This handbook contains useful information for both parents and students regarding the daily operations of Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ fifty-seven elementary schools. You will find information highlighting some of the school division’s policies and guidelines that are necessary for the safety, welfare, and well-being of our students. Please keep this handbook throughout the 2007-2008 school year. You are encouraged to review the contents of this handbook and share appropriate information with your child. As a parent or guardian, your interest and involvement with your child’s education will promote a positive attitude toward learning and academic achievement. Should you have any questions about the contents of this handbook or Virginia Beach City Public Schools, please contact your school principal.

Mission Statement

The mission of Virginia Beach City Public Schools, in partnership with our entire community, is to ensure that each student is empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges of the future.

The Virginia Beach City Public Schools prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy and childbirth, or marital status. School Board policies and supporting regulation (Policies 2-33, 4-4, 5-7, 5-44 and 6-7 and Regulation 5-44.1) provide equal access to courses, programs, counseling services, physical education and athletics, vocational education, instructional materials, and extracurricular activities. Violations of these policies should be reported to the Director of Student Leadership at 757.263.2020 or the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
at 757.263.1133.

Alternative formats of this publication which may include taped, Braille, or large print materials are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Call or write Department of School Administration, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, 2512 George Mason Drive, P.O. Box 6038, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-0038. Telephone: 757.263.1088; Fax: 757.263.1260 or E-mail: terry.skidmore@vbschools.com.

Goals for 2003-2009: Framework for the Future of Schools

Seven Goal Areas

• Expanded Instructional Opportunities Through Data-Driven Curriculum
• Safe Schools and an Effective, Well-Disciplined Environment
• Effective, Efficient Use of Resources to Create Quality Educational Opportunities
• Technology Integrated into Our Curriculum and Instruction
• Recognition of Our Diversity - Respect for all People
• Quality Work Force: Trained and Accountable for Performance
• Meaningful Involvement of Community, Parents, and Partners

Academy Programs [Top]
Christopher Farms Elementary offers a Foreign Language Partial Immersion Academy designed to offer students a foreign language experience in the elementary school setting. Students are selected through an application process, which is open to any rising first-grader at Christopher Farms Elementary.

A Mathematics & Science Academy at Linkhorn Park Elementary offers students a program of study that is fast-paced and combines instruction in core subjects with enriched coursework in science and mathematics. Students will have the opportunity to learn through a hands-on laboratory experiences to develop their problem solving and higher order thinking skills. Students must apply to the Mathematics and Science Academy for admission. Only students who attend Alanton, Birdneck, Cooke, John B. Dey, Linkhorn Park, Seatack, and Trantwood elementary schools are eligible.

Additional information on both academy programs, is available.

Access/Disclosure of Student Records
In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and in accordance with School Board Policy (5-31) and Regulations (5-31.1 & 2), parents may review their children’s cumulative education records at the school office upon request. If student education records are inaccurate or misleading, the student’s parent or guardian may request an amendment by contacting the school principal. Cumulative records are treated as confidential material, and the privacy rights of parents and students are safeguarded. Except as provided by law, no outside agencies or individuals may have access to a student’s record without written consent of the parent. If records are copied, a minimal fee may be charged. Parents/guardians have the right to file a complaint with the Family Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education for failure to comply with FERPA. Whenever a student transfers from one school or school division to another, the scholastic and discipline record or a copy of the scholastic and discipline record will be transferred to the school or school division upon request from the school or school division.

The School Board authorizes making “Student Directory Information” public as permitted under state and federal laws and regulations. Student Directory Information means information contained in an education record of a student which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. School Board Policy 5-66 defines Student Directory Information as the following: name of student in attendance or no longer in attendance; address; date and place of birth; telephone listing; dates of attendance; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; height and weight, if member of athletic team; awards and honors received; and other similar information. Examples include release of student name, school, and grade for submission to The Virginia Beach Beacon for scholastic recognition and/or to elected officials contacting the school division to request student addresses for congratulatory purposes. School Board policy provides the Superintendent with the discretion of selecting which student directory information may be released. Detailed information on FERPA will be published in the Fall issue of the school division’s parent newsletter, Apple-A-Day.

