MISSION VIEJO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK 2013-2014 1 Mission Viejo Elementary School Parent Handbook Table of Contents TOPIC PAGE Table of Contents……………………………………………………2 Quick Reference Information………………………………….3 Parent Organizations………………………………………………3 School Hours…………………………………………………………..3 School Curriculum…………………………………………………..4 Developmental Assets…………………………………………….5 Grading Procedures………………………………………………..6 Homework……………………………………………………………..6 Parent/Teacher Conferences………………………………….6 Attendance Policy/Reporting Absences………………….6 Make-Up Work/Moving…………………………………………7 Student/School Discipline………………………………………7 Drop-Off/Pick-Up Before & After School………………..8 Weather Delays and Closures…………………………………8 Discipline Matrix (Grades K-2)………………………………..9 Discipline Matrix (Grades 3-5)………………………………10 Lunch & Breakfast Program………………………………….11 Volunteers & Visitors…………………………………………..11 Patriotism/Pledge of Allegiance…………………………..11 Health Services…………………………………………………….11 Health Education………………………………………………….12 Special Education…………………………………………………12 Student Telephone Use………………………………………..13 Safety & Accidents……………………………………………….13 Theft or Loss of Personal Property……………………….13 Care of School Equipment……………………………………13 Dress Requirements…………………………………………….13 Lost & Found……………………………………………………….13 Field Trips…………………………………………………………...14 Bicycles, Skateboards, Scooters……………………………14 Parties, Birthdays & Special Events………………………14 Outside Recess…………………………………………………….14 Parent/Guardian Communication………………………..14 Before & After School Program (B&A)………………….14 Kindergarten Enrichment Program (KE)………………..15 Parent/Guardian Concerns…………………………………..16 Sex Offender Information…………………………………….16 Out-of-District Acceptance/Admissions Policies……17 Other District Policies……………………………………….....18 Index…………………………………………………………………….22 2 MISSION VIEJO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL “Home of the Roadrunners” Parent Organizations Mission Viejo has three parent organizations in which we would like parent participation: Students and parents/guardians or legal custodians are strongly encouraged to review the contents of this handbook. This handbook was not designed to be all inclusive, but rather to be utilized as a reference. Should concerns arise about the information you read here, please contact the office. Additional copies are available in the office for parents/guardians. 1) The PTSCO (Parent, Teacher, Student, Community Organization) The primary purpose of the PTSCO is to support the educational success of the school through fundraising and community events. Money raised can be used to support educational programs, community events with an academic or child focus and various school “celebrations”. The PTSCO generally meets the every other month on the second Wednesday of September, November, January, March and May. Student Conduct and Discipline The Student Conduct and Discipline handbook is prepared as a separate booklet, produced by Cherry Creek Schools. The booklet includes all district policies related to student conduct and discipline and is distributed to all parents/guardians/legal custodians and students. The booklets are also available in each school building as well as other district offices. Parent/Guardian and student signatures are required to verify receipt of the booklet and compliance with the Cherry Creek School District Networked Resources Acceptable Use Agreement. 2) The School Accountability Committee (“Parent Accountability”) The primary purpose of Parent Accountability is for parents & community members to review and provide input on the academic programs being implemented by the school and to ensure financial resources are allocated to ensure the success of the chosen program(s). Parent Accountability generally meets four (4) times per year in October, December, February & April. 3) The PASS (Partnership for Academically Successful Students) Team The PASS Team was created to close the academic achievement gap of our Hispanic and African-American students by identifying causes of the gap and developing solutions through the collaboration of parents, family members, educators and the community. The PASS Team generally meets five (5) times per year: October, December, February, April & June. QUICK REFERENCE INFORMATION Websites District: www.cherrycreekschools.org School: http://missionposisible.ccsd.k12.co.us State: www.cde.state.co.us Phone Numbers Main Office: 720-886-8000 Attendance: 720-886-8000 Nurse’s Office: 720-886-8005 Lunch Menu/Information: 720-886-8044 Before/ After School Care: 720-886-8024 FAX: 720-886-8088 We strongly encourage all parents to attend the meetings of these three important groups. SCHOOL HOURS School is in session on scheduled days from 8:15 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. We provide for the supervision of students beginning at 8:30 a.m. each morning. Students are not to be dropped off on school grounds before 8:30 a.m. Address Mission Viejo Elementary School 3855 S. Alicia Pkwy Aurora, CO 80013 Students who arrive to school before 8:45 a.m. must wait by the building at their grade-level entrances, unless they are in the Breakfast Program or are accompanied by an adult. Students will be picked up by their teacher from their class line outside between 8:40-8:45. After the entry bell has sounded at 8:45 a.m. and students have been admitted at grade-level entrances, the only entry to the school is the main door. Students who arrive before the bell must stand in their class line. Basketball, wall-ball, running and “recess” play will not be permitted during this time to ensure the safety of those who are outside. School Hours Grades 1 through 5: 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Kindergarten (morning): 8:45 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. Kindergarten (afternoon): 12:25 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. School Office: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Before/After School: 6:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Students are not permitted on school grounds before 8:30 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. on school days unless they are supervised by an adult, participating in a school or community program on campus, or enrolled in our Before/After School Program. Students who arrive tardy to school later than 8:45 a.m. are to report to the office to properly check in for the school day. Tardy students are to enter the building through the main 3 front entrance because other exterior doors are locked once school is in session. science instruction. But we will also be using FOSS (Full Option Science System). Physical, Life & Earth science topics will be discussed at each grade level. The Discovery Works materials emphasize the scientific method and the FOSS materials provide many opportunities for hands-on experiments. Social Studies – To meet or exceed Colorado Model Content Standards, direct instruction is provided in history, geography, civics, and economics. We understand that several other disciplines, including anthropology, psychology, and sociology, have an important role within a comprehensive social studies program. In the intermediate grades, social studies curriculum is predominantly integrated with literacy instruction. The knowledge and skills provided through social studies is the key to preparing citizens to participate effectively in our democratic society and to understand international events that shape the future. At the end of the school day students are to leave school grounds no later than 3:30 p.m., unless they are supervised by a parent, attending a school or community activity on campus, or participating in our Before/After school child care program. SCHOOL CURRICULUM The curriculum at Mission Viejo Elementary School emphasizes the whole child. Students are expected to show growth in their mastery of basic skills and in content associated with the Colorado State Model Content Standards. Information on these standards can be accessed on the Colorado Department of Education website: www.cde.state.co.us. National media and technology standards are also interwoven throughout the curriculum, in order to teach students how to access and utilize information. These content areas and skills lay a foundation for an excellent preparation for middle school and for eventual successful adults. Art, Music, and Physical Education - To meet or exceed Colorado Model Content Standards, our school provides specialized instruction in art, music, and physical education to every student. Instruction is designed to actively engage students to develop an understanding and appreciation for each subject. Reading - To meet or exceed Colorado Model Content Standards, our school utilizes the McGraw Hill Treasures program at the primary level to assist students in the development of a strong base of phonetic awareness. We also implement this program in our intermediate levels to assist students in developing their comprehension and fluency skills. Students are provided with the opportunity to respond to literature in both verbal and written formats, enabling students to develop the skills to construct their own meaning while reading. Assets - The Developmental Assets are 40 common sense, positive experiences and qualities that help influence choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible, successful adults. The Developmental Assets framework has become one of the most widely used approaches to positive youth development in the United States. Students will take an Assets class, as part of the specials rotation that will explicitly teach the 40 assets and other social skills. The next page of this handbook lists the 40 Developmental Assets. Writing - To meet or exceed Colorado Model Content Standards, our school has established a belief system that students can and should write on a regular basis. We incorporate the use of many effective writing programs, including Six-Traits Writing, which involve the complete writing process. It is our belief that teachers have a responsibility to help students find real purposes to write and to assist students as they draft and revise writing pieces. We also believe that grammar and mechanics are best learned in the context of actual writing. Advanced Performance (AP)--also known as GT (Gifted & Talented) Mission Viejo AP programming is based on student needs. Many of our students achieve at an elevated level and many needs are met within the regular classroom. A variety of adaptations and modifications are made by the classroom teacher, including, but not limited to: tiered assignments, differentiated expectations, challenges, compacting, acceleration, flexible grouping, independent studies and enrichment opportunities. Mathematics - To meet or exceed Colorado Model Content Standards, our school utilizes the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project materials titled Everyday Mathematics as the primary resource in mathematics instruction. Everyday Mathematics builds on fundamental mathematical strands such as numeration and order, measures and measurement, reference frames, operations, patterns, functions, and sequences. Moreover, Everyday Mathematics uses more of the mathematical spectrum by exploring data and chance, geometry and spatial sense, algebra, and the uses of variables. We have a full time AP Teacher who serves as a resource for the above listed needs, providing pull-out groups when appropriate, as well as, consultation with the classroom teachers and parents. Programming is designed to be flexible in order to meet individual student abilities, needs, and interests. It is our philosophy and intent at Mission Viejo each year to build a GT program that uniquely fits our students and teachers. Rather than design a static program to fit the students into, we look at each grade level’s teachers and their strengths along with students’ needs, and then develop that year’s program. This yearly modification augments our unique programming. Science - To meet or exceed Colorado Model Content Standards, for the 2011-12 school year, we will utilize two curriculums--Discovery Works will be the primary resource in 4 40 Developmental Assets® for Middle Childhood (ages 8-12) Search Institute® has identified the following building blocks of healthy development—known as Developmental Assets®—that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible. External Assets 1. Family support—Family life provides high levels of love and support. 