Student Handbook

The staff at East Wilkes High School will offer a rigorous academic program based on high standards for student performance.  The NCDPI Standards will be the basis for our curricular offerings.  Our staff will use current best practices in their strategies and assessments to plan excellent learning experiences.  Students are expected to do their best every day.  Additional opportunities for advanced level studies will be offered and encouraged as students select such courses of study. 

Grading

All grade reports for grades 9-12 shall be made using numerical grades.  Local Board policy sets the grading system as follows:

Grade of A:  90-100= 4.0 

Grade of B:  80-89= 3.0 

Grade of C:  70-79= 2.0 

Grade of D:  60-69= 1.0 

Grade of F:   < 59= 0.0 

Effective with students entering 9th grade in the school year 2015, a new weighting scale will apply to honors and college-level classes. Honors credit beyond standard weights will carry an additional .5 quality point and any college-level course (AP, community college, or university) will carry an additional 1.0 quality point. The maximum credits earned would be 4.5 for an “A” in honors and 5.0 for an “A” on a college-level course. Upperclassmen will continue with the current weighting system through graduation.

Report cards are distributed on a 9-week basis and shall be reported using equivalent letter and/or numerical grades.  Parents and students will also receive 4 1/2 week progress reports from each class to communicate student performance.  

*Students that receive an “F” in a course must repeat the course with acceptable coursework as determined by their teacher.  Students that make an “INC” (Incomplete) in a course must complete a minimum of 20 hours of coursework as directed by the teacher and/or make-up the time missed as directed by the school administrator.  All Incompletes must be made up within 9 weeks of the second.  An “INC” will become an “F” if effort is not made to meet these requirements.  Incompletes at the end of 2nd semester must be made-up during summer dates to be announced.

Exams

All teachers will be prepared to administer comprehensive final exams in all courses. Students that do not meet exam exemption standards must take final exams.  All students must take EOC Exams and State Required CTE Post-Assessments when enrolled in such courses as mandated by the state. End of Course Exams mandated this school year: English II, NC Math I, Math III, and Biology.  Most CTE Courses have state required post assessments, but some are credential or performance based.  Teachers will communicate this information with students. 

**Exams will always be during the last 5 days of the semester.  Please plan accordingly. 

Exams will count 20% of the semester grade.  

• All 10th Grade students take the Pre- ACT assessment
• All 11th grade students take the ACT assessment
• All CTE Completers who are 12th grade students take the WorkKeys assessment.
• All students who take AP courses should plan to take the AP Exams administered in May.  

Optional Testing

Students may elect to take the following tests: (Students must register for these on their own, but may see a school counselor for help.)

• PSAT recommended for 10th and 11th grade
• SAT recommended for 11th and 12th grade
• SAT Achievement recommended for 11th and 12th grade at the completion of the subject area course.

Exam Exemption Standards

1. With written permission from the parent, guardian or custodian, a student may be exempt from a teacher-made exam if he/she:

1. misses no more than four class periods AND has no more than 3 tardies per semester with an “A” average.
2. misses no more than three class periods AND has no more than 3 tardies per semester with a “B” average.
3. misses no more than two class periods AND has no more than 3 tardies per semester with a “C” average.
4. misses no more than one class period AND has no more than 3 tardies per semester with a “D” average.

1. Any student that qualifies for exam exemption may choose to take the exam.
2. School-related absences will not count against a student’s exam exemption.
3. A student’s privilege to be exempted under this policy will be forfeited if the student has been assigned to In-School Suspension and/or Out-of-School Suspension for disciplinary actions.
4. Teacher-made tests do not include any developed and administered by NCDPI (i.e. EOC, CTE, field tests, etc.), or any AP exams.
5. Students enrolled in AP courses will still be required to take the AP exam.
6. Students will be counted absent during class periods for which they are exempt if they do not attend school for state reporting purposes and safety.

**Students and Parents:  Students will not be allowed to check out during the exam period. 

**Students must bring a parent note in order to check out after the exam session is over. Phone calls will not be accepted to check out during exams.

Field Trips

Students may occasionally be off campus in connection with their classes. In order to participate in a community based learning opportunity, students must meet the following criteria:  a passing average in all classes.  Students will submit a Field Trip Verification form to the teacher(s) sponsoring the community based learning opportunity.  Field Trip Verification forms must be submitted and approved 2 weeks prior to any overnight field trip.  Teachers are encouraged to use this opportunity to create a Contract for Compliance with students outlining what they must do in order to be eligible for the field trip opportunity.

Promotion Requirements to Enter the Next Grade Level

9th Grade: Promotion from the 8th Grade

10th Grade:  6 units of credit earned

11th Grade:  13 units of credit earned

12th Grade:  20 units of credit earned

Honesty in Student Work

Honesty, integrity and responsibility are expected from all students in all subjects at all times.  Dishonesty in school work (tests, quizzes, homework, projects, etc….) is strictly prohibited.  Consequences for dishonesty in one’s commitment to our school’s academic honor system may include:  a zero for the grade, parent notification, and/or disciplinary action by the teacher and/or administration. Students will be asked to sign the Academic Integrity Code at the conclusion of this handbook.

Scholarships

Seniors are encouraged to inquire of all scholarship opportunities by asking their teachers, club sponsors and their counselor.  Seniors at East Wilkes are eligible to apply for, and may be nominated for, a variety of scholarships.  Many local scholarships are awarded by committee using established criteria to select the recipients.  Underclassmen are also encouraged to begin researching for scholarships.  All students are encouraged to keep their CFNC account up to date each semester.  The counseling department publishes a Student Canvas Page, on our website, Facebook and Twitter, with information, deadlines and suggestions for seniors.  

