Handbook

BALDWIN ACADEMY

Academia Baldwin

“Excellence Expected, Every Student, Every Day”

Grades TK - 6

Grados Kínder Transicional – 6

Parent/Student Handbook

Guía de Padre/Estudiante

2022-2023

TK-6 Parent/ Student Handbook

2022-2023

Baldwin Bulldogs

School Colors: Royal Blue and White

BALDWIN ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1616 Griffiths Street

La Puente, California 91744

Phone: (626) 933-3701

Office Hours: 7:00 am to 3:30 pm

Cafeteria Hours: 7:00 am to 7:45 am

Mrs. Lilia Picado

Principal

HACIENDA LA PUENTE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

This handbook belongs to: In Case of Accident Notify:

Name:_____________________________ Name:______________________________

Address:___________________________ Address:____________________________

__________________________________ ___________________________________

_________________________________ ___________________________________

Phone:_____________________________ Phone:______________________________

Lunch #:____________________________ Physician:___________________________

Room #:____________________________ Phone:______________________________

A Message From the Principal

Dear Parents and Students:

Welcome to Baldwin Academy and the 2022-2023 school year. We all have experienced challenges during this past year and a half. I am looking forward to another wonderful year!

This Parent-Student Handbook is intended to present rules, regulations and procedures that are reflective of District and Board Policy. It contains other information necessary for the success of your child. Parents are asked to read the material and follow the procedures as outlined to support the maintenance of a safe and orderly learning environment for all students. It is suggested that the handbook be kept as a reference guide as questions arise during the school year.

We thank you in advance for your cooperation and support and look forward to a productive school year!

Sincerely,

Lilia Picado

Mrs. Lilia Picado

Principal

VISION STATEMENT

The Hacienda La Puente Unified School District is a community committed to developing lifelong learners who value themselves and the diversity of all people; apply decision-making skills leading to responsible actions; and use creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving in meeting the challenges of a changing society.

Strategic Planning Committee

Hacienda La Puente Unified School District

HACIENDA LA PUENTE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

BOARD OF EDUCATION GOALS

All students in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District will succeed in meeting high standards and achieving at high academic levels.
The Hacienda La Puente Unified School District will provide a supportive and innovative learning environment rich in the visual and performing arts and a challenging course of study to meet the unique needs of every student.
The Hacienda La Puente Unified School District will attract and retain quality personnel who demonstrate strong, positive leadership that promotes a culture of collaboration and teamwork and creates an environment in which all stakeholders feel respected, valued and are dedicated to every student’s success.
The Hacienda La Puente Unified School District will efficiently expend and effectively maximize all resources to fulfill educational priorities, while sustaining and maintaining long-term financial stability.
The Hacienda La Puente Unified School District will provide its students and employees with safe, orderly and clean schools and district sites.
The Hacienda La Puente Unified School District will continue to develop, sustain, recognize and promote programs of excellence and strong partnerships with parents and the community which result in high levels of success for all students.

Baldwin Academy Vision Statement

Baldwin Academy staff, along with our community, will ensure all students will be challenged and supported with a rigorous and diverse education, with a focus on 21^st century skills. Students will be nurtured and inspired to be independent and embrace creativity to achieve a well-rounded education. (Updated May 2015)

Baldwin Academy Calendar

2022 - 2023 School Year

August 2 Meet and Greet the Teachers

August 3 First Day of School

August 18 Annual Title 1 Mtg@ 5:00 p.m.

August 18 Tk-5 Back to School Night 5:30 p.m.

August 26 Picture Day

September 5 Labor Day Holiday – No School

September 12-16 Parent Conference Week – Early Dismissal

September 14 Pupil Free Day – No School

September 16 6^th Grade End of Grading Period

November 2 Early Dismissal for Report Card Entry

November 5 End of Grading Period for TK through 6^th

November 11 Veteran’s Day Holiday – No School

November 22-26 School Release Day – No School

Thanksgiving Week

December 16 6^th Grade End of Semester

Dec. 19 – Dec. 30 Winter Break – No School

Baldwin Academy Calendar

2022-2023 School Year

January 2 Pupil Free Day – No School for Students

January3 School Resumes

January 16 MLK Holiday – No School

February 13 Lincoln’s Birthday Holiday – No School

February 15 TK-6^th Minimum Day – Early Dismissal February 17 6^th Grade End of Grading Period

February 20 Washington’s Birthday Holiday – No School

Feb. 27 – March 3 Parent/Teacher Conference Week

(Early Dismissal every day)

March 31 6^th Grade End of Grading Period #2

April 3 – April 7 Spring Break – No School

April 27 Open House

May 17 Kindergarten Promotion

May 18 6^th Grade Promotion - 8:30 a.m.

