2024-2025

Vick Elementary

 

Parent/Student 

Handbook

 

Pushing Forward with Panther Pride

 

Ms. Annette Faison, Principal

Dr. David Lott, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Lisa Ellis, Secretary/Bookkeeper

 

504 North Carroll Street

Wilson, NC 27893

252-399-7886

fax # 252-399-7873

Find us on Facebook or Instagram @VESPANTHERS1

Website at www.wilsonschoolsnc.net, click on Schools and then select Vick Elementary

 

Dear Panther Students and Families,

As we anticipate the upcoming school year, I want to take a moment to share something from the heart: We're in this together.

Whether you are new to our school community or a returning member, please know that we are committed to creating an environment where every young person feels seen, supported, and safe, and has what they need to promote their greatest academic growth and personal development. This doesn't happen by accident—it happens through partnership, communication, and trust.

Let me explain what that looks like.

1. Relationships at school matter, and we are working to get them right.

At the core of everything we do is the belief that young people learn best from those they trust. You may have read about a favorite teacher, coach, or mentor in your child's journal or heard their name at the dinner table. These relationships are not incidental—they are intentional, cultivated, and essential.

We train our teachers, coaches, advisers, and staff members to prioritize relationships because we know this: The academic, emotional, and social growth we all want for your child is rooted in relationships with safe, trustworthy adults.

We aren't perfect and we won't always get it right. But we are committed to learning and growing, just like the students we serve.

2. We train our staff on building trust and maintaining boundaries.

Every adult in our school is expected to be a trustworthy adult—someone your child can turn to when they need support, encouragement, challenge, or comfort. We provide our staff members with clear training and tools that focus on creating strong connections and maintaining healthy boundaries.

This means we prioritize:

• Building trust through consistency, transparency, and compassion.
• Communicating and maintaining healthy boundaries to ensure all interactions are safe, appropriate, and in service of the student's development.

We also support staff in understanding how to communicate with families, how to manage concerns professionally, and how to recognize when additional support is needed. This is not a one-time training—this is a sustained commitment.

3. Here is what you can expect from us.

As advocates for your child, here's what you can expect from our school community:

• We will treat your child with dignity and respect.
• We will communicate clearly, consistently, and within healthy boundaries.
• We will respond to messages within 24 hours.
• We will follow district and school policies.
• We will assume good intentions, seek to understand, and respond with care.
• We will make space for your child to grow, take healthy risks, and develop resilience.
• We will value you as a vital partner in this journey.

Our promise is not perfection but professionalism and presence.

4. Here is what we hope we can expect from you.

We see you as the expert on your child. And we ask you to see us as the experts on students and student development. When we meet in the middle—with mutual respect and clear expectations—we can provide the strongest possible support for your child.

Here's what we ask of you:

• Support your child in getting plenty of sleep and getting to school on time.
• Reach out to the school office, Counselor Darden, Counselor Coleman, or Social Worker Wellman for resources, if needed.
• Read messages or information sent home and respond in a timely manner, if a response is needed.
• Speak positively about school and the adults at school—your children adopt your attitude toward school, so let's make it a good one that helps them grow.
• Allow space for your child to become resilient and experience natural consequences.
• Attend events and games your child participates in, if possible.
• Encourage your child to seek out and connect with trusted adults at school.

In closing, I hope you receive this letter as a reminder that behind every confident, capable child is a network of adults—parents, teachers, coaches, mentors—working together.

We are honored to be a part of your child's educational journey!

 

In partnership for your child's success,

Annette Faison, Proud Principal

Vick Elementary

 

 

 

Wilson County Schools Student Parent Handbook

Click Here

 

• 2025-2026 Traditional School Calendar
   
• 2025-2026 Traditional Calendar (Approved 11.25.24)
• 2025-2026 Calendario Tradicional (Approved 11.25.24)
•  

 

2025-2026 WCS Testing Calendar

Reminders will be sent out to parents about upcoming assessments throughout the year. 

2025-2026 Testing Calendar

2025-2026 Wilson County Schools Events Calendar

Stay up-to-date with events for all schools throughout the year.

2025-2026 Event Calendar 

 

 

•  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025-2026 Elementary Schools

Progress Report & Report Card Schedule 

Updated 6-20-2024

 

1^st Term

Progress Reports: September 22, 2025

Grading Period Ends: October 16, 2025

Report Cards Go Home: October 27, 2025

2^nd Term

Progress Reports: November 18, 2025

Grading Period Ends: December 19, 2025

Report Cards Go Home: January 12, 2026

3^rd Term

Progress Reports: February 9, 2026

Grading Period Ends: March 12, 2026

Report Cards Go Home: March 23, 2026

4^th Term

Progress Reports: April 27, 2026

Grading Period Ends: June 3, 2026

Report Cards Go Home: June 22, 2026

 

RECOGNITION CRITERIA FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

WCS PBIS Recognition Criteria

No more than six absences and/or tardies in the grading period

No behavior (bus or school) referrals for the grading period

WCS Academic Recognition Criteria

K-1 Principal List (4’s every 9 weeks)

K-1 Honor Roll ( 3's and 4's every 9 weeks)

2-5 Honor Roll (All A's and B's across all subject areas)

2-5 Principal List (All A's across all subject areas)

Throughout the school year, the school will hold small recognition activities to reward students for meeting the criteria. At the end of the year, the school will host an award day ceremony to include parents and guardians

 

Wilson County Schools Standards Based Report Card

Standard Based Report Card (SBRC)

What is a standards-based report card?