Acceptable Use Agreement for Computer Technology
Virginia Beach City Public Schools provides Internet access and e-mail accounts (collectively, the “System”). In order to use the System, students under the age of 18 must obtain parental/legal guardian acknowledgment of the provisions of the Acceptable Use Agreement which is integrated into the Code of Student Conduct. A Parent Acknowledgment Form will be forwarded annually and signed by the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) acknowledging that they have read and understand the policies and regulations. (Policies 6-62 and 6-64; Regulations 6-62.1 and 6-64.1) Inappropriate use of the computer can result in disciplinary action taken under the provisions of the Code of Student Conduct and/or other School Board policies and division regulations governing student discipline. Any violation will be handled in accordance with School Board Policy 5-21 and its implementing regulations. Understanding the importance of Internet/computer safety, information on this subject will be made available to all students throughout the school year. Additionally, Internet/computer safety tips are available.

Accident/Dental Insurance
The school division contracts with authorized insurance carriers for voluntary scholastic accident and dental accident insurance programs. This insurance is available to all students for the 2007-2008 school year. Fee information, application forms and information on full-time scholastic accident coverage, school-time only scholastic accident coverage, and dental accident insurance are sent home with students at the beginning of the school year.

Attendance/Tardies/Leaving School Early
Regular and prompt attendance is necessary for a student to maintain satisfactory progress. Excessive absences and tardiness from school are detrimental to the educational process. With our hands-on, cooperative learning, regular attendance is crucial. Learning takes place through discussion and shared activities. Parents should plan vacations and trips which do not conflict with the school’s instructional calendar. When students arrive late or must leave early, they miss valuable information and are at a disadvantage.

Late arrivals and early dismissals can be very disruptive to other students and to the teacher. When possible, please try to schedule appointments so they do not conflict with school hours.

Sickness, severe illness or death in the family, exposure to a contagious disease, religious holidays or extremely inclement weather are considered legitimate excuses for absences or tardiness.

If a student is to be absent, parents are urged to inform the school in advance. Students having more than twenty-four (24) absences for the year may, on the authority of the principal, be denied promotion.

Before & After School Programs (Kidzquest) [Top]

KidzQuest Before & After School Programs, and Intersession Camps
The Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation provides convenient, diverse and structured KidzQuest programs and camps to ensure positive youth development. The KidzQuest before-school programs are offered at selected “A” elementary schools from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and at selected “B” elementary schools from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The KidzQuest after-school programs operate from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at selected “A” schools and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at selected “B” schools. During the year-round schools’ intersessions, the KidzQuest Camp hours are 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Dedicated and qualified staff supervises the programs and camps that operate concurrently with the standard and year-round school calendars. For information on registration, payments, and space availability, call the Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation at 757.385.0400, the City of Virginia Beach at 757.385.3111, or visit www.vbgov.com/parks.

Breakfasts/Lunches
Virginia Beach City Public Schools participates in both the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. All meals offered meet the established Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), student's calorie needs, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The menu planning system provides students approximately 1/4 of the RDA for key nutrients for breakfast and approximately 1/3 of the RDA for key nutrients for lunch. Additionally, current prices for breakfast, lunch, and a la carte items are available.

Payments for meals can be made using one of three methods:

1. cash at time of purchase
2. computerized point of service which allows students to have individual accounts for prepayment of meals/snacks and payment at the time of service. Student accounts are used for full-price meals, reduced price meals, free meals, and a la carte purchases.
3. online using Visa, MasterCard, or a debit card. This online service allows parents of students to prepay money directly into their child’s account; monitor their child’s food purchases; set up low-balance e-mail reminders; and schedule recurring payments.

• school office
• through students when applications are sent home at the beginning of school year
• Office of Food Services: 757.263.1101

Cafeteria Behavior [Top]
Every student is expected to buy or bring lunch. While eating meals in the cafeteria, all students are expected to follow these guidelines:

• Practice good manners and socialize quietly
• Leave the table and surrounding area clean and orderly
• Return trays and utensils to wash area
• Put trash in proper containers

Cell Phone Use
Students enrolled in elementary school are not permitted to possess, display, use or activate a cell phone on school grounds, on buses, or at school-sponsored activities at any time. School officials are required to take possession of these devices when there is a violation. Parents/legal guardians must make arrangements with school officials to claim such devices.

