(252) 752-5938
FAX (252) 752-1685
WELCOME!
I would like to welcome our new and returning students to Wellcome Middle School. Our school has a tradition of academic and extracurricular excellence.
WMS offers a vibrant, conducive, learning atmosphere that prepares students for the constantly changing and complex world. We maintain a safe and nurturing environment where the needs of students are considered first and foremost.
This handbook of procedures and practices is established for the benefit of all students, teachers and parents. I encourage all to study and utilize it throughout the year. As principal, I wish to facilitate your role as student, professional educator, parent and/or volunteer during your time at Wellcome Middle. The 2006-2007 school year will be one preparing our students for current and future educational opportunities. We look forward to the challenge!
Sincerely,
Jeff Theus,
Principal
PITT COUNTY SCHOOLS MISSION STATEMENT
Pitt County Schools, through high expectations, excellence in teaching for learning, and a safe, orderly environment, will ensure that all students master the skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing world. This passport is intended as a guide for students. You are encouraged to refer to the Pitt County Code of Student Conduct and Section B of the Wellcome Middle School Parent/Student/Teacher Handbook for further information regarding policies, rules, regulations, and procedures. Our goal is for you to experience a productive learning environment. This can be guaranteed by following the referenced procedures. Have a great school year!
2006-07
Beginning
of 3rd Period
Rules and Regulations Published by
It shall be the purpose of Pitt County Schools to Provide Equal Educational Opportunities to All Students, Regardless of Race, Color, Natural Origin, Sex or Handicap and Employment Opportunities on A Nondiscriminatory Basis.
Accidents and Insurance
The school is responsible only for immediate first aid. The Pitt County Schools Board of Education does not pay for medical or hospital bills incurred as a result of accident to the pupil at school. The parent or guardian is responsible for the payment of such bills. We urge you to avail yourself of the protection afforded by school insurance. A policy is offered which protects students during school hours only. A policy offering 24-hour coverage is also available. Your child will receive information about these plans during the first week of school.
In case of an accident, no matter how minor, the student should report the accident to the teacher immediately. In the case of severe accidents or acute illness, emergency care will be given and the parents will be notified. Please keep this in mind when your student fills in phone numbers for our files at the beginning of school. We need your home and work phone numbers in case we urgently need to reach you regarding your child’s safety.
SCHEDULE OF FEES
The following fees and charges have been approved by the Pitt County Board of Education. All fines and money owed from the prior year must be paid.
REQUIRED FEES:
General high school fee........................................................................................ $10.00
Locks................................................................................................. at cost to students
OPTIONAL FEES:
Insurance:
School Day Coverage.................................................................................... $13.00
Twenty-four Hour Coverage.......................................................................... $60.00
Note: All potential student athletes must have school insurance or provide proof that their parents have a hospitalization insurance plan that will cover an athletic injury. It is the responsibility of each coach to check with the bookkeeper to make sure that all athletes have school insurance. Their names must appear on the insurance roster.
Breakfast Paid……………………………………………………………………$.75
Reduced Breakfast……………………………………………………………….$.30
Paid Lunches......................................................................................................... $1.75
Reduced lunches...................................................................................................... $.40
A la carte’ prices will be set countywide on an item by item basis as is presently being done. All students will be issued a lunch number. It is a violation of Federal Lunch Regulations to use another student’s lunch number.
Occasionally checks collected by the school are returned for insufficient funds. Wellcome Middle School will charge a $15.00 fee for all returned checks. In addition, the amount of the check must be paid in CASH (see the bookkeeper).
Attendance (Policy 10.101)
To be considered in
attendance, a student (except for Hospital/ Homebound) must be present in school
for the school day, or at a place other than the school with the approval of
the appropriate school official for the purpose of attending an authorized
school activity. Such activities may include field trips, athletic contests,
student conventions, musical festivals, or any similar approved activity.
Attendance will be taken each of the 180 days in the school year. Students are required to be in attendance 160 school
days to receive required credit. The principal shall rule any exception to this
policy.