• A standards-based report card lists the domains students should learn in each subject at a particular grade level.
• The standards based report card gives teachers tools to accurately communicate the proficiency levels and progress that the student is making towards learning the standards.
• A standards-based grading system measures a student’s mastery of standards by prioritizing the most recent, consistent level of performance, allowing a student who struggled early to demonstrate mastery by the end of the grading period and/or school year. 
• Variables such as effort, participation, timeliness, cooperation, attitude and attendance are reported separately, not as an indicator of a student’s academic performance.

Rationale for SBRC:

• Seeks to provide meaningful feedback so both students and parents can track student progress toward mastery of key academic concepts and standards. 
• Explains clearly defined learning targets aligned to high-quality, balanced assessments 
• Helps teachers, students and families focus on the standards, learning behaviors and  effort during the school year
• Measures students’ mastery of a set of clearly defined standards and a variety of skills
• Identifies what a student knows or is able to do based on these pre-established standards, rather than averaging grades/scores, which may not provide an accurate picture of what a student has or has not learned. 
• Reflects strengths and areas for improvement
• Provides information on specific standards and meaningful feedback to create a parent-friendly report card
• Helps to provide more consistency between teachers  and  among schools across the district

Grading Criteria for K-1 SBRC

4= The student has met or exceeded the end of grade level expectations in the standard.

 3= The student has met expectations for this quarter in the standard.

 2= The student shows growth/progress in the standard.

 1= The student needs intensive support at school and at home in the standard.

Vick Elementary School

Title I Parent Engagement Policy 2025-2026

Vick Elementary is dedicated to the success of our students. We believe students receive the best education when parents and school staff work together. Ultimately, parent involvement is essential to helping our students be their best!

The administrative team at Vick Elementary is committed to working collaboratively with teachers, parents, and guardians to actively support the staff, the VES PTCG, and the parents to enhance parent involvement by:

• Respecting parents as partners in the education of their children and honoring their role as first and life-long teachers
• Setting high expectations for excellent parent relations
• Expecting high student achievement for all students
• Promoting parent involvement in site-based leadership and decision making
• Fostering a welcoming and responsive environment for all parents
• Establishing and promoting communication as a source of trust and understanding between the Vick staff and parents

At Vick Elementary, we expect parents/guardians to be involved in their children's learning and education by:

• Taking the initiative to seek the best educational opportunities for their children
• Respecting the teachers and supporting the Vick Elementary staff as partners in the education of their children
• Utilizing two-way communication between parents and the Vick Elementary staff on the instruction, achievement and conduct of their children
• Participating in site-based leadership and decision making
• Participating in opportunities to volunteer or be actively engaged in appointed school activities  

Opportunities for Parent Engagement 

Administrators at Vick Elementary will facilitate parent involvement by providing a variety of opportunities for parents to be informed, communicating with the staff, and participating actively in the education of their children. Parents of Vick Elementary students have the opportunity to stay informed and communicate with the staff through the following resources:

• Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook
• School/Parent Compacts
• Parent-Teacher Conferences
• School Website
• Teachers’ Websites
• Teachers’ Emails
• School Messenger Phone System
• School Marquee
• Virtual Meetings
• Administrative and Teacher/Staff Conferences/Meetings

The parents and staff of Vick Elementary have opportunities to interact by attending:

• Open House
• Parent Night Events
• Book Fairs
• Fine Arts Programs (Music, Dance, Art, and Field Day)
• Parent/Teacher Conferences
• PTCG Meetings and Events
• Celebrations/Awards Day Ceremonies
• STEM Nights

The parents of Vick Elementary students are invited to become directly involved in daily school activities by participating in:

• PTCG
• Field Trips
• Appointed Parent Engagement Activities 
• Wednesday Folders

Parent input is valued at Vick Elementary. Parents have the opportunity to contribute to the decision-making process at our school through:

• Parent Surveys
• PTCG/School Improvement Team Parent Representative

 

Vick Elementary School

Title I Compact 2025-2026

 

“Things to Know” 

ARRIVAL TIME:  

The building opens at 7:30 am daily, and students should not arrive before this time. Vick staff members are on duty beginning at 7:30 am to supervise students. Only Vick staff will be permitted in the building before 7:30 am unless you have a scheduled conference.

Our instructional day runs from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Students must be in their classroom before 8:00 each morning to avoid receiving a tardy - the tardy bell rings at 8:00 am sharp.

Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 8:10 each morning. Students arriving after 8:10 will not be served breakfast.

Please keep in mind that our teachers use their early morning time to prepare for the day ahead. We ask that you give them this time to focus on getting ready to give your child their best. Thank you for helping us protect this important prep time!

Daily Attendance & School Hours:

Students are expected to participate daily in instructional activities and sessions. Attendance will be recorded each day.

Daily Schedule:

• School opens at 7:30 a.m.
• Breakfast is served from 7:30-8:10 a.m. in the classroom
• Tardy bell rings at 8:00 a.m.
• Car riders should be dropped off by 7:55 a.m. to allow time to get to class
• Early checkout ends at 2:30 p.m.
• School dismisses at 3:00 p.m.

Attendance Expectations All students are expected to attend school daily unless they are ill. When your child returns to school after an absence, please send a written note explaining the reason.

To help ensure your child gets the most out of their education, we monitor attendance patterns closely. Students who accumulate 6 or more tardies or 6 or more unexcused absences may be asked to provide documentation (such as doctor's appointments or other medical reasons).

New this school year: Once students reach 10 absences (excused or unexcused), they will be required to present a doctor's note upon return to school.

If attendance concerns continue, our counselor and/or social worker will work with your family to develop a plan that helps your child get to school on time and stay for the full instructional day. We're here to support you in making sure your child has every opportunity to succeed!

