Bent Mountain Elementary has a long history. It began as the consolidation of three schools located on the mountain. When the original wooden structure opened in 1911, it housed grades 1-12. In 1930, the current brick addition was built. This building consisted of a gymnasium in the center of the building with four classrooms, the office, and boys and girls locker rooms surrounding the gym. Its kitchen and cafeteria were housed in the 1911 frame structure. The Bent Mountain branch of Roanoke County’s public library system was also housed in the frame structure.

When a complete renovation of the school took place in 1990, the frame structure was razed and a brick multipurpose room with a kitchen was built in its place. It included an attached public library. The multipurpose room serves as a gym, cafeteria, and auditorium. The main building was gutted and completely remodeled. It now houses five classrooms, a library, the office, a clinic, and a teacher’s lounge.

The school has since added Kindergarten, a computer lab, and a special education classroom. In order to accommodate these additional needs, the school added two temporary classrooms.

The PTA raised money and installed a new playground for our students. The playground is dedicated to former principal, Ms. Peggie Richards. The active support of Bent Mountain Woman’s Club and Civic League has resulted in the additions and maintenance of a butterfly garden and walking trail. The Woman’s Club has also planted flowers to enhance the school’s beauty. Thanks to the efforts of several Eagle Scouts, the school has acquired a boardwalk into the wetlands, several benches for the playground, a wall around the butterfly garden, and bird houses around the wetlands.

The school has always been a community effort and received strong support. Shortly before the 1990 renovation, the county strongly considered the idea of closing the school. Thanks to the community who rallied behind the school and worked to keep it open, it remains the center of this idyllic community.

Several significant factors contribute to the distinctive atmosphere at Bent Mountain School. The physical setting combines the beauty of the rural countryside with the convenience of a suburban location. The student population is small, yet the children are afforded the same opportunities provided students in larger schools. The diverse community has a strong work ethic and places great emphasis on educational values. The experience of the instructional personnel assists in creating a sense of community. Our philosophy has been developed with these special factors in mind.

We believe that it is our task to educate the total child in cognitive, affective, and psychomotor development. We strive to provide a quality education for each child regardless of background or ability.

We want school to be a place where children enjoy learning, working, and playing together. Within this environment children can help each other, feel free to ask questions, and reach their potential. Teachers provide an atmosphere conducive to learning by acknowledging individual differences and setting realistic expectations.

We believe that educating children is a cooperative effort of the home, school, and community. It should be a continuous process that prepares students to make a responsible contribution to society, while coping with various life experiences.

In an effort to implement the principles of our philosophy, the staff seeks to educate each child consistent with his/her abilities, interests, and needs to:

• Develop a competence in the basic learning skills
• Progress on the basis of achievement
• Qualify for further education and/or employment
• Develop ethical standards of behavior and participate in society as a responsible family member and citizen
• Develop a positive, realistic concept of self and others
• Enhance the beauty of the environment
• Respond to aesthetic experiences through the arts
• Practice sound habits of living and personal health
• Acquire a basic understanding of and an appreciation for the free enterprise system

The school day begins promptly at 7:55 a.m. Students should arrive early with all materials needed each day. The importance of regular attendance cannot be over-emphasized! Students should be in school every day that they are physically healthy. If there are symptoms of illness, they should be kept at home to recover and to protect the health of other students.

Excellent school attendance certificates will be awarded each grading period to a student who has no more than two absences, two tardies, and two early dismissals. Outstanding attendance certificates are given at the end of the year to students who have been absent no more than five days and tardy no more than five days.

When a student returns to school, A WRITTEN EXCUSE FROM THE PARENT OR PHYSICIAN IS REQUIRED AND SHOULD STATE THE REASON FOR THE ABSENCE. Examples of excused absences are personal illness, doctor or dental appointment, or death in the family.

Students arriving in the classroom after 7:55 a.m. are considered tardy. Tardiness can adversely affect a student’s progress because he/she misses the instruction at the beginning of the day. Tardiness will be noted on attendance records. A parent must sign the child in at the office where the student will receive a tardy pass before proceeding to class.

Definite procedures are followed to assure the safety of children who are released during the school day:

• The parent (or other adult named in a note) MUST COME TO THE OFFICE and SIGN FOR THE CHILD. ALL children MUST BE signed out in the office. If any person other than the parent or guardian is to pick up the child, the school must have a written statement from the parent specifying the necessary information.