Child Custody
The school division recognizes that issues related to the legal and physical custody of students are complicated and can impact the student’s educational experience. Parents and legal guardians of students are strongly encouraged to stay involved with their student’s academic progress. Unless a court order decrees otherwise, either parent or a legal guardian may view education records and attend school functions or school meetings regarding the student. Official notices and report cards will be sent to the parent or legal guardian with primary physical custody of the student during the school year. It is the responsibility of the parent or legal custodian with primary physical custody to provide current copies of court orders to the school. Child visitation and exchange of custody should not take place during school hours or on school property. The school division will assume no responsibility for enforcing visitation or custody orders and reserves the right to prohibit parents or legal guardians from entering school board property if their conduct becomes disruptive to the school environment. Concerns regarding custody and visitation should be directed to the school principal.

Child Find/Notice of General Screening
Virginia Beach City Public Schools maintains an active and continuing child find program designed to locate, evaluate, and identify children who are in need of special education and related services. Child find includes children who are migrant, homeless, attend private schools, or are home schooled.

Any child, whether enrolled in public education or not, who is suspected of having a disability, should be referred to the special education administrator or designee, who will initiate the process for determining eligibility for special education and related services. Referrals may be made by any source including school staff, parent(s), and other individuals. Children between the ages of two and four as of September 30, 2007 who are suspected of having a disability, should be referred to the Preschool Assessment Center at 757.263.2800. Children between the ages of birth and three should be referred to the Virginia Beach Infant and Toddler Connection at 757.427.4400. As part of the child find program, the division conducts a general screening of new students who have not previously been identified as having a disability. All students in kindergarten through grade three are screened in the areas of speech, language, voice, fine and gross motor functions, vision, and hearing within the first 60 days of enrollment.
Vision and hearing screenings are conducted by the school nurse for all students new to the division in grades four through twelve. Additionally, the school nurse conducts vision and hearing screenings for all students in grades three, seven, and ten. Parents are notified if their child fails one or more parts of the screening.

Clinic: Overview of Health Services for Students
Each school clinic is staffed with a full-time registered nurse, along with trained clinic assistants in the larger schools. They provide health screenings, assessments for chronic and acute illness, and first aid. The registered nurse at each school is available to consult with parents as needed, regarding health concerns of students.

If a student has special health needs (medication, seizure precautions, catheterizations, gastric tube feedings, blood sugar checks, oxygen needs, or others), the parent is to schedule a time to meet with the school nurse to arrange for these needs to be taken care of during the student’s school day. All medications and treatments require both a written physician’s order and a parent/guardian’s signature. The school nurse will assist the parent by preparing a plan of care for their student and advising them as to what supplies the student will need at school.

Administration of medications, especially short term, should be done at home whenever possible. However, if a student is required to take prescription or non-prescription medication during the school day, the following guidelines must be met:

• A written order from the physician, dentist, or practitioner is required, stating the student’s name, the name of medication, the dosage, the time, the route (oral, injectable, inhaled, patch, etc.), and the duration of time that it is to be given (e.g., one week, the school year, etc.), along with the parent’s/guardian’s signature. Medication forms are available for your convenience in the school clinic.
• Medication must be in a container that has been labeled by the pharmacy and has the most current prescription date. Over-the-counter medication must be in a sealed, unopened new bottle.
• Parents/guardians must deliver medication to the school clinic, as students are not permitted to transport medication.
• All medicine must be picked up by a parent at the end of the school year. Medicine not picked up will be discarded.

Course Information
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction produces the Parent/Student Course Information Guides for kindergarten through fifth grade. These guides, distributed to students the first week of school, provide insight into the instructional program and learning expectations for your child. This helpful publication contains a list of the grade-level instructional objectives that include the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL).

Dress Code [Top]
Guidelines are established to promote a standard of appearance which enhances the learning environment while allowing for reasonable comfort and individuality of all students.

Students are expected to wear clothing appropriate to the school setting: extreme or outrageous apparel or appearance is to be avoided. Current “fads” involving appearance or clothing that disrupt the instructional process will not be allowed. Specific dress code standards are given below:

• Appropriate shoes are required; either hard-soled or tennis shoes are acceptable. For student safety, rubber-soled shoes are required for physical education.
• Shorts of an appropriate length and style are acceptable.
• Clothing which overexposes the body is unacceptable.
• Lewd or suggestive attire may not be worn.
• Apparel which advertises, glorifies, or symbolizes any illegal substance or substances illegal for use by minors may not be worn.
• Apparel that is gang-related may not be worn.
• Any item of jewelry or clothing that might create a hazard to a student’s safety may not be worn.
• Any questions regarding "appropriateness" will be determined by the principal.