May 18 Students’ Last Day of School

Baldwin Academy Bell Schedules - 2022-2023

School Day Hours:

No students should arrive at school before 7:00 am. Supervision on playground begins at 7:45 am. Students in grades TK-6 bell rings @ 7:55 a.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

Grades TK-3 8:00 a.m. to 1:51 p.m.

Grades 4-6 8:00 a.m. to 2:07 p.m.

*** Bell rings @ 7:55 a.m. for students to begin to walking to their classrooms.

TK &Kindergarten First Grade

8:00 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. Instruction 8:00 a.m. to 9:55 a.m. Instruction

9:35 a.m. to 9:55 a.m. Recess 9:55 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Recess

9:55 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Instruction 10:15 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. Instruction

11:00 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. Lunch 11:10 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Lunch

11:40 a.m. to 1:51 p.m. Instruction 11:50 a.m. to 1:51 p.m. Instruction

Second Grade Third Grade

8:00 a.m. to 9:55 a.m. Instruction 8:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Instruction

9:55 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Recess 10:15 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. Recess

10:15 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Instruction 10:35 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Instruction

11:20 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Lunch 11: 30 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. Lunch

12:00 p.m. to 1:51 p.m. Instruction 12:10 p.m. to 1:51 p.m. Instruction

Fourth Grade Fifth Grade

8:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Instruction 8:00 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. Instruction

10:20 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. Recess 10:35 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Recess

10:35 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Instruction 10:50 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Instruction

11:45 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. Lunch 12:00 p.m. to 12:40 p.m. Lunch

12:25 p.m. to 2:07 p.m. Instruction 12:40 p.m. to 2:07 p.m, Instruction

Sixth Grade Minimum Day Schedules Early Release & Parent

Conferences & Report Card Entry

8:00 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. Instruction All Grade Levels (TK through 6)

10:35 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Recess TK through 3 – Will Release @ 1:23 on Thursdays

10:50 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Instruction TK through 3^rd Will release @ 1:13 for Parent Conferences

12:15 p.m. to 12:55 p.m. Lunch & Report Card Entry

12:55 p.m. to 2:07 p.m. Instruction 4^th through 6^th will release @ 1:33 on Thursdays and Parent

Conferences & Report Card Entry

DRESS FOR SUCCESS—UNIFORM POLICY

Baldwin Academy will be fully implementing the HLPUSD Dress for Success Uniform Policy.

In response to the request of many parents, the Board of Education approved a mandatory school uniform policy for all pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 students beginning September, 1995.

Dress affects attitude and behavior, and most students wearing uniforms arrive at school with the attitude that they are there to learn. Uniforms improve student discipline and self-esteem. They focus attention upon learning and discourage gang intimidation. Affordable school uniforms should reduce the clothing costs for many families. They allow students to concentrate more on learning, the emphasis is on who the students are not what they are wearing.

Uniform Colors and Styles: (TK-6)

Our district colors are navy blue and white, with navy bottoms and white, royal blue or light blue (no khaki) tops shirts and blouses must have sleeves and collars. All students, TK-6 must wear the district approved uniform at all times unless he/she has a uniform waiver on file with the office. Uniform waivers will only be granted during the first two weeks prior to school opening, and parents requesting such waiver must meet with the principal before being granted a waiver. All students with a waiver on file will be required to follow the district adopted Dress Code.

Compliance Measures:

The district’s dress code will be enforced along with the district uniform policy.

No student shall be suspended from class or from school, be expelled from school, or receive a lowered academic grade solely as a result of not complying with Board Policy JC-DBC.

No student shall be considered noncompliant with the policy in the following instances:

when non-compliance derives from a financial hardship;
when a student wears a button, armband or other accouterment to exercise the right to freedom of expression as provided by Education Code 35183;
when a student wears the uniform of a nationally recognized youth organization, such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, on regular meeting days;
when a student wears a school-adopted logo or college/university shirt on designated days;
when a student’s parent or guardian has secured a waiver from the uniform policy by following the procedure outlined below.

