MISSION  STATEMENT

McNair’s staff, family and community’s mission is to prepare students for a

Changing global society by

Nurturing all students and providing an

Academically challenging,

Interdisciplinary curriculum that will enable students to be

Responsible citizens and life-long learners.
 
 

School Day

Beginning this school year, students will be in school from 8:25-2:45 on Mondays, Tuesday,

Thursdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays, the school day will be in school from 8:25-1:35.
 
 

School Cancellations

When school must be canceled or closed, the district superintendent’s office will notify local radio and television stations.

WFAI – 1230 AM  WNCN – TV – Channel 17

WFLB – 96.5 WRAL – TV – Channel 5

WFNC – 640 AM WTVD – TV – Channel 11

WQSM – 98 FM NEWS 14

WKML – 95.7 FM UNC – TV (PBS)

WRAZ (Fox 50)
 
 

Entering/Leaving the Building

Students will enter the classroom at 8:10 each morning. On extremely cold or rainy days the children may enter the building and go directly to the gym. Breakfast is available for breakfast students from 7:45-8:15.

All students must enter the school in a quiet and orderly manner. Third and fourth graders will enter the building using the door nearest their classrooms and use the sidewalks. Pre-K through 2^nd grade students will enter at the front of the building and are directed to their classrooms. The tardy bell rings at 8:25. If a student arrives after the tardy bell, a parent must sign the student in at the office before the student can go to the classroom. Late students should be escorted in the building by a parent and not dropped off to come in unescorted.

We appreciate your efforts to bring your child to school on time. Each child that enters their respective classroom late will miss opening day activities that set a foundation for learning for the day.
 
 

Signing Out /Absences

Please call the school by 8:30 if you know your child will be absent. On the first school day following an absence, students should bring a written excuse to school stating the specific reason for the absence. If you do not send a note with the student, the absence will be coded as unexcused. If a student is absent three or more days consecutively, a doctor’s note is required.

All students should be checked out no later than 2:30 pm through the front office on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and no later than 1:20 on Wednesdays. Your child will be called to the office when you arrive at school.  Students are not allowed to walk or ride bicycles home during school hours unless signed out and accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents arriving close to dismissal time will be asked to wait until after dismissal to receive their child.

All students are to go directly home when dismissed at 2:45. Students participating in the after school programs should be picked up immediately after the activity ends.

Parents should include all persons they grant permission to sign out their child as emergency contacts. No student will be released to an adult without parent permission.
 
 

School Attendance Policy

The Office of the Department of Defense General Counsel advises that only children who meet the statutory requirements reflected in DOD Directive 1342.16 may be legally enrolled in the Section 6 Schools and attendance is limited to eligible dependent children under the Public Law.

Absences and tardies will be closely monitored throughout the school year. All appropriate parties will be notified if absences or tardies become excessive (more than 5 days).
 
 

Withdrawals

Parents should notify the school as soon as they receive orders, or know they are leaving  Fort Bragg. Before the child’s last day of school, parents are to go to the school office to clear the student’s records, pick up a transfer card, and sign the record release form. It is helpful to leave a forwarding address if one is known.
 

Conferences

Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled regularly throughout the year. Contact your child’s teacher if you would like to schedule a conference at any other time.
 

Student Information

It is very important that we have accurate and up to date information on each student which would include correct address, home and work telephone numbers, and emergency contacts. In the event you have cellular telephone or pager numbers, we need that information as well. Emergency contact numbers should be for someone that resides in the immediate area.

If there is a change in any of your contact information, please be sure to let us know. Hopefully there will never be an emergency involving your child, but if so, we want to be able to locate you immediately.

Telephone Use

Students are not be permitted to use school phones to contact parents. A message will be delivered to your child, should you need to contact them.
 

Lost and Found

Lost and found articles are located in the blue box outside the Cafeteria. Money and valuable articles are turned into the office.
 
 

Behavior

The learning process can only be fostered when each student is capable of showing respect for himself, fellow students, teachers and administrators. When students are physically present on the campus, on a school bus, or participating in, or attending any school sponsored activity or event, the student is expected to adhere to the school board policies regarding conduct. Students should treat everyone in the same manner in which they expect to be treated.