Click here to view the district attendance policy. Attendance Policy   

ACCIDENTS:  

We'll notify parents whenever accidents occur at school. Please make sure we always have your current contact phone number and address updated in the Infinite Campus System. It's also important to provide emergency contact information in case we're unable to reach you directly. Please notify the front office anytime you change your phone number so we can update your information immediately.

ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS:  

Please keep your student's address and phone numbers up-to-date at all times. All notices from the school and teachers will be mailed to the address we have on file.

How to update your information:

• Update your contact information directly in Infinite Campus System, OR

• Call the front office with any changes

The phone numbers you provide should allow our office and teachers to reach you between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Important reminders:

• Messages, notes, papers to be signed, and progress reports are sent home with students. If these items don't make it to you due to student handling or deleted voicemails, this is a matter to address with your child directly.

• In some cases, a parent conference may be required before a student can return to school.

• Information will be given to the legal guardian when legal guardianship documentation is provided.

• If one parent lives outside the Vick School district, messages will be sent to the address that gives the student the right to attend Vick.

• In joint custody situations, messages will be sent to the parent with whom the child is staying that night.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS AND DISCIPLINE:

Students at Vick Elementary are expected to learn and follow our behavioral expectations, which help ensure that learning can happen effectively in every classroom and throughout our school. These expectations align with our school mission and help create the positive environment we all want.

Our Vick Elementary Behavioral Expectations are posted throughout the school and in each classroom. We encourage you to review these expectations with your child before the first day of school and talk about them regularly throughout the year.

Our PRIDE Behavioral Expectations:

P - Perseverance I will never give up. I will always do my personal best.

R - Respect In all I think, do, and say I will be kind to myself and others.

I - Integrity I will always do the right thing even when no one is watching.

D - Discipline I am in control of myself and my behavior. I will always think it through before I do.

E - Empathy I will understand and respect the feelings of others.

We believe in celebrating good choices! A reward system is in place to encourage students to maintain proper behavior in the classroom, cafeteria, restrooms, playground, and hallways. When students don't meet our expectations, consequences will be given using WCS School Board Policy 4300: Student Code of Conduct as our guide.

Our Approach to Discipline

At Vick, we use a "Responsibility-Centered Discipline" approach to classroom management. This means we focus on helping students learn from their choices and grow from their experiences.

When undesirable behaviors occur, our staff will have a private conversation with the student using our "Give'em Five" approach. These five steps help maintain positive relationships while addressing the behavior:

1. Support - Start the conversation with something positive
2. Breakdown - Help the student understand what was not acceptable
3. Expectation - Clearly state what is expected moving forward
4. Benefit - Explain why choosing the better behavior matters
5. Closure - End the conversation in a way that keeps the teacher-student relationship strong

Following Vick's Behavior Flowcharts, our teachers and staff will work with students to prevent consequences whenever possible. When consequences are necessary, they may include warnings, phone calls home, parent conferences, office referrals, and in some cases, suspension.

Please note that repeated minor behaviors or aggravating circumstances may result in a minor violation being treated as a major violation, which could lead to short-term suspension.

MINOR BEHAVIORS (Managed with Person-Centered Approach)

Behaviors Include:

• Inappropriate or disrespectful language
• Noncompliance with staff directives
• Minor physical contact or physical altercation that does not involve weapon or injury
• Dress code violations
• Minor disrespect
• Minor disruption that interferes with instruction for less than 5 minutes
• Minor theft (small dollar school items)
• Minor property misuse

Management Approach:

• Provide a verbal reminder that refers back to expectations in an approachable tone and non-threatening body language
• Redirect using verbal cues, eye contact, and proximity (do not hover). Be firm but do not yell. Continue to stay calm using non-threatening body language
• Teacher-student check-in through a private conference to find out what is going on. This may be a "Give Em'5" conversation
• Use of the calm-down zone/corner/space

Note: Repetitive minor behaviors can result in referral.

MAJOR BEHAVIORS (Office Managed)

Behaviors Include:

• Possession, sale, distribution, display, or use of tobacco products
• Major disruption that interferes with instruction for more than 5 minutes
• Serious or persistent verbal abuse or disrespect of others
• Major theft (high dollar school items; stealing from staff)
• Communicating threats of death or serious injury
• Sexual behavior
• Bullying/Harassment
• Hazing
• Fighting
• Possession of weapons
• Skipping class

Management Process:

1. Submit Referral
2. Student Conference with Admin
3. Parent Contact/Conference with Admin
4. Student Conference with Counselor after suspension

Code of Conduct is listed below or click here to view the Code of Student Conduct Policy. Also, a copy of the policy will be sent home with students the first week of school. 

Policy Code: 4300 Code of Student Conduct

All decisions related to student behavior are guided by the board’s educational objective to teach responsibility and respect for cultural and ideological differences and by the board’s commitment to creating safe, orderly, and inviting schools.  Student behavior policies are provided in order to establish (1) expected standards of student behavior; (2) principles to be followed in managing student behavior; (3) consequences for prohibited behavior; and (4) required procedures for addressing misbehavior.  Teachers, school-based administrators, parents, and law enforcement will be consulted when existing student behavior policies are revised or new such policies are created.

A.              Principles

The reasons for managing student behavior are to (1) create an orderly environment in which students can learn; (2) teach expected standards of behavior; (3) help students learn to accept the consequences of their behavior; and (4) provide students with the opportunity to develop self-control.  The following principles apply in managing student behavior.  

1. Student behavior management strategies will complement other efforts to create a safe, orderly, and inviting environment. 

