Handbook

Student Handbook

Table of Contents

Introduction
Vision
Mission Statement
DES House System
Drug,Alcohol,and Tobacco Free
Parking
School Hours
Bus Transportation
Student Drop Off/Pick UP
Attendance
Early Dismissal
Attendance Awards
Elementary School Dress Code
Cafeteria Information
Cafeteria Manners
Cell Phones & Smart Devices
Vandalism
Emergency Procedures
Weather
Accidents or Illness
Contagious Diseases
Medicine
Recess
Homework
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports(PBIS)
Discipline
Threatening or Violent Behavior
Abusive Language
Security
Office Referrals
School Suspension
Guardianship/Legal Custody/Residency
Change in Parent Contact Information
Parent Conferences/Visits/Volunteers
Parent Teacher Organization
Student Success Team
Assemblies
Gifted Education
Selling
Music
Art
Physical Education
Athletic Programs
Lost and Found
Fundraising
End of Year Awards
Parental Notification of Assessment Opt Out Policies
Grading Scale and Student Recognition
Promotion/Retention

Dinwiddie Elementary School

Dinwiddie County Public Schools

2024–2025

Home of the Eagles

Address:
13811 Boydton Plank Road
Dinwiddie, VA 23841

Telephone Number: 804-469-4580
Fax Number: 804-469-4585
School Board Office: 804-469-4190
Cafeteria Manager: 804-469-4589
Transportation: 804-469-4680

Website: www.dinwiddie.k12.va.us/des

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Introduction

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year at Dinwiddie Elementary School.  We are excited that you are a part of the Eagle Nest!  We are proud of the fine students who have attended our school.  It is here that we lay the foundation so that they become successful citizens and life-long learners. 

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Vision

The vision of Dinwiddie Elementary School is to provide high quality education in a nurturing environment. We are preparing our students to meet the challenges of the future.

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Mission Statement

We utilize all resources available to meet the needs of every child. Parents, volunteers, and the business community are a vital part of our school and assist us as we provide for the education of children.  Through everyone’s efforts, we seek to ensure a healthy, wholesome learning environment both physically and psychologically.

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DES House System

Schools around the world have implemented the Ron Clark Academy House System, a dynamic, exciting way to create a powerful and positive school climate. Students, staff and families are celebrated for their efforts through a process that builds character, empowers academic excellence, fosters school spirit, enhances relationships, and promotes:

1. A Culture of Belonging for All
2. Schoolwide Community
3. Character Building
4. Healthy Competition   
5. Active involvement in the Learning Environment

At DES, we are divided into four Houses: 

Adarna House of Kutunza (blue)
Griffin House of Visionarius (green)
Phoenix House of Intrepidus (red)
Roc House of Forte (black)

Students, Staff and Families remain in the same House throughout their time at DES! #FourBirdsOneNest

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Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Free

The Dinwiddie County Public Schools abide by local, state and federal laws to provide a drug-free workplace for staff, students and visitors. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use is not permitted on school property at any time.

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Parking

Visitors can park in front of the school or in the paved parking lot. This will assist smooth flow of traffic in and out of the parking area.

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School Hours

Students are not permitted in the classroom prior to 8:15am.  Students are the responsibility of the parent/guardian prior to 8:15am. The tardy bell is at 8:30 a.m. We do not have personnel assigned to supervise children beyond 3:40 p.m. 

When arriving after 8:30 am, parents must accompany students through the front door to sign in. When tardiness is necessary, written verification stating reasons for such should be presented upon arrival.  

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Bus Transportation

Bus Transportation: 

(See also School Bus Rules and Regulations for Students, which are sent home separately.)

Buses are provided as a convenience to assist in transporting students to and from school.  Should a student violate bus rules or exhibit behavior that is detrimental to the safe and efficient operation of the bus, his/her privilege of riding the bus will be suspended.  Violent behavior on the school bus will most likely result in a suspension from school as well as from the school bus.  Please note that a bus suspension applies to any and all Dinwiddie County buses including field trip buses.   