Exemption Procedure:

To exempt a student from the uniform policy, the parent or guardian must observe the following procedure:

Yearly Waivers:

1. Parents who object to the Dress For Success Uniform Policy must fill out and submit a waiver request form at the school site during the two weeks before the opening of school.

2. Parents of students new to the district will have a two week period to file a waiver request from the date of enrollment. During this two week period, students must meet district dress code expectations.

3. Any other waiver will have to be approved by a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet with one appeal to the Board of Education

Waivers of Varying Duration:

Waivers of varying duration for the Dress For Success Uniform Policy may be issued by the site administrators. These waivers are restricted to those who meet one of the following criteria:

Short-term Health: a health issue that would preclude the student from being able to wear regular clothes to school;
Religious Freedom: for those families who belong to a denomination or sect that has historical religious tenets that can be verified, which precludes them from wearing other than their religious apparel;
Financial Hardship: for those families that have four or more children in the district and meet one of the following criteria:
1. homelessness

b. head of family is unemployed or on disability.

After the opening of school, if the student does not comply with the uniform policy or have a waiver on file, the parent or guardian will be informed in writing and may need to meet with the designated administrator to:

become informed of the reason for the policy;
become informed of the uniform policy requirements

Financial Considerations:

No student shall be penalized in any way for failing to wear the uniform for reason of financial hardship. Each school will:

designate a specific staff member to assist those families in need;
work with the staff, local school community to identify resources;
arrange for a method for recycling the uniforms.

STUDENT DRESS AND GROOMING STANDARDS

In order to assure that the dress code in administered consistently across the district, the following procedure must be followed:

If a student is suspected of violating the dress code, the violation will be reported to the principal or designee.
The principal or designee shall observe the student to make an initial determination if the student is in violation of the dress code. At that time if the student is found to be in violation of the code, he/she will call home for a change of clothing, or change into school provided uniform. A written notification will be sent home with the student.
The student will have an opportunity to review the contention that the dress code has not been violated. If the principal or designee is not persuaded the student will be asked to remove the clothing or jewelry. The principal or designee shall retain the clothing and/or jewelry until the end of the school day. At that time, the item will be returned to the student. The student will be directed not to wear the item in the future, while at school, or at any school activities. If the removal of clothing may prove embarrassing to the student or is not practical, the principal or designee may direct the student to call home for a change of clothing for the remainder of the day.
Parents of students who violate the policy will be notified in writing. The parent will be given the opportunity to meet with the principal or designee to discuss the violation of the dress code. If the parent is not satisfied with the conclusion of the conference, the parent can then meet with the principal of the school. If the parent is still not satisfied, they can schedule a meeting with the superintendent’s designee.
Any student who repeatedly violates the dress code will be subject to more severe disciplinary action.
Because gang attire can change from year to year, as well as from campus to campus, the principal and his/her designee need to be sensitive to new group attire for recognition. After several incidents have occurred in which attire by the participants can be established as a contributing factor, the specific clothing identified with the group can be added to the list of unacceptable school attire.

In recognition of the instructional responsibilities and goals of the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, the district has set forth the following rules relative to the dress and appearance of student, which will be strictly enforced.

Dress Code/Rules for School Attire:

Clothing must be free from tears, rips, holes, etc.
Shorts must not be below the knee and must be at least mid-thigh in length and must be hemmed.
Pants must fit the student, cannot be oversized and must be hemmed. Additionally, long/short pants must be worn at the waist (sagging, drooping are not allowed). Long pants should just touch the top of the student’s shoe, must not drag on the ground and must be hemmed. No frayed edges are allowed.
Boys’ socks with shorts must not go above mid-calf.
Tank tops, cropped shirts or bare midriffs are not allowed. Shirts and blouses must have sleeves, collars and must be buttoned and tucked in.
Jackets, sweatshirts, and shirts must be free of writing and pictures, except that of teams or groups at the school, and those of colleges or universities or a small manufacturer’s logo.
Clothing articles including, but not limited to gloves, bandanas, cut off pants with knee high socks, unstrapped bib overalls, multi-colored shoe strings, wrist bands, hats, hair nets, excessively long belts, belt buckles stamped with a letter, “in memory of” shirts, professional teams’ clothing, or jewelry commonly recognized as being related to a group or gang, which provoke others to act violently or be intimidated by fear of violence, shall not be worn on the campus or at any school activity.
No hats, baseball caps, bandanas or other head gear is to be worn on campus or at school activities unless such head gear is approved sun-protective head gear or is medically or religiously required and approved by the school principal. (The basic hat for these purposed is a straw or cloth hat with a full brim that is 1.5-4 inches wide. It may be white, off white or tan without design or writing. Any other type of hat may not be worn unless it has been specifically approved by the school principal for the individual school site. Approved hats must be worn in such a manner as to provide protection from the weather. Approved hats may only be worn outside.
Gang slogans and graffiti will not be allowed on school binders or books, computers, notebooks, backpacks, clothing or folders. These items will be confiscated. Books damaged will be billed to the student who checked out the book.
Clothing or jewelry which depicts or suggests sexually-related or obscene gestures, pictures, or wording or which promotes the use/abuse of drugs, alcohol, tobacco or any controlled substance shall not be worn on campus or at school activities.
Students shall not wear articles of clothing, jewelry, or accessories which, in the opinion of the school principal, pose a clear and immediate threat to the physical well-being or safety of other students on campus/ i.e., heavy chains holding keys or wallets, spike collars, wrist bands, or metal toes of shoes.

