of communication for all concerns. We will strive to work with you to solve problems.
Breakfast
The cafeteria opens for breakfast at 7:30 am. Children who want to eat breakfast must be in the cafeteria no later than 7:45 am. Otherwise they will not have time to eat and get into their classrooms before 8:00 am.
Cafeteria
Rockingham County Schools serve breakfast and lunch daily. If students forget breakfast/lunch money, they will be allowed to charge for their meals in the cafeteria. Parents will receive notes weekly from the Cafeteria Manager stating the amount owed. Until accounts are paid in full, supplemental items such as cookies, juice, ice cream, etc. will not be sold to the students. The extra money students bring will be credited to their account. If you have any questions, call the Cafeteria Manager at 573-9053. If you plan to eat with your child, you should send a note to the teacher to inform them. Some classes with younger children serve small snacks daily. Your child's teachers will inform you of the procedure they will follow.
Paying for school meals on line
There is now an option to pay for your child's cafeteria purchases on -line with a credit card. To learn more, please visit http://www.rock.k12.nc.us and click the "Services" heading. Next, choose "School Nutrition". On the left hand column choose "Lunch Prepay". You may also visit www.lunchprepay.com or call Child Nutrition at 336.627.2651 for more information.
Inclement Weather
In the event snow or ice prevents us from holding school, an announcement will be made on local radio and television stations. Messages may be sent to the primary telephone numbers and optinal telephone numbers. If you are still unsure about the status of school, you may call the weather line at 623-1385. If inclement weather begins during the school day, we will send students home immediately upon hearing from Central Office to dismiss school. Please let your child's teacher know what arrangements you have made for early dismissal.
**The above procedure applies only to cold weather situations. Since we have air conditioning in all rooms, we will not dismiss because of high temperature.
Special Education Programs
Stoneville Preschool
Our early intervention program is a five star (highest rated) early childhood classroom that provides services for children with and without special needs. Student services include speech and language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and special education. We provide quality early childhood experiences that children need to acquire social and academic skills necessary to be successful learners.
ESL Program
The English as a Second Language program (ESL) at Stoneville Elementary helps Limited English Proficient (LEP) students learn English as quickly as possible through specific ESL instruction and supports them to be successful in school. Such instruction also helps the LEP students to adjust culturally to life in America. The ESL teacher teaches the students on their levels of proficiency.
Academically and Intellectually Gifted
The AIG program at Stoneville Elementary serves both as an enrichment program for students in Kindergarten through third grade and as a pullout program for students in fourth and fifth grades. Activities requiring higher order thinking skills and thinking "outside the box" are required from academically accelerated students. The program is designed to stimulate and challenge this type of learner. Requirements for being admitted to this program comply with state, federal, and local guidelines.
Exceptional Child Services
Stoneville Elementary provides a program for exceptional children in pre-school through fifth grade. Procedures regarding evaluation, identification, and placement are mandated by federal and state guidelines. When it is recognized that a child is exhibiting developmental problems, delays in academic areas, needs for occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language therapy, and adapted physical education, then the teachers, parents, and other involved persons meet to discuss the child's difficulties and determine the best way to address his/her needs.
Reaching Evaluations for the Support of Children's Ultimate Education (RESCUE)
RESCUE is a planned process that assists the faculty with meeting individual students' needs. This process enables teachers to provide students with the optimal atmosphere for growth and learning, thereby enhancing student performance. Parents may wish to discuss a possible referral to the team, their child's teacher, or the school counselor.
D.A.R.E.
The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is taught in the fifth grade. In the D.A.R.E. program, students learn how to "Say No to Drugs", make good decisions, build good self-esteem, and resist negative peer pressure.
Accelerated Reading
The Accelerated Reading program is a research based reading program designed to accelerate growth in reading ability, foster a love of reading in all students, develop lifelong learners and critical thinkers, and improve test scores. Each nine weeks, an individualized accelerated reading goal may be set for each student.
Kids Companion Program
The purpose of the Kids Companion program is to provide a safe before and after school environment for school age children enrolled in Rockingham County Schools, ages 5 to 12 years old. Our program will give each child the opportunity to participate in enrichment, homework assistance, and recreational activities for the appropriate age level. Parents may register their children by obtaining forms from the School-Age Child Care office. The number of openings is determined by the program's license and children are accepted into the program on a first come first serve basis. For more information please contact Michelle Griffin, lead teacher at 573-4011
Special Student Activities
Birthdays
Birthdays are a special time for our children. We want them to feel special on their day; however, we wish to preserve our instructional time as well. Parents who want to send a snack for their child's birthday are welcomed to do so but should check with their child's teacher first. All snacks must be store bought, not homemade. Healthy snacks are required. Snacks should be brought in the morning and left with the teachers who will serve them during a convenient time during the day.
