General Information & Procedures
Absence . . . When students return to school after being absent, they are required to present their teacher with a written note signed by a parent or guardian describing their reason for the absence. If there is no note the absence will be considered unexcused and no credit will be given. Students arriving late must be accompanied by a parent when they check into the office. (See Tardies)
Admission of Resident Students -… all students, five to twenty-one years of age, who reside within the boundaries of the District, may attend the District school tuition free. In order to “reside” in the District, the student must be physically domiciled with District boundaries. The domicile of a minor child is the domicile of a parent, military guardian pursuant to a military- issued guardianship, or court-appointed legal guardian. Board Policy 2230
Arrival and Dismissal Times . . . The building will be locked until 7:30 a.m. When students arrive they must sit outside their classroom. Students should be at school by 8:10 to begin class on time. School will be dismissed at 2:45 on Mondays and 3:20 on Tuesdays – Fridays.
Attendance . . . Students develop good or poor attendance habits early in their school careers. Regular and punctual attendance is expected of every student. Students are granted 3 excused absences per quarter. (See Glossary for definition of excused absences) If parents do not appeal their student’s absences within 5 days of the end of the quarter, the student will be considered unexcused and will receive no credit for any of the days he/she missed. Appointments that can be scheduled on non-school time, purchasing of supplies, haircuts, dental visits and the like should be scheduled after school.
Ballgames/Extracurricular Activities…If a student doesn’t attend school during the day, he/she will not be allowed to attend school functions. Any student in ISS/OSS is not allowed to attend after school functions during their suspension up-to and including the last day of the suspension. THEY HAVE TO ATTEND AT LEAST HALF A DAY (MORNING OR AFTERNOON) TO BE ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND SCHOOL FUNCTIONS OR BALLGAMES THAT NIGHT.
Breakfast and Lunch . . . Breakfast begins at 7:45 and finishing serving at 8:00. Students need to be in the cafeteria before 8:00 to be served breakfast so that it is possible for them to finish eating and arrive to class at 8:10 to begin the day on time. Prices: Breakfast $1.00, Student Lunch $1.85, Adult Lunch $2.35. Meal account balances will be sent home on a regular basis. Board policy states that charges may not exceed $25.00. This policy will be strictly enforced.
Bullying . . . The District is committed to maintaining learning and working environment free of any form of bullying or intimidation by student toward District personnel or students on school grounds, or school time, at a school sponsored activity or in a school related context. Bullying is the intentional action by an individual or group of individuals to inflict physical, emotional or mental suffering on another individual or group of individuals. Board Policy 2655
Bullying occurs when a student:
•Communicates with another by any means including telephone, writing or via electronic communications, intention to intimidate, or inflict physical, emotional, or mental harm without legitimate purpose, or
• Physically contacts another person with the intent to intimidate or to inflict physical, emotional, or mental harm without legitimate purpose. Physical contact does not require physical touching, although touching may be included.
Students who are found to have violated this policy will be subject to the following consequences depending on factors such as: age of student (s), degree of harm, severity of behavior, number of incidences, etc. Consequences: Loss of privileges, classroom detention, conference with Teacher, parents contacted, conference with Principal, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, expulsion and law enforcement contacted.
District employees are required to report any instance of bullying of which the employee has first-hand knowledge. Moreover, the District will provide training for employees relative to enforcement of this policy.
Bus Riders . . . Please review bus rules with your child so that they can ride safely to and from school. Students are required to bring a note from a parent when riding a different bus, going home with a friend, or riding with someone other than their parents. The student they are going home with must also have a note stating permission. These notes must be brought to the office for approval before school or at lunchtime and NOT at the end of the day.
Car Riders . . . Riders will be picked up at the NORTH PARKING LOT at the ECC entrance. Cars need to park at the NORTH PARKING LOT. Please follow signage indicating student drop off/pick up locations to reduce congestion during these busy times. Please use parking spaces as provided so as to ensure the safety of students and as a courtesy to other drivers.
Cell Phones, digital cameras and similar electronic devices will be banned during the instructional day, as well as in dressing areas during extracurricular activities. Cell phones are NOT permitted at school except by parent application for hardship reasons. Out of school suspensions will be imposed on the first and subsequent suspensions. Students may not simply turn in phones at office at start of school day. Parents may apply for a hardship exception. All hardship appeals must be made to the school board. Students granted hardship must turn the phone into the office as soon as the student enters the building. Phones CANNOT be used on the bus or during the school day. Board Policy 2656
*Check Students out Early . . . We encourage students to remain in school all day. When it becomes necessary to check a student out early, the parent must check out through the office (must sign the sign out sheet), the secretary will call the classroom teacher for the child. The student will be counted absent if checked out before 3:05. Please note: If you check your child out before 3:05 that will count against their attendance average for field trips and the H.A.B.I.T.S. program.
