Family/Student Handbook

Class Officers are elected to provide leadership to the class throughout the school year.  Students are encouraged to participate in these elections and to select the student best qualified for the office (Mrs. Jessica Dean will be the SGA Advisor).  The following officers for each class will be elected: President, Vice- President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Reporter.  Class officers must possess a 2.8 or better grade point average.
 

All students are allowed to participate in high school clubs, but students in grades 10 or higher will be allowed to participate in college clubs with permission from parents, and high school and college representatives.
*Consent forms must be completed prior to participation in college clubs.
 

The student’s evaluation is based upon testing, classroom assignments, and participation.  Parents are encouraged to study the report card carefully and to schedule conferences with teachers to discuss the student’s progress.  The grading system used in report cards for the Concentrated Curriculum is as follows:

A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89
C = 70 – 79
D = 60 – 69
F = Below 60

In the high school program, the number of units completed will determine the pupil’s progress.  The following units under the Concentrated Curriculum will be required:

WCS Board Policy 3420A-R

WCS Board Policy 3460-R Graduation Requirements
 

Students may graduate with the following honors:

WCS Honors Diploma - All state and local course requirements plus 2 units of the same world language while maintaining a cumulative weighted grade point average of 3.4 or greater.

Latin Honors Diploma - All state and local course requirements plus 2 units of the same world language while maintaining a cumulative weighted grade point average of:

Cum laude……………………          3.75 to 3.999999999 (weighted GPA)
Magna cum laude…………….    4.00 to 4.249999999 (weighted GPA)
Summa cum laude……………    4.25 or greater (weighted GPA)

Membership in the NHS is an honor bestowed upon a student.  Selection for membership is by a faculty council and is based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service.  Procedures for selection are publicized annually.

All students at WECA are expected to maintain good academic standing.  Any student who has lower than a C average in either a high school or college course will be placed on academic probation.  Students on academic probation will sign a contract to remain at WECA and be given a chance to improve their grades.  

First review of grades will occur at the end of the first semester.  Any student with a F average will be placed on academic probation then and will remain on probation until the end of the second semester.  At that time there will be a review of their academic progress. 

• If a student is making or has made significant academic progress they will be removed from the academic probation list. 
• If a student has not or is not making significant academic progress the probationary period may extend through the next semester or the student will be removed from WECA.
   

The state of North Carolina requires all public high schools to use standardized transcripts and to calculate the grade point average and class rank by a standard method.  All courses are assigned the same quality point value except those courses designated as honors and advanced placement (AP).  Each honors course will receive one additional quality point and each advanced placement course will receive two additional quality points.  Grades will be weighted as follows:

Grade point averages are utilized to ascertain eligibility for college or university entrance, class rank, or standing on the honor roll or principal’s list.  To calculate a GPA, set up three columns.  In the 1st column, put the course title.  In the 2nd column, list the grade letter.  In the 3rd column, record the points for that grade according to the quality point chart above.  Add up the points in the 3rd column, and divide by the number of subjects listed.  This final number is your GPA. 

For example:

GPA = 15.5/4 = 3.875

Class rank will be determined by comparing one student’s academic performance with the performance of all other students’ at the same grade level.  Parents should help students review the academic course levels and carefully select the courses most appropriate for the student.

Awards Day is a special year-end celebration where we recognize and honor senior students for their outstanding academic achievements and contributions to our school community. This event highlights the hard work, dedication, and excellence demonstrated by our students throughout the year. It’s a proud moment for students, families, and staff as we come together to celebrate success and inspire continued growth. 

Junior marshals are students in their junior year of high school who are selected to assist with graduation and other senior-related events.

The recognition of Marshals will be awarded based on the following criteria:

1. The top juniors with a minimum of a 3.5 GPA at the end of the 3rd nine weeks will be selected as Marshal.  If there is more than one student with the same GPA at the number four position, all students tied for 4th will be included as Marshals. 
2. Marshals will be recognized and have formal duties at Awards Day and Graduation.
3. To be a marshal, students must not have any discipline referrals.

*The number of marshals varies each year and will be determined by administration.

Homework may be given on a regular basis to support student learning. There are several important reasons why we assign homework:

• To give students extra practice with skills they've learned in class
• To help reinforce and extend classroom learning
• To build strong work habits
• To encourage responsibility and independence

Learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends! Homework isn’t meant to be a punishment—it’s a valuable tool that helps students grow, succeed, and stay connected with what we’re learning in class.

Tutoring is available to help all students strengthen their skills, whether it's for College Placement Tests or core academic subjects. Each teacher sets their own tutoring schedule, so if you need extra help, be sure to reach out to your teacher to arrange a time that works for both of you. We're here to support your success!

