Student Handbook
Moorefield Elementary School
Student Handbook 2023-2024
Moorefield Elementary School
400 North Main Street
Moorefield, WV 26836
Phone: 304-530-6356 Fax: 304-530-2536
ATTENDANCE
Students succeed when they attend school faithfully. Students must be present to do their best work. Lost time cannot be made up, but missed work must be completed as outlined by the teacher. The following guidelines are expected to be followed when students are absent:
Students must present a written note from the parent/guardian the first day they return from an absence. This note must explain the reason for the absence and is to be presented to the teacher.
If your child is taken to the doctor, you should get an excuse from the doctor’s office.
Dental and medical appointments should be made for hours before and after school whenever possible.
When a family anticipates a student’s absence for vacations, trips, etc., prior permission must be obtained from the Principal.
Please refer to the Hardy County Attendance Policy JDJ for more specific details or call the attendance director at the Board of Education office at 304-530-2348.
Absences, tardies and early dismissals can be considered “excused” according to guidelines for excused/unexcused absences.
TARDINESS
Tardiness shall be defined as being late for school or an individual class without missing a half-day of school or without missing an entire class period. Early departure is defined as leaving school or an individual class without missing a half-day of school or without missing an entire class period. Doors open for students at 8:00 AM and instruction begins at 8:20 AM.
DISCIPLINE
Expected Behavior in Safe and Supportive Schools (For more information refer to Board of Education Policy JDA, Policy 4373 WVDE). A complete copy of WVDE Policy 4373 is available at wvde.state.wv.us or request a copy at the school.
Keep hands, feet and objects to one’s self.
Attend school faithfully; complete his/her assignments on time and work to his/her full potential.
Behave in a manner that does not disrupt classroom learning or the operation of the school.
Obey teachers, principals and others in authority.
Refrain from the possession, use of any weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco products.
The school feels that appropriate behavior by the students is the basis of an effective educational program. Therefore, the following rules are observed at Moorefield Elementary.
Follow directions.
Be in your seat ready to work.
No fussing, cruel teasing, swearing, or put-downs.
Keep hands, feet and other objects to yourself.
Raise your hand and wait to be recognized.
Walk in the buildings at all times.
Do not fight or “pretend fight”.
No knives, pocket knives, toy guns, tobacco products.
Littering or destroying property is not allowed.
No trading cards are allowed.
When a student chooses to disobey the rules of our school, the following consequences may occur. They are not necessarily in order.
Warning.
Name on the board.
Loss of play time.
Teacher will contact parents.
Sent to the principal’s office.
Principal will contact parents by sending a Discipline Letter home or by telephone.
In-school, out-of-school, or after-school suspension.
Denied the privilege to attend special events.
Other interventions and consequences are possible. Inappropriate behaviors will be addressed in a timely manner. Consequences will be considered according to the level of the violation.
The staff at MES will implement proactive, preventative, and responsive programs. Our goal is to provide a safe and orderly environment that is conducive to learning.
REMOVAL FROM CLASSROOM
Teachers may exclude a student from their classroom who is guilty of disorderly conduct, who interferes with an orderly educational process, who threatens, abuses or intimidates a school employee or a pupil, who willfully disobeys a school employee or who uses abusive or profane language directed at a school employee. Parents are informed of this action with a copy of the “Discipline Report” which is sent home with the student or by phone.
STUDENTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES HANDBOOK
A copy of all Board Policies is located in the school. Anyone desiring to see these copies may check with the principal.
SUSPENSION
A principal may suspend a student for the following, but not limited to: if he or she threatens to injure, or in any manner injures a pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel; if the pupil willfully disobeys a teacher; if a pupil possesses alcohol at school, on school grounds, on a school bus or at a school sponsored function; if a pupil uses profane language directed at a school employee or pupil intentionally defaces school property; if a pupil participates in a physical altercation with another person; if a student habitually violates school rules.
If the principal determines that a suspension is in order, the principal will immediately conduct an informal hearing and parents will be notified by phone, if possible, and by mail. The suspension for the above reasons may also lead to an expulsion by the Board of Education.
