Parent Handbook
2014-2015
Fort Lewis Elementary School
3115 West Main Street
Salem, Virginia 24153
Phone: (540) 387-6594
Fax: (540) 387-6348
http://www.rcs.k12.va.us/fles/
Mission Statement
It is the mission of Roanoke County Schools to ensure that all students participate in quality learning
experiences necessary to grow, adapt, and meet the challenges of a changing world.
Table of Contents
School Calendar
Letter from the Principal
GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................. 4
A Brief History of Fort Lewis Elementary School .............................................................................. 4
Roanoke County Schools Mission Statement ................................................................................... 4
Philosophy and Objectives ............................................................................................................ 5
Certification ................................................................................................................................. 5
Faculty and Staff Listing……………………………………………………………………………………………………………6
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONAL ORGANIZATION ........................................................................ 7
Curriculum ................................................................................................................................... 7
Textbooks .................................................................................................................................... 7
Physical Education ........................................................................................................................ 7
Guidance Counselor ...................................................................................................................... 7
Gifted Education ........................................................................................................................... 7
Field Trips .................................................................................................................................... 8
School Parties .............................................................................................................................. 8
Homebound Instruction ................................................................................................................ 8
ATTENDANCE .................................................................................................................................. 9
Admission to School (Immunizations) ............................................................................................ 9
Daily Schedule ........................................................................................................................... 10
Daily Attendance ........................................................................................................................ 10
Late Arrival to School .................................................................................................................. 10
Procedures Concerning Safety and Student Supervision: ............................................................... 11
Inclement Weather ..................................................................................................................... 11
COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR SCHOOL ......................................................................................... 12
Conferences ............................................................................................................................... 12
Reporting to Parents ................................................................................................................... 12
Communication with Parents Who Maintain Two Households ........................................................ 12
Grading Scale ............................................................................................................................. 12
Interim Report Periods and Report Cards ..................................................................................... 12
6.18 Evaluation - Student Promotion Policies ................................................................................ 13
Homework ................................................................................................................................. 13
Homework Assignment Requests ................................................................................................. 14
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE...................................................................................................................... 12
Discipline ................................................................................................................................... 14
Laws Related to School Disciplinary Records ................................................................................ 14
Weapons and Dangerous Instruments ......................................................................................... 15
HEALTH AND SAFETY ..................................................................................................................... 15
Health Screening ........................................................................................................................ 15
Medication Policy ........................................................................................................................ 15
Accident or Illness ...................................................................................................................... 15
Toys at School ........................................................................................................................... 16
Clothing and School Dress........................................................................................................... 16
Fire Drills and Bus Drills .............................................................................................................. 16
BUS TRANSPORTATION ................................................................................................................. 16
Bus Riders ................................................................................................................................. 16
Roanoke County School Bus Regulations ...................................................................................... 16
FINANCIAL MATTERS ..................................................................................................................... 17
Student Pictures ......................................................................................................................... 17
Financial Drives and Campaigns .................................................................................................. 17
Lunch and Breakfast Programs .................................................................................................... 17
Milk Allergy ................................................................................................................................ 18
Ice Cream .................................................................................................................................. 18
Student Door-to-Door Sales ........................................................................................................ 18
PTA ........................................................................................................................................... 18
Visitation - Lunch ....................................................................................................................... 19
Birthday Party Invitations ............................................................................................................ 19
What you Can Do To Help Your Child succeed at school ................................................................... 19
Volunteer Guidelines…………………………………………………………………………………………………20
ROANOKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CENTRAL OFFICE STAFF ........................................................ 20
PTA OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS ....................................................................................... 22
SCHOOL CALENDAR - FORT LEWIS ELEMENTARY 2014-2015
August
25 First Pupil Day
September
1
Schools Closed - Labor Day
17 2-Hr. Early Dismissal-Teacher Inservice, 12:20 pm (Lunch will be served)
24 Interim Midpoint
30 Interim Reports Sent Home
October
15 2-Hr. Early Dismissal-Teacher Inservice, 12:20 pm (Lunch will be served)
24 End of 1st Grading Period
25 Teacher Workday (at home)
29 Report Cards Sent Home
November
4
Schools Closed - Parent/Teacher Conferences 12-7PM
26 2-Hr. Early Dismissal, 12:20 pm (Lunch will be served)
27 School Closed – Thanksgiving Holiday
28 School Closed – Thanksgiving Holiday
December
1
Interim Midpoint
8
Interim Reports Sent Home
22-31 Schools Closed - Winter Break
January
1
Schools Closed - Holiday
2
Schools Closed - Holiday
15 End 2nd Grading Period
17 Teacher Workday (at home)
19 Martin Luther King Day - Schools Closed
23 Report Cards Sent Home
February
2
Schools Closed – Parent Teacher Conference Day 12-7PM
18 Interim Midpoint
25 Interim Reports Sent Home
March
20 End of Third Grading Period
23 Schools Closed- Teacher Workday*
27 Report Cards Sent Home
April
3-10 Schools closed – Spring Break
May
1
Interim Midpoint
8
Interim Reports Sent Home
25 Schools Closed – Memorial Day*
June
4 Last Pupil Day – Early Dismissal - 11:30 a.m. (no lunch)
*Make-Up Schedule:
1- Bank Day
2- Bank Day
3- Bank Day
4- March 23
5- April 3
6- Not Required
7- May 25
8- Not Required
9- April 10
10- Not Required
11- April 9
**Parents and students should not
schedule trips, vacations, etc., on
possible make-up days.