Students taking EOC classes must meet certain criteria in order to receive credit for the course, including passing the teacher portion (course grade of 60 or better), passing the test portion (level III), and meeting the attendance standard (see attendance policies).  The following accountability guidelines will apply to all EOC classes:

1. The course grade will be determined by averaging the two nine-week grades (40% each) and the EOC exam grade (20%).  
2. If a student fails the teacher portion, the grade will be reported as “F”.  The student will have the opportunity to retake the course.
3. If a student fails the test, the student will have the opportunity to retake the EOC.

NOTE:  EOC classes are English II, Math I, Math III, and Biology

Every student is expected to report to class on time every day that class is in session. A student is tardy if they arrive any time after the start of the class period and within 10 minutes of the class period. 

Wilson Early College Academy will implement the following consequences for violating this policy:
1st Offense: Warning
2nd Offense: Parent Contact 
3rd Offense: 1 day morning or afternoon detention
4th+ Offense: 2 days morning or afternoon detention & Administrative Conference

Students should not arrive on the campus of Wilson Community College before 9:00 am unless there is a special project or reason for them to be on campus.  Students who ride the bus or who are transported to school by their parents are not to be in the student parking lot before school.  When students arrive on campus, they are expected to immediately report to Wilson Early College and prepare to go to class.  

The school day is concluded at 4:00 p.m. for students.  Unless students have a special reason or a project on which they are working, they are expected to clear campus at 4:00.  Students will not be allowed to wait for extended periods of time for transportation.  All students have access to the school buses and are welcome to make use of this service.  All students, unless supervised in an activity, should be off campus by 4:10 p.m.
 

After boarding the bus or arriving on campus, a student is considered the responsibility of the school system and is not allowed to leave without checking out in the school office.  Students are urged to stay in school all day.  Doctor or other appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours or on school holidays whenever possible.  If a child needs to be dismissed early, he or she must bring a note to the office before the school day begins.  This note needs to include the reason for requesting early release, the parent’s signature, and a phone number where that parent can be reached for verification.  Students should bring a doctor’s note when returning to school.
Before leaving school, students must sign out in the office.  Only parents or legal guardians may pick up students.  Failure to follow school procedures for signing out of school will result in disciplinary action.
 

All Wilson County School System and Wilson Early College Academy rules apply to the regular instructional day as well as extracurricular activities and other events affiliated with the school, including activities off campus and such behaviors that may affect the safe and orderly environment of the school.

At Wilson Early College Academy, we hold all students to high academic and behavioral standards. Respect—for yourself, others, instructional time, and the learning environment—is key to a positive and successful school experience.

Students are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior at all times, whether in the classroom, hallways, restrooms, cafeteria, parking lot, on the bus, or at any school-sponsored event. All school staff have the authority to address student behavior, no matter where it occurs, and students are expected to respect that authority.

When a student does not meet behavioral expectations, the response will depend on the nature and severity of the behavior. Teachers and administrators follow the discipline policies set by Wilson County Schools. Minor issues may be handled by the teacher, while more serious or repeated concerns may be referred to a school administrator.

The administrator will investigate the situation and determine an appropriate response, which may include—but is not limited to—after-school detention, out-of-school suspension (OSS), or in more serious or repeated cases, a recommendation for long-term suspension.

Discipline at WECA follows a progressive approach, meaning that consequences may increase with repeated infractions. While we always strive to understand the root causes of misbehavior, it’s important that students take responsibility for their actions and understand that inappropriate behavior has consequences.

Our goal is to support students in making positive choices and learning from mistakes in a respectful and safe environment.

The Board believes that the dress and personal appearance of students greatly affect their academic performance and their interaction with other students.  The Board requests that parents outfit their children in clothing that is conducive to learning.  Generally, dress and grooming standards as determined by the student and his or her parents will be deemed acceptable.  However, the Board holds these expectations of all students:

