Guide to Student Achievement

PBR Question: How do I contact the school or district office?

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1. The directory of schools can be found by CLICKING HERE. 
2. The main line to the district office is 910-455-2211.

    

PBR Question: What resources are used for communicating with families?

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There are school level and district wide communication platforms and processes, including but not limited to the following:

 

WEBSITE RESOURCES

1. The district website can be accessed at www.onslow.k12.nc.us.  The district site contains information for all levels PreK – 12, programs, and policies.
2. Each school maintains a website with staff pages, programs, handbooks, and events specific to that location.  You can find the school website addresses BY CLICKING HERE.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA

1. The official district Facebook page can be accessed at: https://www.facebook.com/OCSNC
2. The official district Twitter/X can be found @OnslowSchools.

 

FINALSITE/BLACKBOARD

1. Text messages/email messages are sent by the district communications office and by the schools to the parent email addresses and cell phones on file.  FinalSite/Blackboard pulls the contact information in PowerSchool.
2. Recorded phone calls are sent by the district communications office and by the schools to the parent email addresses and cell phones on file.  Some messages are weekly updates from the school or district.  The system is also used to communicate emergency information.  FinalSite/Blackboard pulls the contact information in PowerSchool.

 

PARENT PORTAL

1. PowerSchool is the student information management system that OCS uses for attendance and grades.
2. Parent Portal is is a web-based communication tool that allows parents/guardians secure access to view grade, assignment, and attendance information
3. Parent Portal can be accessed at http://onslow.powerschool.com if you already an account.
4. To establish an account, you have to complete the PARENT PORTAL REQUEST FORM.
5. PORTAL WARNINGS for PARENTS- guidance from the district’s parent representatives on the System Involvement Team-(with comments from the district’s SIS Manager):

• Don’t drive yourself crazy checking the app over and over during the same day.  Set a schedule.  Don’t get obsessed.  (SIS Manager: Attendance will be updated daily but grades are entered according to OCS posting guidelines).
• Sometimes the grade on an assignment in the portal is different from what your kid says.  It’s ok to be skeptical, but hold off until you find out from the teacher what’s going on. (SIS Manager: Teachers may have allowances for retakes or redos when students are struggling to master the material on the first attempt.  When your child says, “we are retaking that assessment tomorrow,” it might be true.  Wait and contact the teacher if you have questions).
• If you see a missing grade, ask your child about it before getting too worried. (SIS Manager: You could see a missing grade because the teacher has entered the task title but hasn’t finished entering the grades or your student was absent and it hasn’t been graded yet.  It could mean your student has an actual zero.  Don’t panic.  Wait a day and send the teacher a message).
• My child is out sick here and there.  Sometimes the absences look like they are unexcused even though I sent in a note.  It takes them a few days to code it. (SIS Manager: Attendance is submitted by teachers daily.  They may not know why a student is out initially, so it is possible to see what should be an excused absence marked as “unexcused” initially.  Make sure to send in absence notes and double check with the teacher or data manager if an absence remains miscoded).

6. HELP?!

1. • The best contact for assistance is your school’s Data Manager.  You can contact the school and ask for the Data Manager or CLICK HERE (scroll to the bottom) and find your Data Manager.
   • The district’s Student Information Services (SIS) Manager can also assist.  She can be reached at tammy.barbour@onslow.k12.nc.us.

 

NCDPI RESOURCES

The following are NCDPI developed parent guides that provide suggestions for building strong relationships with your child’s teacher and supporting communication between home and school.

 

• Building Strong Relationships with Your Child’s Teacher (NC Rethink Education Program)
• How You Can Use Questions to Support Your Child’s Learning (NC Rethink Education Program)

 

Additional general parent guides and parent resource webinar recordings can be found at the following website.

PBR Question: What are the requirements for my child to be enrolled?

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Generally, enrollment is facilitated by the individual school’s data manager and/or the school counselors.   Beyond the school level, the processes of enrollment and student assignment are governed by the Student Services Department.  CLICK HERE for the links to enroll and updated information from Student Services. 