• If your child becomes ill during the day and needs to be picked up, a parent or legal guardian will be called to pick up the child.

Color-coded papers are used to send information home:

Green - Principal

Blue - Teachers

Pink - Guidance

Yellow - PTA

Report cards will be sent home at the end of each nine weeks for students in grades 1-5. Kindergarten students receive their report card at the end of each semester, and a fall review is sent home in October. Students in grades K-2 are evaluated

using a checklist on their report cards. Second graders will receive grades in language arts and math during the second, third, and fourth nine weeks. Students in grades 3-5 receive grades in all four core subjects each nine weeks.

Interim reports are sent home during the middle of each nine weeks grading period for students in grades 1-5.

A 94-100 D 70-77

B 87-93 F 69 or below

C 78-86

Parent-teacher conferences will be held as needed with each child’s parent(s) during the school year. Conferences can be arranged by calling the teacher ahead of time to schedule a meeting.

Upon request, Bent Mountain Elementary will make available to the non-custodial parent any information concerning his/her child unless otherwise instructed by the court.

Homework is an opportunity for students to practice newly acquired skills. It also fosters individual responsibility. The staff at Bent Mountain Elementary recommends the following:

1. A blue homework folder is given to each student at the start of the year. This folder must be signed and returned each day. This is the best way for you to know how your child is progressing in class.
2. Starting in second grade, homework assignments should be written in the assignment notebook issued from school.
3. The student should know what the homework assignment is, how to complete it, and what books and materials are needed.
4. Students are responsible for taking home all materials needed to complete homework assignments.
5. Average time spent on homework assignments will vary with the individual child.
6. ASSIGNMENTS STARTED IN CLASS MAY BECOME HOMEWORK IF NOT COMPLETED IN CLASS.

When a student is absent, parents may request homework assignments. Please call the school to request assignments before 8:30 am. Assignments may be picked up after school on the day of the request.

Students in grades K-12 are expected to make up all missed work from an absence within 10 school days upon the student’s return to school. If the student does not complete the make-up work within that time frame, he/she will earn a zero for those assignments.

Assignments made prior to an absence are due upon the return to school. Exceptions may be granted by individual teachers.

Excused and School Related Absences: Students are required to request make-up work on the first day back to school. Students will be given 10 school days to make up the work. Exceptions for a longer time period for make-up work may be granted by individual teachers.

Unexcused Absences: Students are required to begin to make up all work missed on the first day of return to class. Students will be given 10 school days to make up the work. The maximum grade given for such make-up work shall be "69". Time extensions will not be granted.

Incomplete Work: A grade of incomplete (I) will be entered on a student’s report card when make-up work has not been completed, and the allowed make-up time extends across the end of one grading period into another. After make-up work is completed, a corrected grade will be submitted by the teacher. If make-up work is not completed by the established deadline, the incomplete (I) will be changed to the computer average with incomplete work averaged as a zero.

Students with pre-approved absences may request their assignments prior to their absence from school. Make-up work for students with pre-approved absences, i.e. tests, quizzes, etc., will be given to the student upon his/her return to school.

(As stated in the Roanoke County Schools Student Conduct Code)

An atmosphere for learning must exist in any school if quality education is to prevail. In order to preserve an orderly and productive atmosphere for education, the Roanoke County School Board has adopted a Student Conduct Code.

Each year parents receive a copy of the Student Conduct Code. Parents must sign and return the "Acknowledgment of Receipt" form and the "Internet Use Agreement." Both are found at the back of the Conduct Code. These documents describe the standards of conduct expected of all students and the consequences for violating the conduct code.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR VIOLATION OF RULES:

The violation of any of the rules of conduct as stated in the Student Conduct Code shall be subject to disciplinary actions. Disciplinary action may consist of a conference, warning, reprimand, assignment, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

After reading the Student Conduct Code and returning the signed portion, parents should keep the document for review and referral.

• Short/Skirt length should be no higher than 5" from the top of the knee
• Sleeveless shirts are allowed; shoulder straps must be a minimum of 3 inches in width
• No undergarments, cleavage, or midriffs should be exposed
• Safe shoes are required at all times

The following SHOULD NOT be worn to school:

• Sleeves with oversized armholes
• See through garments
• Form-fitted shorts (i.e. biker shorts)
• Cut offs, torn or ripped clothing
• Grossly oversized clothing
• Shirts with spaghetti straps
• Tube/tank tops
• Pajamas/Bedroom slippers
• Heavy, metal chains
• Any accessories with spikes (jewelry, belts, etc.)
• Dog chains or collars
• Sunglasses
• Headgear including hats, caps, sweatbands, bandanas, wave caps, or scarves (except for religious beliefs)

Anything considered dangerous, distracting, or disruptive to the instructional environment is prohibited. Clothing or accessories should not bear messages or pictures that are profane, obscene, offensive to others or promote gangs, violence, drugs, or alcohol.