FIREARMS/WEAPONS/DRUGS/OTHER LAWS
A Student must be expelled if he/she possesses a deadly weapon. This includes all guns, bows, any solid knife, any switchblade knife or any folding knife. School rules state NO knives of any kind allowed. (For more information refer to WVDE Policy 4373 and 18A-5-1).
For weapons penalties - Hardy County Policy JDA.
Student Drug Abuse-Substance Abuse-Student Assistance Program information and definitions - Policy 4373.
The law makes it a felony to maliciously assault or to abduct a child. If you would like a copy of the bill, ask for House Bill 4053.
TOBACCO USE IN SCHOOLS
State Law shall not allow tobacco on school property at any time or on field trips. Parents and students can be prosecuted by the magistrate’s office for breaking this law.
DRESS
It is the parent’s responsibility to dress their children properly. All children should be clean (regular bathing) and neat (clothes washed). Students are not to wear shirts, jackets, hats, etc., of a suggestive or obscene nature or which display names of alcohol or tobacco products. Shirts that expose the stomach, shoulders, or back, very short shorts, see-through shirts, biker shorts, tight shorts, pants or skirts that distract from learning shall not be permitted. Hair should be a natural color (red, brown, black, blonde). No artificial hair color (including paint) should be worn unless for special occasions approved by the school. Shoes must be worn at all times. Flip-flops are not safe and are not recommended to be worn to school. Students should wear sneakers on days they have gym or if playing on the playground. Pants, which are baggy to the extent that they are falling off the hips and/or drag the floor or under the shoe, are not safe and are not recommended to be worn to school. In inclement weather, children should have jackets, coats or sweaters to wear. If the temperature is cold enough to warrant a coat, students without one will remain indoors to prevent illness. Dress codes are to be observed on school related activities such as field trips.
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAMS
To encourage and enable schools to provide students with nutritious food and beverage choices that will enhance learning and promote healthy behaviors that can be maintained throughout life, nutrition standards for foods sold, served and/or distributed to students during the school day have been established by the WVDE. These standards are available on the WVDE website at: http://wvde.state.wv.us/child-nutrition . Research shows that healthy eating, proper nutrition and regular physical activity result in students who have increased standardized achievement test scores; improved attendance; reduced tardiness; and improved academic, behavioral and emotional functioning. The WV Feed to Achieve Act recognizes that an effective school breakfast program is not an interruption of the school day; it is an integral and vital part of the school day. All schools offer breakfast before school starts, and also provide another breakfast service after the bell. Our school will provide breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. The second opportunity for breakfast will be from 8:20 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Students are only to eat breakfast at one of the meal times.
Moorefield Elementary School participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program called Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Your child is eligible to receive breakfast and lunch at school at no charge to your household. Your child will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a meal application. Extra milk will still be available for purchase at $0.25 each.
Hardy County Schools uses a point of service program for recording student meal charges either by manually entering the student’s ID# into the program or by possibly taking a scan of the student’s finger to record the meal. The scanned image is NOT a finger print, and in fact no print can be recreated from the encrypted points. Parents having concerns can contact the School Nutrition Director for more information. If a parent/guardian wishes to opt out of the scanner for their child then they should send notice in writing to the school’s Principal.
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement for the Lunch Program
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20250-9410;
(2) fax: 202-690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.dov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
VOLUNTEERS
Moorefield Elementary feels that volunteers are very important to the success of the school. They are utilized in various parts of the school. If you would like to become a volunteer, please call the Hardy County Board of Education at 304-530-2348.
AFTER SCHOOL HOURS / ACTIVITIES
Even during after school hours, the school will remain locked. If your child is in an after school activity, the person in charge of them will bring them to the front of the school when they are to be released. We need the school locked for security to our students and staff.
HOMEWORK
Students are periodically assigned homework. Teachers have been asked to limit homework. Parents should keep in mind that some children do not use their time wisely in class and may be bringing work home to complete so that they may receive credit for the entire assignment. If your child has an unusual amount of homework, it is a good idea to call the office and schedule a conference with the teacher.
No homework will be given for one or two day absences. The teachers can give the student the missed assignments when the student returns. FOR THREE OR MORE DAYS OF ABSENCE, THE HOMEWORK MAY BE PICKED UP IN THE OFFICE AT THE END OF THE THIRD DAY. A call to the office the morning of the third day will allow the teacher time to collect the work and books during the day and bring it to the office by 2:30 p.m. If you plan to pick up homework, please arrive before school is dismissed.