2. Positive family communication—Parent(s) and child communicate positively. Child feels comfortable seeking advice and counsel from parent(s). 3. Other adult relationships—Child receives support from adults other than her or his parent(s). 4. Caring neighborhood—Child experiences caring neighbors. 5. Caring school climate—Relationships with teachers and peers provide a caring, encouraging environment. 6. Parent involvement in schooling—Parent(s) are actively involved in helping the child succeed in school. 7. Community values youth—Child feels valued and appreciated by adults in the community. 8. Children as resources—Child is included in decisions at home and in the community. 9. Service to others—Child has opportunities to help others in the community. 10. Safety—Child feels safe at home, at school, and in his or her neighborhood. 11. Family boundaries—Family has clear and consistent rules and consequences and monitors the child’s whereabouts. 12. School Boundaries—School provides clear rules and consequences. 13. Neighborhood boundaries—Neighbors take responsibility for monitoring the child’s behavior. 14. Adult role models—Parent(s) and other adults in the child’s family, as well as nonfamily adults, model positive, responsible behavior. 15. Positive peer influence—Child’s closest friends model positive, responsible behavior. 16. High expectations—Parent(s) and teachers expect the child to do her or his best at school and in other activities. 17. Creative activities—Child participates in music, art, drama, or creative writing two or more times per week. 18. Child programs—Child participates two or more times per week in extra-curricular school activities or structured community programs for children. 19. Religious community—Child attends religious programs or services one or more times per week. 20. Time at home—Child spends some time most days both in high-quality interaction with parents and doing things at home other than watching TV or playing video games. Internal Assets 21. Achievement Motivation—Child is motivated and strives to do well in school. 22. Learning Engagement—Child is responsive, attentive, and actively engaged in learning at school and enjoys participating in learning activities outside of school. 23. Homework—Child usually hands in homework on time. 24. Bonding to school—Child cares about teachers and other adults at school. 25. Reading for Pleasure—Child enjoys and engages in reading for fun most days of the week. 26. Caring—Parent(s) tell the child it is important to help other people. 27. Equality and social justice—Parent(s) tell the child it is important to speak up for equal rights for all people. 28. Integrity—Parent(s) tell the child it is important to stand up for one’s beliefs. 29. Honesty—Parent(s) tell the child it is important to tell the truth. 30. Responsibility—Parent(s) tell the child it is important to accept personal responsibility for behavior. 31. Healthy Lifestyle—Parent(s) tell the child it is important to have good health habits and an understanding of healthy sexuality. 32. Planning and decision making—Child thinks about decisions and is usually happy with results of her or his decisions. 33. Interpersonal Competence—Child cares about and is affected by other people’s feelings, enjoys making friends, and, when frustrated or angry, tries to calm her- or himself. 34. Cultural Competence—Child knows and is comfortable with people of different racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds and with her or his own cultural identity. 35. Resistance skills—Child can stay away from people who are likely to get her or him in trouble and is able to say no to doing wrong or dangerous things. 36. Peaceful Conflict Resolution—Child seeks to resolve conflict nonviolently. 37. Personal power—Child feels he or she has some influence over things that happen in her or his life. 38. Self-esteem—Child likes and is proud to be the person that he or she is. 39. Sense of purpose—Child sometimes thinks about what life means and whether there is a purpose for her or his life. 40. Positive view of personal future—Child is optimistic about her or his personal future. 5 GRADING PROCEDURES contact before and after school hours. However, if you are not able to contact the teacher, you can call during school hours and leave a detailed voice mail message on the teacher’s extension so that the teacher can be prepared to talk to you about your concerns. Our school distributes Progress Reports to parents/guardians on a trimester basis (three times per year). Progress Reports provide students and parents with specific information on student attainment of proficiency on Colorado Model Content Standards. Progress on standards is reflected as “Advanced” (4), “Proficient” (3), “Partially Proficient” (2), or “Emerging” (1). Progress information is provided in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, music, and visual art. Information is also provided in the area of Work and Social Skills. INSPECTION OF RECORDS Parents/Guardians or legal custodians are welcome to review their student’s school records by calling the school registrar (Ms. Dante) or Principal (Mr. Pearson) and scheduling an appointment. Persons who view school records will be required to sign a record log verifying the date of examination. In grades 4 and 5, summary grades (A,B,C,D,F) are provided in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Summary Grades reflect the quality and quantity of work and the student’s progress toward meeting all learning goals for the term. ATTENDANCE POLICY Students are expected to be in school each day. This is the first and most important requirement for a successful school experience. Every child who has attained the age of six years and is under the age of seventeen is required to attend public school, with such exceptions as provided by law. According to state law, it is the obligation of every parent, guardian, and legal custodian to ensure that every child under his/her care and supervision attends school. At the beginning of each school year, and upon enrollment of each new student between the ages of six and twenty-one, parents, guardians, and legal custodians shall be notified of their obligation under state law to ensure their child’s attendance at school. 1. Excused Absences Excused absences are those resulting from: temporary or extended illness, injury, or physical, mental, or emotional disability; work study program under the supervision of the school; attendance at a school-sponsored activity; observance of an established religious holiday; absences excused by the Principal (or a designee) through prior requests of parents or guardians; absences occurring as a result of the denial of admission to the schools of the School District; absences which occur when a student is in custody of a court or law enforcement authority; and any other absence approved by the Principal/Designee. The Principal may require medical verification of absences from school. 2. Unexcused Absences Unexcused absences are those absences deemed unacceptable by the Principal/Designee regardless of the prior approval or knowledge of the parents/guardians or legal custodians. 3. Tardiness Tardiness is detrimental to the education process and is subject to disciplinary procedures. Kindergarten students do not receive Progress Reports for the first trimester. HOMEWORK Homework provides the opportunity for independent practice of content in which students have a degree of familiarity. Teachers must first model and teach the skill and provide the opportunity for some guided practice before assigning homework as independent practice. Homework should also provide students the opportunity to elaborate and/or extend what they have already learned to transfer skills and concepts into new learning experiences. The amount of homework assigned to students should increase as a student progresses through school, because the impact of homework on student learning increases in conjunction with student capacity. Homework should be planned in a manner to strike a balance between academics, family life, and the child’s needs. Parents should have minimal involvement in homework beyond supporting and facilitating the completion of homework. Remember, homework should not be the time to introduce new concepts or skills. The primary purposes of homework are independent practice and/or extension of learning. PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES Mission Viejo is committed to effective communications between students, teachers, and parents. Conferences will be held twice a year. Written progress reports will be sent home prior to the conferences. Additional conferences may be initiated, as needed, by parents or teachers throughout the year. If you think your child is having a problem or you have a concern about his or her progress, please do not wait for the regularly scheduled conferences — call your child’s teacher as soon as possible. Teachers are typically available for telephone REPORTING ABSENCES If a student is to be absent, we request that a parent/guardian call our school (720-886-8000) the morning of the absence no later than 8:45 a.m., stating the child’s name, teacher, and the reason for the absence. 6 If telephone contact is not possible, we request that the parent/guardian send a written note with the student stating the reason for the absence on the day of return. The absence will be recorded as “unexcused” if there is no telephone contact or written correspondence with acceptable reason provided by the parent/guardian. SCHOOL/STUDENT DISCIPLINE Philosophy The goal of our school discipline system is to help children learn to regulate their own behavior. We try to take into consideration the developmental level of students and explicitly teach certain behaviors to our younger students. Mistakes are an opportunity for children to learn more about themselves and their place in the world; positive behavior is an opportunity for recognition. By the time our students reach fifth grade, personal responsibility for good behavior should be ingrained. PARENT/GUARDIAN REQUEST FOR SCHOOL ABSENCE FORM Parents/Guardians who are planning a trip longer than 2 days during the school year or who know ahead of time that a student will be absent for any reason, for an extended length of time should request a Parent/Guardian Request for School Absence form in advance of the absence. Forms are available in the main office. We seek to develop in students a sense of responsibility that causes them to interact appropriately with one another in a way that provides a safe environment for all. A safe environment, in turn, creates a climate that is conducive to learning. Our concern for safety is not limited to the physical environment, but includes caring for others and fostering social competency, positive values, and positive identity, all parts of the 40 Developmental Assets. A completed form is merely a notification and does not convey any right for student credit or promotion in school. Staff members are not required to prepare work in advance for vacations. Students will be allowed one day for each day of absence to make up work. MAKE-UP WORK Any discipline system should recognize the individual needs of students and teachers. Consistency in expectations is the key to success and is necessary to ensure that students believe in the fairness of our discipline system. Make-up work will be arranged after a student returns to school, unless the period of absence has extended beyond two days. For extended absences caused by personal illness or family emergency, make-up work can be collected by calling the school office. Our teachers will need a full day’s notice to prepare make-up assignments for extended absences. In all cases, students will be responsible to make-up all work missed and will be given one make-up day for each day of absence. District Expectations At the beginning of each school year, parents and guardians receive a copy of the Student Conduct and