BURLINGTON PRIMARY

STUDENT HANDBOOK

10474 Patterson Creek Road

Burlington, WV 26710

(304) 289-3073 (304) 289-5116 fax

HIGH EXPECTIONS TODAY ~ SUCCESS TOMORROW

Visit our school website at: http://boe.mine.k12.wv.us/burlingtonprimaryschool_home.aspx

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Please read this handbook carefully with your child emphasizing your support for an orderly and safe academic social environment. Sign and

return this page of the handbook certifying that your child understands what is expected of him or her.

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN TO YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER by SEPT. 1

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I certify that I have received and read the Burlington Primary Student Handbook containing the Mineral County Student Bylaws and Policies including Drug and Tobacco Policies.

STUDENT NAME _____________________________ GRADE______

PARENT SIGNATURE________________________________________

DATE__________________________

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BURLINGTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

MINERAL COUNTY SCHOOLS

10474 PATTERSON CREEK ROAD

BURLINGTON, WV 26710

304-289-3073

304-289-5116 Fax

Dear Parents:

The purpose of this handbook is to provide students and parents with information concerning

school policies and procedures. Hopefully, the information in this handbook will be helpful and

enable you, as the parent, to work in partnership with the school. In addition to this handbook,

Burlington Primary will maintain a school website, send home monthly newsletters and use the

School Messenger calling system to increase communication with parents. We will also be

notifying you of parent-teacher conference nights and PTO meetings. We welcome parent

involvement and volunteers. We believe that a partnership between school and home will ensure

student success.

This handbook may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in county and state polices.

Due to the fact that policies can change, this handbook should only be used as a general guide.

Information regarding any changes will be presented to students and parents when they occur.

Questions concerning school policies and procedures can be directed to the principal. County

policies may be found on the Mineral County Website: http://boe.mine.k12.wv.us/

We welcome you to a new school year and look forward to working with you to collaboratively

make this year a great learning experience for our students and to help them realize their fullest

potential!

Sincerely,

Joyce Malcolm

Joyce Malcolm

Principal

DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED:

USDA PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION IN ALL ITS PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL

ORIGIN, GENDER, AGE OR DISABILITY. TO FILE A COMPLAINT OF DISCRIMINATION, WRITE USDA, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS, ROOM 32-W. WHITTEN BUILDING, 14TH AND INDEPENDENCE AVENUE, S, WASHINGTON, DC 20250-9410 OR

CALL (202) 720-5964 (VOICE & TTD).

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Our Mission & Beliefs

High Expectations Today - Success Tomorrow

Beliefs: All students can grow in their learning and show individual

progress in their years at BPS.

Children thrive in an environment where they are nurtured,

treated with respect and provided necessary support.

BPS believes in a team effort, making all members of the

school accountable for the school's achievement.

Parents are valued and respected partners in the process of

educating their children.

Strong instructional leadership, highly qualified personnel

and parental support and reinforcement beyond the school

day are necessary to achieve success for all students.

The primary measure of our success will be preparing

students that are independent, responsible, lifelong learners.

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ASBESTOS

Per the requirements of Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act and Rules and Regulations

(AHERA) 40/CFR PART 763 SUBPART E, October 30, 1987, you are hereby notified that

asbestos materials are contained in the school. Under Section 763.83, Management Plans,

paragraph g, subsections 2 & 3, you have the right to inspect the Asbestos Management Plan that

includes any subsequent updates, inspections, removal at the school.

The Plan is kept at the schools and may be reviewed upon request. Please contact the principal

or the administrative staff for an appointment. Any question concerning the Plan should be

directed to Mr. Kenneth Baker at the Mineral County Board of Education in Keyser, West

Virginia. The telephone number is (304)788-4210.

Asbestos containing materials at Burlington Primary School are located in:

1. Yellow linoleum flooring in kitchen

2. Pipe insulation in crawl space

3. Transite panels

4. Fire doors

ARRIVAL TIME

If your child rides to school by automobile, he/she should arrive between 7:15 and 7:35 a.m.

The doors do not open until 7:15 a.m. and students are counted tardy after 7:36.