Guidelines

Standards for dress and grooming in the schools should reflect styles and behavior which are acceptable and representative of the community and, generally, of the appropriate student age group. Hair styles/colors that cause distraction to the learning environment will not be allowed. Determination is at the principal’s discretion.
Health and safety requirements of individual locations and conditions may influence dress and grooming standards, particularly when special protective garments or equipment is not available.
More specific standards for student activities, athletics, and performances may be established in each school in consultation with parents, teachers, and students involved in a specific activity when conditions of participation suggest or require such standards may be reasonable and are subject to the approval of the school principal.
1. Activities: Generally, dress and grooming standards appropriate for school attendance will be acceptable for activity participation. When uniform dress is appropriate for an activity, such as for school bands, all participating students will be required to wear such uniform dress. Grooming requirements may reflect the special conditions of an activity.
2. Athletics: Dress and grooming standards appropriate for school attendance will be acceptable except when specific conditions require exceptions. Individual teams may choose to adopt more specific grooming standards so long as they are reasonable and appropriate, subject to the approval of the coach and principal. All enforcements of exceptions to general standards must occur in consultation with the principal.

Health and safety conditions applicable to specific sports will serve to determine reasonableness of grooming standards. However, any such standards must meet the spirit and intent of these guidelines and must be identified independently of standards relating to physical conditioning and health requirements and personal conduct and discipline of team members.

Performances: Special dress and grooming standards may be required for public performances, even though uniforms are not provided, so long as they are reasonable and appropriate. School groups will be expected to meet participation requirements of outside organizations when the school participates in such sponsored events.

All students are to dress in district uniforms at all times, unless a uniform waiver is on file in the office. All students on uniform waiver must follow Dress Code/School Rules for Attire at all times.

SCHOOL PROCEDURES

Positive Attendance:

School attendance is mandatory for all students ages 5-18 in the State of California. School districts are funded by the state based on the average daily attendance (ADA) of the students enrolled in the district schools. The school receives funds only for the days the students are present at school. While we still must account for each day a student is absent and indicate the reason for the absence, no funding will be given to the district for excused absences. This makes it extremely important for each student to be in school every day. Students who are ill should stay home, but students needing medical or dental appointments should be at school as much of the day as possible, either before or after the appointment. We no longer do independent study contracts with students. Students who are gone for long periods of time (more than 5 consecutive days) for unexcused reasons will be checked out of the school. When students return they will be re-enrolled based on space available at the time of their return. We will not be able to hold spaces for students. Trips out of town should be scheduled around the school calendar. Parents of students with excessive absences/tardies will be referred to the School Attendance Review Team (SART) or District level School Attendance Review Board (SARB) at the principal’s discretion.

Types of Absences:

Excused: Illness, medical appointments, or death in the immediate family – still considered an absence
Unexcused: An absence that occurs with the knowledge and approval of parents for reasons which, though not acceptable under state law, are not classified as excused.
Truancy: An intentional and planned violation of state attendance laws. Students who are more that 30 minutes late are, by law, considered truant.

Absence/Appointment Notes:

If your child is absent, please call the office. We will follow all LACDH and District Regulations. After a long or communicable illness or a skin disease, a child must have a note from his/her doctor and be admitted through the school office.