 

Documents Required for Enrollment:

1. A certified copy of your child's birth certificate or other acceptable proof of birth.
2. Proof of guardianship (such as a custody order, pre-adoptive orders, or simply having your name listed on the birth certificate as a parent)
3. Proof of address such as:
   • Current water or electric bill in parent's name that is no more than 30 days old,
   • Affidavit of residency notarized by the person with whom you are residing.  This person will need to provide proof of address.
4. A photo ID of the parent or legal custodian
5. Your child's immunization record
6. Any custody documents

 

Statutory Requirements:

• Admission requirements:  GS_115C-364.pdf (ncleg.gov)
• Immunization records:  GS_130A-155.pdf (ncleg.gov)
• Immunization requirements:  GS_130A-152.pdf (ncleg.gov) (*this law was amended but is not reflected on the current GA page; see SL2023-134.pdf (ncleg.gov), Section 5.8(e) on page 64”)

 

Information on required health assessments and immunizations for students are available through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).

NCDHHS Immunizations Resources

• Recommended Immunization Schedules
  • Kindergarten Entry Vaccine Requirements
  • Seventh Grade Entry Vaccine Requirements
  • Twelfth Grade Entry Vaccine Requirements

PBR Question: What school enrollment options exist for students? 

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Students in Onslow County are assigned to certain schools based on a local assignment plan and geographic boundaries.   There are a number of enrollment options that exist outside of the standard student assignment plan.  Many of the options below have application deadlines and other specific eligibility requirements. 

 

1. Out-of-County:  Students who live outside of Onslow County Schools may apply to attend an Onslow County school through OCS Student Services.  This process is governed by Policy 4130 Discretionary Enrollment.  There is no tuition for OCS staff and active-duty service members living aboard military installations.
2. Out-of-District:  Student who live in Onslow County but have a need to attend a different Onslow Count school may apply for consideration through OCS Student Services.  This process is governed by Policy 4150 School Assignments.
3. Dual-Enrollment: High school students who wish to take community college courses free of charge can apply through their high school counselor and the CCCC liaison assigned to their high school.
4. Controlled-Enrollment: High school students who wish to change their fulltime status to another high school for a specific program from an identified list of qualifying programs may do so through OCS Student Services. This process is governed by Policy 4150 School Assignments.
5. Cross-Enrollment: High school students who wish to take a single course or a series of courses not offered at their school may apply through their school counselor.
6. Magnet Schools: Parents wishing to enroll their children in an OCS magnet school can apply through OCS Student Services. Onslow Virtual School, Clyde Erwin Elementary, Northwoods Elementary, and New Bridge Middle School are the district’s magnet offerings.
7. Early College: Onslow County Early College High School on the campus of CCCC is a specialized high school available for application at the end of a student’s 8^th grade year.   The application and interview process can be found HERE.
8. Charter Schools: Charter schools are public schools of choice that are authorized by the State Board of Education and operated by independent non-profit boards of directors. State and local tax dollars are the primary funding sources for charter schools, which have open enrollment and cannot discriminate in admissions, associate with any religion or religious group, or charge-tuition. Charter schools operate with freedom from many of the regulations that govern district schools, but charter schools are held accountable through the State assessment and accountability system.  If you are interested in NC charter schools, visit NC charter school for information, resources, and contacts.
9. Nonpublic Education and Scholarship Grants: Nonpublic education is overseen by the NC Department of Administration.  For a list of private schools, visit this NC Private Schools.  For information on how to start a homeschool visit: Homeschool Information. Scholarship grant programs/voucher information is available via the NC State Education Assistance Authority.

PBR Question: How can I know my child's teacher's licensure status?

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Parents may look up your child’s teacher licensure status at this website Link to the licensure website.

 

This is a one-stop shop for educators, school systems, and the general public to verify North Carolina educators' licenses.  Parents should look for the GENERAL PUBLIC link to complete a query.

 

The licensure look up webpage does not include current employment information. Substitute teachers (either short or long term) may not hold a NC teaching license or may not have information available in the current database. 

PBR Question: What is my child learning?

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In North Carolina, all schools use the same Standard Course of Study, determined by the State Board of Education.  These standards are the knowledge and skills students should understand by the end of each grade/course. 

 

The standards can be found on the NCDPI Office of Academic Standards website.  There are standards for:

• Arts Education,
• Career Technical Education,
• Computer Science,
• English Language Arts,
• English Language Development,
• Student Success Standards,
• Healthful Living,
• Information and Technology,
• Mathematics,
• Science,
• Social Studies, and
• World Language.