Fort Lewis Elementary School
3115 West Main Street
Salem, Virginia 24153
Phone: (540) 387-6594 FAX: (540) 387-6348
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Welcome to Fort Lewis Elementary School! Our mission here at Fort Lewis is to
provide children with a strong foundation on which they will build their futures. All staff
members are committed to providing quality instruction that will prepare your children
for the 21st Century. Our lessons are developed using essential knowledge outlined in
the Standards of Learning as well as Roanoke County’s Curriculum Guides. We are
dedicated to providing your child with the best education possible through exciting and
meaningful learning experiences.
The purpose of this handbook is to provide families with important information
about our school. It details our school’s procedures and guidelines. It also contains a
complete listing of our staff as well as a calendar of important dates. I hope you find
this information to be of value.
I appreciate your help and support throughout the upcoming school year. Parents
play an important role in their child’s education by providing support at home and by
involving themselves in PTA and school activities. I am looking forward to the
partnership that we will share in making this school year one of the best for your child.
If I can be of assistance to you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Cindy Klimaitis
Principal
GENERAL INFORMATION:
A BRIEF HISTORY OF FORT LEWIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Fort Lewis School formerly served the entire western portion of Roanoke County. The
original school was built on a six acre tract. The name was derived from the nearby Fort,
which was named for General Andrew Lewis, local soldier-patriot of the American
Revolution. The first Fort Lewis School was built on the present site of the Northwest
Hardware Company. Most of the work, such as starting fires, cleaning rooms, and
carrying water, was done by teachers.
In 1928, the present school was built west of the original structure. The new building
consisted of seven classrooms. In 1941, five more classrooms were added and alterations
were made in the original design of the building, giving eleven classrooms, a library, a
cafeteria, a teacher's workroom, and an open combination auditorium/gymnasium.
Construction of an addition to the original building was begun in 1996. The addition of
four classrooms, a gym, kitchen, cafeteria, a teachers' workroom, and boys' and girls'
bathrooms doubled the size of the original building.
The school today has an enrollment of 246 students, in grades Pre K - 5. The school is
served by a professional staff including a principal, twelve classroom teachers, a reading
specialist, three learning specialists, and part-time teachers in the areas of guidance,
physical education, music, art, library and speech therapy. A full-time secretary, two fulltime custodians, three food service staff, and six instructional assistants complete the staff.
The school is served by county personnel in the areas of supervision, health services,
and special education.
Roanoke County Schools Mission Statement
It is the mission of Roanoke County Schools to ensure that all students participate in
quality learning experiences necessary to grow, adapt and meet the challenges of a
changing world.
Comprehensive Goals:
Instruction:
Prepare all students, consistent with their ability and potential, to be productive
citizens in a democratic and diverse society.
Implement instructional practices and programs that enable students to meet
established standards of achievement and foster life-long learning.
Develop an instructional climate centered on dignity and respect.
Meet or exceed state and federal guidelines for student achievement.
Human Resources:
Implement practices to support and assist teachers and support staff in the
instruction of positive learning for all students.
Health and Safety:
Seek to maintain a safe, disciplined and healthy environment that nurtures physical,
mental and emotional well-being, and the development of social and character
competencies.
Community Relations:
Establish positive and effective communication initiatives to build an awareness of
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the Roanoke County Public School system.
Technology:
Improve administration and management of student learning environments and
facilitate effective communication.
Facilities and operations:
Supervise the construction of new facilities, update existing facilities, and oversee
system upgrades to promote the educational process throughout the Roanoke
County Public Schools.
Provide support services to the Roanoke County School system in such a manner as
to meet the needs of the school community in a safe and efficient way.
Budget and Finance:
Provide accurate and professional financial information for the use of board
members, staff, and the community to make pro-active budgetary decisions, plan
for future school division needs, assess past financial performance, and optimize the
sharing of information.
Philosophy and Objectives
Fort Lewis Elementary School, for many years, has served the community well in
preparing the youth of tomorrow to take their place in society. The staff is now faced with
the challenge of establishing a foundation for the 21st century.
The ever-changing society must be ready to cope with our rising dependence on
computers and sciences as well as acute awareness of our environmental and social
problems.
Certification
This school is completely certified and endorsed by the Virginia State Department of
Education.
All Personnel are certified and endorsed in the areas in which they work. A complete
roster of teachers and other staff members (at this writing) is provided in this booklet.
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Fort Lewis Elementary Faculty and Staff 2014-2015:
PRINCIPAL
Cindy Klimaitis
PRESCHOOL
Christine Thompson
IAs
Debbie Feazell
Rose Ann Ferris
Amanda Horn
Michelle Linkous
Amanda Newman
Denise Roberts
Donna Witt
KINDERGARTEN
Laura Barrett
Holly Dixon
MAINTENANCE
Ralph Leftwich/Building Mgr.
