Student Handbook

Choices Program

Choices, our alternative education program serving up to 140 at-risk students, will continue to focus on employing an individualized approach facilitated by caring, competent adults along with effective instruction and supporting services. The Choices program is designed to promote academic, behavioral and social skills and to motivate our students to stay in school, work for success, set and attain goals, and graduate.

American College Test (ACT)

The ACT has four major sections and is curricular based: English, reading, mathematics and science. In addition to a score for each subsection, a composite score that ranges from 1 to 36, with 18 being average, is also reported. The ACT is administered six times per year. As with the SAT, one should register for this test approximately six weeks prior to the test's administration date. Additional information may be obtained at www.act.org.

Art Show

The Wicomico County Art Show is a display of student artwork in grades one through twelve. The display is housed at the Wicomico County Library and runs for one week beginning the last Friday in April.

Attendance

Because of the direct relationship between attendance and academic achievement, all students are encouraged to attend school regularly. Students under age 16 must bring in notes for absences from school.

For students who are 16 years old or who will become 16 during the school year, the Board of Education has developed an attendance policy that is intended to instill in students the importance of regular and punctual school attendance.

Students under the policy who are absent from school for the equivalent of eleven (11) days during the school year for reasons not excused by the school system will automatically fail all subjects with all final grades computed as an "E".

When properly documented, excused absences include illness, death in the immediate family, court summons, and certain religious holidays. High school juniors and seniors have up to three (3) days per school year for documented college, vocational and/or military visitations.

Students under the policy submitting certificates from physicians, dentists, and clinical psychologists who meet Peninsula Regional Medical Center's standards for receiving hospital privileges, or other documentation to verify absences, must submit this documentation to the person in charge of attendance within five (5) school days following the student's return to school.

Parents or guardians may appeal decisions resulting from the Attendance Policy to the School Attendance Review Committee. Parents should send a note to school when absences occur that are not supported by a medical note. These notes will be considered if an appeal to the Attendance Committee becomes necessary. If the attendance appeal is denied at the school level, the parents or guardians may appeal the decision to the County Level Attendance Review Committee.

The complete Student Attendance Policy is available in the school for review.

Career and Technology Education Programs

Wicomico County Public Schools offer Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs in 20 different technical areas at Parkside High School. Choices include classes in the automotive, construction, business, high technology, and health and human services clusters.

Students of all levels are enrolled in career and technology programs learning complex and technical skills. Considerable emphasis is placed on gaining the academic and technical skills to further the student's education beyond high school and/or to directly enter the work force.

Career and technology education plays an integral role in ensuring the availability of workers with vital technical skills. Most importantly, technical programs provide an opportunity for county students to develop technical skills to pursue satisfying and productive careers.

College Admission Tests

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) is offered to all students in Grades 9-11. Wicomico County will pay the administration fee for all students who want to participate. Students planning to go to college should take the PSAT in order to become familiar with the SAT fomat. All students are highly encouraged to participate but participation is optional.

The two basic college admission tests are the S.A.T.(SAT) and the American College Test (ACT). Many colleges east of the Mississippi use the SAT, whereas many western colleges prefer the ACT. Students should consult individual institutions to determine the appropriate assessments.

To apply for either test, students may secure an application from the guidance office in a high school. It is important to apply for the test approximately six weeks prior to the test date.

Community Involvement

A strong school system needs strong community support. From advocating for an adequate local and state budget for instruction and facilities to serving one on one as a mentor, community partners enhance the school system. We invite more businesses and faith-based organizations to become partners with our schools, providing incentives and support for students and teachers. We invite more community members to become mentors - especially for the 500+ students on our waiting list. We need persons to serve on advisory committees and school-based instructional leadership teams. Through collaboration we will met our academic goal of success for all children.

Dress Code

Students' appearance should reflect pride and respect for self and for school. Hair should be neat and well-groomed. Appropriate dress is an important consideration for health, safety, and public appearance.

Any type of attire which attracts undue attention to the wearer, is unduly revealing, and is unsafe or causes a disturbance is in bad taste and not acceptable. Specific types of unacceptable dress include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Hats, scarves, and other head coverings, except for those worn for religious or cultural purposes, are not to be worn inside the building. This also includes hair curlers and picks.
2. Pants or shorts are not to be worn hanging below the waist. Students' clothing should cover the area around their waists sufficiently to prevent exposure of their bare skin and/or undergarments.
3. For the purpose of health and safety, it is necessary that all students wear shoes which will protect feet from dropped objects and stumbling accidents. Thongs and flip-flops are inappropriate and are not to be worn.
4. Articles of clothing advertising alcohol products, tobacco products, drugs, or anything else that is in violation of county policy; articles of clothing displaying obscene, abusive, or sexually suggestive materials are not to be worn.
5. Revealing attire such as halter tops, backless tops, midriff tops, and tank-style shirts are not to be worn.