Local districts, schools and teachers determine how to teach these standards, including curriculum, books, and supplementary materials.  The following links are specific to the approach Onslow County Schools has taken to core instruction:

• Ready Math K-5 / iReady Math K-8
• Math Collaborative K-12
• Amplify CKLA K-5
• English Language Arts 6-8
• English Language Arts 9-12
• Science K-5
• Science 6-12
• Social Studies K-5
• Social Studies 6-12

 

The following are the local board's policies about the curriculum:

 

• Policy Code: 3000 Goals and Objectives of the Educational Program
• Policy Code: 3100 Curriculum Development
• Policy Code: 3110 Innovation in Curriculum and Instruction
• Policy Code: 3115 Curriculum and Instructional Guides
• Policy Code: 3120 Lesson Planning

 

Each district must also have a Literacy Intervention Plan (LIP).  The plan must include Reading Camps as an extension of what occurs during the school year. Parents and caregivers may view the OCS Literacy Intervention Plan at this link: OCS Literacy Intervention Plan.

 

 

Onslow County Schools also offers courses in the area of Career and Technical Education (CTE).  These courses allow students to explore careers and earn credentials.  CTE Career Clusters, Pathways, Course Information, Credentials, and Course Standards may be found at this link: Course Management System

PBR Question: How will I be informed about my child’s progress?

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 Onslow County Schools shares progress of students through a variety of ways, including report cards, progress reports, and assignment/test feedback.  Feedback on conduct is also included.

 

School Calendar- Report Cards/Interim Reports (CLICK HERE FOR SCHOOL CALENDARS):

The schools of OCS follow a board approved calendar.  This calendar includes the dates for interim reports and report cards.  Generally, there are three reporting formats:

 

• Elementary schools follow a 9-week calendar.  There are 4 grading periods in the year.  A report card is issued at the end of each grading period.  Each report card presents information about the current grading period and the preceding grading periods during the current school year.  Between report cards, the school will issue one interim report (at the midpoint of the 9 week grading period).

 

• Middle schools follow a 9-week calendar.  There are 4 grading periods in the year.  A report card is issued at the end of each grading period.  Each report card presents information about the current grading period and the preceding grading periods during the current school year.  Between report cards, the school will issue two interim reports (at the 3^rd week and the 6^th week of the 9 week grading period).

 

• High schools follow a 6-week calendar.  There are 6 grading periods in the year.  A report card is issued at the end of each grading period.  Each report card presents information about the current grading period and the preceding grading periods during the current school year.  Between report cards, the school will issue one interim report (at the midpoint of the 6-week grading period).

 

Special Notes about Calendars and Progress Reporting:

• Yearlong, magnet, and specialized schools or programs may follow different reporting calendars.   For example, Onslow County Early College High School has a calendar that coincides with the CCCC calendar.  Courses taken at the Regional Skills Center are offered in a double, accelerated, 9-week block resulting in a grade for “course 1” at the end of the first 45-days of the semester, and a grade for “course 2” at the end of the second 45-days of the semester.

 

• The terms “progress report” and “interim report” are often used interchangeably.  The “interim report,” as indicated on the school calendar (I) is the more informal report of progress between report cards.

 

• Students who are served by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) through the EC Department have a separate “Goal Progress” report issued with the scheduled report card.

 

State Assessments:

• Individual Student Reports for end-of-grade/course tests and other state assessments (English language proficiency assessment) are accessible in the parent portal of the NC-SIS (PowerSchool).

 

• In NC, all students take end-of-grade assessments for reading and math in grades 3-8.  Students take end-of-grade science assessments in grades 5 and 8.  In high school, students take end-of-course assessments in English II, Biology, NC Math 1, and NC Math 3.

 

• Students in Grade 10 take the Pre-ACT.  Students in grade 11 take the ACT.  Students who are CTE Concentrators in Grade 12 take ACT WorkKeys.  Those results are shared by ACT.

 

Individual Reading Plans:

• An Individual Reading Plan (IRP) shall be developed for any student in kindergarten through third grade demonstrating difficulty with reading.  An IRP will have specific strategies/ideas that can be done at home.

 

• Parents and caregivers may view Onslow County Schools’ literacy resources by CLICKING HERE.

 

• North Carolina’s Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) selected mCLASS DIBELS ^® 8th Edition as the state’s K-3 Literacy Assessment. mCLASS is an integrated literacy system based on the Science of Reading. mCLASS has been revised and upgraded from the assessment NC districts have used in the past, based on the latest research and the Science of Reading. It is a valid and reliable assessment, supporting universal literacy screening, screening for risk of dyslexia, and progress monitoring.

PBR Questions: How quickly will tasks and assignments be graded?

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All teachers are expected to utilize PowerSchool to record daily attendance and to record students' grades for assignments in a timely manner.