Discipline Rights and Responsibilities booklet. Please read this carefully and keep it for reference. It is particularly important that your student understand the weapons policy and Internet access policy. You will be asked to sign documents indicating that you have read, understood, and discussed these policies with your child. LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS In the event that a student needs to check-out of school during the school day, a parent/guardian must report to the office and sign the pupil out before leaving school grounds. We request that parents/guardians enter the building through the main front entrance to check a child out of school. If the student is returned before the end of the day, we request that the parent/guardian accompany the student to the office to sign back in. A personal listing on the Student Contact Sheet or a signed note from the parent/guardian will be required if a third party is to check a student out of school during the school day. Positive Behavior Support (PBS) In 2009, Mission Viejo implemented a program called PBS (Positive Behavior Support). This is a program adopted and supported by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), with the hopes that eventually all Colorado schools will commit to this initiative. The school-wide Positive Behavior Support Initiative is to establish and maintain safe and effective school environments that maximize the academic achievement and behavioral competence of all learners. There are three primary components of PBS initiative: 1) to establish school-wide behavior expectations, 2) to explicitly teach the behaviors expectation and 3) recognize & reward students when they exhibit positive behaviors. We feel the PBS program connects well with and supports many of the 40 Developmental Assets. Another part of the PBS program is to develop an “expectations acronym” to help students remember the expected behaviors. At Mission Viejo we expect “R.O.C.K. Star” behavior: Respect, One Community, Caring, Knowledgeable MOVING (WITHDRAWAL OR TRANSFER) If a student plans to withdraw or transfer from our school at any time during the school year, a parent/guardian must notify the office prior to the last day of attendance and sign an Authorization to Release Student Records. 7 General School Expectations • Students are expected to show respect for the rights and property of others. • Students are expected to come to school ready to learn. Students should leave nuisance items, such as gum and toys, at home. Student dress should be conducive to learning. • Students are expected to contribute to the safety of themselves and others. Such rules as no tackle football, walking in lines, and speaking quietly are necessary in order to assist with our academic environment. • Students are expected to contribute to the social, emotional, and physical safety of others. Cursing, bullying, name calling or exclusion of others, hitting, and kicking are not appropriate behaviors. • Students are expected to be in areas where they can be supervised. • Students are expected to fully engage in the learning process by staying on task. Walking To and From School Practice the walking route with your child before school starts. If possible, it is better if students can walk in groups of two or more. Any suspicious behavior on the part of adults, such as following students in cars or offering unsolicited rides, should be reported immediately to the police and the school. WEATHER DELAYS AND CLOSURES The Cherry Creek School District is committed to holding school if possible, even during inclement weather, to ensure that our students continue to learn and reach their academic potential. However, when extreme weather hits, district officials decide whether to close, delay, or hold school as scheduled, based on the safety of students and staff. As early as 3:00 a.m., on bad weather days, the district’s transportation supervisors and staff drive the district to evaluate conditions. If those conditions pose a significant safety threat to students and staff that walk, drive, or ride the bus to school, classes will be canceled or delayed. Since the district makes the decision based on conditions across the district, weather conditions where you live may be better or worse than other parts of the district. Discipline Matrix The following two pages of this handbook contain common student offenses & the consequences for each offense. This discipline matrix is primarily designed to communicate to parents and students of the most likely consequences if a child chooses not to follow behavior expectations while on school property. The Principal (or his designee) may choose to give the student a different consequence on a case-by-case basis. While it is the district’s goal to hold regularly scheduled classes whenever possible, parents may decide, due to their personal situations relative to the weather, to keep their students home, or bring them later to school. This is always a decision parents can make. Children will be excused for an absence or tardy for this reason. DROP-OFF/PICK-UP BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL The beginning and end of the school day are very busy times at Mission Viejo Elementary as well as all other schools. Traffic monitors are in place to ensure the safety of our students. Those directing traffic are employees, teachers and/or parent volunteers. Please be courteous to them, follow their instructions, and drive carefully! Information about snow closures and delayed starts is posted on the district’s web site at www.cherrycreekschools.org and recorded on the district’s three area hotlines: North Area Hotline 720-554-4701 West Area Hotline 720-554-4702 Southeast Area Hotline 720-554-4703 Mission Viejo Elementary is in the Souteast Area. We ask that the guidelines listed below be followed when delivering or picking up children from school: • Pull into the school driveway from S. Alicia Parkway and line up alongside the curb in front of the school. Please pull forward as far as you can so that other cars may enter the driveway. • Please be courteous of school and day care buses who need to pull up as close to the school as possible. • Delivery and pickup areas for cars include the curbside area in front of school and the school side along Mission Parkway. • If children need to cross a street, please insist that they cross at the crosswalk on Mission Parkway and Alicia Parkway. It may take you a little more time, but modeling this when you are with them may one day prevent an accident. • Do not leave your car unattended in the front of the school or let your child off in front of another car by using the second lane in the driveway area. The information will be sent to the following stations: Television- 2/WB2, 4/KCNC, 7/KMGH, 9/KUSA, 31/FOX FM Radio- 97.3/KBCO, 106.7/KBPI, 92.1/KJMN, 101.1/KOSI, 105.1 KXKL, 98.5/KYGO AM Radio- 630/KHOW, 760/KTLK, 850/KOA If schools are closed: Before/After School Day Care Programs at the closed schools will also be canceled and closed. All activities scheduled in district facilities are also canceled. If classes are delayed: Elementary school bus pickup and school start times are delayed 1 hour (60 minutes). Afternoon Kindergarten starts at the regular time. Before/After school Day Care Programs will open and close at the regular time. 8 Offense Vandalism 1st Incident Community Service (done at school) Defiance toward authority Fighting Phone call home, letter of apology 1 hour Friday detention Phone call, Reflection sheet and 1 hour Friday Detention Reflection paper at recess and stay with teacher 1 day suspension Bullying/threatening Physical aggression Disruption Mission Viejo Elementary School Discipline Matrix (Grades K-2) 2nd Incident Community Service and 3 hours Friday detention Apology letter, parent conference with administration and 3 hours Friday Detention Reflection sheet, parent conference with administration and 2-3 hour Friday detention Reflection paper and 1-3 hours of Friday detention 3rd Incident 1 day suspension 1-3 day suspension 1-3 day suspension 3 day suspension Parent conference with administration and 3 hour detention or 1 day suspension 5 day suspension District Policy District Policy District Policy Weapons District Policy District Policy District Policy Profanity 1-3 day suspension 1-3 day suspension Stealing Letter about appropriate words to use in school Replace item/District policy Replace item/District policy Replace item/District policy Possession of electronics District Policy District Policy District Policy Cheating Re-Do assignment Re-do assignment/parent conference 1-3 day suspension Non Completion of work I hour Friday Detention 2 hours Friday Detention Graffiti Clean area and 1 hour detention Hands on others Letter of appropriate use of our hands Clean area, 2 hours detention & parent conference with administration Parent conference and Friday detention 3 hours Friday Detention and Meeting with Principal and Parents 1-3 day suspension Inappropriate use of equipment Inappropriate play (playground) Throwing Rocks Loss of privilege Loss of privilege and essay on how to use correctly 1-3 day suspension Loss of use/area for 3 days Loss of use/area for 1 week Loss of recess 1 recess sweeping rocks. 2 recesses sweeping rocks 3 recesses sweeping rocks Electronic Devices or Toys Confiscated and returned at the end of the day Confiscated and parents must pick them up. Confiscated and returned at the end of the year. *Parents will be contacted by the principal (or designee), via phone or in writing, for each offense. *The principal (or designee) has the authority to modify consequences on a case-by-case basis. 9 1-3 day suspension Revised: May 2011 Mission Viejo Elementary School Discipline Matrix (Grades 3-5) 2nd Incident 5 days of community service clean up around the school (media center, other classrooms, etc) 1 Day Suspension Offense Vandalism/graffiti 1st Incident Clean & replace Verbal confrontation (talking back, arguing with an adult) Hands on others/horseplay Letter of apology Essay & no recess for 5 days 1 Day Suspension 3 Day Suspension Disruption 1 Hour of Friday Detention 2 Hours of Friday Detention 3 Hours of Friday Detention Dress Code Violation Wear a “borrowed” shirt 1-3 Hours of Friday Detention Suspension Fighting 1 Day Suspension 3-5 Day Suspension 5 Day Suspension Paraphernalia (drug, alcohol, sexually suggestive) Obscene act Suspension Suspension Suspension 1 Day Suspension 2 Day Suspension 3 Day Suspension Bullying/threatening Miss specials; attend assets class with Mrs. Sandy and write an essay Essay on appropriate versus offensive language and hurtful words 3 hours of Friday Detention 3 Day Suspension 5 Day Suspension 1 Day suspension 2 Day Suspension Threats 1 Day Suspension 2 Day Suspension 3 Day Suspension Stealing 1 Day Suspension 2 Day Suspension 1 day suspension and re-do the assignment Conference with parents, teacher, and administration 2 day suspension and re-do assignment Inappropriate use of equipment/play Replace item with new item, if item value exceeds $20, an additional study hall time should be assigned Re-do assignment during Friday detention, and still receive a zero for the assignment Removal from classroom and written apology with explanation of what expectations are and why they should be respectful 2 hours of Friday detention and conference with parents Loss of privilege Cell Phone Weapons (also toys that look like or are used as weapons) Profanity (of sexually or physically harassing nature) Cheating Insubordination (Refusal to follow directions) Non completion of work 3rd Incident 2 Day Suspension 2 Day Suspension Conference with parents, teacher, and administration and suspension In-school suspension Kept until parent picks up 3 hours of Friday detention and conference with parents Write an essay on how to correctly use equipment and loss of privilege Kept for a month 1 Day Suspension 3 day suspension 5 day suspension 10 Suspension Kept until the end of year LUNCH AND BREAKFAST PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS AND VISITORS A type “A” school lunch and breakfast program as established by federal regulations is served each school day. Parents/Guardians may purchase lunch or breakfast on a daily basis or purchase credits for student use. Personal checks or cash may be sent to school with the student who will turn it in to the classroom teacher. The teacher will then turn the money into the cafeteria manager. Parents/Guardians may also personally deliver payments to our the cafeteria manager. All school volunteers and visitors must check-in at the office as they arrive to school. We request the use of the main front entrance. Entrance to the school during the regular school day is monitored by a doorbell system and closed circuit video. Once access to the school has been granted, volunteers/visitors are required to properly sign-in and wear an identification badge during the time spent on our campus. Visitors who are not known by school personnel may be required to provide identification to be copied for school records. