Parent/Student Handbook
2014 - 2015
Please read and discuss with your child the Micro-Pine Level Elementary School Parent/Student
Handbook for the 2014 - 2015 school year. Pay particular attention to the rules concerning
behavior, attendance, and arriving/leaving school. Many questions concerning the school and
Johnston County Schools’ system policies will be answered by reading the Parent/Student
Handbook and any additional information provided by the Johnston County Board of Education.
If you have questions or comments concerning the information, please direct them to your
child’s teacher.
By working together, we know this year will be a successful one for all of us at Micro-Pine
Level Elementary School.
You and your child are asked to sign below to indicate that you have read a copy of the
Parent/Student Handbook. The Parent/Student Handbook may be viewed online at
http://www.johnston.k12.nc.us/mpl or you may receive a paper copy from your child’s teacher
if you do not have internet access.
Parent Signature
Student Signature
Date
1
PICK UP AND DROP OFF INFORMATION
 Office hours:
7:30 am – 4:45 pm except during holidays and closings
Student hours:
8:45 am – 3:55 pm
* No student drop-offs will be allowed before 8:15 am unless they are participating
in the Before School Care program.
 Students arriving between 8:15 and 8:25 must report to the gym if not eating breakfast, or
the cafeteria if they are eating breakfast.
 Students are TARDY at 8:45 am.
 Students who leave before 12:15 pm or report to school after 12:15 pm will be counted
absent. Because arriving late and leaving early disrupts learning, habitual tardiness and
early checkouts will be addressed by the Principal.
 COME INSIDE TO SIGN STUDENTS IN LATE OR OUT EARLY. PROVIDE
IDENTIFICATION.
 NO STUDENTS WILL BE ALLOWED TO BE CHECKED OUT IN THE
AFTERNOONS BETWEEN 3:20 - 3:55 pm.
 Students who ride daycare vans or cars will be returned to the building if not picked up in
the afternoon by 4:05 pm.
 All car riders are to be dropped off on Herring Street in the mornings. No students are
to be dropped off in the front of the building in the mornings.
 K-1 students and any older siblings can be picked up in the afternoon in the front of the
school. Appropriate signs must be displayed in the windshield on the passenger side; ask
your child’s teacher for the # of signs needed.
 Grades 2 - 5 can be picked up in the afternoon on Herring Street. Please be respectful of
residents by not blocking their driveways or discarding trash while waiting for your
child/ren. Appropriate signs must be displayed in the windshield on the passenger side;
ask your child’s teacher for the # of signs needed.
 Cars are to remain in a single line for drop-off and pick-up.
 Walkers and any students not picked up in the afternoon car line will be dismissed only
after all car and bus traffic has been cleared.
 Please do not have a conference/conversation with the teacher in the drop-off or pick-up
line. Park in the parking lot if you need to speak to the teacher.
 The safety of the children at Micro-Pine Level is at the top of our list at all times.
Making sure they are in a safe environment when they get off the bus in the afternoons is
no exception. If we suspect that there is no one home, the child will be returned to school
for the parent/guardian to pick-up. However, it is the parent’s responsibility to get
students to/from the bus stop at the appropriate times.
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SAFETY ISSUES
 Park in the Staff/Visitor parking lot, not at the curb when visiting the school, even if
visiting for a short time.
 When leaving please look ahead and behind when moving your car. Several near
misses have occurred when parents are not watching while the car is in motion.
 Be considerate of other cars when dropping off or picking up your child. Have your
child’s money, notes, books, etc. ready before you enter the drop-off area. If you need to
get out of the car, please park in the parking lot.
 Be patient. Children are precious cargo.
Changes in Transportation

Make all transportation/attendance arrangements with your child prior to leaving in the
morning in order to prevent disrupting class. Send a written note to your child’s teacher
with the changes.

If an emergency occurs and changes need to be made during the day, they must be made
before 3:15 pm to assure the message is properly communicated. These changes must
be in writing (no phone calls).
Before School Care Program
Students involved in the Before School Care program must abide by the same rules,
policies, and guidelines as students during the regular day. Before School Care hours are
7:00 – 8:15 am. If you are interested in your child participating, please contact the
receptionist at the front desk during regular office hours for more information.
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ATTENDANCE
The Johnston County Attendance policy reads as follows:
Regular attendance is required… All students must be present for a minimum of 91% of
all class meetings to receive credit for a course during any grading period. That is, if
absences exceed four (4) per nine weeks, eight (8) per semester, or sixteen (16) per year.
