Introduction: Southwood Elementary School Parent Handbook

Welcome to a new year at Southwood Elementary School!  This handbook has been developed to

provide useful information about our school to you.  In this handbook, you can find information that promotes a safe and sound learning environment, that supports you and your child, and that clearly communicates school routines and policies. It also provides guidance on ways to visit the schools; methods to contact school personnel using email, phone and notes; how to schedule conferences and make the most of them; and where and how to get help when you need it. We suggest you read it carefully and keep it so you can refer to it during the year. The handbook also is posted on the district website at www.lenoir.k12.nc.us; then click on the Parents link.

 

Parents (including legal guardians and legal custodians) have a critical role in the education of their children and in our schools. Years of research and numerous studies reveal that the children of parents who are involved in their education do better in school and in life than the children of parents who are not involved, regardless of the socioeconomic status of the family. We encourage you to participate in school activities as they occur during the year and support education in your home.

 

On page 16, we have provided some recommended strategies that we hope you can use at home.  We value our school’s diverse population and celebrate the varied contributions each student and parent offers. Parents are encouraged to learn about the educational program, the educational goals and objectives of the district, and their own child’s educational progress.  We are a Title 1 school and we also encourage you to participate in the development of our Title 1 Plan and all Title1 activities.

 

At Southwood, we strive to make parents feel comfortable in making inquiries and will do our best to be responsive to your concerns. Regular contact between parents and school personnel, effective communication, and teamwork are essential components of student success. Communication is most effective when parents and teachers recognize that each has important information to share, will listen to the other carefully, and acts in a courteous and respectful manner. It is our expectation that all members of our school community will model civility and good manners.

 

Please use this handbook as a guide. If you cannot find the information you need, please contact

school staff members as indicated on the beginning page. We look forward to joining you in working toward the optimal achievement of all students.

 

Your children we need to be made aware of all school and classroom rules.  Our rules are designed to insure their safety and to promote learning.  Much thought has gone into the development of these rules.  They may be different from what other school do, but they are designed to meet our specific needs.  If you have questions or concerns about why certain rules are in place or if you have suggestions on how we can improve our policies please feel free to contact me.  It is important that the children learn the value of everyone having to follow school rules, so I am asking that you please set a good example for them.