A student must be present at
least one-half of the school instructional day in order to be recorded present
for that day
LAWFUL ABSENCES ARE ABSENCES AND
ARE COUNTED AS SUCH. HOWEVER, STUDENT
GRADES MAY NOT BE LOWERED AS A RESULT OF LAWFUL ABSENCES. THE STUDENT MAY MAKE
UP TESTS AND WORK MISSED WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME. A REASONABLE
PERIOD WILL BE DETERMINED AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL.
(1) Illness or Injury: when the absence
results from illness or injury that prevents the student from being physically
able to attend school.
(2) Quarantine: when the absence results
from the isolation of the student as ordered by the local health officer or by
the State Board of Health.
(3) Death in the Immediate Family: when
the absence results from the death of a member of the immediate family of the
student. For the purpose of this regulation, the immediate family of a student
includes, but is not necessarily limited to, grandparents, parents, brothers
and sisters.
(4) Medical or Dental Appointments: when
the absence results from a medical or dental appointment of a student.
(5) Court or Administrative Proceedings:
when the absence results from the attendance of a student at the proceedings of
a court or an administrative tribunal, if the student is a party to the action
or under subpoena as a witness.
(6) Religious Observance: when the
absence results from attendance at a religious observance or service where the
tenets of a religion to which the student or his/her parent(s) adhere require
or suggest such attendance.
(7) Deployment Activities: when the
absence results from the student’s attendance at official deployment ceremonies
or activities when the student’s parent is a deploying member of the U.S. Armed
Forces.
(8) Educational Opportunity: when the
absence results from a demonstrated purpose of taking advantage of a valid
educational opportunity, such as travel. Approval for such an absence must be
granted prior to the absence. (16 NCAC 2D.0404)
(9) Short Term Suspensions: when the
absence results from the student’s suspension for ten days or less.
MEDICAL
WAIVERS
To provide some degree of system-wide uniformity and consistency, the following waiver considerations are recommended:
• Hospitalization
• Homebound – served by a homebound teacher
• Home recovery – doctor’s recommendation or following hospitalization
• Other documented medical absence
Absences that are waived do not have to be made up.
BOARD
APPEALS
Appeals concerning a principal’s denial of waivers or appeals concerning absences shall be made to the Pitt County Board of Education. Requests for a Board hearing must be received in the Superintendent’s office no later than the fifth business day after grades are reported.
UNLAWFUL
ABSENCES
Absences that do not fall into the following categories are considered lawful. This does not mean that they will be forgiven, it simply means that work missed during such absences can be made up at an agreed upon time between the teacher and the student, but not over five days. The following are examples of unlawful (unexcused) absences.
• Truancy
• Errands or taking of business trips for self, family, or friends.
• Staying home to visit with relatives or friends.
• Leaving school during school hours without permission of an administrator. (This includes leaving school once you are on campus or before you enter the building.)
• Obtaining a drivers license.
• Work (UNLAWFUL)
• Baby-sitting
• Car breakdown or missed the bus.
If a student is to be absent for medical or dental appointments, court or administrative proceedings, or educational opportunities, the student must file the note with the Attendance Coordinator on his or her return to school. The note must be from the physician’s office, court official, or someone in the office where the educational opportunity occurred. If a student fails to provide valid evidence that one of the lawful reasons for absence occurred, then the absence will be listed as unexcused. EXCEPT FOR SCHOOL RELATED ABSENCES, ALL ABSENCES, WHETHER EXCUSED OR UNEXCUSED, COUNT TOWARD THE ATTENDANCE POLICY.
From the date the student returns to school after an absence, he/she has three (3) days to make up tests or classroom assignments unless there are extenuating circumstances (extended illness, etc.) Students who are out of class due to school related activities are expected to complete the next day’s assignment as scheduled unless extenuating circumstances exist. It is the sole responsibility of the student to contact the teacher and to establish a time to take a makeup test or complete an assignment.
Assembly Conduct
There are certain standards of assembly conduct which are applicable in every audience situation and which we should learn and practice in school with the hope that we will continue practicing them outside of school now and for the rest of our lives. In any formal situation, clapping is the only correct method of applause. Whistling, stomping, and yelling are not acceptable.