Parties
Our school policy allows us to have one party per school year. The staff has voted to have this one party at Christmas. If you are interested in helping with the Christmas parties, please contact your child's teacher about this. No refreshments should be brought without having first cleared it with the teachers. All snacks must be store bought, not homemade. Please remember that no treat bags can be sent home on the buses.
Field Day
This K-5 event is held each spring as a culmination of skill formatted activities learned during the school year. The events are fun for the students, and promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and doing your best.
Lunch on the Lawn
Lunch on the Lawn is held during the fall of each school year. Students, family members, and community members are invited to enjoy lunch while various artisans from North Carolina entertain them. This free concert is held in the outdoor stage area of our campus.
WSES-TV Bear Witness News
The media staff of Stoneville Elementary produces and in-house morning news program on WSES-TV Channel 3. This telecast showcases school news, events, and talents of students and staff. Fourth and fifth grade students are selected by their teachers to broadcase this show.
Student Council
The Student Council at Stoneville Elementary is comprised of students from grades 3-5. These students have been elected by their peers, demonstrated excellent leadership qualities and character, and excelled in their academic work. The student council is an active organization in the school and the community. It is a service oriented group that organizes projects such as a canned food drive, a blood drive, safety patrol, and a school dance.
Student Recognitions
Terrific Kids
Each month, a local Kiwanis Club joins with our school to recognize those students in grades K-2 who have made an improvement in academics, behavior, and/or citizenship. One student from each K-2 class is chosen as the Terrific Kid for the month. These students receive special awards and are recognized on the school news program, in the school newsletter, and in the local papers.
Bear of the Month
The title Bear of the Month is awarded to a student in each class for grades K-5. To recieve this honor a student must be responsible, helpful, trustworthy, hard working, a person of character, and improving and growing. Each month these students are featured on the school news, in the school newsletter, and in local newspapers.
Awards Program
An awards program is held twice yearly at the conclusion of each semester honoring those students who have reached excellence in academics and attendance. Students in K-2 are recognized for achieving math and reading objectives while students in grades 3-5 are recognized for achieving A honor roll, A/B honor roll, and membership in the B.U.G. (Bringing Up Grades) Club.
Cultural Arts Programs
Musical Bearings Chorus
The Musical Bearings Chorus is a part of the after school arts enrichment program. Chorus meets on Wednesday afternoons from 2:40 - 3:30, and enrollment is open to students in grades 3-5. The group performs a winter musical and at various school and community events. Students may also audition to become a member in the Rockingham Elementary All County Chorus.
Stepping Stones
The Stepping Stones program is an after school activity that is offered to all students. Different grade levels come together once per week for seven to eight weeks. During the hour after school, the students learn one or two dances. After the practice period, the students perform the dances for their parents and classmates during the awards day programs.
Art Club
Art Club is an after school activity that is offered to all students. Art activities provided include clay, mask design, weaving, sand art, and mixed media designs that are native to the history of other cultures. Each student is able to attend a three-week session per year.
Parent Teacher Association
Stoneville Elementary's Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is active throughout the year. PTA activities include fund raising and support for events such as book fairs, student programs, and playground improvements. The PTA meets four times yearly. Please consider joining PTA and becoming an active member. The membership drive takes place at the beginning of each school year. All parents and staff are invited to join for a membership fee of $5.00.
Discipline: Time Out to Think (TOTT)
The staff of Stoneville Elementary School believes that good behavior is a necessity to provide a safe, non-threatening environment conducive to learning. For this environment to exist, we must have a cooperative effort between school and home. We will place high expectations on our students for academic excellence, respect for others, respect for school property, and good manners.
TOTT is used for Disobedience, Disruption, and Disrespect. Other offenses most often fit under one of the big three.
Referrals to Time Out to Think are mad when children have reached the third offense in the classroom, meaning they have been isolated in the room and have isolated in another classroom.
At this point, students are isolated for 1 hour with a supervisor in a designated location, not a classroom. If the child is cooperative and completes the work assigned by the teacher, the child may return to class after the hour. If the child is not cooperative and does not complete the work assigned by the teacher, the child may need to remain in isolation for an additional amount of time.
If there is a fourth offense on that day, the isolation with the supervisor is for the remainder of the day. Refusal to cooperate results in an immediate out-pf-school suspension.
A TOTT sheet will remain with the student for three (3) days. A TOTT sheet received after 11:30 am will be in effect for the next three (3) days. A student is to take a TOTT sheet with them to all classes, small groups, etc.