The administration at each school reserves the right to judge appropriate appearance.

For safety reasons, students are not allowed to have anything hanging from book bags. Strings, key chains, and other such items must be removed.

A student shall not knowingly possess, handle, or transmit any object that can reasonably be considered a weapon or a dangerous instrument on school property or at any school activity. Carefully review Rule 1 in your Student Conduct Code.

Bullying occurs when an individual is exposed repeatedly to negative actions on the part of one or more persons and there is a real perceived imbalance of power. Negative actions may refer to any word, look, sign, misuse of technology that hurt a person’s body, feelings, and/or property. Further, it shall be a violation for bystanders to tolerate or participate in bullying. Please review Rule 3 of the Student Conduct Code.

Toys, cards, electronic games, etc. are not allowed at school or on the bus without prior permission from the teacher. When allowed, students must follow class rules for use and storage of these articles. Failure to comply with these rules may result in the confiscation of the item. If permission is given for toys, etc., to come to school, it is the student’s responsibility to keep up with the item. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

To ensure the safety of all the children and personnel in the building, ALL visitors to the building must stop by the office and sign in. ALL visitors must wear a badge provided by the office.

There is no fee for textbooks. However, a textbook contract is sent home at the beginning of school for parents to sign. Any loss or damage to the textbooks will result in a charge based on the cost of replacement.

School insurance is offered every year for those who wish to purchase coverage for their child. Information is sent home during the first few days of school. The school will collect the fees.

Dental insurance information is also sent home but we do not collect fees for this.

Students may purchase breakfast and lunch from the cafeteria. Lunch is $2.00 and breakfast is $1.00 each day. Breakfast and lunch menus will be sent home monthly. Lunch money can be placed in each child’s own account in advance. We encourage you to take advantage of this option.

Students who bring their lunch from home or those who want extra milk, may purchase milk for $0.50 or juice for $0.50. Ice cream is also available for $.50.

Parents who wish to eat lunch with their child should choose their entrée and notify the office by phone or note by 8:30 a.m. The price of an adult lunch is $2.50.

Since the gym is the school’s dining room, the students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner for a public dining area. All students and parents are expected to eat in the gym. The lunch schedule is:

Kindergarten/1^st Grade 10:45-11:15

2^nd Grade/3^rd Grade 10:55-11:25

4^th/5^th Grade 11:00-11:30

It is Roanoke County’s policy not to loan lunch money. However, in an emergency, we will charge lunch. It is very, very important that the money be returned the following day. If a child needs to borrow lunch money for the second day in a row, then the parent will be called. Extras and/or breakfast may not be bought if the child owes money to the cafeteria. If a student should exceed the 5 charge limit, the student will be offered a cheese sandwich and a carton of white milk for lunch.

Orange, grape, and apple juice, as well as ice cream, are available each day. The juice costs $0.50 and the ice cream is $0.50. Juice and ice cream cannot be used as a lunch substitute.

We do not have student birthday parties at school. It is acceptable, however, to send a HEALTHY snack for each child in the classroom or ice cream may be bought for each classmate. Please let your child’s teacher know that you wish to send a snack.

Room parents usually have parties for the students at special times such as Winter Break, Valentine’s Day, and Spring Celebration. Room parents will call other parents and ask for donations of snacks, drinks, paper products, etc.

Distribution of birthday party invitations at school is prohibited unless there is an invitation for every class member.

Field trips are planned by the classroom teachers to extend

and enrich instruction. Trips are related to curriculum and help to meet an SOL objective.

Parents must complete the required field trip permission form sent home in order for their child to go on the trip. Faxes, telephone, and/or oral permission are not acceptable.

Students may be denied the privilege of participating in a field trip if his/her behavior would cause a safety concern for other students or interfere with the learning of other students.

To protect the safety of all students from the misuse of medication, the policy of the Roanoke County School Board for administering medication is as follows:

Medication, both prescription and over the counter, to be given to the student by school personnel must be brought to the school by the parent/guardian. The parent must complete form I381. Medication should be picked up by the parent at the time it is discontinued. All medication must be picked up at the end of the school year. Any left over medication will be destroyed.

