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Newport News Public Schools

12465 Warwick Boulevard  •  Newport News, VA 23606  •  Phone: (757) 591-4500

Elementary Education

Elementary Education

Elementary education in Newport News Public Schools is offered in schools with grades K-5, or primary schools, which include kindergarten through grade two or three. Elementary school focuses on the basic skills that students need in the early years as they learn how to learn. Children study Integrated Language Arts (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), math, science, social studies, health, physical education, art, and music at one of the city's 28 elementary schools. Bus transportation is provided for all students.

Each elementary student receives an agenda book, which contains weekly calendars for student use, general and school-specific information, Standards of Learning (SOL) information, the NNPS school calendar, inclement weather tips, health requirements and the division's Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. The handbook clearly spells out expectations for behavior and sanctions for violations.

Reading Recovery, an intensive, one-on-one program for beginning readers who show signs of difficulty with reading, is offered at all elementary and primary schools. A Talented and Gifted (TAG) center program is offered to students in grades three through eight. Students qualify based on tests given in second through fifth grade, teacher recommendations, classroom performance, and standardized test scores. An Achievable Dream Academy helps third- to eighth-graders gain the confidence, discipline, and academic skills they need to succeed in school.

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. Magnet programs are offered at Dutrow Elementary where students learn in an open environment; at Hilton Elementary, which stresses a traditional approach to learning; at Newsome Park Elementary, which offers a math, science and technology magnet program; and a traditional program at Deer Park Elementary which will houses the environmental science magnet program. Students must apply to magnet programs, and there are criteria for entrance to academy programs.

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.
  • Textbooks
    • Schools furnish textbooks free of charge. If books are damaged or lost, students must pay for them. Parents should see that their child's name is written on the slip in the front of each book. Each book has a serial number which is recorded on a form.
  • Library Media Center
    • Students will be able to borrow books and magazines for one week. Records, tapes, encyclopedias, and other reference materials are checked out for one night. It is the student's responsibility to care properly for materials on loan. Payment for lost or damaged books and other items is required.
    • Learn more about our Library Media Centers.
  • Dress Codes
    • Students should be appropriately dressed while attending school. Their dress should not exert a disruptive influence on the educational program.
    • Learn more about NNPS dress codes.
  • Bus Transportation
    • The school bus drivers have the responsibility of transporting students to and from school each day. Students must load and unload at assigned bus stops. Students may not change buses unless a note is sent to the school by the parent. Students who violate proper safety standards or otherwise abuse the privilege of riding a school bus may be temporarily suspended from riding the bus to and from school. Inform your child of the proper attitude to take and to cooperate with the school bus driver to insure the safety of all students. Questions regarding transportation should be referred directly to the Transportation Department, 881-5052. All First Step and Kindergarten students must be met at the bus stop by a responsible person.
    • Go to Bus Stop information.
  • 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
  • Cafeteria
    • The cafeteria provides well-planned and balanced meals. Milk and other single items are available to those who bring their lunch.
    • View lunch menus.
  • 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.
    • View SOL scores.
  • Grading System
    • Report cards are issued each nine weeks and are supplemented by interim reports at the mid-point of each marking period. Students are evaluated at the end of each marking period on achievement, work-study habits, and attitude and behavior. The report card for pre-kindergarten through second grade will reflect progress through the primary program.
    • View marking periods.
    • View pre-K and elementary school grading scale.
  • 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.
  • Withdrawal and Transfer
    • When students must be withdrawn or transferred, parents are requested to notify the school office prior to the student's last day.
    • View withdrawal procedures.
  • 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
    • All children are expected to stay in school until dismissal at the regular hour. No child is allowed to leave school early for any reason unless it is first cleared through the office. To leave school before the regular dismissal hour, a pupil should have a note from the parent stating the time the parent will be in the office to get the child. For the child's safety, the child should not wait outside to be picked up. You will need to sign your child out in the office where he/she will meet you. Unless the school receives notice in writing from you, only those listed on the emergency data card will be allowed to sign out your child. Identification may be required.
  • Rules and Regulations
    • Rules and regulations governing student behavior, including the student attendance policies, are provided in the Student-Parent Handbook. It is important for parents to review the handbook with their child. Certain discipline infractions will become part of the student's record.
    • View the Student-Parent Handbook.
  • Early Dismissal and Inclement Weather
  • 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.
    • More about Safety & Security at NNPS.
  • More Information
 

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