Absolute silence is necessary at any public performance. There is no excuse for anyone talking during any part of the program. Failure to comply may result in a student losing privileges to attend any assembly program. During any program, a courteous audience should sit attentively without eating, drinking or reading. No books, papers or book bags should be brought into the auditorium/gym. An audience should not begin to leave an assembly until it has been dismissed. Disruption in an assembly may result in a student not being allowed to participate in future assemblies.
Cafeteria Regulations
A well-equipped cafeteria is operated on a non-profit basis during the school year for the convenience of students. We serve breakfast each morning. Students are not permitted to leave campus to eat or buy lunch, in accordance with Pitt County Board of Education Policy. Students may choose to bring their lunch or buy lunch or snacks in the cafeteria, but all food must be consumed in the cafeteria. Students may not eat or consume drinks outside of the cafeteria. In addition, students are not allowed to have food delivered to school from outside sources.
In the lunch line:
1. Teachers will ensure that the student traffic en route to the cafeteria is orderly and appropriate.
2. There will be no running, no breaking line, or pushing in the cafeteria or on the way to the cafeteria.
3. Everyone is expected to use good manners while eating and conduct him or herself in a manner becoming students of Wellcome Middle School.
4. Staff monitors will be on duty in the cafeteria and hall area.
5. During lunch periods, students are to stay out of the halls unless they have a hall pass.
6. Students are allowed to by two snacks with the purchase of a meal or lunch brought from home.
Concessions
Certain drink machines will operate for the convenience of students. Students may purchase drinks before and after school. This convenience will remain open as long as students demonstrate responsibility in disposing of the trash generated.
Care of the Building
Students should take pride in the appearance of their school, and make every effort to refrain from defacing or otherwise damaging the school property. Destruction or damaging of school property is called vandalism, and is punishable according to the code of conduct as well as by law enforcement. Students will be held financially responsible for any and all damage to school property. The better our school looks, the better you look.
Clubs
Clubs are an integral part of the school program and additional clubs will be instituted when student interest warrants and a faculty advisor can be appointed. These clubs provide an opportunity for student activity planning, leadership and self-expression. Students are encouraged to participate in clubs and to be involved in all student activities. A schedule will be available to all teachers and students. The following is a list of clubs at WMS: National Junior Honor Society, Career Club, Battle of Books, Student Government Association and Students Against Violence Everywhere/Student Against Drunk Driving (SAVE/SADD).
Yearbook
The purpose of the yearbook is to capture glimpses of our school year. We have used Memory Book Company in the past. They are a very easy and responsible company to communicate with. The cover will be chosen by holding a student contest. We hope to have student artwork throughout the yearbook. Orders for yearbooks are taken November through February. Cost of yearbook will $12-$15. Yearbooks are usually in around the first of May and handed out after testing is done at the end of May. Records are kept of each student and the receipt number of their payment. Students are told to keep their receipt so they have confirmation of their purchase. Some additional yearbooks will be ordered for purchase at the end of the year for the same above price. We would also like to do additional fundraising to maybe lower the price of the yearbook.
Scholastic Achievement Reception
The Scholastic Achievement Reception is set aside each spring to honor students who have done outstanding academic or vocational work, and have made major contributions in school programs. Parents and students will be invited and recognized during this event.
The school sometimes receives requests to release directory information regarding our students. If you prefer not to be included in the release of this information, please submit a letter stating your wishes what information should not be released. We must receive this letter 10 (ten) school days after you enroll. Please address any such letter to the principal.
Directory information might include:
1. Student name and address
2. Telephone number
3. Date and place of birth
4. Major Field of study
5. Participation in activities or sports
6. Identification numbers
7. Weight and height (of athletes)
8. Dates of attendance
9. Most recent educational institution attended by student
10. Photographs of student for newspaper articles involving our students.
11. Directory information will be released unless we have a letter from you requesting otherwise.
Driving Eligibility Certificate
NC House Bill 769 and General Statute 20-11 present a coordinated statewide effort to motivate and encourage students to complete high school. The law provides for the revocation of a students driving permit or license if they receive too many failing grades or drop out of school. This law applies to all NC students under age 18 who are otherwise eligible for driving privileges. Students who received a permit or license prior to Dec. 1, 1997 are not affected. Driving eligibility certificates will be issued only to students who are making acceptable academic progress. This means students who have passed at least 75% of required courses in a semester. Students who fall below this standard will be reported to the D.M.V. and will lose their license. When or if the grades are improved, a new certificate will be issued to the student. Any student requesting a second eligibility certificate must have a parent present with them.