Whenever a student rides a bus to school in the morning, he/she is expected to ride the bus in the afternoon.  A change in transportation is on an emergency basis only. Parents should contact the main office no later than 2:30pm. 

In the event that it is necessary for a student to ride a bus other than the one he/she usually rides, a bus pass must be completed by the parent or guardian, approved by the transportation office, and presented to the driver.  Without a bus pass, the child will be placed on his/her normal bus.  Circumstances that require a bus pass include, but are not limited to: 

• Child needs to change his/her pick up or drop off point for his/her bus stop.
• Child needs to ride the bus and it is not his/her normal procedure. 

Requests for changes to the bus a student normally rides must be made in writing by the parent/guardian.  The bus pass should contain the following information.

• Student’s full name
• Bus # they are to ride
• Name and address of stop where they are to get on and/or off
• Date(s) student is to ride the bus
• Indicate morning, afternoon or both
• Signature of parent
• Phone number of parent (for verification purposes)

If an emergency arises during the school day, parents may fax or email a bus pass to the school by 2:50pm.  It must contain a parent’s signature.

It is important that parents follow these guidelines in order to protect our students.

*For your child’s safety we WILL NOT deviate from this rule per School Board Office*

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Drop off/pick up

Morning – 8:15am
Parents should pull into the paved lot on the side of the school to drop off students.

Afternoon – 3:15pm
Parents are to pull into the paved lot on the side of the school to pick up students. If a child is picked up in the office prior to the 3:15pm dismissal bell, an early dismissal will be given. Parents picking up children after 3:30 p.m. must park and pick up their student at the main office.

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Attendance

Virginia Code Section 22.1-254 requires that all school age children be enrolled in school and attend school on a regular basis.  Failure to comply with the compulsory School Attendance Law will result in court action against both the child and the parent/ guardian.  

A student is expected to attend school 180 days per school year.  Any absence shall be deemed unexcused until appropriate verification by the parent or guardian is received and reviewed by the principal/ designee.  Parents need to call the school the morning of their child’s absence; otherwise a phone call will be placed to the home to verify an absence.  An absence shall be excused when a parent/legal guardian indicates to school officials in writing that the absence resulted from one of the following reasons:

• Personal illness
• Death in immediate family or household
• Professional or legal appointments
• Extenuating circumstances

The state requires that schools take steps to support students who have excessive unexcused absences. DCPS will take the following actions when a student has accumulated the corresponding number of unexcused absences for the full school day. The following actions will be taken at the time of the corresponding absence: 

*Students are allowed 2 parent-excused absences per 9 weeks.

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Early Dismissal

When early dismissal is necessary, written verification requesting such shall be received prior to dismissal.  Early dismissal shall be considered excused for reasons consistent with those for which an excused absence is granted.

Persons picking up children without a note from parents or  guardians  must be listed on the emergency card. All persons that are picking up a child, should be prepared to show identification and be verified through the Raptor System. 

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Attendance Awards

Attendance Matters Initiatives. Students with perfect attendance throughout each month will be invited to participate in various Attendance celebrations (Dance Party Fridays, Ice Cream socials, pizza parties, etc.)

End-of-Year Perfect Attendance will be awarded to students who have missed less than one-half school days (3.5 hours). 

End-of-Year Outstanding Attendance will be awarded to students who have missed between 4 and 7 hours of school. 

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Dress Code

A student’s dress and appearance shall not be such that it causes disruption, distracts others from the educational process or creates a health or safety problem. 

Please adhere to the following guide when dressing for school:

• Appropriate shoes are required; either tennis shoes or hard-soled shoes are acceptable. Flip-flops, slippers and shoes with wheels (heelies) are not allowed in school at any time as they pose a safety issue. *Crocs are discouraged* 

Shoes should be secure on the child’s feet with a strap. Students are also discouraged from wearing shoes with an excessive heel. Tennis shoes are required for P.E.