Class Rank / Marshals

Students will be ranked according to a weighted grading system.  Top students will be offered an opportunity to speak during the graduation.  Class ranking is also used to determine the junior marshals.   For Junior Marshals, the weighted GPA will be calculated at the end of the 1st semester of the junior year for all juniors.  The marshals will be determined starting with the student having the highest weighted GPA and continuing down the list until the appropriate number of students have been chosen. Tied rankings may result in more than 12 marshals being selected.  The top seniors and junior marshals will not be recognized by their class rank. 

Honor Graduates

Students who have earned a cumulative, weighted grade point average of 3.5 or better will be designated Honor Graduates.  Computation of the GPA will be made at the end of the first semester of the senior year and will be verified just before graduation at the end of the second semester.

Exceptional Children’s Program

East Wilkes High School offers a complete program for all of our students.  Any student/parent that needs to obtain information about programs for exceptional students may contact the Exceptional Children’s Dept. at the Wilkes County Board of Education, 613 Cherry Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 (Phone:  336-667-1121).

Schedule Changes

A great deal of work has taken place to ensure that students are assigned classes they chose during the registration process.  School officials worked during the summer to develop the schedule and make necessary adjustments for students.  Student schedules have been developed from courses chosen by students and parents.  Changes in student schedules will be made in only rare situations and at the principal’s discretion.

Transferring / Dropping Out of School

Students wishing to transfer from East Wilkes High School should contact the principal for a withdrawal form.  Students are not dismissed from school until all responsibilities have been fulfilled (e.g. fees, books, etc…).  Students may only move once per school year within our school district unless there is a legal change in domicile/residence.  Dropping out of school is not an option—please see an administrator, teacher or counselor if you are considering leaving school.  Students that drop out of school and request to re-enter East Wilkes must complete a successful semester in the Turning Points program.  Students will also lose their driver's license when dropping out of school prior to the age of 18.

College Day For Seniors

Seniors may receive one excused absence from school for visits to a college or technical school of their choice with prior approval from the principal.  No college day visitations will be permitted during the month of May.  Visits to Surry Community College or Wilkes Community College should be made without missing classes during a school day.  An approval form must be picked up from your counselor, filled out, fully signed and returned to your counselor two weeks prior to the day of the visit.  Verification from the college must be presented to the counselor upon your return.  An excused slip form will then be issued for your day off campus.  

Media Center

Our Media Center is a quiet learning center for students to research, assimilate data and use various resources in order to produce quality materials/presentations.  It is imperative that the learning atmosphere be respected by all.  The Media Center is open from 7:30 – 3:45 p.m. daily.  Books may be checked out for a two-week period.  Reference books/materials are to remain in the media center.  Fees must be accessed on any lost, damaged or overdue books/materials.  Students with overdue books and fines may lose privileges:  parking pass revoked, extra-curricular activities suspended, no field trip permission granted. 

Attendance Procedures

Public Law 115-C-378 requires that every parent, guardian, or other person in the State having charge or control of a child between the ages of 7 and 16 to make certain that the child attends school continuously as long as school is in session.  It is illegal for any person to encourage, entice or counsel any child to be absent from school unlawfully. 

The principal, or designee, shall notify parents when students accumulate excessive absences.  Excused and unexcused absences count toward the total number of absences for a student.   

Parents and guardians are required to notify the school of the reason for the absence of the children under their control. The principal or superintendent has the right to excuse a child from temporary absence at school for sickness or other unavoidable causes that do not conflict with State law.

*Note: Students absent for more than two class periods on a given day may not participate in after-school activities including athletics, dances, clubs, etc….

A student must be present for two complete class periods to be considered present in school for a given day.  It is possible to be present in one or more classes for a given day and yet be absent from school on that same day due to the calculation of PowerSchool and the specific classes.  

Acceptable reasons for absences that may be excused are:

• Personal injury or illness
• Quarantine or isolation
• Death in the immediate family
• Medical or dental appointments (please stagger to student’s academic interest)
• Court or administrative proceedings
• Religious observance

We do not excuse absences for “educational” trips

Excuse Notes

Students that are absent must bring an excuse note written by their parent/legal guardian to the front office between 7:15 a.m. and 7:40 a.m.  The note must have the date(s) of the absence(s), reason for the absence(s), phone number where parents may be reached and a parent signature.  Doctor, dental, etc… notes should also be attached if applicable.  “No note” will result in an unexcused absence(s).  *Students must arrive early enough to obtain an excuse note and make it to class on time.

Attendance Appeals

Wilkes County High Schools Board Policy:  A student shall lose credit for absences beyond six (6) unless the student makes up all work required by the teacher, completes the semester with a passing average (not counting the final exam grade), and makes a grade of 70 or higher on the final exam.  Students will be required to appeal at the end of each semester for credit to be restored.  Credit will not be restored unless the above described criteria are met.  Parents and students will be responsible for maintaining records for excused/unexcused absences presented at the appeal hearing.

**Please read and understand this policy carefully.  Students will be held accountable based on our district and state guidelines.  Please refer to our school calendar when making appointments. 

Arrival on Campus

Students may not arrive prior to 7:15 a.m.  Students arriving on campus between 7:15 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. must report to the cafeteria. Due to safety concerns, beginning this year, students will not be allowed to sit in their vehicles for an extended period of time.  During this time (7:30-7:45 am) the courtyard is off limits.  At the 7:30 am bell, classrooms will open and students may enter at this time.  All students are expected to be in their first period class at 7:45 a.m. when the bell rings.  Arriving to class late will result in tardiness.