Earnie Braswell
FIRST GRADE
Ellen Thomsen
Joy Watson
OT
Angie Lee
SECRETARY
Lisa Dixon
SECOND GRADE
Elizabeth Boyce
Amy Zimmerman
THIRD GRADE
Margaret Scott
FOURTH GRADE
Sherry Meredith
Joy Rottkamp
FIFTH GRADE
Deede Clifford
Lauren Harlow
GUIDANCE
Amy Johnson
LEARNING SPECIALIST
Casey Archer Carlson
Beth Haley
Kelly Paxton
READING Specialist
Barbara Hale
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Haley Deeds
ART
Beth Campbell
MUSIC
Jenny Quakenbush
Librarian
Leigh Shanks
SCHOOL NURSE
Stephanie Valentine
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PT
Kim Marlow
SPEECH
Cassie McIlwain
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
Chaz Monteith
CAFETERIA
Jan Kirk, Manager
Stephanie Deaton
Vergie Peters
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONAL ORGANIZATION:
Curriculum
l.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Appropriate texts and supplementary material for each grade level
An adequate library and audio-visual center
A well-equipped reading center
Adequate gymnasium, stage, and playground
Specialized teachers and centers in the fields of:
a. guidance
b. disabilities
c. physical education
d. music
e. art
f. reading
g. English Second Language
An adequate program in Career Education
A Gifted Program
Harcourt Language Arts Reading
Up-to-date computer hardware and software available
Textbooks
The Roanoke County School Board owns all textbooks. There is no charge for textbook
rental. The parent and child are responsible for turning in the books at the close of the
year in reasonably good condition or pay for damage or loss of book.
Physical Education
A physical education period of thirty minutes daily is required by the State of Virginia.
All children must participate. A child should bring a written excuse from his parent if he
cannot physically take part for one to three days. If disability is for a longer period, he/she
will need a doctor's excuse.
Pupils need tennis shoes for participation in the program. Please see that your child
brings or wears tennis shoes every day. Please identify your child's shoes with his name.
Girls may need shorts to wear under their skirts or dresses during the physical
education period.
Guidance Counselor
The school is fortunate to have an elementary guidance counselor who works with
students, teachers, and parents. Her objectives are to aid children in developing academic
skills, realistic self-concepts, group awareness, effective coping behaviors, wholesome
attitude toward the world of work, and to provide effective learning climates. The
guidance counselor will schedule conferences upon request.
Gifted Education
When seeking to identify gifted students, a school system is searching for those children
who by virtue of outstanding abilities are capable of exceptional performance.
Consequently, those students who are identified require curriculum adaptations and/or
additional services beyond those usually provided by the regular school program.
Roanoke County's identification process incorporates standardized and nonstandardized data, which relate achievement, intelligence, performance, and teacher
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ratings. Although the approach to identification varies for students in grades K-2 and
grades 3-5, the ultimate goal of each is to find those children whose outstanding capabilities
necessitate curriculum adaptations and/or additional services.
If you have specific questions about the screening process and/or feel your child's
abilities make him/her a candidate for screening, consult the principal or guidance
counselor. He/she will share with you the time line associated with screening and will
direct you to a member of the staff for the gifted program if you have additional questions.
If your child is new to Roanoke County Schools and participated in a gifted program in
his/her former school, your child automatically qualifies for screening. Remember to
consult with the principal or guidance counselor to engage your child in the screening
process.
Roanoke County also provides a program for artistically talented children in grades 35. Screening for this program begins in January of each school year and involves students
in grades 2-5 who are referred by parents, classroom teachers, and/or art teachers. If your
child is a second grader, you will receive a letter announcing and explaining the
approaching screening period and the procedures you should follow to refer your child for
screening.
Sue Bostic is our resource teacher with the Gifted Program at 562-3900 Ext. 10222.
Field Trips
Field trips are planned each year by the teachers as a way to enrich classroom
instruction. All trips are related to the subject being taught in the classroom. Parents must
give written permission before a child is allowed to go on a field trip. Telephone or oral
permission is not acceptable.
Students may be denied the privilege of participating in a field trip if their behavior might
create unsafe conditions or interfere with the learning of the other students.
School Parties
At Fort Lewis School, the children are permitted two parties a year. Each grade level
will decide when their parties will occur. As we implement the new federally mandated
wellness program, we ask that you help us by sending “healthy” snacks and goodies for our
parties. Pizza parties can be provided as a snack but not in lieu of our nutritious lunch.
In addition to the two parties, if parents wish to furnish the entire class with a small
treat on their child's birthday, this would be permissible. Parents may bring or send the
treat to the office for the teacher to distribute during snack time. Parents should notify the
teacher in advance of bringing treats for birthdays. Again, please consider healthy treats
for the children.
Pre-School and Kindergarten may be permitted some activities due to the nature of the
program that other grades are not.
In education, time is our most valuable commodity and we must preserve as much time
as possible for instruction.
Homebound Instruction
Roanoke County Schools provide Homebound Instruction for students that are unable
to attend school for medical or psychological reasons. The Director of Pupil Personnel may
place students on homebound in individual cases. Instruction is provided for those
students that will be absent from school for at least fifteen school days. Parents must apply
for the Homebound Instruction through the Pupil Personnel Service's Visiting Teacher
Office (562-3779). Parents should apply as soon as they know that their child is going to be
absent from school. Homebound instruction may be approved in advance if the student is
having surgery, is pregnant or is being hospitalized. The only waiting period required is
the time necessary to have the forms signed by the appropriate physician, licensed clinical
psychologist or psychiatrist.
