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ALMA O. EASOM PRIMARY SCHOOL

1610 Westlawn Avenue Fayetteville, North Carolina 28305

Phone: 910-484-0194

Fax: 910-484-4486

Dr. Franklin Till Connie S. Graham

Superintendent Principal

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year. The Easom staff is looking forward to an

exciting school year. As we begin this journey together, please take some time to read

this Parent/Student Handbook. This handbook was written in order to highlight

certain programs, procedures, policies and expectations of Alma Easom School. We

believe that close communication and cooperation between home and school is

essential to promote the best interest of the children. Parents are encouraged to visit

the school and to attend scheduled meetings and special events throughout the school

year. Mutual benefits accrue when there is a meaningful exchange of information

between home and school.

It is our hope that this handbook will be a useful resource for your family

throughout the year. If you have any questions concerning any of the contents of our

handbook, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Thank you for your support of our instructional program.

Your Child’s First Principal,

Connie S. Graham

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page Number (s)

Vision, Mission, & Beliefs 4

Disclaimer & Absence for Valid Educational Opportunities 5

Americans with Disabilities Act Section 504 5

Attendance/Check-In and Check-Out Procedures 5-6

Cafeteria Program 7

Classroom Parties 8

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act 8

Head Lice 8

Immunizations 9

Medication 9

Non-Discrimination Statement 9

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) 10

Parent Teacher Conferences 10

Personal Items 10

Prime Time 10

Promotion Criteria and Standards 10

Safety 11

Schedule Delays Due To Weather 11

School Wide Discipline Plan 12

Student Dress Code 12

Success Assemblies 12-13

Transportation Policies and Procedures 13-15

Visitors 15

Withdrawal of Students 15

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ALMA O. EASOM PRIMARY SCHOOL

2012-2013

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS 1610 Westlawn Avenue Fayetteville, NC 28305

Phone Number: (910) 484-0194 Fax Number: (910) 484-4486

E-Mail: cgraham@ccs.k12.nc.us Web Site: www.ccs.k12.nc.us

Office Hours: 7:30-3:30 Staff Hours: 7:40-3:10 Student Hours: 8:00-2:30

VISION The parents and staff of Alma O. Easom Primary School will work together to help

students become independent lifelong learners.

MISSION The faculty and staff of Alma O. Easom Primary School are dedicated to teach all

children to achieve their highest academic potential, thus promoting lifelong learners.

BELIEFS

Core Belief: We Believe

…that we must meet the needs of all children and make learning a meaningful and joyful

experience.

…that we must promote an active, creative learning environment with high academic

expectations for all students.

…that we must focus on the learning needs of all students by integrating the Core

Knowledge Curriculum with the Common Core State Standards.

…that by being involved in the process of continuous improvement, we will be better

equipped to meet or exceed the needs of our students and community.

…that the school leadership team should guide the school community in continuous

improvement and strategic planning.

…that the professional growth opportunities should vitalize staff members and help them

to increase their effectiveness towards meeting improvement goals.

…that if we work to keep our school serving as an active member of our community, we

will achieve our vision.

School Colors: School Mascot:

Royal Blue and White Bullpup

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Disclaimer

Information in this handbook is subject to change during the school year.

You will be informed of changes as they occur.

Absence for Valid Educational Opportunities

1. The principal, PRIOR to the absence, MUST approve these absences at least

one week prior to the absence or the absence will NOT be approved.

2. The student shall seek prior approval from the principal or principal’s designee

for a temporary absence to take advantage of a valid educational opportunity.

A letter should be written and given to the teacher for administrative

processing.

NOTE: Failure to get prior approval (at least 1 week) will result in the

absences being marked as unexcused.

3. The student shall provide the appropriate school official with a written

educational objective regarding the proposed educational opportunity.

4. The principal shall provide the student with written approval to be temporarily

absent from school to take advantage of a valid educational opportunity.

5. The student shall provide the appropriate school officials with a written or visual

report covering the objectives of the approved educational opportunity within five

school days of the student’s return to school.

6. The teacher will document the information concerning three consecutive

absences.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT SECTION 504:

Section 504: Rehabilitation Act of 1973

No otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall, solely by

reason of his or 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 a 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 such grievances.

If still unresolved, grievances may then be appealed to the district ADA/Section 504

Coordinator.

