STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK
Douglass Park Elementary School
34 Grand Street
Portsmouth, VA 23701-3086
Portsmouth City School Board
Mr. James E. Bridgeford, Chair
Dr. Elizabeth Daniels
Mr. James M. Hewitt, IV
Mr. Ned McCabe
Mr. B. Keith Nance, Sr.
Mr. Claude Parent
Mr. Ernest Reid
Dr. Mark M. Whitaker
Mrs. Costella Williams
Superintendent
Dr. David C. Stuckwisch
The Superintendent’s Cabinet
Dr. Patricia H. Fisher
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Mr. Dan Pendarvis
Assistant Superintendent for Budget and Planning
Mr. Joseph L. Wiggins
Executive Assistant to the Division Superintendent
The Principal
Mrs. Renee` Hailes
The Assistant Principal
Mrs. Robyn A. Whitaker
2
Douglass Park Elementary School
“Bearing the Child in mind”
34 Grand Street ∞ Portsmouth, VA 23701
(757) 393-8646 ∞ (757) 393-8286 –fax
Mrs. Renee’ Hailes, Principal
August 1, 2010
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to what promises to be a very exciting school year at Douglass Park
Elementary School. We are pleased to announce that Douglass Park Elementary is
once again “a fully accredited school”. Our goal is to continue to provide all
students with the opportunity to achieve academic success.
We strongly encourage you to take advantage of our Parent-Teacher Conference
Day, PTA meetings, and the availability of our teachers for conferences after
school. We pledge to you our full cooperation in making possible a safe school
environment, which will assist students in creating their own futures. We ask
The information you will find in the rest of this handbook should answer most
questions you may have about the Douglass Park Elementary School experience.
If you have questions that are not answered in this handbook, feel free to call me or
other staff. We will gladly find the answers for you or guide you to locate the
answer.
Again, I welcome you to 2010 – 2011 school year and hope you have the best year
ever.
Sincerely,
Renee` Hailes, Principal
Robyn Whitaker, Assistant Principal
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THE HISTORY
OF
DOUGLASS PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The original Douglass Park building was built during World War II for Federal
employees, primarily the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Originally, it was the old
Norfolk County High School in what was then Norfolk County. After the war,
Portsmouth annexed this section of Norfolk County. Douglass Park School,
named after Frederick Douglass, a famous black freedom fighter, was erected in
the early 1950’s with twelve rooms, a library, and a cafetorium. In the early
1960’s the community mushroomed and an additional sixteen rooms were
added. Finally, in the 2001-2002 school year Douglass Park Elementary School
under went additional renovations which included additional classrooms, a new
library, a multipurpose room, air-conditioning and state-of-the-art technology.
The 1993-94 school year marked the beginning of Portsmouth’s first
elementary mathematics, science, and technology magnet program at Douglass
Park. The program was on the cutting edge of teaching innovations with
“hand on-minds on” manipulatives, computer labs, new math programs, live
animals, extracurricular clubs, NASA training, extensive field trip experiences,
and guest lectures. Douglass Park was fondly referred to as “Douglass Park
Earth & Space Elementary School” to reflect this innovation program.
In the spring of 1999, the Douglass Park Elementary family elected to
implement the School Development Program (SDP) model of school reform. As
the first CoZi Community School in Portsmouth, our school is part of the
collaborative effort launched by two nationally known school reform leaders,
4
James P. Comer, professor of child psychiatry at Yale Child Study Center, and
Edward Zigler, professor of psychology at Yale University. Cozi is a reform
model that links early childhood education, the school’s academic program,
parents, teachers, and community support services together to make sure
children are ready for school.
DOUGLASS PARK QUICK FACTS
The staff of Douglass Park Elementary School, in partnership with our entire
community, is committed to an environment that promotes lifelong learning.
We accept the challenge to educate our students to the highest levels of
academic performance. We will provide a safe and orderly climate where
students will learn and grow to their highest potential.
SCHOOL SONG
SCHOOL SLOGAN
Dear Douglass Park
Dear Douglass Park
How Proud We are of You!