Tardies:

Students are tardy if they are not in the classroom by starting time. Tardiness causes classroom disruption and it is important that you support our program by bringing or sending your child to school on time. The tardy child must go to the office to get an “Admit to Class” slip before entering their classroom.

School Attendance Review Team Meetings (SART):

Students who are truant (have excessive tardies and or absences) will be referred to the School Attendance Review Team (SART). This team consists of the student, parent(s) and/or Guardian(s), the school representative with the principal. At the meeting a plan to improve the student attendance will be developed. The student’s attendance will continue to be closely monitored on a monthly basis. If the student’s attendance pattern does not improve as a result of the plan, a referral to the district level School Attendance Review Board will be made. Those meetings are held at the District Office or Industry Sheriff’s station.

Drop off and Pick-up Procedures:

For your child’s own safety, no student may exit or enter a car that is not parked completely along side the curb. Double parking is not permitted at any time along Griffith Ave. If you are parked across the street, you must exit your car and escort your child across the street at all times.

Leaving the School Grounds:

Children may not leave the school grounds during the school day without written permission. Children must first be cleared through the front office. If you are picking your child up early, please come to the office to sign them out – we ask to please come before 1:30 p.m. Our office staff will call the child to meet you in the office. District Policy requires that we release a student only to a parent or other adult listed on the Student Emergency Information card. We ask that parents make appointments after school to minimize the number of interruptions to classroom instruction.

Visitors:

In order to ensure the safety of all students and staff, all adults must enter through the office when coming onto school grounds. This includes volunteers as well as visitors. It is important that we know who is on campus at all times in case of emergencies or if and when we must forward messages. Student visitors are not allowed on campus unless special permission is given by the principal.

Classroom Interruptions:

In order to keep interruptions to a minimum during instructional periods, we need your help. If your child should forget lunch or materials, please bring them to the office. They should be labeled with your child’s name and room number. We will contact your child during the recess or lunch break. We prefer to contact the classroom only for an emergency.

Use of Telephone:

Students will not be allowed to use the telephones, except in an emergency or as directed by a staff member. If you find that you need to get a message to your child, please call the school office as early as possible. Do not wait until dismissal time to call. Your cooperation is appreciated.

We highly discourage students to bring a cell phone to school. If you absolutely need to send your child to school with a cell phone, we are not responsible for loss. Cell phones must be silent/off and kept in their backpack. If you would like your child to keep their cell phone safe, we offer to house it in the office. Students can bring to office before school and pick up after school.

Parties:

Though there are occasions provided in school for fun and relaxation, the main purpose of classroom time is instruction and learning. For this reason, we prefer to have birthday or other special occasion snacks delivered to the classroom before school starts in the morning. The teachers can pass them at the end of the school day. State law (Ed Code 27604) allows only food prepared by commercial institutions covered by Health Department standards to be served to children. This means that cookies, cakes, cupcakes, etc. made at home will not be distributed to the children at any time. This is subject to change to adhere to COVID 19 regulations.

Bicycles:

Students in grades 4-6 may ride their bicycles to and from school. Bicycle racks are available so that students have a place to put their bicycles while in class. Bicycles must be kept locked and should be registered with Sheriff’s Department. No bicycle riding is allowed on school grounds and State Law requires that helmets be worn at all times. Permission must be obtained from the principal before bringing a bicycle to school.

Lost and Found:

Should you lose books, clothing or other articles, you may check in the cafeteria box or the main office for them before or after school, or at lunch. It is important that you write your name on personal belongings. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged articles, but will make every effort to help you find them.

Textbooks:

Textbooks are purchased by the school district with taxpayer funds and are lent to students while enrolled at Baldwin Academy. It is the student’s obligation to care for them. If a book is lost, written upon or damaged you will be asked to pay for its replacement. They are very costly, ($35 to $65 each) it is recommended that they be covered at all times.

Breakfast and Lunch Programs: Breakfast and Lunch FREE!!!

Breakfast is served in the cafeteria from 7:20 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. every day. Students who participate in the Breakfast Program may arrive at school no earlier than 7:00 a.m. as there is no supervision. Back gate opens @ 7:20 a.m. Students should report directly to the cafeteria at that time, where supervision is provided. Once students have entered the cafeteria for breakfast they may not leave until excused by a staff member. Breakfast is served up until fifteen minutes prior to the start of school. The cut-off time is to ensure that all students are in class on time and ready to begin instruction. To ensure the safety of all students, only students may enter the cafeteria. No food is to be taken out of the cafeteria for any reason.