Parents of K-2 students should anticipate that many assignments are formative and ongoing, and therefore will not be always be recorded in the PowerSchool gradebook and not as accessible through the parent portal on a consistent basis.

For grades 3-12, recording of grades for graded assignments should follow the proposed window:

• Daily homework, classwork and short quizzes (less than 20 questions for example) should be posted in the Powerschool gradebook within 5 school days.
• Tests and longer quizzes should be posted in the PowerSchool gradebook within 7 school days.
• Projects and tests or assignments including essay/ research responses should be posted in the PowerSchool gradebook within 10 school days.

Entry of grades and daily attendance may be delayed if a substitute teacher is necessary.

Certain assignments and situations may fall outside of the guidelines listed above.

Teachers are expected to record daily attendance as early in the class period or school day as possible.

PBR Question: How does the school determine if my child will be promoted or retained?

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Section 115C-288(a) of the North Carolina General Statutes gives principals the legal authority to "grade and classify" students.  While the final authority to promote or retain students is the responsibility of the principal, that decision shall be made by considering multiple measures,  such as standardized test scores, formative and diagnostic assessments, grades, a portfolio, or anthology of the student’s work, and, when appropriate, accepted standards for assessing developmental growth.  This process incorporates all state law and State Board of Education policy requirements, including those for the assessment and promotion of third grade students as described in G.S. 115C-83.6 et seq. and State Board of Education Policies KNEC-002 and -003.  classroom work, grades, assessment results, and the best educational interests of the student.   

Generally speaking, the principal's decision to promote a student is based upon the teacher's overall assessment of the student's level of proficiency with current grade or course material and readiness for the next grade level or course in a series.  This section shares more detailed information about the process, but if you have specific questions about your child's promotion or retention, you are encouraged to contact the school and arrange for a conference.

K-2nd Grade:

• Student promotion in grades K-2 shall be based on a student's progress in reading and math, as well as their developmental readiness for the next grade level.
• Students in K-2 don't take "state tests." The NC End-of-Grade (EOG) tests begin with 3rd grade.

3rd Grade Only:

• 3rd grade has a unique feature under the law.  State law requires students to demonstrate 3rd grade reading proficiency to be promoted. Students are provided multiple pathways to demonstrate 3rd grade reading proficiency including, the Beginning-of-Grade (BOG) Reading Assessment, the End-of-Grade (EOG) Reading Assessment, the 3rd Grade Reading Portfolio, and the Read to Achieve retest (if needed). Students not demonstrating 3rd grade reading proficiency by the end of the school year will be invited to attend a 3rd grade Reading Camp during the summer.  During the reading camp, students will have additional opportunities to demonstrate proficiency. If a student has not demonstrated 3rd grade reading proficiency by the end of Reading Camp, the student will be marked as "Reading Retained" and placed in either a 3rd grade classroom or a 3rd Grade/4th Grade transition class for the next school year.
• Students are also expected to make adequate progress in math during 3rd grade. Waivers of this state requirement may be granted to students qualifying based upon exceptional needs, Multilingual Learners (ML) students, or students who have had two previous retentions.

4th and 5th Grade:

• Students in 4th grade and 5th grade shall demonstrate adequate progress/proficiency in reading and math to be promoted to the next grade level.
• Students in 4th grade with take End-of-Grade state assessments of Reading and Mathematics.
• Students in 5th grade with take End-of-Grade tests of Reading, Mathematics, and Science.

6th - 8th Grade:

• Students in middle school must earn a passing grade in a minimum of 5 yearlong or equivalent yearlong combination curricular classes, two of which should be language arts and mathematics.
• 6th and 7th graders take the End-of-Grade assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics at the end of the school year. 
• 8th graders take the End-of-Grade assessments in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics and Science at the end of the school year.

9th - 12th Grade:

• Once a student is in high school, promotion from one grade level to the next is a matter of meeting or surpassing the required number of earned credits.   
  • To move from FRESHMAN to SOPHOMORE Status: A student must have earned 6 credits.
  • To move from SOPHOMORE to JUNIOR Status: A student must have earned 12 credits.
  • To move from JUNIOR to SENIOR Status: A student must have earned of 18 credits.
• The determination for promotion is made at the end of the school year, not between semesters within the year.  