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer at the Mission Viejo Elementary School. We encourage the participation of parents/guardians and members of the Mission Viejo community in our school. Mission Viejo Elementary requires that all volunteers read and sign an acknowledgement statement of the Volunteer Handbook. Free and reduced-price meals are available to those who meet federal income guidelines. Application forms for free or reduced meals are available in the school office or at the administration building. Meal prices for elementary school students during the 20112012 school year are as follows-Breakfast: $1.30 (including milk) Lunch: $2.30 (including milk) Lunch for Adults: $3.35 (not including milk) Milk: $.40 Milk and juice may be purchased separately from the regular lunch as well as additional a la carte items. We request that parents/guardians notify the classroom teacher prior to visiting your child’s class school day. Parents wishing to visit a classroom other than the class their child attends must receive specific permission from the principal. We do not permit students who are not enrolled in our school to attend classes in our school. We also offer a variety of “a la carte” snacks available for purchase. Parents or guardians can decide if they want their student to use his/her meal account for a la carte items. Parents/guardians can limit their child’s meal account use in a variety of ways: Limit the days of the week that the student may purchase additional items, Set a dollar amount that the student can not exceed each day, Prevent the purchase of additional items at all. To set the limits on your student’s meal account, contact the cafeteria manager (720-886-8044). We do utilize the service of volunteers to assist with school Field Trips. Please contact the classroom teacher if you wish to assist with supervision on a Field Trip. We do not permit the siblings or friends of a student to join in on our Field Trip experiences. Please reference the Volunteer Handbook for additional volunteer guidelines & expectations. PATRIOTISM/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Colorado Revised Statute requires that each classroom display the American flag. Mission Viejo Elementary stresses pride and allegiance to the country in which we live. We start each school day by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Should your religious convictions forbid your child’s participation in these activities, he/she may recognize their privilege of not participating by remaining quietly seated during the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance in the presence of the American flag. The cafeteria is open for breakfast from 8:15a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Students must be in the breakfast line prior to 8:35 a.m. to be served. We serve lunch by grade levels. For the 2011-2012 school year, lunch times will be as follows: Morning Kindergarten Enrichment—12:00 Afternoon Kindergarten Enrichment—12:15 First Grade—10:55 a.m. Second Grade—11:20 a.m. Third Grade—11:45 p.m. Fourth Grade—12:10 p.m. Fifth Grade—12:35 p.m. Lunch Times are subject to change for days with a modified/special schedule. With the exception of Kindergarten Enrichment, students will have recess just prior to lunch. HEALTH SERVICES A school nurse is available if your child becomes sick or injured during the school day. Parents will be notified if the situation cannot be remedied by simple first aid. It is very important that all the information on the emergency cards is correct so that parents can be contacted promptly in an emergency. If any of the contact information changes, particularly parents’ work numbers, please notify the school nurse of the new number so that we may reach you when you are needed. Lunches brought from home, should not need preparation. Microwaves and refrigerators are not available for student use during the lunch time. 11 Medication By law we can only administer medication under certain circumstances. If it is necessary for your child to take medication at school, the following guidelines must be met: Transportation of medication to school: The safest procedure is for the parents to bring the medication directly to the nurse. The medication should not be sent with the student. In the event an adult is unable to bring the prescription to school, an arrangement can be made with the school nurse. 1. All medication should be sent to the school nurse in its original container, appropriately labeled by the pharmacy. Controlled medications: Please be aware that these medications present a greater than usual risk of becoming habit forming or being used illegally. These controlled medications are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency. Examples of common controlled medications include Ritalin, Dexedrine, tranquilizers, or muscle relaxant drugs, Phenobarbital for seizures, and pain medication-containing codeine. No more than one month’s supply of these drugs may be kept at school. Medications, which are not completely used or picked up by the parent, will be discarded at the end of the school year. These procedures are for your student’s protection and safety, as well as the safety of others. We appreciate your cooperation. If you have questions, feel free to contact your school nurse at 720-886-8005 2. Colorado State Law requires that prescription medication be accompanied by permission from the physician, along with the name of the child, name of medication, dosage, and time to be administered. 3. Non-prescription medication in the original container may be sent to the school nurse accompanied by permission from a parent, along with child’s name, name of medication, dosage, and time to be administered. This includes throat lozenges and cough drops. 4. Medications which are not completely used or picked up by the parent will be discarded at the end of the school year. Forms are available in the office to assist you with the process. HEALTH EDUCATION Illness We want our students in school as much as possible, but children who are sick belong at home, not at school where they can infect others. If you suspect that your child has strep, you must wait until the culture comes back before returning your child to school or until they have been on medication for 24 hours. If your child has an illness that is causing a fever, please do not let your child return to school until his or her temperature has been normal for 24 hours. The Board of Education is committed to a comprehensive health education program as part of each student’s general education. The health education program should emphasize information, skills, and knowledge necessary for students to understand and appreciate the functioning and proper care of the human body. Students in grade 5 are provided information on growth and development. Parents/Guardians are notified in advance of this presentation by letter and are invited to view materials to be used in advance of the presentation to students. Over- the -counter -medications: Written parental permission is required for non-prescription medication purchased over the- counter: verbal permission cannot be accepted. Medication must be in the original manufacturer’s container with directions attached. A physician’s authorization will be required for dosages that are not within the manufacturer’s directions. .New medication forms must be submitted annually. SPECIAL EDUCATION Mission Viejo Elementary School complies with federal and state laws that apply to Special Education. Inclusion in the program requires a referral from a teacher, parent/guardian, or other professional to the school-level Problem Solving Team. Interventions are implemented to assist the child. In the event that interventions are developed and implemented, and they prove to be ineffective, further assessments may be warranted to determine if a child is not able to fully benefit from participation in the regular education program. A staffing where a determination of a handicapping condition, as defined by law, must be made if special education services are to be provided. Prescription medications: Prescription medications require a physician’s authorization, as well as the pharmacy labeled medication instructions. No more than a one-month supply of the medication may be kept at school. A new form must be completed with any changes in dosage or type of medication made by the physician. New medication forms must be submitted annually. Homeopathic/ Herbal medication: Homeopathic and herbal medications are treated as prescription medication. These medications require both a physician’s signature, as well as the parents’ signatures. In addition, the Cherry Creek School District Medical Advisory Board must approve the medication before it can be administered at school. This process takes approximately two to three weeks. All evaluations and placements require written parent/guardian permission. An Individual Educational Plans (I.E.P.) is developed for each student placed in the Special Education program. 12 STUDENT TELEPHONE USE CARE OF SCHOOL EQUIPMENT School phones are for school business. Lines need to be available for parents/guardians and school employees. Students are permitted to use the school telephones for necessary calls only. Calls for social purposes will not be permitted. Students are not permitted to use cell phones on our school campus during school hours. Cell phones may be carried onto the school campus if they are turned off and remain in a student’s backpack throughout the school day. Students are entrusted with the care of books and general equipment during the school year. Damage to any school equipment obligates the student or parent/guardian for restitution in the form of repair or replacement costs. DRESS REQUIREMENTS At Mission Viejo Elementary School, shoes must be worn at all times. Bare midriffs (exposing skin between shirt and pants); certain tank tops, net shirts, cut shirts, and clothing bearing inappropriate logos (relating to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, sexual activities, and any other content that may be offensive to others) are not permitted. Sleeveless tops must be designed to fit closely under the arm. Thin-strapped tops, such as spaghetti straps and halter tops are not permitted. Cell Phone Policy Personal electronic communication devices include but are not limited to, cell phones, digital media players, ipods, zunes, MP3 players, handheld game systems, portable CD or DVD players or any other personal technology device that may be stand-alone or may use wireless communications between users across some form of telecommunications network. Use of these devices in the school setting may be approved on a limited basis. Students are to use these devices in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner. The administration reserves the right to determine if a student’s use of personal electronic communication devices is inappropriate and/or disrupts the learning environment and may take appropriate disciplinary action, including but not limited to, confiscation of the device, which will be returned to the student and/or parent(s)/guardian(s) in accordance with established building guidelines. Head gear of any type (hats, visors, hoods, etc.) is not to be worn in the school building. Exceptions for themed dress-up days or other special events may be permitted Shorts may be worn if they comfortably cover the rear end when students are in a standing, bending, or sitting position. Boxers, spandex shorts, swimwear, or long underwear used as an outer garment is not permitted, nor is clothing that exposes underwear or undergarments. Occasionally, a grade level or class will have a “Pajama Day” or other type of themed dress up day. On these days, outfits should still be modest and meet the “spirit” of the dress code. At Mission Viejo our building guidelines/consequences are as follows: 1st Violation: Electronic device will be confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the same school day. 2nd Violation: Electronic device will be confiscated and must be picked up by the student’s parent/guardian. 