In general students are to:

Comply with directions of teacher, principal and other authorized school personnel.

Be cooperative and courteous to all adults and other students.

Use appropriate language and behavior.

Respect self and others

Respect their property and the property of others.

Leave any toys, dangerous and valuable items at home.

Refrain from pushing, fighting, wrestling, tripping, or horse playing with other students.

Refrain from selling merchandise at school except for school sponsored items
 
 

Discipline

Teachers will review classroom behavior standards with their students. If necessary, a teacher will refer a student to the guidance counselor or the principal for inappropriate behaviors. In all cases involving disciplinary problems, school personnel will notify the parents.
 
 

Dress Code

At McNair, we rely on the good judgment of our parents to insure that their children are appropriately dressed with regards to the weather. “Heelies” are not permitted at McNair School.

We suggest that on the days your child has P.E. he/she wear tennis shoes and shorts, pants or sweat pants so that he/she can participate fully in all activities.

On Fridays we invite students to dress in our school colors, green and white. After school begins, the PTO will sell T-shirts and other “McNair Wear” items to interested students and parents.
 
 

Safety

Students walking to school should walk on the sidewalks and designated paths. Students should use the appropriate street crossings and should stay out of the woods at all times.

Bus students are expected to observe the rules of good behavior at all times. A list of bus rules and expectations will be sent home in your child packet on the first day of school. Sign and return the bottom portion of that form to your child’s teacher on the 2^nd day of school. If students do not follow bus rules he/she could be suspended from riding the bus.

Students may ride bikes to school if parents instruct him/her in bike safety and courtesy. If students ride bikes to school, he/she should lock the bikes on the bike racks after he/she arrives at school. The school is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen bikes. Students should walk their bikes on school grounds at all times. Skateboards and roller blades should not be brought to school.
 
 

Honor Roll

Each marking period students in 4^th grades are recognized for making the “A” Honor Roll by achieving all A’s on their report cards and the “A/B” Honor Roll for those students receiving all A’s and B’s for the marking period. Students must receive a Satisfactory marking in all special areas to qualify for the honor roll awards
 

Awards Assemblies

Each marking period we recognize those students who have made the Honor Roll, being nominated for the Terrific Kid Award, or starting with the second grading period, are eligible to receive the B.U.G. (Brought Up Grades) Award.

Students are recognized throughout the year for good academic work and citizenship. Each classroom teacher will select a student to be honored as the Student of the Month. A group photo is taken and displayed on our Student of the Month bulletin board as well as on our school website.
 
 

Academic Program

DoDEA/DDESS and the Fort Bragg School System mandate the overall academic program of McNair Elementary Schools. Curriculum materials are used and supplemented with additional resources. Classroom instruction is presented in a variety of ways that will enable students to master curriculum standards in a method that matches their learning styles.
 

Fine Arts

McNair students participate in music and art classes. These classes provide an avenue to create, explore, listen and develop an awareness of the student’s physical environment.

The music program provides opportunities for students to discover melody, rhythm, harmony, and more. Students are also encouraged to participate in the musical programs and activities outside of school.

The art program includes drawing, painting, printmaking, pottery, crafts and other experiences. Selected art work is displayed in the local cultural arts show at Cross Creek Mall to highlight their artistic abilities.
 

Physical Education

The P.E. program at McNair seeks to foster the total growth and development of each child through a developmental, highly individualized child-centered program. Children are recognized for self-discipline, self-responsibility, extra effort, and excellence.

Students participate in a wide variety of physical activities such as basic movement skills, rhythm/aerobics, individual fitness activities and team sports.
 
 

Guidance Counselor

Guidance programs are available to assist individuals and groups to develop social skills and a sense of self. The guidance counselor is not only a resource person for parents, staff, and students, but also a coordinator, consultant and liaison with outside agencies. In addition to providing individual and small group counseling, classroom guidance classes are held. The school counselor promotes motivational activities for students which may include B.U.G. (Bring Up Grades) and Terrific Kids.
 