Conferences . . . If you would like to talk to a teacher or administrator, please call and schedule a time that would be suitable for both you and the teacher/administrator. Parent/Teacher Conferences are held at the end of 1st quarter and in the spring semester.
Corporal Punishment . . . See Code of Conduct Consequences for possible uses of corporal punishment. Corporal punishment, as a measure of correction or of maintaining discipline and order in schools, is permitted. However, it shall be used only when all other alternative means of discipline have failed, and then only in reasonable form and upon the
recommendation of the administration. In the event it is deemed necessary to use corporal punishment, the principal in the presence of a teacher will administer it.
Counselor and Principal schedule . . . Students must fill out form to schedule a time to talk with either the counselor or principal.
Critters, Animals and Insects . . . Animals and Insects ARE NOT PERMITTED on the bus or in the school building or playground.
Discipline . . . All students attending school in district schools will be expected to accept the obligation and responsibility to attend school on a regular basis and to comply with the District’s discipline code set forth in Regulation 2610 for their conduct. Those students who choose not to fulfill their responsibilities at school will be held accountable. Consequences for individual acts of misconduct are calculated to discipline the student, to deter future misconduct, and to provide a safe and positive environment in which students can learn. Students who engage in significant acts of misconduct off campus which materially and adversely impact the educational environment of district students to the extent allowed by law will be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion. Board Policy 2610
Discipline In-service… The District will provide annual in-service training to all employees concerning the District’s discipline regulations and their implementation. Board Policy 2600
Dress Code . . . Clothing, or lack of clothing, which causes disruptive or undue attention to an individual shall not be worn. Attire which displays drug, alcohol, or tobacco advertisements or sexually suggestive or explicit phrases is strictly forbidden. Extra-curricular activities may require particular dress regulations. Students should dress neatly and with good taste. No face paints and or unusual hair dyes should be used. (Look in the glossary for more information about Dress Code) Board Policy 2651
Early Dismissal . . . Inclement weather conditions, such as ice or snow, could constitute dismissing early. Please listen to one of the following: KSMO, KMMC, KZNN or watch KY-3, KOLR 10, KSDK 5. Please watch for NORTH WOOD (not Norwood). Parents may also expect a School Reach phone call informing them of such dismissals. Please make every effort to provide the school with working phone numbers.
*Emergency Information . . . Please notify the school immediately if there is any change in phone number, address, or employment. We must have a phone number in case of an emergency.
*Field Trips . . . In an effort to enrich students’ educational experiences, the school plans class field trips, Accelerated Reader field trips, athletic events and other extra activities. Written Parental permission shall be obtained prior to student participation in all field trips, as well as some athletic events and extra activities. Any student earning 3 office discipline referrals in a semester during which a field trip (including AR field trip), athletic event, or extra activity is scheduled will not be allowed to participate. Students must maintain a 95% attendance average to be allowed to participate in all field trips (including AR field trip). Parental participation: Parents are allowed to ride the field trip bus in accordance with rules set forth by the school. Parent numbers may be limited due to space constraints. Students must ride the bus to any field trip. Parents may take their children home from a field trip in their personal vehicles. When leaving the group to go home, you must notify the teacher in charge. We are fortunate to have the PTO, which provides funds for transportation cost of these field trips. The eighth grade takes a trip near the end of the year. The students earn money during the year for this trip.
Fighting…Physical mutual combat in which both parties have contributed to the conflict. Juvenile office will be contacted. The Dent County Sheriff’s Department will be contacted for fights involving 6th-8th grade students. First offense - 3 days out of school suspension., 2nd offense- 5 days OSS, 3rd offense – 10 days OSS.
Grade Reports . . . Report cards are distributed four times each year. First quarter report cards are distributed at the Parent/Teacher Conferences in the fall. Report cards will be held if students owe for meals, textbooks, library books, or damaged property. Progress reports are sent to parents by teachers (grades 1-8) midway through each quarter or as needed. These reports, as well as conferences, letters, and telephones calls are used to keep you and your parents informed of your progress. Parents are always urged to call school or make an appointment to visit with the teacher if there are any questions that need attention.