State Requirements:

• The following is the relevant State requirements for a child to be promoted to the next grade level: https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/ByArticle/Chapter_115C/Article_8.pdf 

Promotion Standards for Students with Disabilities:

• To the extent possible, students with disabilities must be held to the same promotion standards as all other students.  However, for students who take alternative assessments in lieu of the end-of-grade (EOG) or end-of-course (EOC) tests, promotion decisions must be based on criteria recommended by the IEP team.
• All intervention strategies and other opportunities, benefits, and resources that are made available to students without disabilities must be made available to those students with disabilities who are subject to the student promotion standards.  Such opportunities must be in addition to the special education services provided to the student.

Notice to Parents (Beginning of Year)

• The superintendent or designee shall provide information regarding promotion standards to all students and parents at the beginning of each school year. 
• A signed receipt from the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) shall be kept on file at the school. 
• In addition, if a kindergarten, first grade, second grade, or third grade student (1) is demonstrating difficulty with reading development or (2) is not reading at grade level, the student’s teacher shall provide the student’s parents timely written notice advising that if the student is not demonstrating reading proficiency by the end of third grade, the student will be retained, unless exempt from mandatory retention for good cause. 
• Parents are encouraged to help their children meet the promotion standards and will have opportunities to discuss the promotion standards and procedures with teachers and the principal.  Information provided to parents should be in the parents’ native language when appropriate foreign language resources are readily available. 

Notice to Parents (Prior to Retention):

• The teacher of a student who does not meet promotion standards must notify the student’s parents that the student has failed to meet the standards for progression to the next level of study and must provide the parents with information concerning retesting, intervention, review, and appeal opportunities.
• When a student is to be retained, the principal shall provide the student’s parents written notice of the retention and, if the student will be retained in accordance with G.S. 115C-83.7(a) for failure to demonstrate reading proficiency, (1) written notice of the reason the student is not eligible for a good cause exemption as provided in G.S. 115C-83.7(b) and (2) a description of proposed literacy interventions that will be provided to the student to remediate areas where the student has not demonstrated reading proficiency.  Teachers shall provide parents of students retained under G.S. 115C-83.7(a) at least monthly written reports on student progress toward reading proficiency.  The evaluation of a student’s progress will be based upon the student’s classroom work, observations, tests, assessments, and other relevant information.

Parent Appeals of Principal's Decision:

• Appeal to the Superintendent-
  • Within five workdays of receiving the principal’s written decision to promote or retain a student, the student’s parents may appeal the decision to the superintendent.  The superintendent may overturn the principal’s decision only upon a finding that the principal’s decision was arbitrary and capricious (i.e., without a rational basis) or was otherwise an abuse of discretion.
  • The superintendent must render a decision within 10 workdays of receiving the appeal.  The superintendent may support the principal’s decision, remand it back to the principal for consideration of additional issues, or reverse the decision.
  • The superintendent’s findings must be in writing and must be provided to the parents.
• Appeal to the Board of Education-
  • The superintendent’s decision to promote or retain a student may be appealed to the board in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsection E.5 of policy 1740/4010, Student and Parent Grievance Procedure. 

PBR Question: What rigorous academic programs are available to my child?  How can I learn more about them?   

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1. Career and Technical Education (CTE):

1. • NC has made a significant investment in developing students and programs to meet the needs of the future workforce.  Through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, Public Schools offer opportunities for students to develop career awareness in 5th grade, explore careers in grades 6-8, and experience leadership, career development, and career-aligned content in grades 9-12. 
   • For more information on CTE in NC, and to learn about Career Clusters, Pathways, and Course Information, Standards, and applicable Credentials please visit: Course Management System.

 

2. Advanced Academic Offerings:

• Onslow County Schools advanced academics offerings can be explored on the district website at https://www.onslow.k12.nc.us/Page/28107.
• Each campus has unique ways of sharing opportunities for advanced, rigorous learning. It is always a best practice to ask an administrator, school counselor, or gifted specialist what programs may be available at the school or at the next level.

