THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 11, 1994 TAG: 9408100226
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 20 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: COVER STORY
BACK TO SCHOOL
LENGTH: Long : 251 lines
SCHOOL HOURS: All senior high schools will hold classes from 8:30 a.m. to 3:11 p.m. All middle schools will hold classes from 8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.
Elementary - classes begin at 8:25 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.
MEALS: Lunch costs: Senior high and middle schools - 75 cents; elementary schools - 70 cents. Breakfast for K-12 is 50 cents.
The first day of school, each student may secure an application for free or reduced-price lunch from his teacher. Parents are asked to complete the application and return it to the office, where it will be determined whether the student qualifies for free or reduced-price lunches.
MEDICATION POLICY: No medicine and no treatments are to be given to students by school personnel. Such preparations as aspirin, gargles, ear drops, eye washes and others are classified as medicines and are not to be used. This provision is made to avoid possible liability on the part of school employees. Exceptions to the above are made in cases of certain long-term medications such as insulin and anti-convulsive medications, etc., which may be given only with written clearance.
The family physician will write the following instructions: name of medication, exact dosage, time dosage is to be given, and reason for medication.
If more than one mediation is prescribed, state clearly in which order they should be given. Clear, simple lay terminology should be used, rather than medical abbreviations. Repeating ``as necessary'' is unacceptable.
These facts should appear on the doctor's prescription. In addition, the school should know who will be responsible for administration of the medication.
The parent or guardian will sign a permission and a release of responsibility statement.
No school employee or public health nurse shall proceed with the administration of any medicine or treatment until and unless the employee or nurse determines that all written clearances have been reviewed and are on file in the school administration office.
IMMUNIZATIONS: Virginia law requires that parents have their children immunized against diptheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), poliomyelitis, measles (Rubeola), German Measles (Rubella) and mumps before the child begins school. A certificate from a licensed physician stating the dates on which the child was immunized against these diseases is required.
REGISTRATION: All students new to Southampton County Schools must present a complete shot record and birth certificate.
REPORT CARDS: Report cards will be issued Oct. 20, Dec. 5, Feb. 2, March 14 and May 2.
CALENDAR:
Sept. 6 - First day of school
Oct. 17 - Professional Day
Oct. 25 - Parent-teacher conferences (elementary schools)
Oct. 26 - Parent-teacher conferences (secondary schools)
Nov. 24 and 25 - Thanksgiving holidays
Dec. 6 - Parent-teacher conferences (elementary schools)
Dec. 7 - Parent-teacher conferences (secondary schools)
Dec. 23 to Jan. 2 - Winter holidays
Jan. 16 - Lee/Jackson/King Day
Jan. 30 - Mid-semester Professional Day
Feb. 7 - Parent-teacher conferences (elementary schools)
Feb. 8 - Parent-teacher conferences (secondary schools)
Feb. 20 - Presidents Day
March 15 - Parent-teacher conferences (elementary schools)
March 16 - Parent-teacher conferences (secondary schools)
April 17-21 - Spring holidays
May 3 - Parent-teacher conferences (elementary schools)
May 4 - Parent-teacher conferences (secondary schools)
May 29 - Memorial Day
June 9 - Last day of classes
EARLY CLOSING DATES: All Southampton County Schools will close at 2 p.m. on the following dates: Sept. 15, Oct. 13, Nov. 17, Dec. 15, Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 23, April 27 and May 18.
Secondary schools will close at 2 p.m. on the following dates: Oct. 26, Dec. 7, Feb. 8, March 16 and May 4.
Elementary schools will close at 2 p.m. on the following dates: Oct. 25, Dec. 6, Feb. 7, March 15 and May 3.
EMERGENCY CLOSINGS: Sometimes it will be necessary to close school during the day because of bad weather or other emergency conditions. On these days it is impossible for children to call home. Therefore, we ask that you tell your child what to do if school closes early and he or she knows that no one is at home. Also, a written set of instructions as to what the child is to do on emergency closing days should be sent to the teacher.
Whenever snow or bad weather occurs, please do not call the school, as we need our line to contact bus drivers to make emergency arrangements.
The television and radio stations listed are notified before schools are called to close:
TV stations - WTKR, WAVY, WWBT (Richmond) and WVEC.
Radio stations - WRVA (Richmond), WLQM (Franklin), WTAR AM 790 and Q94, and WEVA (Emporia).
STATISTICS: There are seven schools in Southampton County, serving 2,702 students.
ASSEMBLIES: At all times, students' behavior should be refined and courteous. An indication of the cultural level of the school is the conduct of its student body at an assembly. Whether guests are present or not, each student is personally responsible for the impression made by the school as a whole. Unacceptable conduct would include whistling, uncalled-for clapping, boisterousness and talking during a program.
ATTENDANCE: Pupils should be at school no later than 8:30 a.m. each morning. Anytime after that, the pupil will be considered tardy unless the bus is late. Departure from school will begin a 3 p.m. on a staggered schedule.
When your child must be absent, please call the school to notify the secretary, or send a note to the office by another child or friend.
A pupil must be in attendance for 180 days during any given school year unless the student had an illness or some other legitimate reason for not being in school. When returning to school, students should bring a note from their parents or guardians explaining the absence.
If for any reason a pupil is absent for 15 consecutive days, on the 16th day the pupil will be withdrawn from school. Upon his return, the student will be re-entered.