Early Dismissal

Any student in grades Pre-k through 12 requesting early dismissal should bring a note from a parent or guardian. Students must be signed out by the adult who is authroized to pick them up.

Elementary Education

Approximately 7300 students are enrolled in Wicomico County's elementary (PK-5) program. Organization patterns differ among schools, with the one school housing PK-1 and paired with one school housing grades 2-5, four schools housing PK-2 and paired with four schools grades 3-5, one school PK-2 paired with one school housing grades 3-8, and 5 schools housing PK-5. Two elementary schools house prekindergarten at the Wicomico Early Learning Center.

Elementary classrooms are primarily heterogeneous with regrouping for reading and math instruction. Flexible grouping is based on achievement, interests, and identified needs of students. In the intermediate grades of most elementary schools, content area subjects are departmentalized.

Special area programs-music, art, physical education, and media-are part of the schedule each cycle.

Support programs-ELL, Special Education (resource), Title 1, Reading/Schools for Success, Magnet, and TAD - reinforce, supplement, and enrich the prescribed areas of study.

ELL

ELL stands for English Language Learners. The program was initiated to meet the needs of students with insufficient English to function successfully in the regular classroom.

A pull-out program operates in the elementary schools. Students are assigned to regular classrooms. The ELL teacher pulls them for intensive English instruction for a scheduled time. This usually ranges from a half hour to an hour, depending on grade and proficiency levels. Instruction involves listening, speaking, reading, and writing. As the student advances, support is given in the subject areas in order to help the student become an active participant in the regular classroom as quickly as possible.

All secondary ELL students attend Bennett Middle and James M. Bennett High schools. ELL instruction is a scheduled class period. All ELL students have access to the language lab in the school media center and the ELL classroom. Students ride a shuttle bus from their transfer school to Bennett.

Placement depends on the student's level of proficiency. ELL instruction helps prepare students for the Maryland State Assessments and High School Assessments. One foreign language credit may be earned by high school students for ELL I and II.

The three major goals of the ELL program are communicative proficiency, linguistic proficiency and cultural awareness. All are necessary in order to succeed in the classroom and in society.

Emergency Closing

If it becomes necessary to cancel school or to have a late opening or an early closing, an announcement will be broadcast by local radio and television stations (WQHQ, WSBY, WJDY, WICO, WKHI, OC-104, WDMV, WOLC, WLVW, WWFG, WSCL, WRKE, WMDT-TV, WBOC).

Five days have been allowed for inclement weather (June 11,12,13,15,16,17). The following days may be used as a make-up day if warranted as a result of an emergency closing: Oct. 17,20 , March 2, May 4.

School Status Hotline: 410-677-5100

Evening High School

In certain cases, current high school students can enroll in classes offered by the evening high school. Students who have previously failed a grade level and who wish to "catch up" can enroll in classes with the approval of their day school principal. the evening high school increases opportunities for area residents to become literate, regain a lost grade level in high school, pass required tests, and pursue and earn a Maryland High School Diploma.

Each semester a pre-registration and formal student registration are held. Through this process, a schedule or classes is developed based upon needs of the student population. Major subject area class offerings include English, mathematics, social studies and science. Elective classes are offered as need and enrollment dictate. It has been possible to offer classes in applied art, Art I, English 9-12, Algebra I, Algebra II/Trig, basic algebra,basic geometry, Foundations of American Government, U.S. History, modern world history, earth science, environmental science, physical science, biology, physical education, health, and Introduction to Technology.

The evening high school offers high school classes Monday through Thursday from September until mid-June. Evening classes are scheduled from 3:30pm until 9:00pm and held in Building E at Wicomico High School.

Financial Aid

Financial aid for post-secondary education is available. It may be a scholarship granted locally or from a college, university, or trade/technical school. The best source for financial aid is the financial aid officer at the institution your student plans to attend. Guidance counselors can help complete the required financial aid form. Financial aid workshop information is available from school guidance counselors.