• Spaghetti straps (less than 1½”), bare midriffs, bare shoulders, bare backs, excessively low cut clothing, or clothing made of see through material are Prohibited. 
• Shorts, skirts, and dresses should be a minimum mid-thigh length. 
• Shorts and pants must be worn at the waistline and be securely fastened. Undergarments should not be visible at any time. 
• No hats or hoods allowed, unless required for cultural, religious or medical reasons. 
• Sunglasses may not be worn in school.
• Clothing with language or images that are vulgar, discriminatory, or obscene, or clothing that promotes illegal or violent conduct, such as the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco/vape devices or drug paraphernalia or clothing that contains threats, such as gang symbols (ie bandanas) are prohibited.  
• Any item of jewelry or clothing that might create a hazard to a student’s safety may not be worn (ex. large necklaces, chains, or jewelry with sharp points.

It is recommended that missed instructional time due to dress code violations be kept to a minimum, when possible. It is the responsibility of the principal or designee to determine if a student is dressed appropriately under the DCPS dress code. Dress code rules may be adjusted to accommodate students on specific announced school-wide spirit days.

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Cafeteria Information

Dinwiddie County students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch for the 2024-2025 school year through the Community Eligibility Provision.   Menus are posted in the classroom and distributed monthly.

Breakfast and Lunch will be free for the 2024-2025 school year.   Students who wish to get breakfast must report to the cafeteria first thing each morning, so that valuable instruction time will not be lost. Children are asked to eat quickly, clean up their area and report directly to their classrooms.  

All opened or perishable foods must be consumed in the cafeteria and will not be permitted in any other part of the building, unless approved by the principal or designee.   

Parents are invited to have lunch with their child.  If parents wish to order lunch, orders and payments must be made in the morning (the student can take care of this) so that you are included in the lunch count. Parents who are coming for lunch are asked to come into the office, sign in, and pick up a visitor’s badge.

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Cafeteria Manners

Use of good manners in the cafeteria and helping to ensure that our cafeteria is clean and orderly is a student’s responsibility.  Students are expected to dispose of trash and all food items before leaving their table. Parents can assist us greatly by teaching and modeling appropriate table manners at home.

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Cell Phones & Smart Devices

The telephone is for conducting school business.  Students may use the phone for emergencies only.  An item or assignment forgotten at home is not considered to be an emergency.  

Elementary students may bring cellphones and smart watches, however,  they must be powered off and in their bookbags during the school day to include riding the bus to and from school. Please see the DCPS Code of Conduct for a full description of consequences related to the use of cell phone/smart devices.

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Vandalism

Students and their parents/guardians may be held directly responsible for the willful damage, destruction, or defacing of school property.  The Commonwealth of Virginia establishes the monetary limit for such damages.  It is not the responsibility of the school or school personnel to provide reimbursement to the owners of private property lost, damaged or destroyed through vandalism.  Damaged property must be repaired or replaced at the student’s or parent’s expense.

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Emergency Procedures

Dinwiddie County Public Schools have established plans for emergencies such as fire, illness and violent or threatening behavior.  Plans and complete procedures are on file in the main office and students are informed of them at the beginning of each school year.  In addition, Dinwiddie Elementary School has a Crisis Management Team and the entire staff receives training in crisis management annually.  If for some reason students need to be transported to another school, Dinwiddie Elementary students will be taken to Historic Southside High School Education Center.  

Should your child notice a condition that appears threatening to them, he/she should tell the nearest staff member so that appropriate action may be taken to ensure the safety of all students.  When necessary, the building will be evacuated and the proper authorities notified.  An alarm is sounded to signal emergencies that require evacuation.  To ensure that evacuation occurs in an orderly fashion, the procedure is practiced regularly with the staff and children.  