We’re Loyal Sons and
Daughters True
All Honor Now is Due
“Bearing the Child in
Mind”
SCHOOL MASCOT
Cozy Bear
SCHOOL COLORS
Green and Yellow/Gold
School Motto:
EXPECT SUCCESS
Dear Douglass Park
Dear Douglass Park
We Love You Very True
We Think Of You Each Day
and Night
In Everything We Do
To the tune of: Auld Lang
Syne
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SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Douglass Park is pleased to offer a number of special programs that extend and
enhance regular classroom instruction.

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


Accelerated Math
Accelerated Reader/STAR
Beazley Foundation
Breakthrough to Literacy
FASTT Math
Orchard Math Program
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
Family Redirection
The WRITE Connection
Beyond the Bell Tutorial Programs
Lightspan
Young Author’s
EDUCATION FIRST INITIATIVE GRANT
On March 22, 2007, Douglass Park Elementary School was awarded $25,000 grant from
Grove Baptist Church. The overall goal of our grant is to increase the number of students
achieving success on future math assessments through improved instruction and increased
student/parental technology participation. We propose a program that will:
strengthen the integration of technology, manipulatives, and related resources
within our mathematics curriculum through on-going staff development and
evaluation (emphasis on Grades 4 and 6).
provide a quality teacher mentor program for staff new to teaching, new to the
school, and new to a particular grade. Focus upon a collaborative model to enhance
learning in the integration of math and technology.
provide technology/math workshops for parents/students to benefit the home, the
school, and the community.
develop a “Pathway to Success” mentoring program for over-age Grade Six AfricanAmerican males with low math scores.
The Education First Initiative Grant has made it possible to continue to offer
some of these wonderful opportunities this year.
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PARTNERSHIPS
Douglass Park could not have accomplished its goals without the help of many
groups and individuals who contributed funds, volunteered services, or worked
with school personnel in cooperative educational projects. We are appreciative
of the contributions made by these various partnerships currently or within
the last five years.
95.7 R&B
Atlantic Coast Club
Beazley Foundation
Boys & Girls Club of South East Virginia
Child & Family Services
Community United Presbyterian Church
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
Landmark Foundation
Noble Street Baptist Church
Norfolk State University
Old Dominion University
Portsmouth Coast Guard- Electrical Support Unit
Portsmouth Family Resource Center
SUPSHIP, Norfolk Naval Shipyard
The Virginian – Pilot
U.S.S George Washington
Verizon
Virginia Parent Information & Resource Center
Yale University
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DOUGLASS PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Arrival & Dismissal Schedule
Time
7:50 AM
7:50 AM – 8:05 AM
8:05 AM
8:05 AM – 8:15 AM
8:15 AM
2:30 PM
2:30 PM - 2:35 PM
2:35 PM
2:35 PM
2:35 PM
3:00 PM or
After Buses Leave
Task
Walkers are not permitted on school
grounds prior to this time.
Breakfast Students Report
School Opens - First Bell Rings
Opening School Activities
Attendance
Morning Work
Announcements
Tardy Bell – Instruction Begins
Afternoon Announcements
Final classroom call for student pick-up
requests
Kindergarten walkers and car riders for
parent pick-up are escorted to the
cafeteria
Van riders to the doors at the corner of
main hall and G3 hall
Bus Dismissal Begins (Students will remain
in their classrooms until their bus number is
called.)
Walkers and car riders will remain in their
classrooms and be dismissed from the
Grand Street doors
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SAFETY ALERT
Douglass Park Elementary School opens at 8:05 A.M. daily to
accept students. Parents are strongly encouraged not to drop
off children before 7:50 A.M. Children who walk to school
should not leave home prior to 7:45 AM. There will not be
adult supervision available to monitor students arriving
before 7:50 A.M.
To ensure the welfare and safety of all children, please
observe our official opening time.
School Opening Time
8:05 A.M.
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DISMISSAL POLICY
 Parents requesting early dismissal of their children should report to the
main office before 2:45 P.M. Parents are asked to sign their children out in
the main office and wait patiently for their children to come to the office.