ATTENDANCE

School attendance is mandatory by State Law once a student enrolls and when truancy occurs the

school is obligated to follow certain procedures of notification and penalties. Any time a student

is absent from school, the parent/guardian must provide a note of explanation. An educational

leave form is available at the school and should be completed prior to absence when a student

needs an extended period of days for an educational trip or experience. A chronic condition

statement is also available at the school and must be completed by a doctor when a condition

exists that may cause a child to miss days in excess of what the policy allows. See Mineral

County Policy http://boe.mine.k12.wv.us

BREAKFAST AFTER FIRST PERIOD

Burlington Primary participates in the statewide breakfast initiative called “Breakfast After First

Period”. Breakfast is not served when students first arrive to school. Students report to class first.

Our instructional day begins at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast begins at 8:35 a.m. at which time students are

dismissed to breakfast by class.

BREAKFAST ON 2 HOUR DELAYS

On 2 hour delay days, students report to the cafeteria first and breakfast will be served.

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BREAKFAST AND LUNCH COSTS

Burlington Primary School is eligible to receive the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This

provision from the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 allows schools and local educational

agencies (LEAs) with high poverty rates to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students. CEP

eliminates the burden of collecting household applications to determine eligibility for school

meals, relying instead on information from other means-tested programs such as the Supplemental

Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

BUS CHANGES

A student may ride a school bus that he/she usually does not ride, however, the parent must send

a signed and dated note to the school stating the change. The school does not accept phone

calls regarding dismissal changes. All communications regarding transportation must be in

writing and sent to school with the child who shall submit to his/her teacher first thing in the

morning. Telephone calls will be taken for emergency changes only.

Buses are loaded at 2:25 p.m. each day. Students not riding a bus are dismissed at 2:30 p.m.

after the buses depart.

If you plan to pick up your child instead of him/her riding a bus, a note will be necessary to hold

the child for “pick up” dismissal. If you are going to pick up your child daily, only one note at

the beginning of school will be required stating that. We ask parents not to enter the school

when picking up students at the end of the day.

The principal must receive written permission from the parent if a child is to leave school by

means other than normal procedure. This also applies to riding a different bus. If a student is

going home with another student, both students must bring a note from home indicating parent

approval. A child leaving school or returning to school must report to the office to sign in or out.

Telephone calls will be taken for emergency changes only.

BUS RULES

School bus rules are posted on the bus. Drivers review these rules with the students. If student

conduct warrants it, a student may lose school bus privileges, and parents will have to transport

him/her to and from school. Discipline slips will be issued by bus drivers. Severity of the

punishment increases if behaviors are repeated. Bus drivers may be contacted by calling the

transportation department, 304-788-4210.

CITIZEN’S APPEAL The purpose of this procedure is to provide a way for citizens to work with county boards of

education and school employees in seeking solutions to problems. This procedure provides a fair

and quick method for solving problems at the lowest possible administrative level. Forms and

instructions for filing appeals may be obtained in the principal’s office.

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CONFERENCES

There are times during the school year when it will be necessary for you to talk with your child’s

teacher concerning his/her progress or other school matters. Conferences and meetings with staff

can be scheduled. You may also correspond with teachers through email. Teachers are available

for phone calls only during their planning periods.

DELAYED OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS

In the event of inclement weather and/or emergency, school may open late or dismiss early. If

school is going to be opening on a delay or cancelled for the day, it is typically announced by the

Board of Education and a message is usually sent via School Messenger. If your contact phone

number changes during the school year, it is important you update your information online.

Early dismissal will be announced as necessary.

The Mineral County Board of Education website may give specific information concerning

individual bus routes. The county website is: http://boe.mine.k12.wv.us/

You may also listen to radio stations and TV channels for inclement weather and/or emergency

announcements, delays or early closings for Mineral County Schools.

If there is a two hour delay, the doors at Burlington Primary will not open until 9:15 am. Please do not drop off students before this time.

DISCIPLINE

Assertive discipline plans are posted in each teacher’s classroom and discussed with your child at

the beginning of the school year. School rules are as follows:

1. Follow directions first time given.

2. Be prepared for class with all necessary materials and completed homework and

assignments.

3. Keep hands, feet and other objects to yourself. No horseplay.

4. Raise your hand to speak.

5. Show respect for others and their property. No cruel teasing, swearing or putdowns.

Consequences and rewards may vary but some examples of each are as follows:

Consequences-verbal warning, relocation, note or phone call to parents, time out/loss of

free play time, lunch detention and/or sent to principal. Rewards- verbal praise, work

displayed, free time, special activities, prizes, notes and stickers, eat in classroom or with

a special friend.

DISMISSAL

Buses are loaded at 2:25 p.m. each day. Students not riding a bus are dismissed at 2:30 p.m.

after the buses depart.

