Cowan Fundamental School
A California Distinguished School
Parent Handbook
2013-14
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Larry Masuoka, D.M.D., President
Lucinda Luttgen, Vice President
Pam Costa, Clerk
Greg Paulo, Member
Saul Hernandez, Member
SUPERINTENDENT’S CABINET
Dr. General Davie, Jr., Acting Superintendent of Schools
Derk Garcia, Interim Chief Academic Officer
Kent Stephens, Chief Financial Officer
Linda C.T. Simlick, J.D., General Counsel
Kent Kern, Assistant Superintendent, Operations and School Support
Annette Buckmaster, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
Beth Davies, Assistant Superintendent, Elementary Education
Rick Messer, Acting Assistant Superintendent, Secondary Education
Trent J. Allen, Senior Director, Community Relations
Carl Fahle, Senior Director, Technology
Jim Shoemake, Senior Director, Labor and Employee Relations
2
Cowan Fundamental School
A California Distinguished School
In the San Juan Unified School District
3350 Becerra Way
Sacramento, CA 95821-3799
Telephone: (916) 575-2312
Fax: (916) 575-2316
Absence Line (916) 979-8240 Extension 02
The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint parents with the programs, policies and procedures
of Cowan Fundamental School. The contents of this booklet were developed with you, the
parent, in mind. We sincerely hope that the information within will be valuable to you
throughout the school year.
Children Learn What They Live
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with acceptance and friendship, they learn to find love in the world.
-- Dorothy Law Nolte
3
Table of Contents
School Philosophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parent Support Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parent Volunteer Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What to Expect as a Volunteer
..............................
What is Expected of a Volunteer
..............................
Suggestions for Working with Students in the Classroom . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policies and Procedures
..........................................
Arrival and Dismissal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Absences
................................................
Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tardies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bicycles, Skateboards, and Rollerblades
........................
Class Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Releasing Students During School Hours
........................
Emergency Information
....................................
Field Trips
................................................
Health Services
..........................................
Telephone
................................................
Visitors
................................................
Noon Duty Supervision
....................................
Lost and Found
..........................................
Lunches
................................................
Make-up Work for Absentees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Materials
................................................
Medications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Homework
................................................
Guidelines for Time Allocation on Homework
..................
School Dress and Grooming Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
School Programs
................................................
Driveway Safety & Traffic Procedures
..............................
Student Progress
................................................
Grading Policy
..........................................
Back to School Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Individual Conferences
....................................
Report Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Progress Reports/Deficiency Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Student Behavior Policy
..........................................
Disciplinary Guidelines
..........................................
Three-Way Cowan Fundamental Contract
........................
4
5
6
6-7
7
7
7
8
8
8
8
8
9
9
9
9
10
10
10
10
10
10
11
11
11
11
12
12
13
14
15
16
16
16
16
16
16
17-19
20-23
24
Philosophy
 At Cowan we prepare each child for the challenges of the future.
 We believe parental involvement is a critical component of the Cowan success
story.
 Our staff is committed to excellence in education.
The fundamental school will provide a highly structured learning environment stressing
academic performance. The primary objective of the fundament school is to provide a sound
foundation in basic academic education. Emphasis will be placed on the basic skills in reading,
writing, and math. The foundation in basics will provide for the successful pursuit of higher
education and a productive entry into a global society.
The fundamental philosophy reflects education as developing life-long learner built upon
a strong foundation of basic facts and skills. The school, working in cooperation with the home,
will strive toward instilling in each student a sense of responsibility, citizenship, and pride in
accomplishment of academic achievement.
School Mission Statement
Valuing academic excellence and our unique partnership with staff, students, and parents,
the mission of Cowan Fundamental School is to educate and inspire all students to become selfreliant, creative, productive citizens of a global society through a challenging, innovative
curriculum, in cooperation with the community and parents, while developing the whole child in
a safe, nurturing environment.
Cowan Fundamental School is . . .
 A place where there is a consistency of standards and expectations.
 A place where parents, student and staff are dedicated to the education of the child.
 A place where the three-way-contract (team approach) requires a consistency of
expectations through all grades.
