LAKE NORMAN ELEMENTARY
255 OAK TREE ROAD
MOORESVILLE, NC 28117
www.iss.k12.nc.us/schools/lakenorman.
(704) 662-8261 Phone
(704) 662-8264 Fax
Welcome to Lake Norman Elementary School. We are pleased to have you as partners during this
educational year. A new school year brings opportunities for new classes, teachers, faces, and the
excitement of new skills to accomplish. The administration and staff at Lake Norman honor all children and
seek success for each student. Welcome to Lake Norman Elementary -- our school together.
ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE POLICIES
It is important that children attend school regularly. The Iredell-Statesville School system has
implemented an attendance policy that addresses attendance in school and participation in class. Regular
attendance by every student is mandatory. The State of North Carolina requires that every child in the state
between the ages of seven and sixteen years of age attend school.
• When a student must miss school, a written excuse signed by a parent or guardian must be presented
to the school on the day returning after an absence. If the student does not present a note within two
days, the absence will be coded as unlawful. Extended illnesses may require a statement from a
physician.
• All classroom activities are important and difficult, if not impossible, to replace if missed. Students
must make up missed assignments as determined by the teacher, who will decide when work is to be
made up. Work may be requested before 10:00 a.m. through the office and picked up in the office
after 2:00 p.m.
• Class attendance and participation are critical elements of the educational process and may be taken
into account in assessing academic achievement.
1. After a student has accumulated three unlawful absences, the school will notify parent/guardian.
2. After not more than six unlawful absences, the school shall notify the parent/guardian that he/she
may be in violation of the Compulsory Attendance Law.
3. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade are required to be in attendance at least 94.5% of the
school year in order to be promoted to the next grade. A student absent more than ten days shall be
referred to the principal/designee for possible retention. If retention is necessary based on
attendance, the parent/guardian will be notified. For the purpose of promotion and retention, ten
tardies and/or early dismissals equal one day’s absence.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
All students should arrive between 7:15 and 7:30 a.m. If you bring your child, please come into the
drive in front of the school and let him/her off only where there is an adult on duty. For the safety of all of
our students, please adhere to the one-way entrance and exit signs, and do not enter or drive through the bus
lot, van lot, or behind the mega.
After 7:30 a.m., students are considered tardy. Students arriving tardy should be brought in the office
by a parent, signed in, and escorted to class by the parent. PLEASE DO NOT JUST DROP OFF. We would
appreciate you making every effort to have your child here on time so that the instructional day can begin
promptly for all of our students.
Students are dismissed from school at 2:15 p.m. If you pick your child up in the afternoon, please
follow traffic safety rules and stay in a single line. It is very helpful if parents wait in the car line rather than
parking and coming into the school. Students should not cross the parking lot or in front of another car.
ALL CAR RIDERS SHOULD BE PICKED UP IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL AND PARENTS
MUST WAIT IN THE CAR LINE.
Please complete the Dismissal Form, which is in this folder, stating where your child is to go after
school and who is to be allowed to pick him/her up. If there is a change in your regular plans, send a note to
the teacher who will send it to the office for approval. Please make these arrangements in the morning
before your child leaves home. It is an interruption of instructional time when we have to call a classroom
during the day to tell the teacher and your child that you have called in with a change of plans. If an
emergency should arise and plans need to be changed, the office should be contacted before 1:30 p.m.
Transportation changes cannot be accepted after this time. Students will not be called from the
classroom for early dismissal after 1:30 P.M. With the new attendance policy in place, early dismissals are
part of the new rules and not allowed after 1:30 p.m.
BUS RULES
Our goal is for all students to enjoy a safe and orderly trip to and from school. The privilege of riding
the school bus is just that - a privilege - and a student’s behavior on the bus determines whether he/she can
continue to enjoy this privilege. A student who chooses to break the rules will get an official warning or
suspension from riding the bus. A second offense may result in the student losing the privilege of riding the
bus from one to ten days. Fighting on the bus or at the bus stop may result in immediate suspension from
riding the bus. Since students are required to attend school during a bus suspension, parents are responsible
for arranging transportation for those days. We realize that this can be an inconvenience, so reinforce the
importance of good behavior on the bus to your child.
1. Stay in your seat from the time the bus starts until it comes to a full stop. (Standing, walking in the
aisles, and changing seats are dangerous to the students and distracting to the driver.)