Exceptional Children’s Program

Student identification and placement procedures are outlined in the Exceptional Children’s Procedure manual available through the school’s Case Study Committee (CSC). Placement is based on serving the child in the least restrictive, appropriate setting.
 
 

School Health Program

The school health program is a vital part of the total school operation. It provides a variety of services within the school setting that influences the health of the students.

The school nurse is a registered nurse available to screen students for vision or hearing deficits, and illnesses that need the evaluation of a physician. The nurse also offers counseling to students and parents requesting additional health information on particular health concerns.

Children who are sick and unable to remain in the classroom will be sent to the school nurse with a referral form. If the child has a fever, contagious ailment, or is too ill to stay at school, the parent or emergency contact will be called to pick up the child. Parents should make certain all contact phone numbers are kept up to date.

Students taking medication during school hours must do so in the nurse’s office. Students are not allowed to carry medication into the classrooms. All medicine taken during school hours must have a prescription label and parents must sign a permission form, which allows the school staff to administer it.

If a child is ill at home in the morning, the child should not be sent to school. The child should be kept at home and/or taken for evaluation by a physician if needed. When a student is referred to a physician by the nurse, a written referral will be made to the doctor. In some instances the school nurse will assist in obtaining an appointment for a child who needs to be seen as soon as possible.

It is the parent’s responsibility to keep the appointment, carry the referral to the doctor, and return the completed referral to the school nurse so the referral can be closed. Staff members will be informed on a “need to know” basis and the referral is kept in the child’s record.
 
 

Information Center

The InformationCenter provides a flexible media program that enriches the classroom programs and fulfills student and faculty needs. Students in grades K-1 may check out 1 book at a time. Students in grades 2-4 may check out 1-2 books, plus any resources needed for special assignments. Books are checked out for 5 school days and are due back the day students are scheduled to return to the information center. All books must be returned before more can be checked out. Students may not check out magazines or other resource materials (videos, sound books or AV equipment). Parents are welcome at any time and may check out up to 5 books. If a book is lost or damaged it must be replaced with a book of equal value. Holiday books can not be checked out overnight.

Students transferring from McNair must be cleared through the  Information Center before receiving final clearance from the main office.
 
 

Parent Teacher Organization

McNair School has a very active PTO. The PTO plays a pivotal role in their support of school programs and in promoting an educational partnership for students, staff and school officials.

A membership campaign is conducted at the beginning of the school year for a minimal membership fee. PTO meetings are held at least three times yearly. The PTO is involved in organizing many school activities throughout the year. Parents are encouraged to become involved in the PTO. As great parent leaders, you help make McNair School great!
 

Volunteers

Volunteers are needed and welcomed throughout the school. Volunteer applications are sent in August listing the many areas in which help is needed. If you have time to devote to your child’s school, we hope you will sign up to volunteer in classrooms and school sponsored activities.
 

When volunteering, you must sign in and out at the volunteer reception table in the main hallway. It is extremely important that the school maintains accurate records of volunteer hours. Volunteers are recognized each year during Volunteer Week. Volunteers are required to wear name tags during the time they are working in the building.
 

Social Security Numbers

Sponsors of students enrolled in Fort Bragg School must have a social security number on file. It is no longer required that we have a copy of the dependent’s social security card.
 

Parking

Parking at McNair is very limited. Cars are not permitted in front of the building when school and day care buses load and unload children in the morning and afternoon. There are marked overflow parking areas on each side of school. To avoid congestion in the parking lots please consider meeting your “walkers” at the corner of Honeycutt and Normandy. Students should use the sidewalks to enter and exit the building.
 
 

Staff members will be on duty to supervise students that are dropped off and picked up in the mornings and afternoons. Please do not leave your car unattended unless you are parked in a designated parking space. We must work together to make the parking lot safe and secure for our students. We feel confident that together we can accomplish this goal.
 

School Visits

The McNair staff welcomes parents and wants them to be involved in their child’s education. Parents must sign in and out of the school office when visiting and wear a visitor’s badge while at school.

If you need to talk to a staff member, we ask that you request an appointment time by sending a note with your child. The staff member will call or respond to the note to schedule an appropriate meeting time. We value the instructional time of students and ask that teachers are not interrupted while working with students. Interruptions take the teacher’s attention away from your child and the rest of the class.
 