2.  Positive behavioral interventions will be employed as appropriate to improve student behavior.

 3. Responsibility, integrity, civility, and other standards of behavior will be integrated into the curriculum.

4. Disruptive behavior in the classroom will not be tolerated.

5.  Consequences for unacceptable behavior will be designed to help a student learn to comply with rules, to be respectful, to accept responsibility for his or her behavior, and to develop self-control.

6. Strategies and consequences will be age and developmentally appropriate. 

B.                 Communication of Policies 

Board policies related to student behavior are codified mainly in the 4300 series.  The superintendent shall incorporate information from such policies into a Code of Student Conduct that notifies students of the behavior expected of them, conduct that may subject them to discipline, and the range of disciplinary measures that may be used by school officials.  At the discretion of the superintendent, the Code of Student Conduct may include additional rules needed to implement the board’s student behavior policies.  To elaborate further on processes for addressing student misbehavior and the use of intervention strategies and consequences, each school will create a student behavior management plan that is consistent with the law, board policies, and the Code of Student Conduct (see policy 4302, School Plan for Management of Student Behavior).  The Code of Student Conduct must incorporate by reference any additional student behavior standards, prohibited conduct, or disciplinary measures identified in student behavior management plans developed by individual schools.  The Code of Student Conduct must not impose mandatory long-term suspension or expulsion for specific violations unless otherwise provided in state or federal law.

At the beginning of each school year, principals shall make available to each student and parent all of the following:  (1) the Code of Student Conduct; (2) any board policies related to behavior that are not part of the Code of Conduct; (3) any related administrative procedures; (4) any additional discipline-related information from the school’s student behavior management plan, including behavior standards, prohibited conduct, or disciplinary measures; and (5) any other school rules.  This information must be available at other times upon request and must be made available to students enrolling during the school year and their parents. 

For the purpose of board policies related to student behavior, all references to “parent” include a parent, a legal guardian, a legal custodian, or another caregiver authorized to enroll a student under policy 4120, Domicile or Residence Requirements.  

C.                Applicability

 Students must comply with the Code of Student Conduct in the following circumstances:

1.  while in any school building or on any school premises before, during, or after school hours;

2.   while on any bus or other vehicle as part of any school activity;

3.  while waiting at any school bus stop;

4.   during any school-sponsored activity or extracurricular activity;

5.   when subject to the authority of school employees; and

6.  at any other place or time when the student’s behavior has or is reasonably expected to have a direct and immediate impact on the orderly and efficient operation of the schools or the safety of individuals in the school environment.

 Notwithstanding the foregoing, students will not be disciplined for constitutionally protected behavior.  School officials are encouraged to consult with senior administrators before regulating student expression that may be protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. 

D.                Consequences for Violations

Violations of the Code of Student Conduct must be dealt with in accordance with the guidelines established in the school’s behavior management plan (see policy 4302, School Plan for Management of Student Behavior).

1.                  Minor Violations 

Minor violations of the Code of Student Conduct are those less severe infractions involving a lower degree of dangerousness and harm.  Examples of minor violations include the use of inappropriate or disrespectful language, noncompliance with a staff directive, dress code violations, and minor physical altercations that do not involve a weapon or an injury.  Aggravating circumstances, however, may justify treating an otherwise minor violation as a serious violation. 

Minor violations of the Code of Student Conduct may result in disciplinary measures or responses up to and including short-term suspension.  Further information regarding the procedures for short-term suspensions is provided in policy 4351, Short-Term Suspension.  Other disciplinary measures or responses may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

a.   parental involvement, such as conferences;

b.  isolation or time-out for short periods of time;

c.     behavior improvement agreements;

d.     instruction in conflict resolution and anger management;

e.     peer mediation;

f.      individual or small group sessions with the school counselor;

g.     academic intervention;

h.    in-school suspensions 

i.   detention before and/or after school or on Saturday;

j.   community service;

k.  exclusion from graduation ceremonies;

l.    exclusion from extracurricular activities;

m.  suspension from bus privileges; and

n.     placement in an alternative school.

The student’s parent is responsible for transportation that may be required to carry out a consequence.  With the exception of suspension from bus privileges, if a parent is unable to provide transportation, another consequence will be substituted.  

2.                  Serious Violations 

Serious violations of the Code of Student Conduct may result in any of the consequences that may be imposed for minor violations.  In addition, serious violations that threaten to substantially disrupt the educational environment may result in long-term suspension, and serious violations that threaten the safety of students, school employees, or school visitors may result in long-term suspension or expulsion.  Certain violations involving firearms or explosive devices may result in a 365-day suspension.  Further information regarding the standards and procedures for long-term suspensions, 365-day suspensions, and expulsions is provided in policies 4351, Short-Term Suspension, and 4353, Long-Term Suspension, 365-Day Suspension, Expulsion.  (See also policy 4333, Weapons, Bomb Threats, Terrorist Threats, and Clear Threats to Safety, for information regarding 365-day suspensions for certain violations involving firearms or explosive devices.) 

E.                 Enforcement

The superintendent is responsible for supervising the enforcement of the Code of Student Conduct to ensure that school disciplinary policies are uniformly and fairly applied throughout the school system and consistent with students’ constitutional rights.

BOOK BAGS: 

Please help supervise your child in packing their book bag each day. Book bags should contain only necessary school items such as books, pencils, pens, paper, and assignments.

Items to leave at home include:

• Toys
• Playing cards
• Hand-held computer games
• Electronics
• Fidget spinners
• Weapons
• Other non-essential items

Students won't need to carry their backpacks to lunch or to the playground, and book bags may be moved from classroom to classroom during the day as needed.

Important safety note: Rolling book bags or book bags with wheels are not allowed at Vick. All students are asked to carry their book bags for safety reasons.