Food Service

The Wicomico County school system provides a comprehensive food service program in each school. Breakfast and lunch menus are published once a month, posted on the WCBOE website (www.wcboe.org), and are announced daily on local radio stations. Specific schools also host the "Maryland Meals for Achievement" breakfast in the classrooms and After School Snack programs. Menus for these programs are promoted through the schools. Free or reduced-price meals are available to children qualifying under federal government guidelines. Applications for free or reduced programs are available in each school, and parents are urged to apply if their income meets the income guideline.

Parents may wish to prepay for student meals by check or cash. Payments may be made on a weekly or monthly basis. Meal purchases will be deducted at the point of sale.

General Education Development (GED)

The GED or General Education Development is high school level instruction that may lead to a high school diploma by examination. Classes at the Adult Learning Center located on Phillip Morris Drive in the Philmore Commons are held Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon throughout the year and Monday through Thursday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the school year. Adult ELL classes are offered through this program. A survey and diagnostic test are given to assess academic knowledge. Results are explained to the adults, and a plan for future educational activities leading to a diploma is formulated. Also, an external high school diploma can be earned at this site.

For more information, call 410-749-3217, 410-677-4597, or 410-341-3734.

Gifted and Talented Programs

The school system recognizes the talents and strengths of students. Gifted and Talented programs begin at the third grade level as a part of elementary Thinking and Doing (TAD). TAD is a pull-out program in which identified students participate for one-half day per six-day cycle. It is an extension and enrichment activity which promotes and enhances the creativity of students. The program continues through grade 5.

The Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program is offered at the middle school level. Students work together in a classroom setting which is designed to expand the regular curriculm.

In high schools, students take TAG English and accelerated, advanced placement, and college courses in math, science, history and English.

Grading

Grades for each major subject will be based on formal and informal assessments, class work, and outside assignments. Each of these three areas should count not less than twenty percent nor more than fifty percent of the marking period grade.

In pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, students report cards reflect growth using these symbols: P - Proficient, IP - In Progress, ND - Needs Development.

For levels 1 through 12, grades are established by percentage equivalents.

Mark Description Percentage

A	Excellent	90-100
B	Good	80-89
C	Fair	70-79
D	Poor	60-69
E	Failure	0-59

Graduation Requirements

Subject	Credits
English	4
Social Studies	3
Science	3
Mathematics (must include algebra and geometry)	3
Health Education	1/2
Physical Education	1
Fine Arts	1
Technology Education	1
Choice of foreign language, advanced technology, or career program	2
Electives	2 1/2
Total	21

Students must also meet the student service requirement.

Passing Requirements

The following minimum credits must be earned to move to the next grade:

9th to 10th - 4 credits
10th to 11th - 9 credits
11th to 12th - 14 credits

Health Screening

Maryland law (COMAR) requires that the students be provided with hearing and vision screening "During the years the student enters the school system, enters the fourth, fifth, or sixth grade and enters the ninth grade." Maryland law also requires screening for scoliosis, a lateral curvature of the spine which can result in a permanent disability if left untreated. Scoliosis screening is provided during grades six and seven. Results of all screening will become part of the student's permanent record. Parents will be notified if the student requires further follow-up as a result of these screenings.

High School Assessments

The Maryland High School Assessments are a series of end-of-course test that cover core academic areas in English, Algebra/Data Analysis, Biology, and Goverment. These assessments gauge both school performance and individual student performance, providing valuable information to educators, parents, and the public. It is a Maryland graducatoin requirement for students entering Grade 9 in the fall of 2005 or later that for each of these tests a student achieve a passing score or a combined score of 1602 as established by the state.

Content	Passing Scale Score
Algebra/Data Analysis	412
Biology	400
English	396
Goverment	394
Combined Score	1602

Individual student scores are placed on the student's transcripts. Additionally, the English and Algebra/Data Analysis test fulfill the No Child Left Behind requirements for mathematics and English Language Arts at the high school level.

Home/Hospital Instruction

The Home and Hospital program is designed to provide instructional services to students who are unable to attend their regular school due to physical or emotional illness. It is a short term (sixty days) itinerant instructional service mandated by state law with specific guidelines for implementation and delivery. Eligibility for Home and Hospital is open to any Wicomico County public school student who has been deemed unable to attend school due to a diagnosis made by physician, psychiatrist, or a licensed or school psychologist.