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Elementary students (Grades K-8) are provided five hours of instruction each week and
secondary students (Grades 9-12) are provided ten hours of instruction per week. This
instruction is provided at no cost to the parent. If homebound instruction is provided in
the student's home, a parent or responsible adult must be present during the homebound
instruction. If an adult other than the parent is present, he/she must be acceptable to both
the homebound teacher and the Visiting Teacher. Students are counted present from the
date of homebound approval until the date that the student returns to school unless they
are absent for the homebound instruction.
Call Mrs. Klimaitis if you have questions concerning the Homebound Program.
ATTENDANCE
Admission to School (Immunizations)
Every child seeking admission to school for the first time must present a State Birth
Certificate, a Social Security Card, and a physical examination by a physician or nurse
practitioner including immunizations for DPT (one must be given after the fourth
birthday), Polio (minimum of three with the third after the 4th birthday – it also acceptable
to have 4 doses before the fourth birthday), Measles, Rubella, Mumps, Hepatitis B, and
Varicella. ((Note: If your child has had chicken pox, documentation of the varicella
vaccine is not necessary.) The physical must include the urinalysis and hemoglobin,
hematocrit or iron deficiency screening.
Each child needs a birth certificate to enter school. The birth certificate may be
secured from the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the capital of the state in which your child
was born. Forms to be sent to Richmond may be secured at the Health Department or the
school office. Social Security cards may be secured from the local social security office.
State law requires that every pupil be properly immunized before entering school.
Parents need to take responsibility for this and bring documentation to school. Failure to
have your child immunized will result in the delay of their enrollment in school. Please
contact the principal if you have questions.
Any person who enrolls in a public school for the first time must be of school age as set
forth by the State of Virginia as follows: Virginia School Law states that children are of
school age if they have reached their fifth birthday on or before September 30.
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Daily Schedule
7:25
7:50
2:20
2:25
2:45
4:00
a.m.
a.m.-2:20 p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
Teachers arrive
School in session
Dismissal for buses
Dismissal for car riders
Dismissal for teachers
Building closes
Daily Attendance
Students arriving after 7:50 a.m. are considered tardy. Tardiness can adversely affect a
student's progress and, if the number of tardies becomes excessive, the pupil may have to
make up time after school. Parents should bring their child to the office if tardy to sign-in.
Students are to get their attendance card before they go to their classrooms.
The School Board recognizes only the illness of the child or death in the family as
legitimate reasons to be absent from school. However, the school will grant permission for
other absences if requests are reasonable and made in advance. Written excuses must be
furnished to the school for all absences. Failure to do so will result in a "0" for time
missed.
Students may not leave school grounds during the day unless picked up by parent or
approved by parent in a signed request. Students may leave school to ride with adults
other than their parent only if the teacher has a written request from the parent. Written
requests are mandatory for pupils to remain at school after hours.
Outstanding attendance certificates are given at the end of the year for good
attendance. To receive the award the student must not be absent more than five days and
tardy no more than five days.
Because of the problem with missing children, the General Assembly of Virginia has
amended Section 22.1-258 of the Code of Virginia as follows:
Whenever any pupil fails to report to school on a regularly scheduled school day and no
indication has been received by school personnel that the pupil's parent or guardian is
aware of the pupil's absence, a reasonable effort to notify by telephone the parent or
guardian shall be made by school personnel.
The staff at Fort Lewis Elementary will follow the procedures listed below so that we
will be in compliance with this law.
Parents should call the school by 8:30 a.m. if you know your child will be absent. This
helps the secretary who is required to call parents when children are absent. The secretary
will call all parents starting at 8:30 a.m. if they have not heard from the parents of a child
who is absent.
Late Arrival to School
Attendance at the very beginning of the school day is very important for each student.
A student who is tardy misses the homeroom procedures and the instructions at the
beginning of the day. If the parent is experiencing difficulty getting the child to school on
time because the child is resisting coming to school, the parent should contact the teacher,
guidance counselor, or Administration for help in working with the child.
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Procedures Concerning Safety and Student Supervision:
1. Always send a note to school to the homeroom teacher if your child needs to leave early
and indicate who will be picking him/her up. If you feel that there may be any question at
all, please call or pin a note on child's clothing. (This could be most appropriate for
kindergartners and first graders.) You may call the office to confirm that we have received your
note.
2. Always send a note to school to the homeroom teacher if there are any changes to how
your child will be transported home or if he/she needs to get off the bus at a different stop.
You may call the office to confirm that we have received your note.
3. When entering the building during the day, visitors need to report to the front office for a Visitor
or Volunteer badge.
4. Children being delivered to school should not arrive prior to 7:30 a.m. Student supervision
cannot be provided any earlier so please honor this request.
5. When students arrive late (after 7:50), they need to report to the office. Students must be
signed in by parents after 7:50.
Our faculty and staff feel that your help with the above would be beneficial for the
safety and welfare of our students. Your assistance will be appreciated.