Please complete DATA CONFIRMATION PROCESS.

Students may bring a sack lunch from home. Sodas, candy, hot/spicy chips and excessively sugary snacks are not allowed. Hot breakfast and lunches served daily in the cafeteria. Our SSAs, TOSAs, and principal supervise breakfast, recesses, and lunch times. Children need to follow supervisors’ directions and show them the same respect that is extended to their teachers and administrators.

Library:

The school library will be available to all students during school hours, students are encouraged to use this valuable resource for research, study and reading. Students are expected to observe the following rules:

Be quiet when approaching the library.
No more that 2 books may be checked out at a time, by students only.
Books must be returned on or before the due date. Students will be notified of any overdue books.
Students will be asked to pay for any lost or damaged books.
Check out privileges may be denied until charges are cleared

SCHOOL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medications:

The State Business and Professional Code 2141 states that it is unlawful to treat a disease or injury at school except in an emergency. A child must not administer medication or treatment to himself/herself while at school. School personnel are not permitted to administer medication of any kind without written authorization from a doctor. In the event a child’s doctor feels medication is needed during school hours, please contact the nurse or office staff for procedures to follow. No child may carry any type of medication, including over the counter, to school for any reason. This includes cough medicine, aspirin, cough drops, midol, inhalers, etc.

Vaccines:

Please bring proof of any updated vaccines to our office. Our office staff will update. We ask that all sixth grade students get their TDAP before they matriculate to seventh grade. Every seventh grader MUST have their TDAP to be able to be in school.

Vision and Hearing Tests:

The hearing and vision tests are given annually to all kindergarten students. (You will be contacted if your child has a problem). All first and third grade students are given the vision test. All second and fifth grade students are given the hearing test.

Student Insurance:

At the beginning of the school year, application blanks for student insurance are distributed. This insurance, which can be purchased at a very reasonable rate, is a transaction between the parent and the insurance company. We encourage parents to have accident insurance of their choice on each child. Students who suffer injuries from accidents during school hours should report the injury to a school official who then will decide the course of action to be taken.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Students participate in monthly drills to practice emergency procedures in the event of an earthquake, fire, or civil defense during school hours. In the event of a major disaster, our campus will be locked for safety reasons. A Command Post will be established at the gate at the front of the school. No student will be released to any adult until they have been cleared. In order to prevent panic, parents will not be allowed to enter our closed campus. We have sent a suggested list of items to be placed in your child’s emergency bag. These bags are kept in classroom and will only be used in an emergency. The bags will be returned to every student at the end of the year. In an event of a real emergency, students will only be released to an adult listed on the Emergency Disaster Information Card.

Insert Matrix Here

SCHOOL RULES

Expected Student Behavior (Behavior matrix)

Be Safe
Be Respectful
Be Responsible

Cafeteria Behavior

All children are expected to eat quietly and politely.
Candy, soda, gum, hot cheetos are not allowed at any time.
Children may not throw trade or share food.
Each child is responsible for keeping the tables and floor clean.

Inappropriate Student Behavior

Fighting or threatening to cause physical injury to another person.
Willfully using force or violence toward another person.
Possessing any firearm, knife, explosive, pepper spray, laser pen, matches or imitation weapons. (including firecrackers)
Disorderly or disruptive behavior.
Use of profanity, racial slurs, obscene acts.
Not following uniform and/or dress code, grooming or appearance that causes disruption.
Forgery/cheating/lying
Theft, burglary or possession of stolen property
Defiance of authority, disruption of school activities.
Smoking or possession of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, paraphernalia or look-alikes.
Destruction or defacing school property or personal property of others.
Physical assault or battery.
Extortion or robbery
Hazing
Leaving school without permission.
Sexual harassment.
Bullying, cyber-bullying.
Inappropriate use of the internet.

Dangerous Objects/Weapons

The Education Code 48900 states no student can bring and/or possess any weapon or dangerous object on campus. Any student in possession will be immediately referred to police and recommended for expulsion from all schools in the district.