Parents should monitor their child’s medication and supply additional medicine as necessary. Since only the physician and the parent know whether a child is to continue medication, it is not the responsibility of the school to notify parents or physicians if a child needs additional medication.

The health nurse and trained volunteers conduct vision, hearing, and height and weight screenings for certain grade levels. The speech therapist also conducts a speech screening for all students new to the school. Parents and/or teachers may request that the specialist screen a student for speech or hearing concerns.

We have the services of a county nurse, Jennifer Simmons, each Thursday from 8:30 to 1:30. She provides treatment for

minor illnesses and injuries. If a child becomes ill or is injured, parents will be contacted and arrangements will be made to have the child picked-up.

If your child has been diagnosed with specific allergies, please send written notification to the office and your child’s teacher. Please notify your child’s teacher in writing of any other health concerns which might affect his/her achievement or well being while at school.

In order to preserve instructional time, please do not make doctor or dentist appointments during school hours.

Children in Grades 2-5 receive instruction weekly from our art teacher, Martha Lalka. Emphasis is placed on teaching a variety of art techniques.

Character Education is the deliberate effort to develop good character based on common core virtues that are good for the individual and good for society. The Commonwealth of Virginia has passed a law requiring schools to teach character education. In response to this, Roanoke County has elected to use the program "Character Counts" to accomplish this goal.

Through this program, students will be exposed to the six "pillars" of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Students and staff are expected to abide by these pillars in dealing with others and following school rules.

Cindy Noble is the Guidance Counselor at Bent Mountain. She is here on Tuesday and Wednesday each week. She works with students, teachers, and parents. Objectives for the program include assisting students in developing academic skills, effective interpersonal relationships, realistic self-concepts, self-awareness and self-direction, and effective coping behaviors. Classroom guidance and small group sessions are scheduled on a regular basis. Mrs. Noble will schedule private conferences with students or parents upon request.

Stephanie Fleshman, a learning specialist, provides a resource program in individual and small group settings according to individual needs. Consultation is available when needed for teachers and parents.

The media specialist/librarian, Dawn Lamb, makes available books and magazines, audio-visuals, and equipment to all students

and teachers in an effort to better coordinate the school program. A professional library is also maintained for use by teachers and parents. Ms. Lamb plans and suggests resources to enrich units of study.

Additionally, students may visit after school the Roanoke County Public Library for story hour on scheduled Wednesdays and for special programs. Children staying after school for story time at the Roanoke County Public Library must bring a note from parents each Wednesday! Phone calls to the school office requesting that your child stay for story hour should be made in emergency situations only.

Students receive music instruction each week. The music specialist, Sue Giles, offers a varied program. The vocal music program includes singing, listening, music appreciation, rhythmic experiences, instrumental instruction, music reading, and creative experiences. It provides a means for wholesome emotional release, develops group participation, creates an interest in a field which the child may later develop further, develops a coordinated physical expression, and gives pleasure and satisfaction to the individual child. Instrumental instruction taught at various grade levels includes guitars, recorders, xylophones, and rhythm instruments.

Shawn Fortner is our physical education specialist. She will meet with each class two days a week. The classroom teacher will conduct physical education the other three days of the week. During this time, the teacher provides exercises and activities that help develop healthy minds and bodies. EACH CHILD NEEDS TENNIS SHOES EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK. If your child cannot take physical education, send a note explaining why he/she cannot participate and how long he/she will be unable to join in activities. Because of the vital importance of physical activity, children are expected to participate in the program unless a health condition prohibits participation.

Kim Barker will be working with us in this area. When seeking to identify gifted students, the school system is searching for those children who by virtue of outstanding abilities are capable of exceptional performance. Those students who are identified require curriculum adaptations and/or additional services beyond those usually provided by the regular school program.

Roanoke County’s identification processes incorporate standardized and non-standardized data which relate achievement, intelligence, performance, and teacher ratings. Although the approach to identification varies for students in Grades K-2 and Grades 3-6, the ultimate goal of each is to find those children whose outstanding capabilities necessitate curriculum adaptations and/or additional services.

If you have specific questions about the screening process and/or feel your child’s abilities make him/her a candidate for screening, consult the principal or guidance counselor.

If your child is new to Roanoke County Schools and participated in a gifted program in his/her former school, please consult with the principal or guidance counselor to begin the screening process.