Student Drop-off/Pick-up
Students are to be dropped off or picked up in front of the school. At no time are students to be dropped off or picked up where buses load and unload. This creates a safety hazard for our students and bus drivers. Students will enter the building via the cafeteria and be released to class at 8:20. No students are to enter the front of the building or any other unauthorized entrance prior to 8:20 am.
Early Dismissals
Students needing to check out of school before dismissal time must obtain permission to do so. The student must bring a note to the office from the parent/guardian indicating the following:
1. First and last name of the student
2. Date of the early dismissal
3. Parents first and last name and signature
4. Phone number where signing parent may be contacted
5. Reason for dismissal and time to be picked up.
This note must be brought to the office prior to the first tardy bell and an Early Dismissal slip will be issued. Students and the parent/guardian must sign out in the Office prior to leaving campus with an Early Dismissal Pass. Only those who follow these procedures will be allowed to leave early. Please be aware of the amount of instruction you are missing if you leave prior to the end of the school day.
Check-In and Checkout Procedures
Check-In Procedure: Upon arrival to school after 8:25 a.m., students must report to the Office to sign-in. Students will only be allowed into class with a note (see Tardy Policy).
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Checkout Procedure: Prior to leaving school for any reason, a student must obtain permission from the Office prior to the start of school. The school must receive permission from the legal parent or guardian prior to releasing a student from school. Parents calling to request early dismissal must provide documentation via fax. Parents will be called if a student becomes ill at school. In order to protect academic instructional time, students will not be called from class except in case of extreme emergency. Parents/Legal Guardian should arrange to check-out students at the end of an instructional period so to not disrupt instruction. (Reference copy of bell schedule) In addition, if students are checked out before dismissal while in the middle of a lab, test, exam, etc., the student will not be allowed to finish/make-up the assignment if it is not completed. Failure to follow Check-In or Check-Out procedures will result in disciplinary action.
Fire and Evacuation Regulations
State law requires a fire drill to be held monthly. Everyone should know the specific directions for reaching a point of safety from any area of the building. For fire drills, a map will be posted in each room. At times, specific information may be announced over the intercom.
The signal for a fire drill is a high-pitched intermittent ringing accompanied by a flashing strobe light. In case of total power failure, the signal will be a continuous blowing of a whistle in the halls.
General Fire Drill Rules
1. Look to your teacher for directions. Each teacher and pupil is expected to know at all times the designated exit(s) for the room you are in.
2. Each teacher should appoint fire monitors for each group she has during the day. One monitor should lead the group out of the building, and one should close the doors and windows and bring up the end of the line. The teacher should follow with grade book and keys, turn off the lights, close the door, and remain with the students.
3. No one should run, talk or loiter during a drill, nor should they try to gather books, coats, or other items. They must vacate immediately upon hearing the alarm. Students should advance 100 feet from the building, turn and line up facing the building.
4. In case of a blocked exit, use alternate exits.
5. Students should exit in single file, remaining on the same side of the hall as the room they left from.
6. The signal to return to class will be given at the appropriate time.
7. Teachers should treat all drills as serious business.
8. When the all clear is sounded, all will return to class.
9. Our first drill will be pre-announced and explained. Afterwards, all drills will be held without warning.
Tornado Drills
Tornado drills are also necessary for the protection of the students and staff. Each person should know the specific directions for reaching a point of safety from where you are.
1. The signal for a tornado drill is three rings of the bell and a pause that will be repeated. This will be done by air horn if the power fails.