 A place where self-motivation is valued and encouraged.
 A place where there is a deep commitment to three-way communication.
 A place where structured policies and a discipline code are established.
 A place where an enriched program with an emphasis on the standards exists.
 A place where there is excellence in teaching and continuing concern with the latest
educational research and consequences.
 A place where children develop into responsible citizens making responsible decisions.
5
Parent Support
The success of a fundamental school relies on effective parent/school cooperation. The school
does not assume total responsibility for education of the student. To ensure success, we
encourage a signed commitment (Page 22) by parents pledging support of the following
principles of the fundamental program.
Parents will:
 Respond promptly to communications sent by school which require a parent signature
and/or response.
 Assure the prompt arrival and departure of each child on a daily basis.
 Ensure that children are dropped off at 8:00 a.m. or after for safety reasons.
 Ensure that children are picked up promptly at dismissal for safety reasons, unless
involved in an after-school program.
 Notify the school of reason for child’s absences, prior to absence, or the day of absence.
 Attend appropriate parent meetings and conferences.
 Support the school in addressing any discipline or behavior problems.
 Support the homework guidelines.
 Provide proper nutrition, essential to a child’s success in school.
 Ensure that their child has adequate rest.
 Support dress and grooming guidelines.
 Encourage a positive attitude toward school.
 Help in the total school program at school and/or at home.
 Schedule vacations during regular school holidays.
Parent Volunteer Program
A significant correlation has been established between direct parent involvement and a school’s
overall high rate of success. At Cowan we welcome parents and highly encourage them to
volunteer in the classroom, at home, or during school events.
All parents are expected to attend Back to School Night, all requested and scheduled
parent/teacher conferences, and Open House.
6
What to expect as a volunteer
 Work on a regular, scheduled basis, whether biweekly, bimonthly or as otherwise
arranged.
 Have a list, or verbal instructions for what you are to do when you volunteer.
 Have use of the workroom for duplicating and preparing materials.
What is expected of a volunteer
 Honor your volunteer commitments. Appear on time, on the agreed day to work or notify
the appropriate person if you cannot be there. Find a substitute if at all possible.
 Use the “apple” door to enter the nurse’s area and workroom. Please honor the “staff
only” areas.
 Keep in confidence any information you gain about a student’s behavior, achievement
or personal life.
 Become familiar with and support school and classroom policies and procedures.
 Be positive and encouraging in your dealings with students, other volunteers, and staff.
 Avoid interrupting the instructional program. Ask questions at appropriate times if
directions are not clear.
 Attend “training” offered on the use of the copy or die cut machines.
 Be courteous of office staff when in the workroom. Avoid loud conversations that
interrupt the workers’ focus.
 Make child care arrangements for your younger children. Sometimes parent volunteers
are able to trade baby-sitting with each other.
 If a problem comes up, discuss it with the person you are assisting.
 Record your volunteer hours.
Suggestions for working with students in the classroom
 Understand your assignment. Read the directions before assisting.
 Call the student by name.
 Listen attentively to the student you’re helping.
 Guide the student to find the right answer through encouragement, questions and/or
suggestions. Avoid giving the answer unless absolutely necessary.
 Use positive reinforcement at all times. Be encouraging and supportive.
 Avoid favoring your own child or children you know. Discuss your volunteer role with
your child in advance.
 Keep classroom and student information confidential.
 Enjoy knowing that you are helping a child be successful.
7
Policies and Procedures
Arrival and Dismissal
Children are not to arrive on campus, at the park or in the back of the school more than 10
minutes before their start time. There is no supervision until that time. For early start, not before
8:00 a.m. or for late start, not before 9:10 a.m. (8:30 a.m. on Thursdays)
Upon dismissal, children are to promptly leave campus. For safety reasons, children need to be
picked up within 15 minutes of the end of their day, either 2:15 p.m. or 2:45 p.m. (Mon., Tues.,
Wed., Fri.) or 1:00 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. (Thurs.). They are not to play on the kindergarten or main
playground after dismissal. They can stay at the park if a parent stays with them to supervise.