Grading Scale . . . The following grading scale shall be used:
94 - 100 A
90 - 93 A-
87 - 89 B+
83 - 86 B
80 - 82 B-
77 - 79 C+
73 – 76 C
70 - 72 C-
67 - 69 D+
63 - 66 D
60 - 62 D-
Below 60 F
Hall Passes . . . Students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades will receive student planners that contain hall passes. Each student will have 10 hall passes to use per quarter. The hall pass is intended to give students the chance to retrieve locker items or take care of bathroom needs. If a student wants to use a hall pass to retrieve homework it will be treated under the homework policy and considered late. If a teacher asks a student to leave the classroom for a specific purpose the hall pass is not needed. If the student has used all of their hall passes, their request to leave the room will be denied. In order to use the hall passes the student MUST have their planner with them. A lost planner will cost the student $4.00 to replace (hall passes will be adjusted according to when the replacement planner is purchased).
Harassment…It shall be a violation of District policy for any student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel of this District to harass or unlawfully discriminate against a student through conduct of a sexual nature, or regarding, race, color, sex, national origin, age ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or perceived sexual orientation as defined by Board Policy 2130. The district prohibits retaliation against a person who files a complaint of discrimination or harassment, and further prohibits retaliation against persons who participates in relate proceedings or investigations. 2130
Head-lice and Communicable Diseases . . . Children will be screened throughout the year for head-lice. Parents should also help in the screening process at home and notify the school if their child has become infested. If a child is found to have head-lice/eggs, the child will be required to stay out of school at least 24 hours after treatment has been administered. A parent must accompany the child to the nurse for clearance before they may ride the bus or attend class. Other communicable diseases such as measles, mumps, chicken pox, etc., will require the student to be excluded from school attendance until a physician indicates in writing the condition is no longer infectious to others.
Homework Policy . . . (4th – 7th grades) All homework must be turned in on the date assigned by the teacher. Assignments are to be turned into the teacher at the beginning of the class. Assignments not turned in on the due date will be given until the next day to be turned in for 75% credit, with signed referral form. If the assignment is not turned in the second day with signed referral form, the student receives 50% credit from that classroom teacher. If an assignment is 3+ days late, the student receives a “0” (no credit) grade for the assignment. Eighth grade students will receive zeros (0’s) for any late assignments.
Honor Roll . . . Quarter Honor Roll: a student must obtain a grade point average (GPA) of 8.00 on an 11.00 scale for the quarter. Students who qualify for inclusion on the honor roll will have their name listed in the local newspaper. Honor Roll will be computed using core classes as well as non-core classes to provide a more complete computation of students’ abilities, and is based on an 11-point scale. Core classes will represent a full credit value whereas non-core classes represent a half-credit.
Injuries . . . Bumps and bruises are treated, normally with no parent contact. Parents are always contacted whenever there is a medical judgment to be made and for any potentially serious injury. PLEASE make sure the school has a working phone number in case of emergency.
Lost and found . . . We suggest you put your name on all articles brought to school. Please bring only necessary items to school, as the District are NOT responsible for personal property. Found clothing will be put on the lost and found in the cafeteria. All property not claimed by the end of the quarter will be donated to a local charity.
Make-Up Work . . . Students will be given their make-up work upon their return to school. Work may be given out prior to a prearranged absence at the teachers’ discretion. Students are allowed one day for each day missed to complete make-up assignments. Make-up work that is not completed by the date required shall be recorded as zero. Board Regulation 2310
Medications . . . Any medication taken by a student must follow the R-IV District’s policy for administering medicines to students. Medication is restricted to only medicines that cannot be given on an alternative schedule. The medicine is to be accompanied by a label affixed by a pharmacy or physician, or the parent in the case of non-prescription medicine. Written instructions, signed by the physician or parent will be required and must include the following:
•name •date prescribe •purpose
•name of medication •side effects •dosage
•time to be administered •termination date
The medication must be kept in the nurse’s office and administered only by the nurse or other designated person. Any change in the student’s health or medication must be reported to the school by the parent.
If a student has a temperature of 100° or above or has diarrhea they WILL be sent home. Please make emergency arrangements for sick children in the case that you cannot pick them up. Also, please provide the school with current phone numbers of those that can be contacted in case of emergency.
Office . . . The secretaries and administrators are working in the office, so students should limit their presence in the office. Students are to sign in/out with their parents at the front window (not in the office) if they come in late or are leaving for an appointment (students should wait to be called out of class).
Parking . . . Parent parking is located in the NORTH PARKING LOT. DO NOT PARK in the Bus Lane or the Central Parking Lot, as doing so compromises student safety.
Playground . . . All students will follow the same rules for the playground. See Playground Rules after this section.
Positive Behavior Support (PBS) . . . PBS is based on learning correct behaviors rather than punishment. Students are expected to be responsible for their own actions in spite of the actions of others. Students are expected to be respectful, be responsible, and be safe within the school environment. The North Wood R-IV School has clearly outlined expectations and explicitly teaches those expectations to their students.
