Elementary Education

In most cases, elementary school students attend the school closest to their home. Parents also have the choice of applying to one of the division's magnet schools. Students must apply to magnet programs, and there are criteria for entrance to academy programs. Elementary magnet programs are:

• Deer Park: Environmental Science Magnet
• Discovery STEM Academy: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics Magnet
• Dutrow: Global Studies Magnet
• Hilton: Communications Arts Magnet
• Newsome Park: Math, Science & Technology Magnet

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Important Elementary School Information

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Conferences between parents and teachers play an important role in students' success in school. Conferences may be held before or after school. To arrange a conference, parents should send a note to the teacher or call the school office to arrange a mutually convenient time. Please try to arrange a conference before or after the regular school day.

Instructional Materials and Resources

Schools provide students with the instructional materials and resources needed to support learning. These may include electronic resources, workbooks, study guides, printed materials, or other classroom resources. Students are expected to use school-provided materials responsibly and return any reusable items when requested.

Library/Media Center

Students have access to a variety of print and digital resources through the school library/media center to support reading, research, and learning. Books and other approved materials may be checked out for a designated period of time in accordance with school procedures. Students are responsible for properly caring for all materials they borrow and returning them on time. Families may be responsible for the replacement cost of materials that are lost or damaged beyond normal wear and tear.

Homework Policy

Homework is an important part of the educational experience, serving to:

• Strengthen skills already taught
• Increase learning time
• Provide enrichment opportunities
• Promote creativity, responsibility and independence
• Develop good work and study habits

Average Homework Timelines

Average homework timelines are recommendations. They are not meant to be minimum or maximum quotas. Some students may need more time and some less time to accomplish an assignment. The complexity of honors level work may require additional time.

• Grades PK-1: 15-30 minutes per night
• Grades 2-3: 30-40 minutes per night
• Grades 4-5: 40-50 minutes per night

Standards of Learning (SOL)

SOL assessments required by the State of Virginia are administered in late spring each year. Students in grades 3, 5, and 8 are administered tests in English, Mathematics, Science, History and Social Science. The English tests for grades 5 and 8 include a direct writing sample. In addition, a computer technology test is given to students in grades 5 and 8. End-of-course tests are administered in Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, English II (including a direct writing sample), Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, World History, World Geography and U.S. History. As required in the Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia, schools use the SOL test results as part of a multiple set of criteria for determining promotion or retention in grades 3, 5, and 8. Each in middle and high school who earns a passing score on an end-of-course SOL test is awarded a verified unit of credit in that course. More information about SOLs at Newport News Public Schools

Promotion and Retention

Promotion or retention of students is based on the teacher's and principal's judgment of what best serves the education welfare of the child. Parents will be informed early in the second semester if there is a possibility that placement will result in retention. This information will be conveyed to the parents through a conference and in writing.

Change of Address

Please inform the school office if you change your address, telephone number, or any emergency information.

Taking Student Out of School During School Hours

Students are expected to remain in school for the entire instructional day and should only be checked out early when necessary. All early dismissals must be processed through the school office.

For the safety and security of all students, a valid photo ID is required for every student check-out. Parents, guardians, or other authorized individuals must report to the main office and present identification before a student is released. Students will remain in class until the authorized individual has arrived and identification has been verified. At that time, the student will be called from the classroom to report to the office for dismissal.

Only individuals listed as authorized to pick up the student in the school's student information system will be permitted to check the student out. Any changes to the authorized pick-up list must be provided to the school by the parent or legal guardian in accordance with school procedures.

Emergency Procedures

Each school has an emergency operations plan to cover both natural emergencies (tornadoes, hurricanes, snow, icing, flood) and man-made emergencies (fires, bomb threats, civil disturbances, serious injuries, utility emergencies). This plan is available from each teacher and will be reviewed with students during the first week of school each year.