Kindergarten students should be picked up immediately upon dismissal.
Absences
The only legally excused absences are illness or injury, medical appointments or funeral for
immediate family. If an absence is necessary, the parent must call the absence recorder line at
979-8240 ext. 02 by 9:00 am with the following information:





Child’s name
Date of the call
Date(s) if absence
Reason for absence
Identity of caller
If a child is not at school and the parent has not called to report an absence, the school will alert
the child’s parent that the child has not arrived.
Attendance
All students are to attend school unless they are ill. Teachers plan each day in order to review
and introduce new ideas and concepts. It is important your child attend school each day he/she is
well in order to gain the most from his/her schooling. Students should be free of vomiting or
fever for a period of 24 hours before returning to school.
Tardies
Any student arriving late to school must report to the office for a tardy slip. (If a child is not
seated by the last bell, (s)he is considered tardy.) The teacher will send the child back for a slip
if s(he) arrives without one, causing further loss of instruction. The total number of tardies is
reported on each student’s report card each trimester. Excessive tardies will trigger a call from
the principal to develop some problem solving strategies.
8
Bicycles, Skateboards, and Roller Blades
Students may ride bicycles to school. By law, students who ride bicycles to school must wear
helmets. Skateboards, roller blades and skate shoes are not allowed at school. Bicycles are not to
be ridden on school grounds or in the school driveway for safety reasons. When arriving and
departing, bicycle riders must walk their bicycles. During school hours, bicycles must be locked
to a bicycle rack. Locks and chains are to be removed from the rack each day. Students are to
avoid loitering in the bicycle area. Students must enter and exit through the park, creek, or back
gates, but not through the cafeteria gate or front office area. Children may not come on to
campus to lock their bike until 8:00 a.m.
Class Parties
Generally, there will be three class parties permitted during the school year. These are shared at
Back to School Night. Parties will maintain respect for students’ cultural and religious beliefs,
following district guidelines. Additionally, they will avoid using an excessive amount of
instructional time, or expense, occurring at the end of the day, for no more than one hour. Food
provided at parties MUST follow the district board policies and guidelines. If you wish to help
with these, you should let your child’s teacher know in advance. If your child is not permitted to
participate in the activity, he/she should nonetheless be present for the instructional part of the
day.
Releasing Students During School Hours
The following procedures are used for early dismissals:
 The parent or authorized adult must come to the office where he/she will be required to
sign out the child and give name, relationship, and reason for taking child from school. If
office staff does not recognize you, they will ask for your ID. Please have that available
as we sometimes have subs or parents in the office.

While the adult is recording this information, the classroom will be called and the student
will be sent to the office. Students will not be called to the office prior to the parent
showing up at the office, due to loss of instructional time.

A child may be checked out by someone other than the parent or guardian only if the
parent has given authorization by note or phone call and the person is listed on the child’s
emergency card. Please remind the person picking up to have ID available.
Emergency Information
At the beginning of each school year, emergency cards are sent home. Please complete the
information requested on all cards. It is imperative we have accurate information for all students
in case of emergency situations. Please notify the office immediately with any changes in the
emergency card information. The emergency contact person should not be one of the child’s
two parents or anyone outside a reasonable distance from your home.
9
Field Trips
Field trips are an important component of Cowan’s Fundamental School curriculum. These real
life experiences bring learning to life. It is the expectation that children participate in this aspect
of the curriculum. Students may be transported by school bus or by private cars. This will be
indicated in a note to you, along with other details of the trip. Adults who plan to help with pupil
transportation are required to complete a Volunteer Vehicle Usage Form each year and be
fingerprinted in order to be eligible to drive or participate. These steps must be completed at
least three weeks prior to the trip. No exceptions will be made for parents not completing this
process. Parents who drive must commit to a no smoking policy during the trip. If a teacher
feels a student may be a risk to the safety of himself or others, the teacher may require the parent
of that student to chaperone so the student may attend the field trip. Siblings are not permitted
on field trips, as this is still considered an instructional day.
Students are automatically covered by San Juan Unified School District insurance for any field
trips.
