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    Norcross Elementary Student Handbook 

    Soaring for Excellence 

    Mission

    Norcross Elementary School is to create a world-class learning environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and excellence in academic knowledge, skills, and behavior for each scholar that will meet or exceed national and global standards.   

    Vision

    Norcross Elementary School will become a world-class school where educators create a community of successful, self-motivated, life-long learners who will become responsible and productive citizens. 

     

    SCHOOL OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES 

    The designated school hours for Norcross Elementary School are 8:50 A.M. to 3:20 P.M. For safety reasons, please abide by these hours. Students may begin arriving at 8:20 A.M. Students may NOT be dropped off before 8:20 A.M. because supervision is unavailable. Students arriving after 8:50 A.M. will be marked tardy. If your child is late, students must be checked in by a parent or guardian. Please walk them into the building.  

    ATTENDANCE 

    Attendance at school is an important part of student success and achievement. A pattern of absences may put a student at risk of not achieving the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) for their grade level and courses. Certain absences are excused according to state guidelines. Excused absences include:

    • Personal illness or attendance in school endangering a student’s health or the health of others

    • A serious illness or death in a student’s immediate family requiring an absence from school

    • A court order or an order by a governmental agency, including pre-induction physical examination for service in the armed forces, mandating absence from school

    • Observing religious holidays, necessitating absence from school

    • Conditions making attendance impossible or hazardous to student health or safety

    • Serving as a page in the Georgia General Assembly

    • A student, whose parent or legal guardian is in military service of the United States or the National Guard, and such parent or legal guardian has been called to duty for or is on leave from overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, shall be granted excused absences, up to a maximum of five school days per year, for the day or days missed from school to visit with  his or her parent or legal guardian prior to deployment or while on leave

    *Please remember that if your student is absent from school, parents or guardians need to send a note to the school stating the reason for his/her absence. Should the reason be one noted above, your child’s absence will be marked excused.  

    *After 10 absences without a medical note being submitted, a medical note may be requested to excuse an absence.

    *All attendance excuses must be turned in within five (5) days of the absence. The school will not accept late attendance excuses.

    It is important for parents to be aware of attendance requirements. Please read Gwinnett County Public Schools’ Student/Parent Handbook, which outlines attendance expectations. In addition, our teachers and school leadership will communicate with you regularly on school attendance issues.

    CHILD CHECK OUT PROCEDURES 

    A student who leaves school before the official ending time must be signed out of the office by his/her parent or guardian. Parents must report to the receptionist, not the classroom. The receptionist will call the room for the child after a photo ID (government issued) has been shown. Please remember that each time a child checks out early, we must call the classroom and disrupt instruction for everyone.  Children will be called to the Front Office where they will be released to the parent/guardian. The office will not check out students after 2:30 P.M. (11:30 A.M. on early release days). Please do not ask school personnel to make exceptions. 

    A child will not be permitted to leave the school in the custody of any person other than the child's parent unless that person is listed as a parent/guardian or emergency contact in the school’s database.  As telephone numbers and situations change, please make sure you report this information to the school so we have the most accurate information.  

    Check out Procedures for Special Activities/Programs – In order to check your child out after a special event/program, you must send in a note to request a check-out prior to the event. 

    TELEPHONE AND EMERGENCY MESSAGES 

    The primary purpose of the school telephone is communication between parents and school personnel. If a student needs to contact a parent/guardian, the homeroom teacher will facilitate and arrange for the communication using school phones. Students should not use their personal cell phones during the school day.  Emergency messages will be delivered to the student via the teacher.

    ILLNESSES/ACCIDENTS 

    If your child becomes sick or injured while at school, the school will contact you and all efforts will be made to keep your child comfortable for a short period until you arrive. Accurate and current telephone numbers, and clinic information are critical in case of an emergency. It is imperative that work, home and emergency information be on file in the school’s database and updated when changes occur. This includes people and telephone numbers listed as emergency contacts. 

    In the event of an accident, the school will attempt to notify the parent/guardian. Every effort will be made to render emergency treatment. If parents and/or emergency contacts cannot be located, 911 emergency personnel/services will be called by the school to check or render emergency treatment. It is important for you to have medical coverage for your child. In the event that your child is not covered under any health plan, you may want to consider applying for PeachCare, the accident plan offered by the school, or the accident insurance plan of your choice. Norcross Elementary cannot assume responsibility for medical bills resulting from student accidents. 

