JUNALUSKA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK
Principal, Alex Masciarelli
Parents, please review these guidelines outlined in this handbook.
School Hours
Regular instructional day for students:
7:55 AM – 2:55 PM
First bell 8:00 AM
Tardy bell 8:05 AM
Dismissal call for buses 2:55 PM
Dismissal call for car riders/Kids’ Club 3:00 PM
Please have your child at school no later than 8:00 AM each day. Children should NOT arrive earlier than 7:30 AM or remain on campus later than 3:10 PM unless they are participating in a supervised activity. The building will remain locked until 7:30 AM.
Student Information and Emergency Contacts
During the first week of school, families will receive a student information packet to complete and return. Promptly returning this packet with accurate information is essential to help us maintain effective communication and ensure your child’s safety.
Please verify that all addresses, telephone numbers, and other contact information are current and clearly written. In addition, provide the names and phone numbers of at least two emergency contacts who can be reached if a parent or guardian is unavailable. This information is especially important in the event that your child becomes ill or an emergency arises during the school day.
If your address, telephone number, emergency contacts, or any other student information changes during the school year, please notify the school office immediately so that our records can be updated.
Enrollment Requirements
All students must be officially enrolled at Junaluska Elementary School by completing the required enrollment forms. Children entering kindergarten must be five (5) years of age on or before August 31 of the school year in which they enroll.
Students enrolling at Junaluska Elementary School must provide a completed immunization record within 30 calendar days of enrollment. Failure to submit the required immunization documentation within this timeframe may affect a student’s eligibility to remain enrolled.
For complete enrollment requirements and assistance with the registration process, please contact or visit the school office.
Classroom Assignments
Homeroom assignments issued on the first day of school are considered tentative. Class placements are initially based on projected enrollment, including returning students and those who pre-registered during the summer. Significant changes in enrollment at the beginning of the school year may require adjustments to class assignments at one or more grade levels to maintain balanced learning environments.
Afterschool Program (Kids Club)
Our Kids Club Afterschool Program provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for students each day. The program operates from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Program Fees
- $60.00 per week for the first child, $50.00 per week for each additional child in the family
Pick-Up Procedures
- Children must be picked up no later than 6:00 p.m. at the rear carline door.
- A late fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged for students who are not picked up by closing time.
Inclement Weather/Early Dismissal
- If school is dismissed due to inclement weather before 12:00 p.m., Kids Club will not operate.
- If school is dismissed after 12:00 p.m., Kids Club will remain open for up to three (3) hours following the dismissal time.
Families of students attending Kids Club will receive a separate handbook containing detailed program policies, procedures, and important information.
Transportation Emergencies
All students are automatically registered for afterschool care. In the event of a transportation emergency, such as carline delays or no authorized adult present at bus drop-off, students will be supervised in a safe location until arrangements can be made.
Inclement Weather Policy
During inclement weather, please monitor WLOS-TV, the Haywood County Schools website, and the Haywood County Schools Facebook page for school announcements. Notifications will also be sent through the school’s automated phone system and remind message system.
Possible weather-related announcements include:
- No School – Haywood County Schools will either be closed or operate as a remote learning day. In the event of a remote learning day, students are expected to complete the learning activities provided by their teachers in advance. Completed assignments are required for attendance credit.
- Two-Hour Delay – School will begin at 10:00 a.m. Buses will not travel on icy roads.
- Early Dismissal – Weather-related early dismissals will be announced through the same communication channels.
Attendance
Regular attendance is essential to student success, and we encourage all students to attend school consistently. If your child is ill, they are better served at home while recovering.
A written note from a parent/guardian or a doctor’s note explaining the reason for an absence must be submitted when the student returns to school. Absences without written documentation will be coded as unexcused. Family trips and vacations will not be pre-approved and will be recorded as unexcused absences.
Tardies and Early Checkouts
Students are expected to arrive on time each day. For safety, any student arriving after 8:05 AM must be brought into the building through the front entrance by a parent or guardian. Parents will check their child in at the front desk, where the student will receive a tardy slip to give to the teacher. Parents may not accompany students to the classroom after check‑in.
All tardies and early checkouts must be completed through the front office. While you may notify your child’s teacher as a courtesy, the office handles all official attendance procedures.
To support a smooth dismissal process, no checkouts are permitted after 2:20 PM.
If a student leaves for an appointment and returns the same day, they must sign back in at the Identikid station before returning to class.
For safety and to minimize classroom interruptions, parents must remain in the office during all check‑ins and checkouts. Please do not go to the classroom to pick up or escort your child.
Report Cards and Progress Reports
Students in grades 1–5 receive both a progress report and a report card each nine‑week grading period, for a total of four reporting cycles each year.
Kindergarten students receive three reporting cycles per year, which include a progress report and a parent‑teacher conference.
Grades in Elementary School courses will be awarded using the following grading system:
Grades K-2
S=Satisfactory
N=Needs Improvement
U=Unsatisfactory
Grades 3-5
90% – 100% = A
80% – 89% = B
70% – 79% = C
60% – 69% = D
≤59% = F
Report cards and progress reports provide important information, but they do not capture every aspect of a child’s learning. Parent‑teacher conferences remain an essential part of communication, and families are encouraged to schedule conferences throughout the year whenever additional support or clarification is needed.