Some emergencies such as tornadoes require moving the children to a safe location inside the hall corridors.  When this is necessary, a tornado code will be repeatedly announced over the public address system and a coded alarm will be sounded.  Another type of emergency that we face is the possibility of an unwanted intruder.  In such cases we will secure all children in their classroom and lock all doors until the crisis is resolved.

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Weather

In the event that inclement weather conditions warrant the closing of school, announcements will be made over the following stations:  WTVR Channel 6, WRIC Channel 8, WWBT Channel 12, and Dinwiddie County Public Schools Facebook Page.

The school division utilizes an automated telephone system to communicate with and notify parents of events or schedule changes for the school or division.  

Parents should notify the office of any telephone number changes as they occur during the school year to allow the communication to be received.

Should it be necessary to close school early due to weather conditions, announcements will be made over the same stations.  It is advisable, especially with younger children, to have made prior arrangements if a parent or sitter is not at home.  The school has made extensive plans for caring for the students in the event of a natural or man-made disaster; however, they will be first transported home, time permitting.  Should it be necessary for us to close on a short notice, we must have (in writing) a location to send your child.

Alternate Site Information:

If Dinwiddie Elementary School requires evacuation, all students and staff will be transported by school bus to:

HISTORIC SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION CENTER
12318 BOYDTON PLANK ROAD
DINWIDDIE, VA. 23841

The Dinwiddie Elementary staff will remain with the students.  Students will not be released until notification is received from the School Board Office.  Parents would then be required to properly sign out their child.  Students would not be released to anyone other than adults listed on the emergency card.  The student management database system may not be available for use.

Be sure the emergency information is always current and up-to-date at the school.  This is accomplished by notifying the office/staff in writing of all phone, address, family and custody situations/changes.

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Accident or Illness

If your child becomes ill or is injured at school, we will make every attempt to notify you or the person listed on the Emergency Card and Student Management System. Please help us keep this information current.  In most cases, your child will need to be picked up by the parent or designee so that you may make a decision on the treatment needed.  Students who are vomiting, who have a 100°F fever, or who have diarrhea cannot stay at school.  They are to be picked up within a reasonable amount of time. In respect for the health and well-being of other children, your prompt response is essential.  Minor cuts and scrapes will be disinfected and dressed.  The administrative team will notify emergency services when deemed necessary.  You will be notified of this call. 

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Contagious Diseases

If your child has a contagious condition such as head lice, pink eye, chicken pox, etc., you will be given a letter at the time of occurrence outlining the conditions which must be met for the child to return to school.

*Students may not return to school until they have been free of vomiting, fever, and/or diarrhea for 24 hours.  This keeps all of our children safe and healthy!

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Medicine

A student MUST NOT bring medication of any type to school.  This is Dinwiddie County School Board Policy and must be followed.  Please use the following guidelines when requesting the school to administer medication to your child:

Non-Prescription Medication – We DO NOT administer this type of medication without a doctor’s order (this includes Tylenol, Motrin, etc.).  The medication is to be brought to school by the parent in the original unopened container and there must be a written request giving the child’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage to be administered, and the time.  THIS WILL BE DONE ON A SHORT–TERM BASIS ONLY and by the physician’s order.  

Prescription Medication (for a temporary condition) – We ask, if possible, to arrange a schedule that would not make it necessary to give this medication at school.  If the medication must be given three (3) times a day, check with the doctor to see if this could be done before and after school, and at bedtime.  If the medication should be given every six (6) hours, ask the doctor if it is possible to administer before and after school.  

Prescription medication (given at school on a regular basis) – The parent must bring the medication to school.  The proper documentation must be submitted at this time.  This includes the physician’s administration form indicating the name of the medication, the dosage that the child receives, the time that the medication is to be administered, and the signature of the physician and parent permission form that gives school personnel permission to administer the medication.  The medication must be in the original container with the child’s name, name of the medication, dosage time and amount.  

Reminder: An adult must bring all medication to the school office.  At no time will medication be transported by a child.