Students will only be released to an adult. This procedure is for the safety
and security of the students and staff.
 Parents arriving after 2:45 P.M. must wait until walkers are released.
Students will not be paged to the office once we begin calling buses. NO
EXCEPTIONS!!!
 Kindergarten – Sixth Grade walker and pick up students will be released
from the Grand Street exit after all buses have been called at approximately
3:00 P.M. We strongly encourage all parents who pick up their children to
allow them to come out with the walkers at 3:00 P.M.
Our goal is to effectively use the instructional time
during the day.
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ACCIDENT INSURANCE
An offered accident insurance will be made available. We encourage parents to
take this insurance out on their children. You will receive a letter explaining the
cost and the coverage.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is essential to a student’s success in school. This includes
coming to school on time. The Bylaws, Policies and Procedures for the School
Board, City of Portsmouth Student Absences, states:
“A student absent from a class or from school for twenty (20) or more days,
(excused or unexcused) may be denied credit for that school year”.
You can assist us by:
Completing the Student Emergency Form. This form provides us with a
contact telephone number where you or another responsible adult can be
reached to notify you of a non-scheduled absence of your child. Once you
receive this form from your child, please return it to the school as soon as
possible.
Providing a number where you can be reached at all times. If you do not
have a telephone, you must give the school a number of someone who
can pick up your child in case of illness or emergency. The school cannot
take your child to the hospital unless a parent is present.
Sending a note to your child’s teacher on the day before an appointment
takes place.
If she/he will be late or absent due to a scheduled
appointment, this will assist the teacher in planning on the late or nonarrival of the student.
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Excused Absences
Excused absences include:
illness
death in the family
pressing emergencies
When your child returns to school, a note must be sent to the teacher including
the following:
Date of note
Reason for absence or tardiness
Date of absence
Signature of guardian
All absences will be unexcused until a note is received. The parent of any child
who has been absent for five (5) consecutive days will be sent a letter from the
teacher reminding them of Virginia’s School Attendance Law. Students who are
tardy should have a note signed by the parent stating the date and reason for the
tardiness. Continual tardiness may result in a required parent conference or
suspension from school.
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS
Every effort is made by our custodial staff to keep our school safe and clean.
Students are expected to join these efforts and share in the responsibility for
the care of our buildings and grounds.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Any change of address and/or telephone number during the school year must
be reported to the classroom teacher and office immediately. This will ensure
the timely notification of you in case your child becomes ill and the accurate
delivery of important information regarding your child.
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CONFERENCES
We are aware that a constant line of communication must be maintained
between the classroom teacher and the parent to create a successful student.
However, we are unable to permit conferences and “peek-ins” during daily
instructional time. The teachers belong to the students from 8:05 a.m. - 2:45
p.m. However, the teacher will be happy to meet with you before or after
school. Please arrange a mutual convenient time by sending a note to your
child’s teacher or by calling the school at (757) 393-8646 to arrange an
appointment. Parents can expect to be kept informed as to how their child is
progressing during the school year.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
Please be sure that you and your child become familiar with the Portsmouth
Public School Student Conduct and Discipline Book. This booklet lists the rules
for conduct, dress code, and discipline. A copy of the Student Code of Conduct
Book is sent home the first day of school. An attached slip needs to be signed
by the parent/guardian and returned by the student the next day. A copy of our
School Wide Discipline Plan will be sent home annually.
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DRESS CODE POLICY
Children are expected to dress in a manner that does not interfere with the
normal elementary school program, which includes participation in physical
education activities. The primary purpose of coming to school is to obtain a
foundation for the creation and development of a proper attitude toward
education. Thusly, student attire impacts the educational climate and process.
Attire that is acceptable for social settings may not be acceptable for
educational settings.
“Basic Look”
The Douglass Park Elementary School Improvement Team voted to adopt an
optional “Basic Look” for the students. The “Basic Look” consists of:
 White top (blouse, t-shirt, sweatshirt, collar shirt, dress shirt etc).
