MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to share the responsibility of learning among students, staff, parents, and community in an environment that will enable student to become productive citizens.
Cobra Reading Time 8:20 – 8:35
Each day every student in the school will be reading for a 15 minute uninterrupted time frame after the morning announcements.
Cobra Focused Learning Time
8:35–10:00
Each day the students will remain in the classroom with no interruptions during this time unless there is an emergency.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Teachers are available for conferences during planning and after school. Please call the student’s teacher to set up a conference as needed. ALL CONFERENCES WILL BE WITH ALL OF THE STUDENTS’ TEAM TEACHERS.
STUDENTS REPORTING TO SCHOOL LATE
All students who do not get to their classrooms by the 8:05 bell must report to the office for a tardy slip. 4 Tardies per semester and any tardy thereafter will result in In School Suspension for one block during the student’s elective or PE class.
CAR RIDER PROCEDURE
Parents are asked to go through the car rider pickup procedure each day if the student does not ride a bus. The only place the students will be permitted to get into a car is in the student waiting area in the car rider line. Please follow the guidance of the staff members on duty to ensure the safety of the students.
CAR RIDER OR BUS RIDER STATUS
Effective this year: We will not be able to accept phone calls about the transportation status of a student. Please decide the status of your child’s afternoon transportation prior to coming to school each day. We cannot interrupt class instruction to notify the students of change of status unless it is an emergency. Also, students will not be permitted to call home to check the status.
EARLY SIGN OUT
In an effort to guard our instructional time, the following plan is implemented regarding early sign out of students. If your child must be signed out early, he or she should be signed out in the front office prior to 2:30 PM. After 2:30 PM all students will be dismissed at 2:55 PM and be picked up with the other car riders in the car rider line. If a student has an afternoon appointment, he or she should be signed out prior to 2:30 PM. THIS POLICY WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED AND THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS!
SIGNING OUT OF STUDENTS
Only parents or other designees on the release forms will be permitted to sign a child out. Parents cannot sign out other students without written permission from the parents or guardians of the other child. Phone calls to the other parents will be permitted. THIS POLICY WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN. Picture ID is needed to sign a child out.
CONFERENCES WITH THE PRINCIPAL OR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
The administrators value your time and dedication to your children. We want to give you the fullest attention when discussing your son or daughter. Due to the number of children at the school and the need to monitor each morning we are asking that parents who need to speak with an administrator do so after 8:45 AM. Please call to schedule an appointment.
ABSENCES
Students receive an excused absence for illness or injury, death in the immediate family, medical appointments, court proceedings, religious observances, or for educational opportunities with the prior approval of Mr. Re. It is the students’ responsibility to contact their teachers to make up work missed while absent. All absences require some contact between the home and the school. A written note signed by the parent must be brought to the homeroom teacher. Yearly absences in excess of twenty (20) days may result in grade retention unless a waiver is requested by the parent and approved by the principal. Students must attend school through 11:30 AM to receive credit for the full day’s attendance.
RETURNING FOR AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITES
If a student is absent from school (excused or unexcused), he or she will not be permitted to attend any after school function. If a student is signed out of school early (prior to 11:30 AM), he or she is not permitted to attend any after school activities for that day.
IN SCHOOL AND OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION
When a student is in ISS or OSS, he or she will not be permitted to attend any after school function or event for the day or days being served.
ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS
It is necessary for the school to have your correct address and telephone number at all times. Please inform the office of any changes of address or phone numbers. In addition, your social security number needs to be on file at the school.
TEXTBOOKS/SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Textbooks are LOANED to the students free of charge. Damaged or lost books will be charged to the student.
STUDENT INSURANCE
Student insurance is available to all students. A packet will be available for each student on the first day of classes. Purchase of this coverage is optional.
EARLY MORNING ARRIVAL
There will be staff supervision for students who arrive early beginning at 7:30. Please do not drop students off prior to 7:30. Students who are dropped off at school before 8:00 AM must report to the gym and wait for the 8:00 bell. No students are permitted inside of any classrooms, media center, cafeteria, or office area before the 8:00 bell.