Health Services
Vision and hearing screening are done routinely. Emergencies are handled by the school
secretary or other capable adults.
Telephone
Parents are discouraged from calling school to leave messages for children unless an emergency
arises. Similarly, students are discouraged from calling home, unless for an emergency.
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices
Cell phones and other electronic devices are not to be used or seen during school time. These
should be turned off and kept in back packs at all times, if they are needed for after school
communications or activities. Items observed out of the backpacks will be confiscated and a
parent will need to pick up after school hours. Phones can be used off campus before and after
school hours only.
Visitors
All visitors, including parent helpers in the classroom, must sign in at the office, for safety
reasons, and per district policy, and sign out at the end of their stay. Badges must be visible at
all times. Siblings may accompany visitors who help in the classroom at the discretion of the
teacher.
Noon Duty Supervision
Teachers are permitted by law and district policy to have a duty-free lunch period. At Cowan
Fundamental School, there are noon duty aides who supervise children during the cafeteria and
lunch recess periods. If you are interested in being a noon duty supervisor or substitute, please
call the office.
Lost and Found
You are urged to mark your child’s name on all apparel, lunch boxes, etc. which your child
brings to school. Lost and found items are kept on the lost and found cart near the MP room.
Unclaimed items are donated to charity several times a year
.
10
Lunches
Hot lunches are available at school. Since prices vary from year to year, it will be necessary to
announce prices each year. Milk may be purchased alone. Forms regarding free or reduced
price lunch eligibility will be sent home to you. If you believe you are eligible, please complete
the form and return it to school. Lunch tickets will be available for purchase. Even if a child
usually brings lunch from home, a lunch ticket should be purchased as a back-up in case a lunch
is lost or forgotten. A student’s last report card may be held if any charges are not paid.
Make-up Work for Absentees
Teachers have procedures for make-up work for absentees. Be sure you are acquainted with
these procedures and follow them. We are obligated to provide instructions and make-up work
for excused absences. Students and parents are responsible for requesting make-up work
immediately upon the student’s return to school.
Independent Study Contracts
If a child will be out of school for five or more days for an unexcused reason (e.g., personal
necessity), parents may contact the school at least two weeks in advance about arranging
Independent Study. While schools accommodate most requests, certain criteria may lead to the
school denying the request, including: less than two weeks advance notice, lack of academic
proficiency, attendance or behavioral concerns, vacation, conflict with testing or lack of
resources required to provide the service. Independent Study days are not considered absences,
as long as the contract is abided by and all work is completed.
Materials
Most materials required for instruction will be provided for students. Care and prudent use of
them is expected. Students will be charged for abuse or vandalism of school materials or
equipment. A student’s report card may be withheld if the financial obligation is not met.
Medications
If your child is required to take medication while at school, please contact the school for the
necessary form to be completed, or download the form from our website. All such medications
must be kept in the office. The following requirements, in addition to the completed form, must
be met:
 Medication must be in the original container.
 The container must carry a prescription label with the child’s name, the name of the drug,
dosage instructions, doctor’s name, and prescription date.
 The prescription must be current.
 Over the counter medication can only be given with the form from the doctor.
11
Homework
Purposeful homework is an important part of the total school program.
 Each teacher will explain the homework guidelines and his/her classroom practices to the
parents and students.
 Teachers will assign homework on a regular basis to develop responsibility and
accountability.
 Teachers will assign homework to improve and reinforce skills, encourage good work
and study habits.
 Teachers will assign homework to fit the needs of the child, and it should be understood
by the child when it is assigned.
 Homework will be corrected, recorded and returned to the student.
 Teachers will be responsible for developing a means of communicating homework
assignments to students and parents, such as homework notebooks, folders or assignment
sheets or websites
 Teachers may assign homework over the weekend or before holidays only if the work is
necessary to the natural progression of skills development for any individual student.
Such work will not be assigned on a regular basis.
 Students will be held accountable for homework assignments.
 Parents will provide a quiet place, appropriate materials and a regular time to do the
work.
 Parents will review homework assignments for neatness and accuracy.