For bus riders: Students must hold their book bags in their laps while on the bus. Book bags cannot be placed in the aisle for everyone's safety.

BOOKS:  

We encourage students to show respect and care for all library books. Books are a valuable resource that we want all students to be able to enjoy throughout the year.

When books are damaged or lost, families will be asked to replace them promptly so other students can continue to use these materials. Students and parents are responsible for all books that are assigned, loaned, or checked out from the library or classroom.

If you have any questions about book replacement costs or need help with a damaged book situation, please don't hesitate to contact the library or front office.

COMMUNICATION: 

We want to keep you connected and informed about everything happening at Vick! Here are the best ways to stay in the loop:

Follow us on social media:

• Facebook and Instagram: @VESPANTHERS1
• School website: https://vick.wilsonschoolsnc.net/

Keep your contact info current: Please make sure your phone numbers and email address are up-to-date in Infinite Campus so our notification system can reach you with important announcements about school and district news.

Weekly updates: Ms. Faison will send weekly phone and email messages every Sunday at 5:00 p.m. to keep you informed about the upcoming week. These weekly messages will also be posted on the school's Facebook and Instagram pages and placed in ClassDojo.

Teacher communication: Your child's teachers will stay in touch through Class Dojo, newsletters, phone calls, and email. Teachers are your first point of contact for any questions or concerns about your child's learning and school experience. All messages will be responded to within 24 hours.

DRESS CODE: Policy Code: 4316 Student Dress Code

Students should wear clothing that is appropriate for school. Rooms are air-conditioned, so keep this in mind when your child dresses for school. Prevention is the key here. Know what your child is wearing before he/she leaves for school in the morning. If your child’s clothing is not appropriate, the parent will be contacted to bring a change of clothing or pick up the child. Below are specific guidelines from WCS Board Policy: 4316.

1. Clothing and appearance must be age appropriate, not disruptive to the teaching- learning process and cannot be provocative, indecent, vulgar or obscene.

2. Hats, sweatbands, bandanas, or sunglasses will not be worn inside the school buildings.

3. Shorts must be of adequate length to reach the ends of one's fingertips when the student is standing and the arms are by one's sides.

4. Skirts and dresses must be no higher than three (3) inches above the top of the knee.

5. Clothing will not be allowed which promotes alcoholic beverages, tobacco or the use of controlled substances, depicts violence, profanity, vulgarity or obscenity, is of a sexual nature, or is of a disruptive nature.

6. Shirts and blouses must cover the waist and midriff and go past the waistline.  Tank tops or spaghetti-strap tops may not be worn as an outer garment.

7. Footwear is required.  Bedroom shoes are not allowed.  Students in laboratory or shop environments must wear closed-toe shoes.  Students in physical education classes must wear athletic shoes. Shoes that have laces must be laced and tied.

8. Clothing is not to be sheer or mesh and cannot have excessive holes.

9. Undergarments are not to be visible.

10. Clothing must be worn appropriately (nothing inside-out or backwards, no rolled-up pant legs or unfastened bibbed overalls, no sagging pants, belts must be buckled and worn at the waistline, etc.).

11. Clothing will not be allowed that is intentionally shredded or torn.

12. Tight clothing, such as knit pants, spandex bicycle/biker pants, or overly tight pants, is not allowed.

13. Students shall not wear clothing articles with the intent to convey membership or affiliation in a gang.

 

EMERGENCY INFORMATION:  

Keeping your contact information current is extremely important for your child's safety and wellbeing. Please make sure the following information is always up-to-date in the Infinite Campus system:

Primary contacts:

• Your current home, work, and cell phone numbers
• Your current address
• Notify the office immediately if any of this information changes during the year

Emergency contacts: Please provide contact information for a trusted friend or relative who:

• Can be reached between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
• Knows how to reach you at all times
• Will reliably deliver messages about your child (illness, school issues, homework, discipline, or attendance concerns)
• Can help in emergency situations

Why this matters: During emergencies, children become very anxious if their parents cannot be reached. Having current, reliable contact information helps us keep your child safe and ensures you're informed about anything important happening at school.

Important note: Parents or guardians who have not provided current phone numbers, addresses, or emergency contact information that allows us to reach someone during school hours will be contacted by a social worker to help update this information.

FIELD TRIPS:  

Teachers may plan up to two field trips per year that connect to classroom instruction. These are great learning opportunities for students to experience hands-on learning outside the classroom.

Permission and payment:

• All students must have a signed permission form to participate. Students without signed forms will not be permitted to leave campus for field trips.
• Teachers will provide receipts for all field trip fees paid by families
• Please keep your original Vick receipt in case the school needs to cancel the trip

Refund policy:

• Money for field trips will not be refunded unless the school has to cancel the trip
• If the school cancels, you must return your original receipt to receive a refund

Student participation: Students who exhibit safety concerns while in school may need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in field trips.

End-of-trip pickup: When field trips are over, parents may check out their child and leave directly from the trip location. Please note that students who leave with their parent/guardian will be marked as an early checkout, which counts as a tardy on attendance records.

When appropriate, educators may utilize field trips to enrich and extend instruction. Any parent who wishes to attend or chaperone a field trip must be approved through the district volunteer tracking system which requires a clear background check. Sign up by visiting www.wilsonschoolsnc.net and enter volunteer in the search bar! The volunteer application should be completed at least one month prior to the field trip.  Pending applications and expired approvals will not be honored.

We encourage parents to consider volunteering as a chaperone when appropriate. Per administrative discretion, approved chaperones may be assigned a small group of students to supervise during the trip. Field trips are considered an extension of the school day; therefore, applicable policies, rules, and procedures apply for the duration of the field trip. Please see Wilson County Schools Board Policy and Regulation 3320 School Trips for more information.  