Inclement Weather
Please listen to your local television and radio stations when it appears that there will be no school as
scheduled because of inclement weather. Since parents are not always at home, please make
arrangements and have an understanding with your child where he/she is to go on occasions when
he/she may return home early due to bad weather. Please make sure this information is listed on
the Early Dismissal Procedure Form. Please do not depend on us to notify you if school will
close early. If school opening is delayed, regular dismissal will be observed.
You can call Roanoke County Information Line at 562-6000 for information on school closing. This
information will also be communicated through our Instant Alert System.
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COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR SCHOOL:
Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on November 5, 2013 and February 3, 2014
from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m. If you need to have conferences at other times, please feel free to
contact your child's teacher to schedule.
Reporting to Parents
Report cards will be sent home four times a year except for kindergarten.
Kindergarten students receive a report card at the end of each semester. Students in
grades K-1 are evaluated using a checklist on their report cards. Parents will receive an
interim report each nine weeks if your child is not working up to expectations.
Conferences can be arranged with a teacher on most afternoons from 2:20-2:45 p.m. but
are difficult to schedule during the school day because teachers are in their classrooms.
Communication with Parents Who Maintain Two Households
Upon request, Fort Lewis will make available to a non-custodial parent any information
requested unless otherwise instructed by the court.
Grading Scale
A – 90-100
B – 80-89
C – 70-79
D – 60-69
F - 0-59
Interim Report Periods and Report Cards
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Report
Period
Date Interim
Date Interim
Sent Home
Date Report
Card
Sent Home
1st Nine Weeks
September 24
September 30
October 29
2nd Weeks
December 1
December 8
January 23
3rd Nine Weeks
February 18
February 25
March 27
4th Nine Weeks
May 1
May 8
June 4
6.18 Evaluation - Student Promotion Policies
1. The schools of Roanoke County shall develop such programs as best meet the needs of all students
and which can be efficiently administered by the staff of the respective schools in compliance with
the provision established by the State Board of Education in Standards for Accrediting Elementary
and Secondary Schools in Virginia.
2. Promotion or retention of a student is of necessity based upon state and local requirements.
Elementary Schools
The decision of promotion or retention should be based on what is best for the individual
student. The relationship of ability, effort, and achievement should be considered along with
chronological age, previous retentions, and other pertinent information. When retention is being
considered, a committee comprising the grade level teacher(s), guidance counselor, and principal
is required to meet before a decision of retention can be made official.
Homework
Homework may be assigned at the discretion of the teachers and shall be in accordance
with the needs of the class.
In general, homework shall be assigned in such a manner that it:
1. Takes into consideration the availability of the student's time, ability, and access to resources.
2. Is a follow-up to skills or concepts previously introduced?
3. Fosters students personal responsibility and when appropriate promotes research efforts by the
individual student.
4. Will contribute to the ongoing work of any specific class in which the work is required or
assigned.
5. Shall not be used for disciplinary purposes.
6. Makes information and purposes of homework assignment clear and specific so that the pupil can
complete the assignment.
7. Shall not be assigned for holiday breaks.
8. Shall be evaluated in some manner by the teacher within a reasonable length of time in order to
emphasize the importance of doing the assignment and to recognize the students’ efforts.
9. Homework is an extension of class work. If student is using class time wisely, the following
should be an approximate amount of time spent on homework:
K-2 approximately 15-30 minutes
3-5 approximately 60 minutes
Contact student's teacher if child is spending more than the suggested time on homework.
10. All students may have homework each weeknight.
11. Homework is usually not given on weekends. Exception: Ongoing projects.
12. Assignment books should be checked nightly.
13. Homework is important and is expected to be completed on time. A possible consequence will be
given. **Will be explained by the classroom teacher on Back-To-School night.
14. If you know your child will be absent from school for more than one day, please inform
his/her teacher as soon as possible.
15.Call by 8:30 a.m. or send note by a peer or sibling when student is ill to request homework
assignments. Parent/guardian can pick up requested homework after school or have homework
sent by a classmate or sibling.
16. If the student will be in a doctor's care for an extended time, the parent/guardian will
communicate an agreeable arrangement.
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Homework Assignment Requests
Parents are requested to call the school prior to 8:30 a.m. during the school day if they would like for
our teachers to have assignment and class work ready by 2:15 p.m.
Discipline
Discipline is part of our curriculum. It is a part of the education process and is one of
the "basics." Efficient instruction depends on good discipline. We expect parental concern
when these incidents arise. We will respect the child as an individual and respect the
parent for their position. We must insist upon respect for the job the teachers are trying to
perform and we will not tolerate rudeness, disrespect, vulgarity, obscene gestures or
language.
The principal will support any reasonable measures taken by the teachers to maintain
good discipline and will assist the teachers in this respect whenever necessary. The
principal will make every effort to see that disciplining is fair, reasonable and not harmful
to students.
All families should have a copy of the Roanoke County Student Conduct Code and
Internet Use Agreement. Parents should read and discuss this with their children.
Laws Related to School Disciplinary Records
Disciplinary actions for violating school board rules must be included in scholastic
records.