Tops must be tucked in bottoms.
 Navy blue or black bottom (skirt, pants, jumper, knee shorts, etc.).
 Pants with belt loops. Belts must be worn with pants.
 Clogs, flip flops, and Heelys (skate shoes) are not permitted.
We encourage children to dress for success in the 21st century by wearing the
“Basic Look”. This will discourage teasing, behavior, and discipline problems
and cut financial cost for the caregiver.
EARLY DISMISSAL AND INCLEMENT WEATHER
Please note the dates on the school calendar when the school closes early for
parent-teacher conferences or staff development.
Inclement weather
conditions such as snow, tornadoes, or other life or health threatening
situations may at times require the immediate closing of school.
Announcements of early dismissal or closing of school are made on local radio
and television stations. Parents are encouraged to make arrangements for
their children’s care when school closes early for any reason. Please discuss
these procedures with your children.
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EARLY RELEASE SCHEDULE
November 24, 2010
December 22, 2010
January 31, 2011
February 28, 2011 (Parent/Teacher Conference Day)
June 16, 2011
12:20 PM Dismissal
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS
Students new to the Portsmouth Public School System must:
 Show a birth certificate.
 Show a social security card with a number.
 Have a physician complete a Certificate of School Health
Examination (form MCH213C).
 Up-to-date shot record.
HOMEWORK/SIGNED PAPERS
Homework is an important part of the educational experience. Please refer to
the Student Homework Guide developed by the Portsmouth Public Schools for
the homework policy.
INTERRUPTION OF CLASS
Classes will not be interrupted between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 2:45 P.M.
The first duty of the teachers is to the students. Too much valuable instructional
time can be lost through interruptions. If possible, please schedule medical
appointments around instructional time. Conferences with teachers are
discouraged between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 2:45 P.M.
LATE ARRIVAL
Students arriving after 8:30 A.M. are required to report to the office with a note
from the parent or with the parent to be counted in attendance before going to
class. Parents are strongly encouraged to sign tardy students in. Consistent
tardiness will be monitored.
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LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY
We understand there are times when you have situations that arise that require
your attention before the end of the school day and you must come to pick up
your child early. If you know in advance that you or some will be picking up
your child. Whatever the case may be, we ask that you do the following:
Prior appointments:
 Write a note to the teacher, stating the reason for the early release, time of
pick up, who will be picking your child up and the date.
Walk-in’s

Report to the main office to sign out your child.
The child will be called down upon your arrival. We will only release your child
to persons authorized by you to have your child. In some instances, we may
require identification if we do not recognize the persons asking for the child.
TELEPHONE REQUESTS
ARE NOT HONORED!
NOTE: In unusual and confidential circumstances, please alert the office staff if
the need arises regarding your child’s safety relating to any dismissal issues.
Teachers as well as office staff personnel should be informed of these unusual
circumstances.
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LOADING AND UNLOADING CHILDREN
Parents are urged to drive with caution when loading and unloading children at
the school, especially in inclement weather. Please obey the traffic signs and do
not block buses or driveways. Obey all directional signs, those in front of the
school and in the parking lots.
LUNCH
Lunch may be purchased daily or weekly by putting money on your child’s
lunch account. Breakfast is available each morning. Ice-cream and other snack
items are available during lunch. Students are not permitted to bring items out
of the cafeteria.
Charged lunches are approved only in cases of emergency. The charge must be
paid the following school day. An application for free or reduced price lunches
may be obtained in the office:
The “You Left Your Lunch at Home” program will continue to be implemented
this school year. This program is aimed at decreasing the number of student
lunch charges.
Prices effective 7/1/10:
Cafeteria prices: Daily Lunch (including milk)
Milk only
Adult Lunch
$1.25
.30
$2.75
NOTE TO PARENTS
DO NOT ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO BRING CANNED SODAS OR GLASS
BOTTLES TO SCHOOL. THEY WILL BE TAKEN FOR SAFETY REASONS.