Late Arrivals

Students tardy to school and/or any class period must report to the office to sign in.  Students will receive a class admit slip.  No teacher will allow a late arrival into their classroom without a class-admit slip.  The consequences for excessive tardiness are as follows:

• 3 unexcused tardies = 1 day of lunch detention
• 6 unexcused tardies = 2 days of lunch detention
• 9 unexcused tardies = 3 days of lunch detention
• 12 unexcused tardies = 5 days of lunch detention or 1 hour of after-school detention
• 15 unexcused tardies = Parking privileges revoked for 1 week (for student drivers) OR 2 hours of after-school detention
• 18 or more unexcused tardies = 1 day of ISS and consideration of permanent parking privilege revocation (for student drivers) 

Dismissal and Departure from Campus

School is dismissed at 3:25 p.m. with an afternoon bell.  Seniors will be dismissed (at their teacher’s discretion) at 3:20 pm.  All students are expected to exit the campus by 3:45 p.m. unless supervised by a coach, teacher, club advisor, or other school staff member/designee.  

Students in car line should report to the car line area immediately after the dismissal bell to keep cars moving.   Please be alert to the directions given by the staff on duty to keep cars moving and ensure safety and efficiency. It is important to pull all the way up to the end of the sidewalk when waiting on your child to walk to your car.  No loitering on school campus is allowed after school hours. Any student remaining on campus after 3:45 without a valid reason may be required to ride a bus for transportation and/or receive disciplinary action.

Student drivers are allowed to park in an assigned marked parking space during the school day.   Students must obtain a parking permit and display it properly (number facing front windshield) on their rearview mirror.  Parking permits are $40.00.  Announcements will be made regarding procedures for purchasing a parking pass.

Vehicle expectations will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety and efficiency in the parking lot.  

Students may lose their privilege to drive to school for the following violations:

• Exceeding 10 mph. on campus
• Driving recklessly
• Failing to display a permit properly
• Loaning their permit to another person
• Loitering
• Parking in an undesignated area
• Not honoring traffic flow patterns and limitations
• Chronic Tardiness to school

Students who lose parking/driving privileges but continue to drive on campus are subject to having their vehicle towed at owner’s expense. All student drivers must submit to vehicle searches upon request.  Driving violations will result in standard traffic citations.   

• No student is allowed to go to cars during the school day without written permission from a school staff member and then signing out in the office.  
• Any accident must be reported to the office immediately.
• Students will not be allowed to move their cars to more convenient parking spaces for after-school events until 3:45 p.m.  No students will park behind the B building, the Ag building or the old gym.

  

Bus riders should report directly to their bus at the 3:25 p.m. dismissal bell to ensure a ride home.  Students riding buses must behave in a way that is not distracting to the driver.  Students must follow all bus rules and regulations.  Students may lose the privilege of riding the bus if they persistently refuse to follow procedures.  Refer to your bus letter for more information on bus procedures and expectations.

Sign-Out Procedures

Students are discouraged from leaving school early.  Students must sign out any time they leave campus. Students will be allowed to sign out under the following conditions: (Please be aware that signing out early results in a tardy.  More than 3 tardies can impact exam exemptions and/or can impede your learning of the course material.)

• A parent/legal guardian comes to the office to sign the student out for excused reasons or gives permission verbally by phone to the receptionist. 
• Students will not be allowed to leave campus during LUNCH and/or during Pep Rallies or other special events without a parent signing them out in person (including students who drive).  Phone calls and hand written notes will not suffice.
• A student obtains an Early Dismissal Note.  Students must bring a note from their parent/legal guardian to the office before school to obtain an Early Dismissal Slip.  The note must include:  student’s first and last name; grade level and name of first period teacher; reason for signing out and time to be dismissed from school; phone number for parent contact for confirmation (if needed) 
• Students caught leaving without following procedures or by false pretenses will be referred for disciplinary action.

PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports)

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports and social culture needed for all students in a school to achieve social, emotional and academic success.  At East Wilkes High School all students are expected to:

Bus Expectations

CARDS Bus Matrix	Bus Expectaions
C Come Prepared	Know your bus stop location Be on time and ready for pick up Have all your school supplies with you
A Act Responsibly	Stay in your seat Keep aisles clear Share your seat if needed
R Respect Self, Others, and Environment	Use appropriate language at an appropriate volume Follow the driver’s instructions Maintain appropriate/safe body positions on the bus
D Demonstrate Integrity	Be kind with your words and actions
S Strive for Success	Know and follow all safety rules and procedures Always consider the safety of others on the bus as well

PBIS Matrix

PBIS Matrix	Hallways	Cafeteria	Bathrooms	Assemblies	Classroom
C Come Prepared	Be on time Take your bookbag to your locker Know locker combination Have all classroom supplies	Be on time Use the restroom if needed Throw away all your trash Put lunch tray away	Use the restroom if needed Don’t hang around in the hallway Get to class as soon as possible	Be on time Sit with your fellow classmates Keep your phone out of sight	Be on time Have all classroom supplies Use the restroom between class changes
A Act Responsibly	Keep personal items with you Use lockers appropriately and lock when not in use No horseplay	Clean up after yourself Stay in your seat Ask to leave the cafeteria	Use materials wisely Use facilities as intended Report inappropriate behavior to administration	Sit in designated areas Enter and exit orderly Follow instructions	Follow classroom rules Clean up before leaving Stay in designated areas
R Respect Self, Others, and Environment	Respect other’s personal space Use appropriate language Move along Keep hands to yourself	Form appropriate lines Wait patiently Use appropriate manners	Use proper hygiene Maintain clean walls and stalls Wash your hands	Listen to the speaker Be respectful to all participants, visitors, and spectators	Stay on task Think before you speak Share the space and allow others the chance to speak Address teacher with professional name
D Demonstrate Integrity	Use appropriate communication and language Treat all with kindness	Pay for what you eat & eat only what you pay for	Only use the resources that are needed Use the bathroom for its intended purpose	Honor those that are speaking by listening	Do your own work Complete all assignments
S Strive for Success	Be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there	Use lunch & break time wisely	Conserve bathroom resources	Participate & respond when appropriate or warranted	Be present everyday  Focus on learning  Put forth your best effort

