Title I

School Designation

November 24, 2025

Dear Parent / Guardian:

I hope the school year has started successfully for all of you. As a parent / guardian of a student in Williston Middle School, I am writing this letter to let you know that Williston Middle School has been designated as a Comprehensive Support & Improvement Low-Performing (CSI-LP) school by the North Carolina State Board of Education. As stated in ESSA Section 1111(c)(4)(D)(i)(I), North Carolina had to identify schools for comprehensive support and improvement. CSI-LP schools in North Carolina are those found in the lowest-performing 5 percent of all schools receiving Title I funding. The intent of this opportunity is to improve educational outcomes for all students, close achievement gaps, increase equity, and improve the quality of instruction.

As a CSI-LP school, Williston Middle School is required to develop a comprehensive plan that specifically addresses how the school will improve student achievement. The plan will also include how our district will support us and monitor the progress of our school. This is a planning year. This is the time for the goals and strategies to be reevaluated and guide our work over the next three years of this designation cohort.

Parent engagement will be important to our school improvement efforts. Here are some ways we can work together:

Make sure that both you and your student are aware of academic expectations set for your student this school year. A list of learning objectives in student-friendly language is available from your student’s teacher(s).
Call Williston Middle School at 910-815-6906 if you have questions or concerns about your student or to set up an appointment to meet with a school staff member who will be working with your student.
Make sure that your student is prepared and attends school each day.
Monitor your student’s homework.
Monitor the progress your student is making and attend meetings with your student’s teacher(s).
Keep track of our Williston Middle School website and social media site.
Join the Williston PTA.

If you have questions about the content of this letter, please contact Jo McDonnell at jo.mcdonnell@nhcs.net or 910-815-6906.

Sincerely,

Jo McDonnell, Principal

Report Card

Behavior Management Plan

Behavior Category	Minor-Level 1 (Handled in Classroom: Write minor referral in Educator’s Handbook, document parent contact in referral)	Major-Level 2 and 3 (Handled by Administration: Write major referral in Educator’s Handbook)
Inappropriate Language/Profanity	Name Calling Cursing Insulting a Peer Profanity	Direct insults to staff Derogatory comments (related to identity i.e. race, sexual orientation, gender, ability/disability) Oral/written comments meant to threaten
Disrespect/Insubordination/ Non-Compliance	Not Following Rules Rude Body Language Questioning Adult Authority Not doing work after redirection Defying authority (refusing to follow instructions, wandering, out of seat without permission) Sleeping	Talking back to challenge authority Persistent minor behavior Skipping Class
Disruptive Behavior	Talking to neighbor Throwing objects Passing notes Calling out answers Bothering other students Wandering around the room Bathroom mischief	Yelling/screaming Throwing objects with malicious intent Excessive horseplay
Fighting/Aggressive behavior	Playground/recess aggression Throwing objects Play fighting Hallway mischief	Spitting on someone with intent Biting Punching/slapping/hitting involving offender/victim Knocking someone to the ground with intent Throwing objects at someone with intent Play fighting (repeated offense, minor already documented)
Fighting		physical altercation between two or more students in which both students are active participants Does NOT include play fighting
Forgery/Theft/Lying/Cheating/Plagiarism	Copying neighbor’s work/test Copying from the internet for assignments	Forgery of parent’s signature on major documents
Harassment/Bullying	Teasing/Name Calling Exclusion Dirty Looks Comments about looks/family	Organizing a group to intimidate Inappropriate touching Statements about a student’s body or sexual orientation Cyberbullying/Posting anything online with malicious intent Minor level behaviors that have persisted and rise to a level that requires administrative intervention
Property Damage/Vandalism	Breaking someone else’s property (minor monetary value) Drawing or writing on someone else's person or property intentionally	Graffiti Facility damage Intentional damage to clothing or personal belongings breaking someone else’s property (moderate/high monetary value)
Technology Violation	Misuse of technology (i.e. on game site instead of instructional site) Listening to music during instruction	Accessing inappropriate websites Accessing another student or teacher’s account
Use of/Possession of Weapons/substance	Using scissors inappropriately Misuse of objects Possession of substances not allowed on campus(medicine)	Use of an object with intent to harm Possession of a weapon Possession of illegal drugs This should include IMMEDIATE administrator notification
Cell Phones	Having phone out without prior teacher permission Texting/social media use Visible headphones Phone out at recess/lunch	Videoing/photographing of another student or teacher Violation of school cell phone policy and refusal to turn over device for parent pickup