If you plan to pick up your child instead of him/her riding a bus, a note will be necessary to hold

the child for “pick up” dismissal. If you are going to pick up your child daily, only one note at

the beginning of school will be required stating that. We ask parents not to enter the school

when picking up students at the end of the day.

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The principal must receive written permission from the parent if a child is to leave school by

means other than normal procedure. This also applies to riding a different bus. If a student is

going home with another student, both students must bring a note from home indicating parent

approval. A child leaving school or returning to school must report to the office to sign in or out.

Telephone calls will be taken for emergency changes only.

DRESS CODE

Students are to dress appropriately for the classroom and learning and not to deter from the

education of others. The following are prohibited: pajamas, bedroom slippers, heelies (shoes

with skates/wheels), hats, bandannas, sunglasses, scarves on the head, muscle shirts, mesh shirts,

spiked jewelry or chains and any clothing depicting violence, (i.e. skulls, crossbones, guns,

knives, blood, etc.) or that evidences gangs, terrorism, sex, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, obscenities

or profanity. Thank you for helping to maintain a positive classroom environment.

EARLY DISMISSAL (WEATHER/EMERGENCY)

If school is canceled after students arrive, we will use the School Messenger Parent Contact

System to reach you by phone and announce the closing of school on the local radio stations. Do

not call the school or board office, as these telephone lines must be kept open for emergency

communications. In case of an emergency/early dismissal, parents need to complete an alternate

form for where their child will go if not their own home. We need to know your plan, so we

know if we need to put your child on a different bus, or whom we might contact (if we can) if

there are any questions about the child’s safety. In an event of an emergency (such as a fire,

natural disaster, bomb threat, etc. when we must vacate the building), we may not be able to

phone and ask people to come and pick up their children from school or from a different

location. You may not be allowed to approach the school and will need to listen to local radio

stations for directions concerning student pickup. ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Students should not bring personal electronic devices such as cell phones, I-Pods, I-Pads,

electronic games, cd players, game boys, mp3 players, laser pointers or any other electronic

devices to school.

If an electronic device is brought to school, school staff will collect the device and return it to the

student at the end of the school day to take home the first time this occurs. If there is a second

occurrence the device will be collected and the parent will need to pick it up at the school. A

conference will be held. Any additional occurrences may result in disciplinary action.

ENTRANCE TO THE SCHOOL AND VISITORS

All parents and other visitors must report to the school office when entering the school. Access

to the building will be controlled with a video access system. Classroom staff must be notified

by the office prior to visitors entering classrooms and the building administrator/principal and

staff must approve visits in advance. When signing in, parents and visitors may be asked for a

photo ID such as driver’s license which could be held in the office during the visit. All visitors

at the school must stop at the office and receive a visitor’s pass.

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EMERGENCY CARDS

In order to contact parents in the event of illness or emergency, it is necessary that an Emergency

Card be on file in the school office. Phone numbers of friends, relatives or neighbors are also

requested so that a contact can be made if the parent cannot be reached at home or work. We

will only release your child to those people listed on the emergency card. Please be certain that

emergency cards are current. Update them as necessary. All updates must be completed in

writing.

FACULTY SENATE/STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Faculty Senate is a time designated by the State Legislature for the professional staff to plan and

develop the school’s curriculum which is a continuous process in an ever-changing

society. Faculty Senate meetings occur at the end of the day and students will be released two

hours early at 12:25 pm. These days are designated on the school calendar.

FAMILY RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT (PHOTO/MEDIA RELEASE)

Pictures of students will be placed in local newspapers, school publications, and the school’s

website occasionally for recognition of awards and activities at Burlington Primary. Parents of

students who wish their child not to be included should complete and return the written

notification.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips held during the regular school day are considered part of the regular school program.

Parents will be notified if their child will be leaving school grounds. The PTO also sponsors

field trips which enrich our students’ learning experience. You must be a board approved

volunteer to chaperone on field trips. Chaperoning duties begin on the bus. It would be

impossible to fulfill these duties following behind in your personal vehicle. Siblings are not

allowed to attend field trips. This is an opportunity to spend one-on-one time with your child.

GAMES, TOYS, CARDS

Games, toys, cards and collectors cards should not be brought to school. These are a distraction

from the educational setting and cannot be safeguarded from others.

GLASS CONTAINERS

Glass containers are not permitted in the school or on the bus.