    MEDICATION 

    All medication must be brought to the clinic in the original container. Medication will not be  administered unless a medication form and/or health plan is completed. Should it be necessary for a  student to take prescribed medication for any duration of time, please contact the clinic for specific instructions. Remember all medications must be housed and dispensed in the clinic except for asthma inhalers. Medications include any prescription or over-the-counter drug, including Tylenol, cough  drops, topical cream for rashes, etc. Students are not allowed to transport medicine; parents must bring it and/or pick it up from school. It is a violation of school policy for any student to keep medication with him/her during the school day  (except asthma inhalers), or give medication to any other student. 

    Please do not send your child to school sick, with a fever, or with a note requesting that the teacher send him or her to the clinic. Be considerate of other students by caring for your child at home. 

    PROGRESS REPORTS/ REPORT CARDS 

    Report Cards are distributed at the end of each semester. The Report Cards will be sent home via the student in an envelope or mailed to you. Please make sure your current address is correct in our system to ensure you receive the Report Card. The Parent Portal is a great way to monitor your child’s progress. Progress reports (an update on current grades, missing work, etc.) will be sent home several times during the semester.

    Every Norcross Elementary student will bring home a weekly folder. The folder may contain work samples, conduct reports, and other teacher and school communication. Parents are asked to review the contents of the folder carefully, sign the folder (if applicable), and return it with the student to school.

    TEXTBOOKS/OTHER RESOURCES  

    Norcross Elementary provides textbooks to all students. Each student is assigned textbooks and is responsible for the care of the books issued. Loss or damage to textbooks may result in monetary fines. In addition to textbooks, library books and electronic devices may be checked out to students and students are responsible for the care of the items. Lost or damaged library books and electronic devices may also result in fines. 

    PARENT CONFERENCES 

    Parents are encouraged to arrange a conference with teachers, counselors, or the administrators by telephoning the school office (770-448-2188) between 8:00 A.M. and 3:45 P.M. Your call will be returned within 24 to 48 business hours to schedule the conference. Designated parent-teacher conference days are  provided on Early Release Days (see the GCPS School Calendar). 

    CLASS VISITATION 

    We encourage parents to visit their child's classroom. However, you must schedule a visit with your child’s teacher. For the safety of your child, all parents and visitors must check in through the office. During your visit the regular school program must continue, so please do not expect the teacher to conference with you at this time. Please do not bring other children. An administrator may accompany you on your visit. 

    ALL VISITORS MUST SIGN IN AND WEAR A VISITOR'S BADGE. 

    SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS

    We strongly encourage you to volunteer at our school. There are many ways and opportunities for you to support us. To support you, there is an orientation program for volunteers. Also, you may be assigned to support in any area of our school.  Please contact your child’s teacher or our Parent Center if you would like to volunteer. 

     

    LOCAL SCHOOL COUNCIL

    The School Council is an advisory board whose responsibilities are to maintain a school-wide perspective on issues, participate in information and training programs, act as a link with the community, encourage the participation of parents and others within the school community, and work to improve student achievement and performance. Each Georgia Public School has a School Council that operates according to state guidelines. The Council will meet throughout the school year. Meetings are open to all Norcross Elementary community members and families. Meeting dates will be published in our school newsletter and website.

    BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

    The celebration of student birthdays is optional and may be observed using the following options:

    • Option 1: Parents may purchase an “Ice Cream Party” for their child’s class. Parents need to send cash or a check made payable to “Norcross Elementary” for the total amount of the ice cream cost ($1.00 per child). If there are 20 students in a class, the parent will send in cash or check in the amount of $20.00. Each child in the class will get to pick their ice cream of choice for the birthday celebration. The ice cream will be served to the students at the end of the class lunch time.

    • Option 2: Parents may provide only store-bought snacks for the class to eat during regular snack time. No birthday favors, gifts, balloons, or prizes will be allowed. Please drop off your birthday item to the office in the morning so that the classroom teacher can adjust his/her schedule accordingly.

