GES Student Handbook

Gardners Families,

     

Welcome to our 2025-2026 school year! 

It is a tremendous pleasure to be working alongside you and your students this school year. I have always loved learning and enjoyed being a student - elementary school was my favorite! Our School Motto is, Students First, and the lengthy history of academic successes at Gardners speaks volumes of the dedication, passion, and love our staff members have for each student in our care. We will continue to put the needs of our students at the forefront of all decisions we make and the initiatives we focus on to continuously take our teaching and student learning to the highest level possible. 

Again this school year, you will have the opportunity to work & collaborate with the best elementary school staff in Wilson County! As an educational team, we are committed to providing each child the opportunity to have an equal playing field for learning, character development, and overall personal development - education is one of the great equalizers. We want each of our students to have many personal & professional choices in life. Our love and passion for children, our most important customers, have brought us together to become better at what we do each day for our special Cubs! 

Additionally, our parents and families are essential to the many successes we have experienced at Gardners. We will continue to need you to partner with our teachers and staff to ensure your student's incredible learning experience while in our learning community at Gardners. 

I sincerely appreciate your partnership and trust in us working with your children this school year. 

Dr. Will Pope, Principal

 

Mission Statement:

The mission of Gardners Elementary School is to provide positive educational experiences that enable all students to achieve maximum potential and become responsible, contributing members of society and lifelong learners.

Vision Statement:

Growing Every Student, Every Day!

Our Beliefs:

● We believe every student can grow academically and personally.  ● We believe partnerships with family and community are critical to our student's success. ● We believe in supporting the development of the whole child. ● We believe students should be innovative problem solvers to be career and college ready. ● We believe in offering a nurturing, safe, and rigorous learning environment. ● We believe we can inspire students to be lifelong learners and future leaders. School Motto:

School Motto:

Students First!

School Contact Information:

Principal: Will Pope

Secretary: HaLee Knowles

School Counselor: Danielle Boyette

Phone #: (252) 399-7920

Fax #: (252) 399-7895

Cafeteria: (252) 399-7920

Daily Schedule:

• 7:30 a.m. School opens (building access not earlier than 7:30 am                                                                                                              ○ Students pick up breakfast and report to class                                                                                                                                ○ Staff on duty/teachers in classrooms
• 7:55 a.m.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ○ Tardy Bell [sign in at Main Office]                                                                                                                                                          ○ Announcements
• 8:00 a.m. Instruction begins
• 3:00 p.m. Dismissal

Delayed School Start Schedules:

One Hour Delay:                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8:30 a.m.  School opens [no breakfast]; Students report to classrooms                                                                                               9:00 a.m. Instruction begins Two-Hour Delay                                                                                                                                             9:30 a.m.: School opens [no breakfast]; Students report to classrooms                                                                                              10:00 a.m.: Instruction begins

 

Volunteering at Gardners 

Our school is always looking for volunteers. It is a great way to get involved and support our school initiatives. All volunteers must be approved through the WCS Volunteer Tracker process (information listed below). Contact your child’s teacher or our front office to learn more about volunteering. Please review WCS Policy Code: 5015 School Volunteers. 

WCS  Volunteer Tracker:

We are excited to share that the new Volunteer Portal is now up and running!   All individuals interested in volunteering—whether you are a returning volunteer with a current application or a first-time applicant—will need to submit a new application through the updated platform. Individuals who are interested in volunteering may now begin creating their accounts and submitting applications through our new Volunteer Tracking System powered by Raptor at the following link: https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/OTc1NTplbi1VUw==.

If you need to complete the form in Spanish, click the following link for the Spanish version: https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/OTc1NTplcy1VUw==.

Please note that the application process includes two steps:

1. Complete the Volunteer Application through the Raptor platform
2. Consent to the Background Check through the Bchex system (you’ll be directed to this directly after submitting your application)

Your application will not be complete until both the application and background check consent have been submitted. Once all components have been reviewed and approved, you will receive a notification confirming your volunteer status.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to WCS Human Resources.

