Absences

Parents are asked to call the school by 10 a.m. if their child will be absent.  In addition, a written explanation of each pupil's absence is required from a parent when the student returns to school.  It is important to contact the Health Technician at the school in the event your child is diagnosed with strep, chicken pox or head lice.

Accident Insurance

Forms for student accident insurance will be sent home after school opens.  Do not return the forms to school.  Please follow the directions within the insurance application.  A prompt return of these forms will be greatly appreciated by the agency.

Banking Program

See Banking Program

BCC Cluster

The BCC Cluster is the group of schools feeding into, and including, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School.  They are Rosemary Hills Primary School, Bethesda Elementary School, Chevy Chase Elementary School, North Chevy Chase Elementary School, Somerset Elementary School, Westbrook Elementary School, Rock Creek Forest Elementary School, Westland Middle School and BCC High School.  The BCC Cluster Committee, which includes members from each of the nine schools, represents the cluster’s interests before various governing bodies such as MCPS, the Board of Education, the County Council, the County Executive, the state Assembly and the Governor’s office.  Cluster coordinators are Carole Brand (301-657-2547) and Sharon Strauss (301-654-2858).  Representing NCC in the BCC Cluster Committee are Joan Black (301-656-3401) and Jana Coe (301-933-8996). For a complete list of our BCC Cluster schools click here.

Bicycle Riding

All bicycles must be registered by the Montgomery County Police Department and a chain is recommended for locking the bike to the rack.  The school cannot assume responsibility for damaged or stolen bicycles.

Those students who ride bicycles should be urged to use every precaution in bicycle safety including wearing a helmet.  Bicycles are to be "walked" on school property.  Skateboards, rollerblades and scooters are not allowed.

Breakfast

Breakfast will be served from 9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. in the cafeteria beginning the first day of school. The cost will be $1.00, and the reduced price will be 30 cents. 

Clothing

Dress your child(ren) appropriately for the weather. Outdoor activities are very important, and we go out as often as possible for recess.  Hats are acceptable for outside playground use only.  Hats must be removed upon entering the school building.

Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for each student at the end of the first marking period. It is requested that appointments for other conferences with the teacher or the principal be made in advance.

Communication Between School and Home

In order to facilitate better communication between school and home, important notices will be sent home in your child's backpack, generally on Fridays.  However, please check your child's backpack and/or folder daily for dated notices or teacher notes.

Because our students are so young, written communication between the school and home is extremely important.  If your child's after-school arrangement changes, please send a note to school.  If a “play date” has been arranged, both children involved need to bring a note to school informing the school and giving any change in bus information.

Daily Schedule

Daycare

Daycare is available at several centers in the community. Montgomery County Public Schools provide transportation to and from these centers. It is your responsibility to get your child enrolled in these programs.   Contact the school office to obtain a listing of these before and after school care centers.

Discipline Policy

School is a place to learn.  All of us at North Chevy Chase Elementary School need to do our parts to create and reinforce a positive educational environment.  To that end, we believe that appropriate behavior skills must be taught, modeled, and reinforced just as academic skills are taught, modeled and reinforced.  Our focus is on teaching students what they are expected to do and on helping them understand how appropriate behavior from every student is necessary for a positive learning environment.  The cooperation of many people is necessary to help our students understand that they are responsible for their behavior and must accept the consequences of their actions.  We rely on the support and close cooperation of home, school, and community to get across our message that children benefit most when they are able to live and learn in a safe, structured and respectful atmosphere.  Click here to view NCC's Discipline Policy.

Early Dismissal

The requests for pupils to leave school at a time other than regular dismissal time are made in writing by the parent.  If the pupil rides a bus, the bus driver should also be notified.

Emergency Closing of Schools

All-day closing - Radio and TV stations are notified no later than 6:00 a.m.

Delayed opening of schools - Schools may be delayed an hour or more so that buses can operate under safer conditions and pupils will not be a part of the morning rush hour.  Delayed opening announcements will be given to all radio and TV stations no later than 6:00 a.m.

Early afternoon dismissal of schools - When early dismissal of students is necessary, the dismissal plans A or B will be announced over radio and TV usually by 11:00 a.m.

Plan A: Schools usually will dismiss one hour early.  All afternoon and evening activities are automatically cancelled.