    • Option 3: Parents may choose a healthier option, such as sending in a special Birthday pencil or eraser that the teacher will pass out to each student during the time that they celebrate your child’s birthday.

    *Please note cupcakes/snack items that do not fit in the bookbag cannot be transported on the buses. Parents must drop off and/or pick up snacks.

    *To protect instructional time, parents are not allowed to attend classroom birthday recognitions. 

    *Check with your child’s teacher to make arrangements.

    SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS AND OTHER HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS 

    The teacher will communicate any classroom celebrations. There will be two classroom parties: one in the winter and one in the spring. 

    SAFETY AND SECURITY

    All building doors are locked. All visitors to the school MUST buzz to be admitted through the security system at the main school front door, then go directly to the check-in desk in the lobby. All visitors will be required to show a picture ID and then sign in to secure a visitor’s badge. Any visitor who is not wearing a visitor’s badge will be escorted to the main office. Thank you for following these procedures so we can ensure the safety of our students and staff.

    • Emergencies: Norcross Elementary has a trained crisis management team and a crisis management plan.

    • Emergency School Closings: In the event of severe weather or any other emergency, school may be delayed or closed. Public announcements will be made on GCPS Television, on the school system's website (www.gcpsk12.org), on social media sites, and via metro Atlanta radio and television stations. Reports in the morning will be made by 6:00 A.M. The same weather conditions may also necessitate early release. 

    • Fire/Tornado/Lockdown Drills: Fire and tornado drills are held throughout the school year. Instructions are available in each classroom explaining how to exit the building in case of fire or how to be protected in case of a tornado or other severe weather. Students are to walk quickly and silently to designated areas. All staff members are knowledgeable about plans for these situations.

    All persons in the building during any of these drills are expected to participate.

    • Gwinnett County Tip Line: Confidential HotLine - HELP KEEP YOUR SCHOOL SAFE! If you think or know that someone is carrying a weapon, drugs or alcohol on school property, please call 770-822-6513. You do not have to give your name.

    TRANSPORTATION

    If your child is not riding a GCPS school bus, parents must complete a Transportation Parent Authorization form for all alternate forms of transportation. These forms will be available for parents at Open House/Meet Your Teacher Day. Any parents NOT attending Open House/Meet Your Teacher Day will need to come to the front office to complete these procedures. Students are assigned to the bus stop closest to their home address. All students will be issued a transportation tag and this tag must be on the child’s book-bag at all times.

    • Car riders: New and returning car rider parents MUST register and pick up a new car rider tag with your child’s assigned number on it prior to the first time they are to be a car rider. This may be completed at Open House/Meet Your Teacher Day.

    • Day Care Transportation: Parents of students being transported to a daycare facility by a GCPS bus or private day care must provide the school with a copy of the day care verification letter to include the start date and day care director’s signature. These forms will be available for parents at Open House/Meet Your Teacher Day. An official bus pass must be obtained each day the student will not attend day care (listed on the transportation tag) to ride the GCPS bus to home address. Parents must come to the front office in person to make any transportation changes. A photo ID is required. It is the parent’s responsibility to call the daycare if your child will not be attending the daycare for some reason.

    CHANGES IN TRANSPORTATION

    If you need to change your child’s regular mode of transportation; please send a written note with your student. We are unable to accept  DOJO messages, emails, or telephone calls to the front office. In your note, please include the date(s) of the transportation change and the names of all students and their teachers who are impacted by the change.

    LOST AND FOUND 

    The lost and found is located in the covered courtyard. Items left at the end of each nine weeks will be donated to charity. All textbooks found will be returned to the office. Library books will be returned to the Media Center. 

    PERSONAL PROPERTY 

    Students are asked not to bring toys, large sums of money, expensive jewelry or expensive articles of clothing to school. For students who bring such items to school, the risk is assumed by the student and  his/her parents. The school will not pay for lost or stolen items. Students are not permitted to sell items to other students. Teachers may confiscate items in question and will follow up with families as needed.

    CELL PHONE USE/ SOCIAL MEDIA

    Students are permitted to bring cell phones to school. However, they must remain in the student’s book bag and turned off during the day.  The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged cell phones. It is personal property and the student’s responsibility. Cell phones used without the teacher's permission will be confiscated and consequences issued. Social media usage and recording are not allowed on school grounds, which includes the bus and bus stop. 