The Home and Hospital program works together with the students' home school to ensure continuity in instructional sevices while the student is out of school. The goal is for the student to continue academic work and remain current with classroom instruction while absent from school. Instruction is provided by individual instructors, partial hospitalization programs, or through Nexus, an interactive computer based instructional program. Grades are awarded by the Home and Hospital instructor for work completed while the student is in the program. These grades are averaged proportionately with the grades the student earned while attending their regular school.

Service need is subject to review 60 calendar days after initial determination of eligibility. Continuation of services beyond 60 calendar days requires reverification of service need. Applications for Home and Hospital instruction are available in each school office.

Homework

Homework is an important part of a student's total education program. It is expected that students will have homework with purpose. Students should view homework as a part of their responsibility and follow through with its completion. Absence from class will not eliminate a student's responsibility for the homework assignment.

The type and length of the homework assignment will vary with the grade, content area, and performance level.

Honor Roll

A student in middle or high school will be considered on the honor roll provided he or she has a 3.0 average and has no individual subject average below a "C" for the given marking period.

Immunizations

The following excerpt from the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 10.06.04 applies to schools:

A School principal or other person in charge of a school, public or private, may not knowingly admit a pupil to or retain a pupil in kindergarten who has not furnished evidence of primary immunization against Haemophilus influenza type B, Hepatitis B, varicella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles (rubeola) mumps and rubella (German measles). In addition, students in kindergarten through twelfth grade shall furnish proof of immunity against measles (rubeola), rubella (German measles), diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis. Proof of immunizations will be provided in the manner approved by the Health Officer.

Further information is available at the Board of Education.

Interscholastic Athletics

The Wicomico County School system provides a comprehensive athletic program in grades 9-12, consisting of twenty-one varsity sports as well as thirteen junior varsity sports. They are divided into three groups-fall, winter, and spring-as follows:

Fall Sports begin August 15

Male	Female	Co-ed
Football	Volleyball	Golf
Soccer	Field Hockey
Cross Country	Cross Country
JV Football	Soccer

Winter Sports begin November 1

Male	Female
Wrestling	Basketball
Basketball	Indoor Track
Indoor Track	JV Basketball
JV Basketball

Spring Sports begin March 1

Male	Female
Tennis	Tennis
Track	Track
Baseball	Softball
Lacrosse	Lacrosse

No student shall participate in more than one interscholastic sport per sport season other than the exceptions provided under Article I/Eligibility Section 6, of the Bayside Athletic Conference Constitution. Students in the Wicomico County School System must maintain a 1.6 grade point average to participate in athletics. Students who are 19 years of age or older as of August 31 are ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics for the school year ahead. A student must submit a parent permission form and waiver of insurance and be examined and certified to the high school principal as being physically fit to participate in any try-out or as a member of a school team. The examination shall be performed by a qualified physician.

Student athletes sign a contract agreeing to consequences of fighting in extracurricular activities.

Lateness Policy

The Penalties for lateness to school or class in middle and high schools are as follows:

First Offense	Verbal Warning
Second Offense	Verbal Warning
Third Offense	Detention
Fourth Offense	Suspension from school until parent conference
Fifth Offense	A one-day suspension from school
Sixth Offense	Referral to Pupil Services

This policy on lateness begins anew each semester. A student who is late to any class other than first period must be disciplined by the teacher of that class. For violations of the lateness policy beyond the third lateness, the teacher must notify the administration immediately.

Lockers

School administrators have the legal authority to inspect student lockers at any times. School locks can be purchased in most schools by students in grade 6 through 12.

Maryland School Assessment

The Maryland School Assessments are tests of reading and math that meet requirements of the federal No Child left Behind Act of 2001. These tests provide educators, parents, and the public valuable informatoin about student, school, school system, and state performance.MSA criterion-referenced scores will show how well Maryland children have learned the reading and mathematics skills specified in the Maryland Content Standards.

Wicomico County Certificate of Merit

Students may work toward the attainment of a Wicomico County Certificate of Merit by pursuing a rigorous curriculum during their four-year high school career. Students must have an unweighted grade point average of 3.0 and 12 credits from designated CM courses. Beginning with the graduating class of 2006, Wicomico County will offer this certificate in lieu of the previous Maryland State Certificate of Merit. Guidance counselors in both the middle and high schools will assist students with questions concerning this certificate.

Middle Schools

Students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades attend middle schools which encourage cooperation rather than competition. Teachers work as teams to foster students' successes.

All middle school students are required to take physical education and health. As well, all students study English, reading, math, science, and social studies.