Guidelines for Time Allocation on Homework
Kindergarten
15 to 30 minutes.
Primary
20 to 45 minutes.
Intermediate
30 to 90 minutes.
Grades kindergarten through sixth will assign homework on a regular basis Monday through
Thursday. The amount of time needed to complete the homework is determined by homework
assignments and the individual student. Questions regarding homework expectations or concerns
should be addressed by your child’s teacher.
12
School Dress and Grooming Policy
Students will be expected to dress and be groomed appropriately. Any student who may be
dressed or groomed in a manner that does not meet Cowan dress code will be asked to call a
parent to remedy the situation.
 Shorts and skirts must be fingertip length and shorts must be hemmed.
 Wearing “sagging” pants is not permitted and underwear must not show. Shorts must be
hemmed and underwear must not show.
 Spaghetti straps, un-hemmed muscle or mesh shirts are unacceptable.
 Bare midriffs and bare-back attire are not permitted.
 Inappropriate message patches or message t-shirts are not to be worn at school.
 Shoes should be appropriate for all school activities including PE.
 Sandals must have a heel strap. Students may not wear elevated platforms, shoes with
high heels, or flip-flops.
 Head covers (hats, caps, scarves) of any kind are not to be worn indoors.
 Dangling earrings, clothing or accessories that are unsafe for school activities are not to
be worn.
 Hair shall be clean and neatly groomed. Hair may not create a disruption which would
interfere with the educational process.
 Make-up is not appropriate for elementary school children attending Cowan Fundamental
School, unless part of a show or play.
13
Special Programs
Art Docent
Volunteers provide classroom instruction in art appreciation. If you are interested in
participating in this activity, please contact your child’s teacher or art docent coordinator.
Enrichment
Children who qualify for GATE (Gifted and Talented Education Program), will be presented the
opportunity of participating in enrichment activities before or after school. The program is
designed to be qualitatively differentiated from the regular school program.
Resource Specialist Program
Students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may qualify for additional help from
the resource specialist.
Student Support Budget (SSB)
Parents, teachers, and the principal work together on the School Site Council (SSC) to plan the
school program to meet the needs of all students. The Cowan Gazette lists the parent reps.
Speech and Language
Special speech and language instruction is available for those students who have an IEP and
require the services of a therapist. Contact your child’s teacher if you have concerns.
Adaptive PE
Adaptive PE is available for those students who qualify for these services.
Student Government
Each year, our students in grades 4-6 elect officers to represent them for the year. Under the
supervision of Cowan teachers, the student government meets on a regular schedule throughout
the year. Activities, events, and programs planned by Student Council are intended to provide
spirit, involvement, and support for the entire student body.
Library
The library is staffed by an Intermediate Clerk Typist (ICT). Each class has its own library
session once a week. In these sessions, library skills and literature appreciation are taught
throughout the school year.
All students are responsible for returning their borrowed library books or paying for the books if
lost. A returned book is more desirable. If a student pays for the lost book and later finds and
return the book within a school year, the money will refunded. The school will hold a student’s
report card if he/she does not return a book or pay for a lost or damaged book. See San Juan
Unified School District Policy 5131.51: “Any student, or the parent/guardian of any minor
student, shall be held liable for all property belonging to the district that has been damaged
destroyed, stolen or lent and not returned upon demand. After affording the student his/her due
process rights, the district may withhold the grades, diploma and transcripts of the student
responsible for the vandalism or theft until the student or the student’s parent/guardian has paid
for the damages. Prior to withholding a student’s grades, diploma, transcript, the district shall
notify the student’s parent/guardian in writing of the student’s alleged misconduct. (Education
Code 48904)”
14
Cowan Traffic and Safety Procedures
Parking
Safety during drop-off and pick-up times has always been a priority at Cowan because many
parents drive their children to and from school. Our goal is to keep our students and their family
members safe and our neighbors happy! The staff members who are on duty enforcing the rules
below appreciate your cooperation and courtesy. Please share these rules with anyone who picks
up your child, particularly on minimum and alternate schedule (open house and last day of
school) days. Please speak to your child about where to wait for you, walking quickly and being
ready to get in the car. Parents should expect that pick-up and drop-off can take up to fifteen
minutes and allow time in their schedule accordingly. Carpooling is highly recommended to
help alleviate traffic congestion.