ATTENDANCE and TARDY POLICIES and PROCEDURES

Regular attendance is compulsory according to North Carolina law. Parents will be

contacted during school hours, if a student is absent for more than

three days.

Cumberland County Board of Education Policy states that "no staff

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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 a parent’s or

guardian’s written authorization and permission of the principal or his/her

designee". In view of the above policy, Alma O. Easom Primary School will

observe the following check in/check-out procedures:

Students must be in attendance a minimum of three (3) hours and thirty (30)

minutes each full school day in order to be counted present.

To receive the maximum benefit from classroom and instructional participation, it

is important that a child report to school each day.

However, when he/she must be absent from school, a parent/guardian should

provide the school with a written explanation concerning the absence upon

returning to school or it will be coded an unlawful absence.

Check- in Check- out Procedures

PROCEDURE: Due to a great amount of tardies to school in the past, we have

a check-in and check-out policy. Please make all appointments if possible after

school hours.

If you check-in or check-out your child from school, you will follow these

procedures.

The parent will have to sign a Tardy Log under your child’s name for the

school to document how much time is being taken from your child’s

instruction due to check-ins or check-outs. If a written explanation is not

under the list of excused tardies, your child will receive an unexcused tardy.

You then will be given a tardy slip to give to the teacher when you escort your

child to the classroom. These slips will be saved by the classroom teacher.

Same procedure for Check-out as in check-in noted above. Under no

circumstances will students be released from class without following checkout

procedures.

If your child has more than five (5), a.m. check- in or check-outs in the p.m. in

a 9-week period, he/she will not be recognized for having perfect attendance at

the Success Assemblies every nine weeks.

If there are consistent tardies or absences, the parents will have to meet with

the principal or designee for an administrative conference.

Students must be picked up by a parent or guardian or bring written

permission from parent or guardian if being picked up by someone else. Office

personnel must verify written permission. The person picking up your child

must be listed on the Verification of Address Form and show proper

identification.

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CAFETERIA PROGRAM

The Alma O. Easom Primary School cafeteria will begin

serving breakfast and lunch on the first day of school.

The price for a student lunch has increased a nickel the price

is now $1.75 and the reduced price for lunch is $.40.

Breakfast for a student is $.85 and reduced price is $.30. Extra milk is $.50.

State Policy: the state has mandated there will be free Kindergarten breakfast.

Kindergarten students will need to pay according to their meal status for lunch.

Juice will be served to those students who are allergic to dairy products. A note

from your child’s physician must be submitted to the cafeteria manager in

order for your child to receive juice instead of milk with breakfast/ lunch.

Bottled water is available daily for purchase for $.50 and Ice Cream Sherbet is sold

ONLY on Fridays for $.50.

Students may pay by the day, week or month for their meals. If you plan to prepay

your child’s lunch by the week or month, please send the money or check in a

sealed envelope on Monday mornings only. Make checks payable to: Alma O.

Easom Cafeteria.

Free and reduced meals are available for those who qualify. Application forms will

be sent home on the first day of school. Additional applications are available in the

cafeteria. All students are encouraged to return an application.

If parents are not interested in applying, please write "not interested" across

the form and return it to your child's teacher the following school day.

Child Nutrition Services will process applications as quickly as possible.

All meals must be paid for until parents are notified of application approval.

Students who forget money for meals will be allowed to have a full tray meal. Your

child will be issued a reminder slip to take home to inform parents that lunch money

is needed.

If a child does not have their lunch money, the student will eat a regular meal up to

a $5.00 shortage.

Over $5.00 limit, the child will receive a cheese sandwich and a juice. You will be

notified by an automatic phone message when his/her lunch account is in the

negative. After the third day of no money the social worker and Child Nutrition will

be notified. The money owed will be on automatic charge which the parents will be

responsible to pay for child’s shortage in full.

Students are expected to eat some type of lunch each day. If a child refuses to eat,

the teacher will make every effort to determine the reason for the refusal. Soft

drinks in bottles or cans are not allowed in the cafeteria. Students may bring their

own lunches in labeled bags/lunch boxes if they wish.

PARENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BRING IN FAST FOODS FOR THEIR

CHILD FOR LUNCH.

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CLASSROOM PARTIES

Each teacher may schedule classroom parties during the school year and will

communicate with parents as appropriate. In an effort to prevent hurt feelings,

please do not pass out party invitations at school unless all class members are

included. If your child is planning a private party and inviting only certain

classmates, invitations should not be disbursed at school. County Policy prohibits home

baked goods from being served at school functions. In consideration of this policy,

store bought items only should be provided for class parties.