Notice of Absences:
 After 3 unexcused absences - the school’s Social Worker will be contacted
 After 6 unexcused absences - letter will be sent from the administration concerning
your child’s school attendance
“In the event of absences or tardies, it shall be the responsibility of the student to bring to
the teacher a note signed by the parent/guardian giving the reason for such absence or
tardiness. A note to the teacher is expected on the day of return. A doctor’s note will be
required for absences which exceed the 91% and for which a waiver is sought.
The principal may waive the 91% (4-days per nine weeks) requirement in extremely
unusual circumstances. Actions of the principal may be appealed to the superintendent
and the Board of Education.”
Excused absences may be:
 Illness of the student
 Medical or dental appointment
 Death in the immediate family – (brother, sister, mother, father, grandparent)
 Quarantine by the Health Department
 Religious holidays
 Court summons
 Immediate demands of the home which in the opinion of the principal merit absences
 One family-sponsored field trip per year, if that trip has educational value (Request
absence five days in advance and complete work while away.)
A student shall be entitled to twice the number of school days absent to make-up all work as
arranged by the student at the convenience of the teacher.
Unexcused absences are any absences not meeting the requirement of an excused absence.
Perfect Attendance is awarded only when a student has no absences, no more than two
un-excused tardies, and no more that 2 un-excused early check-outs in the afternoon.
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MEDICATIONS, HEALTH CONCERNS
School personnel are prohibited by law from giving medication to students without the
following criteria having been met:
 Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medication
 All medications must be in the manufacturer/pharmacist’s original container.
 These medications must be accompanied by a school form signed by the
physician. (You can get this form from the school office.)
 Parents of students are to deliver the medication to the school. Parents are to
bring the medication to the front desk. Students MAY NOT bring medications
to and from school.
 It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school of any health issues relating to the
student (i.e. - allergic reactions to bee stings, asthma, diabetes, etc.). An emergency
kit, contingency plan, and release form for instituting emergency procedures is
required for students with life-threatening conditions.
 A registered school nurse is only on campus three days per week.
CAFETERIA/SNACKS
 To receive free or reduced lunch, you must complete an application every year, and
it must be approved every year.
 Free- or reduced–price lunch applications are available in the office. Status is determined
by family income. Questions about status should be directed to the Child Nutrition
Office (919.934.1304).
 Students are not allowed to charge any meals. However, lunches may be paid for by
the month, week or day. Checks should be written to Micro-Pine Level Cafeteria.
(Include the teacher’s name, child’s full name, and child’s lunch number on the check).
 If you have more than one child at Micro-Pine Level and would like for us to be able to
switch money from one child’s cafeteria account to the other, please send a letter to the
cafeteria manager. The letter should include the names of the children and give
permission for her to move the money when needed. We are not allowed to move money
without this written permission.
 Each Wednesday, we will be sending home a letter from our cafeteria informing you of
the balance on your child’s lunch account. Every child will receive this letter, regardless
of his/her lunch status (free, reduced, or regular pay) if they have less than $20.00 on
their account. Please make every effort to keep an adequate amount of money on your
child’s account at all times.
 We welcome adults to join us for lunch. For operational reasons, food from outside
vendors can not be brought into the cafeteria.
 One additional item such as ice cream, cookies, and chips may be purchased, but only
with a full lunch. This does not apply to Kindergarten and First Grade students. Extra
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snacks are not available to Kindergarten students, and they are only available to First
Grade students on Fridays.
 Students are not permitted to have carbonated beverages in the cafeteria or to bring them
for snack.
 In order to maximize attention to academics, parties are confined to snack time or lunch
time.
 Students are not allowed to be checked out to go eat lunch or a sibling’s events and then
return to class.
SCHOOL INSURANCE
See JCS website: www.johnston.k12.nc.us
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ACADEMIC CONCERNS
We strive daily to provide a quality education for all students at Micro-Pine Level
Elementary. Johnston County has set and is achieving high educational standards. Parents
and students are partners in establishing a purposeful, positive, and productive learning
environment. To foster this teamwork, regular parent communications are provided for all
grade levels.