Plan B: There may be occasions when students must be dismissed more or less than one hour before the regular dismissal time because of unusual circumstances.  In this case, the time differential will be announced on radio and TV.  The announcement will include instructions regarding the lunch program.

Parents are urged not to call the school about emergency closing information; this ties up phone lines when they may be needed for emergency school business. 

All emergency closings, delayed openings, or early dismissals are announced promptly and regularly on radio and TV stations.  The radio stations to listen to are:

·   WRC (980 AM)

·   WMAL (630 AM)

·   WINX (1600 AM)

You may call Montgomery County Public Schools information line at (301) 279-3673.

Important—Parents should make childcare arrangements if early dismissal occurs and no one is home to receive students.

Enrollment Information

To keep school records up to date, please notify the school of any future changes in telephone, address, or occupation.  All students must have completed (both sides) of the MCPS Form 565-2 and returned it to school (small yellow cards). All students must maintain three (3) current emergency phone numbers.

Field Trips

Classes may go on field trips throughout the year.  Any time we leave school property with your child you will be required to fill out a permission slip.  Funds are available to provide financial assistance.  Confidential written requests may be submitted to Mrs. Greene.

Food Brought to School for Parties, etc.

The division of Licensure and Regulatory Services of the Montgomery County Health Department is concerned about foods prepared in the home and brought to schools to be served.

Due to the fact that so many children have allergies to certain ingredients in foods, NCC policy states that only store-bought food, in their original containers, be sent to school for distribution at parties or other in-class events. 

It is crucial that we be sensitive to the dietary and medical restrictions of the youngsters under our supervision.  Contact the school office in the event your child has any dietary concerns or medical restrictions pertaining to certain foods.

Gifted and Talented Program

Testing to identify students qualified for the gifted and talented (G/T) program begins in the second semester of second grade.  Gifted and talented students are taught through a "differentiated" curriculum that allows them to explore areas in greater depth or through an approach that differs from the standard curriculum.

Homework Policy

Philosophy/Overview

The staff of NCC has developed homework procedures for the students of their school.  The purpose of this communication is to inform parents of the guidelines that teachers of NCC will use concerning the frequency, length and nature of homework assignments.  All teachers should post written homework assignment for all classes on a homework section in their room.  All students are expected to write the homework assignment in the student assignment book.  No homework should be assigned over religious holidays when schools are closed. 

Homework is important to the student's overall program.  Research has proven that the amount of time devoted to learning is directly related to achievement in a subject and to the improvement of study habits.  Homework is also a means by which parents can become familiar with the student's program and with the many educational opportunities available to the student.  Homework is another link between home and school.

General Purposes and Objectives

1.      Extend learning and/or provide practice in applying concepts initially presented in the classroom.

2.      Provide opportunities for independent work.

3.      Strengthen concept and skill development.

4.      Provide opportunities for enrichment.

Guidelines/Procedures

1.      Help students see how homework is related to classwork.

2.      Develop assignments that have meaning for the student.

3.      Make sure that the assignment, procedures for accomplishing them, and the due dates are clear to students.

4.      Ensure that the homework is challenging for all students.

5.      Develop an understanding of the way in which homework will be evaluated and the weight it will carry in the total assessment of student learning.

6.      Ensure that the amount of homework is appropriate to students' needs and abilities and that the total homework load from all the students' teachers is a reasonable one.

Communication Plan

1.      Teachers will help students record homework plans for a one-week period.  This procedure will provide a guide for parents to help students plan for the week and to gain knowledge of the students' directions and progress.

2.      Homework will be assigned each night, Monday-Friday.  Amounts of time allotted for homework will vary according to grade and frequency of class meetings.

3.      Each teacher will keep a journal of homework assignments in case a student loses an assignment or is absent.

4.      Homework is included in the consideration of a student's evaluation (grades).  Therefore, teachers expect that it will be completed regularly.

5.      Teachers will be cognizant of religious holidays when scheduling tests and assigning homework

6.      Teachers will inform parents if a student fails to complete three consecutive homework assignments or if any other recognized pattern of non-compliance occurs.

7.      Approximate times for homework per night are as follows: Grade 3 - 30 minutes; Grade 4 - 45 minutes; Grade 5 - 60 minutes; Grade 6 - 75 minutes.

Suggestions for Parents

1.      Parents may assist students by helping them to plan the time spent to complete assignments.  Some students may need to space tasks by allowing periods of relaxation or exercise.