INSURANCE
The purchase of insurance is optional. For those who purchase insurance and need to file a claim, the forms may be obtained at the school. All claims must be filed with the agent whose name appears on the form. The school is NOT the agent.
PTO
We encourage parents to become involved in the PTO of our school. Various fundraisers occur throughout the year. For example, book fairs are held during the school year. Students are scheduled times to attend the fair and may purchase books and/or book items, i.e. bookmarks, stickers, etc. We appreciate your participation and assistance. The PTO for the school has funded many worthwhile projects. Please check monthly calendars for the correct date and time each month.
CRISIS RESPONSE
A crisis response plan has been developed for emergency situations that may occur at MES. Every situation is unique so the structure of the plan outlines the basic procedures that will be followed while allowing the use of good judgment in all matters.
LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS / PICKING STUDENTS UP FROM SCHOOL
Once students arrive at school, they are expected to stay on school grounds during the day. They should only be dismissed during the day for doctor appointments and family emergencies. Whenever possible appointments should be made prior to and/or after school.
ALL VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL MUST STOP AT THE OFFICE. ANYONE OTHER THAN PERSONNEL WHO IS IN THE SCHOOL WILL NEED A “VISITOR” OR “VOLUNTEER” BADGE. SECURITY IS IMPORTANT AND WE MUST DO ALL WE CAN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF OUR STUDENTS.
Parents who wish to pick up their children during the day must stop at the office when entering the school. The secretary will use the intercom phone to call for the child to come to the office. The person picking up the child must sign them out. This is for security reasons.
IF YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR CHILD’S FORM OF TRANSPORTATION HOME, IT MUST BE IN WRITING. WE CANNOT ACCEPT PHONE CALLS FOR TRANSPORTATION CHANGES. FAXES WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE AND OUR FAX NUMBER IS 304-530-2536.
GRADING SCALE
The following criteria are observed at MES: 100 - 90 = A; 89 - 80 = B; 79 - 70 = C; 69 – 60 = D; 59 – 0 = F
REPORT CARDS
Report Cards will be sent home after each nine-week period for grades K-2. Pre-K students will receive Progress Reports. One Parent Teacher Conference is scheduled during the first semester and one is scheduled during the second semester. If another conference is desired, it may be scheduled by writing the teacher a note or calling the school office. If a non-custodial report card needs to be mailed, a form must be completed with the office.
LOST AND FOUND
Articles of clothing that are found are placed in the office. Children should always check there for misplaced clothing and items. The school secretary will assist students in identifying these items. Because of the volume of lost and found, as well as communicable diseases, we cannot keep it in the office for long periods, any items left will be donated/discarded. Parents are encouraged to come to the office and look for lost items.
FIELD TRIPS
Classes periodically take Field Trips and we try to take as many parents as possible. Since a field trip is an extension of the classroom, remember to follow the Bus Regulations. SMOKING AND CHEWING TOBACCO ARE PROHIBITED ON HARDY COUNTY SCHOOL BUSES as well as on school property. All chaperones must be the parent / guardian of one of the students participating in the field trip or be 18 years of age and pass a background check.
BUS INFORMATION
Any questions should be directed to Director of Transportation at the Board of Education Office at 530-2348 extension 9226.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
When weather conditions are bad, parents are encouraged to listen to radio station WELD 101.7, V103 103.7 to determine if school is cancelled or delayed. We also use an automated call system to notify you at the phone number we have on file. Please be sure to keep this information up-to-date with the school office. You can also use the following links to sign up for notifications and check our Facebook page for updates.