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Recess

All students will need to show good sportsmanship during recess.  Teachers will be monitoring student behaviors and any inappropriate behavior will be addressed by the monitoring teacher as necessary.

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Homework

Homework/Reports are a vital part of the learning process.  Each provides the independent practice that a child needs to build his/her confidence in the classroom.  For this reason, it is extremely important that time is set aside for your child to complete his/her homework and return it to school when it is due.

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Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

PBIS is a framework to teach and reinforce  positive behaviors that we want all students to exhibit at school. Students and staff share clear and consistent expectations about how students should act in different settings(classroom,hallways,cafeteria,restrooms,etc.)We have created a PBIS handbook, in which you can find more information about PBIS, our school-wide behavior plan,acknowledgements system, etc. This was uploaded on our school website with hard copies available.  All students must understand, and follow:

Empathy Accountability Growth Learner Excellence Safety

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Discipline

Weapons and dangerous articles; to include guns, ammunition, knives, etc. are not allowed on school grounds.

PARENTS, PLEASE BE SURE THAT ANY GUNS, AMMO, OR OTHER DANGEROUS ARTICLES ARE PROPERLY SECURED AT HOME AND SUPERVISED. 

Also, for the protection of all, we will rigidly enforce the existing policies as stated in the Dinwiddie County Code of Conduct.  In the event a dangerous article is brought to school (regardless of intent), a lengthy suspension or expulsion will most likely result and School Board action may be required for reinstatement.  This policy not only forbids bringing actual weapons, ammo, and other dangerous articles, but also look alikes, such as plastic guns, knives, cap guns, swords, etc.  Even items such as empty ammo casings will not be allowed.  

Any articles of this type which are brought to school or on the school bus will be taken from the child and will not be returned.  Any child who is aware of another child having a dangerous article must report it to the closest authority.

Please do not allow your child to bring any item for show and tell which is forbidden by policy.  Your cooperation will help us maintain a safe environment for your child.  (See County Policy)

Students are responsible for all textbooks, to include library books, and are expected to take reasonable care of all assigned books and materials.  The student or his parent/legal guardian must pay for any books that are lost, defaced, damaged or destroyed.  

Fighting at school or on a bus will not be tolerated.  Any student involved in a fight is subject to suspension.  

Electronic games, iPads, iPods, any type of recording device and headphones to listen to music, or podcasts should not be brought to school.  Failure to comply with this regulation will result in the item being taken from the student.  These may be picked up by the parent. 

Toys and gum should not be brought to school without the approval of the classroom teacher.

Where there is not a specific rule to cover a situation which has occurred, the action of the teacher/administrator will be enforced.

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Threatening or Violent Behavior

Violent or threatening behavior will not be tolerated.  When necessary, the proper authorities will be summoned if needed, or the individual (adult or child) will be removed from the premises.  Court action will be taken as deemed appropriate.

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Abusive Language

Abusive, vulgar, or profane language will not be tolerated.  Children will face severe disciplinary action should they resort to such behavior.  Just as we do not tolerate such behavior from children, it will not be acceptable from adults.  Adults may be refused the opportunity to come to school if their language is threatening or unacceptable.

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Security

For the safety and security of our students we ask that no one visit our building without permission from the office.  All visitors and volunteer workers must report to the office. Our security system REQUIRES all visitors over the age of 16 to bring in a valid form of identification, as these will be scanned by the Raptor security system. This system will do a quick background check and print out a visitor pass. Please note that this MUST happen each and every time you wish to visit our school. This is for the safety of all of our students and staff in our building; this is a County wide procedure. Should any parent or visitor wish to see or pick up a child, it is essential that they report to the office and make this request.  The student(s) will only be called to the office when deemed appropriate.  

NO PARENT SHOULD GO TO A CLASSROOM TO GET A CHILD.  STAFF WILL CALL FOR THE CHILD TO MEET THE PARENT AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE.