3rd Violation: Electronic device will be confiscated, held in the school safe, and returned after 30 days. 4th Violation: Electronic device will be confiscated, held in the school safe, and returned on the last day of the current school year. Any apparel, insignia, jewelry, accessory, notebook, or other school supply item or any manner of behavior that, by virtue of its color, arrangements, trademark, or any other attribute, denotes membership or association with gangs may be banned by the school Principal. Students should have shoes suitable for running and playing every day. We discourage students from wearing sandals, flipflops, or open-toed shoes to school because they can be hazardous on the playground. SAFETY AND ACCIDENTS School employees to whom the Superintendent of Schools delegates’ authority shall be responsible for the safety of students enrolled in school during the time the student is on school grounds, at school activities, or being transported in school vehicles. The school district does not provide medical coverage for student injuries caused by accidents. LOST AND FOUND Our school has a lost and found box located by the cafeteria. All lost clothing items are placed in this box. We also have a small box for items such as jewelry and eyeglasses that is kept in the main office. We encourage students and parents/guardians to look for items they have lost. Unclaimed items are given to charity periodically during the school year (October, December, March, and June). It is helpful for parents/guardians to mark student names on all personal items that may be easily lost or left. THEFT OR LOSS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Our school will not be held responsible for the loss or theft of personal items from students at school. Students are not to bring personal items, including music players, electronic games, trading cards, or toys, to school. However, it is important to report any loss or damage to the principal immediately. 13 FIELD TRIPS PARENT/GUARDIAN COMMUNICATION Field trips are considered part of the school program and, regardless of whether students walk or are bused, require a signed permission slip from a parent/guardian. Classroom teachers will notify parents/guardians of upcoming trips and solicit volunteer assistance for supervision. Periodically, our school prepares a school newsletters called The Mission Bell. The Bell contains school bulletins, school information, important dates, and updates on various programs in our school district or local community. Beginning with the 2011-12 school year, The Bell will be distributed electronically via e-mail. Please be sure your most current emails is given to a member of the PTSCO executive committee. PTSCO volunteers maintain the PTO Manager (a database of parent contact information). BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS, ETC. Students may ride bicycles to school. The school has a bicycle rack near the basketball courts to the side of the building for parking during the school days. Students, who ride their bikes to schopl, need to provide security measures against theft. Bicycles are not to be ridden on school sidewalks after arrival on school grounds. Failure to operate in a safe manner will result in loss of riding privileges. The school does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged equipment. BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM (B&A) Program Description This program provides childcare before and after school and on school holidays, non-pupil contact days, and summer and winter vacations. The Before/After school program has a variety of clubs for children to participate in after school, including Homework Club, Computer Club, and Games Club. On non-pupil contact days, the program goes on field trips to many locations. We do not recommend students to bring scooters or skateboards to school. Problems related to storage and theft is the primary reason for this suggestion. Students are not permitted to wear tennis shoes with retractable roller wheels in the school building. This licensed program provides childcare and enrichment activities for the children and families of the Mission Viejo community. The program is fee-based and self-supporting. It is governed and regulated by the Cherry Creek School District and by the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care. PARTIES, BIRTHDAYS, AND SPECIAL EVENTS Room mothers, fathers, or guardians are selected in each classroom to assist with coordinating class parties and other celebrations over the school year. Students are generally asked to contribute a small amount of money or donating a food item for these events. Program Goals To provide quality childcare and enrichment programs that are safe, affordable, and convenient. To assist children in their physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and creative growth. To provide children with positive interaction and opportunities to establish relationships with peers and adults. To involve children and parents in continuous program development and improvement. To provide qualified, caring staff members who participate in regular training and education. Birthday parties are not to be held at school, although many parents/guardians do bring classroom treats to honor their child for a birthday. Arrangements need to be made in advance with the classroom teacher. Should your religious or personal convictions be the cause of an objection to a party or program, the student will be excused from the scheduled activity OUTSIDE RECESS Hours of Operation Before School: 6:30-8:45 a.m. After School: 3:15-6:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday on regular school days) Students in our school go outside for recess each day, except for in cases of extreme weather. Our school utilizes a webbased weather station and we carefully monitor the wind chill temperature to make decisions regarding outside recess. Please remember the variable weather conditions we have in Colorado in preparation for school each day. Full Day: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (On school holidays, non-pupil contact days, as well as Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break & Summer vacation.) Students are expected to use recess equipment in a manner that was designed for use. Misuse of equipment may be cause to restrict use for individual students. 14 appropriate activities that enhance the learning being provided by the Kindergarten program. At the same time it provides a stable and consistent environment in which children will learn, develop, and meet new friends. This is a fun and exciting class for children, and is another positive alternative to day care. This licensed program provides enrichment activities for the Kindergarten children of Mission Viejo Elementary. The program is fee-based and selfsupporting. It is governed and regulated by the Cherry Creek School District and by the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care. Fees Before School: $7.50 After School: $8.00 ($6.00 if picked up by 4:30 p.m.) Full Day: $25.50 Field Trip fee: $10.00 Late Pick-up: $1.00/min per child after 6:00 p.m. Service Charge for returned checks (insufficient funds): $25.00 There is a discount for most fees if siblings are enrolled in the program at the same time. Ages Accepted The Before/After program is open to students in grades K-5, ages 5-12 years. We are unable to accept children before they are in kindergarten. We also do not accept children once they begin 6th grade. Program Goals To provide a quality enrichment program that is safe, affordable, and convenient To assist children in their physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and creative growth To provide children with positive interaction and opportunities to establish relationships with peers and adults To involve children and parents in continuous program development and improvement To provide qualified, caring staff members who participate in regular training and education Enrollment All children must be fully enrolled before attending the Before/After school program. To enroll, parents or guardians must complete and sign the Enrollment Form, which is available in the Before and After-School Program office and the main office. Parents must also give the child’s current immunization record to the program Director and/or school nurse. Program Description The Kindergarten Enrichment Program provides enrichment for Kindergarten children. It is also designed for parents who may require a half-day childcare service. Students participate in hands-on, self-directed experiences and activities such as reading and listening to stories, imaginative and creative play, art, music, science, field trips and cooking. Students may attend the Mission Viejo Before and After School Program, in conjunction with the Kindergarten Enrichment program. While enrollment can occur at any time, parents or guardians will complete a new Enrollment Form before each summer session and school year. Registration Before and After-school program registration takes place on monthly calendars. Calendars are made available one month in advance, and can be picked up in the Before and Afterschool office. Calendars with payment are due in the program office by the due date stated on the calendar. Hours of Operation Kindergarten Enrichment is open from either 8:45 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. (morning session) or 11:35 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. (afternoon session) on regular school days. Summer Programs During the summer months, the Before/After school program operates in a day camp format. We go swimming one or two time a week and venture out on numerous field trips. Some of our favorite field trips include the Denver Zoo, the community pool, and the Downtown Aquarium. We even include theme weeks! Some of our theme weeks are Gardening week and Animal Week. This program gives students the opportunity to remain active and engaged during the summer months; as well allowing them to cultivate friendships developed the school year. Ages Accepted All participants must be age 5 by October 1 of the current school year to participate in Kindergarten Enrichment. Enrollment All children must be fully registered in Kindergarten at Mission Viejo Elementary before attending the Kindergarten Enrichment (KE) Program. To enroll, parents or guardians must complete and sign the Kindergarten Enrichment Program Enrollment Form, which is available in the KE classroom or in the main office. Program space is limited and open on a firstcome, first-served basis. KINDERGARTEN ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (KE) Mission Viejo Elementary School offers parents the opportunity to enroll children in a Kindergarten Enrichment (KE) program. This is a tuition-based program offered to children enrolled in Kindergarten at Mission Viejo. The purpose of the program is to provide developmentally Parents must provide the child’s current immunization records to the program director and/or school nurse. 