Level 1: Teacher steps when a student breaks ANY Minor Rule
1	Verbal Warning/redirection	Teacher Consequence Toolbox
2	Student conference (remove audience) and/or Paws phone call	Behavior reflection Change of seats Student/Teacher Restorative conversation Parent conference Restricted PA Bounce Lunch and Learn
3	Assign a teacher consequence-Make parent contact Write a minor incident referral
4	Office referral If the behavior continues in the same class, call for Tier 2 (persistent minor behavior) 3 minors during the month for the same behavior (Ex. Disruption, Language)
We will start with a clean slate at the beginning of each calendar month. Maybe each quarter?-frequency/ pattern

Level 2 & 3: Teacher & Admin Steps when a student breaks ANY Major Rule
1	Teacher calls the main office for Tier 2 assistance and student is escorted to ISS by staff member Teacher writes office referral
2	Teacher writes office referral and Admin determines consequence
Teacher Actions		Administrator Actions
Follow and document all steps of the consequence continuum Parent contact at step 3 of consequences Complete minor referral in Educator’s Handbook After 3 minor infractions of the same behaviors become a major infraction and an office referral must be written. There should be documentation of minor incidents, as well as parent contact.		Hold teachers accountable for following the consequence continuum and behavior matrix Make parent contact with major behavior infractions Look for documentation of 3 minor incidents and parent contact when receiving an office referral for a minor behavior Have individual conversations with teachers who write office referrals for minor incidents without documentation of 3 minor and evidence of following consequence continuum Follow NHCS Student Code of Conduct for major behavior incidents. Use Incident IQ to view major/ pending and minor referrals

Cell Phone/Earbud/Smartwatch/iPad Policy
WMS Policy: Cell Phones, smart watches, iPads, and personal earbud use is not permitted at Williston Middle from 8:00 am-Dismissal. Students are required to keep their phone out of sight.
1st, 2nd, 3rd Offense	Teacher takes the device, labels the phone, and puts in secure location until it can be taken to Ms. James. She will make parent contact. Parent/guardian picks up the phone from the front office.
4th Offense and beyond	Student will be required to leave the device at home.
Students who refuse to surrender device to administration will be assigned ISS for the remainder of the day.

NHCS Board Policies

NHCS Board Policies

Violations of NHCS Board Policies

Violations of New Hanover County Schools Board Policies may result in out-of-school suspension for up to ten (10) days and possible long-term suspension. Please review individual policies for detailed information. :

Policy Numbers - Student Behavior

4300 - Student Behavior Policies

4301 - Authority of School Personnel

4302 - School Plan for Management of Student Behavior

4302-R - Rules for Use of Seclusion and Restraint in Schools

4303 - Fair and Consistent Discipline Administration

4310 - Integrity and Civility

4312 - Technology Responsible Use

4315 - Disruptive Behavior

4316 - Student Dress Code

4318 - Use of Wireless Communication Devices

4320 - Tobacco Products – Students

4325 - Drugs and Alcohol

4328 - Gang-Related Activity

4329 - Bullying and Harassing Behavior Prohibited

4330 - Theft, Trespass, and Damage to Property

4331 - Assaults and Threats

4333 - Weapons, Bomb Threats, Terrorist Threats, and Clear Threats to Safety

4334 - Use of Unmanned Aircraft (Drones)

4335 - Criminal Behavior

4340 - School-Level Investigations

4341 - Parental Involvement in Student Behavior Issues

4342 - Student Searches

4345 - Student Discipline Records

4351 - Short-Term Suspension

4352 - Removal of Student During the Day

4353 - Long-Term Suspension, 365-Day Suspension, Expulsion

Behavior violations that do not fit into our level of consequences will be handled on an individual basis. Please be advised that neither this handbook nor the New Hanover County Discipline Handbook is all-inclusive. Incidents cited will be dealt with according to federal, state, and local policies and laws. The NHCS Policy Manual may be found at: https://boardpolicyonline.com/bl/?b=hanover_county_new#&&hs=1016905

Parent Family Engagement Policies

District Parent Family Engagement Policy - English
District Parent Family Engagement Policy - Spanish

Williston Parent Family Engagement Policy

Title I is the largest federal aid program for elementary, middle, and high schools. Funds are provided through Title I to districts around the country based on the number of low-income families in each district. School districts use its Title I money for extra educational services to assist children most in need of educational help. The focus of the Title I program is on helping all students meet the same high standards expected of all children.

Our Vision: To engage parents as full partners in their children's academic achievement and provide a safe and well-rounded education.

Parent Involvement:

Parent involvement is an important component of Title 1. Research has consistently shown that parents can influence their child’s education and success in school. We encourage you to be actively involved in your child’s education.

New Hanover County Schools has a Parent Involvement Policy that was developed in collaboration with district employees and parents to meet the combined needs of parents, students, and schools.

Williston has developed a School-Parent Compact explaining our programs and responsibilities to students and parents. In addition, it outlines how the school and parents can work together to continuously improve student’s achievement.