2. Teachers will use the assigned hall/area for their classroom.
4. Students should be seated on the floor facing the wall and away from glassed areas. Coats and jackets may be used to cover heads, arms and legs from possible injury from flying debris. Students should be located as far as possible from all exterior walls, particularly if they contain glass doors or windows.
Flowers and Balloons
Wellcome Middle School does not accept deliveries of flowers, balloons, etc. Students are not to bring flowers, balloons, etc. on campus and realize that if they are delivered to our school they will be returned. This includes birthdays, Valentine’s Day, etc. Exceptions will be school-sponsored events.
F i r e w o r k s
The lighting and possession of fireworks on school grounds is not only illegal but also strictly prohibited by board policy, and is never allowed. Discovery of such materials will result in suspension.
Gifts for Student Interns
East Carolina University rules prohibit our students from giving gifts to student interns during school. Also, parties are not to be given for student interns or regular teachers during school.
Hall Passes
All students at all times for all reasons MUST have a hall pass (Passport) when out of a regularly assigned class. Students are expected to proceed directly to his or her destination and not create any disturbances in the hall. Students who continuously disrupt are subject to disciplinary actions.
Hands-off Policy
Horseplay/Wrestling/Slap-boxing is not permitted! Do not play by tagging, touching, pushing, or pinching others. Keep your hands to yourself. Students are not permitted to maintain physical contact in the school building or on the campus – this includes but is not limited to holding hands. Disciplinary actions will result.
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Silent Lunch is an option for teachers as part of a classroom discipline policy. Any student who refuses to follow teacher guidelines is subject to further disciplinary action.
Lockers
Advisor teacher, upon payment of school fees, will issue students lockers. The student will be held responsible for the care and cleanliness of the locker. Each student will use the locker assigned to him/her. Students may not share lockers. The locker will remain the property of the school and may be searched at any time that the school has reasonable suspicion of a problem. No outside locks are to be placed on any locker. The lock will be cut off and may result in locker privileges being revoked.
Media
Center regulations are designed to enable the staff to give the best possible
services to the greatest number of students. In return for the privilege of
using the
Medical Assistance
Should a student become ill at school, he or she is to inform the teacher that he or she is sick and report to Student Services. If this is an emergency illness, the parent or guardian will be called from the Attendance Office. We have a few first aid supplies and a School Nurse who is available on designated days. All medication is taken in Student Services. Students must have on file an Authorization to Take Medication Form completed by a physician and the parent(s). These forms may be obtained from Student Services.
(Note: we cannot provide aspirin, Tylenol, Pepsid AC, Pepto Bismol, or other popular over-the-counter medications, nor do we excuse students to leave school and run home to retrieve some.)
Remediation Program
Wellcome Middle School will offer a remediation program for the 2006-2007 school year designed to help students who are having academic difficulties. Details will be published at a later date. Parents and students will be informed of a student's progress at the midpoint of each nine-weeks. If a child is doing poorly when progress reports are distributed, he or she will be invited to attend a remediation program. Specific guidelines will be provided to parents and students.
Report Cards
At the end of each nine-weeks grading period, report cards will be distributed. Interim progress reports will be sent to parents of all students. No report cards are distributed early. Those who are absent for any reason may pick up report cards on the following day.
School Bus Conduct
Students are expected to maintain good behavior on school buses. Listed below are some of the reasons why students are suspended from the school bus. Check Section B for further information.
Unnecessary noise
Vandalism
Pushing/tripping
Refusing to obey driver
Eating/drinking/littering
Playing
Unacceptable language
Throwing objects
Fighting or provoking a fight
Smoking
Failure to remain seated
Bothering others
Students not riding a school bus should not be in the bus parking lot area before or after school. If a student needs to ride a bus home and is not a regular rider, permission must be asked 24 hours in advance and in the main office before 8:30 a.m. A note from the parent along with a phone number must accompany the request. Only an administrator may approve a note to ride the bus. Any student riding a bus he or she is not assigned to is subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the PCS Code of Conduct.