2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. (No pushing, hitting, kicking, or throwing of objects.)
3. Keep arms and heads out of open windows.
4. Talk respectfully to others. (NO cursing, arguing, talking back to the bus driver, or excessively loud
talking.)
5. Do not take items out of book bag while on the bus.
6. NO fighting at the bus stop or on the bus.
(FIGHTING CAN RESULT IN AN IMMEDIATE BUS SUSPENSION.)
Please impress upon your child how serious and important safe transportation is and the difficulties
that may be faced should he/she be suspended from the bus. We want to make sure your child gets to and
from school safely. Due to limited bus seats, students are allowed to ride only their assigned bus. Thank
you for your cooperation.
CAFETERIA POLICY
The school cafeteria serves a hot meal providing much of the necessary daily nutritional requirements.
At least one serving from each of the four major food groups is offered.
Lunch may be purchased in advance. Each student is issued an account number, and all money sent
for meals is deposited into his/her account. Students go through the line and receive their lunch, which is
debited to their account. We encourage students to bring their lunch money on a weekly basis in an
envelope with their name, lunch account number, teacher’s name, amount enclosed, and any special
instructions. An extra charge is made for desserts.
Parents will no longer serve as cafeteria monitors at LNE. Beginning in 2010-2011, their will be
assigned teacher assistants that will monitor lunchroom behavior each day. This year we invite parents to
eat in our cafeteria one day a week. Parents must sign in at the office and report directly to the cafeteria if
they plan to eat lunch with their child. Parents are invited to either sit with their child at the lunch table or
they may sit at the picnic tables outside the cafeteria. In order to limit the number of guests, we ask that
you only eat lunch at school one day a week. If a parent has several children at LNE, he/she may stay for
more than one rotation in the cafeteria on a given day. We respectfully request that parents say goodbye to
their child in the cafeteria. This will help us to insure maximum instructional time with our students.
FAST FOOD SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS.
Information regarding student lunch accounts may be obtained by contacting the cafeteria at 6628717, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You may also visit the lunch pre-pay site on the LNE website.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The staff of Lake Norman Elementary believes that all students can behave in the classroom. No
student has the right to prevent the teacher from teaching or to prevent other students from learning.
Teachers will be firm, consistent, and positive with their discipline. Each teacher will post a list of
rules/procedures in the classroom that all children will follow. If a child chooses not to follow the rules,
he/she must face the consequences. Some examples of consequences for children who choose to engage in
negative behavior are: (1) time out, (2) work in another classroom, (3) call parent at home or work
regarding inappropriate behavior, (4) complete a discipline packet or contract as assigned by the teacher,
(5) stay after school, and/or (6) go to the principal’s office. Students who are sent to the principal’s office
will be dealt with according to the Iredell-Statesville Elementary Schools Discipline Policy. Students who
choose to follow school and classroom rules will be rewarded in a variety of ways. At LNE we participate
in Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
As parents, you have the right to know when your child routinely chooses not to follow the rules. We
ask for your support and cooperation if you should receive a call concerning your child’s behavior at
school. It is in your child’s best interest that we work together. You are your child’s first teacher and the
most important person to reinforce good behavior. We will help you perform that task.
DRESS
Clothes should be appropriate to both age and the weather. The following guidelines will help you to
make good choices:
• For health reasons, shoes must be worn at all times. NO rollerblades and/or wheels, or wheelies.
• Hats (and other head coverings) are not allowed in the building and will be taken.
• If weather indicates that shorts might be appropriate, please remember that shorts should be long
enough to be modest while standing, sitting, or bending.
• Midriffs, spaghetti straps, halter tops, tank tops, biking shorts, leotards, pants below the waist, and
tight-fitting attire are not acceptable.
• T-shirts should not advertise tobacco or alcoholic products, profanity, or inappropriate gestures or
pictures.
• Students who wear clothes that are inappropriate will be asked to change into something appropriate,
call to have parents bring other clothing, or be sent home for the day.
• Please help us to keep a clean, safe environment by monitoring your child’s dress.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Please return the student update form (three part). If the information changes during the year, it is
imperative that you notify the school so that we will have a way to contact parents in case of an emergency.