 Kindergarten - Grade 2 students are assessed through specific criteria in reading,
mathematics, spelling/writing, and social development. Benchmarks for proficiency have
been established for each grade level. K-2 students will receive grades of S+, S, S-, N, or
U for reading and math. They will receive S, N, or U for all other areas.
 Grades 3 - 5 receive A - F grades in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and
Social Studies.
 Students participate in a rotation of Art/Spanish, Computer Skills, Music, and Physical
Education. Grades for these classes, as well as conduct, are S, N, or U.
 Students who are at-risk of academic or behavioral difficulty will be referred to the RtI
(Response to Intervention) Team. Teachers and parents work together in developing
strategies to help the child succeed. During or following this period, parents may be
asked to give permission for additional evaluation.
Problem Solving Team:
The RTI Problem-Solving Team is a multi-disciplinary group of educators that create intensive,
customized intervention plans for struggling general-education students who have not
responded to lesser levels of academic or behavioral support. The problem solving team will
meet prior to and following the intervention period at Tier III. The problem solving team will
include the classroom teacher, parents, administration, specialists and other members as needed
to determine student intervention progress and needs.
RtI Tier III Process
The RtI Tier III process is for approximately 5% of the student population and includes
instruction at the core, strategic, and intensive levels in order for students to achieve set
benchmark goals. Tier III level of intervention includes approximately 90 minutes of targeted
intervention in the specific area of need per week in the general education classroom. The Tier
III intervention period and student performance is monitored weekly and student progress
graphed for a period of 4-6 weeks. Following the 4-6 week intervention period, the problem
solving team will meet and discuss data pertaining to student response with targeted
interventions.
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JCS Board Policies
Listed below are some JCS Board policies that pertain directly to parents and students.
Please visit www.johnston.k12.nc.us and review policies 2100, 2600, 3130, 3330, 3340,
4000/5125, 4225, 5140, 5130, 4620, and 4500. Feel free to call if you have any questions
concerning any of these policies.
Recognition of Student Achievement
 Students in grades 3-5 who receive grades of all A’s and S’s shall be recognized as
being on the Principal’s List.
 Students in grades 3 - 5 who receive grades of A’s, B’s, or S’s shall be recognized as
being on the Honor Roll.
 For these recognitions, there can be no N or U on the report card. (i.e. – work habits,
conduct, BEP, etc.)
 This recognition will include, at a minimum, publication in the local news media.
 Perfect Attendance will be awarded to those students who have had no absences
and no more than two un-excused tardies, and no more than 2 early check-outs
in the quarter.
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COMMUNICATION
 Parent news from the Principal will be sent home with the youngest child each month
in the Bobcat Newsflash. You will also receive phone messages through our ConnectEd program when we have special events and reminders. You can adjust your contact
preferences in Connect-Ed by visiting our school’s Data Manager for directions, user
name, password, etc.
 Parents are also frequently asked to participate in surveys. These give us very helpful
feedback and contribute to our improvement.
 Teachers will communicate through the daily folders and agendas. Progress reports
and report cards will be sent home each nine-weeks to inform you of your child’s
progress.
 You are welcome to call your child’s teacher to set-up a conference or communicate
through the agendas as well. Teachers ask that you check your child’s folder or agenda
each night.
 You can also check our school website (www.johnston.k12.nc.us/mpl) for information
related to the school and school activities.
 Each teacher has voicemail on our phone system that is available 24/7. Staff will
respond to your voicemail within 24 hours.
VISITORS, VOLUNTEERS, CONFERENCES
Visitors and volunteers are welcome at Micro-Pine Level Elementary School. For the safety
of all of our students, we require that:
 All volunteers must complete a Level II volunteer form in accordance with Johnston
County Board Policy. You will find the form online @ www.jcsvolunteers.com. It is a
good practice to complete this at the beginning of the year. If you were previously
approved as a volunteer prior to June 1, 2011, you will need to go online and update your
information each year after July 1st.
 All visitors report to the office upon arrival to check-in. This is for the safety of our
children and staff.
 Provide identification to receptionist.
 Identification badge (Visitor or Volunteer) shall be worn while in the building. Sign our
VOLUNTEER or VISITOR book. This helps us track volunteer hours for our school
improvement plans and volunteer recognition.
 Anyone wishing to visit the classroom between 8:25 am - 3:55 pm must gain the
approval of the Principal or the Principal’s designee.
We also welcome your communication with the school and with your child’s teacher.