Thank you for your willingness to support our schools!

 A

Absences

Students must bring a note to school signed by the parent or guardian for the absence. A doctor’s note is required when an absence is due to medical appointments.

 ● Notes must be presented within two days of the student’s return to school

 ● Failure to comply will result in the absence or tardy being recorded as   

     unexcused 

● Excused Absences: Illness, death in the immediate family, participation in a 

    religious event, or a valid educational opportunity, with prior approval by the    

    principal. Click on the WCS Attendance Policy 4400 for detailed information  

    about this policy. 

Accidents 

Whenever a child is ill or injured, the parents/guardians are notified immediately. An accident report is filed when an injury. It is imperative that you keep your child’s emergency numbers and contacts up to date in your Scribs account and with your child’s teacher.

Address/Phone Number Change 

If your contact information or address changes, please update these changes in your Scribs account and provide this information to your child’s teacher. All mailings and telephone messages use the information in our database and will only work if this information is current. 

Address Verification

Each student must complete the address verification process each school year. Specific documents are outlined in WCSResidence and Address Verification Policy 4151 that may be used to verify an address. An address verification form is available in our school office. 

After School Care 

Gardners offers an after-school care program, which operates from 3:00- 6:00 p.m. on regular school days and all day on Teacher Workdays; drop-in services are also available. The program is located in the school cafeteria. Applications are available in the school office. Call (252) 399-7714 for more information. 

AIG

AIG (Academically & Intellectually Gifted) is a program for students identified through special testing, academic performance, and teacher observation. Our AIG Teacher can answer any questions you may have. 

Arrival 

● Students may enter the school building at 7:30 am. 

● Car rider students enter from the Gardners School Road parking area; students 

    must remain in cars until able to enter the building at 7:30 am. 

● Bus rider students enter the front of the school through the Main Office doors. 

Please note: The Bus rider area at the front of the school is closed to passenger vehicles between 7:30 AM to 7:55 AM and 2:45 pm to 3:15 pm daily to ensure safety for our students.

Attendance

“To be counted present, students must be in attendance at least half of the school day.” Remember, if your child has a doctor’s appointment, they may attend school until time to leave for the appointment and then return with a doctor’s note so that they may be counted both present and on time. Our attendance goal is 100% all day, every day! Click on the link for WCS Attendance Policy 4400 and Policy Code: 4210 Release of Students from School for detailed information about these policies.

 

 

B
Book Bags 

Please check your child’s book bag daily for assignments, announcements from our school, and other important information. Book bags should be used to transport only school supplies. Any items (toys, electronics, etc.) that disrupt the classroom will be confiscated and returned to the parent or guardian. 

Books 

Damage fees are required to be paid by the student for damaged books. Contact the school principal, the student’s teacher, or the media coordinator. 

Book Fairs 

The PTO sponsors Book Fairs in partnership with our media coordinator. The dates for our Book Fairs will be announced and posted at school. 

Breakfast 

Breakfast is served from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. - all students entering the building will pick up their breakfast from our Cafeteria Carts and eat in their classrooms. If you have questions, call Gardners cafeteria manager at 399-7920 or the Wilson County Child Nutrition office at 399-7849. Also, look for more information about the WCS Child Nutrition program in this handbook's “Additional Information” section. 

Bus Riders AND Changes in Transportation Requests 

Students who live at least 1.5 miles from school have the privilege to ride a school bus. Wilson County Schools Transportation Department plans all bus routes. For student safety and liability, children may not get off the bus at any stop other than their own. Additionally, students will only be allowed to ride the bus they are assigned; they may not ride a bus to visit/stay with a friend. If you have questions or concerns, please call the school. Students require a written, signed, and dated note from a parent to change their method of transportation from school. We do not accept phone calls for changes in transportation. A parent/guardian may also stop by our front office in the mornings to make a change in transportation or send a written note in advance of the change. 