Students are expected to demonstrate these positive behaviors in the hallways, cafeteria, bathrooms, assemblies and all classrooms. The entire School Expectation and Rules Matrix can be seen at the end of this handbook. 

Those students who meet the prescribed criteria will receive rewards and recognitions at various times throughout each semester.  Teachers are encouraged to provide tangible rewards within their classroom setting any time students demonstrate the criteria.  We will also provide recognitions and rewards at the interim and end of each grading period.

PBIS Calendar:

• Students qualify to participate in these quarterly activities based on the following criteria: 3 or fewer absences per quarter (excused or unexcused), ZERO minors/referrals in Educator Handbook, and good academic standing in ALL classes (all grades are passing and no missing assignments).

Discipline

It is important for students to behave in a manner that creates a climate conducive to learning.  Most of the time, our students follow rules and procedures set for them.  However, from time to time behavior correction must occur.  The following procedures are general.  At the discretion of administration, disciplinary action may be taken to ensure the safety of students and maintain an orderly environment.

Teachers may assign after school detention in their classroom to 5:00 pm.  Students and parents will receive a 24 hour notice before they can be required to stay.

Administration will utilize the following as intervention for inappropriate behavior:  

• Student Conference / Parent Contact/Conference
• Break Detention (assigned by teacher)
• Lunch Detention (assigned by Administration)
• After School Detention (ASD)
• Period-by-Period In-School Suspension
• Daily In-School Suspension
• Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)
• Turning Points (Alternative Learning Placement)

Rules and standards that govern the operation of East Wilkes High School are also in effect on field trips, at athletic events and other extracurricular events.

Cell Phones and Other Electronics

Students may not bring pagers or similar devices to school.  Students that use such devices for volunteer fire and/or rescue will not be allowed to leave school for calls.  Students may bring cell phones to school for after-school use or at teacher discretion for educational purposes only.  

• Students will be expected to put away their cell phones during all classes.  They are not to be seen or heard in any classroom on this campus. 
• Students in Lunch Detention, After-School Detention, In-School Suspension and Turning Points will turn in their cell phones at the beginning of the day / their assignment.  Students will have no access to cell phones while assigned to a specific setting.
• Improper use of cell phones may result in permanent loss of privilege. 
• Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the following consequences subject to the new WCS Board Policy #4304: 

Student cell phones will be taken if used, heard or they present a distraction without the teacher expressed permission.  Once taken by the teacher, the cell phone can be returned to the student at the end of the class or school day.  With a second or subsequent occurrence, the cell phone will be secured in the office.  Parents may pick up the device from the school office at the end of the school day.

East Wilkes High School takes no responsibility for postings on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, etc) outside of school hours, unless those postings interfere with instruction during the school day.  Anything that interferes with instruction will be considered a school disruption and will be disciplined as such.  Online / cyber bullying can result in criminal charges.

East Wilkes High School takes no responsibility for the loss or theft of student owned electronics. Students may bring these items to school at their own risk. East Wilkes High School will not investigate loss or theft of such items.

Book Bags

Due to limited space in lockers, students are not permitted to bring book bags on wheels.  All book bags will be stored in lockers during the day.  As a safety feature, book bags are not allowed in classrooms or stored in the hallway.  Students will be allowed opportunities to retrieve items from lockers throughout the school day.  Girls are strongly discouraged from carrying large pocket-books to class.  If these items become a distraction and/or safety feature, they may also be banned from the classroom.

Student Dress / Attire

Professionalism and dress are among the first things that people notice when meeting someone new. Appearance is one way that students can show their sense of pride, dignity, and respect for themselves and those around them. East Wilkes students are expected to dress appropriately at all times and reflect a level of professionalism appropriate for an educational or work environment. Appearance, mode of dress, or condition of personal hygiene should not disrupt or distract others from the learning or constitute a threat to the safety, health, or well-being of themselves or others.  Students who do not meet dress expectations will be asked to change clothes. Alternative clothing options may be available in the office. The Wilkes County Schools policy on dress is listed below.

The purpose of the dress code is to ensure that a student's dress and appearance promote a positive learning environment, do not disrupt the learning of others, and do not disrupt the general operation of the school. The health and safety of each student is also a high priority of the Wilkes County School System. Clothing that could potentially be perceived as threatening to a student's health and safety is strictly prohibited. School administration has the responsibility to determine the appropriateness using the following guidelines, but not limited to these examples: 

1. School dress should be modest and appropriate for school.
2. Undergarments should not be visible. 
3. Revealing or provocative clothing should not be worn. 
4. Shoes must be worn at all times. 
5. Clothing promoting or displaying alcohol, drugs, violence, illegal substances, profanity or items sexual in nature or content is prohibited. 
6. Students are expected to wear shirts during physical education classes. 
7. Chains (larger than a necklace) may not be worn or displayed in any fashion while on campus. 