Conferences with teachers must be held during non-classroom instruction times. Please
send your child’s teacher a note or call the school to determine mutually convenient times
during teachers’ planning time, or before/after school.
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FIELD TRIPS
 The school will purchase tickets (when appropriate) only for those parents who have
been approved as Level II chaperones/volunteers. All other parents will have to
purchase tickets on their own.
 Parents who chaperone field trips are considered volunteers and must complete a
Level II volunteer form at least one month prior to the date of the trip. This can be
done at the beginning of the year to avoid any problems.
 There will be no refunds of Field Trip money if those who have paid are unable to attend.
 Parents who chaperone field trips will generally be asked to be responsible for a small
group of students.
 SIBLINGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON FIELD TRIPS.
 Parents who chaperone field trips may sign their children out to return home with them
from the field trip. No other child may ride home with a non-parent.
 Not all parents will be able to ride the bus on field trips that require the use of chartered
buses.
 Parents may not ride on activity buses.
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SCHOOL DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
Micro-Pine Level Elementary is a PBIS School!
What is Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)?
PBIS is a positive behavior program Micro-Pine Level staff and students started in August
2009. PBIS is a data-driven program based on student needs at our school. This program is
mostly student managed by choices they make. When students practice expected behaviors
they are rewarded for their great decision-making skills. If you would like more general
information on PBIS programs go to www.pbis.org.
How will PBIS be taught to students of MPLE?
At the beginning of the school year students will view a short video each day to help teach the
correct behaviors for each common area of the campus. The videos will demonstrate to
students the incorrect and the correct way to behave in a particular area of the school. Next,
students will practice the procedures they viewed on the video as a class. In doing these
procedures, teachers can correct the problems during the practice sessions with no penalty to the
student. At the conclusion of the practice session and after the age-appropriate reminder time,
students will then be rewarded for correct behavior in the common areas of the school.
Where are guidelines for PBIS in the school?
There will be an expectation matrix posted in several areas of the school to serve as a visual
reminder to the students. The same matrix that is posted in the school is here in the student
agenda for parents and students to review at home.
The following rules will be posted in each classroom:
Give Me 5
Eyes are looking.
Ears are listening.
Mouth is quiet.
Hands and feet are still.
Brain is thinking.
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School Expectations and Rules Matrix Form
Respect
Out of harm's way
Act Responsibly
Remember
Keep area clean
Follow directions
Come to class prepared
Practice good manners
Wait your turn
Listen
with materials, homework and
Listen
Listen to instructions
Hands and feet to
papers assigned
Nice words
Treat materials with
yourself
Keep area clean
Share materials
care
Stay seated
Kindness
Classroom
Use materials properly
Hall
Walk and move
Follow directions
Step out of line to tie shoes
Stay on right
carefully
Walk on right
3rd block on the right
Voice 1
Hands and feet to self
Hands off walls
(off walls)
Bathroom
Flush
Follow directions
Keep area clean
Wait your turn
Wash hands
Walk
Use equipment properly
Voice 1
Wait turn
In and out quickly
Give others privacy
Cafeteria
Playground
Clean after self
Follow directions
Use manners
Walk in line
Help others
Respect cup system
Stay seated
Eat your own food
Play Safely
Follow directions
Listen to adult in
Use equipment properly
Keep area clean
Use equipment correctly
Wait your turn
Share equipment
Include others
charge
Wait your turn
Assemblies
Sit
Follow directions
Listen and follow directions
Listen quietly
Walk
Keep area clean
Applaud at
Stay seated
Keep hands and feet
quiet
Remain quiet
appropriate times
Participate
Car line
K-1
Follow directions
Follow directions/ wait
Listen and follow directions
Stay in assigned areas
for teacher to take you to
Keep all items in book bag
Keep hands and feet to
Pay attention
the car
Follow directions
Walk
Voice 1
self
Pay attention
Remain seated
Stay on sidewalk
Car Line 2-5
Follow directions
Follow directions
Listen and follow directions
Stay in assigned areas
Walk
Keep all items in book bag
Keep hands and feet to
Pay attention
Pay attention
Follow directions
Stay on sidewalk
Voice 1
self
Wait for teacher to give
signal to go
Bus
Stay seated
Follow directions
Listen and follow directions
Use nice words
Follow directions
Stay seated in assigned
Keep area clean
Voice 1
seat
Take all of your things with
Walk
you
Keep body inside
windows
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Implementation of Discipline
Consequences for Johnston County Schools’ Student Code of Conduct violations are
prescribed by Board Policy. In addition, each teacher has a set of behavioral expectations
for the proper order and decorum in the classroom, and prescribed consequences and
rewards for behavior. Parents will receive a copy of these expectations and
implementation procedures from the child’s teacher. Please help your child understand
the importance of maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment.