15 Parents are required to update the Kindergarten Enrichment Program Enrollment Form if phone numbers or any other information changes. Registration and KE Deposit Kindergarten Enrichment enrollment begins in the spring or when a child is fully registered in Kindergarten. The Kindergarten Enrichment program requires a $270.00 deposit with enrollment. This deposit will reserve a space for your child. The deposit will be deducted from the final payment if all other payments have been received. PARENT/GUARDIAN CONCERNS Establishing a good relationship between school and home is critical to school success. When problems or concerns arise, please take the following steps toward resolution. Have the student explain the event and then call the school for an appointment to talk with the person involved (teacher, bus driver, office staff, paraprofessional, cafeteria staff, etc.). It is helpful not to present the issue to the staff member or other parents while visiting at a ballgame, bake sale, gas station, grocery store, etc. unless extenuating circumstances exist. Fees The current fee for participation in KE is 10 payments of $270.00 per month. Monthly checks are payable to “CCSD Mission Viejo ECS”. Payment must be made by check or money order on the first of each month. Cash is not accepted. During the conference with the person involved, explain what the student has reported to you. Allow the teacher (or staff member) time to present his/her information regarding the situation. Most problems are usually solved with this type of conference. However, if you are not satisfied with the outcome of this conference, ask the teacher (or other staff member) to set up a conference with the school principal or go directly to the main office to set up a conference with the principal. At this conference, the principal will hear the concern of the parent/guardian or legal custodian and the teacher (or other staff member). The problem can usually be resolved or a plan developed to do so within a reasonable time. In rare instances a parent/guardian or legal custodian may still not be satisfied with the decision made. The Principal or parent may then request a conference for all involved to meet with the Elementary Executive Director for that area. Payments are due on the first day of each month. A late fee of $25.00 is assessed for a payment made after the 10th of the month. The $270.00 registration/deposit fee is applied to the May payment. (No tuition will be charged for the partial months of August and June.) There is a $25.00 service charge on all checks returned for insufficient funds. Refunds Refunds are not available. There are no refunds for early pick up or student absences. The Elementary Executive Director will ask that the problem be stated in writing and signed by the parent/guardian or legal custodian and personnel involved. The statement should explain the efforts that have been made to resolve the situation. The Elementary Executive Director will determine if a meeting is to be held and who should attend the meeting. Every effort will be made by the Executive Director to solve the problem objectively. Credits Credits are not available. The Kindergarten Enrichment program will not issue credit to parents for days the program is closed for emergency reasons. Financial Assistance Financial assistance is available for those families who qualify for the free/reduced federally subsidized school lunch program. The discount for qualifying students is 25% off the total fee. Parents who wish to utilize this discount must provide the program specialist a copy of the authorization letter from Food Services. Parents must provide a new authorization letter annually. Students who receive the free/reduced lunch discount are not also eligible for the sibling discount. SEX OFFENDER INFORMATION The Colorado General Assembly has passed legislation requiring school districts in Colorado to provide information to parents, eligible students (students who are 18 years of age or older) and community members identifying where and how they may obtain information collected by law enforcement agencies related to registered sex offenders. In compliance with this statutory directive, Cherry Creek School District is providing the following internet links to various law enforcement agencies operating within and in the immediately area surrounding district boundaries. Meals Kindergarten Enrichment students utilize the school lunchroom facilities. Students may bring their own lunch from home or purchase lunch from the cafeteria with lunch credits. These credits may be purchased from the cafeteria personnel with either cash or a check made payable to “Mission Viejo Food Service”. Each month a menu will be sent home listing the lunch choices for each day. Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department 13101 E. Broncos Parkway Centennial, CO 80112 http://www.co.arapahoe.co.us/Apps/SexOffender/ 16 Aurora Police Department 15001 E. Alameda Parkway Aurora, CO 80012 http://gis.auroragov.org/so/viewer.asp Any student enrolled pursuant to this policy shall be allowed to remain enrolled in the school or program through the end of the school year unless overcrowding or other conditions develop, as described in the accompanying regulation. Denver Police Department 1331 Cherokee Street Denver, CO 80204 http://www.denvergov.org/Police/template115558.asp The Board reserves the right to rescind and/or amend any enrollment of non-resident students if, in its opinion, overcrowding of facilities or other undesirable conditions develop. Douglas County Sheriff’s Department 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO 80109 http://lss.dcsheriff.net/main/DIVISIONS/INVESTIGATIONS/SEX OFFENDER/index.htm Transportation Transportation for non-resident students who enroll in the district shall be the responsibility of the parents/guardians. Homeless and disabled students shall be transported, as necessary, in accordance with state and federal law and applicable school board policies. Greenwood Village Police Department 950 S. Birch St., Glendale, CO 80246 Special Services Requests for admission from the parents or guardians of students with special needs shall be considered in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. The student's current Individual Education Plan (IEP) shall be used to determine if the requested school or program can meet the student's needs. However, the district shall not be required to enroll a non-resident special education student if said enrollment would require the district to take any of the actions set forth in paragraphs numbered 1 through 5 above. State of Colorado- Sex Offender Registration Unit Colorado Bureau of Investigation 690 Kipling Street, Suite 4000 Denver, CO 80215 http://sor.state.co.us/sxregistration.asp OUT-OF-DISTRICT ACCEPTANCE/ADMISSION POLICIES In compliance with state statutes, the Cherry Creek School District Board of Education shall accept students from other school districts within the state who apply pursuant to the regulations approved by the Board. Such students may enroll in particular programs or schools within this district on a space and staff available basis without payment of tuition, except as otherwise provided by law. Nondiscrimination In the determination or recommendation of action under this policy, the Board, and district personnel shall not make any distinction on account of race, sex, ethnic group, religion or disability of any student who may be in attendance or who seeks admission to any school or program maintained by the district. In providing for admission of non-resident students, the district shall not: Grounds for denial of admission Grounds for denial of admission to a non-resident student who otherwise complies with the district's policies and procedures are limited to the following: 1. Make alterations in the structure of the requested school or to the arrangement or function of rooms within a requested school to accommodate the enrollment request. 2. Establish, expand, or offer any particular program in a school if such program is not currently offered in such school. 3. Alter or waive any established eligibility criteria for participation in a particular program, including age requirements, course prerequisites and required levels of performance. 4. Enroll any non-resident student in any program or school after October 1 unless the parent/guardian provides proof that they are in the process of moving into the district in accordance with District procedures. 5. Alter or modify in anyway the established staffing assignments. a. There is a lack of space or teaching staff in a particular program or school requested, in which case priority will be given to resident students applying for intra-district admission to the program or school. b. The school requested does not offer appropriate programs or is not structured or equipped with the necessary facilities to meet special needs of the student or does not offer the particular program requested. Criteria to determine availability of space or teaching staff Enrollment requests are subject to space availability in the school requested contingent upon district class and program size guidelines and course availability as determined by the receiving principal taking enrollment projections into consideration. Before considering requests for admission from non-residents, priority shall be given to resident students who apply under the district's intra-district choice process and to children of district employees pursuant to negotiated district policy. 17 Students whose enrollment requests have been approved will be assigned to classrooms on the basis of available staff and support services as well as the best use of classroom space. Sexual Harassment of Students (AC-R-4) Sexual harassment is recognized as a form of sex discrimination and thus a violation of the laws which prohibit sex discrimination. A learning environment that is free from sexual harassment shall be maintained. It shall be a violation of policy for any staff member to harass students or for students to harass other students through conduct or communications of a sexual nature. · If the school's current enrollment exceeds 92% of the capacity as defined in the District Capacity Report. Mobile classrooms will not be considered in calculations of capacity. · If a particular program exceeds the district's staffing standard. · If a principal determines that given the school's staffing design there is not space available in a particular grade, class, or program. The following definition shall apply as sexual harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature may constitute sexual harassment when: Approval Period Approval of this request is for ONE YEAR ONLY. You will need to reapply each year for your child to attend our school. Our intent is to try to keep your son or daughter as part of our Mission Viejo family for the duration of his/her elementary education. However, this cannot be guaranteed due to unpredictable enrollment patterns. Lack of space or staffing may result in denial in subsequent years. Each school is given staff allocations based on our enrollment, therefore, each year the Non-Resident Application form must be completed. If your child is identified for one of our special education programs, i.e. learning disabilities program, speech/language program, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and/or mental health, etc. he/she may only remain at our school until the end of the school year. In subsequent years, your son/daughter will need to return to their school of residence based on our special education program capacity, figures, and staffing standards. 1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person's educational development. 2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for education decisions affecting such individual. 