Early Dismissal/Leaving School Grounds [Top]
When leaving school prior to dismissal or being picked up at dismissal, students must report to the office to be signed out by a parent/guardian or an adult the parent/guardian designates. This requirement is to ensure the safety and well-being of your child.

Extended Day Kindergarten
Students who need additional language arts and mathematics support may be selected to participate in the Extended Day Kindergarten (EDK) program. All parents of students selected to participate in EDK are required to attend an orientation meeting at their child’s school. Parents will receive notification of specific dates and times for this important opportunity to learn how EDK will help their child succeed in school. The EDK program will begin no later than September 30, 2007.

Gifted Education [Top]
Gifted students may choose to apply to a centrally located full-time gifted elementary school, Old Donation Center, or students may remain in the neighborhood school and receive services via the cluster/resource program. Both models provide opportunities for gifted students to benefit from learning challenges offered through the differentiation of curricula, the incorporation of strategies designed to raise the level of learning, and the availability of specialized programs.

Guidance and Counseling Program
Each elementary school offers a comprehensive and developmental counseling program that is an integral part of the total educational program designed to promote the academic, social, and career development of all students. As an essential part of the instructional program, school counseling helps to build a foundation for student learning and academic success. Certified school counselors provide a variety of services, including classroom guidance, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, consultation with parents, teachers, and administrators, and coordination of services with outside agencies.

Health Insurance [Top]
Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) is available for children (ages birth to 19 years) of families who qualify based on income. FAMIS is Virginia’s health insurance program for children. It provides access to quality health services for children of working families.

Your school nurse can also assist you with obtaining information on this program and advise of any changes to the health insurance offered to students.

High School Graduation Requirements
The Virginia State Board of Education establishes graduation requirements for all students in public schools. Virginia Beach City Public Schools bases its requirements on the Virginia State Board of Education requirements. To determine graduation requirements, students and parents must consider both the type of diploma sought and the year the student first entered ninth grade. Specific diploma requirements are distributed separately from this document in the annual Notice of Graduation Requirements . It is the responsibility of the student, with family support, to meet all requirements for graduation.

Homework
Homework is a vital part of the total learning process. Grade-level practices are communicated to students during the first week of school. The following list serves as a reminder about the importance of homework:

• provides essential practice in needed skills
• trains students in good work habits
• affords opportunities for increasing self-direction
• enriches and extends school experience
• helps students learn to budget time
• promotes growth in responsibility
• brings students into contact with out-of-school learning resources

Honor Roll
In keeping with the philosophy of the school system and its commitment to excellence in education, academic achievement is recognized through the establishment of a principal’s list and honor roll for students in grades 3, 4, and 5.

• Principal’s List: A student must make an “A” in all subjects with outstanding or satisfactory in all other areas.
• Honor Roll: A student must maintain a “B” average in all subjects with no grade lower than a “C” and outstanding.

Inclement Weather/School Closings/Make-up Schedule [Top]
In the interest of student safety, decisions to close schools, delay school openings, or dismiss early are made by the Superintendent after consulting with the school division’s Office of Transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation, and local and state police. Radio and TV stations are notified as soon as a decision is made. An official notice will also be posted on the homepage of the school division's Web site. You may also subscribe to the school division’s electronic mail list, vbschools x-tra.

In addition , you may call 757.263.1000 to obtain the most current information on school openings or closings. Each school has an emergency plan for use in the event of early closings and other emergencies. Emergency dismissal plans must be made by parents and students. These plans should be kept current.

Should school be cancelled due to inclement weather, make-up days will be at the discretion of the Superintendent. Potential make-up days may include single-day holidays and staff work days. Should these days be insufficient, Spring Break days and Saturdays will be considered. It is within the discretion of the Superintendent to elect not to make up instructional days unless necessary to meet the statutory minimum.