 

3. Academically and/or Intellectually Gifted (AIG):

• In NC, school districts must identify and serve academically or intellectually gifted (AIG) K-12 students. These are students who are performing, or have the potential of performing, at high levels of accomplishment in intellectual and/or specific academic areas, such as reading and/or math when compared with other students of their age, or in their grade level, experience, or environment.
• The Onslow County Schools Local AIG Plan outlines specific opportunities for differentiated, rigorous instruction and accelerated programs. You can find the OCS AIG plan by CLICKING HERE.
• OCS has developed a page to help parents better understand the AIG program.  This describes how students will be identified and served across grades K-12.  Visit the Gifted Services website for more information. 
• Students are provided the following services:
  • Differentiated curriculum and instruction with flexible student groups;
  • Accelerated opportunities (subject and/or grade acceleration, credit by demonstrated mastery (CDM), AP/IB courses, dual enrollment courses);
  • Enrichment experiences, which may be during the school day or beyond, and may be within the regular calendar year or may include summer opportunities; and
  • Other opportunities for extension of content standard.
  • Services for AIG students may be provided by AIG personnel or within the regular classroom by teachers trained to meet the needs of gifted students.
    • At the elementary level, each school has a ½ time gifted specialist who works with both students and teachers to both create learning experiences and to collaborate with teachers. Elementary gifted specialists tend to spend more time with students and may do so in the regular classroom or by pulling students out. The district has created a set of learning resources and lessons for math and critical thinking. In reading, elementary gifted specialists work to enhance or extend the district’s CKLA resource.
    • At the middle grades, each school has a ½ time gifted specialist as well. The role of the specialist in middle grades tends to be more in the support of classroom teachers in order to help them create more rigorous experiences for students. Middle school gifted specialists may also pull individual students or groups for enhanced learning. Advanced coursework (including high school credit course in middle school for history, science, and math is common as well.
    • In high school, there is one gifted specialist for the district. This individual works with schools, teachers, and students to bring awareness to opportunities and provide support to the variety of opportunities which high schools have for gifted students.

 

4. Advanced Coursework:

• Honors courses, Advanced Placement courses, and IB courses are each ways to opt-in to advanced coursework.
• Course descriptions can be found in the high school course registration guide at https://www.onslow.k12.nc.us/Page/20634.
• Advanced Placement and IB courses can lead to earning college credit while also meeting high school graduation requirements at no additional cost.
• Several AP courses satisfy graduation requirements for NC students as outlined in State Board policy.
• AP exams are free for NC public high school students enrolled in these courses.
• Colleges and universities may likely offer college credit for these courses if your child scores a 3 or above on the exam. All of the colleges in the UNC System offer credit.
• More information is available on the NCDPI AP website.

 

5. Career and College Promise:

• Each high school has a Career and College Promise liaison. These liaisons work for Coastal Carolina Community College and visit each school weekly.
• A student or parent can meet with the liaison by signing up using either the digital form or sign up sheet in the school counselors office.
• Some courses through CCCC are taken on the high school campus with a cohort, some are offered virtually, and other courses are offered on the campus of CCCC.
• CCP courses may be taken in the College Transfer or Career and Technical Education pathway. 
• These courses count for both high school and college credit.  Tuition is free for families.
• Additional information is available on the NCDPI CCP website.

 

6. NC Virtual courses:

• Secondary schools each have an identified e-Learning registrar (typically the media specialist and/or school counselor) who can support students or parents in exploring online course offerings through the NC Virtual Public School or EdOptions.
• For some students, these virtual offerings can allow for individual acceleration as well as access to courses that may not be available on a specific campus.

 

7. Credit by Demonstrated Mastery (CDM):

• Onslow County Schools offers opportunities for students to earn credit for a high school course without enrolling in the course. 
• All high school courses, with a few exceptions as noted by the state, are available for students to try to CDM.  There are two phases of assessments that a student must go through to earn credit for the course.
• It is a rigorous process, but if you believe your child can earn credit without taking a course, contact your school’s counselor.

 

8. Governor’s School:

• Each summer, NC Governor’s School offers a unique opportunity for high-achieving rising juniors and seniors to learn with their peers from across the state in an 4-week residential program at two college campus sites.
• For more information on eligibility and the application process, contact your school’s counselor or visit the Governor's School website, www.ncgovschool.org.

PBR: How can I help my child learn and make progress?

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Engaging with your child about school and what they are learning is pivotal to their learning process. 

• Ask questions daily about your child’s school day.
• Inquire about topics and assignments they are learning.
• Connect with teachers to understand your child’s progress.
• Ask the teachers how you can help your child learn.
• Attend different events at your child’s school to stay connected and learn how to support them.

 

Local Resources:

• Parent/Family Resources to early reading/literacy can be found on the OCS Elementary English Language Arts webpage (https://www.onslow.k12.nc.us/Page/23231) in the upper righthand corner. These resources include the NCDPI Literacy at Home: Digital Children’s Reading Initiative, Amplify CKLA for Families, a CKLA Parent FAQ, and Reading Tips for Parents.