STUDENT USE OF TELEPHONE
Students are allowed to use the school phone only in case of sickness or emergencies. Students are not permitted to call home for homework, projects, gym clothes, etc. Phone usage by a student requires a note from his/her teacher.
WEAPONS
Weapons or facsimile of any weapon will not be tolerated on any public school campus. If a student has any item on his/her person that would be defined as a weapon, that student may be suspended from school for the remainder of the school year and may face legal action by the court system.
UNAUTHORIZED EQUIPMENT
Cell phones are not to be seen or heard on the school campus or the buses. All radios, cameras, CDs, headphones, laser pointers, IPODS, and anything that plays music are NOT permitted on the buses or at school. The above will be confiscated and kept in the office until parents or guardians can pick them up. In addition, the student will receive one day of In School Suspension if a teacher has to confiscate a device.
DRESS CODE
Refer to the Wayne County Public Schools student policy handbook. (Student Dress Code and Appearance Policy code: 4305)
Specific guidelines listed below will apply to all student related activities.
NEW: Pajama pants or bedroom slippers are not permitted at any time.
NEW: No pants may be worn that have a hole above the knee.
Any form of clothing or accessories that will obstruct the learning environment as deemed by the teacher or principal is forbidden.
Sunglasses are not to be worn on the school campus.
For security reasons, coats may not be worn inside of the school buildings. Coats may be worn during class changes if the student is exiting the building. Coats may be worn to school and kept in the classroom.
Oversized T-shirts are not permitted on the Norwayne campus. T-shirts must be no longer than the tips of the students’ fingers when hanging his or her arms to the side in a standing position.
All staff members can have a student tuck their shirt in if they feel it is necessary.
Jelly bracelets or bead necklaces (Mardi gras beads) will not be permitted on the school campus.
Shorts, skirts, dresses, or other clothing cannot be more than three inches above the top of the knee.
Shirts, tops, and dresses must cover the top of the shoulder and the armpits and have sleeves or be worn with a top that does have sleeves or an undergarment that covers the armpits.
Shirts and tops should be long enough to cover the midriff when sitting or standing; and shirts, tops and dresses must be buttoned high enough to cover the chest and the back of the body cannot be exposed.
No sagging pants allowed and pants cannot be worn with the waistband below the hipbone.
Belts are required for all students who wear pants or shorts that have loopholes.
No skirts with spandex or pants underneath can be worn if the skirt is not the proper length.
Underwear cannot be visible at any time.
No see-through or mesh clothing that will reveal the body or will reveal underwear.
Oversized clothing or too-tight clothing such as spandex bicycle/biker shorts, etc. will not be allowed.
Any form of attire, which is indicative of gang affiliation, is prohibited.
No headwear (hats, caps, hoods, kerchiefs, curlers, sweatbands, etc.) or sunglasses can be worn inside the school building.
No bandannas or headbands.
Clothing will not be allowed that promotes alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the use of controlled substances, depicts violence, is of a sexual nature, or is of a disruptive nature.
Shoes must be worn at all times and in accordance with special requirements such as PE classes, ROTC, science labs, etc.
Shoes that have laces must be laced and tied.
Clothing must be worn appropriately (nothing inside-out, backwards, rolled up pants leg, unfastened bib overalls, etc.)
There will be no jewelry affixed to a student’s nose, tongue, lips, cheek or eyebrow.
Clothing designed for school athletic events, i.e. cheerleader outfits, etc. that does not meet the above guidelines cannot be worn during the instructional day unless appropriate outer garments are worn over the outfit.
Student violations of the dress code policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action to include the following each semester:
1. Student will be referred to the office.
2. Student will contact parent in order to meet dress code regulations.
3. If the parent cannot come to the school, the student will be placed in In School Suspension until he or she can meet dress code regulations.
4. If the student and parent can fix the problem, the student will report back to class.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITY DRESS CODE and CONDUCT
Any student who attends or participates in an after school event on the Norwayne campus must follow school dress code. In addition, all students must obey all school rules while attending or participating in after school events or functions.
USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Possession of any tobacco product is prohibited. Violation will result in a 5 day OSS Suspension.
SELLING ITEMS AT SCHOOL
No items may be sold on the school grounds without the permission of the Mr. Re. Unauthorized distribution of items or selling of items will result in Out of School Suspension.
NO GUM ON CAMPUS
Absolutely no gum will be permitted in the classrooms or anywhere on the campus or on the buses. Food and drinks will only be permitted for special circumstances. 1st Offense: Lunch Detention, 2nd offense: ISS for one block, 3rd offense (and additional): is considered defiance and will result in one day of ISS or OSS.
NO HATS OR HEADGEAR ON CAMPUS
No hats or headgear will be permitted anywhere on campus. No hoods will be permitted to be worn. This includes inside and outside the buildings. No hats or head gear will be permitted for any Norwayne students at any after school function. There will be a time frame announced by administration during the winter months where hats will be permitted outside of the buildings to keep warm.
ACCIDENTS
Every accident in the school should be reported immediately to the teacher or the person in charge and to the school office.
VISITORS
VISITORS ARE NOT TO INTERRUPT CLASSES. All visitors must sign in at the office & receive a visitor pass. Visitor passes must be worn at all times. Visitors must return to the office to sign out & return pass. Visitors must have a specific appointment (day/time) to meet with administrators or teachers. Visitors who are not authorized are loitering and will face a charge of trespassing.
VISITORS BRINGING FAST FOOD TO STUDENTS
Visitors are not to bring fast food or restaurant food to the school for their children. A bagged lunch or cafeteria lunch is the food the students should eat at lunch time.
BUSES
Students have the privilege of utilizing the transportation services of this school district. A student who fails to maintain appropriate conduct while on the bus or walking to and from the bus stop may be suspended off the bus and/or placed in ISS or OSS. Students must observe all rules listed in the WCPS board policy. ALL SCHOOL RULES APPLY ON THE NORWAYNE BUSES AND AT THE BUS STOPS.
Students needing to change stops on their regular bus, must bring a note signed by their parents to an administrator in the morning. This must be signed by administration. Someone in the office must verify emergency arrangements made by phone.
Due to overcrowding, students will not be permitted to ride buses other than their assigned bus. It is the student’s responsibility to be at their assigned bus stop when the bus arrives
MEDICATION
If a student must take medicine at school, the parent, and a doctor must sign a WCPS medication form. The form must be placed on file at the school. Medication should be brought to school by the parent. Students requiring emergency medication and regularly administered medications, including asthma inhalers and emergency injections, will have access to their medicines while on field trips and while participating in other school sponsored activities. These students must also have authorization in writing.
CLUBS/FIELD TRIPS
There are many clubs and activities offered to all students. Participation is encouraged based upon the interests of the students. Each team will go on a minimum of 1 field trip per year and a maximum of 4 per year. A student will not be permitted to attend the field trip if after the field trip has been announced, he or she has received Out of School Suspension or has had 2 separate incidents that have resulted in In School Suspension.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards will be distributed at the end of each 9 weeks to students.
PROGRESS REPORTS
All students will receive a progress report for each subject every 4 ½ weeks.
HOMEWORK
All students will have homework an average of 4 days per week ranging from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes nightly. Students are not permitted to do their homework during the school day. All students are required to write their daily assignments in their agenda book each day.
Home study is a necessary part of each pupil's educational program. Each student will be expected to spend some time in addition to scheduled class instruction to achieve satisfactory work.
Some assignments are long-range in nature and require planned study time for the completion. Planned study will eliminate the necessity of spending too much time in completing an assignment the day before it is due.
Teachers are instructed not to allow students to use class time to complete homework assignments.
BETA CLUB INDUCTION GUIDELINES
New inductees will be considered after the second nine weeks of the school year. They must meet the following criteria. New 8th grade members will not be considered due to the short duration of membership before promotion to high school.
1. Students must maintain an average of 93 or higher in each subject area each nine weeks.
2. Students must receive a conduct grade of “Satisfactory” for each subject.
3. Students must not receive ISS or OSS at any time during the year.
If members fail to meet these criteria, the following consequences will apply.