Student Services
Guidance services are those organized activities designed to support students and assist students in resolving difficult issues. Your guidance counselor’s aim at Wellcome Middle School is to assist you while attending school here. They may assist you in selecting a vocation, planning for high school and college, and seeking a better understanding of yourself and others. You are encouraged to schedule appointments with guidance counselors. Student Services is always open to anyone desiring to explore various opportunities. A counselor, of course, does not always have all the answers, but will give you a chance to talk things out in confidence, and in so doing you and your counselor may be able to find solutions.
School Activities and EOG Testing
The Pitt County Board of Education requires the night before End-of-Grade testing begins, be free of any school activities. Additional information may be obtained from Student Services.
STUDENT DISCIPLINE
In order to provide a school environment that promotes learning, Wellcome Middle School places emphasis on each student being responsible for his or her behavior. Faculty and staff will address student behavior that is disruptive or violates the PCS Code of Conduct. It is our goal to work with students, teachers, parents, and administrators to provide an atmosphere conducive to academic and personal achievements. Specific discipline policies and procedures will be distributed and discussed during the first week of school. The following rule violations and consequences are stated:
1. TEACHER CONTROLLED SITUATIONS
Teacher
controlled situations are “class conduct” situations such as: excessive
talking, throwing objects, not following directions, disturbing class,
horse-playing, etc. In order to protect
instructional time, teachers may need to send students to In School Suspension
(ISS). Teachers are asked to make contact with a parent before sending a
student to ISS. However, if the need arises to send a student to
ISS, the teacher should contact the parent(s) as soon as possible. A referral
must accompany each student to ISS.
2. ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLLED SITUATIONS
The following are examples of actions that may result in suspension:
1. Skipping
2. Leaving class or campus without permission
3. Not following sign-in or sign-out procedures
4. Not reporting to the office
5. Inappropriate physical contact
6. Failure to identify oneself to school official
7. Loitering in the bathrooms, hallways, etc.
8. Loud, boisterous, disruptive behavior in the cafeteria, hallways, library, classrooms, office, etc.
9. Possession of tobacco products, lighters, and/or matches
10. Forgery
11. Profanity/vulgarity
12. Disrespect to staff members
13. Verbal confrontation
14. Misconduct or inappropriate behavior as deemed appropriate by an administrator
15. Selling of any kind (food, drink, etc.) by students is strictly prohibited without prior approval by administration.
16. Any Category II, III, or IV offenses according to PCS Code of Conduct. (See PCS Code of Student Conduct)
The principal and assistant principals may elect to use other disciplinary measures as deemed appropriate for behavioral offenses also supported by the Pitt County Schools Code of Student Conduct.
DISCIPLINE REFERRAL PROCESS
Maintaining good order is essential to a productive learning environment. When student behavior interferes with the educational process teachers will implement established classroom procedures to correct off-task behavior. After implementing his or her classroom management procedures a discipline referral may be required in the event that the behavior is not corrected. The following procedure is to be followed for all discipline referrals. Administration reserves the right to apply disciplinary action on a case-by-case basis, or forego any part of this process based on the offense. Please refer to the PCS Student Code of Conduct for descriptions of Category 1, 2, 3, and 4 offenses as well as the student handbook.
Step 1: Teacher completes top portion of referral form with a description of the behavior. This should be brief and should accurately quote the students when necessary.
Example:
“Student A turned around in his seat and referred to Student B as a ….”
“Student A refused to give teacher cell phone when teacher asked for it because student had phone during class.”
Step 2: Student is sent to ISS with referral. The teacher must call ISS to notify the ISS Coordinator that a student is on the way to ISS.
Step 4: The ISS Coordinator will notify the appropriate administrator and record the arrival time of the student. Students not arriving in a timely manner will be considered skipping and subject to the appropriate disciplinary action. Should an administrator not be available the student will remain in ISS for the remainder of the period and will be seen by an administrator at the earliest opportunity.
The process listed below is a general guide only. The offense, student status and other factors will be considered in administration of this procedure.
1st referral - Warning and call to parent.
2nd referral - One day In School Suspension and parent contact.
3rd referral - Two days In School Suspension and parent contact.
4th referral - Three days In School Suspension or Out of School Suspension for 1-5 days with a parent conference - Voluntary referral to community program.