 

• Resources to support math at home can be found by clicking on  i-Ready Parent Resources on the OCS Curriculum and Instruction webpage (https://www.onslow.k12.nc.us/Page/1309) or can be accessed directly at https://i-readycentral.com/familycenter/.

 

Parent Guides for Academic Standards:

The following grade level guides contain information to support parents and caregivers with understanding the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.  The purpose of these guides is to inform parents about the standards, as well as provide useful strategies to incorporate at home.

 

• ELA Parent Guides
• ELD Parent Guide
• Math Parent Guides: K-5, 6-8
• Social Studies Parent Guides (coming soon)
• Science Parent Guide (coming soon)

 

Reading and Literacy Support:

This following site provides resources for families to practice and reinforce important literacy skills with their children who are being assessed with mCLASS reading assessments: Amplify Parent Resources

 

Home activities, printables, and games to support reading and literacy are also available at North Carolina’s Digital Children’s Reading Initiative (DCRI).  These activities include the following topics, Pre-K-Grade 5:

 

(1) Phonemic awareness

(2) Phonics

(3) Vocabulary

(4) Fluency

(5) Comprehension

(6) Oral language

 

Printable activities will be made available for students who do not have digital access at home and may be provided to all students as a supplement to digital resources. For paper copies, please contact your child’s school and request assistance. DCRI Printables for Families.

PBR Question- How can I help establish high expectations for my child’s success in school?

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Board Policy 1310- Parent Involvement speaks to the value of high expectations for students.  Research shows that a parent’s vision and high expectations for a child’s future has an impact on school success.  When a parent expresses a belief in the importance of education, his or her child is more likely to attend school regularly and graduate. 

 

Onslow County Schools embeds Portrait of a Graduate skills in the classroom and school setting.  These durable skills were developed by NCDPI and support a child’s realization of high expectations and setting lifelong learning goals.  Grade level specific resources, including developmentally appropriate milestones can be found in the following resource repository NC Portrait of a Graduate - Durable Skills. 

 

Whether a student will ENROLL in college or a vocational program, ENLIST in the military, or directly seek EMPLOYMENT after high school, there are many ways that parents can communicate beliefs and expectations leading to successful completion of high school including but not limited to the following:

 

1. Let your child know that education is important to you and your family.
2. Give your child ambitious but reasonable academic goals throughout the years.
3. Ask about and listen to your child’s thoughts on the future.
4. Share your ideas about post-secondary success.
5. State your belief in your child’s ability to achieve through and beyond high school.
6. Talk about the different pathways that can lead to a successful future.
7. Expect your child to give proper attention to schoolwork and regular attendance.
8. Articulate the need to follow through on tasks, such as completing homework, turning it in on time, and studying for tests.
9. Share your own personal successes and challenges with school.
10. Keep reading time high and screen time low outside of school (screen time includes video games, computer games, social media, TV, and cell phone games)
11. Praise progress and give appropriate and measured guidance when your child fails to meet the mark.
12. Articulate a “growth mindset” instead of a “fixed mindset.”  For example, if math is challenging, don’t allow a fixed and defeated mindset to be established (“I can’t do math.”)  Instead, suggest that with more time and practice, it is possible to be successful.
13. Help your child learn how to find help in school, such as asking for assistance or staying after school to work with a teacher.
14. Assist your child in learning to break down long or difficult tasks into manageable parts with intermediate steps.
15. Establish the need to be a lifelong learner by helping your child value and connect learning at school to a successful life.  While in school, you should:

1. • Know what classes your child is in and what he or she is studying.  This allows you to connect things you talk about with what your child is learning about.
   • Pay attention to your child’s interests.  This allows you to talk with your child and school counselors when it is time to select courses later in the K-12 experience.
   • Consistently monitor your child’s progress and attendance.  This allows you to help provide early redirection and guidance if and when you child is off track.

 

PARENTS: Keep up with daily attendance and graded work without having to wait for interim reports or report cards.  HOW?! Sign-up for Parent Portal through PowerSchool!

PBR Question: How can I strengthen my child’s citizenship, social skills, and respect for others?

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Parental actions and family values in the home are the most important influences on a child’s upbringing.  For issues of citizenship, social skills and respect for others, the following resources or ideas can be explored and evaluated for use by parents:

 

1. School Resources at Home-

• Onslow County Schools embeds Portrait of a Graduate skills in the classroom and school setting.  These durable skills were developed by NCDPI and will support a child’s understanding of citizenship, social skills and respect for others.