1. If a member’s average falls below 93 in any subject for one nine weeks, he/she will be placed on probation.
2. If a member receives a conduct grade other than “Satisfactory,” he/she will be placed on probation.
3. Anytime after being inducted into the Beta Club, the member fails to meet the criteria for two nine weeks (Not necessarily consecutive), then the member will be exited from the club. This includes grades and conduct.
4. If a member is assigned to In-School Suspension (ISS) or Ou0of-School Suspension (OSS) just one time, the student will be exited from the club.
5. Students will be notified of any probation or exiting by a letter from a club sponsor.
AGENDA BOOKS
All students will be issued an agenda book at the beginning of the year. This book will have school rules and procedures, county policies, A / B schedule, and a calendar in which the students write their daily assignments. This book will also have an individualized student academic tracking page. This is a vital part of the Norwayne school program for communication between parents, students, and teachers. Please check your student’s agenda book each day to keep up with his daily progress.
STUDENT USE OF INTERNET
Student use of the Internet, in accordance with Wayne County policy, must be for educational purposes, and does not include access to e-mail. All students using the Internet, regardless of the campus location, must have their Internet cards in their possession. Violation of the Wayne County Acceptable Use Policy will result in termination of Internet privileges.
GUIDANCE SERVICES
Guidance services are available to all students to help with problems related to schedules, grades, or personal matters. Students with an appointment must have a signed pass to and from the guidance office. Parents may request a conference with the counselors by calling the school.
REPORTING BULLYING INCIDENTS
Students are encouraged to write a personal note to Mr. Re, Ms. Watts (AP), or the guidance counselors if they are being bullied at school. The notes will be kept anonymous and action will be taken in order to discretely help the student. Notes can be turned into the office before, during, or after school.
SPORTS
In order to play a sport, you must be under 15, (if your birthday fails before October 16, you are eligible to play); a student must pass a minimum of 3 out of 4 core subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) each semester. Any student who repeats a grade will not be permitted to participate in a sport. Poor conduct may result in suspension from athletic participation. You must have a physical before try-outs. State guidelines dictate that only students in grades 7 and 8 may participate in athletics. No 6th grade students will be permitted to be managers or have any affiliation with the teams.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
PE Classes are required of all middle school students by NC State Statute. All students are expected to participate in PE. A note from the Doctor is required for illness or injury to inform the teacher of special needs and when the student may safely resume physical activity. A note or phone call from the parent will be honored in an emergency. Students must be dressed appropriately for PE class. Rules will be discussed at the beginning of each semester to inform students of proper procedures.
Consequences for not dressing out: 1st – 4th time warning from the teacher, 5th time parent contact, 6th time or more ISS during physical education class. Each time a student does not dress out; his or her grade will be affected.
P.E. Dress Code for Girls: Shorts 3” above knee or longer, waistbands cannot be rolled over, no spaghetti straps or sleeveless shirts, no midriff. They can wear pants, capris, or shorts that are 3” above the knee or longer.
P.E Dress Code for Boys: No sagging pants or shorts, no sleeveless shirts.
Consequences for violating dress code: 1st – 4th time warning from the teacher, 5th time parent contact, 6th time or more ISS during physical education class.
MEDIA CENTER
The Media Center offers a variety of resources and reading selections. Appropriate behavior is expected at all times. Gum, candy, food, & drink are not permitted in the media center.
Language Arts teachers will be scheduled to take classes to the media center every 2 to 3 weeks to select books.
Up to 3 regular items may be checked out at a time. All overdue, lost, or damaged books should be turned in/paid for as soon as possible; students may not check out materials with overdue/fines on their account.
LUNCH PROGRAM
Applications for free and reduced lunches may be obtained any time during the year from the office. Students must have a parent or guardian promptly complete the application and return it to the office. A pre-payment option for meals is available. For more information please call the cafeteria manager.