Approved volunteers who do not serve as chaperones may not be able to participate in the field trip activities due to venue limitations. If tickets must be pre-purchased for a trip, the school will secure only tickets for those adults volunteering as chaperones. Older or younger children/siblings/cousins, etc. who are not a member of the class are not permitted to attend field trips.

IMMUNIZATIONS and KINDERGARTEN ASSESSMENT – MEDICAL:  

All students entering Kindergarten through fifth grade must have current health documentation on file in our office. This helps us keep all students safe and healthy.

Required documents:

• Current immunization record
• Health assessment

Important deadlines:

• For returning students: Documents must be on file within 30 calendar days from the first day of school
• For new enrollees: Documents must be provided within 30 days from their enrollment date in Wilson County Schools

Consequences for missing documentation: Students without the required health records may be suspended from school until proper documentation is provided.

Need help? If you're not sure what immunizations are required or have questions about health documentation, please contact:

• Our school nurse
• Wilson County Health Department

INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURES:

How you'll be notified: We'll keep you informed about school schedule changes due to weather through multiple channels:

• Blackboard Connect System (automated calls/texts)
• WCS website and social media
• Vick's social media pages
• Local TV stations
• 24-hour WCS weather line: 252-265-4037

Please do not call the main school number for weather information, as this ties up our phone lines and prevents important calls from weather services and the superintendent's office.

Make-up days: The district will announce make-up days once students return to school after weather events.

Weather dismissal procedures: Dismissal during inclement weather can be busy and requires everyone's cooperation:

• Please ask your child to follow instructions from any Vick staff member
• Please do not enter the building during dismissal - this helps us dismiss students in an orderly and safe manner
• Students will stay inside and out of the weather until their ride arrives
• Teachers will remain until all students are safely on their way home

LOST AND FOUND:  

Please be sure to label your child's clothing and belongings with their name so items can be returned when found.

Items that are not marked or identified are placed in our lost and found area. We encourage you to check the lost and found regularly if your child is missing anything.

Unclaimed clothing will be donated to the Salvation Army periodically throughout the school year.

LUNCH: 

Free lunch for all students: All WCS elementary students will receive free lunch this school year. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria, and students may purchase additional items if desired.

To maintain a safe and focused learning environment, students are not permitted to bring in outside food for breakfast (such as fast food, restaurant meals, or takeout) after arriving at school. Additionally, food deliveries (including DoorDash, Uber Eats, or any other delivery services) are not allowed at any time during the school day for students.

This helps us:

• Ensure student safety, including those with food allergies
• Minimize disruptions to the school day
• Support our school’s nutritional guidelines and meal programs

Students may eat breakfast provided by the school or eat before arriving on our school campus in the morning. Thank you for your cooperation and support in helping us maintain a positive and safe school environment.

Items to avoid bringing:

• No canned, carbonated, or bottled soda-type drinks - these can be dangerous when shaken and messy when opened
• No outside fast-food items can be brought in for lunch or breakfast
• No microwavable items - cafeteria microwaves are for adult use only

Parents welcome to join: We invite you to eat lunch with your child! Here's what you need to know:

• Parents must be approved through the Raptor background check system for increased safety of all students
• Ask your child's teacher for their specific lunch time
• If you bring food from outside for you and your child - we prefer it to be wrapped separately, but it's not mandatory
• A special table will be marked in the cafeteria for you and your child. Parents are not permitted to sit with other students. Again, this is for increased safety
• A visitor's pass is still required
• You can only go to the cafeteria during your visit
• When lunch is over, please return to the office to sign out - visitors cannot accompany students back to classrooms.

MEDICATION:  

School personnel may not administer medication, prescription or otherwise, without the written instructions and a completed medication form signed by the doctor prescribing the medication and the parent/guardian.

First aid: School personnel may only provide basic first aid, which includes washing the affected area with soap and water and applying a bandaid if the injury is bleeding.

Prescription medications:

• Prescription medication must be brought to the school by the student's parent/guardian
• Must be in a pharmacy-labeled bottle with clear instructions for administration, frequency, and dosage
• Most pharmacists can split prescriptions into two bottles upon request - one for home and one for school
• All medication bottles should be given directly to the front office

Over-the-counter medications:

• Must be in the original container
• Will be administered according to both the physician's and parent's written instructions
• Must be brought to school by the parent/guardian and administered by the parent/guardian

Important reminder: Students are not permitted to carry or bring any medications to school themselves - all medications must be delivered by a parent or guardian.

OFFICE:  

Office location: Our office is located to the right of the main entrance. Mrs. Ellis, our school secretary, will be happy to help you.

All visitors must check in: Every parent, grandparent, spouse, child, and visitor/volunteer is expected to sign in at the office and receive a visitor's badge before going anywhere in the building.

Safety protocols:

• Visitors are strictly limited to pre-arranged appointments only
• Please enter and exit through designated doors only
• All visitors must follow the same safety protocols as staff
• Our front office supports school safety by monitoring all visitors on campus

Classroom visits: Vick values instructional time. Classroom visits are not allowed without prior approval from administration, which includes:

• A set time for the visit must be arranged in advance
• An administrator or counselor must be present during the visit for safety reasons
• This policy ensures the safety of all our students

Teacher communication: If you need to speak with your child's teacher, we'll gladly schedule a conference to avoid disrupting instruction. Messages for teachers, teacher assistants, and support staff are delivered during non-instructional periods so they can return calls without disrupting learning time. Keep in mind all teachers and staff have 24 hours to respond.