Our Goals for Student Achievement:

To ensure the participation of parents, guardians, and other family members in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication involving student learning and other school activities

The School Improvement Team (SIT) has developed a comprehensive plan identifying specific indicators of effective practice in which our school will focus on during the 2021-2022 school year.

In the Classroom:

Teachers will use a variety of strategies and techniques to meet the needs of all students by:

Having high expectations.
Being knowledgeable about the subjects we teach.
Sharing ideas, teaching skills, and strategies.
Teachers will show they are accountable and committed to their profession by:
Attending professional development.
Being good role models.
Being consistent, accurate, and timely with progress reports, test grades, and other records.
Creating a positive learning environment.

At Home:

Parents will...

• Check Incident IQ Parent Portal.

• Contact their child’s teachers with questions or concerns about academic success.

• Participate in school functions, activities and take an active interest in all aspects of school life.

• Set a routine for homework and study time.

• Prepare your child to be on time and attend school daily.

• Check WMS website and teacher webpages for updates.

Students:

Attend school daily.
Put forth their best effort academically.
Be actively engaged in learning.
Use technology appropriately and responsibly.
Get along with others, make ethical decisions, and get involved in school life.
Accept consequences for actions in a responsible manner.
Be prepared for learning (have homework, device, and materials for class daily).

School Compact

What is a Family-School Compact?
A Family-School Compact is an agreement that outlines how parents, students, teachers and administrators will
work together in order to help our students achieve grade-level goals and standards.

As a student, I pledge to:
1. Work cooperatively with my teachers and all adults in my school.
2. Exhibit safe behaviors at all times, both online and offline
3. Complete all of my assignments, classwork, and homework, to the best of my ability every
day.
4. Be thoughtful, accountable, and respectful, both in person or online.
5. Attend school, in person or online, prepared with my materials for the learning/book bag
every day. Check my email and google classroom every day, and reply as necessary.
6. Read every night.

Student Signature____________________________________________________________

As a parent/guardian, I pledge to:
1. Talk with my child about his/her school activities every day.
2. Provide a quiet study time at home and encourage good study habits.
3. Participate in Family Engagement Nights and attend teacher/parent conferences.
4. Make sure my child is healthy, attends school regularly and on time in person or online.
5. Monitor my child’s homework daily and make an effort to see that my child turns in their
homework. Discusses google classroom daily.
7. Actively develop a partnership with my child’s teachers.
8. Support the school staff in their efforts to carry out the school’s mission and goals (academics
and behavior).
9. Protect my child’s learning time by avoiding tardiness and early checkouts.
10. Communicate with school staff by returning emails and phone calls in a timely manner.
Keep the school updated with current phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses.

Parent/Guardian Signature______________________________________________________

As a teacher, I pledge to:
1. Explain academic expectations, instructional goals, the grading system, and promotion
standards to students and parents.
2. Keep parents informed of their child’s progress through the use of report cards, progress
reports, test scores, portfolios, conferences, phone calls, emails, google classroom, etc.
3. Inform students and parents of school rules.
4. Provide motivating and interesting learning opportunities in my classroom.
5. Provide enrichment and intervention opportunities for students.
6. Teach grade-level standards.
7. Help prepare students for End-of-Grade tests.
8. Maintain high expectations for both academic work and behavior.

Teacher Signature ____________________________________________________________

Parents Right to Know

Testing and Accountability

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Federal law requires school districts to notify parents of children attending a Title I school of their right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct their child.

Additionally, as a recipient of Title I funds, we will provide you with additional information in a timely manner if you request it. Specifically, you have the right to request the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers:

Whether the teacher meets the state qualifications and licensing criteria for the grades and core academic subjects they teach.
Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency status because of special circumstances.
The teacher’s college major, whether the teacher has any advanced degrees, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree.
Whether teacher assistants provide services to your child and, if so, their qualifications.

New Hanover County Schools is committed to providing quality instruction for all students by employing the most effective individuals to teach and support each student in the classroom. If you would like to receive any of the information listed above for your child’s teacher, please contact the school at 910-815-6906.

WIDA Testing Letter Sample

The Home Language Survey completed upon your child’s enrollment in our schools, shows that a language other than English is spoken in the home. Your child might be eligible to participate in the English as a Second Language Program (ESL). Our ESL Program serves English language learners by promoting fluency in speaking, reading and writing in English and supporting academic success at an age appropriate grade level.

To determine entrance to the ESL program your child must take the placement test WIDA Screener, a standard test of English proficiency. The WIDA Screener scores will determine if your child will be or will not be placed in our ESL program. If your child qualifies he/she will remain in the ESL program until becoming proficient in English and performing on grade level in all academic areas.

Through the ESL Program your child will receive the following services depending on need:

In-class support (math, science, language, other)
Scheduled ESL Classes
Accommodations as needed (extended time, read-aloud, dictionary)

You will receive a letter to inform you of the testing results.