LUNCH & BREAKFAST PRICES
Breakfast Full Price $1.25
Reduced $0.30
Lunch Full Price $2.00
Reduced $0.40
BREAKFAST PROCEDURE
Students eating breakfast will be dismissed out of the gym or off of their buses beginning at 7:45 AM. The students will go through the cafeteria line to receive their breakfast and eat in the cafeteria. The students will be dismissed from the cafeteria by teachers. No students are permitted to bring breakfast from home. All students who enter the cafeteria for breakfast must eat breakfast. All students must eat their own breakfast and not share with any other students.
FLORAL AND BALLOON DELIVERIES
The school will not accept floral and balloon deliveries for students. These items cause disruption in classes and in the halls during class change. They also create safety problems on school buses. Arrangements should be made to have such deliveries made to your home.
FIRE ALARMS
Fire drills will be conducted monthly. A shrill alarm will sound and fire alarm strobe lights (located in every classroom) will activate during a fire drill. Students and staff are to follow the posted exit pattern for your room. Exit the building quickly and quietly, without running. The teacher you are with at the time will give you more detailed instructions. Never touch, or in any way disturb, the red fire alarm switches except in case of a fire. ANY STUDENT FALSIFYING A FIRE ALARM WILL BE SUSPENDED (OSS) FOR A MINIMUM OF 3 SCHOOL DAYS.
TORNADO / LOCKDOWN DRILLS
An announcement will indicate a tornado or lockdown drill. During the drills, students need to follow the directions given by the teacher.
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
The code of student conduct for Norwayne Middle School has been developed so that every student will know what is expected. This code is based on student’s rights and responsibilities, but is not limited to these, and is in accord with North Carolina Statutes, State Board of Education regulation, and Wayne County School Board policies.
This code is presented to students and parents so that you might understand the major role you play in producing a school atmosphere conducive to learning. Without the cooperation of students and parents, our efforts to help with your education are very limited.
CONTROL OF STUDENTS: Students are under the authority of the principal and subject to discipline as provided by North Carolina Statutes. The authority of bus drivers to preserve order and good behavior is delegated by the principal but does not include physical punishment or suspension of transportation privileges. Bus drivers report misbehavior to the principal or his / her designee for appropriate action.
GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION:
This list is not intended to include all infractions.
(1) Willful disobedience of Norwayne school personnel or others so delegated by the principal
(2) Open defiance of authority of school personnel or other persons so delegated by the principal
(3) Threats
(4) Theft
(5) Defacing school property
(6) Any act that disrupts the orderly process of school activities
(7) Willful disobedience of school rules
(8) Norwayne has a zero tolerance of hitting. Any student hitting another student will be suspended from school. (OSS)
(9) Sexual harassment – touching other students inappropriately – remarks having sexual overtones – indecent exposure – will result in out-of-school suspension (OSS).
(10) Violation of any NC State Statute, WCPS policy or Norwayne School Code of Discipline Policy
PROCEDURES FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION:
(1) All rights of the student shall be observed in disciplinary actions.
(2) Disciplinary action includes conferences, ISS, suspension (OSS) and expulsion.
(3) A principal has the authority to suspend a student according to North Carolina Statutes.
(4) In case of disruptive or dangerous behavior when the threat of injury to persons or property is involved, or when the activities of a student, or group of students, interferes with the normal school procedure, such person or persons shall be removed from the school grounds, in such instances each student shall be offered the right to a hearing at the earliest reasonable opportunity.
(5) Parents shall be notified of suspensions immediately after action is taken.
(6) Excessive tardiness, absences and truancy will be enforced by:
(a) Notification of parents or guardians
(b) In-School Suspension
(c) Petitions filed in Juvenile Court
(7) The principal has the option to recommend expulsion from school to the superintendent
(8) Alternative measures may be used: some examples are student services, parent conferences, medical examination, adjusted curriculum, peer mediation, or alternative school placement.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS
Student responsibilities are interpreted to mean:
(1) The responsibility to respect the Constitutional rights of others
(2) The responsibility to learn, the primary responsibility for your education rests with you and your parents
(3) The responsibility to follow the rules and regulations of the school on campus, at all school-sponsored activities and on the bus.