Investigating School-Related Incidents
If an allegation were made that an employee was exhibiting poor performance and/or engaging in misconduct (which could include an allegation of child abuse/neglect), a school division Employee Relations Specialist or other administrator could decide to interview one or more students to obtain pertinent information. In appropriate circumstances, an interview(s) may be conducted jointly with the Virginia Beach Department of Social Services and/or law enforcement personnel. Although division administrators are not legally obligated to obtain parental permission before interviewing a student, as a general rule the principal or his/her designee will make a reasonable attempt to notify a parent or guardian that an interview will be conducted. If notification cannot be given prior to the interview, the principal or his/her designee will make a reasonable attempt to notify a parent or guardian that an interview has been conducted. Virginia law permits law enforcement personnel and/or child protective service workers to interview any child suspected of being abused or neglected and/or siblings without first obtaining parental consent.

Late Arrival [Top]
Students arriving at school late must report to the office to be counted in attendance before going to class. A note from the parent explaining the reason for late arrival is required or an adult must sign the child in at the main office.

Minute of Silence [Top]
The Virginia General Assembly has mandated a daily minute of silence. Each school will implement this requirement as guidelines dictate.

News Media Coverage [Top]
From time to time, news media representatives may photograph or videotape students in incidental news coverage. If a student is to be interviewed on school property by the news media, a signed parental consent form is required (Parental Release for Interviewing, Photographing, and Videotaping/Audio-recording of Students Form). This form is included in the Registration/Emergency Data Form and is also available in each school office. If a parent objects to their child being interviewed or photographed, this should be indicated on the Parental Release for Interviewing, Photographing, and Videotaping/Audio-recording of Students Form and returned back to their child’s teacher.

Parent Acknowledgement Form and Supporting Documents [Top]
Each parent will receive a Parent Acknowledgement Form during the first week of the school year. This form is for parents/legal guardians of all students or for students who are eighteen years of age or older enrolled in Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

Parents are asked to return the Parent Acknowledgement Form to your child’s teacher in order to verify that you have received the documents listed below.

• Supporting Documents
• Code of Student Conduct, Including Regulations for Passengers Riding School Buses, Anti-Tobacco Use Program and Acceptable Use Agreement (for computers)
• About Student Records: Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Note: Any parent who objects to the release of any directory information must notify, in writing, the principal of the school where the records are kept.
• Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) Note: Included in Parent/Student Handbook
• Graduation Requirements
• Parent/Student Handbook (Elementary, Middle, or High)
• Parent/Student Course Information Guide (K-5), if applicable
• Secondary School Curriculum Student Guide (6-12), if applicable
• Section 504
• Parental Responsibility and Involvement Requirements
• Compulsory Attendance Law

Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parents are encouraged to have periodic conferences with teachers. For a conference at any time other than on a regularly scheduled school conference date, please contact the office for arrangements to meet with the teacher.

Physical Education
The physical education program is an important part of the elementary education experience for students. If a health condition prevents a student from participating in physical activities over an extended period of time, a note from a doctor indicating the limitation is required. For a student to be excused from physical education for a short period (up to three days) due to a temporary illness or physical condition, a written request from a parent is sufficient.

Promotion Guidelines
Each student should learn the relevant grade level subject matter before promotion to the next grade. Each student shall take and be expected to achieve a passing score on the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests for the student’s respective grade. Schools shall use SOL test results as part of a multiple set of criteria for determining promotion in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 as set forth in more detail in School Board Policy 5-27.

Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to: Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED):

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.

1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.

• Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution.
• Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.
• Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.

Recess [Top]
The schedule and specific types of recess are site-based with each elementary school providing students with regularly scheduled recess.

Reporting Student Progress
A formal report on a student’s progress in school is sent to parents or guardians at the end of each nine-week grading period. Progress reports are issued at various times throughout the school year. These dates are included on the school calendars. At the end of the third, fourth, and fifth grades, parents also receive their child’s scores on state-mandated Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. Parents of fourth graders will also receive their child’s test scores on the Stanford 10 Test.

GRADING CODE
Grades K-2

4	Exceeds grade level standards/objectives.
3	Meets grade level standards/objectives.
2	Experiences difficulty meeting grade level standards/objectives.
1	Does not meet grade level standards/objectives.
NA	Not applicable.
NE	Not evaluated at this time.
X	Area of concern.