2.      Parents may help the student by providing a quiet, well-lit area where the student can complete the homework.

3.      Parents are encouraged to help students study their basic facts, discuss the homework activity and/or listen to the students read or share ideas.

4.      Where students are unable to complete a homework assignment because of some emergency or extenuating circumstance, parents should inform the teacher in some written form the following day.

5.      Homework should be an extension or enrichment of a skill already learned.  Therefore, difficulties should be noted by the parent and shared with the teacher.

6.      Homework Resulting from Students Absence Due to Illness: When it is necessary for a pupil to be absent more than three (3) days, the teacher will assign work that will enable the student to keep up with the class.  Since this requires special teacher preparation, the parent should call the office giving the teacher a two-day notice.

7.      Students absent due to family trips or vacations are not excused absences according to MCPS attendance policy.  School staff is not required to provide work prior to the absence for students to complete.  In cases of family emergencies or other extenuating emergencies, please contact the Principal to discuss special dispensations.

Illness

If there are any signs of illness in your child, please do not send him/her to school.  It is not fair to your child, or to the children or teachers that he/she will be in contact with during the course of the day.

Some of the signs of illnesses are:

• A temperature of more then 99.8 degrees

• Nausea

• Stomachache

• Diarrhea

•  Earache

•  Bad cough

• Sore throat

• Rash

• Red or pink eyes

• Flushed face

If your child complains of being sick after he/she arrives at school, you will be contacted; therefore, it is very important that you provide the school with up to date information and phone numbers so that you may be reached in case of an emergency.  If your child is diagnosed with either strep, chicken pox or head lice, please contact the health technician and inform her of the condition.

Instrumental Music

The instrumental music program is an elective offering, beginning in Grade 4, for those students who are seriously interested in learning to play a band or orchestral instrument.  Emphasis is placed upon the selection of an appropriate instrument, the acquisition of basic instrumental performance skills and the preparation for large and small ensemble participation.  Students begin their study in small classes of homogeneous instruments, where opportunities are provided to play together and individually.  As students progress, they are given opportunities to play in small ensembles of mixed instruments.

Lice

If lice or their nits are found on your child, he/she must be removed from the school promptly and treated with an approved medicated shampoo before returning to school.

If you encounter lice on your child, please notify the health technician so that others in the classroom may be alerted and checked.

Locked Door Policy

To ensure safety during the school day, all outside doors will remain locked. Access to the building is by the front door only.

Lunch

The school cafeteria offers the convenience and flexibility of a computerized cash register system (SNAP) that eliminates the need for the student to carry money every day.  Parents may make a deposit by check into the child's meals account and debits are automatically made each time the student purchases a meal.   

·   Lunch - $1.60

·   Milk Only - 40¢

·   Reduced Lunch - 40¢

Magnet School

North Chevy Chase is a "magnet" school for computers, mathematics, science and technology instruction.  Magnet status affords the school with extra personnel, materials and training to expand upon the regular curriculum offered in these areas.

Medication

Medication will not be administered by school personnel without the Maryland State form #525-13, completed by parents or guardians and the physician for each illness and for each medication ordered. Forms are available in the office. Parents must bring all medication to the school.  Do not send any medication in with your child.

Montgomery County Board Of Education

The Board of Education is the County’s official educational policy-making body, responsible for the direction and operation of the public school system.  The Board oversees the County’s 183-plus schools and 126,000 students, with an operating budget of approximately $1 billion this year.  The Board consists of seven county residents elected by voters for a four-year term and a student elected by secondary school students for a one-year term.  It holds two business meetings monthly during which the public can make statements or ask questions on matters pertaining to board policy.  These meetings are held in the Board’s Rockville offices at 10 AM on the second Tuesday of the month and at 8 PM on the second Monday following the Tuesday meeting.  Meetings are aired on MCPS Cable Television, Channel 60/6.  For more information, contact the Board’s Department of Information at (301) 279-3391, or visit Montgomery County Public Schools’ comprehensive website at www.mcps.k12.md.us.

Open House for Prospective Parents

NCC staff present a monthly Open House for those parents with children who are interested in attending NCC the following year.  These short sessions begin at 9:45 a.m. and meet in the office conference room.  These sessions are generally scheduled monthly from October until March. The PTA provides a liaison to assist.