5th referral - Repeat Category I offense - Mandatory referral to community program
or 1-7 day Out of School Suspension.
6th referral-Repeat Category II Offense and 5-10 day Out of School Suspension
7th referral and beyond-Repeat Category II Offense. Out-of-school suspension 5-10
days with possible recommendation for long-term suspension.
General Statements of Good Behavior
We believe that good behavior is a cooperative effort and a matter of common sense. If every student were to adopt the policy that the main purpose of school is an education and strive toward that goal, disciplinary problems would be nonexistent. The following statements serve as a general guide to good behavior:
1. Do not skip class. Skipping happens whenever you are scheduled to be in a designated class or place and you are not there nor do you have proper authorization not to be there.
2. Do not curse, run, fight, litter, throw objects or liquids, deface school property, call names, scream or yell, engage in horseplay, steal, play with fire extinguishers or alarms, or engage in acts of violence while at school. If you do, expect disciplinary action.
3. DO NOT BLOCK DOORWAYS. Students will not congregate or obstruct classroom doors, intersections or the halls at any time.
4. School equipment, books, and supplies are furnished for your use. Students are responsible for them and are expected to have materials for class.
5. Students must remain on school grounds at all times. Students leaving school or even going to his or her car without permission can be suspended.
6. The gym can only be used under the direct supervision of a teacher or coach.
Fighting
Fighting on the school grounds or in the buildings will not be tolerated. The type of punishment will be determined by the severity of the fight, the discipline record of those involved, and Pitt County School Board Policy. Bystanders at a fight may be punished equally with the fighters if it is determined that they could have left the scene or did not leave when asked. Remember that fighting at school will likely result in the intervention of law enforcement.
Cheating
Anyone caught cheating on test, quiz, exam or paper will receive a “zero” and may incur disciplinary action, to include but is not limited to dismissal from academic honor societies and clubs. Cheating includes plagiarism.
Possession of Communication Devices
Board Policy prohibits students from using, possessing or storing any communication device including, but not limited to pagers and beepers. Cell phones may not be used during regular school hours. Violators of this policy may be suspended. The device will be confiscated and returned only to parents after the first offense. Upon the second violation the device will remain in the office until the last day of the school year to be retrieved by the parent.
Radios, walkman, tape players, CD players and other electronic devices are not part of instructional materials needed by students, and are not allowed at school and will be confiscated and held under the previously stated conditions. If a teacher requests a student to bring one of these devices to class, they must first be checked in at the office. Violation will result in confiscation and possible suspension.
Tardy and Late Arrival Policy
Students are allowed five (5) minutes between classes to arrive and be seated in their seat. This time is not for socializing. Students who follow teacher directions will get into class on time.
Tardies are disruptive to the student, the teacher, and the total class. A tardy is defined as arriving for the class after the tardy bell or designated beginning time. Students who arrive late for class will not be allowed to enter the classroom and are expected to report immediately to ISS. Failure to report to ISS promptly will be considered skipping. No one will be admitted to class after the tardy bell sounds without a pass. All tardy students must report directly to the office.
Students arriving to school after the tardy bell must check in with the Office. We understand that late arrivals will occur but these must be avoided as much as possible. Parents must enter the building and sign in the student. An admit slip will be issued if the tardy is determined to be excused. Excused tardies will include: a note from a health care provider, a note from court, or other issue as outlined in PCS Policies and Procedures. Failure to sign-in with the Office will result in disciplinary action. Late arrivals will be assigned the appropriate discipline and given an admission pass to class. Administrators are the only people designated to issue admit slips for a late bus. The principal, assistant principal, SRO, and guidance counselors will be the only people who can admit a student to class without penalty for reasons other than a late bus.
Tardy Policy
1st Tardy: Student receives warning and parent notification.
2nd Tardy: Student receives one day of ISS and parent conference.
3rd Tardy: Student receives two days of ISS and parent conference
4th Tardy: Student receives three days of In-School Suspension
5th or more Tardies: One day Out-of-School Suspension.