3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment. Sexual harassment as defined above may include but is not limited to: 1. Sex-oriented verbal "kidding," abuse or harassment 2. Pressure for sexual activity 3. Repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications 4. Unwelcome touching, such as patting, pinching or constant brushing against another's body 5. Suggesting or demanding sexual involvement, accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning one's grades or similar personal concerns Students should report all incidents of sexual harassment to the building administrator, the building level compliance officer, or other trusted adult. Students may file an informal or formal grievance of sexual harassment through use of the accompanying grievance procedure. If the alleged harasser is the principal with whom a grievance routinely would be filed, the student may file the grievance with the principal's supervisor. OTHER DISTRICT POLICIES Parent E-Mail Authorization Cherry Creek School District Policy EGA, Electronic Mail, provides that confidential student information may be transmitted by electronic mail pursuant to the requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”). This policy language allows for teachers and school officials to communicate student record information via email, transmitted over the Internet, with parents/guardians and or eligible students (students who are 18 years of age). When a parent or guardian asks for, or requests that teachers and other school officials use electronic mail to communicate students’ information to them, implied consent is given in accordance with district policy and applicable state and federal privacy laws. Students’ information may include but is not limited to, attendance, grades, classroom behavior, and assignments. All matters involving sexual harassment complaints shall remain confidential to the extent possible. Filing of a grievance or otherwise reporting sexual harassment shall not reflect upon the individual's status or affect grades. Notice of this policy shall be circulated to all district schools and departments and incorporated in student handbooks. Cherry Creek School District does not and cannot control Internet access, therefore, the school district is not responsible for any information or material accessed on the Internet by any user, other that the parent/guardian or eligible student. There will be NO solicitation of any kind, and email addresses will be considered confidential for FERPA purposes. LEGAL REFS: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 423 U.S.C. '2000e et seq. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, U.S.C. '1681 et seq. C.R.S. 24-34-401 et seq. 18 Sexual Harassment of Students Grievance Procedure (AC-R-5) 1. Students who believe that they have been subject to sexual harassment will report the incident to the principal, the building level compliance officer, another trusted adult staff member, or the appropriate district administrator who supervises the principal. Any report of sexual harassment from a student received by any staff member will be forwarded to the building principal who will be referred to as the grievance officer. If the alleged harasser is the person designated as the grievance officer, an alternate grievance officer will be appointed by the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. 2. Upon receiving a report, the grievance officer will confer with the student who has allegedly been harassed as soon as is reasonably possible, but in no event more than two days from receiving the report, in order to obtain a clear understanding of the basis of the complaint and to discuss what action the student is seeking. 3. At the initial meeting with the student, the grievance officer will explain the avenues for informal and formal action and provide a description of the grievance procedure. The grievance officer will also explain that whether or not the student files a formal grievance or otherwise requests action, the district is required by law to take steps to correct the harassment and to prevent recurring harassment or retaliation against anyone who makes a harassment report or participates in an investigation. The grievance officer will also explain to the student that any request for confidentiality will be honored so long as doing so does not preclude the school from responding effectively to the harassment and preventing future harassment. 4. Following the initial meeting with the student, the grievance officer will attempt to meet with the alleged harasser in order to obtain a response to the reported harassment and will investigate the matter. The grievance officer will complete the investigation within 14 days of the initial meeting with the student. 5. Within seven days of completing the investigation, the grievance officer will determine whether the matter should proceed formally or informally on the basis of the grievance officer's investigation and if the student requests that the matter be resolved in an informal manner and the grievance officer agrees that the matter is suitable for such resolution, the grievance officer may attempt to resolve the matter informally through conciliation. 6. If the student requests a formal grievance process, the grievance officer will transfer the record to the superintendent or his designee, for formal resolution within seven days of completing the investigation and so notify the parties. 7. After reviewing the record made by the grievance officer, the superintendent or designee may gather additional evidence necessary to decide the case. Within 14 days of receiving the record, the superintendent or designee will announce any sanctions or other action deemed appropriate including a recommendation to the Board for disciplinary or other action. 8. Whether or not a formal grievance was filed, the district will take all steps necessary to end the harassment, to make the victim whole by restoring lost educational opportunities, to prevent harassment from recurring and to prevent retaliation against anyone who reports sexual harassment or participates in a harassment investigation. 9. Parties will be notified by the superintendent of the final outcome of the investigation and all steps taken by the district. 10. At any time, the student making a report of sexual harassment may request an end to the informal process and begin the formal grievance process. Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Ethnicity and Race (AC-R-6) Learning and working environment free from ethnic harassment and intimidation shall be provided for all staff members and students regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion or national origin. It shall be a violation of Board policy as well as state law for any staff member or student to harass or intimidate any another staff member or a student because of that person's race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin. Individuals or groups are in violation of Policy ACB if, on school grounds, at school- sanctioned activities, or in vehicles dispatched by the District, they: 1. Make demeaning remarks directly or indirectly, (whether written or oral), including epithets, slurs, insults, name-calling, and racial “jokes” based on a person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin, which are addressed to an individual or group of individuals. 2. Threaten with physical harm or actually harm a person on the basis of that person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin. 3. Display written or visual material or deface school property or materials in such a manner as to demean the race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin of an individual or group. 4. Damage, deface, or destroy private property of any person on the basis of that person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin. 5. Commit other acts of harassment or intimidation that may be in violation of the Colorado Ethnic Intimidation Act of 1991, if, with the intent to intimidate or harass, an individual engages in the following actions which shall include: a. Conduct which knowingly causes bodily injury to another person b. Conduct or speech which knowingly places another person in fear of imminent lawless action directed at that person or his property c. Conduct or speech which is likely to produce bodily injury to another person or damage to his property d. Conduct which knowingly causes damage to or destruction of the property of another person Any incident believed to constitute ethnic intimidation/harassment shall be reported promptly to the building principal or supervisor for investigation and further action which may include reporting the incident to law enforcement authorities and a recommendation for expulsion of any student exhibiting such conduct. 19 Students or staff members who believe that they have been the subject of ethnic intimidation or harassing or discriminatory behavior will report the incident immediately to the principal, immediate supervisor, or designee. Confidentiality regarding all reports shall be maintained whenever possible. Reports about ethnic intimidation or harassment or discriminatory behavior shall be investigated in a prompt and timely manner by the principal or designee. necessary. If the student or employee submitting the written statement of an alleged violation is not satisfied with the handling of the matter by the Superintendent, he may appear before the Board of Education and present the matter directly to the Board. 3. Dissemination of Policy The Superintendent of Schools shall notify applicants for admission, students, parents of elementary and secondary school students, sources of referral of applicants for admission, employees and applicants for employment that it does not discriminate on the basis of handicap in the educational programs or activities which it operates and that it is required by Section 504 and its administrative regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. The notification shall be made in the form and manner required by law or regulation. LEGAL REFS: 29 U.S.C. §U§U701 et seq. (Section 504) 34 C.F.R. 104 et seq. Any student who is found to be in violation of Policy ACB by engaging in conduct described above will be required to attend a meeting with his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) and the school principal or designee to clarify school expectations of the student’s behavior. The student will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Any staff member who violates Policy ACB by engaging in conduct described above and/or who witnesses and fails to report conduct as described above will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Intimidation, Harassment and Hazing (ACC) The Board of Education affirms the right of all persons to be in an environment that is safe and free from intimidation, harassment, hazing or physical harm. It is a violation of board policy for any student or staff member to harass or engage in hazing any student, staff member, or other person in a physically or emotionally harmful manner while on school grounds or at school-sponsored events. Hazing, which involves any forced activity that recklessly or knowingly endangers the emotional or physical health or safety of another person, is considered a form of intimidation and harassment prohibited by this policy. Revised: October 11, 1999 Adopted: November 8, 1999 Effective: November 8, 1999 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap/Disability (AC-R-7) (Compliance with Section 504) 1. Designation of Responsible Employee The Board of Education shall designate an individual as the responsible employee to coordinate school District compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and its administrative regulations. The designee, the District's Section 504 compliance officer, shall formulate procedures for carrying out the policies in this statement and shall be responsible for continuing surveillance of District educational programs and activities with regard to compliance with Section 504 and its administrative regulations. The designee shall, upon adoption of this policy and once each academic year thereafter, notify all students and employees of the District of the name, office, address and telephone number of the Section 504 compliance officer. Notification shall be by posting and/or other means sufficient to reasonably advise all students and employees. 