Code of Virginia, Section 22.1-289
Any school record related to disciplinary action taken against a student for violating
school board rules or policies on school property or at school-sponsored events must be
included in the student's record. The disciplinary record must be kept in a Category II file
for the student, regardless of whether or not the student had a Category II file prior to the
disciplinary action. Whenever a pupil transfers from one school division to another, the
scholastic record (or copy), including disciplinary records, shall be transferred to the
school division to which the pupil transfers upon request from such school division.
Permission of the parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of the
student shall not be required for transfer of such scholastic record to another school or
school division within or outside Virginia.
"Scholastic Records," identified in federal regulations as "education records," are
those records that are:
1. Directly related to a student; (2) Maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a
party acting for the agency or institution. The term does not include records of instructional,
supervisory, and administrative personnel and educational personnel ancillary to those persons
that are kept in the sole possession of the maker of the record, and are not accessible or
revealed to any other person except a temporary substitute for the maker of the record. Such
information or data may be recorded by any medium including, but not limited to, handwriting,
print, tapes, film, microfilm, and microfiche.
2. Upon registration, an affirmation statement must be signed indicting whether a student has
been expelled.
Code of Virginia, Section 22.1-3.2
Prior to admission to any public school of the Commonwealth, a school board shall
require the parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of a child of school
age to provide, upon registration, a sworn statement or affirmation indicating whether the
student has been expelled from school attendance at a private school or in a public school
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division of the Commonwealth or in another state for an offense in violation of school
board policies relating to weapons, alcohol or drugs, or for the willful infliction of injury to
another person. Any person making a materially false statement of affirmation shall be
guilty upon conviction of a Class 3 misdemeanor. The registration document shall be
maintained as a part of the student's scholastic record.
Weapons and Dangerous Instruments
A student shall not knowingly possess, handle, or transmit any object that can
reasonably be considered a weapon or a dangerous instrument on school property or any
school activity.
This rule does not apply to normal school supplies but does apply to any firearm, any
stun gun, any explosive including firecrackers, and other dangerous objects of no
reasonable use to the student at school.
In addition to other possible sanctions, the principal or any school employee may
confiscate any weapon or dangerous object. All such confiscated items shall be delivered
forthwith to the principal to be disposed of by authorities.
HEALTH AND SAFETY:
Health Screening
The PTA and the Health Nurse help conduct the following screenings each year:
Hearing
Vision
Grades K, 3
Grades K, 3
Medication Policy
7.13 Administering Medication to Students (Revised April 6, 2012)
Employees of Roanoke County School Board may give medication prescribed for individual students only
pursuant to the written order of a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner and with written
permission from the student’s parent or guardian. Such medicine must be in the original container and
delivered to the principal, school nurse, or school division designee by the parent or guardian of the
student. Parents must also deliver the necessary supplies with which to administer medications (ex.
Syringes, spacers)
Sharing, borrowing, distributing, manufacturing or selling any medication is prohibited. Permission to
self-administer non-prescription medication may be revoked if the student violates this policy and the
student may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Standards of Student Conduct.
Exceptions to these regulations may be necessary depending on individual circumstances. Exceptions
may only be authorized by the principal or designee.
ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR FORT LEWIS ELEMENTARY:
* All medicines are kept in a locked drawer in the office.
* Only authorized personnel are permitted to administer medication.
* Students may not carry any medication to school. All medication must be
delivered to the office by the parent.
* Pills should be counted by the parent and school staff when delivered to the
school and documented on the medication log.
Accident or Illness
When a child becomes ill or is injured, we make every effort to contact the parent to
come pick him/her up. It is important we know how to contact a parent or relative.
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Please make sure to fill out and return the Emergency Procedure Card with all
pertinent and current information as quickly as possible to the office. This card contains
your instructions to the school in case your child needs medical attention. If we cannot
reach anyone on the card, we will contact the Fort Lewis Rescue Squad and upon their
recommendation take the child for appropriate medical attention.
Toys at School
Except for "Show and Tell" in primary grades, or upon prior approval or request by
the teacher, parents are urged to see that children do not bring toys to school. Many times,
however, your home may have something that would add to the current area being studied.
These items we will be happy to have your child bring provided, of course, prior approval
has been obtained. Items such as knives, sharp objects, playing cards, radio/cassette
players, etc., in most cases are not proper for classroom instruction.
Clothing and School Dress
Please mark your child's clothing and possessions with his/her name. In choosing
student dress, the parents should take into consideration modesty, safety, weather and
activities planned for the day. Students' dress should not disrupt the educational process of
the school. Children should not wear any clothing that has inappropriate language written.
Note: Tennis shoes are required daily for physical activity. Children or parents can check
our lost and found articles in the front hall if they have lost any clothing articles.
Fire Drills and Bus Drills
Students are given necessary instruction on how to react in case of emergency. Fire
drills are practiced monthly. Bus evacuation drill, lockdown drill, tornado drill, and
earthquake awareness drill are also completed during the school year .
BUS TRANSPORTATION:
Bus Riders
For the safety of all students who ride buses to and from school, we must require good
behavior at all times while on the bus. This can be done by speaking in a quiet manner, not
getting out of the seat while the bus is in motion, not throwing articles, and not disturbing
the driver.
Any student who chooses to misbehave on the bus will be taken off it for a given time.
During the time a child cannot ride the bus, it will be the responsibility of the parent to see
that his child has a ride to and from school.