Possible Consequences for Inappropriate Behaviors

Counseling with student
Loss of recess
After school detention. The school tries to dismiss students punctually. There are times, however, when it is necessary to keep children to finish work or for misbehavior. If a child is to be kept more that 15 minutes we will call to inform you. If we cannot reach you by telephone, a written notification will be sent home and detention will be served on Friday. The child is responsible for presenting this notification to parents.
Conference with parents/guardians
In-school suspension
Suspension: the school principal has the right and in some cases is required, to suspend a student for a period of up to 5 consecutive days for each offense. In this case, an informal conference between the principal, his/her designee, the student and any other appropriate persons will be held. If, after an investigation, the principal decides that suspension is necessary, it becomes effective immediately. The principal will attempt to notify parents by telephone before action is taken. A copy of the office referral and the suspension notice will be sent with the student and one copy by mail the next day.
Expulsion: The school principal has the right, and in some cases is required, to recommend to the district superintendent that a student be expelled. If a student has violated a district rule and is subject to expulsion, the student and his/her parents/guardians will be formally notified. Part of this notification will include detailed instructions regarding due process procedures.

GUIDELINES FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Conditions for Suspension and/or Expulsion:

Suspension and/or expulsion shall be imposed only when other means of correction fail to bring about proper conduct.
According the School Board Policy, the principal or superintendent must, by law, recommend a student expulsion upon the first offense of any of the following misconducts:
1. Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person.
2. Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object unless, in the case of possession of any such object, the student had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, which is concurred by the principal or the designee of the principal.
3. Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of any controlled substance (as defined in Section 11364 of the Health and Safety Code), alcoholic beverage of any kind.
4. Unlawfully offered or arranged or negotiated to sell any controlled substance (as defined in Section 11464 of the Health and Safety Code), alcoholic beverage, or any intoxicant of any kind or either sold, delivered or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance, or material and represented the substance as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant.
5. Committed robbery or extortion.

A student also may be suspended and/or expelled upon the first offense of the following misconducts if a finding is made that the student’s presence causes a danger to persons or property, or threatens to disrupt the instructional process or school activity.

Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.
Stole or attempted to steal school or private property.
Possessed or used tobacco, except as provided in Education Code 48900.
Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
Unlawfully possessed, or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia as defined in Section 11364 of the Health and Safety Code.
Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.
Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.
Possessed an imitation firearm.
Committed unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors and/or other verbal or physical conduct constituting sexual harassment as prohibited by law.
Cause, attempted to cause, threatened to cause or participated in an act of hate violence.
Unlawful use of the internet.
Assault or battery upon any school employee.
Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a pupil who is a complaining witness or witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of either preventing that pupil from being a witness or retaliating against that pupil for being a witness, or both.

It is through constant monitoring and vigilance by parents and the school that we can keep weapons off our school grounds and free from the unfortunate incidents that have occurred on school campuses elsewhere.

Any student having information concerning the presence of a weapon or other dangerous object on campus should immediately report that information to a teacher or administrator, so that appropriate action can be taken. The “Code of Silence” that frequently inhibits such reporting endangers the safety of your student as well as students and staff.

Please discuss this information with your students. With the cooperative effort between home and school we can continue to maintain the safe climate on our campuses thereby allowing student and staff, free of fear, to focus on our instructional programs.

Board Policy JD. Section 6.0 states:

“ The principal or the superintendent of school shall recommend a pupil’s expulsion for any of the following acts, unless the principal or superintendent finds and so reports in writing to the governing board that expulsion in inappropriate due to the particular circumstances which shall be set out in the report of the incident.

Causing serious physical injury to another person, except in self-defense.
Possession of any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object of no reasonable use to the pupil at the school or at a school activity off school grounds.
Unlawful sale of any controlled substance as defined in Section 11007 of the Health and Safety Code, except for the sale of no more that one ounce of marijuana other that concentrated cannabis.
Robbery or extortion.

The definition of a dangerous object includes, but is not limited to, such potential weapons:

Firearms: pistols, revolvers, shotguns, rifles, “zip guns”, lasers, and any device capable of chemically propelling a projectile.

Cutting and puncturing devices: dirks, daggers, knives with blades longer that three and one-half inches, folding knives with a blade that locks into place, or razors with an unguarded blade.

Explosive and/or incendiary devices: pipe bombs, cap guns, matches, lighters, containers of inflammable fluids, firecrackers, and other hazardous devices.