Parent Teacher Association

The PTA is a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the school and the welfare of our children. The PTA is open to any interested adult. The NCC PTA performs the following tasks:

·   Publishes a school directory;

·   Provides classroom volunteers;

·   Raises money;

·   Sponsors social and educational events; and

·   Lobbies for material and staff when necessary.

We hope you will join the PTA and participate.  For more information or to volunteer, contact the PTA co-presidents.

Parties

Class parties are held on Halloween and Valentine's days.  The teacher and homeroom parents plan these parties.  Send a note to your child's teacher if you do not wish your child to participate in the party.

Rubrics for Work Study Skills

Work-study skills noted on the Report Cards are items such as "Organizes Self and Materials for Tasks", "Pays Attention in Class", "Works Cooperatively in Groups", etc.  The teachers at NCC utilize a standard rubric to rate the student on these each of these study skills.  A copy of the rubric is available from the office.

Safety Patrols

The role of the Safety Patrol is offered to 5^th and 6^th grade students who have indicated a desire for the responsibilities of the position and who have been assessed as to their capabilities to handle the added responsibilities.  This year’s faculty sponsor is Mr. Robert Ehlman.  He will be assisting the Safety Patrols in carrying out the following duties:

·   Maintaining safety and discipline at bus stops

·   Maintaining safety and discipline at school as the buses arrive or prepare to depart

SNAP

See Lunch.

Student Government (SGA )

The Student Government is a very active organization.  Each year representatives are elected from each grade.  Meetings are held regularly throughout the year.  The faculty sponsor, Mrs. Diane Chupka, assists the Student Government in carrying out its functions.

Success for Every Student (SES )

The Countywide Success for Every Student program, also known as School Improvement Management (SIMP) Plan  or  Local School Success for Every Student (LSSES) , is designed to support and foster an educational environment that recognizes individual needs while educating the next generation as a whole. Under SES, the Montgomery County Board of Education pledges to provide the services and environment each student needs for intellectual challenge and social and emotional development.  The board’s goal is for each student to be able to communicate effectively, obtain and use information, solve problems and engage in active, life-long learning.  To meet this challenge, the board has made class-size reduction the centerpiece of its fiscal year 2000 budget, continuing a three-year commitment to reduce class size to FY 1995 levels.

Tardiness

If your child arrives after 9:15 a.m., he/she must be accompanyed by a parent or guardian to the school office before proceeding to class.  The parent must accompany the child into the office to sign him/her in.

Visitors

All visitors to the school during the day, no exceptions, must check into the office before proceeding to other parts of the building or school grounds.  State laws, safety regulations, and insurance policies require that all persons in the building be identified.  Please be sure to pick up a visitor's pin and register in the office upon your arrival to the school.

Volunteers

We welcome all volunteers at school.  Thank you for volunteering!  We value and appreciate your willingness to work with us.  To assist you in your role, we have outlined some guidelines that may help you as you help us!

·   Please sign in at the office and get a volunteer badge.  This includes your attendance at assemblies and parties as well as visits to the classroom.  (Don't forget to return the badge when you leave and to log in your volunteer hours in the Log Book in the front office!)

·   Please leave other siblings at home in order to give your full attention to the job at hand.  This includes class parties, field trips, assemblies, etc.

·   Try to help all the students follow the classroom rules.  If it is “quiet time”, please do not talk with the children.

·   Consider volunteering in a class other than your child's class or a special class such as media, computers, art or music.

·   If you are unable to make your scheduled time, please be sure to let the teacher know since he/she is planning on you for a particular activity.

·   Although your natural inclination may be to spend time with your own child, please share your time and attention with all the children.

·   Respect the confidentiality of your relationship with the school.  Your knowledge of its students is privileged information and should only be shared with responsible staff at NCC.  If a child shares anything that involves concerns about personal safety, please see an administrator at once.

·   Make any constructive criticisms of the school, staff, or procedures only to the Principal.

·   Most of all remember how much we value your assistance and appreciate the example you are setting for your child.

Walking Field Trips

These trips are often a part of our program of studies.  Any time we leave school property with your child, you will be required to fill out a permission slip.

Web Site

http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/nchevychasees NCC's home page on the World Wide Web.  This site offers information ranging from calendar listings, to lunch menus, to curriculum offerings, to school and PTA activities, complete with updated digital photos!  It also includes grade level and internet projects and a map to get you to NCC.  A link to the PTA pages is also provided.