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Office Referrals

Generally, teachers will reiterate expectations in the classroom and communicate with parents. In cases of repeated disruptive behavior, a referral to the principal or designee may become necessary.  When a referral is received by the principal or designee, the action taken will be determined by the seriousness of the situation and the number of previous referrals.

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School Suspensions

The principal or designee will determine the appropriate length based on the circumstances of the offense. 

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Guardianship/Legal Custody/Residency

For a child to attend Dinwiddie County Public Schools, he/she must reside with a natural parent or guardian (with legal custody) who is a legal resident of the county.  Proof of address could be requested at any time during the school year.  Any parent outside of the attendance zone who wishes to have their child attend Dinwiddie Elementary, must submit an Out-of-Zone form to the building principal and superintendent for approval.  Note: Out-of-Zone permission is approved on a year-to-year basis.

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Changes in Parent Contact Information

Parents are expected to notify the office immediately of any changes in address, phone numbers or other contact information throughout the school year.  This enables the school to reach parents in the event of an emergency involving the student.

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Parent Conferences/Visits & Volunteers

Parents are encouraged to be an active partner with the school.  Open communication between the teacher and parent is encouraged and we will make every effort possible to hear your concerns and comments.  

We do request that all conferences be held at a time when students are not assigned to the teacher.  Please call ahead and schedule an appointment for either a teacher’s planning period or before/after school.  

If you have an item which you need to get to your child during school hours, please bring it to the office and it will be delivered to your child. 

If parents, grandparents, or other family or friends would like to have lunch with your child or would like to help with a class activity, please stop by the main office so that your I.D. is scanned and a visitor pass can be issued. 

Volunteers donate many hours; your service and time are greatly needed.  Please join our team of volunteers.  The rewards are wonderful!  Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 469-4580 if you are able to give just a little of your time.

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Parent Teacher Organization

The goal of the Dinwiddie Parent Teacher Organization is to create awareness about the educational programs and to provide support for these programs. The interest and support of every parent/guardian is essential to the success of this organization.  The P.T.O. sponsors several fund raising projects a year such as; Fall Festival, Theatre IV productions, Field Day, Teacher/Staff Appreciation, etc.  Proceeds from these projects are used to purchase equipment, books, instructional supplies and entertainment for the development and enjoyment of the children.  Please consider joining our PTO!  Parental involvement at our school will create a better educational environment for our children.  Come join the fun and watch our children and school grow. 

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Student Success Team

The SST is available to assist the school and our parents in seeking solutions to problems which result from poor attendance, lack of academic progress, failure to be motivated and unacceptable social behavior.  In short, this team will seek to find solutions for children who are not meeting success, regardless of the reason.

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Assemblies

We acknowledge that assemblies are an important enrichment activity to the curriculum and are educational as well as entertaining.  They provide one of the few opportunities in school to learn formal audience behavior.

Regardless of the program, courtesy demands that the student audience be respectful and appreciative. Students who misbehave may be denied the right to attend other assemblies.  Parents and guests are welcome to attend assemblies.  Please sit in the rear of the auditorium unless seats are available in your child’s assigned seating area.

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Gifted Education (Project Excel)

DCPS Gifted Program for General Intellectual Aptitude (GIA) strives to identify K-12 students who are eligible and provide instructional services to meet their needs. The Visual and Performing Arts Aptitude (VPA) Gifted Program seeks to identify students in grades 4-8 who are eligible and provide instructional services to meet their needs. We have developed a comprehensive plan for the education of gifted students that includes many components which are available in our Dinwiddie Gifted Plan 2023-2028 (PDF).

If you would like to refer a student for gifted services or need more information about the Gifted Program, please call the School Board Office at 469-4190.  Information on referrals may be obtained from the guidance department in each school.  A copy of the Gifted Education Plan for Dinwiddie Public Schools is available at every school and can be located on the DCPS website under student services.

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Selling

STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO SELL OR BUY ANYTHING AT SCHOOL.