For more details about grading and reporting, parents may refer to Haywood County Board Regulation 3400‑R.
Student Accountability-Grades K-5
Students in grades K–2 must meet the minimum expectations on state benchmark assessments for their grade level.
Students in grades K–5 must attend at least 165 days to be eligible for promotion.
In grades 3–5, students must score Level III or higher on state‑mandated reading and math assessments. Students in all grades must maintain a minimum average of 69 (D) or above in reading and mathematics.
Students who do not meet these standards will have opportunities for additional support and intervention before a final promotion decision is made.
Homework
Homework at our school is designed to reinforce skills and concepts already taught in the classroom. If you have concerns about your child’s homework, please speak with the teacher first, and then the principal if additional support is needed.
Students use their agenda books as the primary communication tool for homework. Families are encouraged to check agendas daily.
Students are also expected to complete nightly at‑home reading to support ongoing literacy development.
Make up Work
Students who miss school due to excused absences have two days to make up work for each day missed. Completing missed assignments is the student’s responsibility, and teachers will provide support as needed.
Parents may request assignments for students who are ill and unable to attend school.
First Aid & Medication
If a student becomes ill or is injured at school, parents or guardians will be contacted. Please ensure that all emergency phone numbers are up to date. In rare situations requiring urgent care, the school may request 911 assistance.
Medication at School
To ensure student safety, the following procedures apply to all medications administered at school:
- All medications must be delivered by a parent or guardian in the original labeled container.
- Medications are stored in a locked location in the office. Medications requiring refrigeration will be kept in the staff lounge refrigerator.
- Students may carry and use their inhalers as needed after proper paperwork has been turned into the office.
- No medication may be transported on the bus.
A signed physician and parent request must be on file before any prescription or over‑the‑counter medication can be administered. Required forms are available in the school office.
Parent Involvement
Junaluska Elementary School offers a variety of opportunities throughout the year for families to stay engaged in their child’s learning. These may include classroom events, school programs, family nights, volunteer opportunities, and other activities designed to strengthen the home–school connection. We encourage families to participate whenever possible.
Additionally, parents and guardians are encouraged to become actively involved by joining our Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and/or our Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). If you are interested in joining, please contact the school office for more information.
Parent‑teacher conferences may be held in person or by phone, depending on what works best for your family. If you need to discuss a concern in more detail than a brief message, we welcome your request and will schedule a conference promptly.
To arrange a conference with your child’s teacher, please contact them via remind or call the school office.
Dress Code
Junaluska Elementary School expects student dress and grooming to be appropriate for the school setting and conducive to learning. Clothing, accessories, or personal items that display vulgar, disruptive, offensive, or inappropriate language, images, or messages are not permitted.
Student attire should provide appropriate coverage, be of a reasonable length and fit, and be suitable for participation in all school activities. Clothing should contribute to a safe and respectful learning environment.
For safety and participation in daily activities, students are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for running, playing, and other school activities.
Student Behavior Expectations
Junaluska Elementary School implements Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) as a school‑wide framework for maintaining a safe, orderly, and supportive learning environment. PBIS expectations are explicitly taught and reinforced in all areas of the campus, including classrooms, hallways, restrooms, the cafeteria, playground, and buses. Students are expected to follow the SOAR expectations at all times:
- Safety
- Ownership
- Acceptance
- Respectful
Classroom teachers establish additional rules specific to their instructional setting. Violations of school or classroom expectations will be addressed by the teacher or school administration, depending on the nature and severity of the behavior. Parents or guardians will be notified when concerns arise.
Additional information regarding student conduct and disciplinary procedures is available in Haywood County School Board Policy 4300, accessible on the Haywood County Schools website.
School Telephone Use
Families are encouraged to finalize after‑school plans and transportation arrangements before students leave home each morning. To maintain a smooth and orderly school day, students may use the school telephone only with permission.
If you need to communicate a change in plans, you may call the school office and a message will be delivered to your child. Please keep these calls to a minimum and ensure that any messages are received before 2:20 PM so they can be delivered prior to dismissal.
To protect instructional time, teachers will not be called out of class for phone calls. However, messages requesting a return call will be shared with teachers, and they will respond at their earliest convenience.
Cell Phones, Smartwatches, or other Personal Communication Devices
Parents who wish for their child to carry a cell phone, smartwatch with communication capabilities, or other electronic device for safety or communication purposes must notify the classroom teacher in writing via email, the student’s agenda, or ParentSquare/Remind.
All devices must remain turned off and stored securely in the student’s book bag during the school day and while riding the bus. Devices may not be used, accessed, or removed from book bags during school hours unless authorized by school personnel.
Electronic Devices, Trading Cards, Toys, and Other Prohibited Items
To support an effective and distraction‑free instructional environment, students should not bring electronic devices, trading cards, headsets, toys, or similar items to school. These items often disrupt learning and are not permitted during the school day.
If such items are brought to school, the school is not responsible for loss or theft.