Displays of Affection

Public display of affection is unacceptable at school, on the bus, and at any school sponsored event.  Nothing more than holding hands with your boy and girl friends will be tolerated.  Extreme display or repeated offenses will result in disciplinary action.

Skateboards/Skating

There will be no skateboarding/skating allowed on any location on campus at any time.

East Wilkes High School encourages all students to participate in extracurricular activities.  These activities provide fun, opportunities for service to others, fellowship, competition, notoriety, and extended learning opportunities for career and college preparation. 

Eligibility / State Regulations

Students participating in extracurricular activities must adhere to all state regulations as well as club/organizational standards.  This includes passing 3 out of 4 or 3 out of 3 classes each semester.  Students participating in athletics may be required to meet additional standards and will receive this information from their coaches.

Participation Restrictions

1. Any student assigned ASD may participate in extracurricular activities on the ASD days as long as the event does not conflict with the time assigned ASD.
2. Any student assigned to In School Suspension (ISS) may not dress out, be present with the team, participate in any extracurricular activity or practice until re-assignment is complete.
3. Any student assigned Out-of-School suspension will not be allowed on campus during the duration of the suspension nor allowed to attend any school-related activity on or off of our campus until new non OSS day—participation denied during suspension period.
4. Any student assigned to our Turning Points program (involuntary or voluntary) forfeit the opportunity to participate in any after school activities on or off campus
5. Students must be clear of all dues, money owed for uniforms and gear from previous activities, etc… in order to participate in extracurricular activities.  Please see your sponsor or coach for other guidelines for your extracurricular activity

Random Drug Testing

This year Wilkes County Schools will be implementing a Random Drug Testing policy for ALL students involved in any extra-curricular activity (club, organization and athletics) and/or drive/park on campus.  Participation is mandatory for those who elect to participate in these voluntary activities.  Parents may also consent to a student voluntarily participating in the program, even if a student is not participating in any of the privileged activities.  WCS Board Policy #4330

Sports Offerings

• Baseball
• Cross-Country
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Indoor Track
• Basketball
• Football
• Softball
• Track
• Swimming
• Cheerleading
• Golf
• Volleyball
• Wrestling

Clubs

• Art Club
• Fellowship of Chrisitan Students
• Students Against Destructive Decisions
• Student Council
• National Technical Honor Society
• National Honor Society
• Future Teachers of America
• Dream Team
• Key Club
• Spanish Club
• Book Club
• FFA
• Shooting Team
• Future Business Leaders of America
• Senior Beta Club
• Time Treasure Talent Leading Change (T3LC)
• Health Occupations Students of America

Wilkes Community College Information

Eligible students have the opportunity to take college courses, tuition free, through Wilkes Community College's Career and College Promise program. Students will be advised by a WCC Career Coach on education pathways that lead to certificates, diplomas, and degrees, prior to enrolling in WCC courses. In Wilkes County Schools, eligible students can begin taking WCC courses the summer semester after completion of 10th grade. After students are registered for college courses, they attend a required orientation and pay a $30 material fee per course. Career and College Promise offers high school students options to pursue educational and career goals of their choice using a rigorous yet supportive structure designed to help them become successful.

CCP Student Information and  Información para el estudiante

Non-Discrimination Statement

Public Notice

In compliance with federal laws, Wilkes County Schools administers all locally operated educational programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, marital status, pregnancy, military service, disability, or gender as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its implementing federal regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator and/or the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education.  Questions or concerns should be directed to:

Dr. Westley Wood, Assistant Superintendent: Title II
Ms. Jennifer Blankenship, Director of Exceptional Children: ADA
Dr. Joe Bullis, Director of Federal Programs: Title 1, ESL/Title III, CTE

Mr. David Johnson, Director of Secondary Education/School Safety/Athletics: Title IX
Dr. Dion Stocks, Director of Testing & Accountability/Cultural Arts: Section 504/MTSS

Wilkes County Schools
613 Cherry Street
North Wilkesboro, NC  28659        
Phone: (336) 667-1121

Declaración Sobre la Discriminación

Aviso Público 

De acuerdo con las leyes federales, todos los programas educativos, toda actividad laboral y todas las matriculas del sistema escolar del condado de Wilkes se administran sin discriminación alguna en base a la raza, la religión, el origen nacional o étnico, el color, la edad, el estatus marital, estado de embarazo, servicio militar, discapacidad o género, y proporciona igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y otros grupos juveniles designados, excepto cuando la exención sea la apropiada o permitida por ley.  Las consultas sobre la aplicación del Título IX y sus regulaciones federales de implementación pueden remitirse al Coordinador del Título IX y / o al Subsecretario de Derechos Civiles en la Oficina de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Educación de los EE. UU.  Las preguntas o inquietudes deben dirigirse a:

Dr. Westley Wood, Superintendente Asistente del Personal, Titulo II

Sra. Jennifer Blankenship, Directora de Educación Especial: ADA
Dr. Joe Bullis, Director de Programas Federales: Título I, ESL/Título III, CTE

Sr. David Johnson, Director de Educación Secundaria/Seguridad Escolar/Deportes: Título IX 

Dr. Dion Stocks, Director de Pruebas E Informes: Sección 504 / MTSS

Sistema Educativo del Condado de Wilkes
613 Cherry Street

North Wilkesboro, NC  28659        
Teléfono: (336) 667-1121

Updated: 6/20/22

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

Parents have the right to inspect and review education records and to seek to amend inaccurate education records. Parents must provide written consent before the disclosure of personally identifiable information from student education records, except as otherwise provided by law. Directory information can be displayed by the school unless parents request it not be made public. Parents should submit all requests in writing to the principal. Parents will be notified and will have the right to opt out prior to the participation of a student in a protected information survey. Parents have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. 