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that governs the

maintenance of student 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, and 600

Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202

Head Lice

Students found to have evidence of head lice will be sent home from school

immediately according to the Board of Education policy. At Easom, the following

policy is used if students are suspected of having head lice.

1. A student is identified as having head lice by a phone call, teacher referral, or

class check.

2. The school staff then checks the student. If nits or lice are found, the student

is discreetly sent to the office. A home contact is made requiring the parent or

guardian to pick up the child. A letter accompanies the child that provides

treatment information.

3. A total class check is made in the student’s class as well as siblings of the

infested student.

4. To return to class, the parent must present proof of treatment.

5. The child is checked before returning to the classroom and then rechecked

again in ten days.

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IMMUNIZATIONS

North Carolina General Statute # 130A-1569 (a) requires the parent or guardian to furnish

proof of the following immunizations:

(5) DTP/DTaP (If a booster dose of DTP/DTaP is given on or after

the child's 4th birthday then dose #5 is not required.)

(4) Polio (If the 3rd

dose is given on or after the 4th birthday then dose

#4 is not required.)

(2) MMR (1st dose must be on or after the 1

st birthday.) 2

nd dose is

when they begin school.

(3) Hepatitis-B

(1) Varicella (On or after 12 months)

The immunization record and physical form must be received at school

by the 30th

calendar day after school begins. After that 30th

day, state law mandates that we dismiss your child from school for

any out of compliance students. Health Department, Cumberland

County Schools Healthful Living Department and a copy will be kept

on file in your child's record. Please ensure proper immunizations

before your child begins school.

MEDICATION

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 dosage is required and should be left

in the school office. A log will be kept of medication administration at school. We ask for

your cooperation and understanding in this procedure. Legal requirements restrict our

personnel from administering non-prescription medicine at school. We ask that these

medications be given at home.

Medication is not allowed to be transported to school by a student or bus driver.

It is required that the parent bring in the medication, count the medicine and sign it

in. At the end of the year the medication is to be counted and signed out.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Cumberland County School System inclusive of Alma O. Easom

Primary School not to discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic 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 the1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

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PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)

We have an active PTA and encourage each parent to join and participate. This

organization is an essential part of the total school program. Your support is needed and

will be appreciated. The PTA officers for the school year are:

Mrs. Kim Paschal President

Mrs. Carlye Pleasant Vice President

Mrs. Nancy Johnson Secretary

Mrs. Claire Hedgecoe Treasurer

All parents are welcome to attend the PTA Executive Board

Meetings which will be held every first Tuesday @ 11:15-12:15 in

the Media Center except for the months of (December, January

and April) unless there is a conflict with the calendar and

therefore we will reschedule.

PARENT/ TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled for:

November 13-15 and November 19-20 from 2:30-4:00;

February 4-8 from 2:30-4:00

Additional conferences with teachers or the principal may be made by calling the

school at 484-0194. Remember, conferences should be scheduled so as not to

interrupt or to interfere with the teacher's instructional time.

PERSONAL ITEMS

Parents are encouraged to provide identification on their child’s clothing

throughout the school year. The use of identification on your child’s items

will be a great help when it comes to giving lost and found items back to the

perspective owner.

PRIME TIME

Prime Time is a program at Alma O. Easom Primary School that offers

supervised after school care from (2:15-6:00 p.m.). The fees are reasonable and a

discount is 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. To enroll your child in Primetime, you will need to go in

person to the Gillespie Street Office and provide a health assessment and an official

birth certificate.

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PROMOTION CRITERIA

Progress toward the attainment of proficiency will be consistently

monitored at each grade level. Students must demonstrate proficiency as

measured by local and state standards. The proficiency standards are

outlined below for Grades K-2. By the end of second grade, students must

demonstrate mastery of skills as measured by teacher assessments, North

Carolina assessments and other local assessments.

PROMOTION STANDARDS

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 retention, the Board of Education acknowledges the

promotion/retention decisions make clear that each child's placement deserves

to be decided on its own merits. The school principal has the ultimate responsibility for

promotion/retention decisions in accordance with General Statute 115C-288(a) and in

alignment with local board policy.