    STUDENT DRESS CODE 

    Per GCPS policy, prohibited dress shall include any attire that depicts,promotes or advertises gang affiliation, illegal activity, illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco, sexual references, offensive words or designs, and other clothing which is disruptive to the learning environment.

    • Student attire should be appropriate for the school setting at all times, and not distract from the learning environment. Students inappropriately dressed will be given alternate clothing if available from the clinic, or the parent will be called to bring a change of clothing.

    • Cleated and cleat-like shoes will not be worn at Norcross Elementary School. Sneakers with roller wheels or skates attached are NOT permitted. These shoes are potentially dangerous to the wearer and/or to others in the class. These shoes also damage finished and carpeted floors. 

    • Please be mindful of how clothes may shift throughout the day. Avoid midriff/crop tops and short shorts. 

    • Dark sunglasses as well as hoodies/hats/caps will not be worn in the building at any time (except on designated days). 

    BULLYING 

    Please refer to the GCPS Student/Parent Handbook for bullying policy.  

    NUTRITION PROGRAM 

    The daily menu and information on free and reduced-priced meals can be found on the school’s website. Please contact the Cafeteria Manager at 770-417-2496 for questions and concerns. If your child has a  food allergy, please notify your child's teacher, the cafeteria manager, and the clinic worker. Please visit the following email for additional information: https://www.gcpsk12.org/domain/1794

     

    THE EASIEST AND FASTEST WAY TO APPLY FOR FREE OR REDUCED MEALS IS TO GO TO www.gwinnett.schoollunchapp.com . Free and reduced paper applications are also available at the local school. ONLY ONE application is needed per family. Please include all family members on the application. For new applications, parents are responsible for purchasing meals at the regular cost until notice of benefits is received, (usually within 10 days).

    Parents who provide their students with snacks should make certain that these are nutritious. We recommend fruits or vegetables. Students should not share snacks with others for safety reasons. No glass bottles, cans, or soft drinks are permitted to be brought  from home. To preserve and protect our carpets, only water is permitted in the classroom. 

    Students will not be able to bring commercial fast food out to the cafeteria. 

    Lunch with your child: Limitations to each lunch with your have been made for only specific occasions (Grandparents’ Day Luncheon, Holiday Day Luncheon, etc.) due to space in our cafeteria. 

    SPECIAL PROGRAMS 

    Counseling 

    Our counseling program includes individual counseling, small groups, and classroom guidance. The counselors are also available for parent and student conferences. 

    Care Team 

    The Care Team is a support program for students and their families to aid in the social, emotional, and economic well-being of families. 

    Extra-Curricular Activities 

    Math, Chorus, Robotics, Art clubs, and other student clubs meet as determined by the faculty sponsor. An updated list of clubs and activities is posted on our school website.  

    MULTI-TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORT

    Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a whole-school, data-driven, prevention-based framework for improving learning outcomes for every student through a layered continuum of evidence-based practices and systems. RTI, or "Response to Intervention", falls under the umbrella of MTSS. Our school has a team and the purpose of the MTSS Team is to assist classroom teachers in developing and  implementing a variety of teaching strategies that encourage and help identified students perform  successfully in the classroom. The MTSS Team (SST) can be comprised of the following: a teacher, school  counselor, administrator, school psychologist, and the parent. Others who are able to bring pertinent  information, may also be present at these meetings.

     

    NORCROSS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RULES 

    Norcross Elementary is a PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) School.  

    Norcross Elementary provides a safe, orderly environment that allows students to learn. Dedicated administrators, teachers, staff, eager students, and involved parents work together to create classrooms  with few disruptions where learning can thrive. 

    In order to pursue excellence in academic knowledge, skills, and behavior for each student, the following  expectations are in effect every day of the school year:

     

    Rewards and consequences are issued based on behavior. Teachers will communicate specific discipline  plans.  Please refer to the Gwinnett County Public Schools Student Handbook for additional information.

     

    The officers, employees and officials identified in this procedure/process/practice/manual/handbook are charged with using their personal judgment and deliberation in executing the functions and tasks set forth herein and nothing in the procedure/process/practice/manual/handbook should be construed or interpreted to create any ministerial duties on behalf of any officer, employee or official.