Reference Board Policy 4700 Student Records and NC General Statute 115C-402.15

Disclosure of Student Information

At the beginning of each school year the various branches of the U.S. Military will ask our school for contact information on our junior and senior students. It is perfectly legal for the school to give this information to the U. S. Military. We want to make sure our database reflects your preference in this manner when your son/daughter becomes a junior and senior. At the bottom of the Student/Parent Accountability Form 2011-2012 is you have an opportunity to deny contact information be given to the U. S. Military as allowed by the No Child Left Behind Act. If we do not receive written notice from you to withhold this information then we will list your child(ren) as “OK For Military Recruitment” in our database.

AHERA Statement (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act)

The EPA requires all school systems to notify parents of Asbestos in schools even if your school has no known asbestos.  This notification needs to be sent out each year to parents at the beginning of school.  You may include it in the booklet sent out at the beginning of each year or by a single memo.  To follow is an example of the AHERA notification.

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requires educational agencies to inform employees, parents and students regarding certain asbestos related activities.  These include the availability of management plans, re-inspections, periodic surveillance and response actions.  The AHERA Management plan is available for public inspection at each school office, the central administrative office and the maintenance department.  Total re-inspections are conducted every three years and periodic surveillance is conducted every six months.  All response actions needed to maintain or control asbestos containing materials are carried out by the state accredited personnel or properly trained maintenance personnel.

Pesticides

The School Children’s Health Act requires all North Carolina school districts to notify parents and guardians of pesticides that they expect will be applied during the upcoming year. We want to notify you that the following pesticides will be used at your child’s school this year.

Name of Pesticide Product Active Ingredient(s)

PT 565 Plus XLO Formula 2 Piperonylbutoxide                          

Advance Granular Ant Bait Abamectin B1                                        

Equil Adonis 2F Insecticide Imidacloprid                                   

Advance Termite Bait II Benzamide                                        

Dupont Advion Ant Gel Indoxacarb (S-Enantiomer)           

Dupont Advion Roach Gel Bait Indoxacarb                                      

Dupont Advion Ant Bait Indoxacar                                            

Alpine Pressurized Insecticide Dinotefuran                                         

Alpine Dust Insecticide Diatomaceous Earth                         

Alpine Flea Insecticide Dinotefuran, Pyriproxyfen                

Alpine Roach Bait Piston Can Dinotefuran                                         

Alpine WSG Dinotefuran                                        

Contrac All-Weather Blox Bromadiolone                               

Fenvastar EcoCap Esfenvalerate                                         

Final All-Weather Blox Brodifacoum                                       

Liqua-Tox II Sodium Diphacinone                    

Maxforce Roach Bait Gel Fipronil                                            

Phantom Termiticide/Insecticide Chlorfenapyr                                        

Purge III Insecticide Difluoroethane                                   

Suspend Polyzone Deltamethrin                                  

Temprid SC Insecticide Imadacloprid, Beta-Cyfluthrin           

Termidor 80 WG Termiticide/Insecticide Fipronil                                                

WASP Freeze Insecticide D-Trans Allethrin, Phenothrin

Wilkes County Schools has implemented an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. This can help reduce or even eliminate the risks of pesticides by using simple, low-cost methods. With proper training, planning and effective communication among affected parties, IPM can prevent pest problems, reduce the need for pesticide application and greatly improve the quality of the school environment. If you have any questions, please contact Bergie Speaks, Maintenance Director, at (336) 651- 4009.

Grievance Procedure

Should a student or parent have a complaint against a school staff member, the following order should be followed in seeking resolution to the problem:

• Directly confer with the person with whom you have a complaint; 
• If you have an unsatisfactory result

• Give a written description of the complaint to the school principal; 
• If you have an unsatisfactory result

• Submit a copy of the written appeal to the superintendent; 
• If you have an unsatisfactory result

• Provide written notice of the complaint to the Board of Education.

Driver’s License Legislation

The North Carolina General Assembly has enacted legislation that requires high school age citizens to be enrolled in school and to be making satisfactory progress towards graduation in order to maintain a driver’s license. Specific elements of the legislation and accompanying guidelines are available in the principal’s office.  All North Carolina students under age 18 who are eligible for a driving permit or license must remain in school and pass 70% of their courses each semester in order to earn, or retain, a North Carolina driver’s license.  A student’s permit, or license, will be suspended for one year when a student is suspended out of school for more than 10 consecutive days for one of the following:

• Possession or sale of an alcoholic beverage, or an illegally controlled substance on school property. 
• Possession or use on school property of a weapon, or firearm, that resulted in disciplinary action under G.S. 115C-391 (d1) or that could have resulted in that disciplinary action if the conduct had occurred in a public school. 
• The physical assault on a teacher or other school personnel, or school property. 

Weather Policy

When snow or other severe weather conditions occur, it will sometimes be necessary to cancel school, delay the opening of school, or dismiss classes early.  The Wilkes County Schools Central Office will make an announcement of cancellations, delays, or dismissals as soon as a decision is made.  Announcements will be made through the School Messenger System.  In addition you may listen to a local radio or television station or check Wilkes County Schools website at www.wilkes.k12.nc.us for information.  If no announcement is made, school will open or dismiss as usual.  Please do not call the school for information since telephone lines must be kept open for emergencies and other vital public service announcements when the weather is bad. To avoid disruptions in your schedule, please remember to make plans early in the year in case there is early dismissal due to inclement weather.