 

C

Cafeteria 

Free breakfast and lunch are available to every student K-5. Under the Food and Nutrition BIC Program [Breakfast in Classrooms], students can eat breakfast in the classrooms starting at 7:30 a.m. Please ensure that your child arrives on time to be served these nutritional meals at no cost. Learn more about our cafeteria & child nutrition programs in the “Additional Information” section. 

Calendar: 2025-2026 Traditional School Year 

We communicate ongoing information, new events, additional information, etc., to our families through Class Dojo, our weekly parent phone message, our school website (parent phone message scripts are posted), and our Facebook page. The WCS Student/Staff Calendar can be accessed by clicking on this Link. 

WCS Testing Calendar

Report Card and Progress Report Calendar 

Car Riders AND Change in Transportation Requests 

Car riders are to be dropped off and picked up on the Gardners School side of the building. We have bus traffic in our front driveway each morning, and car traffic is not permitted at the front of the building before 7:55 each day. Students require a written, signed, and dated note from a parent to change their method of transportation from school. We do not accept phone calls for changes in transportation. A parent/guardian may also stop by our front of ice in the mornings to make a change in transportation or send a written note in advance of the change. 

Checking Students Out 

If you consider checking your child out before the end of the school day, please know that it will show on their attendance record as a Tardy. If you decide to sign your child out of school, please do so by 2:30 p.m. to ensure the safety of our students as they board the buses in the bus parking area. Click on the link for WCS Attendance Policy 4400 and Policy Code: 4210 Release of Students from School for detailed information about these policies. 

Computers

Chromebooks are available to all K-5 students for on-campus and remote learning use. All students will participate in a technology class at least once a week. All students must turn in completed and signed technology paperwork 9 (AUPs) before using technology resources at school. Please review the following WCS Board Policies in regards to technology use: 

            ● Policy 3220: Technology in the Educational Program 

● Regulation Code 3220-R Technology in the Educational Program 

● Policy Code: 3225/4312/7320 Technology Responsible Use 

● Internet Safety - Regulations

● Policy Code: 3226/4205 Internet Safety. 

● Parent Portal Information 

Counseling Support 

Our counseling services include classroom, group, and individual counseling. In addition, our school counselor coordinates our state testing program, school-wide programs for academic & character education, our Student Government Association (SGA), and other student involvement activities. 

CUBtastic 

Being CUBtastic means we are the absolute best version of ourselves! It also means we are magnificent, fabulous, fantastic, and incredible!

D 

Data Manager- Student Information 

Our Data Manager is at Gardners on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm; please call our school if you have any questions on student enrollment documents or other student information. 

Discipline (Behavior Management)

Discipline is managed school-wide through our PBIS and Stoplight programs and by adhering to the expectations of WCS Policy Code: 4300 Student Behavior Policies. Our Bus Discipline Policy addresses behavior expectations for students on the bus. Every step must be taken to ensure the safety of every child who rides a bus. Failure to follow bus procedures can result in the loss of bus privileges; riding a school bus is a privilege, not a requirement. Please review all behavior policies for WCS, including inappropriate items on school property.

Dismissal 

Dismissal is 3:00 p.m. for bus students & car riders. All students should be picked up by 3:15. If students are left consistently after 3:15, they may be placed in our After School Care program in the cafeteria. There is a $10.00 daily charge for this service. 

Discrimination/Harassment/Bullying 

WCS believes that all employees and students should be free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and bullying as a part of a safe, orderly, caring, and inviting working and learning environment. Gardners Elementary staff adhere to and support all aspects of the WCS Policy Code: 1720/4015/7270 Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Complaint Procedure. 

Dress Code

Students will follow the dress code expectations outlined in the WCS Policy Code: 4316 Student Dress Code.

 

E 

Electronics 

Students are not allowed to bring iPods, cell phones, or other electronic items that may disrupt the classroom. 