SAFETY

Several safety drills are conducted throughout the school year. The Law requires fire drills

on a monthly basis. Tornado Drills, school lock downs and evacuation drills will be held

during the school year. It is necessary that everyone follows directions and procedures.We

comply with the state and county policies. Think Safety!

SCHEDULE DELAYS DUE TO WEATHER

The school day for students will begin two hours later than the regular school schedule as

announced by the superintendent through news media. A two-hour delay means that the

tardy bell will ring at 10:05. Students should not be dropped off prior to 9:40 a.m.

Buses will have the same 2-hour delay that is announced. School will be dismissed at

the regular time when delayed due to weather conditions. Breakfast will not be

served, but lunch will be served.

SCHOOL-WIDE DISCIPLINE PLAN

The Cumberland County Board of Education behavior code is provided to each student (See Code of

Conduct). Under authority of the board, the school has adopted the regulations concerning student

behavior. These rules are applicable on the school premises, on any school bus, or during any school

activity, function or event on or off school property. Violation of school or Cumberland County Board of

Education Rules may result in disciplinary action including possible suspension from school.

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RULES OF CONDUCT

We agree to conduct ourselves in a manner that will allow our teachers to teach and students to learn.

1) We agree to respect school property and property of others.

2) We agree to show respect to others and ourselves in the way we speak and act.

3) We agree to move throughout our school in a safe and orderly manner.

4) We agree to follow directions and complete assigned tasks.

CONSEQUENCES

If a student breaks a rule, the following consequences will occur.

1) Verbal warning from the teacher.

2) Individual classroom strategies will be used.

3) Immediate parent contact by phone, in writing or in person.

4) Referral to Student Services Team.

5) Office referral.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

School dress contributes to the school atmosphere. We do expect our students to wear

tasteful, age appropriate clothing that will allow for participation in all school activities.

Children should be encouraged to have pride in good personal appearance at all times.

Please stress the importance of good grooming and proper dress with your child. Students

should wear the appropriate clothing as outlined below each day.

Midriff may not be exposed.

Shorts, skirts, dresses, culottes, and slits in dresses must be appropriate for school.

The children play outside so there needs to be shorts under a dress or skirt.

Sagging will not be allowed and belts will be worn with pants.

Bandanas, hats, sun visors, sunglasses, and other headgear will not be allowed

inside.

No article of clothing that is offensive or suggestive to any race, sex, religion or

displays profanity will be allowed.

No low cut tops or halter tops. (back of shirt out)

Students will go outside for physical activity every day. Students should dress daily

for safety and comfort. Final judgment is left to school administrators.

All students are to wear tennis shoes on their assigned P.E. day or an alternate

activity will be assigned.

SUCCESS ASSEMBLIES

Our Success Assemblies will be held at the end of each nine weeks. At this

time, students will be recognized for Terrific Kid, Perfect Attendance, and Good

Citizenship. At the end of the year, there will be a special recognition of the

students that had Impeccable Behavior for the entire school year and Perfect

Attendance for the entire year. Your child may not be recognized for perfect

attendance due to excessive tardies. (See tardy policy pgs. 5 & 6)

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Tentative Dates for Success Assemblies

November 20, 2012, February 5, 2013, April 23, 2013

(Kindergarten Assemblies will be at 9:00 a.m., First Grade at 10:00 a.m.)

The end of year assemblies are as follows:

June 5, 2013 Kindergarten 9:30 a.m. (graduation included)

12:30 p.m. (graduation included)

June 4, 2013 First Grade 9:30 a.m. Success Assembly and Farewell

TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

It is the parent's responsibility to inform the teacher in writing if there is to be a change

in the regular mode of transportation from school for a child. The teacher 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, the teacher will send your child home in the routine

manner. Any change in bus transportation must have approval of the principal/designee.

Students can only be assigned to one bus. Please Do Not call the office and make the request except

in the case of an emergency. If it is after 2:15, this request will not be honored unless it is an

emergency.

BUS RIDERS

Students are assigned to school buses by the principal according to the North Carolina General Statutes

#115C-244. Students who live one and one-half miles or farther from the school are not eligible for free

transportation. School bus transportation is a privilege. A student will be suspended from riding the bus

for displaying inappropriate behavior. A student can only ride the bus to which he/she is assigned. Bus

assignments will not be changed to accommodate babysitting arrangements or play dates. Students will

be allowed off the bus only at school, home and locations requested in writing by the parents. The bus

driver is in complete charge of the bus and its occupants at all times. Students riding the bus must comply

with the requests of the driver. A written note to your child’s teacher will be required for a change in your

child’s transportation. Please Do Not call the office and make the request except in the case of an

emergency.