Health Screening Statement 

The health of your child is important to you and to Wilkes County Schools. Throughout the school year, screening programs are organized to identify health needs. The screenings are performed by school nurses, speech language pathologists, dental hygienists, volunteers, and other trained school personnel. This is a valuable health service to our students. Parents are notified in writing when any health problem appears to need further evaluation by medical doctors, dentists, eye doctors, or other health care providers. This referral form needs to be returned to the school nurse after medical treatment is received. Screenings may include the following areas:

Any parent/legal guardian who does not wish to have his/her child participate in this screening program should notify the school principal in writing at the beginning of the school year.

Wilkes County Schools Policies

Students must familiarize themselves and also follow the Wilkes County Schools Board Policies.  Those policies are posted on our school website:  www.wilkes.k12.nc.us/ewhs or at the Wilkes County Schools website:  www.wilkes.k12.nc.us

Signs of Abuse Resources

You deserve to be safe. No one has the right to abuse you or someone you know. 

Child abuse is when someone, whether through action or failing to act, causes injury,  death, emotional harm, or risk of serious harm to a child.  There are different types of abuse.  

• Physical abuse is when a parent or caregiver injures or hurts a child, and it was not an accident. 
• Sexual abuse occurs when an adult uses a child for sexual purposes or involves a child in sexual acts. It also includes when a child who is older or more powerful uses another child for sexual acts. You should never be touched by an adult in areas normally covered by underwear except for the purposes of a medical exam by a medical professional. 
• When a parent or caregiver causes harm to a child’s mental or emotional wellbeing, it is considered       emotional abuse. While a single incident may be abuse, most often emotional abuse happens often enough to cause emotional harm and fear over time. 
• Child neglect is when a parent or caregiver does not provide the care, supervision, affection and support needed for a child’s health, safety and well-being.

It’s not your fault. It is wrong that you are suffering this pain, fear or sadness. You may also  want to talk to a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, counselor, social worker,  nurse or other school staff.  If you see any of these signs, have been abused, or know  someone you think is being abused, please get help right away. 

Physical Abuse	hitting kicking choking shoving
Emotional Abuse	ignoring mocking name calling blaming
Sexual Abuse	sexual acts between an adult and youth forced sexual acts by an older child adults touching a youth’s body in areas normally covered by underwear
Child Neglect	Parent/Caregiver does not provide care such as: clothing, food, drink a safe place to stay appropriate treatment for injuries and sickness access to school/education
Bullying	repeated, targeted aggressive behavior use force, threats, or teasing to overpower being socially shut out of a group can hurt physically, emotionally, or both
Online Abuse	uncomfortable or sexual conversations requests for sexual or revealing photos threatening messages cyberstalking

The identity of the person making the report, and all information obtained during the report, will be held in the strictest confidence possible to maintain everyone’s safety.  In an emergency - call 911.  To report abuse, call Wilkes County DSS at 336-651-7400.

This handbook provides general information regarding rules, policies, expectations, and opportunities for students at East Wilkes High School.  Any situation or circumstances not discussed in this document may be discussed with the administration.  Administration will communicate any changes to this handbook with students, parents and teachers.

We hope that this handbook helps you understand the structures needed to maintain order and safety.  By adhering to these procedures, you will more easily make connections to all the wonderful things East Wilkes High School has to offer.  Working as a team with your teachers, peers and parents, we can ensure that you achieve your dream and complete your high school experience successfully.  With your help, we will make this the best year yet at EWHS!

On the first day of school, or at the time of enrollment, students may receive further information about child nutrition, school insurance, and other health related information.

Please continue to review the following items:  Academic Integrity Code, Transportation Handbook, School Expectation Matrix and our Student Management Process.

Mr. Dustin Webb

Principal

East Wilkes High School

Wilkes County Schools Academic Integrity Code

Wilkes County Schools values the hard work, self-discipline, honesty, integrity, and mutual respect of all students.  This Code has been established to uphold these values. Cheating, collusion, lying, and plagiarism will not be tolerated. 

The following offenses constitute violations of the academic integrity code:

Cheating:  Giving, taking, or presenting information or material that unethically or fraudulently aids self or others on any work to be considered in the determination of a grade or the completion of an academic requirement or the enhancement of one’s record or academic career.

• Individual Cheating: To practice or attempt to practice dishonesty or deception in the taking of tests or in the preparation or submission of academic work purporting to be one’s own; to copy or attempt to copy another person’s test, paper, or other graded work in a course; to use or to provide any notes or other prepared materials that a student is not permitted to consult during a testing period or to bring those materials into the testing area with the intent to use; to submit identical or near identical papers or coursework for credit in more than one course without permission of the instructor; to steal, deface, or destroy any research materials or technology that may deprive others of their use; to obstruct or interfere with another student’s academic work; to retain, possess, or circulate previously used exams, copies of blank tests, or other assignments without the instructor’s permission.
• Collusion (action taken by two or more persons together to cheat): To allow another person to copy tests, papers, or other graded coursework; to provide assistance to others in the preparation of graded course work without the express consent of the instructor.  Questions related to homework or other assignments should be directed to the instructor.  Failing to report that another student has used your work or another’s work to commit violations of academic integrity – with or without consent.  

Lying: Committing a forgery or giving a statement known to be false or dishonest, orally or in writing, for the purpose of, or having the effect of, protecting or improving one’s grades in a course, one’s academic record, or one’s academic standing. 