◊ www.hardycountyschools.com ◊ http://wvde.state.wv.us/closings/
► Scroll to bottom RIGHT corner ►Sign up for email alerts
► Download app from App Store or Google Play ►View current closings/delays
► Sign up for notifications for your child’s schools
When school is delayed, breakfast will be served. Buses will run later than usual. School closings are always broadcast. Your child will bring home an Emergency Early Dismissal form to be completed, which gives the school instructions about where your child will go if school is dismissed early. Please be sure to only choose one option on this form. We will use the information on the Emergency Early Dismissal form is school is unexpectedly dismissed early for any reason. Calling the school may be difficult during early dismissals and causes important messages to be delayed. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
REFERRAL FOR PERMISSION TO TEST YOUR CHILD
If you feel that your child is having learning difficulties, please schedule a meeting with the principal. Parents should be involved in the referral process. A teacher must begin the referral. If a parent received a permission slip to test in the mail, they should not panic. Please remember that the same form is used for all children. Special Education includes: Gifted, Speech and Language, Physical Therapy, Medical Concerns, Learning Disabilities, Behavior Disorders, Mildly and Moderately Mentally Impaired. Call the principal if you have any questions. This is an important decision. No testing can be done unless parent permission is obtained. More specific questions can be addressed to Director of Student Services at the Board Office at 530-2348 extension 9230.
MEDICINE/ SICK CHILDREN
If your child needs to take prescription medication while at school, a Medication Administration form (available in the office) must be signed by the doctor and parent to explain the time, dosage, etc. Prescription medication must come in the original container. You can ask the pharmacy for an extra bottle to be given to the school.
For over the counter medication, the procedure is the same as prescription medication. Parents must have a Medication Administration form completed by the doctor and parent and provide the medication in a new unopened package. If over the counter medicine needs to be kept at school for allergies, headaches, etc., please follow the above procedure.
ALL MEDICATION MUST COME TO THE SCHOOL IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER WITH THE STUDENTS NAME. NO MEDICATION WILL BE GIVEN FROM A PLASTIC BAG OR UNMARKED CONTAINER. There is a refrigerator in the office and medicine is kept there or in a locked cabinet.
If your child gets sick at school, we will call you to pick them up. Please be sure that anyone listed on your child’s student information sheet can be reached in the event you are not available. If you need to update your child’s basic student information sheet, please contact the office. It is very important to notify the school about phone number changes.
HEALTH SERVICES
See Policy JFD for other procedures.
HEAD LICE
1. A report is to be made to the school nurse or building administrator (or designee) that a student may be infested with head lice.
2. The school nurse or specially-trained designee will examine the student (and other siblings at the same school, as applicable) to determine possible pediculosis. The examination will maintain the privacy and dignity of the student. Parental or guardian permission is not needed to examine a student for possible pediculosis. If the student has siblings attending other county schools, the school nurse or designee will contact those schools to examine the siblings.
3. If the student is infested with live lice, the school nurse or specially-trained designee will contact the building administrator (or designee). The parent or guardian of the student will be contacted to remove the student from school. The parent or guardian will be provided with information on treatment, live lice and/or nit removal, and recommended environmental precautions.
4. If active live lice infestation is not found, the school nurse or specially-trained designee will check for the presence of nits. The presence of nits within one-fourth inch from the scalp will be deemed “viable” and are likely to hatch into lice. If the student is found to possess viable nits, the parent or guardian of the student will be contacted to remove the student from school. The 8 parent or guardian will be provided with information on treatment, live lice and/or nit removal, and recommended environmental precautions.
5. A maximum of two days of excused absences per semester will be allowed for the initial treatment of a pediculosis episode. This is per semester and not per incident. Additional absences will be unexcused. An exception is stated in # 10 below.
6. If the school nurse’s or the specially-trained designee’s examination reveals the presence of nits that are located more than one-fourth inch from the scalp (i.e.—empty nits, dead casings), the nits are unlikely viable. The parent or guardian will be contacted and will be provided with information on treatment, non-viable nit removal, and recommended environmental precautions. However, the student is not removed from school or excluded from any school activity. The student may be re-examined by the school nurse or specially-trained designee at any time.
7. If the parent or guardian cannot be reached when contacted, the building administrator (or designee) will immediately provide the student with an appropriate location away from other students to continue his or her educational program until a parent or guardian can be contacted.
8. The building administrator (or designee) and school nurse (or designee) will be responsible for notifying the administrators (or designees) of other schools where students may have had contact with the infested student or sibling(s).
9. If a student has been determined to have pediculosis infestation (live lice and/or viable nits), the student will not be permitted to ride the bus to school on the day he/she is scheduled to return.