Grades 3-5

A	100-94
B	93-86
C	85-78
D	77-70
E	69 and below
I	Incomplete
NA	Not applicable

The following scale is used in evaluating citizenship, work habits, art, music, health, and physical education.

O	Outstanding
S	Satisfactory
N	Needs improvement
U	Unsatisfactory
X	Area of concern

Safe Schools and Emergency Procedures [Top]
Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) is committed to providing a safe environment for students, staff and visitors. The school division conducts annual safe school audits of all school facilities in accordance with Virginia State Code. The audit process provides a comprehensive overview of the school division’s security and emergency preparedness.

We work closely with national, state, and local safety officials -- police, fire, emergency medical services, and public health -- in order to ensure our schools are well prepared for an emergency.

Together, we have developed a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan that covers a wide variety of emergencies that serves as a guide to help staff and our public safety partners respond swiftly should a crisis occur in our schools.

During an emergency, it is critical that parents receive important information and directions from school officials before going to the school or scene of an emergency. You can be confident that accurate and timely information will be released to parents, the public, and the media during any school emergency. Should a school be evacuated, each school has a procedure for helping parents locate their child. Parents will be directed to a specific location where they will be required to show proper identification. Remember, a student can only be released to an adult that is documented as an emergency contact. If you are a non-custodial parent, you must be listed with your child’s emergency contact information as a guardian and show proper identification.

Should a school emergency occur, a parent can get important information and directions by doing one or all of the following:

• Call the VBCPS Emergency Hotline at 757.263.1000
• Check your e-mail if you are a vbschools x-tra subscriber (school closings, cancellations & emergencies)
• Visit vbschools.com
• Tune into the local television and radio stations for news alerts.

School Pictures
The school division arranges with a local photography studio to have individual and class group photos taken. Funds generated from this activity are used to buy various supplementary materials and equipment for the school.

School Planning Council
Each school has a School Planning Council consisting of staff, parents, and community members who meet several times a year. The council’s mission is to develop and assess school improvement initiatives.

School Regulations
Guidelines have been established to maintain an effective learning environment and to provide for the safety and well-being of students. School regulations apply in the school building, on the school grounds, while traveling to and from school, and at any event where the school is represented.

• For the safety of students, fund-raising activities which involve door-to-door solicitations by elementary and/or middle school students are prohibited.
• Students are to ride assigned buses unless special permission has been requested and granted. Students are to comply with the Code of Student Conduct. Disruptive behavior on buses or at bus stops may result in loss of bus-riding privileges and/or other disciplinary measures.
• Students may not bring personal items such as toys, radios, tape recorders, televisions, microphones, etc., to school without permission from the teacher. Responsibility for loss, damage, or theft cannot be assumed by the school if permission is granted.
• Chewing gum is not allowed on school property.
• Animals may not be brought on school property without expressed permission from the principal.
• Unauthorized use of computer technology will result in students being disciplined in accordance with the Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ Code of Student Conduct.

School Visitors and Employees
Visitors are welcome in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools. For the safety and protection of students, all persons entering any school must sign in at the school office and wear an identification badge while in the school. This includes school staff and other School Board employees, parents, and visitors. Trespassers are subject to legal action. School buildings and grounds are smoke-free at all times.

Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The statute ensures that a qualified student with a disability receives reasonable accommodations necessary for that student to access education or school-related programs and activities. Any child suspected of needing a Section 504 Plan should be referred to the Section 504 designee within the school where the child attends. The designee will then initiate the process for determining whether the student meets the qualifications under this federal law.

The Director of Special Education and the Section 504 Coordinator for the Virginia Beach City Public Schools is Robert L. Mitchell, Office of Programs for Exceptional Children, 757.263.2400, Laskin Road Annex, 1413 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.

Parent/Student’s Rights Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The following is a description of the rights granted by federal law to students identified as disabled under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The intent of the law is to keep you fully informed concerning decisions about your child and to inform you of your rights if you disagree with any of these decisions.