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MEDICATIONS
If a student must take prescription medication at school, a formal permission
slip, signed by the parent, must be completed and filed with the nurse stating
the name of the medication, amount to be given, time of day to be administered
and the length of use it is to be used. This includes all prescription medication.
Over-the-counter medication (ex. Aspirin, Tylenol, cough syrup) must have a
note signed by the doctor before it can be administered to the child. This will
also be on file with the nurse.
School Board policy states:
“…medication must be in the original container and
Delivered to the principal, school nurse, or school
Division designee by the parent/guardian of the
Student”.
Please note that medication will not be given unless the procedures outlined
above have been followed.
PARENT - TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)
The PTA invites all parents to help in our volunteer efforts. Everyone is
welcome and all are encouraged to attend the PTA board meetings. They are
generally held on the second Tuesday of every month in the school’s
cafetorium. Notices will be sent home prior to the scheduled PTA meetings.
When you attend meetings we recommend parking near the cafetorium.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are issued each nine weeks are supplemented by progress reports
at the midpoint for each marking period. Students are evaluated on
achievement, work-student habits, attitude, and behavior.
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PUPIL PROGRESS REPORTS
MARKING - KEY KINDERGARTEN through SECOND GRADES
A
B
C
D
F
O
-
Outstanding: Consistently exceeds grade level
standards and objectives
Satisfactory: Consistently meets grade level
standards and objectives.
Needs Improvement: Experiences difficulty
meeting
grade level standards and objectives.
Unsatisfactory: Does not meet grade level
standards and objectives.
Not Evaluated at this Time
MARKING CODE - GRADES 3-6
S
-
N
-
U
-

-
-
Outstanding progress, superior work
Good, better than average accomplishments
Average progress and accomplishments
Poor but passing
Unsatisfactory
(BELOW)
94-100
84-93
74-83
68-73
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TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY OF BUS CHILDREN
Transportation is furnished to children who live one-half mile or more from the
school. Children are assigned to a bus and a bus stop. Unless there is a letter, in
writing from the parent/guardian requesting a change in the bus assignment
and it has been approved by the principal or assistant principal, students will
ride their assigned bus. Telephone calls are not acceptable. Buses will only
pick up and drop off at the designated locations as outlined by the Portsmouth
Department of Transportation. Please note that UNAUTHORIZED persons are
NOT permitted to ride the bus under any circumstances.
Riding the bus is a privilege and should be enjoyable. Improper conduct on the
bus can result in your privileges being suspended temporarily or permanently.
If you discover that your child experiences a problem on the bus please speak
to the driver. Students are expected to follow the following safety rules while
riding the bus:
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RIDERS ARE:
1.
under the supervision of the bus driver and school staff while
loading and unloading.
2.
to use only the assigned bus and bus stops.
3.
to be at the bus stop on time.
4.
to remain seated, facing the front when the bus is in motion.
5.
to keep their heads and limbs inside the bus at all times.
6.
not to play rough, push, or make loud noises on the bus.
7.
not to use profane or indecent language.
8.
not to litter on the bus.
9.
not to throw object on, out or at the bus.
10. not to use or possess tobacco, drugs, or alcohol on the bus.
IF A STUDENTS FAILS TO ADHERE TO ANY OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS SET
FORTH, IT MAY RESULT IN A SUSPENSION OF BUS PRIVILEDGES. THEREFORE, THE
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHILD ARRIVING TO SCHOOL IN A TIMELY MANNER WILL BE
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENT/GUARDIAN.
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL
Visitors are welcome to the school. However, for the safety and protection of
students and staff, all persons entering the building are required to report to
the office and sign in to receive an identification badge which is to be displayed
while in school. This includes parents, staff, and other School Board employees.
All visitors are requested to enter and exit through the main entrance of the
school.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers in our Public Schools provided invaluable services to our students. If
you would like to volunteer at Douglass Park, please contact the office at (757)
393-8646 and let us know when you would be available. Please share your
talents and skills with us. We welcome your assistance!!
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WALKING STUDENTS
Teach your child the route you wish him/her to take to and from school.