Possession of… Sexually Explicit, Vulgar or Violent Material – Students may not possess or display, electronically or otherwise, sexually explicit, vulgar or violent material including, but not limited to, pornography or depictions of nudity, violence or explicit death or injury. This prohibition does not apply to curricular material that has been approved by district staff for its educational value. Students will not be disciplined for speech in situations where it is protected by law.
Reading Plans…If a third grade student is determined through reading assessments to be reading below the second grade level, the District will design and implement a reading improvement plan for the student’s fourth grade year. This plan must include a minimum of thirty hours of additional reading instruction or practice outside the regular school day during the fourth grade year. In addition, the District may require the student to attend summer school for reading instruction as a condition of promotion to the fourth grade.
…Fourth grade students shall be assessed in reading at the end of their fourth grade year. If a student is determined to be reading below a third grade level, the student shall be required to attend summer school and to receive supplemental reading instruction. At the end of summer school, the student shall be given another reading assessment, If the student is still reading below third grade level, the student shall not be promoted to fifth grade.
…Students shall not be retained more than once on the basis of their inability to satisfy the third grade or fourth grade reading standards. However, the District may, at its discretion, retain any student with a reading improvement plan who has not completed summer school for supplemental reading instruction.
…The reading assessment process shall be repeated on a yearly basis through the end of students’ sixth grade years, accompanied by a corresponding increase in the required reading level.
…Exceptions: The following students are exempt from the reading assessments:
Recess . . . All students are expected to go outside for recess. Please send children to school appropriately dressed for the weather. If a child cannot go outside due to illness, a note will be required from a parent and/or doctor.
Retention Policy . . . A student is considered retained when they receive a letter grade of an F in 2 or more core subjects (each core subject is worth 1 full credit), or 4 or more non-core subjects (each non-core subject is worth ½ credit), or a combination of both equaling a total of 2 failed credits. If a student fails as identified above in the first semester, they will receive mandatory tutoring. Parents wishing to appeal the decision for retention must first contact the Superintendent in writing. All appeals must be requested with the first two weeks after the close of school. Board Policy 2520
Smoking…The campus is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is not allowed (Adopted by Board of Education on March 8, 2012).
Standards for Middle School Accelerated Math
North Wood R-IV offers an Accelerated Math program for our seventh and eighth grade students. Students who maintain an A average during their sixth grade math course and receive a recommendation from their math instructor, may partake in the Accelerated Math program. As a seventh grader, they will take Pre-Algebra. If the student maintains and A or B throughout the Pre-Algebra course, then as an eighth grader they will take Algebra I. This program helps our students in high school. If students can take Algebra I eighth graders, they will not have to double up on their math courses a year in high school.
If a student does not maintain an A or B average in pre-algebra or at least a C average in Algebra I, then they will be placed back into the regular math class. Students will be working a grade level ahead and what they achieve in that class will be placed on their grade card. There will not be any special considerations for honor roll purposes.
There is a lot of support academically for the students at North Wood R-IV. We feel that each student has the potential to succeed in the class that they are placed in. All students however, will need to work to full potential and give their best effort academically
Tardies . . . A student is tardy if they arrive at school after 8:10 AM. Middle School students are tardy if they are not in their seat when the tardy bell rings.
Telephone . . . The office phone is a business telephone and is used by office personnel. Students will not be allowed to make phone calls. In case of emergency, office personnel will make phone calls on behalf of students. Students WILL NOT be allowed to use the phones to make arrangements for out of school social activities such as, spending the night with a friend, bus arrangements, or to arrange lunch or homework. Therefore, these things should be taken care of before the student comes to school.
Testing . . . The District uses the STAR math and reading tests at the beginning and end of each school year. Students in grades 3-8 are MAP tested in the areas of Communication Arts, Math and Science.
Textbooks . . . Textbooks are provided with no fee charged to the student. Students are responsible for returning the books in good repair. If books are lost or damaged, the student is responsible for paying for them prior to release of the final report card. Textbooks range in price from $52.00 to $80.00.
Transfers . . . Parents should notify the office as soon as possible if students are leaving the district. All books must be returned to the school and lunch bills must be paid. All students entering the District from other educational settings are required to submit evidence of their achievement in the last grade attended. Board Policy 2245
Tuition… Nonresident students may be permitted to attend the District schools upon payment of tuition provided the student is not barred from enrolled by provisions of the Safe Schools Act. Board Policy 2240
Truancy. . . Students are NEVER to leave the classroom or playground without permission.
Visitors . . . All visitors, including parents, must sign in at the office. Parents must check students out through the office. Please do not go directly to classrooms. We are a friendly school, but there are too many people here to allow students to bring friends to school.