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GRADING

Parents may monitor a student’s grades using LiveGrades for Grades 1 through 4. Parent

sign-ons for LiveGrades access will be available at school. Report cards will be sent every nine

weeks and parent conferences will be held throughout the year. If you feel a conference is

warranted, please contact your child’s teacher to schedule one.

Honor Roll (A/B) is determined each grading period for grades 3 and 4.

A Honor Roll = All A’s and O’s B Honor Roll = B Average

(D, N, OR U will make a student ineligible)

KINDERGARTEN

Kindergarten progress reports identify appropriate goals for five-year-olds that recognize there

are differences among students according to their age when they enter kindergarten.

PRIMARY

Letter grades (A, B, C, D, U) are given in basic academic areas. Letter grades O (Outstanding),

S (Satisfactory), and N (Needs Improvement) are given in other areas. Teachers also mark skills

and work habits that need improvement.

GUM AND CANDY

Gum and candy are not permitted during the school day.

HARASSMENT

Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. Refer to county policy manual and website at

http://boe.mine.k12.wv.us/

LATE ARRIVALS (TARDIES) AND EARLY RELEASES

Students arriving at school late or having to leave school early must be signed in or out at the

main office with a reason stated. LATE IS NOT A REASON. No person arriving late or

leaving early is to report to a classroom during the school day without first signing in at the main

office. Parents are not to visit the classroom. A student arriving late or leaving early is already a

disruption to the class. In the event these arrivals or dismissals are unexcused and accrue to five

(5), a parent conference must be held with the principal and/or attendance director. These partial

absences do cause students to miss important material being presented especially at the

beginning of the day. A student is considered tardy after 7:36 a.m. during a regular school day.

Any student who arrives after 9:11 a.m. will be counted as absent for ½ day. Any student who

leaves school before 12:50 pm will be counted as absent for ½ day.

LOCAL SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL (LSIC)

The School Improvement Council helps to encourage the involvement of the school community

in the operation of local schools to improve educational quality. Elected members are parents,

service personnel and teachers. Parents are selected from the P.T.O. Business and community

members are appointed by the principal. The council meets a minimum of once each quarter.

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MAKE-UP WORK WHEN A STUDENT IS ABSENT

Please do not request “make up work” until the child has been absent two or more days.

All students will be allowed to make up work missed. One day extension for each day of

absence will be allowed for the student to complete and turn in assignments. If the student has

not completed the work in the allotted time, a zero may be recorded for the work missed.

MEDICATIONS

County policy states that only medications that are prescribed by a doctor can be given in our

schools by our staff. No over the counter medications, such as Tylenol, cough syrup, or cough

drops can be brought to school or given without a doctor’s note. Parents can arrange to come to

school to bring and give the medicines. Antibiotics and other medicines that are to be given for

10 days or less may be given if the prescription is labeled correctly and in the original bottle.

Written and signed instructions from the parents must accompany the medicine. Medications

that are to be given every day for a long period of time must have a special long-term medication

form filled out by the physician. REMEMBER, the Mineral County Board of Education has a

ZERO TOLERANCE policy on medications and drugs in school. For questions regarding

medication, please contact the school nurse (304) 289-3073.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY (TITLE I)

Parents/guardians play an important role in the education of their children. Their active

participation can make a significant difference. The school and parents working cooperatively

may include many activities and benefit all students.

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

The PTO is a volunteer association working for the education, health and safety of all children.

They elect their own officers and decide their projects. All funds raised must be used for the

school and students. Officer information and meeting dates are on our school website.

PLANNERS AND HOMEWORK FOLDERS

Student assignment/homework/plan books and Homework Folders are provided by the school.

These are used to teach responsibility and organizational skills with your children. They can

support better communication between parents and teachers. Please check these daily.

PLAYGROUND/OUTSIDE AREAS

Playgrounds and outside areas are designated for specific grade levels. There should be no

pushing, shoving, or tackling at any time while playing outside. Mud should be cleaned off

shoes prior to entering the building. During the winter months, there should be no throwing

snowballs or snow during outside play time.

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PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

Burlington School offers a pre-kindergarten program for 4 year old students and, in special

circumstances, some 3 year olds may be accepted. Because it is also tied to the Headstart

Program, entry to the program is based on factors such as income and student need. You can

access the Mineral County Pre-K Head Start Program website at the following web address:

https://mineral.preschoolsteps.org

PROMOTION AND RETENTION

Students will be placed at the grade level best suited to their academic, social and emotional

development. Parents/guardians should be well informed when retention is considered a

possibility. These concerns will be communicated to parents/guardians orally and by means of

comments on report cards. The final determination for promotion rests with the principal.