GRADING POLICY
The evaluation of student achievement is one of the important functions of the teacher. The
established guidelines for Iredell County are as follows:
*Grades K-2 - Individual assessment of skill areas
Level 1 - Does not meet grade level expectations
Level 2 - Sometimes meets grade level expectations
Level 3 - Meets grade level expectations
Level 4 - Consistently exceeds grade level expectations
*Grades 3-5 - Individual assessment of skill areas
A
= 93 - 100
S = Satisfactory
B
= 85 - 92
N = Needs improvement
C
= 77 - 84
U = Unsatisfactory
D
= 70 - 76
F
= Below 70
Report Cards will be issued quarterly. In order to keep parents informed of students’ progress, an
Interim Report will be sent home at the midpoint of each grading period. Please sign the Report Card
envelope and the Interim Report and return them to school.
Parent/Teacher conferences are encouraged. Please send a note to your child’s teacher or call the
school office to arrange a time. Teachers will conduct parent/teacher conferences twice a year.
IMMUNIZATIONS
State law requires that all school children be immunized with the following:
 5 DPT shots (If the fourth was given on or after the fourth birthday, they will not need the fifth
one.)
 4 POLIO (If the third dose was given on or after the fourth birthday, the fourth dose is not
required.)
 2 MMR
 1 HIB
 3 HEP B
 1 varicella (chicken pox)
If the required certificate of immunization is not received by the school within thirty days of
enrollment, state law requires that the child must officially be suspended from school.
LOST AND FOUND
Please write children’s names on their clothing, lunch boxes, and other personal items. Identified
items are returned to children immediately. If your child loses an item, he/she should check the Lost and
Found box located outside the office. We will donate to a worthy charity all items not claimed on a
monthly basis.
MEDICATION/STUDENT ILLNESS
All medication administered at school requires written parental consent and physician or authorized
prescriber consent on the Request for Medication to be Given at School form. There are no exceptions
for the administration of medications to be given at school on a long-term, short-term, or “as needed” basis.
Medication is to be brought to the school in the original container by the parent.
If your child has problems with coughing, headaches, upset stomach, cramps, etc., please have the
form completed as soon as possible. If you need a form, please let your child’s teacher know or call the
office. Over-the-counter medication can only be administered by the school nurse. On days that she is not
here, parents will need to come to school to give the medication. The nurse schedule will be sent to you at
a later date.
PARTIES
Each class is allowed three parties per year. These parties are scheduled by the teacher. Any other
parties must be approved by the principal. Parties cannot take the place of lunch, and students must go
through the lunch line. Students may bring cookies or cupcakes to distribute at lunch or in class for special
occasions (birthdays, etc.). Students are not allowed to draw names or exchange gifts as a group at
Christmas.
BIRTHDAY BOOKS
In order to honor your child’s birthday while helping the school at the same time, we suggest that
parents donate money to purchase a library bound book for our collection. These books would have a plate
with your child’s name inscribed. Please contact our Media Specialist who can assist you in choosing a title
for donation. A receipt will gladly be given for tax purposes.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Radios, electronic games, CD players, cell phones, or similar devices are not permitted on the bus or
at school. Students should not bring cameras, toys, expensive jewelry, or large sums of money to school.
Students should not leave valuables in their desks or cubbies.
PICTURES
Individual pictures of each student enrolled will be taken in the fall. Packages of pictures will be
available on a prepaid basis. Yearbooks will be sold on a prepaid basis during the winter, and class pictures
will be made in the spring. All students will also be photographed in the spring.
PROMOTIONAL PROCEDURES
Children are individuals with different learning styles and rates. In contemplating a student’s
promotion from one grade to the next, we consider many varying assessments, including: age, maturity, test
scores, achievement, effort, and attendance.
We do not consider that a child has failed if he/she does not progress to the next grade, but rather that
more time may be needed for an individual student to attain that specific goal. Since students must meet
certain minimum competencies before graduation, they must receive an adequate foundation. Please do not
compare your child’s report with others, since no two children are alike.
PTO
The Lake Norman PTO is a strong and vital part of the school. We urge you to join and to participate
in as many activities as you can. If you have suggestions or ideas, please call one of the officers listed on
the enclosed sheet or call the school office. Meetings are held throughout the year, and we encourage you
to play an active role in this vital support organization.