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Music

Choral music is a part of each child’s instructional program.  Instrumental Music will be offered at the Middle School.  

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Art

Art is an integral part of our curriculum through which our students will explore the different mediums and techniques used for expression.  Many of the SOLs are integrated into Art.

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Physical Education

1. Students will not be allowed to participate without proper gym shoes.  
2. Gum is not allowed in the gym.
3. Children are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship at all times.  Reckless behavior, such as running, pushing, foul language, defacing of facilities or fighting will not be tolerated.  Any of these violations will be dealt with severely.  
4. If a student gets injured, he/she should report the injury to the Physical Education teacher immediately. 
5. If a student is sick or injured and the parent wishes for their child to sit out of PE, it is necessary for the parent to provide the request in writing.  Additionally, it is necessary that the parent states in writing when their child may resume participation with the PE class. 

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Athletic Program

Our elementary school does not sponsor any organized athletic teams.  For information on athletic teams, call the Dinwiddie Recreation Department.

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Lost and Found

Please label or put initials in all clothes. Items which are found should be moved to the cafeteria entrance rack. Due to the lack of space, items will periodically be removed from the school.  Unclaimed jackets and other clothing will be donated to charitable organizations. Personal items such as combs, costume jewelry, etc. will be thrown away if not claimed within this period of time. 

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Fundraising

Fundraising activities that involve Dinwiddie Elementary students in door-to-door solicitation will not be allowed. 

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End of Year Awards

In addition to academic and attendance achievement, students have a number of opportunities throughout the year to participate in several activities for which they receive a special reward. 

Faculty selects 5th grade students who, during their career at Dinwiddie, have distinguished themselves in various subject areas.  The names of the selected students are inscribed on plaques in the main hall entrance of the school.  Students who qualify for the President’s Academic Awards Program are recognized and receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States.  

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Parental Notification of Assessment Opt Out Policies

On December 10, 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) was signed into law. Section 1112(e)(2) of ESSA states that parents of students in Title I schools have the right to know about state or division policies regarding student participation in any assessments mandated by ESSA, including any policy, procedure, or parental right to opt students out of such assessments. If you would like to receive information about this topic, please contact the Director of Assessment and Student Services for more information.

All students enrolled in Virginia public schools are expected to take the applicable state tests. The Virginia Board of Education Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia state:

“In Kindergarten through eighth grade, where the administration of Virginia assessment program tests are required by the Board of Education, each student shall be expected to take the tests” and “each student in middle and secondary schools shall take all applicable end-of-course SOL tests following course instruction” (8VAC20-131-30)

The Virginia regulations do not provide for what is sometimes referred to as an “opt out policy” for students regarding the Virginia assessments, they should be aware that their student’s state assessment score report will reflect a score of “0” for any test that is refused.

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Grading Scale and Student Recognition

Dinwiddie Elementary School recognizes the achievement and performance of students in a variety of ways throughout the year. 

10-Point Grading Scale:

A         90-100       Excellent
B         89-80         Very Good
C         79-70         Satisfactory
D         69-60         Needs Improvement
F         59-Below   Unsatisfactory/Failing

Grades K-2: 

Principals will recognize academic achievement and improvement; however, recognition used will not be called Honor Roll. All students should receive recognition for their achievement.

Grades 3 – 5:

A Honor Roll:  Students obtaining all A’s for the nine-weeks grading period. A/B Honor Roll:  Students obtaining all A’s and B’s for the nine-weeks grading period and no C’s.  

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Promotion/Retention

It is our desire for every child to be successful; however, we ask parents to carefully monitor the Tuesday Folders, report cards, interim reports and homework to assure success.  In the event your child is receiving low grades (D’s or F’s) in any subject, we suggest that you schedule an appointment with his/her teacher.  A Student Success Team meeting may be scheduled to review additional options.

A copy of Dinwiddie County’s Promotion/Retention Policy is in the school office and will be made available upon request.

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