Email 

You can email your child’s teacher(s) and all school staff by accessing the WCS website @ www.wilsonschoolsnc.net and selecting the link for Gardners in the “Schools” tab. 

Emergencies 

Our Superintendent makes decisions regarding delays in the start of school and emergency closings. All WCS Inclement Weather or emergency closings are communicated through parent phone calls, the WCS Facebook page, and Twitter.

English Learners (EL)

This program works with students whose first language is not English. A certified language specialist works with and leads instruction for these students on a weekly schedule. 

EOG’S 

EOG is the acronym for the North Carolina End-of-Grade tests. Students in the third, fourth, and fifth grades participate in EOG testing at the end of the school year. EOG testing is a part of the promotion standards for students and the measurement NC uses for student, teacher, and school growth. 

● Policy Code: 3400 Evaluation of Student Progress 

● Regulation Code 3400-R Evaluation of Student Progress 

● Policy Code: 3420 Student Promotion and Accountability

● Regulation Code: 3420A-R Student Promotion and Accountability (Standards) 

 

F

Field Trips 

Field trips are provided to students as educational enhancements and must comply with district expectations. All students must submit a field trip permission form signed by the parent or legal guardian to participate. Teachers will communicate all necessary field trip information well before the event. Please see WCS Policy Code: 3320 School Trips. 

• 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 (Raptor), which requires a clear background check. Sign up by visiting www.wilsonschoolsnc.net and entering 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 members of the class are not permitted to attend field trips.

Fire Drills 

Fire drills are held each school month. When the alarm sounds, staff and students are expected to follow all procedures for fire drills. Orderly conduct is required to ensure safety and a timely exit from our building. 

Fundraisers 

Gardners School and our PTO will hold fundraisers across our school year to increase resources available to our students and school. Please support our students, teachers, and school by participating in these activities. 

G 

Grades 

Grades are averaged twice each nine weeks, first for progress reports and again for report cards. Teachers are responsible for grading assignments and entering grades into PowerSchool. Please call the school to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher if you have questions or concerns. The WCS Progress Report and Report Card Calendar is located in this handbook's “Calendars & Schedule” Section.

            ● Policy Code: 3400 Evaluation of Student Progress 

● Regulation Code 3400-R Evaluation of Student Progress 

● Policy Code: 3420 Student Promotion and Accountability 

● Regulation Code: 3420A-R Student Promotion and Accountability (Standards) 

All missing assignments and make-up work must be submitted within five days of the original due date. 

Gymnasium 

Our gymnasium also serves as our auditorium for student and family events and celebrations. In addition, our music and physical education programs also take place in our Gym.

H 

Homework 

Homework is an extension of the learning day based on content already taught to students. Homework can be assigned daily and may include approximately 30 minutes for K-2 students and 45 minutes for 3-5 students. A student’s work habits can determine the time needed to complete homework. Please review WCS Policy Code: 3135 Homework.  

I

Inclement Weather Procedures 

WCS has a 24-hour weather line that gives the status of the school day (252-265-4037). In the event of inclement weather, parents can also find the status of the school day on the WCS Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages and WRAL Channel 5. In addition, early dismissals are announced by WCS district phone messages and the WCS Facebook page. The buses will run their routes as usual in an early release, and the car riders will follow our daily dismissal procedures. 

Internet & Technology Policy 

All students must turn in completed and signed technology paperwork (AUPs) before using the technology resources (i.e., internet, Chromebooks, computers, iPods, etc.) our school provides. 

● Policy 3220: Technology in the Educational Program

● Policy 3200-R Selection of Education Resources

● Policy Code: 3225/4312/7320 Technology Responsible Use

● Policy Code: 3226/4205 Internet Safety.

● Regulation Code - 3226/4205 - R Internet Safety 

Interscholastic Athletic Eligibility 

L

Labels 

Write your child’s name on all personal belongings, such as lunch boxes, book bags, and clothing/coats. Label the item whose name does not show [clothing tag, inside lid, etc.] to assist with a higher level of safety. 