Students who wish to ride a different bus or get off at a different stop with a friend
must bring a note from their parents. (Friend must also bring a note.) Both students must
have notes from parents that are initialed by the office staff and given to the bus driver.
Roanoke County School Bus Regulations
The following regulations must be observed by students who ride buses:
1. Be at bus stop 5 minutes before schedule.
2. Strict obedience to the bus driver.
3. Obedience to State Bus Law:
a. Do not put head out of bus window.
b. Do not extend hand or arm out of bus window.
c. Do not throw things out of bus window.
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4. Students must get on the bus in the mornings and off in the afternoons at the stop nearest their
home. Any changes must be authorized by the principal.
5. As a safety precaution, we ask that all Preschool – 2nd grade students have an adult in sight when
letting off the students in the afternoons. We cannot release these students to a home where an
adult is not present.
6. Riders on bus must remain seated until bus comes to a full stop.
7. Students waiting to get on bus must line up and enter bus in an orderly manner. No playing in
streets. Students are to walk in front of the school bus.
8. Loud talking, profanity, unusual noises, pushing, shooting spitballs, and throwing of any article is
forbidden.
9. All food and drinks are prohibited on buses.
10. Any deliberate destruction of bus seats, glass, etc., will be paid for by the student.
11. Scuffling or any unnecessary movements to distract the driver are forbidden.
12. Any students riding buses for field trips are under the same regulations as during day schedule.
13. Any student not obeying these bus regulations to the fullest extent is punishable by the loss of the
privilege of riding the school bus.
14. Any glass objects or containers are prohibited on buses.
Read carefully Safety Rules For Students Riding School Buses - Student Conduct Code
Booklet.
FINANCIAL MATTERS:
STUDENT PICTURES:
SCHOOL PICTURES ARE MADE ANNUALLY FOR STUDENT RECORDS. THE PHOTOGRAPHS ARE THEN
OFFERED FOR SALE AS A FUND-RAISING PROJECT FOR THE SCHOOL. PROCEEDS ARE USED TO
PURCHASE EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, MATERIALS, AND OTHER WORTHWHILE SCHOOL NEEDS. THE
PARENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE THE PHOTOGRAPHS. PAYMENT MUST BE MADE
WHEN PICTURES ARE TAKEN.
Financial Drives and Campaigns
The Roanoke County School Board authorizes financial campaigns in schools, which
support the programs of United Way of Roanoke Valley and which run concurrently with
the United Way campaign. United Way distributes money to thirty-six local health and
human service organizations to fund their programs and services. These are enumerated
in their brochures.
Each school has the privilege of deciding which groups it wishes to give its funds. All
school funds collected by teachers and students shall be deposited in the bank by the school
bookkeeper as prescribed by school bookkeeping regulations.
The Roanoke County School Board does not necessarily endorse the philosophy of some
agencies and reserves the right to deny its advocacy of that group.
Lunch and Breakfast Programs
Breakfast – 7:30 a.m. to 7:50 a.m.
Student breakfast
$ 1.15 (reduced .30)
(Students must be in cafeteria by 7:45 a.m. to purchase breakfast.)
Lunch - 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Milk
$ .50
Student lunch with $2.35 (reduced .40)
milk
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Adult lunch
$3.00
Adult Breakfast
$1.50
(Prices are subject to change)
*Money may be added to accounts daily, weekly, or yearly to buy breakfast, lunch and snacks. Breakfast will
not be served when school opens late due to inclement weather.
The cafeteria is the school's dining room. Your child's conduct and manners in this
room should be the same as they would be in your home or a public dining room.
All students eat breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria, unless dining with a parent.
Please see Visitation Policy. Free and reduced breakfasts and lunches are available for
those parents who qualify after completing the Free and Reduced Price Student Meals
Form. We send menus home at the beginning of each month .
Debit and credit cards can be used to load money on to your child’s account. The
website is: www.mylunchmoney.com. If you need your child’s ID, please call the office or
the cafeteria. Breakfast cannot be charged.
If a student does not have their lunch money, they can charge for one day. This is to be
paid the following day as we do not have funds to cover the expense.
Milk Allergy
If your child has been identified by a physician or practitioner as being allergic to milk, we must have
a written note from the physician/practitioner on file in order to substitute juice for milk.
Ice Cream
Ice cream is available daily. This cannot be used as a lunch substitute. Money for ice cream cannot
be charged. If a child has charged money for lunch, no ice cream can be bought until the money is
repaid.
Ice Cream
$.50
(Prices are subject to change.)
Student Door-to-Door Sales
School or PTA sponsored fund-raising activities are not intended to involve students
door-to-door solicitation. This type of selling is contrary to School Board Policy.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
PTA
The school urges that you join the PTA, attend the meetings and become active in the
projects and activities. PTA meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month. The
April meeting will be held on the third Tuesday of the month. Please refer to the table
below for meeting dates, times and board meeting information. Everyone is invited to the
board meetings. It is a wonderful way to be involved in your child’s school.
We are fortunate to have an interested and active PTA. Their contributions to the
school have been too numerous to mention. You will want to be a part of this.