Other: Includes a blackjack slingshot, Billy, nunchaku, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles, or any metal plate with three or more radiating points with one or mare sharp edges designed to use as a weapon.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework activities are an integral part of the school’s instructional program. It is viewed as an opportunity to extend the classroom experience and to reinforce learning. It shall be carefully initiated, motivated, and related to class work, taking into consideration the needs and capabilities of the students. The homework program will be effective when everyone involved demonstrated a commitment to and responsibility for success. The homework policy for Grades 2-6 is as follows:

The student is responsible to maintain a daily homework log in the student planner.
Daily assignments will be accepted only on the day they are due.
A student who is absent must make up the assignments at the teacher’s discretion.

The student is responsible for obtaining assignments missed during an absence.

A student who is absent on the date an assignment is due must turn in the work on the day he/she returns.
Long-term assignments made prior to a student’s absence are expected to be turned in on the date due or the day he/she returns.
Long-term assignments will be marked down one grade for each day they are late. After four days, the work will be accepted at the teacher’s discretion and may be refused.

7. The parent/guardian is responsible for reviewing his/her child’s homework for completeness. Communication with the teacher is best done through Parent Square or email.

When your child is absent for excused reasons you may pick up homework. Please call the school office in the morning so the teacher can send it to the office for pick up after school hours. Homework is not provided for students going on extended trips.

REPORT CARDS

Students’ progress towards meeting grade level standards is reported three times per year, Grades TK-5th. Our Parent Conferences are held in September and Spring Conference (February), and all grades are available in AERIES. Students not making adequate progress towards meeting grade level standards (Grades 2-5) will be identified as being at-risk of retention, and will be provided extended learning opportunities throughout the school year and during the summer. Grade 6 Progress Reports are mailed to the home every 6 weeks with the final semester report cards given to parents at Parent Conferences.

Report card for grades. TK grades are developmental. Kinder through 2nd^th grades reflect a number grade: 4 = Excels at grade level standards; 3 = Meets grade level standards; 2 = Approaching towards grade level standards; 1 = Not Making Progress towards grade level standards that have been taught up to that particular timeframe. All standards will be taught by the end of the year. Our third through sixth grade report card is more traditional, using letter grades. Please note that study skills and homework are factored into their grades.

VOLUNTEERS

Our school values volunteers and we highly encourage and welcome support. We abide by our district guidelines. Our school funds pay for the fingerprinting fees that is a part of being cleared and there is an application every year to continue to be eligible. There is also a one-time volunteer process as well to support for a one day event – such as fieldtrips. To pick up an application or to ask for more information, please come in to our office or call our school.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parents are notified of the time and dates of all school conference days. They are held minimally at the end of the First and Second Trimesters. Special conferences may be requested by either the teacher or the parent. Parents wanting to speak to the teacher may call the office for an appointment with the teacher, or send a note directly to the teacher. They may also be reached by e-mail, just request the address from the teacher.

SOLUTIONS FOCUSED TEAM

We know students are most successful when there is a cooperative effort between parents and school personnel. In a spirit of shared responsibility, the Solutions Focused Team (SFT) meets at the school, exploring and problem solving in order to help students be successful. Parents, students, teachers and the principal are important members of the team. Students are often referred to an SFT by the classroom teacher or the principal who may be concerned about the student’s learning and or emotional needs. Parents may also request an SFT to address their concerns regarding their student’s academic/social progress. You may contact your child’s teacher or call the office at any time regarding your concerns.

ASSEMBLIES AND FIELD TRIPS

Assemblies:

Students are expected to maintain orderly conduct at all assemblies. Each teacher will accompany his/her class to the assembly and sit with the students as a class. Students unable to follow these guidelines will be sent to the office for the duration of the assembly. A conference will be held with the principal and the student to determine whether further disciplinary action is necessary. The student may be excluded from all further assemblies for the year. Will follow updated regulations – follow updated COVID -19 recommendations

Field Trips:

Field trips are enriching acitivies. Students are to show that they can conduct themselves in a responsible and safe manner. Students who have shown the consistent inability to follow class and school rules may be withheld from field trips for safety reasons. Students must have a permission slip signed by the parent/guardian before being allowed to participate on any field trip. Will follow updated regulations – follow updated COVID -19 recommendations.

PROBLEMS/CONCERNS

If any student or parent has a concern or problem, you should first contact the child’s teacher before or after school hours. You may also contact the principal for an appointment to discuss any unresolved issues or concerns you may have regarding your child’s academic or social progress. It is our sincere desire to assist all students in becoming successful learners and achieving at high levels.