Library  

The Library (Media Center) is open to students before and after classes begin for book check-in and check-out. Our Media Coordinator teaches library skills to all students each week. In addition, our Media Center houses technology and reading materials. Please encourage your child to bring home library books and read, read, read! 

Lost and Found 

Clothing and other items found on the school grounds will be returned to the student if labeled. Things not labeled will be placed in the “Lost and Found” area outside the cafeteria and held until the end of the year. After school ends, all items not claimed will be donated to a charitable organization. 

Lunch Numbers 

Students in Wilson County Schools will be provided a lunch number that they will use until graduating from high school. 

Lunch 

Lunch Schedules begin at 10:50 am. Please ask your child’s teacher for their lunchtime and join your child for lunch as often as possible! 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.

 

M 

Make-up Work 

Make-up work in grades K-5 is arranged at the direction of the teacher; please work in partnership with your child’s teacher to ensure all necessary make-up work is completed when an absence has occurred. 

Medication  

Prescriptions or over-the-counter medication will only be given with a signed request from a doctor and a parent. All medications must be in their original container. Please review: 

● WCS Policy Code: 6125 Administering Medicines to     Students 

● WCS Regulation Code: 6125-R Administering Medications to Students 

Messages to Families

Our school principal will send out weekly phone messages using Blackboard and posting on Class Dojo; these messages will announce activities and provide important updates for our families. At other times, it will be necessary for additional messages to announce changes in bus transportation, important events, etc. Please keep your phone number current to ensure you receive these messages. 

Money 

Please pay any fines or money for pictures, damaged or lost books, etc., promptly to help our school operate smoothly. Unpaid balances may affect a student from participating in school activities and field trips. Please see WCS Policy Code: 4600 Student Fees. 

Music 

A music specialist leads music instruction for all of our students. Our students will also have the opportunity to participate in specially selected music initiatives and perform for our families across the school year.

 

O 

Office Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Our school phone number is (252)399-7920; the fax number is 399-7895, and the school cafeteria is 399-7923.

P 

Parent Conferences 

If you need to speak to your child’s teacher, contact them through Class Dojo, email your child’s teacher, or call the office and leave a message for the teacher. If you have not received a response from your child’s teacher within 24 hours, please contact the office to help establish prompt communication. 

Parent Portal

Parties - Classroom 

Classroom parties will take place twice during the year (before Winter Break & end-of-year); our classroom teachers plan parties with the support of classroom parent volunteers. These parties are typically not curriculum-related. However, other celebrations will be curriculum-related. 

PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Support) 

Our school has developed a PBIS program so that our students are clear on what is expected of them in all areas of our school campus: classroom, restrooms, cafeteria, bus, hallways, using technology, playground, assemblies, and field trips. Our students will also be recognized and rewarded for making positive choices through PBIS events across the school year. Our PBIS Matrix can be found in this handbook's “Additional Information” section.

PE 

Our Physical Education teacher provides PE to each student at least once weekly. Ensure your child wears the proper footwear on their assigned P.E. day.

Pictures 

Pictures are taken each year, and our first picture day happens during the fall and is the traditional school picture. Spring pictures include both individual and class group pictures. Dates and payment information will be provided before picture days. 

Policies 

Wilson County School Board Policies are available on our Wilson County Schools website and can be accessed by clicking this link. Select WCS Board Policies have been included throughout our handbook. 

Parent Involvement 

Gardners is dedicated to the success of each student in our care. The faculty and staff of Gardners believe that parents are the most important partners for our teachers and staff in the education of our students. See our Family Engagement Policy and our Family-School Partnership Agreement in the “Additional Information” section of our handbook and posted in the Parent tab of our school website. 

Progress Reports 

A mid-nine week’s Progress Report will go home for each grading period to keep our parents and students aware of academic progress. Please read each Progress Report carefully and schedule a conference with your child’s teacher if you have questions, concerns, or need additional information. The WCS Progress Report and Report Card Calendar is located in the “Calendars & Schedule” Section of this handbook. 