Inclement Weather

Please prearrange pick up for your child in the event that school has to close early due to inclement weather. Also, discuss rainy day plans with your child. If your child and teacher know your inclement weather plan it will limit the number of phone calls the office receives.

Student Information

Please notify the school immediately of any information changes for your student. This includes address changes, name changes, emergency contact person changes, and home/work telephone number changes. This may be done by sending a note to your child’s teacher or calling the school office at 907-0207.
 
 

Cafeteria Procedures

McNair School serves breakfast and lunch each day. Students eating breakfast should arrive at 7:45AM (and no later than 8:10). Staff members will be available to supervise students eating breakfast. We ask parents to encourage your child to eat a well-balanced meal each day. Lunch choices include 2 meats (choose 1), 5 vegetables (choose 2), milk (white or chocolate) and dessert (occasionally). Ice cream and cookies are available at lunch for an additional cost.

Payment for breakfast and lunch can be made daily, weekly, biweekly, and monthly at school or via the internet at http://www.Lunchprepay.com. If a child is prepaying for breakfast or lunch, the money should be brought to the collection clerk in the morning. Prepayments must be made before 10:00 AM to ensure credit is properly given.

Students that do not have lunch money may charge that day’s lunch. The school does not allow students to charge lunch two days in a row. Parents must send the money in the next day.
 
 

Cafeteria Rules

1.Enter the serving line once.

2.Use silverware, napkins, etc. properly.

3.Do not share with others.

4.Eat only in the cafeteria.

5.Keep hands and feet to yourself.

6.Talk softly and pleasantly to the people at your table.

7.Refrain from running.

8.Clean up your own spills and trash.
 
 

Milk and Juice Break

Students are provided an optional milk/juice break during the day. Students can bring their own nutritious drink from home or they can choose to buy milk or juice at school. Soft drinks are not considered a nutritious drink. Envelopes are sent home each month for parents to pay for milk or juice. All milk and juice must be prepaid by the date on the envelope.

Credit for absences during the month will be given the following month. Please advise your child to select white milk for either snack or lunch, so that your child is not always choosing chocolate milk.
 

Lunch Guest

Parents are invited to have lunch with their child in the cafeteria during their designated lunch time. All adult lunches are a la carte and each item is priced individually.

The DoDEA Food Services Regulations prohibit it’s patrons to bring in outside food (McDonalds, KFC) to eat for school lunch.
 
 

Philosophy Statement:

The staff at McNair Elementary School believes that the use of appropriate homework benefits students as it reinforces student learning, develops good study habits and prepares each student for later years in school and promotes lifelong learning.
 

Homework Hints

Teachers use homework to reinforce and review curriculum content. Research shows that when homework is turned in to the teacher, graded, and discussed with students, it can improve students' grades and understanding of their schoolwork.

• Parents can assist with homework by providing a routine to complete homework. If possible, set up a quiet, comfortable study area with good lighting and the school supplies that your children need. It is critical that you show your children that you think homework is important. Ask to see your children's homework each day and discuss it with them to show support.
• The amount of homework varies by grade level.

Grades 3, 4, 5 - Thirty to sixty minutes, three to five times per week

• We recommend that all students read or be read to at home each day (This is in addition to any assigned homework). If your child consistently takes longer than the recommended time to complete homework, please contact your child's teacher.
• The amount of help you offer your child depends on each child's grade level, knowledge of skills and study habits. First, make sure the child understands the directions by completing a few problems together. Praise right answers, and show how to correct mistakes. Students should generally be able to complete the assignments independently.
• Teachers want students to learn from homework. Tell the teacher if your child thinks the homework is too easy or too hard. This will help the teacher match homework with student ability and maturity levels.
• Each grade communicates with parents on a consistent basis about their children's homework assignments, via an assignment sheet, homework folder, or other reporting methods.
• Avoid “hoovering” over your child while they work on homework. You do not want your child to be dependent on you to complete the tasks.
• Help older students organize their assignments by recording them on calendars or planners, along with due dates, dates turned in, etc.

page updated 9-3-08