SCHOOL LIBRARY
We believe that developing a reading habit is an essential component of learning. Our school library is
much more than a place to check out books. We utilize the library for audio-visual production, research,
computerized instruction, and more. We are constantly adding to our store of good reading materials and
audio-visual equipment for your child’s enrichment and pleasure. Please help us to teach our students to
care for books and materials and to use them properly. Books are expensive - costing as much as $30.00. If
a book is lost or damaged, the child will be expected to pay for it. Remember, the library is a classroom too.
The library SHOULD NOT be used by parents unless cleared through the office.
SNACKS
Each class will have a short break during the day. A nutritious snack may be eaten at that time. Please
send water. Sugary or carbonated drinks are discouraged. Candy, gum, and sweets should be reserved for
special designated occasions.
VISITATION AND CONFERENCES
Parents are encouraged to visit the school. In order to protect instructional time and to ensure the
safety of all of our students, the parent must check in at the school office to receive a visitor’s sticker before
visiting a classroom. ALL VISITORS MUST WEAR A STICKER WHEN IN OUR BUILDING.
Please schedule visitations/conferences in advance with your child’s teacher. Sign in on the laptop
computer when entering and leaving our school.
If you desire a conference time, please send a note to the teacher or call the school office and leave a
message. The teacher will return your call or send you a confirmation note as soon as possible. Conferences
with teachers cannot interfere with instructional time.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Parents are urged to volunteer to help teachers and students. We believe that parents have much to
contribute to the educational process. Our school welcomes and encourages parent participation through
PTO volunteer projects. Information about how you can become a volunteer will be sent to you early in the
year and will be available thereafter through the Volunteer Chair. When you come to school to volunteer,
please sign in on the laptop computer in the front office so that we have a record of your presence in the
building. You must wear a volunteer badge so that everyone will recognize you as a volunteer.
Safety precautions cause us to limit access to our building. The only access will be through the
main entrance. All other outside doors will be locked for safety reasons. All volunteers/visitors must wear
a volunteer/visitor badge or sticker so that you will be recognized. Volunteers must be scheduled with the
classroom teacher, sign in at the office, and follow the schedule.
WEATHER PROBLEMS/SCHOOL CLOSINGS
School will close if we have severe winter weather. When possible, the announcement will be on the
radio/television the night before or as early as possible in the morning. Here is the procedure used by the
Iredell-Statesville School System:
• Schools will operate - No announcement made by media.
• Schools will close - Media will report school closing announcements as early as possible.
• One-hour delay - Everything is on a delay for one hour. The media will announce decision by 6:00
a.m. By 7:00 a.m., the media will announce whether schools will close or will open one/two hours
later. Before-school day care center will operate as usual.
• Early dismissal - If it looks like roads will be icy or covered with snow, an announcement will be
made that schools will dismiss early. PRIMETIME OR ANY OF THE OTHER AFTER-SCHOOL
PROGRAMS WILL NOT OPERATE. Parents who usually rely on some type of after-school day
care will be expected to pick up their child immediately.
• Students should know a procedure to follow if school closes because of bad weather. Obviously, 600
plus students cannot use the phone. Please talk with your child to ensure that he/she knows how to
get home, what to do when he/she gets there, or any different procedures you want him/her to
follow.
FIELD TRIPS
Each grade may take one major field trip during the school year. Short trips may be taken for
educational purposes if approval is secured. Parents may be asked to pay for trips out of the county. Proper
behavior is a requirement on all field trips. All school policies and procedures will remain in full force. Due
to insurance purposes, parents are not allowed to ride activity busses.
FIRE AND TORNADO DRILLS
The school will hold a fire drill each month to practice actions needed should there be a real fire. It is
absolutely essential that no talking occur during the fire drill except as directed by the teacher. Students
should walk quickly to the designated area and listen for directions from each teacher or the principal.
At least once during the year, the school will hold a tornado drill. A lockdown drill will be held at
least twice.
GUIDANCE
Lake Norman Elementary has a full-time guidance counselor, who is available to help students and/or
parents with problems that may be interfering with schoolwork or with a student’s positive social
interaction skills. Our guidance counselor is available to parents by calling the school for an appointment.
PROCEDURES
Telephones: If a student needs to contact a parent, he/she must first notify the teacher. The teacher will
either make the call or permit the child to use the class phone. If the child gets the home answering
machine, a message should be left for the parent to call. Cell phones are not allowed at the elementary
school.