             ● Policy Code: 3400 Evaluation of Student Progress 

● Regulation Code 3400-R Evaluation of Student Progress 

● Policy Code: 3420 Student Promotion and Accountability 

● Regulation Code: 3420A-R Student Promotion and Accountability (Standards)     

        ​​​Policy 3420 B - R: Credit Recovery                                             

● Policy 3460 - Graduation Requirements

● Policy 3460 - R - Graduation Requirements   

 

R 

Recognition - Academics 

Our Academic Recognition program is available to all students and rewards our Cubs for excellence in academic achievement, positive behavior choices, and good attendance. The primary goal of our Academic Recognition program is to increase student academic performance and enthusiasm toward school and to raise community participation in our school.

 ** Students must meet all requirements listed below for recognition** 

● Attendance: No more than six absences and tardies combined; early checkouts are considered tardies. 

● Academics K-2: 80% Mastery in Reading and Math Standards, no U’s and all M’s and S’s for Science/Social Studies & Specials on report cards.

● Academics 3-5: All A’s and B’s in content areas and M’s and S’s for Special classes on report cards. 

Dates and the reward events will be determined for each of the nine-week grading periods and communicated to our students and families. 

• WCS Criteria for Awards and Celebrations

Report Cards  

Report Cards are provided to each student at the end of each 9-week grading period. The WCS Progress Report and Report Card Calendar is located in this handbook's “Calendars & Schedule” Section. 

S 

Safety 

Safe schools are critical to creating a learning environment where students can succeed. Therefore, Gardners’ staff will take all necessary steps to ensure a safe and orderly school environment. Across the school year, we will practice fire, sheltering, and tornado drills. In addition, we will adhere to the district’s expectations of volunteers and visitors to our school. Please review WCS Policy Code: 1510/4200/7270 School Safety. 

Student Government Association 

Our Student Government Association (SGA) mission is to lead service projects that support our school’s mission and promote school spirit, student leadership & citizenship at Gardners Elementary. Our school counselor leads our SGA and will communicate to students the process for participating in our SGA. 

Student Records 

All student records must be current and maintained with appropriate security and confidentiality measures. Please review the following information to learn more about this process:

● WCS Policy Code 4700 Student Records

● Regulation Code 4700-R: Release of Directory Information 

T 

Tardy Cubs 

Students who arrive at 7:55 am will not be admitted to class without signing in and receiving a note from the office. At 7:55, all students must enter through the front entrance of our school. Parents must accompany their child into the building and assist with their child signing in. 

Teacher Appreciation  

Teacher/Staff Appreciation is in May! This is a special time to celebrate our dedicated staff and what they do for our students throughout the school year! However, the best appreciation students can show is by being at school every day and always doing their best. 

Testing Calendar

Tornado Drill 

Tornado drill procedures are reviewed and practiced for all students and staff across the school year. It is essential for all students to follow their teacher’s directions during these drills to ensure they understand expectations and know what to do if there is a weather emergency.

V 

Visitors 

All visitors must check in at the front office. Visitors going beyond the front office will need to complete the Raptor registration process and receive a name badge; their name badge must be worn in our building. Visitors will be escorted by a school staff member (front office staff, teacher, counselor, etc.) to their destination (i.e., classroom, Media Center, Cafeteria, etc.). Visitors are to stay in the area of their intended visit and may not wander or freely move through our building or campus. Visitors must sign out of the Raptor system when leaving the building. Please see WCS Policy Code: 5020 Visitors to the Schools. 

Volunteers 

Our school is always looking for volunteers. It is a great way to get involved and support our school initiatives. All volunteers must be approved through the WCS Volunteer Tracker process (information included at the beginning of our handbook). Please contact your child’s teacher or our front office to learn more about volunteering. Also, please review WCS Policy Code: 5015 School Volunteers.