Roanoke County also provides a program for artistically talented children in Grades 3-6. Screening for this program begins in January of each school year and involves students in Grades 2-5 who are referred by parents, classroom teachers, and/or art teachers.

The decision to operate or not operate schools during inclement weather is the responsibility of the Superintendent of Roanoke County Schools. If schools will not operate, or will open late, announcements will be made on local radio and TV stations, as well as the Instant Alert System. If weather conditions make it necessary to close schools during the day, it will be announced on radio and TV stations, as well as the Instant Alert System. Parents may call the county information number, 562-6000, to find out about early school closing or delayed opening.

Teachers are not to release children to go home with anyone other than the child’s parents without permission from the parent. When a child is picked up by a parent or others, the child must be signed out in the office by the person picking up the child. The office will advise the teacher to send the child to the office.

Students are instructed in the necessary safety procedures to follow in case of an emergency. Fire drills are practiced monthly. Bus drills, tornado drills, and lockdown drills are practiced a minimum of twice a year.

Parents wishing to bring their children to school may arrive at 7:35 am. Please do not bring your child earlier that 7:35 am, because there will not be a staff member here to supervise him/her. Cars should drive through the parking lot and around the circle traveling to the right. This will allow the child to be let off from the passenger side in front of the school door. There will be an adult on duty for arrival and dismissal of car riders. Students should NOT exit the vehicle until an adult is outside.

Parents wishing to pick-up their children from school should arrive at 2:05 pm. The cars should drive through the parking lot and around the circle traveling to the right. This will allow the children to be picked up from the front door on the passenger side of the vehicle. An adult will assist students getting into cars. Parents wishing to come inside to pick up their children should park in the parking lot and come to the office to sign-out their child.

Getting on the bus:

• When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness. Do not stray onto the street.
• Line up away from the street as the school bus approaches.
• Use the handrail when stepping onto the bus.

Behavior on the bus:

• When on the bus, find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver and is not allowed.
• Never put head, arms, or hands out of the window.
• Keep book bags out of the aisle because it is a tripping hazard.
• No eating or drinking on the bus.
• Keep all belongings in book bag.
• At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat.

Getting off the bus:

• If you have to cross the street, always cross in front of the bus. Make sure the driver can see you. Wait for the driver to signal for you to cross.
• If you think you have left something on the bus, never run back to the bus. Anything left on the bus can be retrieved on the following day.

For the safety of all students who ride buses to and from school, bus conduct rules should be followed at ALL times.

Riding a school bus is a privilege. Failure to comply with all bus rules may result in loss of bus privileges. If bus privileges are lost it is the parents’ responsibility to transport the child to and from school. Please read carefully the section of the Student Conduct Code entitled Pupil Transportation.

Students riding a different bus or getting off at a different stop MUST bring a note from their parent. If your child is going home with a friend, you AND the friend’s parents must both write a note giving permission.

If you need to pick up your child earlier than 2:05, please come to the office, sign your child out, and he/she will be called to the office.

Please mark your child’s clothing and other possessions including lunch boxes, bag lunches, and book bags with his/her name. There is a Lost and Found box in the office if your child has misplaced something. Please come in and check it for any lost items.

Teachers cannot accept phone calls during the instructional day. Please leave a message in the office. Teachers will return telephone calls as quickly as possible.

Students are not allowed to make phone calls home unless they have permission from the classroom teacher and the office staff.

A student’s creative work belongs to the student. After the work has been reviewed, corrected, evaluated, or graded, the work will be returned to the student. Except for classroom and instructional purposes, no one may publish, display, perform, record, or transmit a student’s work, or use that work as a part of another work without a student’s permission. However, if the student submits the work for publication, display, or performance to any school activity, the school or school group has been granted the right to edit, publish, display, perform, record, and transmit the work. For information on registering work, contact the Copyright Office, Section LM455, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., and ask for publication RI Copyright Basics.

Bent Mountain Elementary PTA is actively involved and very supportive of the total school program. It provides a wide range of programs and activities designed to improve educational opportunities for our children and enhance school-community relationships. The PTA sponsors fund-raising activities to raise funds for much-needed equipment, instructional materials, and operating expenses for special programs. All fund-raising activities prohibit door-to-door solicitation in compliance with Roanoke County School Board Policy.

You are encouraged to join the PTA and attend the meetings. Notices will be sent home prior to each meeting. Current officers and a calendar of meetings are published in the back of this handbook and in the PTA newsletter.

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