The Parking Lot: For safety reasons, the school parking lot is not be used to drop off or
pick up students. The exceptions are on rainy days and for students who are tardy. The parking
lot is to be used for drivers who possess disabled placards and for commercial day care vans.
Spots labeled “Staff” and “Reserved” are for staff members only. The “15 Minute” slot is for
office business only and the “PTC Auction Winner” spot is only for the PTC Auction winners.
Classroom volunteers and field trip drivers: please do not park in these spaces.







Street Parking: Remember not to block driveways and on garbage pick-up day, please
allow the appropriate space. Be respectful of our neighbors’ properties.
Drop-Off/Pick-Up: Please drive to the end of Becerra, safely and slowly make a U-turn,
and drop off or pick up your child on the sidewalk along the playground fence between
the posted signs. Students should be dropped off in a quick and efficient manner. If your
child is not out at pick-up time, complete the “loop” again. This area is designated as a
NO PARKING zone from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Please only allow your child to exit your car on the school side of the street, by the
sidewalk.
The Red Zones: At no time should you park in a red zone. This is illegal and you
may be ticketed by the Sheriff’s Department!
Crosswalk Parking: Parking, picking up, dropping off or making a U-turn in the
crosswalk in a residential zone is dangerous and illegal.
Rear Cul-de-sac: Please use the same precautions and courtesies with our neighbors at
the rear of the school. Do not block driveways or park in this area for extended periods of
time.
When picking up your child, whether during early or late dismissal, please do not honk
your car horn. The sound is disruptive to students who are still in class as well as to our
neighbors.
Careful Driving at a Safe Speed is Always Necessary: During times
of heavy vehicle and/or pedestrian traffic, it is advisable to drive
more slowly than the posted speed limit of 25 mph.
Thank you for your cooperation and respect for these guidelines.
15
Student Progress
Grading Policy
Cowan staff members base their grading procedures upon the policies and guidelines of the San
Juan Unified School District. The progress report (report card) itself provides a detailed
description of the standards and criteria for assigning grades at the end of each trimester.
Back to School Night
Back to School Night will be held within the first three weeks of school. Parents will receive
information about district grade level objectives, the school philosophy and behavior code, and a
written description of classroom practices and procedures.
Individual Conferences
Kindergarten: Two individual conferences will be scheduled. The first conference will be
scheduled near the end of the first trimester and the second during the third trimester.
Grades 1-6: Individual conferences will be held at the end of the first trimester using the report
card as the basis for the conference. A second conference will be held at the end of the second
trimester if the student is performing below the standard in any area.
Parents may also request a conference at any time throughout the year, if needed.
Report Cards
Report cards will be issued three times a year: at the fall conference, at the end of the second
trimester and at the end of the year.
Progress Report Notices (Deficiency Notices)
Progress report notices (deficiency notices) are issued to students not making adequate progress
by the ninth week of each trimester or as needed.
16
Student Behavior Policy
Students have the right to:
 Attend school and pursue their education in a safe and supportive environment.
Students have the responsibility to:
 Refrain from intentionally causing another person harm or embarrassment.
 Use playground equipment and space in a safe manner.
 Refrain from willful disruption of school activities or disrespect toward school personnel.
 Settle conflicts in non-aggressive ways.
 Neatly complete and return homework.
 Deliver communications between home and school.
Parents have the right to:
 A safe and effective learning environment for their children.
 Knowledge of their children’s responsible or irresponsible behavior.
Parents have a responsibility to:
 Support homework, dress, and grooming guidelines.
 Attend appropriate parent meetings.
 Encourage a positive attitude toward school.
 Return all communications promptly.
 Communicate any concerns with the child’s teacher.
 Understand and support the school rules and positive and negative consequences.
 Accept the consequences that may be administered by the staff in order for the children to
learn appropriate behavior.
 Ensure proper nutrition and rest for their children.