Returning Phone Calls Policy: Lake Norman Elementary policy of returning phone calls to parents allows
two working days for responding. Teachers cannot take calls during instructional time, but parents may
leave a message on the teacher’s voicemail.
Student Movement: Students should not be in the office area without written permission from their teacher
(unless they need a tardy note). If a student needs to speak with the principal, assistant principal, secretary,
or librarian, he/she must tell the teacher who will make arrangements to send him/her at an appropriate
time.
Personal Belongings: Leave valuables at home. Teachers are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Teachers should not be asked to “hold” jewelry, money, or other items during P.E. Teachers and/or the
principal will confiscate inappropriate belongings brought to school.
Dismissal: Students are expected to walk quietly with their designated group to the bus departure or the car
rider area. Unless an emergency arises, plans for how your child is to go should be made BEFORE he/she
comes to school. Students should give the teacher notes concerning changes in normal dismissal routines as
soon as they get to the classroom. Teachers will send notes to the office for a signature.
Enrollment: To enroll at Lake Norman, all parents must provide proof of residency within our school
district. EX: copy of utility bill or closing statement (contract with builder is not sufficient). Also needed
will be the child’s original birth certificate, social security card, immunization record, and a current
physical exam (if child is entering kindergarten). If there are custody/ guardianship issues, proper
documentation is required.
Primetime: Information regarding the before and after-school day care programs may be obtained by
contacting the Primetime office at 664-5537.
Book Bag Policy: Lake Norman Elementary does not allow book bags on wheels. They have become a
safety issue on buses, in hallways, and in classrooms. Book bags will need to be backpacks, without
wheels. Rolling book bags WILL NOT be allowed.
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YEAR-LONG PROJECTS
CAMPBELL SOUP LABELS - Redeemed for school equipment and P.E. equipment.
GENERAL MILLS CEREAL BOX TOPS - Redeemed for funds to use where needed most.
HARRIS TEETER VIC CARD - Give the cashier the LNES Account #1695 once, and then each
time you use your VIC card, the school benefits.
TARGET STORES: Link your TARGET VISA to the school and the school earns money every time
you use your TARGET VISA -www.target.com.
Lake Norman Elementary PTO Calendar
2010 - 2011
August
8/23
8/25
Open House 12:00 – 4:00 pm
First Day of School
September
9/8
TBD
9/13
TBD
9/24
Community Dinner Night Place TBD
PTO Fund Drive
PTO Board Meeting 2:30 pm in LNE Library
PTO General Mtg 7:00 pm LNE Gym
Welcome Back Parent Coffee
October
10/6
10/11
10/14 – 10/21
10/19
Community Dinner Night Donatos Pizza
PTO Board Meeting 2:30 p in LNE Library
Book Fair
LNE Spooky Science Dinner Night
November
11/6
11/8
11/10
Fall Festival
PTO Board Meeting 2:30 pm in LNE Library
Community Dinner Night Brooklyn Boys
December
12/1
12/3
12/6 – 12/10
12/13
Community Dinner Night McAlister’s Deli
Holiday Staff Luncheon
Holiday House
PTO Board Meeting 2:30 pm in LNE Library
January
1/5
1/10
1/14
Community Dinner Night Red Robin
PTO Board Meeting 2:30 pm in LNE Library
Soup Day for Staff
February
2/2
2/10 or 2/11
2/14
Community Dinner Night Place TBD
Valentine’s Day Dance Location TBD
PTO Board Meeting 2:30 pm in LNE Library
March
3/1 – 3/4
3/2
3/14
3/17-3/25
3/22
Read Across America Week with an Author Visit
Community Dinner Night MJ’s
PTO Board Meeting 2:30 pm in LNE Library
Book Fair
LNE Family Dinner Night
April
4/6
4/11
4/15
Community Dinner Night Place TBD
PTO Board Meeting 2:3 pm in LNE Library
Extreme Teacher Challenge
May
5/2– 5/6
5/9– 5/13
5/9
5/11
5/17
Teacher Appreciation Week w/teacher luncheon on 5/5
Used Book Sale
PTO Board Meeting 2:30 pm in LNE Library
Community Dinner Night Kerrigan’s
General PTO Meeting 7:30 PM in LNE Library
June
6&7
Field Day (Day 1 = K-2 & Day 2 = 3-5)