2. Grievance Procedure Any student or employee shall have a ready means of resolving any claim of discrimination on the basis of handicap in the educational programs or activities of the District. To this end the following policy is adopted. In the event a student or employee believes that there has been a violation of Section 504 or its administrative regulations, he shall mail or deliver to the employee designated as Section 504 compliance officer a written statement setting out the alleged violations in specific terms, describing the incident or activity involved, the individuals involved and the dates, times and locations involved. The Section 504 compliance officer shall provide the individual filing the written statement an opportunity to discuss the matter personally, if requested. The Section 504 compliance officer shall make such additional investigation as is necessary to determine the complete facts involved and shall report to the Superintendent of Schools his finding and recommendations regarding resolution of the matter. The matter shall be reported to the Board at its next regular meeting for its review and action if it deems further action LEG. REFS. C.R.S. 18-9-111 (harassment), C.R.S. 18-9-124(2) (a) (prohibition of hazing) CROSS. REFS. AC Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity, Interpersonal/Human Relations, JK Student Discipline, JKD Suspension/Expulsion of Students Drug and Tobacco-Free Schools (ADC) In recognition of the obligation that the school district has to utilize both precept and example to teach its students the facts and problems related to tobacco use, the Board of Education prohibits tobacco use in and on all district property at all times. Information concerning these restrictions shall be provided to groups making arrangements to use the buildings and grounds for evening meetings. Any member of the general public considered by the superintendent or designee to be in violation of this policy will be instructed to leave school district property. Employees found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Cherry Creek School District No. 5 shall provide a drug-free environment for its students and staff in accordance with federal laws and implementing regulations. Therefore the 20 unlawful manufacture, distribution, sale, possession or use of alcohol and controlled substances is prohibited on school premises or as part of any school activity. This policy shall apply to all district employees, students and visitors. Revised: September 8, 2003 Adopted: October 13, 2003 LEGAL REFS: C.R.S. 25-14-102 (3), C.R.S. 25-14-103 (1) (f), (3), 6 CCR 1010-6, Rule 5-306, 20 U.S.C. 7181 et. seq. (ProChildren Act of 2001 contained in No Child Left Behind Act of 2001), 20 U.S.C. 3224a, Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986, as amended in 1989, 41 U.S.C. §U§701 and 702, DrugFree Workplace Act of 1988, 21 U.S.C. §812 (definition of controlled substance) CROSS REFS: 4048, Drug-Free Workplace (Drug and Alcohol Use by Staff Members) opinion will come into conflict with one or more opposite opinions. The concept and tradition of academic freedom does not hold that a teacher is endowed with rights and privileges which other persons do not have. Rather it holds that a teacher has the same rights as others in activities of seeking and revealing truth. Further, the concept of academic freedom carries with it the responsibility on the part of teachers for maintaining individually and collectively the highest possible standards of professional responsibility, professional ethics, good taste and common sense. The student also has the right to receive information which contains all points of view on a controversial issue. Nor is it held that public participation in school affairs is bad. On the contrary, it is desirable. What is bad is the setting up of pressures and barriers to prevent teachers from proceeding as best they know how. JICH, Drug and Alcohol Use by Students, KF, Community Use of School Facilities, KFA, Public Conduct on School Property, KI, Visitors to Schools It must be recognized that the school is the primary instrument by which our culture is transmitted from one generation to the next. Only the school is able, in an organized way, to encourage the development of a relatively homogeneous society which can be called distinctively American. The Board subscribes to this traditional role of the American public school. Student Distribution of Non-Curricular Materials (JICEC-R) Students shall not be allowed to distribute non curricular written materials on school property subject to restrictions on time, place and manner of distribution set out in the accompanying regulations and the prohibitions set out below and in state law. Any material in any media containing expression that is obscene, libelous, slanderous or defamatory shall be prohibited. Students shall not distribute any material, which advocates commission of unlawful acts or violation of Board policy and/or regulations, which violated another person’s right to privacy, which causes a material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school, which threatens violence to property or persons. Nevertheless, nothing is perfect and without prospect of being improved. Clearly there are aspects of the American life with which few if any of its citizens are completely satisfied. If our culture is to improve, it must be examined. If it is to be examined, it must be criticized. But if it is to be improved, the criticism must be constructively aimed toward that end. The concept and tradition of academic freedom is not designed to protect the individual but rather to protect a process- the process of seeking and revealing truth. School equipment and supplies shall not be used for publication of such material unless authorized as a schoolsponsored activity. Constructive criticism seeks in its analysis to discover the precise nature of a particular idea, institution or condition; to trace its origins; to outline its effects; to show the relationships to other ideas, institutions or conditions, and to suggest measures by which the idea, institution, or condition may more fully and advantageously serve our culture. In its most practical aspects, academic freedom in the schools is the freedom and general well-being of all. This policy and the accompanying regulations shall be included in all student handbooks. “The entire text of any school district policy and/or regulations is available on request from the principal’s office at the school or from the district administration office located at 7400 South Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Additionally, all district policies may be accessed via the Cherry Creek School District website located at www.cherrycreekschools.org Destructive criticism using the techniques of propaganda and faulty logic seeks not to improve but to abolish a particular idea, institution or condition which the critic holds as a personal opinion to be detrimental to American culture. Destructive criticism follows no procedure, aims toward no usable end, and may degenerate into carping and namecalling. Teaching About Controversial Issues (IMB) The Board of Education recognizes the problem inherent in dealing with ideas in a complex and many-sided culture in which conflicting ideas on religious, political, economic and social matters are held by substantial portions of the population. It is inevitable that the expression of any one 21 Like any freedom, academic freedom carries responsibility. It is not a license for abuses. It may not serve as a cloak for indoctrination. Cherry Creek School District is an equal opportunity employer. Complaints may be filed with the school district; Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, (1961 Stout Street, Denver, Colorado 80294); or, as applicable with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) (303 East 17th, Denver, Colorado 80203); or Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) (1560 Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80202). Given these definitions, the Board believes in the academic obligation of teachers to engage in constructive criticism in the classroom and to encourage their students to pursue this ideal. A basic aspect of academic freedom concerns freedom of the student to learn. To keep consideration of vital and controversial topics out of the schools is to handicap students in getting facts, discussing problems and reaching conclusions on their own, both in school and in later life. Freedom to learn is an implied right in a democracy. In compliance with Colorado Revised Statutes Article 25-22104, parents/guardians are advised that the school district does provide health and health-related instruction to students. The health and health-related curriculum contains information that advises abstinence from high-risk behaviors, fosters positive self-concepts, develops decision-making skills, and provides mechanism for coping with resisting peer pressure. Students are allowed exemption from all or any part of the health education program upon request from the student’s parent or guardian. Requests for exemption shall be in writing and be writing and be addressed to the building administrator. Each teacher has the right and responsibility to teach about controversial issues. It is his/her responsibility to select issues for study and discussion that contribute to the attainment of course objectives and the educational program established by the Board and to make available to students materials concerning the various aspects of the issues. He/she also has the obligation to be as objective as possible and to present fairly the several sides of an issue. Although he/she has the right to express his/her own viewpoint and opinions, he/she does not have the right to indoctrinate students to his/her views. Controversial issues are to be presented with good judgment, keeping in mind the maturity and background of the students. The influence on values, attitudes, and responsibility of the individual students must be considered in conjunction with the actual subject content. INDEX Attendance Policy/Reporting Absences…………………..6 Before & After School Program (B&A)……………………14 Bicycles, Skateboards, Scooters……………………………..14 Care of School Equipment…………………………………..…13 Developmental Assets…………………………………………….5 Discipline Matrix (Grades 3-5)……………………………….10 Discipline Matrix (Grades K-2)………………………………..9 Dress Requirements……………………………………………..13 Drop-Off/Pick-Up Before & After School…………………8 Field Trips…………………………………………………………....14 Grading Procedures………………………………………………..6 Health Education…………………………………………………..12 Health Services……………………………………………………..11 Homework……………………………………………………………..6 Kindergarten Enrichment Program (KE)…………………15 Lost & Found…………………………………………………………13 Lunch & Breakfast Program…………………………………..11 Make-Up Work/Moving……………………………………….…7 Other District Policies……………………………………….....18 Out-of-District Acceptance/Admissions Policies……17 Outside Recess…………………………………………………….14 Parent Organizations…………………………………………..…3 Parent/Guardian Communication………………………..14 Parent/Guardian Concerns…………………………………..16 Parent/Teacher Conferences………………………………….6 Parties, Birthdays & Special Events………………………14 Patriotism/Pledge of Allegiance…………………………..11 Quick Reference Information……………………………..….3 Safety & Accidents……………………………………………….13 School Curriculum………………………………………………....4 School Hours………………………………………………………....3 Sex Offender Information…………………………………….16 Special Education…………………………………………………12 Student Telephone Use………………………………………..13 Student/School Discipline………………………………………7 Table of Contents………………………………………………..…2 Theft or Loss of Personal Property……………………….13 Volunteers & Visitors…………………………………………..11 Weather Delays and Closures……………………………..…8 Each building administrator shall be responsible for insuring that teachers have a wide field of academic freedom on one hand while exercising it wisely, objectively and prudently on the other. COMPLIANCE In compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination in Employment act of 1967 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, concerning the elimination of discrimination and/or denial of services in education, Cherry Creek School District hereby notifies all students, their parents/guardians, patrons, current and potential employees that it will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, religion, age, and disability in admission to, access to, treatment of, or in employment in educational programs, or activities which it operates. Grievance procedures have been established for district students, their parents/guardians, patrons, and employees who feel discrimination has been shown. Inquiries regarding compliance of non-discrimination guidelines may be directed to: Cherry Creek School District No. 5 4700 South Yosemite Street Greenwood Village, CO 80111 303-773-1184 22