You have the right to:

• File a grievance with the school district over an alleged violation of Section 504 regulations.
• Have an evaluation that draws on information from a variety of sources.
• Be informed of any actions to determine qualification under Section 504 and provide a plan for services.
• Examine all relevant records.
• Receive all information in the parent’s/guardian’s native language and primary mode of communication.
• Periodic re-determination of qualification and an assessment before any significant change in program/service modifications.
• Request an impartial hearing if there is a disagreement with the school division’s proposed action.
• Be represented by counsel in the impartial hearing process.
• Appeal the decision of the impartial hearing officer’s decision to a court of competent jurisdiction.

Student Conduct/Disciplinary Consequences
The school system’s Code of Student Conduct is distributed separately during the first week of school. It contains specific information concerning behavior which will not be tolerated, disciplinary consequences, and expectations and rights of students. Both parents and students should read and understand its contents thoroughly. Disruptive students who interfere with the educational process and/or do not comply with regulations and procedures are subject to administrative action.

The following offenses will result in automatic recommendation for expulsion by the principal:

• Arson or attempted arson
• Assault and battery on an employee or student
• Possession, use or sale of a firearm or dangerous weapon
• Use, possession, being under the influence of, selling, bringing, giving, distributing or passing to another individual or possessing with intent to sell, give, or distribute: alcohol, marijuana, controlled substances or imitation controlled substances, and inhalants
• Extortion, attempted extortion, robbery, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and/or larceny
• Sex Offenses: sexual battery, inappropriate sexual behavior, obscene phone calls, and sexual assault
• Hazing: Initiation of another student through abuse and humiliation so as to cause bodily injury
• Kidnapping or other serious criminal violations
• Possession, use, distribution, sale, lighting or discharge of explosive devices
• Homicide
• Malicious wounding of an employee or student
• And other good and just causes as determined by the Superintendent

Social Security Numbers
Virginia law requires that a student must present a social security number upon enrollment. Virginia Code §22.1-260 requires that a student present a federal social security number within ninety days of enrollment. Parents who are unable or unwilling to present a federal social security number may request that the school division provide an alternative identification number. No student will be denied enrollment or services based upon not providing a social security number.

Textbooks [Top]
The school division provides free textbooks for use during the school year. If parents prefer to buy new texts for students in grades one through five, order forms are available in the office upon request. The school does not sell or buy used texts. Students are expected to care for the books they receive. Fees may be assessed for damaged or lost books.

Transfers
Parents of students withdrawing from school should contact the office at least two days prior to the last day of attendance. This allows time for completion of records, return of books, and completion of the transfer form. Parents may pick up the transfer form from the office on the student’s last day or it may be sent home with the student upon request. All accounts with the school should be settled prior to the transfer.

Transportation
Bus transportation is provided for Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ students to and from school, based on each school’s transportation zone. Your school principal will assist you with determining if your child will be riding the bus to school. Students riding a bus to school must be on time. It is recommended that students be at their stop no earlier than five minutes before regular pickup time. The Code of Student Conduct, distributed to all parents at the start of the school year, clearly outlines the conduct for all students while riding a school bus. Parents are encouraged to remind their children of acceptable behavior on a school bus. To ensure the safety of our students, parents should consider sharing “watch” responsibilities with a neighbor so your children have an adult overseeing safety at their bus stops.

Bus routes and pickup times are published in a special back-to-school section of The Virginia Beach Beacon, a supplement to The Virginian-Pilot, published just prior to the beginning of the school year. Please be reminded that students must ride their assigned buses unless the parents or their designee will be transporting the child.

• Extenuating circumstances requiring a bus change must be submitted in writing and approved by the principal. This notice must be given to the teacher upon the student's arrival at school. Note: We must have a name listed on the information card filed in the office or a note signed by the parent in order to release the child to anyone other than the parent/guardian.

School Bus Safety Tips
As a parent, you can help ensure our students arrive to and from school safely each day by practicing the following school safety tips:

• Be sure your child arrives at their bus stop 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• When the bus approaches, remind your child to stand at least 5 giant steps (ten feet) away from the curb and line up away from the bus.
• Never run after the school bus if it has already left the bus stop.
• Never run in front or behind the school bus to pick up something that your child dropped or forgot.
• Make sure you tell your child never to get on the bus until it has completely stopped.
• After the bus stops and the door opens, take firm hold of the handrail and get onto the bus.
• Never push another student while getting on or off the bus.
• All students riding the bus should go directly to a seat and sit quietly. This allows the bus driver to concentrate on driving safely.
• Students should never place any part of their body through the bus window.
• When outside of the bus, make sure your child is aware of the danger zones and is always within sight of the bus driver. The Danger Zone is a 10-foot wide area on all sides of a school bus -- an area where children are in the most danger of being hit. Children should be taught to stay 10 feet away from a school bus (or as far away as they can) and never go behind it. They should be told to take five giant steps in front of the bus before crossing so the driver can see them.