10. Upon returning to school from absences due to a pediculosis infestation, the student will report to the school nurse or specially-trained designee to be re-examined. If live lice or viable nits within one-fourth of the scalp are found, the parent and guardian will be contacted to remove the student from school. The parent or guardian will be provided with further educational information on treatment, live lice and/or nit removal, and recommended environmental precautions. A conference with appropriate school personnel (school nurse, and/or school guidance counselor, and/or building administrator) and the parent will be encouraged to discuss reasons why the problem has persisted. An additional day of excused absence will be allowed if the recheck examination indicates additional treatment is needed. The building administrator (or designee) will arrange the resources necessary to continue the student’s educational program as much as possible while absent from school.
11. School nurses and/or specially-trained designees may conduct rechecks of students with previous incidents of pediculosis at any time.
12. In cases of persistent and/or recurring infestations or noncompliance with the written instructions for medical treatment and other precautions, the parent or guardian shall be reported to the Department of Health and Human Resources. The student will be subject to the Hardy County Schools’ attendance policy and may be considered absent for persistent and recurring infestations that have not been appropriately treated.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
West Virginia State Law requires that teachers and the principal report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. The law further protects the teacher/principal against liability for referring such cases in good faith.
PARENT LIABILITY
West Virginia State Law states that parents shall be held responsible for damage caused by their children on public or private property.
CITIZEN’S APPEAL
The Citizen’s Appeal process provides a way for citizens to work with county boards of education and school employees in seeking solutions to problems at the lowest administration level as fairly and quickly as possible. Forms and instructions for filing appeals may be obtained from the school principal.
RACIAL, SEXUAL, RELIGIOUS/ETHNIC HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE POLICY
It is the policy of Hardy County Schools that racial, sexual, religious/ethnic harassment and violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances. We firmly believe that all persons are to be treated with respect and dignity. No person on any school property or attending any school-related activity or any education-sponsored event, whether in a building or upon other property used or operated by the Board, or in any other facility begin used by the Board, shall engage in bullying, harassment, or intimidation. Persons found to have violated this prohibition shall be subject to the penalties in the section on Discipline, and any other penalties prescribed by law. (For more information on Bullying, Harassment, and Intimidation see Board Policy GADA also refer to Board Policy JDC for information on hazing)
Racial, sexual, religious/ethnic harassment and violence refers to unwelcome and unwanted behavior related to sex, race, religion, or ethnic group that makes the recipient feel afraid, embarrassed, helpless, angry or unsafe or upset to the point that he/she cannot learn, cannot teach or be effective at school or at his/her job. (For more information on Racial, Sexual harassment refer to Board Policy GAD)
Harassment and violence is prohibited between staff members, between staff members and students, between students, and from members of the public directed at students or staff, on school property or at school-sponsored events. Some examples of harassment and violence may include, but are not limited to: unwelcome patting, pinching, or physical contact; obscene gesturing or calling someone gay; ethnic or racial slurs; or threats, insults, or assaults against someone due to their sex, race, religion or ethnic group.
If a staff member or student feels that his/her emotional well being, his/her sense and security or sense of self-worth is being affected by such conduct, a complaint should be filed by contracting his/her school principal or by calling or writing: Sheena VanMeter, Superintendent, Hardy County Schools, 510 Ashby Street, Moorefield, WV 26836, Phone (304) 530-2348, extension 9237.
A complete copy of the Hardy County Board of Education Policy and/or the WV Board of Education Policy 4373 may be reviewed in the school office or at the above number and address.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Director of Student Services, Hardy County Schools, 510 Ashby Street, Moorefield, WV 26836, (304) 530-2348 extension 9230.
PARENT’S RIGHT TO KNOW
Local school systems are required to notify parents that they have the right to request and receive information on the professional qualifications of their children’s classroom teachers and paraprofessionals. If you desire this information, please make a written request to the principal in your child’s school.
DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED: As required by federal and state laws and regulations, the Hardy County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, disability, age, marital status, or national origin in employment, or in its educational programs and activities. Inquiries may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, or Section 504 Coordinator, Hardy County Board of Education, 510 Ashby Street, Moorefield, West Virginia 26836 or call 304-530-2348 or to the United States Department of Education's Director of Civil Rights by calling 215-656-8541.