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Date
August
August 21
Meeting
Date
Budget and
Planning Meeting
December 9
General Meeting
and Back to
School Night
(6:00 pm)
January 13
Meeting
General Meeting
4th & 5th (6:30 pm)
October 14
Board Meeting
(6:00 pm)
Children’s
Engineering K-5
(7:00 pm)
Board Meeting
(6:00)
General Meeting
2nd & 3rd (7:00 pm)
March 10
Board Meeting
(6:00)
General Meeting
(7:00 pm)
November 11
Board Meeting
(6:00 pm)
April 14
General Meeting
Variety Show (6:30
pm)
Board Meeting
(6:00 pm)
May 12
Meeting
Board Meeting
(6:00)
General
Meeting K & 1st
(7:00)
Board Meeting
(6:00 pm)
February 10
September
9
Date
Lunch Visitation
We want all parents to feel welcome at Fort Lewis Elementary. We welcome you to
have lunch with your children during their lunch period. Everyone enjoys a special visitor!
If you plan to bring in fast food, you may use one of the tables in the hallway outside the
cafeteria or in our lovely courtyard. We must have written parent permission for another
student to join you.
Check Out/Transportation Changes
Please come to the office when picking up your child to leave for the day and the
secretary will call the child's teacher. Parents must always sign out their child from school.
Please call the school by 1:00 PM if you have a transportation change.
Birthday Party Invitations
Parents are requested to refrain from sending student birthday party invitations to
school for distribution unless everyone in the class is invited. While we certainly support
student involvement in worthwhile social activities with peers outside of school, we have,
unfortunately, experienced several very negative consequences related to this practice.
Your support of this request will be greatly appreciated.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOUR CHILD SUCCEED AT SCHOOL
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Read aloud to your child(ren) or have them read to you or to each other.
Have a family storytelling night at least once a week.
Provide good books for reading and a time when the home environment is moderately quiet.
Ask your child questions about school and wait for the answers.
Study carefully papers brought home.
Accept invitations to conferences or meetings.
Attend PTA meetings.
Make an appointment to talk to a teacher when you have a question.
Think things through carefully before getting excited about school problems and then see the
teacher before you see the principal.
Read good books and magazines and study carefully the literature about education.
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Get to know your child's teachers, the administrators, and your School Board representatives.
Attend a School Board meeting.
Refrain from criticizing the school or teachers in front of your child(ren).
Earnestly try to have an open mind about educational policies of your school.
Be positive parents who reinforce positive actions of your children
VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES
We welcome volunteers to Fort Lewis. Your children love to see you helping out at school and it lets
them know you care about their education here. Please be sure to sign in at the front office and wear a
visitor sticker. Volunteers will be asked to work in a classroom or other public area where supervision is
available. Here is a short list of volunteer opportunities: reading with students, assisting with art
projects, displaying work in the halls or bulletin boards, preparing materials for classroom use (collating
packets, cutting out items, etc.), assisting teachers during classroom computer time, filing teacher
materials/inventory, assisting with special programs such as music programs, field day, Veteran’s Day,
and helping out with the book fair.
Confidentiality Guidelines for Volunteers
Photographing or recording students during school activities is not allowed unless approved by
administration. Please respect the privacy of students and their families by not sharing information
gained during your volunteer experience. Volunteers may not grade or file student work. If at any point
during your visit, you have concerns about the health or safety of a student, please notify the classroom
teacher or administration immediately.
ROANOKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CENTRAL OFFICE STAFF:
Roanoke County Public Schools
5937 Cove Road
Roanoke, VA 24019
540-562-3900
Dr. Lorraine Lange.... ...............................................................................Superintendent
Allen Journell .............................................................................. Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Rebecca Eastwood ............................................ Assistant Superintendent of Personnel
Penny A. Hodge ........................................................Assistant Superintendent of Finance
Dr. Linda Wright .......................................................... Director of Elementary Instruction
Dr. Ken Nicely ............................................................... Director of Secondary Instruction
Ben Williams .................................................... Associate Director of Testing/Remediation
Dr. Jessica McClung .................. Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Special Education
Dr. Martin Misicko ..........................................................................Director of Operations
Dave Wymer ........................................................ School Board Member, Catawba District
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Fort Lewis Elementary School PTA
OFFICERS:
President
Barb Fraticelli
1st Vice-President (Membership/President Elect)
Deidre Wilkes
Vice-President (Volunteers)
Karen Brown
Vice-President (Ways and Means)
Kristin Birdlebough
Secretary
Shannon Martinez
Treasurer
Jennifer Welch
.....................................................................................................................
Committee Chairs:
Bylaws
Advocacy
Greg Michael
Auction
open
Bylaws and Legislation
Cherie Eller
County Council
Jeff Hill
Directory
Tonya Wiley
Fun Run
Missy Blount & Janet Wilkinson
Fathers Being Involved
open
Gardening
Becky Hutchison
Halloween Party
Heidi McClintic
Health and Safety
Tonja Cochran
Historian
Carmen Hardin
Holiday Shop
open
Hospitality
open
Library
Jeannie Keen
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Reading Incentive
Jody Hill & Lisa Wade
Reflections
Amy Johnson
Spirit Wear
Rachel Floyd
Teacher Representatives
Sherry Meredith
Ellen Thomsen
Principal
Cindy Klimatis
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