Road Safety Tips for Drivers [Top]
As the parent of a student, please review the following bus safety reminders for all motorists and share them with a neighbor or friend:

• Never pass on the right side of a school bus where children enter or exit. This is illegal and can have tragic results.
• Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop and load or unload children. Motorists need to slow down and prepare to stop.
• Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm mean the bus has stopped and children are boarding or exiting the bus. Motorists must come to a complete stop a safe distance from the bus and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is retracted, and the bus begins moving before they start driving again.
• Watch out for children who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking about getting there safely.
• Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops.
• Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.

Volunteers in Education [Top]
Virginia Beach City Public Schools encourages and values volunteer involvement. To effectively accomplish the goal of meaningfully engaging the community, parents, and partners, we collaborate with the Virginia Beach Council of PTAs to coordinate volunteer programs in all of our schools. Approximately 20,000 volunteers and partners serve our schools annually expanding and enriching educational activities for students and staff by serving as tutors, mentors, classroom, office, and library assistants and as participants on curriculum committees and school planning/advisory councils. Seniors and retired citizens are encouraged to volunteer through the school division’s Golden Circle Initiative. To volunteer, contact the school of your choice, or call the Office of Community Relations at 757.263.1337.

Year-round Schools [Top]
Virginia Beach City Public Schools operates four year-round elementary schools: Corporate Landing, Plaza, Point O’View, and Seatack. If you believe your child could benefit from the flexibility of a year-round calendar, you may want to consider enrolling him or her in one of these four schools. Enrollment is open throughout the year. To begin the process for consideration, please complete the Student Placement Request Form for Elementary School -- available in each school office -- and return it to the year-round school of your choice. The opportunity to attend a year-round school is extended first to students who attend the year-round schools’ partner schools, known as opt-out schools.

Opt-out schools enroll children who are zoned for a year-round schedule, but whose parents and guardians prefer the traditional schedule. On the other hand, opt-out schools also allow their students to transfer out of their program into a year-round program, if that is the schedule their families prefer. The opt-out schools are: Ocean Lakes for Corporate Landing; Brookwood for Plaza; Arrowhead and Kempsville Meadows for Point O’View; and Birdneck for Seatack. In these cases, transportation for students is provided.

Tips for a Successful School Year

• Talk to your child’s teacher frequently. Together you are a team for your child’s academic success.
• Provide a quiet place and a consistent time to do homework. Support your child in homework efforts but refrain from doing the homework.
• Help your child learn to follow directions. Give one- and two-step directions and see that the task is completed.
• Teach your child to show respect for others by using polite phrases such as “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.”
• Model and reinforce appropriate behavior.
• Help your child learn his/her address and telephone number.
• Guide and monitor your child’s television viewing.
• Listen to your child and encourage your child to talk about new experiences.
• Explain the meaning of new words to your child.
• Encourage your child to succeed by encouraging his/her best work, but do not expect more than your child is capable of doing.
• Involve your child with reading and writing activities.
• See that your child gets a good night’s sleep and has a nutritious breakfast.
• Write your child’s name on all personal items brought to school such as coat, hat, gloves, boots, sweater, lunch box, etc.
• Refrain from sending to school a sick child or one who has had a fever within the past 24 hours. This precaution will help preserve the health of other children.
• Please telephone the school when your child will be absent. Your child will need a written excuse upon returning to the classroom.
• Dress your child according to the weather; outside activities will take place when the weather permits. A note from you will be required if your child should remain inside because of a physical condition.
• Provide the teacher with a correct telephone number where parents or a family friend may be reached during the school day, in case of an emergency.
• Discuss with your child what to do and where to go in the event you are not at home when he/she arrives.

2007-2008 Standard School Calendar
2007-2008 Year-Round School Calendar
2008-2009 Standard and Year-Round School Calendars

Last Modified on Friday, September 21, 2007 Disclaimer • Site Map