Plagiarizing: The act of willfully copying a sentence, several sentences, or a significant part of a sentence from any source, including  internet sites, that has been written by someone other than the person submitting the paper, and then neglecting to indicate that the material has been copied; also, copying from another writer by changing one or two words in the sentence, or to rearrange the order of the wording, or to paraphrase, or to summarize information and then neglect to furnish documentation.  For all assignments, especially team or collaborative assignments check with the teacher to find out what level of cooperation and/or sharing is permitted.

Attempting: Attempting to participate in any act that if completed would result in loss of academic integrity.  A student caught “attempting” to participate in such an act will face the same consequences as one who actually commits a violation.

 Consequences for committing acts of Academic dishonesty:

1st Offense in any course – Student will receive a zero on the assignment, parent conference, receive a written reprimand, 1 day of ISS, and be placed on academic probation in that course for the remainder of the semester.
2nd Offense in the SAME course – Student will receive an “F” in the course and 1 day of OSS. Depending upon the number of days left in the semester… the principal will decide whether to require the student to participate in Credit Recovery, or to retake the course at a later date.  Student will lose the privilege of being recognized with honors by any organization sponsored by the school.
3rd Cumulative Offense (in any combination of courses) – Student will lose the privilege of being recognized with honors by any organization sponsored by the school. Student must appear before the school’s discipline committee.  The committee will decide whether a placement in the Alternate Learning Program is needed.

Note: Depending upon the severity of the violation… additional consequences may be determined by the discipline committee. (i.e. Tampering with the school network/server or password protected files could result in criminal charges being filed)

Bus Rules and Regulations Contract 2025-2026

East Wilkes Middle School (651-4300)                                

East Wilkes High School (651-7200)

Riding the bus to and from school is a privilege provided by the Wilkes County Board of Education.  Appropriate behavior on the bus is necessary if you wish to continue riding the bus.  Inappropriate behavior may result in having to find another means of transportation to and from school.  Suspension from the school bus does not permit or provide an excuse for the absence of a student from the school.

Students shall at all times obey the directives of the school bus driver.  Failure to do so may result in losing the privilege of riding the bus.  The following rules of conduct must be followed:

• Obey the driver and follow all school rules.
• Remain seated and facing forward.
• Refrain from loud talking, cursing, horseplay and/or rude, discourteous conduct.
• Keep all body parts inside the bus.
• Keep the aisles clear of book bags, feet, band instruments, etc . . .
• Keep hands, feet, and all other objects to yourself.
• Do not delay the bus schedule.
• Do not delay the driver with disruptive behavior while on the bus, boarding the bus or exiting the bus.
• Refrain from eating or drinking while on the bus.

Major incidents such as fighting, gross insubordination, tampering with bus equipment, and throwing objects on/out of the bus will result in an immediate 3-10 days bus suspension. The length of the suspension for such offenses will depend upon the severity of the incident (based on the judgment of school administrators).

The consequences for violating bus rules and regulations are as follows:

1. The driver will warn student(s) when inappropriate behavior occurs. 
2. Each driver will keep documentation on behavioral incidents and conference with the student.
3. If the behavior continues, the driver will complete a discipline referral sheet and turn it in to the assistant principal.

 

The consequences for violating bus rules and regulations are as follows:

1. Warning and parent contact.
2. One day suspension from riding the bus.
3. Three day suspension from riding the bus.
4. Five day suspension from riding the bus.
5. Ten day suspension from riding the bus.
6. Suspension from riding the bus for the remainder of the school year.

Parental concerns about bus issues should be addressed with the school administration. At no time should a parent or other adult board a bus to discuss a problem. Such person(s) can be charged with trespassing. Every effort will be made to work with parents regarding your child’s behavior on the bus. However, the student’s refusal to obey the rules jeopardizes the safety of everyone on the bus and will not be tolerated.

Students are not to ride a bus other than their assigned bus, or get off at any stop other than their designated stop. Students will not be permitted to go home with other students unless there is a note provided by both sets of parents and prior approval is given by the administration.  Students will not be allowed to board any transportation other than the one assigned without prior approval.

Thank you for helping us to provide a safe ride for our students.

 

Kelly Smith

Assistant Principal, EWHS

 

Amanda Smith    

Assistant Principal, EWMS

DragonFly Max

Wilkes County Schools has transitioned to DragonFly Max for athletic participation forms. Family ID will no longer be used. Please follow the instructions carefully to set up your account with DragonFly and complete the registration process for 2025-2026.

1. Visit dragonflymax.com and click the “Log in/Sign up” button.
2. Click “Sign up for Free” then follow the prompts to create your Parent account with your own personal email address.
1. Note: Do NOT create an account with your child’s name or contact information - you will get the chance to add your child later!
3. Verify your account with the verification ID sent to your personal email address.
4. Click “Connect to your School” to select “Parent” as your role and search for your child’s school.
1. Select “North Carolina” as the state
2. Type “East Wilkes” in the search bar and select East Wilkes High School
5. After selecting your child’s school, click “Join” to request access. An administrator at your school will approve your request as soon as possible. 
1. Note: You may still begin to fill out required documentation on DragonFly Max prior to approval from East Wilkes High School.
6. Click “Set up your children” and follow the prompts to add your kid(s) and fill out their participation forms. 
1. Note: When filling out the NCHSAA PPE Health History Form (2025 Version), the NCHSAA - PPE - Physical Examination Form and the NCHSAA - PPE - Medical Eligibility Form, it is necessary to upload a copy of your child’s sports physical for each of these forms. Please do not select the “fill out electronically” option.

If there are any questions during the registration process please reach out to our athletic director, Justin Call at [email protected]. If there are questions regarding physicals, reach out to our athletic trainer, Nicole Compton at [email protected].