PARENT TEACHER Community Group (PTCG):  

We are very proud of our Parent Teacher Community Group. The PTCG plays a vital role in enhancing our students' educational experience and fostering a strong school community.

Parents are encouraged to attend meetings and be actively involved. Your participation helps make a difference in our school!

PARTIES: 

Birthday treats: If you'd like to provide store-bought refreshments for your child's birthday, you may bring a simple treat such as cupcakes or cookies and juice boxes. Please keep these guidelines in mind:

• All refreshments must be store-bought
• According to Federal School Lunch Guidelines, treats may only be served after 1:30 p.m.
• Please check with your child's teacher before bringing snacks so they can help plan an appropriate time
• We ask that you keep it simple - just one food item and juice, please. No elaborate "birthday parties" at school

School-wide parties: We have classroom parties and snacks during the school year. Your child's teacher will contact you with information before any scheduled parties. All food brought for these events must also be purchased from a store.

Items not allowed at school: Balloons, flowers, and other gift items should not be delivered or brought to school. These items create distractions, interrupt instruction, and pose safety concerns.

PHONE USE:  

School telephones: School telephones are for teachers and staff to make necessary school-related business calls. When necessary, teachers will give students the opportunity to call parents/guardians.

Cell phones and personal devices policy: Per board policy, cell phones and other personal devices are allowed on campus but must follow these guidelines:

• Must be turned off during the instructional day
• Must be kept in bookbags at all times
• Not allowed to be turned on while on the school bus
• Use must be authorized by school personnel
• Must adhere to protocols set forth by WCS board policies

Board policy references:

• Policy 3225/4312/7320 Technology Responsible Use
• Policy Code: 3225/4312/7320-F1 Student Technology Use & Digital Citizenship Agreement for School and/or Home Usage

PROMOTION & STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY- Click here to view District 

• Student Promotion and Accountability Policy 
• Evaluation of Student Progress (Policy 3400)    

• Evaluation of Student Progress (Regulation 3400R)
• Student Promotion and Accountability (Policy 3420   
•  Student Promotion and Accountability (Regulations 3420A-R)  

Students in grades K-5 must be in attendance for 85 percent of the days enrolled, and students in grades 6-8 must be in attendance 90 percent of the days enrolled to be promoted to the next grade. Students in Grades 1-8 who are not present for the required number of days during the school year shall be retained unless a waiver or modification of the consequences is granted pursuant to section 4400-E2.

Students in Kindergarten who are absent more than thirty (30) days during a year shall be referred to an interdisciplinary attendance committee, which shall recommend whether the student should be considered for retention. The committee will review any additional educational experiences that the child might have received during the absences as it makes its recommendations.

 

SAFETY:  

Building entry: We are always concerned about the safety and well-being of our students. 

Use the front door on the Carroll Street side of the building. To enter, you will need to use the buzz-in system:

• Press the silver triangle
• Be prepared to share your name and reason for your visit
• All guests must stop by the front office, sign in, and secure a visitor or volunteer pass before going anywhere else in the building

Classroom visits: Vick values instructional time. Classroom visits are not allowed without prior approval from administration, which includes:

• A set time for the visit must be arranged in advance
• An administrator or counselor must be present during the visit for safety reasons
• This policy ensures the safety of all our students

Early checkout procedures: When asking another person to pick up your child from school:

• Call the front office or send a written note with your child to the teacher
• This person should be listed on the student information sheet or reunification document you completed at the beginning of the year
• Ask the person to be ready to show identification upon arrival

Important checkout deadline: PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR YOUR CHILD TO BE CALLED TO CHECK OUT AFTER 2:30 P.M. UNLESS IT IS AN EMERGENCY! Dismissal time can be confusing, and we want every child to get home safely. Early checkouts after 2:30 p.m. can result in children missing their van or bus, which interferes with our organized dismissal schedule.

SNACK TIME:  

Each teacher decides if and when their class will observe snack time. This decision is partially determined by the times students eat breakfast and lunch. Your child's teacher will notify you about the specific rules regarding snacks for their classroom. Parents are encouraged to send nutritious snacks if their child will be participating in snack time.

TRANSPORTATION CHANGES: 

Call the school by 2:30 p.m. to request a change in how your child will go home. This deadline helps us ensure safe and organized dismissal for all students.

Only students assigned to a specific bus will be allowed to ride that bus.

BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS:

Our #1 goal daily is to safely transport all student bus riders to and from school. To accomplish this goal, we need the cooperation of parents and student bus riders. Good student behavior while entering, riding, and leaving the bus contribute in many ways to safe transportation. Such conduct makes it possible for the driver to give full attention to the roadway and other drivers. Please take a few minutes to review the information below concerning student conduct on the bus with your child. The primary purpose of rules and procedures on the buses is for the safety of all students. Your child’s cooperation following all rules and procedures is appreciated by the drivers. 

SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SAFETY

1.    Use the handrail when entering or leaving the bus

2.    Take a seat as quickly as possible.

3.    Observe classroom conduct while riding.

1. Be courteous
2. Respect the rights of other students.
3. Cooperate with the driver in every way.  A distraction could cause an accident.
4. Stay in your seat.
5. Talk softly and don’t talk to the driver.
6. Help keep the bus neat.
7. Enter and leave the bus without pushing or crowding.
8. Do not throw objects inside the bus or from the bus.

4.   Keep head, arms, and hands inside the bus.

5.  Keep the aisle clear of objects that could cause a passenger to stumble.  All passengers are to stay behind the vertical bar. 

6.  Do not eat or try to do homework on the bus.  A sudden stop could send food, papers, books, pencils, etc. flying into someone.  Garbage on the floor could cause someone to fall.