Any contraband items taken from students may be discarded or turned over to law enforcement, depending on the nature of the item.
Lost and Found
Students are responsible for keeping track of their personal belongings. To help prevent loss, families are encouraged to label all items—especially jackets, lunch boxes, and other frequently misplaced belongings—with the student’s first and last name.
Personal items found in or around the school will be placed in the lost and found racks in the cafeteria. Students may check these racks or the office to look for missing items.
Items that remain unclaimed for an extended period will be donated to local charities.
Parties and Celebrations
To support a productive learning environment, parties and celebrations will not take place during instructional time. Teachers may, at their discretion, allow a small treat during the class’s regular lunch period or scheduled snack time.
Parents who wish to provide a special treat should contact the classroom teacher in advance. Each teacher will communicate their classroom procedures for treat distribution and clean-up. For the safety of all students, treats must be commercially prepared and individually packaged.
Invitations to private birthday parties may be distributed at school only if every student in the class receives one. Otherwise, invitations must be mailed or distributed outside of school. To protect the privacy of all students and families, only students’ first names will be included on class lists.
Visitors
Anyone who is not a staff member or student at Junaluska Elementary School must report to the school office upon arrival to receive a visitor’s pass. All visitors are required to enter through the front doors. For student safety, all side doors remain locked from 8:05 AM to 2:55 PM.
To maintain a respectful and distraction‑free environment, visitors are asked to refrain from using cell phones while conducting business inside the school.
These procedures help ensure the safety and security of our students, and your cooperation is sincerely appreciated.
Volunteers
Junaluska Elementary School is fortunate to have a strong volunteer program and we openly solicit the active involvement of parents in our volunteer program. It is through the commitment of dedicated, caring parents that we can provide many educational experiences and materials, which your child would otherwise not receive. We welcome you to our school and our volunteer program. Please do not show up unannounced to volunteer; classroom teachers cannot be taken away from instruction to prepare materials.
Traffic Rules
The traffic pattern at Junaluska Elementary School is designed to ensure student safety and maintain efficient traffic flow. Your cooperation with the procedures below is greatly appreciated. Please maintain a speed of 15 MPH when entering and exiting the parking lot.
Morning Arrival
- Students should exit vehicles on the upper driveway next to the covered walkway.
- Please pull up as far as possible along the covered walkway before allowing your child to exit. This helps keep traffic moving smoothly.
- If you plan to enter the building with your child, please park in the front parking lot.
- No child may enter through the front of the building without a parent. There is no supervision in this area.
Afternoon Dismissal
- Remain on the entrance road and around the circular driveway until all buses have exited the upper lot.
- When directed to move into the upper lot, please pull up as far as possible along the covered awning before stopping.
- Load your child from the side nearest the building and be prepared to move as soon as traffic advances.
- Do not pass another vehicle unless instructed to do so.
- Handicap parking spaces must remain reserved for designated students and families.
General Carline Expectations
- Always load and unload children from the sidewalk side of the vehicle.
- The line in front of the covered walkway is a single‑lane traffic pattern; do not pass the vehicle in front of you.
- Please refrain from cell phone use in the carline. Drivers who are texting or talking on cell phones pose a serious hazard to students.
Traffic Flow Restrictions
- There is no left turn at the end of the front drive from 7:45–8:10 AM and 2:45–3:10 PM.
- During these times, all traffic must flow to the right and around the upper drive to exit.
Field Trips
Field trips that enrich and support the approved curriculum may be scheduled throughout the school year. In order for a student to participate, a parent‑signed permission slip must be returned to the classroom teacher.
Some trips may require parents to pay an admission fee, and all trips will include a bus fee to help cover fuel and driver costs. Only Junaluska Elementary students are permitted to participate in field trips and special school‑sponsored activities.
PTA Membership
Junaluska Elementary School has an active PTA, and all parents are encouraged to join and participate. Information about joining the PTA or becoming a volunteer will be provided during the school’s Meet and Greet event prior to the start of the school year or by emailing junaluskapta@gmail.com
Cafeteria Procedures
Students are encouraged to eat in the cafeteria, where the school food service department provides healthy, federally approved meals. Students may receive a school lunch or bring lunch from home. Bringing food from outside restaurants into the cafeteria during lunch is discouraged.
Parents are welcome to join their children for lunch in the cafeteria and will pay the adult meal price.
Student Photographs and Media Use
Photographs of students may be taken in the school setting and used by the media in a general manner to highlight school programs and activities. Families may request that their child not be photographed by indicating this preference on the student information sheet sent home at the beginning of the school year.
Exceptional Children’s Program
The Exceptional Children’s (EC) Program provides specially designed instruction to ensure that all children with disabilities, ages 3 through 21, have access to a free appropriate public education. The program emphasizes special education and related services that address each student’s unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.
Services may include specialized instructional support, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, hearing‑impaired services, visually‑impaired services, and transportation, as determined by individual student needs.
The EC Program actively seeks to identify children and youth ages 3–21 who may have special needs and are not currently receiving services. If you know of a child who may require support, please contact Brandi Stephenson, Director of Exceptional Children’s Program, at 828.456.2400.