(4) The responsibility to behave in a reasonable and prudent manner
Student rights:
(1) All Constitutional rights
(2) The right to learn
(3) The right to pursue an education without disruption.
(4) The right to be respected and accepted as a human being
(5) The right to be involved in your education
POLICY ON SUSPENSION
The principal or his / her designee may suspend a student for running and roughhousing in buildings or on the walkways, fighting, which may also result in legal action by the court system, willful disobedience, open defiance of authority of a member of the staff, use of profane or obscene language and/or conduct, leaving school without permission, serious misconduct which interrupts normal school procedure, or repeated misconduct of a less serious nature which interrupts normal school procedure. Each suspension, with the reason stated, shall be reported in writing to the parent or guardian. No one suspension shall be more than ten (10) school days.
Students suspended from school (OSS) shall leave the school grounds when directed and shall remain off all school property and away from school-sponsored activities during the period of suspension or be subject to arrest pursuant to law. Violation of this policy may result in an additional suspension. OSS shall be for 3 to 10 days first incident, 5 to 10 days on the second incident & 7 to 10 days on the third incident.
School Closings and/or Delays Due to Emergencies and/or Inclement Weather
With inclement weather, there is a possibility that schools will be closed or delayed due to bad weather conditions. A decision to close or delay opening of schools will only be done after the Superintendent has completed a thorough investigation of the weather conditions in our area. Announcements will be made on local radio and area TV stations as well as the school district website, www.waynecountyschools.org, or via the Honeywell Instant Alert system. If weather conditions look threatening, parents should be sure to listen for announcements during the evening and during early morning hours. If there is an early dismissal due to weather and/or emergency conditions, bus runs and student pick-up will begin at the announced dismissal time.
(a) Honeywell Instant Alert System
Parents can register to receive instant school communications. From inclement weather announcements to important school announcements, Honeywell Instant Alert will keep parents informed via phone, e-mail, or pager. Parents may subscribe to and/or update information for the Honeywell Instant Alert system by going to www.waynecountyschools.org.
Anti-Discrimination Statement
Wayne County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following persons, who can be reached at telephone number (919) 731-5900, have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
· Dr. Craig McFadden, Title IX (Sex Discrimination/Sexual Harassment);
· Dr.Ralph Smith, Section 504/Handicapped;
· Mr. Marvin McCoy, Title VI (Race/National Origin discrimination).
North Carolina Senate Bill 911 requires guidelines for the development and implementation of individual health care plans for students with diabetes in North Carolina schools. Additional information on Senate Bill 911 is available at: www.nchealthyschools.org. Forms may be requested for diabetes health plans in our school office.
Asthma/Medical Statement
Students requiring emergency medication and regularly administered medications, including asthma inhalers and emergency injections, will have access to their medicines while on field trips and while participating in other school sponsored activities. These students must also have authorization in writing.
Homeless School-Age Children
Services for students who are homeless can be provided through the Wayne County Public Schools. Please contact the Title VII-B Coordinator for Homeless Education Services: Dr. Willette Stanley, telephone (919) 731-5900, Wayne County Public Schools, P.O. Drawer 1797, Goldsboro, NC 27533-1797.
Drug and Alcohol Policies
Drug Abuse Students and Employees – Policy 4325 and Drug-Free Workplace – Policy 7240: Please be advised that under the above policies, there are certain requirements and opportunities for a student to receive treatment and rehabilitation from any problems in the drug and alcohol abuse policies. Please feel free to ask the principal for these policies that will explain all details of required treatment and rehabilitation for your son or daughter.
Wayne County Public Schools is not responsible for any expenses related to these policies. It is the student/family’s responsibility for any and all cost.
Military-Connected Students & Families
Wayne County Public Schools has a counselor dedicated to advocating for and meeting the educational needs of military families. During the school year, the military counselor serves as a consultant regarding the health and emotional development of the military child; presents informational sessions on community and military agencies; establishes a communication system with the local military installations regarding student transition issues; and promotes the involvement of military parents in their child’s education. Military families may contact the military counselor for more information: Jamie Livengood, 738-0070, 1135 New Hope Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