7.  The bus driver is authorized to assign seats if necessary.

8.  Students are permitted to only ride the assigned bus.

9. Cell phones and other personal devices are not allowed to be out and used on the school bus. 

10.  All school rules apply to the bus.

The bus driver is responsible for transporting passengers to and from school daily and reporting students who misbehave to school administration.  Students must adhere to the Code of Student Conduct at all times when at bus stops and on school transportation. Failure to follow the directives of the school bus driver and the rules and regulations of school bus safety while at a school bus stop, in the school bus parking lot, or while riding on a school bus or other school vehicle may result in disciplinary consequences for the respective rule violation(s) of the Code of Student Conduct and policy 4315, Disruptive Behavior, as well as the temporary or permanent suspension from the privilege of school transportation services or suspension from school. Parents will be responsible for transportation during suspension from the bus.

Consequences

a. 1st Offense: Parental notification and counsel with student; may receive up to 3 days off the bus.

b. 2nd Offense: May receive up to 5 days off the bus.

c. 3rd Offense: May receive up to 10 days off the bus.

d. 4th Offense: May receive up to 10 days off the bus or may be suspended from the bus for the remainder of the school year.

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

Arrival Procedures (Building opens at 7:30 a.m.)

Bus Drop Off 

• Buses drop off students at the rear of the school. 
• Students will enter the building in a single file line to travel to the cafeteria to pick up breakfast before heading to homeroom class.
• Bus parking area is closed to passenger vehicles.

Car Drop Off 

• Car rider students enter the school using the front parking lot.
• Only one lane is used for morning drop-off.
• 5th graders are dropped off at the first walkway 
• K-4 students are dropped off at the front door.

Walkers

• Walkers enter at the front of the school. Staff members will be on duty to help students cross over the car line to enter the building safely. 

Dismissal Procedures

Bus Riders 

• Students load buses in the bus parking lot. Buses will pull off-campus at 3:00.

Walkers

• Walkers will be picked up by designated staff members to be escorted down the crosswalk on Carroll Street.

Car Riders 

• Car riders are picked up in front of the school. For safety and to cut down on confusion, parents must stay inside their cars during pick-up. Students will be escorted to their cars. 
• Within the 1st 2 weeks of school, parents will be given a car tag to display in car windows to make car dismissal more efficient. 

Van Riders

• Van Riders are dismissed from the auditorium side of the building by assigned staff members. 

VISITORS Check-in/Check-out: 

Entry requirements:

• Visitors are strictly limited to pre-arranged appointments only
• Please enter and exit through designated doors only
• All visitors must follow the same safety protocols as staff
• EVERYONE visiting our school must first check in at the office and pick up a visitor's badge

Classroom visits: Vick values instructional time. Classroom visits are not allowed without prior approval from administration, which includes:

• A set time for the visit must be arranged in advance
• An administrator or counselor must be present during the visit for safety reasons
• This policy ensures the safety of all our students

Teacher conferences: If you need to speak with your child's teacher, we will leave a message for the teacher to contact you to schedule a conference to avoid disrupting instruction.

VOLUNTEERS:   

There are many opportunities to serve our school community, from going on field trips to helping at field day. We'd love to have you involved!

Volunteer application required: All volunteers must complete and be approved through our volunteer application system. Individuals who are interested in volunteering may now begin creating their accounts and submitting applications through our new Volunteer Tracking System powered by Raptor.

Application links:

• English version: https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/OTc1NTplbi1VUw==
• Spanish version: https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/OTc1NTplcy1VUw==

What to expect: Once you submit your application, background checks will be initiated if needed based on your selected activity level. You'll receive an email notification when you're approved. Once approved, we will notify you of specific volunteering opportunities like field trips, picture day, and field day.

VALUABLES: 

Money, cards, electronic equipment/games, and other valuables should not be brought to school or on field trips.

If items are confiscated: Items taken by school staff will be held in the office for a parent to pick up at the end of the day or school year.

Important reminder: Although school personnel try to prevent losses, the school is not responsible for students' personal property.

WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME:  

General items to leave at home: Any item not needed for school/class should be left at home, including cards, toys, electronic devices, iPods, balls, etc.

PROHIBITED AND DANGEROUS ITEMS: THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE BANNED FROM SCHOOL CAMPUS AND VIOLATE STATE AND LOCAL LAWS:

• Matches
• Sharp objects
• Lighters
• Fireworks
• Firearms (or ANY likeness of a firearm, including water pistols)
• Tobacco products
• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs

Consequences: Possession of any prohibited items will result in automatic suspension with the possibility of long-term suspension.

WITHDRAWALS:  

Advance notice required: Please notify your child's teacher and the office if you plan to move or change schools. We need at least one day's advance notice to prepare a progress report and transfer slip.

Before withdrawal: All textbooks and library books must be accounted for or paid for before withdrawing your child.

Moving information needed: If you are moving outside of the county or state, please be prepared to provide:

• Name of the new school
• Address of the new school

Records transfer: School records will be sent from Vick Elementary when the new school requests them

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Opt-Out.

Wilson County Schools’ Policy 4700 and Administrative Regulation 4700-R outline the right for parents and guardians to opt-out of sharing directory information.  More information about your FERPA rights may be viewed HERE. 

Schools use directory information to publish items such as yearbooks, honor roll, newsletters, and graduation announcements. This also includes information about opportunities for scholarship programs and colleges to be sent to you. A school may disclose directory information to third parties for non-commercial use only.

Schools will never sell information to third parties for commercial purposes.  Directory information will only be used for official purposes and to colleges and universities if you so choose

 

WCS Board Policies

(For additional Board Policies, please visit the Wilson County Schools Board Policy Page)