• Clothing and appearance must be age appropriate, not disruptive to the teaching- learning process and cannot be provocative, indecent, vulgar or obscene.
• Hats, sweatbands, bandannas, or sunglasses will not be worn inside the school buildings.
• Shorts must be of adequate length to reach the ends of one's fingertips when the student is standing and the arms are by one's sides.
• Skirts and dresses must be no higher than three (3) inches above the top of the knee.
• Clothing will not be allowed which promotes alcoholic beverages, tobacco or the use of controlled substances, depicts violence, profanity, vulgarity or obscenity, is of a sexual nature, or is of a disruptive nature.
• Shirts and blouses must cover the waist and midriff and go past the waistline.  Tank tops or spaghetti-strap tops may not be worn as an outer garment.
• Footwear is required.  Bedroom shoes are not allowed.  Students in laboratory or shop environments must wear closed-toe shoes.  Students in physical education classes must wear athletic shoes. Shoes that have laces must be laced and tied.
• Clothing is not to be sheer or mesh and cannot have excessive holes.
• Undergarments are not to be visible.
• Clothing must be worn appropriately (nothing inside-out or backwards, no rolled-up pant legs or unfastened bibbed overalls, no sagging pants, belts must be buckled and worn at the waistline, etc.).
• Clothing will not be allowed that is intentionally shredded or torn.
• Tight clothing, such as knit pants, spandex bicycle/biker pants, or overly tight pants, is not allowed.
• Students shall not wear clothing articles with the intent to convey membership or affiliation in a gang.
   

WCS Board Policy 4316 Student Dress Code

Dress Code Violations
Students must dress in a manner that is conducive to learning and are expected to adhere to policy 4316, Student Dress Code.
Consequences
a. All Offenses: Parental notification and counsel with the student where the student will be offered a reasonable opportunity to change; May receive before- or after-school detention for failure to comply after being offered an opportunity to change.

Cell phones are not to be used in the classrooms unless allowed by the teacher for instructional purposes only. Students may use their cell phone during transition between classes and during lunch time.

Wilson Early College Academy will implement the following consequences for violating this policy:
1st Offense: Warning
2nd Offense: Student is now insubordinate and will be referred to the school administration. Parent Contact 
3rd Offense: Student is now insubordinate and will be referred to the school administration. Parent Contact.1 Day morning/afternoon detention
4th Offense: Student is now insubordinate and will be referred to the school administration. 2 Days OSS & Parent Conference

Students will…

• be in the appropriate area of the room by the designated time.
• come to class prepared with all the necessary supplies and assignments.
• show respect, regard, and consideration for themselves and others.
• refrain from disrupting the learning environment.
• actively participate in the lesson.
   

Wilson Early College Academy is your school, and we all share the responsibility of taking care of it. Students are expected to treat school property—including books, desks, furniture, and equipment—with care and respect.

If a student damages or vandalizes school or personal property, they may be required to pay for the repair or replacement. In cases of intentional damage, disciplinary action such as suspension may be necessary.

Accidents happen—and if you accidentally damage something, please let a teacher or the office know right away. Taking responsibility shows maturity and helps us keep our school environment safe and welcoming for everyone.

For WECA to thrive, strong parent support and involvement are essential. We encourage all parents to become familiar with our school’s policies and procedures and to stay actively engaged in their child’s education. Attending parent-teacher conferences and participating in PTO events are great ways to stay connected and contribute to the success of our school community.

We welcome and encourage parents to visit the school and meet with teachers. To ensure the best use of everyone's time, please schedule appointments in advance based on the teacher’s availability. Conferences can be arranged through our guidance department by contacting Mrs. Lamm at 252-246-1436. We look forward to working together to support your student’s success!

We are located on the 2nd floor of J building at Wilson Community College.  All visitors to the Wilson Early College Academy must check in at the office and obtain a visitor’s pass, which they are to wear throughout their visit.  Unauthorized visitors in the building will be considered trespassing.

Parents are to schedule conferences in advance at times convenient for both teachers and themselves.  Conferences will be scheduled at such times that they do not interrupt or interfere with a teacher’s class.  Students are not permitted to have visitors during the school day.

Students who move or whose address is otherwise changed MUST notify the office of the change for modification of records.  

Telephone numbers MUST also be updated as often as they change.  Please ensure the school has a way to communicate with the family.  This is paramount to student safety.  Please ensure voice mailboxes are enabled and are able to receive messages. 

The participation and cooperation of all students will help in determining the type of service offered to students.  Students are expected to cooperate with the custodian to ensure the is as clean and pleasant as possible.  

• Students should report directly to the cafeteria (multi-purpose room) during the lunch period.  Students are not allowed outside the designated lunch areas without the permission of an administrator or staff member.  Students will not be allowed to remain unsupervised in classrooms.
  • During lunch freshmen and sophomore students are only allowed to eat in the cafeteria or court yard. 
  • During lunch juniors and seniors are permitted to eat around campus. Some of those locations include the cafeteria, courtyard, and Building G (student area).  
• Food trucks are parked near WECA.  However, unless a student can quickly get their lunch, they should not try to eat at the food truck.  Students will be counted tardy for class if they are waiting for their lunch from the food truck.   
• Neither Wilson Early College Academy, nor any other Wilson County School, has open lunch.  Students are expected to remain on campus for lunch, unless they are leaving for the day. 
• Food delivery options are prohibited from WECA.  Students may not order Door Dash, Grubhub, Ubereats, or any other food delivery service.
   