Choices
One of the consequences for inappropriate behaviors is our Choices room. When students
are being disruptive, they can be sent to Choices for a “Time Out” and hopefully return to
their regular schedule. In more severe and repeated cases, the student may remain in
Choices for the remainder of the day. This will also be used for In-School Suspension,
should the need arise.
Parents of students who cause substantial disruption of the educational process may
be called to visit the school to assist with misbehaviors.
Restitution will be a part of administrative disciplinary procedures, when appropriate.
The offending student will be given an opportunity to make up for the wrong action.
Character education is stressed at all phases of discipline with emphasis on the need for
personal responsibility.
Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)
Out-of-school suspension will result when a student violates any Johnston County
Schools’ Student Code of Conduct which mandates out-of-school suspension or for
repeated offenses of the guidelines. OSS students are not allowed on any Johnston
County Schools’ property during their suspensions.
Bus Guidelines
Rules that apply to the classroom also apply to the bus. Bus regulations are included in
the Parent Gazette. Bus discipline follows a level system in which repeating minor
offenses, threats to the safety of the bus, and refusing to follow instructions will result in
suspension of bus privileges. Cumulative suspensions may be for the remainder of the
school year. Parents are required to provide transportation during any bus
suspension. This includes picking up students on time from school.
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MISCELLANEOUS
1. Following each extended weekend, children will be checked for HEAD LICE as needed.
2. All parents are encouraged to attend Advisory Council and PTA Board meetings. Your
input is valuable.
3. Please write the name of your child on ALL correspondence with the school,
INCLUDING CHECKS.
4. Any money sent to school should include the name and purpose for the cash or check.
5. Call the Data Manager if any information about your child changes (phone, address,
emergency contact, etc.).
6. Please stay informed!
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School Counseling at Micro-Pine Level Elementary School
What is a school counselor?
A certified professional who is trained at the graduate level
in counseling and consulting practices and has the in-depth
knowledge of human development, helping relationships,
the social/cultural foundations, group processes, evaluation,
and career development in the school setting.
Mission Statement
The mission of the counseling program at Micro-Pine Level Elementary School is to kindle the
flame of learning and self-growth. The program will provide a comprehensive, developmental
counseling program addressing the academic, career, and personal/social development of all
students. School counselors are professional advocates who provide support to maximize
student potential and academic achievement. In partnership with other educators, parents, and
the community, school counselors facilitate a support system to ensure that all students at
Micro-Pine Level Elementary School have access to and are prepared with the knowledge and
skills to contribute as a life-long learner, at the highest level as productive members of society.
Services Provided
Class Guidance: The school counselor will visit classrooms monthly to provide instructional and
informational presentations on the following topics: career development, character education,
academics, and conflict resolution.
Small Groups: Student support groups are offered to help strengthen self-esteem, promote
positive relationships, and encourage responsibility in an atmosphere of trust and acceptance.
This involves an opportunity for students to share, listen, and receive information about
concerns they may have.
Teacher Consultation: The school counselor works with teachers to help determine the most
appropriate services for students and is available to assist with parent/teacher conferences and
home visits.
Student and Parent Conferences: The school counselor is available to students, parents, and staff
as needed. Parents and teachers may call or stop by the counseling office with questions or
concerns. Students may request to see the counselor by putting a note in the counselor’s box.
Confidentiality
The school counselor has a high duty of confidentiality to students and parents. We can repeat
information given to us by students and parents only if danger to self or other exists or if we
have the permission of the student or members of the family to repeat information.
We cannot always build the future for our youth,
but we can build our youth for the future.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
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Character Education
2014 - 2015
September - Respect
October - Perseverance
November - Responsibility
December - Compassion
January - Dependability
February - Fairness
March - Integrity
April - Courage
May - Honesty
Student of the Month – Each month, teachers will nominate one person per class who
has exemplified the trait of the month all month long. Those students will be recognized
at the monthly Character Trait Assembly, at the 9-Weeks assembly, and have their name
displayed on the Character Education bulletin board.
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