TRANSPORTATION Policies and Procedures

The safety of the pupils transported to school is a responsibility shared equally by parents,

classroom teachers, school bus drivers, school administrators, and the motoring public. An

effective school safety program, therefore, must be a cooperative effort. We need your

help and cooperation in maintaining a safe environment for our children. For the safety of

our children, we are asking you to comply with the following requests:

School hours are from 8:00a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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CAR Drop Off Times and Procedures

Student drop off will be, at the back of campus only, from 7:40 a.m.-7:59 a.m. It is against

policy to drop students off anywhere, in the front of the building.

When you arrive on campus, your child must remain in the car until you reach the

designated drop off area, where staff members will greet you and direct traffic.

The car line will move quicker if, while you are waiting in line, you say good-bye and

have your child ready by sitting on the right side of the car with book bag in hand.

(The child should not be eating or drinking while getting out of the car.)

The front door and the kindergarten gate will not be opened until 7:55 a.m. daily.

After 7:59 a.m., all gates will be closed at the back of the campus. You may park on

Westlawn Avenue or a side street to escort your child to the classroom. (Do not use

faculty and staff parking lots in the front/back of campus or park in front of a neighbor’s

driveway.)

Students planning to eat breakfast should be dropped off no later than 7:50 to allow time

to eat and to get to their classroom on time. Parents, Mrs. Graham will not allow a student

to be tardy to class due to eating breakfast at school, so make sure you get your child to

school if they plan to eat breakfast to allow them enough time to eat.

At the 8:00 a.m. Bell- Drop off ends at 7:59 at the back of campus. You will have to park

in front of the school, enter by the front office and escort your child to class before the

tardy bell rings.

At the 8:05 a.m. Tardy Bell-Parents must come to the office to sign your child’s “Check

In/Check Out Log”. You will be given a coded tardy slip to give to the teacher when you

escort your child to class.

You can only enter the building by the front door due to the electronic security doors.

Staff members are not allowed to open the doors for anyone.

Pick Up Times and Procedures At the 2:30 p.m. Bell- The buses will leave from the back campus.

Car riders pick up in the front of school.

Walkers will be picked up at the Media door after

While waiting to pick up your child please remain in the car line until you reach the

designated area, where staff members will help with loading cars and directing traffic.

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Please be prepared to wait in line and move with a group of cars. This procedure goes very

quickly if everyone follows the protocol. We will use walkie talkies so we can have your

child lined up and ready to put in the car.

Note: All buses will leave campus at 6:45 and will return to Easom by 7:25. During the first ten days of school we will be establishing times for the stops. Due to traffic patterns, please do not assume the bus will be there at that given time daily. You should be at the bus stop 10 minutes before and after due to changes in the traffic and more or less students riding. The bus driver is not allowed to make front door stops, only corner stops. The driver is not allowed to blow their horn nor wait for students that are not at the bus stop. There has to be a parent waiting with them to catch the bus in the AM and there has to be someone at the stop in the afternoon or they will be returned to school and you will have to come and pick them up from school yourself. PLEASE HELP US TO PROVIDE THE SAFE ENVIRONMENT WE ALL EXPECT FOR OUR

CHILDREN. USE CAUTION AND PATIENCE AS YOU DELIVER YOUR “PRECIOUS

CARGO”.

VISITORS Parents, for your information, due to the electronic security doors installed you will only

have access to the main entrance at the front door.

Parents are welcome at Alma O. Easom Primary School. Parents who

wish to visit their child's classroom are encouraged to do so. Please

notify your child's teacher of your planned visit prior to the day of

visitation. Visitors must report to the office to sign-in and receive a

visitor's badge. This procedure helps us know who is in the building and

protects the safety of our students, staff and visitors. Teachers are not

able to conference with visitors during the instructional day while

supervising students.

WITHDRAWAL OF STUDENTS The school should be notified at least two (2) days in advance of student's impending

withdrawal. Only in an extreme emergency, to be determined by the principal, will

teachers be interrupted to withdraw a child during the instructional day (8:00 a.m. -

2:30 p.m.). All textbooks, library books, and fines must be paid before the student

secures a withdrawal form. The parent should pick up the form from the office.