 

• Grade level specific resources, including developmentally appropriate milestones can be found in the following resource repository: NC Portrait of a Graduate - Durable Skills. 

 

2. Home Resources - While it is for families to decide how to approach parenting, the following are a few ideas and values that can be productive in establishing a strong sense of citizenship, understanding, and respect:

 

• Respect the Flag. Each day, our students have the opportunity to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance in the classroom.  Have your child learn and understand your sense of why it’s important to stand and salute during the pledge, when the national anthem is played or during other patriotic celebrations.
• Understand the History of America. Through our social studies standard course of study, each student has the opportunity to learn about how our state and nation came to be. Parents can help by exploring these topics in more depth, taking students to locations of historical significance (virtually or physically).
• Appreciate America's Exceptionalism. Lessons in school focus on helping expand students’ initial perceptions of the world and learning to appreciate American exceptionalism while respecting that others have unique experiences and points of view. Parents can support the growth of a student’s lens on the world by learning about the histories of family members and how they came to live where they do. Then comparing these stories to the stories of friends, relatives, and historical figures can help students develop an appreciation for others.
• Support Volunteerism. There are classroom and school opportunities in which students help others.  Volunteerism is an important part of school clubs, organizations, and certain scholarships. From home, you can reinforce the positive difference students can make in their community by finding opportunities to volunteer together as a family.
• Read Together.  Literacy is the foundation of school.  You can help from home by reading books, fables, and other texts with characters who exemplify specific traits, talents, and storylines can help students develop a deeper appreciation for others, traits that lead to lives of honesty and respect, the value of kindness and understanding, and the social skills necessary for positive interaction.
• Write Together.  Writing is part of all courses and subjects.  The practice of writing improves content retention, critical analysis, literacy, and reflective practice. At home, you can give your child an opportunity to share his or her own thoughts or experiences through writing as a way to explore citizenship themes.  You can also write about the same ideas and share them with your child.  Here are a few of the example prompts:

• Describe a time you told the truth despite the consequences.
• Write about someone you respect.
• Describe a time you took responsibility for your words or actions.
• Describe a time when you demonstrated bravery.
• Write about the steps you would take if you saw someone making fun of a fellow classmate or friend.

PBR Question: What rights, processes, and safeguards exist for students suspected of or identified with a disability? 

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For students suspected of or identified with a disability by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the following links provide important information regarding the procedural safeguards available to ensure a free, appropriate, public education.

 

• Parent Rights Handbook
• Parent Rights Handbook (Spanish)
• IDEA Dispute Resolution
• Special Education Surrogate Parents
• Project Child Find

 

For more information, contact the EC department of your school or call 910-455-2211.

PBR Question: What services are available for parents and their children such as: family literacy services, mentoring, tutoring, academic reinforcement programs, college planning, academic advisement, student counseling services and after-school programs?

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10. • Schools provide tutoring services to students who are at-risk.  The timing of these programs and eligibility guidelines vary by school, level, and funding sources. Contact your child’s school for information. 
    • The Onslow Literacy Council and the Onslow County Public Library partner with the school system and the community to provide literacy training to community members of all ages.
    • MENAC offers mentoring to many high school students.
    • The College Foundation of NC offers sessions at high schools for students to learn about planning for, applying to, and paying for college (two and four year colleges).
    • High schools offer support for college readiness markers (ACT and SAT). Free ACT prep can be found here.
    • School counselors meet with students to set goals, develop plans for course progressions, and schedule students according to their post-secondary aspirations.
    • Career Development Coordinators meet with students to help them align career goals with opportunities on high school campuses and at the Skills Center
    • Students in grades 5-12 are able to use Major Clarity to identify a career interest and an academic path to attain that career.
    • OCS is partnered with several organizations for before and after school care programs that included tutoring, enrichment, and physical activity:
      1. Brigade Boys and Girls Club
         (910) 455-9003
      2. City of Jacksonville Recreation & Parks Department
         (910) 938-5312
      3. New River YMCA
         (910) 333-1416; admin@newrivery.org

PBR Question: What resources exist related to student health services?

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OCS Health Services, protocols, and forms can be found at: https://www.onslow.k12.nc.us/Page/1940

 

Information on required health assessments and immunizations for students are available through the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)

• Immunizations

 

• Health Assessment

 

• Annual Health Assessment and Immunization Compliance Reporting

 

Contact the school nurse if you have additional questions.