1st Referral to TOTT:
a) Parent/Guardian is called
b) Work assigned by teacher completed
c) Lasts one (1) hour
d) Document in TOTT notebook and copy of yellow sheet placed in notebook
2nd Referral to TOTT
a) Parent/Guardian is called
b) Letter is sent home warning of out-of-school suspension
c) Child completes work assigned by teacher and mediation essay
d) Lasts one (1) hour or remainder of day
e) Document in TOTT notebook and place copy of yellow sheet in notebook
3rd Referral to TOTT
a) Parent/Guardian is called by an administrator to notify of out-of-school suspension
b) Documentation should be on discipline form by administrator as well as in TOTT folder, with copies
of yellow form as well as discipline form included
Each additional referral with a six (6) weeks will result in out-of-school suspension. Each child starts with a "clean slate" at the beginning of each six (6) weeks.
Transportation
The goal of SES is to provide a safe ride to and from school. The following rules exist for riding the school bus and/or a field trip bus. Please read them carefully. You are expected to follow these rules at all times. School bus riding is a privilege; any infraction of the rules may result in discontinuation of riding privileges. Thank you for your cooperation.
1. If you must walk along the road to your bus stop, you should walk on the left side facing traffic.
2. Be at your stop on time and wait for the bus in a safe place, off the road.
3. Always walk when crossing the road, and cross only when the way is clear and the bus has stopped.
Be sure that all traffic has stopped, and look both ways.
4. When entering or exiting the bus, cross in front of the bus so the driver can see you.
5. Use t he handrail when entering or leaving the bus.
6. Sit as directed, on your bottom, feet out of the aisle, and in your assigned seat.
7. Observe classroom conduct while riding. The bus is a classroom on wheels. Loud or unusual
behavior could distract the bus driver's attention and cause an accident.
8. Obey the driver at all times and follow his or her directions the first time.
9. Permission to open windows should be obtained from the bus driver.
10. Keep hands, arms, and head inside the bus. Do not throw objects from the bus.
11. Show respect for the driver and other students on the bus.
12. Keep your hands and feet to yourself. Harassment (hitting, kicking, fighting, wrestling, tripping,
pushing, spitting) is not acceptable.
13. Keep the aisle clear of objects that could cause a passenger to stumble or obstruct the driver's
vision.
14. Refrain from using profane, indecent/inappropriate language, or obscene gestures.
15. Eating and drinking are not permitted on the bus. Place all litter in the trashcan.
16. Remain seated until the bus has completely stopped.
17. Immediately move away from the bus.
18. Animals, harmful objects, and vandalism are not acceptable on the bus.
19. Toys are not allowed on the bus. Those bought for show and tell must stay in book bags.
20. Keep all school supplies in your book bag (pens, pencils, markers, etc.).
21. Inform the bus driver or school official if someone is annoying or harassing you.
22. Students will not be allowed to carry balloons or flowers on the bus.
Consequences:
If a student does not follow school bus rules, the driver will turn in a Disciplinary Referral indicating the student's misconduct on the bus. Students will be counseled and a disciplinary report will be sent to parents/guardians. It is the child's responsibility to forward the report to his/her parents. Keeping a child out of school due to bus suspension is a violation of the state truancy law. If for some reason, a parent/guardian does not own a private vehicle, then he/she needs to make the same arrangements through the help of others as when going to the grocery store, church, or to visit a physician. A note should be sent with the child indicating who will pick up the child as a car rider. Parent/guardian support is critical to sending the message to our children that bus misconduct will not be tolerated and that safety is everyone's responsibility.
1st Referral - Warning
2nd Referral - 1-3 days Bus Suspension
3rd Referral - 3-5 days Bus Suspension with option of long-term suspension from bus
STONEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROCEDURES
Procedures help our school operate in a safe and orderly manner. The following procedures will be followed in each classroom and throughout our school.
Bathroom
Enter quietly
Use bathroom
Flush
Wash hands with one squirt of soap
Turn off the water
Shake hands over the sink - not the floor
Dry hands with one paper towel
Leave quietly
Fire Drill
Line up
Exit building quietly
Walk with hands behind back
Stand quietly
Reenter building quietly
Auditorium
Enter quietly
Sit in seat
Keep hands and feet to self
Keep seat quiet
Keep feet at the floor
Listen
Leave quietly
Hallways
Walk quietly in line
Keep hands and feet to self
Face forward
Keep to the right
Playground
Swing straight - bottom in the seat
Go down the slide feet first
Cross monkey bars using hands only
Take turns going across the monkey bars forming a line at one end
Keep mulch, dirt and other things that are supposed to be there on the ground
Cafeteria
Enter quietly
Walk in line
Pick up milk and utensils
Make healthy food choices
Dismissal for Bus Riders
Pack up
Exit classroom quietly
Walk to the bus
Get on the bus
Stay in your seat
Obey the bus driver
Dismissal for Car Riders
Pack up
Exit classroom quietly
Walk to the car rider area
Stay with your grade level
Watch for your ride
Inform teacher when ride arrives
Buckle up