BUS BEHAVIOR: Each child is required to be orderly on the bus. Poor conduct on a school bus could cost many lives, including your child's.
It is to every bus rider's advantage to sit down on the bus, keep hands inside the bus, stay in seat until the bus comes to a complete stop, keep the noise down, and obey the bus driver.
All students must realize when riding a school bus that they are riding at public expense. If they cannot comply with applicable policies, they must find other means of transportation. Students who misbehave on the bus will be verbally warned the first time, if the offense is not serious. The second time, the student will be taken off the bus for three to five days and possibly longer, according to the offense.
BUS NOTES: If you want your child to get off at a different stop or take a different bus, please make that request in writing. Otherwise, students will be placed on their regular bus and let off at their regular stop.
FIELD TRIPS: Field trips must be approved by the principal and the superintendent. When your child brings home a form explaining a trip, please respond immediately. Students will not be allowed to go on a trip unless a parent or guardian gives permission in writing.
FIRE DRILLS: Teachers will ask students to use a designated exit. Students outside of their room when the alarm sounds should use the closest exit.
Students are warned by three short bells and are to remain outside until they hear one long bell signifying that all is clear. Particular students will be designated to close windows, turn off lights and close the door. In the hall, students should walk quickly on the right in single-file.
FUND-RAISING: Teachers shall not involve students in fund-raising activities for any organization unless approved by the superintendent or principal. This includes the sale of tickets, votes, candy or other items. No activity shall be carried out for any organization which would indicate that the school is the sponsor.
HOMEWORK POLICY: In keeping with the latest research on effective schools and teaching, homework procedures are as follows:
Homework should not be assigned unless the concept has been explained and understood by the students.
Homework assignments should be reasonable in length; not to exceed a a half-hour for students in grades K-3 or one hour for grades 4-5.
Teachers in departmentalized areas should coordinate assignments daily.
Homework should have direct application to the objective or objectives.
Homework should not be used as punishment. It should be checked, discussed and returned to students.
Homework should be used to help teachers improve instruction.
INJURIES: Encourage your child to immediately report all injuries, however minor, to a teacher. Unless school officials know an injury occurred at school, they cannot be responsible. If insurance is involved, officials must certify where the injury occurred, who was in charge, the time of the accident and the nature of the injury.
INSURANCE: School-time and full-time coverage are available through the school. If you desire insurance, it would be to your advantage to take out coverage at the beginning of the school year. Insurance applications are sent home the first day of school.
PARENT-TEACHER-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION: Good communication between parents and teachers is essential to the child's school experience. When parents and teachers work together, the child benefits and will be better able to realize his full potential.
There are several ways to bring the home and school together so that all concerned will better understand your child:
P.T.A. (First Wednesday night of each month)
Open house
Parent/teacher conference days, or by appointment
Parent/principal conference by appointment
PERSONAL PROPERTY: Radios, tape recorders, cameras, expensive watches, large sums of money and other costly items should not be brought to school. Students are asked to bring all items they find to the office.
EARLY DISMISSALS: If you desire to pick up your child, please stop by the office and sign your child out. We will bring your child to the office for you.
PHONE DIRECTORY:
ADMINISTRATION - 653-2692
Dr. Howard E. Wainwright, Division Superintendent
C.E. Turner, Assistant Superintendent
W.F. Grizzard, Jr., Director of Auxiliary Services
Dr. Rebecca Lett, Director of Instruction
1994-95 SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
Names, addresses and telephone numbers of members:
Russell C. Schools, Chairman, P.O. Box 149, Capron, 23829, 658-4550 (H), 658-4573 (W)
Roberta T. Naranjo, Vice-Chairman, P.O. Box 364, Boykins, 23827, 654-6545 (H), 654-6141 (W)
Mary Rebecca Blackburn, P.O. Box 98, Drewryville, 23844, 658-4772
Davis Bryant, 26381 Mount Horeb Road, Newsoms, 23874, 562-7892
Donnie Porter, P.O. Box 201, Newsoms, 23874, 654-9500 (H), 348-8024 (W)
Florence W. Reynolds, 11516 Tucker Swamp Road, Zuni, 23898, 242-6077 (H), 539-7491 (W)
Bernard E. Rook, 24335 Storys Station Road, Courtland, 23837, 653-9209 (H), 562-3115 (W)
Christopher A. Smith, P.O. Box 248, Courtland, 23837, 653-9106 (H), 562-2171 (W)
David P. Watkins, 30438 Nancy's Place, Franklin, 23851, 569-8454 (H), 569-4718 (W)
SCHOOLS
Addresses, telephone numbers and principals at each school:
HIGH SCHOOLS
Southampton High School, 23450 Southampton Parkway, Courtland, 23837, 653-2751, Bill J. Wright
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Southampton Middle School, 23116 Meherrin Road, Courtland, 23837, 653-9250, James W. Ricks
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Boykins Elementary School, 17267 Pittman Road, Boykins, 23827, 654-6461, Syretha Wright
Capron Elementary School, 18414 Southampton Parkway, Capron, 23829, 658-4348, Carl Stark
Courtland Elementary School, 22015 Aurora Road, Courtland, 23837, 653-2422, Vernie Jenkins
Hunterdale Elementary School, 23190 Sedley Road, Franklin, 23851, 562-3007, William Pruett
Ivor Elementary School, 7486 Proctor Bridge Road, Ivor, 23866, 859-6539, Howard C. Benton
KEYWORDS: SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY SCHOOLS
by CNB