Attendance
Please be sure to use ParentVue to report any student absence. More information on how to report attendance can be found HERE.
Backpacks
Students are allowed to carry large backpacks to and from school. However, due to limited space in our hallways and classrooms, these backpacks must be stored in lockers during the school day. Students may carry a small purse or string backpack from class to class. Additionally, students will have five minutes between classes to visit their lockers. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and organized learning environment.
Building Entry Time for Students
Doors will open for student entry each day at 8:20 am. Only students with morning appointments with a staff member or a morning club or activity will be permitted to enter prior to 8:20 am.
Bus Passes
We are unable to permit bus passes for students to ride a different bus during the 24 - 25 school year.
Cell Phones
As students transition to and through our middle school, we are keenly aware that many of our RiverHawks already have a cellphone, or one will be purchased for them during their time at our school. While cell phones have become a key means of communication for us, they can be a significant distraction for students in the schoolhouse. Now that all students have their own Chromebook, there is no need to use cell phones as a technology learning support tool.
It is the expectation at Belmont Ridge that students’ cell phones are off and away during the school day in accordance with LCPS Policy 8655. While cell phones are allowed at school, students will not be allowed to use cell phones in classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, recess, bathroom/locker rooms, or other areas of the building during school hours (8:50 a.m. – 3:38 p.m.). We ask that student-parent communication that cannot wait until the end of the day be filtered through the house offices. In the case of illness, students should visit the nurse who will contact the parent if necessary. Contact through the school rather than with cell phones ensures staff is aware of transportation changes, sickness, etc.
Please review and reinforce the following expectations at home:
Maintaining the integrity of the learning environment is the top priority, so students MUST:
1. Have their cell phones turned off during the school day; cell phone use shall cause no distraction or disruption.
2. Keep their cell phones out of sight during instructional time (inside and outside of classrooms).
3. If a student is caught using a cell phone at any point throughout the school day, the following consequences will apply:
· First Infraction – Verbal reminder to the students that cell phones are off and away during the school day.
· Second Infraction – Students will be asked to place their cell phone in a visible area in the classroom but away from the student.
· Third Infraction – Parent communication and / or referral to grade level dean.
Certain infractions will result in students immediately losing the privilege to carry a cell phone on campus. This penalty will be decided by school administrators. Infractions include, but are not limited to:
· Posting harmful material against students and/or any members of the school community.
· Refusing to give the device to a school official when requested.
· Making threats against the school community.
End of Day Dismissals
We kindly request that all end of day dismissals occur prior to 3:15 pm.
Outside Lunches Only Permitted on Fridays for the 24 -25 School Year
Beginning this year, we kindly request that families only bring special lunches from outside restaurants for their students on Fridays. Last year, we experienced days with over seventy special lunch deliveries, which strained our staff and impacted the safe operation of our school. Additionally, students and families are not permitted to have deliveries sent directly to the school. We appreciate your support and understanding with this change. Thank you for helping us maintain a smooth and safe school environment!