Remind your child to walk on sidewalks, cross at street corners with the traffic
guards and observe all traffic lights. Walkers should arrive to school no earlier
than 7:50 AM.
WELLNESS POLICY STATEMENT
The Portsmouth Public Schools recognizes the link between student health
and learning and desires to provide a comprehensive program promoting
health eating and physical activity in division students.
NUTRITION GUIDELINES
The nutritional content of foods and beverages donated for class parties or other
school events should meet the same nutrition guidelines as for food items sold at
school. Snacks served during the school day will make a positive contribution to
the student’s diet and health.
Beverages
100% fruit juices or fruit juice drinks with a minimum of 20% fruit
juice, water, diet drinks, sports drinks, and low-fat or non-fat milk.
Snacks
400 calories or less per item.
No more that 35% of the calories from fat (except nuts and seeds).
No more that 15% of the calories from saturated fat per serving.
No more that 35% weight by sugar.
Celebrations
Meet the nutrition guidelines in the Wellness Policy.
Fundraisers
Non food (stationery, balloons, etc. rather than food based fundraisers).
That promotes physical activity.
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DATES TO REMEMBER
September
6th
Labor Day
th
7
Students Return to School
7-10
English and Math Assessments Administered
th
13
Encore begins
th
20
PALS Testing (Grades 1-3)
th
28
PTA Meeting/Open House
October
1st
Last Day for Pals Testing
6-7
4 ½ Weeks Benchmark Testing (paper/Pencil)
8th
Progress Reports Go Home
th
11
Conference Day (12:00 PM – 7:00 PM) No School for Students
th
18 -29 PALS Testing (Kindergarten)
19th
Staff Development Day – No School for Students
th
26
PTA Meeting
November
2nd
Teacher Workday No School for Students
8-19
1st Nine Weeks Benchmark Testing (0nline grades 3-6)
11th
Veterans Day School Closed
th
15
Picture Day
th
16
PTA Meeting/ Grades K-2 SOL Night /Spaghetti Night
17th
Report Cards Go Home
th
24
Early Release
25-26 Thanksgiving Holiday School Closed
30th
Honor Roll Assemblies (K-2) & (3-6)
December
14th
PTA/Winter Program
15-16 4 ½ Weeks Benchmark Testing (paper/pencil)
17th
Progress Reports Go Home
nd
22
Early Release
23-31 Winter Break School Closed
22
January
3rd
Students Return to School from Winter Break
11-12 5th Grade Mock Writing Test
13th
Make-up Picture Day (all students who did not take a picture)
th
17
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day School Closed
18-28 2nd Nine Weeks Benchmark Testing
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
20th
25th
31st
18th – G3-4 (Reading)
19th – G5-6 (Reading)
20th – G3-4 (Math)
21st – G5-6 (Math)
24th – G5 Writing & Make-ups
25th – G3-4 (Social Studies)
26th – G5-6 (Social Studies)
27th – G3-4 (Science)
28th – G5-6 (Science)
Parent Workshop, 9:00 a.m. – Sucessful Readers
PTA Meeting/ Grades 3-6 SOL Night
Early Release
February
2nd
Report Cards Go Home
15th
PTA/King & Queen Coronation
st
21
President’s Day - School Closed
th
28
Parent Teacher Conference Day Early Release
March
4th
7th
9th
9-10
15th
Progress Reports Go Home
5th Grade SOL Writing Test (Multiple Choice)
5th Grade SOL Writing Test (Direct Writing)
4 ½ Weeks Benchmark Testing (paper/pencil)
PTA Meeting
April
5-15
8th
17th
18-22
3rd Nine Weeks Benchmark Testing
Report Cards Go Home
PTA Meeting
Spring Break School Closed
23
May
2-13
10th
13th
16-27
31st
PALS Testing
PTA Meeting
SOL Testing
Progress Reports Go Home
SOL Testing Window
Memorial Day
June
16th
17th
Students’ Last Day of School Early Release
Report Cards Mailed Home, 2008
May, 2009 June, 2009
March, 2009
September, 2008
April, 2009
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