Additionally, students will have the opportunity to study either art, music, band, chorus or orchestra. Family and consumer science, technology education, exploratory foreign language, and computer are available courses of study, as well

Advanced students may take Algebra I & II, and the first year of foreign language during middle school.

National Fire Prevention Week

Teachers utilize curriculum materials to reinforce and review major fire safety concepts with students during National Fire Prevention week.

Students in grade 2 are directly involved in the program and are encouraged to discuss floor plans of their homes and develop emergency escape routes for the entire family.

Additionally, fire secvice personnel conduct fire drills, give demonstrations, present information, and discuss the use of fire equipment.

National Honor Society

Students will be first considered for induction into the National Honor Society at the end of the first semester of their sophomore year and must have been enrolled in their present school for at least one semester. A 3.4 cumulative grade point average on a weighted scale with no "E's" in any marking period and no "D's" in the marking period immediately preceding induction is required. Members receiving a grade of "E" will have their membership terminated.

Students meeting academic criteria will be reviewed in terms of service, leadership, and character as outlined in the national constitution.

A complete list of National Honor Society induction criteria is available at the school.

Prekindergarten

Pre-K is available to all elementary schools that house primary grades. Pre-kindergarten is a program for children four years of age on or before September 30 of the year in which they apply for entrance and provides experiences that help them develop intellectually, personally, socially, and in psychomotor skills. Registration criteria includes a birth certificate, an immunization record, proof of residency, proof of custody (if applicable), and a Social Security card.

Registration occurs throughout the year for those students whose families have limited income or are considered homeless. Other criteria may include Head Start experiences, English As a Second Language, health problems or placements by court agencies. This program builds a strong foundation for success in the primary grades. Classes are held on half-day basis with 20 students per class. Meals are free to eligible students.

PTA/PTSA

Our county schools have active PTA and PTSA memberships. These groups strengthen and support our education system. Recommended monthly PTA nights are as following: Primary, first Monday; Intermediate, second Monday; Middle, third Monday; High, fourth Monday. The Country Council of PTA's meets on the fourth Tuesday evening of September, October, February, and March.

Elementary Primary (Grades PK-2): 1st Monday of the month

Magnet Program (Grades 3-5): 1st Tuesday of the month

Elementary Intermediate (Grades 3-5): 2nd Monday of the month

Middle School (Grades 6-8): 3rd Monday of the month

High School (Grades 9-12): 4th Monday of the month

Wicomico County Council of PTA: 4th Tuesday of the month

WCCPTA Awards Program: 1st Wednesday of May

PSAT

PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test. It also gives students a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs. The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills and writing skills.

Reporting To Parents

Report cards are sent home four times a year at the end of each nine-week period. Parents are encouraged to attend PTA. PTSA meetings to become informed about school activities. School newsletters are sent home regularly. In addition, parent-teacher conferences may be scheduled to discuss individual student progress.

Rights and Responsibilities

The rights of an individual are preserved by the protection of the rights of others. In the Wicomico County school system, the right to learn and the right to teach in an educational setting that is safe, free from disruption and conducive to learning are essential. The maintenance of such a learning atmosphere is dependent upon the cooperative effort of students, parents, and educators. The rights and responsibilities of each party are necessary and fundamental parts of the school system's recently adopted Code of Conduct.

S.A.T (SAT Reasoning Test)

The SAT is required for admission by most US colleges and is offten used to award scholarships and grants. The test is 3 hours and 45 mins long. It is comprised of three sections - Critical Reading, Math and Writing. The individual sectons are scored on a scale from 200-800, with a maximum score of 2400.

The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It is administered seven times a year at Salisbury Middle School. It is a good idea to take the SAT I late in the junior year or early in the senior year. A student who is considering a service academy must take the SAT I during his or her junior year. Students may also be required or encouraged to take achievement tests in specific areas for certain selective colleges. These achievements tests (SAT II is now called SAT Subject Test) are not offered in March and all tests are not offereed each administratoin. Agreat deal of additional informaton may be obtained from www.collegeboard.com. Some students benefit from taking the SAT test more than once.

Senior Exams

Seniors who have earned a B average or better in all four marking terms and on the first semester exam and who have had no recordable suspensions for the year are exempt from the final exam in that subject.

Sexual Harassment of Students

In order to encourage an atmosphere free of discrimination and sexual harassment, the Wicomico County Board Board of Education has a policy defining sexual harassment, stating students' rights, and outlining the proper complaint procedures.

Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, conduct of a sexual nature that interferes unreasonably with a student's educational performance, and intimidating conduct of a sexual nature. Any student has the right to file a complaint of sexual harassment without fear of retaliation or intimidation. An individual who wishes to report an incident of sexual harassment should report the incident to the principal or to the Board of Education.

Scholastic Reading Inventory

The Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) is a computer adaptive reading comprehension test administered four times a year in grades 3-10 that assesses students' reading levels, tracks students' reading growth over time, matches readers to text, and helps guide instruction according to students' needs. The SRI generates critertion-and norm-referenced results for each student, including a percentile rank, stanine, normal curve equivalent (NCE), grade level standard, performance standard, and native Lexile measure.

School Hours

Elementary schools begin classes at 9:00 a.m. and dismiss at 3:30 p.m. Exceptions:

Pittsville School	8:30 a.m.-2:50p.m.
Delmar Elementary	8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Magnet Centers	8:20 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

All secondary schools begin classes at 8:00 a.m. and dismiss at 3:00 p.m.

School Improvement Process

Each school in Wicomico County has an Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) that serves as the school improvement team. The ILT includes representatives of stakeholder groups (administrators, teachers, support staff, parents, students at the secondary level, and community/business representatives). The ILT facilitates the development and implementation of a data-driven research-based School Improvement Plan (SIP) focused on improving student learning aligned with the Bridge to Excellence Master Plan.

School Staff

Wicomico County has a well-trained professional staff with varied educational backgrounds and teaching experiences. Approximately 80 percent have master's degrees, equivalencies, or doctorates.

To help each child reach his/her potential, special area personnel serve in the following capacities: guidance counselors; resource teachers; school psychologists; occupational, speech, and physical therapists; special education teachers; ELL teachers; school nurses.

Our educational programs are coordinated by caring administrators throughout the county, In addition, a support staff consisting primarily of classroom assistants, custodians, cafeteria workers, and secretaries helps to keep the schools running smoothly.

Special Education

A full continuum of special education services are provided to children from birth to age 21 in accord with federal and state laws. Services include diagnostic evaluation, instruction, and related therapies as appropriate. All services are free and are provided ONLY with the informed consent of the parents.

Specific programs include infants/toddlers (ages birth through 2), pre-school (ages 3 to 5), and instruction (Grades K -12). Related services may include audiology, counseling, interpreting, occupational therapy, orientation/mobility, physical therapy, psychological services, speech and language therapy, and translation as appropriate.

Referrals for infants and toddlers services should be directed to the Holly Center (410-543-6920). Referrals for pre-school services should be directed to the Early Childhood Services Teacher Consultant (410-677-4493). Referrals regarding school-age children enrolled in parochial/private schools should be directed to the director of, Special Education (410-677-4507). All other concerns should be directed to the appropriate school administrator.

All procedures and regulations governing the provision of special education services are on file at the Board of Education and in each school.

Instructional Resource Center

The Instructional Resource Center provides professional materials in over 40 categories, curriculum resources for all subject areas, and equipment and supplies for creating all kinds of classroom materials. Die cutters, computers, poster-makers, laminators, button-makers, and a book-binding machine are available for us by visitors. Located on 910 S. Schumaker Drive, the IRC is open both to WCBOE employees and to area residents throughout the school year on a limited basis during the summer.

Student Discipline

Alcohol/Controlled Dangerous Drugs

Students will be suspended and/or expelled for the possession, use and/or distribution of alcohol or controlled dangerous substances. Students will also lose extracurricular activities priviliges in addition to the suspension. The length of the suspension/loss of priviliges varies according to the offense. Students suspended for violating the policy will be required to undergo five (5) hours of counseling.

For the purpose of implementing disciplinary sanctions, extracurricular activities are defined as follows: All activities that occur beyond the normal school day that are sponsered and/or sanctioned by an individual school and/or the Wicomico County Board of Education. Such activities would include but not to be limited to athletics; music; club and social gatherings; dances; banquets; proms; and other activities occuring beyond the regular schedule of classes during the normal school day. Participation as a graduate in the commencement program is specifically exempted as an exclusion.

Suspension Policy

In-school suspensions and/or suspensions until parent conference may be used for first offenders, and minor offenses. For more serious offenses, students may be suspended for a set number of days according to the Code of Conduct. The Superintendent of Schools may extend the suspension or expel the student from school. Work missed during suspension can be made up for credit only at scheduled after-school sessions.