Telephones
Parents and students are asked to please understand the telephones in all the offices are FOR SCHOOL BUSINESS ONLY. Students may not use these telephones except in cases of emergency illness and then only with the proper staff permission. Permission can be obtained from the principal or assistant principal ONLY, no other person. The Office Staff will call the parents of sick students. Students will not be called from class to the telephone, and no telephone messages will be delivered to them in class except in cases of genuine emergency. Students who have to make personal phone calls will use the pay phone provided for their convenience (35 cents per call). The telephone should be used only before and after school, not during class time or during class changes.
Tobacco Policy
Pitt County Board of Education policy prohibits any student from smoking, chewing, dipping, consuming, using, or possessing tobacco products in any school building or on any school or activity bus, or at any school related activity on school grounds during regular school hours. Any possession or use of tobacco products will result in an out of school suspension.
Unsupervised Students in the Building
Any student arriving at school before 8:00 a.m. will remain in the cafeteria. The only variance to this restriction will be the allowance of bathroom visits to the restrooms near the cafeteria. A staff member must supervise any student remaining after dismissal. Any student on campus after this time will report to the front of the main building and remain there until being picked up.
Any students who are waiting for athletic practice, or who have finished an athletic practice, will wait on the exterior of the building directly in front of the entrance to the gym or assigned area under the supervision of the coaches, and will not roam the halls at will. Students waiting before or after other activities will wait in the area directly supervised by the teacher/supervisor.
Like many other businesses and institutions, the school does not have unlimited hours of operation. As the school does not provide supervision for students at night, any student still here after 4:30 p.m. and not under the supervision of a teacher or coach will be considered the responsibility of the parent at that time, and may be subject to suspension.
Use of
With approval from the principal, a school group may use the building after school. The teacher sponsor will be completely responsible for opening, closing, and care of the building, and student behavior during that period of time. Unless supervised by an instructor or coach, students are not to be in the building after school hours.
Visitation
The school is not open to visitors during the day. No student is permitted to bring visitors to spend all or part of the day at school. This applies to ALL visitors, whether parents, friends, former students, or whomever. Parents or persons on official business should report to the office where they will be issued a visitors pass. Also, our students should not visit in other Pitt County schools during the school day. Violation of this policy will result in suspension, and may require involvement of law enforcement.
Parents desiring to observe or visit a classroom may do so by asking the receptionist for the Parent Visitation/Observation Form. Visitors will not be allowed to enter classes in session.
Weapons
It is a serious crime to possess any weapon on school grounds or any property owned by Pitt County Schools. Any person on school sites may be required to submit to a metal detector scan and/or to a personal search if necessary. Bags and parcels may also be searched by means of metal detectors, personal inspection or other means. (Reference: PCS Board Policy #10.201) Persons entering the school grounds may be scanned. Groups of individuals on school sites may be scanned in accordance with Board of Education policy. Refusal to submit to a search will result in the denial of entry, and for students, may result in disciplinary action including suspension. Computer media, cassette tapes, and other similar items that may be damaged by an electromagnetic field should be removed and properly protected during scanning. WMS is not responsible for damage incurred as a result of failure to remove such items. In addition to weapons, ammunition is prohibited from being brought on school grounds. This means bullets, cartridges, shotgun shells, black powder charges, or any other type of ammunition for a weapon. Possession will result in suspension.
Withdrawal Procedures
Parents of students planning to withdraw from WMS should notify the counselors and Ms. Parks-White of their intentions in advance. Parental consent must be provided, all fees should be paid, locker cleaned and all books including library books should be returned.
ATHLETIC
ELIGIBILITY
Athletic eligibility is based on the following:
1. Must receive passing grades in math, science, communication skills and social studies in the previous semester.
2. Must be in attendance 85 percent of the previous semester, AND
3. Fulfill local promotion standards.
Accountability of player and coaches
1. A player, who dresses for a regular season contest and later quits the team, will not be allowed to participate in WMS Athletics until that current season is completed.
2. A coach will not allow a player in season to participate in an upcoming sport until that current season is completed.
For further details please refer to the WMS Athletics Handbook.