 Assure regular attendance, prompt arrival (no earlier than 8:00 a.m.) and departure of
their children grades 1st – 6th at dismissal (2:15 p.m. or 2:45 p.m. on Mon., Tues., Wed.,
Fri. and 1:00 p.m., or 1:30 p.m. on Thursday). Kindergarten students are dismissed at
(11:40 a.m. or 12:50 p.m. on Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. and 11:40 am or 12:10 p.m. on
Thursday).
 Ensure that students are never left unsupervised at the park or on the school
playground before or after school.
Classroom Conduct
 Pupils must not be in the classrooms in the teacher’s absence.
 Students are expected to pursue their class work and homework diligently.
 Students should expect to follow the classroom rules as outlined by their teacher.
 All students will follow restroom policy (as posted in all student restrooms).
17
General Conduct
 Courteous conduct is expected.
 Students are to take good care of all school property and materials.
 Chewing gum is not permitted at school.
 The office or classroom phones may only be used with teacher permission. Children will
not be given permission to call for forgotten books, homework, musical instruments, etc.
 Personal property and PE equipment are not to be brought to school except with
permission of the teacher.
 Students may only go the office with an office pass.
 Students or their parents will be expected to pay for property that is damaged or lost.
 Cell phones used by students for safety purposes must be kept turned off and in
backpacks until the student is off campus.
Written Parent Permission is Required:
 For a student to go off campus for lunch.
 For a pupil to participate in a field trip or other off campus activity.
Conduct on the Playground and in Hallways
 Be courteous and a good sport.
 No bullying or disrespect to others.
 Follow game and play equipment rules.
 Stay within playground boundaries and away from off-limit areas.
 Walk (not run) in corridors. Tag games are only permitted on the grass area.
 Touch football only, no tackling, one-handed touch only.
 Rough play, pushing, pulling, or tripping others is not allowed.
 Do not throw dirt, sawdust, stones, sand, or sticks.
 Students must not interfere with games in progress on the playground.
 Softball only (no hardball) at backstops and catcher’s mask must be used. Teacher
supervision is required.
 Injuries are to be reported to the yard supervisor immediately.
 Avoid wearing loose jewelry and do not carry pens and pencils on the playground.
 Balls and game activities are to be kept away from the rest rooms, classrooms in session
and water fountain areas.
 All students must stop their play and walk to the edge of the blacktop area (if on the grass
area or play structure) when the first recess bell rings. Student should await instruction or
whistle from staff on duty.
 Students must not cut in lines or save places.
 All games are open with the exception of team games that begin with a defined number
of players.
18
Rules for Equipment Use
 Children must wait their turn on playground equipment such as bars, gliders, and rings.
 Children using the climbing bars must keep at least one hand on the bars at all times hands are the last to leave the bars.
 Children must use the slide appropriately (slide down on bottom only).
 No tag games allowed on/near play structure.
 Horizontal and parallel apparatus:
One person at a time with the exception of the horizontal bars which may have three
users.
All users must travel in the same direction.
Do not stand or sit on the top ladder.




Playing with balls:
Balls are not to be thrown against the building or walls.
Balls may be kicked only on the field area.
All playground equipment is to be used properly, not abused.
Students may only take play equipment from their own classroom’s bucket.
Students who check out equipment must return it.
Cafeteria Conduct
 Students are expected to go to the cafeteria quietly and in line.
 Students may not take cuts in line or save places.
 Quiet or moderate talking is permissible.
 Students are to sit at assigned tables.
 When the quiet signal is given, all talking should stop. Attention should be given to the
supervisor until the signal is off.
 Appropriate table manners are expected.
 Garbage and trash should be disposed of properly.
 Students are to remain seated until dismissed.
Non-permissible conduct
The following types of conduct are never permissible:
1. Fighting.
2. Defiance of school staff.
3. The use of profanity.
4. Refusal to complete assignments or to participate in class.
5. Possession of weapons or other dangerous objects.
6. Possession or use of alcohol, tobacco or other controlling substances.
7. Theft.
8. Vandalism.
19
20