Suspension for Smoking

Students in grades 6-12 will be required to attend the smoking clinic for the first offense (failure to report calls for an automatic two-day suspension). For elementary students, a parent conference will be held in lieu of smoking clinic attendance. Second, third, and fourth offenses will result in suspension for a set number of days.

Discipline For Activities Not Occuring On School Premises

WHERAS, because the Wicomico County Board of Education has a strong sense of responsibility to assure that students can go to and from school in an atmosphere of safety;

WHERAS, there are many off-campus activities in which students participate which are either directly or indirectly a result of school functions or activities such as sports events at other schools, field trips, volunteer work on behalf of school programs or club activities, etc.; and

WHERAS, many times activities that occur or happen off school premises are a result of activities that have occured on school premises or impact on subsequent activities which occur on school premises.

It is the policy of the Wicomico County Board of Education that students may be disciplined for off-campus conduct detrimental to the interest of the institution.

Student Accident Insurance

The Board of Education makes student accident insurance available to parents who wish to purchase it. The voluntary enrollment of students in this insurance program is executed by the school. The school receives no profit from the sale of this policy.

This insurance can cover any student at supervised school activities EXCEPT those engaged in interscholastic varsity football. Coverage for 24 hour per day for 12 months may be obtained.

Student Scheduling

Schedules for secondary students reflect each individual's interests and abilities, past academic success, and teacher recommendations, During the selection of classes, students have an opportunity to meet with their guidance counselor to discuss which courses are most appropriate for them. Parents are requested to sign a course schedule card to indicate their approval of the classes chosen by the student. Parents have the final say and responsibility in the selection of the student's courses. Parents must sign an override form if they want the student to take a course that is not recommended by the school counselor.

Student Service Learning

All students in Maryland must meet the state graduation requirement in service-learning which must include preparation, action, and reflection.

Students in Wicomico County can meet this state requirement through 3 choices:

1. By completing service projects infused in the curriculum in grades 6 through 10 in the subjects of English, science, social studies, and math.
2. By completing 75 clock hours of service in the community with documentation submitted by the student to the school guidance office.
3. By completing 75 clock hours accumulated through a combination of #1 and #2 above.

The student's completed service hours for the year are reported on the student report card in grades 6 through 10.

Summer School

Summer school is offered for credit annually in certain key middle and high school subjects to students who have failed or done poorly during the regular school year. Students are responsible for their own transportation and pay a tuition charge. If there is sufficient space, out-of-county students are accepted with a higher tuition payment.

Subjects usually offered are English 6,7,8,9,10,11,12, general mathematics (middle and high school), Algebra i, U.S. history, and general science (middle and high school). Students must be recommended by their regular schoolteacher and/or principal in order to be accepted for summer school.Students enrolled in HSA courses (English 10, Goverment, Biology, and Algebra) will participate in the HSA testing at the end of the course.

Students may take one or two subjects, each of which is scheduled daily for two hours. Daily attendance is mandatory, though exceptions may be made by the principal is extreme cases.

Summer school is offered for original credit. Only one course can be taken for original credit. Geometry, and Algebra II/Trig. have been offered for original credit, however, offerings are based upon student requests.

Free summer school for elementary students is generally offered each year. Its purpose is to provide remedial reading and math instruction.

Textbooks

All necessary textbooks are provided for student use, free of charge. Students are asked to put a protective cover on each book. Upon return, students will be charged for damages beyond normal use. Lost textbooks must be paid for.

The Magnet Program

The Magnet Program is designed for students who excel academically and housed at North Salisbury School and Pemberton Elementary. The program academic rigor and challenge to students who meet selections criteria. Beginning at the third grade level, students remain in the program through Grade 5. Content is extended and enriched through acceleration, increased depth and complexity of topics.

Magnet students are grouped with others who have unique learning styles, curiosity, and advanced verbal/mathematical ability. Students are challenged in development of a solid foundation in learning and critical thinking skills.

Title 1/State Compensatory Education Program

Title 1/SCE programs concentrate on providing assistance to students in reading, language arts, and mathematics. Programs are designed to help students who are achieving below expected levels in school work. The goal is to help students improve their achievement levels through "one on one" or "small group" instruction to supplement regular instruction. Teachers, instructional assistants, educational material, and equipment provide the additional support. Students are chosen to participate after reviews of performance on standardized tests, grades, class work, achieved levels of math-reading performance compared with anticipated levels of achievement, retention history, attendance or other needs determined by the school management team, The standardized test used is the CTBS/5.

Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) is responsible for the program and its implementation on each school. The team consists of administrators, teachers, assistants, parents, and other community members. They address needs identified in the school though the School Improvement Plan (SIP). Each program provides many activities designed to involve parents and the community.

The program is funded by the federal government under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and state funding as well, The U.S. Office of Education and the Maryland State Department of Education have recognized three county schools as "National Distinguished Title 1 Schools." The schools recognized are Prince Street Elementary School, Glen Avenue Elementary School, and Pemberton Elementary School. Twelve elementary schools are program participants.

Visitation

While Wicomico County has an open door policy, American Education Week is specifically designed for school visitations. American Education Week is November 16-20 for the 2009-2010 school year. Visitors should report to the school office upon arrival.

Volunteer Program

Volunteers are a vital part of the operation of the Wicomico County School System. Each year about 1,000 parents and other volunteers devoted time and effort to helping students. Parents and representatives of community businesses and civic organizations support the schools by serving on task forces, school improvement teams, and advisory committees by sponsoring incentive and recognition programs and by providing resources to supplement instructional as wee al extracurricular offerings. Volunteers assist teachers in the classroom, aid with clerical duties in offices, perform other tasks in the schools, or work at home on projects such as bulletin boards or other instructional materials.

Wicomico County Council of PTA'S

The Wicomico County Council of PTAs (WCCPTA) is composed of the 22 PTA's in the county. WCCPTA's goal is to promote the welfare of children and youth.

WCCPTA acts as a liaison between the local PTAs, the region, and the state PTA and informs and instructs the local PTAs by holding workshops, meetings, and publishing the newsletter, "THE LINK".

In May, the council awards scholarships in the name of former superintendent of schools, Royd A. Mahaffey, to graduation seniors.

Wicomico County Early Learning Center

The Wicomico County Early Learning Center is located on Roberts Street in Salisbury, MD. The center houses three and four year old students living in the Pemberton and Beaver Run School attendance areas. A Head-Start class is also housed at the center. The goal is to prepare young learners.

Wicomico County Judy Center

The Judy Center is a grant-funded program through MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education) which began in January, 2002. Our vision is to provide comprehensive services, under one roof, for families residing in the Pemberton School and Beaver Run attendance areas. Our goal is to improve school readiness through early intervention and services to families with children, birth to five. Three and four-year old children who meet the eligibility criteria are invited to enroll in the Judy Center.

Wicomico County Schools

Wicomico County encompasses 380 square miles and has a total population of approximately 75,000. About two-thirds of the population is centered in Salisbury. In order to meet the needs of county students, we have a diversity of school organizational structures.

Wicomico County schools serve approximately 14,500 students using 26 school facilities which include:

Primary Schools / Intermediate Schools / Traditional Elementary Schools / Middle Schools / Int. Middle School / Middle Senior High School / High Schools and Evening High School / Adult Learning Center.

In addition, two magnet centers for elementary students, special learning centers, and an alternative program are housed in various facilities.

Wicomico Education Foundation

The Wicomico Education Foundation exists to support and enhance the education of students in Wicomico County Public Schools. This foundation solicits monies from the private and business sectors to establish scholarships for students and teachers and to support innovative programs not funded by the existing tax-supported structures. Monies raised by the foundation will create opportunities beyond the capabilities of the regular school budget and will further the spirit of participation among the students, teachers, parents, and community.

If you would like further information, please write to the Wicomico Education Foundation, 312 West Main Street, Suite A South, Salisbury, Md 21801.

Wicomico Mentoring Project

The Wicomico Mentoring Project is a community wide effort to involve the business, agency, civic, and faith communities of Wicomico County in the nurturing of our youth. These partners provide adult role models to be mentors who encourage the academic, social and/or emotional development of the student's potential as a productive citizen. Mentors meet with students on school property, during school hours, for an hour per week during the school year and receive direction from classroom teachers, guidance counselors and administrative staff. A mentor is a part of the student's support team of family, friends, and school partners. Everyone can use an extra buddy! For more information, call Henri Parker (410-677-4586) or log on to the internet at www.wicomicomentors.org.

• Agenda & Highlights
• Biographies
• Board Policies
• Committee Assignments

• Board Directory
• School System Profile
• Teacher of the Year