PUBLIC ACCESS TO SCHOOL REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND LAWS

All citizens may review Board of Education policies and administrative regulations at each local

school. Comments are received from school employees and the public prior to the adoption of

any new policy. School Laws of West Virginia are available in the principal’s office. The

county maintains a webpage (http://boe.mine.k12.wv.us) with varied information posted.

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION

Information and regulations concerning asbestos, school safety and pest management are

maintained and available for review in the main office.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT See Mineral County Policy at http://boe.mine.k12.wv.us/

SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES A school health nurse, psychologist and guidance counselor visit the school and serve in a

variety of ways. Other services include the following:

SAT Student Assistance Team

The SAT team meets every other week and is made up of classroom

teachers, special educator, guidance counselor, school psychologist and

the principal. The purpose of this team is to review the problems students

are having (academic, social, discipline or attendance) and suggest ways to

help any child having a problem. A student may be referred by the teacher

for consideration in areas of exceptionalities.

Speech/Language Services are available for any child who needs remediation in articulation

disorders (correction for errors in producing sounds), language disorders

(vocabulary and sentence building), fluency disorders (stuttering) or voice

disorders (correct vocal habits).

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Limited English Proficiency Program

Selected students will be screened for limited English proficiency. A

program will be made available to accommodate student needs.

Guidance and Counseling Services

The purpose of this program is to promote positive self-concepts and

increase behavior awareness among students. Other areas the guidance

counselor may explore with students include student responsibility,

interpersonal relationships, decision making skills and career planning.

Students may also be assisted in solving a variety of school or related

problems they encounter from day to day. Parents are invited to contact

the guidance counselor regarding student-related matters.

Conflict Mediation/Resolution

Primarily presented through developmental guidance program with help

from the classroom teacher, the lessons in the conflict resolution

curriculum support the teacher defined peaceful classroom model. The

counselor and teachers serve as role models and conflict managers in the

classroom.

By empowering students to communicate more effectively and reduce

tensions and hostilities in daily interactions, conflict resolution curriculum

supports the school mission. Students will become more sensitive to their

own feelings, skills and talents as they learn new and reinforce old

behavioral skills to respond effectively to conflict in their lives. Because

conflict resolution skills are interdisciplinary, opportunities to learn these

skills exist in all subjects and throughout the guidance program.

TARDIES

Students must come to school regularly and be on time for school. Students must be signed in by

a parent if they arrive at school late (after 7:36 a.m.). If a student accrues 5 tardies to school, a

parent conference will be required with the principal and/or attendance director.

TECHNOLOGY

Technology and the Internet will be available for students at Burlington Primary School for

educational benefits. The school has an acceptable use policy (AUP) in place which is to be

followed by all students.

Our school website is http://boe.mine.k12.wv.us/burlingtonprimaryschool_home.aspx. This

website can be a valuable source of information for students and their parents.

TEXTBOOKS

All required textbooks, workbooks and instructional materials are purchased and provided by the

Mineral County Board of Education. Lost and damaged materials must be paid for by the

students to whom the materials were assigned, unless just reason can be shown that the student

was not responsible for the loss or damage incurred.

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UNIFIED SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Each year School Improvement Plans are developed in all Mineral County Schools. A copy of

this plan is available for your viewing and input at the school.

VISITORS TO SCHOOL

For the safety of students and staff members, those entering the school are asked to sign in at the

main office upon entering the school. Entrance is permitted through a buzzer system at the main

door. Visitors are defined as anyone who is not a student or member of the school staff. Visitors

must sign in and provide a photo ID to the secretary and receive a visitor’s badge. Those picking

up students are asked to remain in the lobby area after signing the student out. Parents should

not enter the building on a regular/daily basis to drop off or pick up children. See Mineral

County Policy at http://boe.mine.k12.wv.us/

VOLUNTEERS

We welcome individuals who can volunteer and assist our students and staff. There are

numerous activities and opportunities. All volunteers must submit their names to the principal

each school year and be approved annually by the Mineral County Board of Education. A form

is available from your child’s teacher, in the school office or online through Mineral County

Schools website http://boe.mine.k12.wv.us/, under Human Resources/ Employment Process and

Application Forms/Volunteer Agreement Form. All parents/guardians who wish to accompany

students on field trips must be Board approved volunteers.