Driver Education information can be foundby clicking HERE.  

To take Driver's Education the student must: 

• Be a student enrolled in a school within the County of Wilson.
• Be between the ages of 14 1/2 and 17
• Be in the 9th grade, however, other grade levels may take the class if class size permits
• Be mentally and physically able to get a NC driving permit
• Be passing 75% of their courses, 
• Meet the WCS attendance policy
• Be making satisfactory progress toward graduation
• Pay a fee of $65.00 before the Driving Phase occurs

*We have been given temporary permission by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to offer Driver Education online.  Therefore, students must have access to a device and the internet to participate.

The Counseling Department of Wilson Early College Academy exists to help students, parents, and teachers.  It is important that students become aware of the services available so that they can take advantage of all the services offered by the Counseling Department.  Counselors are available to assist and advise each student about personal problems, academic problems, course selection, college choices, scholarships, and career choices.

You can access Mrs. Lamm's website HERE.

College visits must be cleared and prearranged through the Counseling Department and must be approved by the principal. Seniors will be allowed to have two excused absences each semester to attend college-sponsored programs.  A letter from the parent should be presented prior to the visit and a letter from the institution should be presented upon return.

WCS Board Policy 3135 - Homework

WCS Board Policy 3400 - Evaluation of Student Progress

WCS Board Policy 3400R - Evaluation of Student Progress Regulation

WCS Board Policy 8210R - Grants and Funding for Special Projects

WCS Board Policy 4400 - Attendance

WCS Board Policy 1720/4015/7225 - Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying Complaint Procedure

WCS Board Policy 4300 - Code of Student Conduct

WCS Board Policy 4316 - Student Dress Code

WCS Board Policy 1725/4035/7236 - Title IX Sexual Harassment - Prohibited Conduct and Reporting Process

We’re pleased to provide bus transportation as a safe and reliable option for students traveling to and from school. Please keep in mind that riding the bus is a privilege, not a right, and it depends on students following bus rules and expectations.

To keep transportation running smoothly, students must ride only the bus they’ve been assigned. If there is an emergency and your child needs to ride a different bus, a written request from a parent or guardian must be submitted to the school office in advance. Students are only permitted to get off the bus at school, home, or another approved stop along the regular route as specified in writing by a parent or guardian.

Bus drivers are authorized by the principal to supervise students while on the bus. As such, students are expected to follow the bus drivers directions at all times. This ensures a safe and respectful environment for everyone on board.

Students with school bus violations will face the following disciplinary action:

• Fighting on a school bus will result in an automatic suspension from school.  
• Administration reserves the right to further disciplinary action for more serious offenses.

It is a privilege for students to drive their cars on campus; therefore, these students must adhere to the following regulations or be restricted from driving.
The safe operation of motor vehicles is required.  

• Register your vehicle with the secretary
• Vehicles must not travel in excess of 5 mph on campus.  
• All traffic laws apply.
• Seat belts are required for drivers and ALL passengers.
• No squalling of tires, reckless driving, racing motors, improper use of brakes, loud music, hanging out of windows, driving on grass or blowing horns for non-safety reasons is permitted, this will result in loss of driving privileges.
• Once a student enters campus he or she is not allowed to leave without following the procedure for checking out of school.  
• All students should park and then immediately enter the building.  
• Students are encouraged to lock their cars. 
• Once a student enters the building he or she can only return to the parking lot with the permission of an administrator. 
• Students may not use their vehicles to illegally take themselves or other students off campus; violations will result in disciplinary action. 
• As a condition of being allowed to park on the school grounds, the student and the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) hereby must agree to allow school officials to search any vehicle at any time.  This includes the trunk and glove compartment areas of the vehicle whether or not it is the vehicle to which the parking permit specifically applies. The school official will search the vehicle if he or she has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student has drugs, weapon(s), alcohol or any prohibited substance as defined in the Alcohol and Drug Policy of the Wilson County Board of Education.
   

The state of North Carolina has placed requirements on high school students to motivate them to achieve academically.  This motivation is in the form of state law, which requires that every high school student must pass at least three units in the previous semester in order to retain their license to drive in the State of North Carolina.  

Student grades are reported each semester to the State of North Carolina.  If a student loses his or her license, they are NOT eligible to get their license back until they have demonstrated adequate academic progress at their school.  This will consist of passing 3 of 4 courses in their present semester and 3 of 4 courses in the next semester.  Loss of license for academic reasons will mean at least 2 semesters without driving privileges.