ALICIA CORTEZ
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PARENT HANDBOOK
2014– 2015
Cougar Pride
We are Proud – We are Family
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chino Valley Unified School District Mission Statement
Message from the Principal
SSC, ELAC, GAC, SAC
Student Arrival Times/School Hours
Minimum Days
Extra Minimum Days
Minimum Days for Parent Conferences
Holidays and Non-School Days for All Students
Visiting Campus
Attendance
Short-Term Independent Study
Curriculum and Goals
Promotion and Retention
Textbooks
Library
Homework
Standards of Expected Student Behavior
Dress Code
Medication Policy
Reporting Child Abuse
Parent Faculty Association
Student Recognition Program
Visiting and Helping in the Classroom
Non-Students on Campus
Loitering
Insults & Abuses by Adults
Pick Up & Drop Off for Grades K -6
Smog/Heat Extreme Policy
Emergency Disaster Procedures
Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion
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Chino Valley Unified School District
Mission Statement
The CVUSD provides all students a rigorous and
relevant education in a safe environment.
Alicia Cortez Elementary School
Mission Statement
We at Alicia Cortez Elementary School are dedicated to providing the
best possible academic program for our students by helping them attain
the skills necessary for success in life and by helping them reach their
highest academic potential. We strive daily to teach and assist our
students to work together as a caring community, and to treat each
other with respect, dignity, and understanding.
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Message from Our Principal
Cougar Parents,
I am very proud and honored to serve as the principal of Alicia Cortez. As we prepare for a new
and exciting academic year, it is important to review our Cortez Parent Handbook to ensure you
stay up to date on the new and exciting things happening here at Cortez.
This year our focus will be on 21st Century Learning and transitioning to the Common Core State
Standards (CCSS). We will also expand on our motto “COUGAR PRIDE” by incorporating the
Cougar Pride theme into our Positive Behavior Support System or PBS. As part of PBS we will
be adding weekly character education and social skills lessons into our curriculum. In addition,
as we look towards preparing our students for college and careers through CCSS we will be
redecorating our campus utilizing a college theme. Each teacher grades 1-6 has chosen a college
to represent their classroom and get our students to start thinking about their future. It looks to be
a very exciting year as we prepare our Cougars to achieve their best!
Please review the handbook closely. The enclosed contents should serve your family as a
valuable resource when you have questions regarding Cortez general information, policies, and
procedures. We are constantly updating this manual throughout the year so please, if you can’t
find the information you need within the handbook give the school a call. We will get you the
information needed and make notations for the future edition.
When reviewing the handbook please pay special attention to the following areas:
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Attendance and Punctuality: There is no greater disruption to the instructional process
than students who are frequently absent, late, or pulled out of class early.
Traffic Patterns: Schools that were built many years ago reflect the traffic patterns of
the period. Nowadays, more vehicle traffic continues to cause congestion at dismissal.
Please follow the traffic plan enclosed.
School Rules and Accountability: Our school rules consist of three that are easy to
remember.
1. Take care of yourself
2. Take care of others
3. Take care of Cortez
If your child is demonstrating an inability to follow the rules, we may ask for your
assistance in helping your child shape their choices.
Again, welcome to the “Cougar Pride”. It is a great place to be and we look forward to serving
you.
Highest Regards,
Lisa Sura
Principal
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SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL
ENGLISH LEARNER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
GATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL
The School Site Council (SSC), the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), the Gate
Advisory Committee (GAC) and the School Advisory Council (SAC) are four committees made
up of volunteer or elected parent and staff representatives. The role of these committees is to
develop and oversee our School Level Plan and to budget and monitor the expenditures of State
and Federal funds we receive for these four programs.
STUDENT ARRIVAL TIME/SCHOOL HOURS
Students who are participating in the breakfast program may arrive no earlier than 7:45 a.m.
Other students not having breakfast should not arrive on campus before 8:30 a.m. Class times
are:
Kindergarten Schedule
AM Kindergarten
PM Kindergarten
AM & PM Kindergarten
8:40 – 12:00
12:00– 3:20
8:40-12:00
(Monday – Friday)
(Monday – Friday)
(Tuesday)
Elementary Schedule
Grades 1- 6
8:40 – 3:20
(Dismissal at 12:10 pm on Tuesdays)
MINIMUM DAYS
Students in grades K – 6 will have a minimum day every TUESDAY for teacher preparation.
School will be dismissed at 12:10 p.m. on the minimum days. There will also be minimum days
for parent conferences and conferences for our students who are at risk of retention. Please note
the following minimum days. Notices will be sent home when there are additional minimum
days or a change in the minimum days.
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EXTRA MINIMUM DAYS:
October 6th-10th Parent Conferences
November 19th At-risk Parent Conferences
December 19th At-Risk Parent Conferences
February 4th At-Risk Parent Conferences
March 11th At-Risk Parent Conferences
June 3rd Retention Meetings
HOLIDAYS AND NON-SCHOOL DAYS FOR ALL STUDENTS
September 1, 2014 – Monday – Labor Day
November 10, 2014 – Monday – No school
November 11, 2014-Tuesday-Veteran’s Day
November 24 – 28, 2014 – Monday-Friday – Thanksgiving
December 22, 2014 – January 2, 2014 – Winter Break
January 19, 2015 – Monday – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 9, 2015 – Monday – Lincoln’s Birthday
February 16, 2015 – Monday – Washington’s
Birthday
April 6-10, 2015 - Monday-Friday – Spring Break
May 25, 2015 – Monday - Memorial Day
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VISITING CAMPUS
We have always welcomed parents as partners in their
children’s education. We encourage them to come to us
with questions or concerns about their children. We have a
reputation of being a school that has an “open door” policy
in this regard. We provide Back to School Night so that
teachers can outline their programs and expectations, Parent
Conference days to enable parents and teachers to sit down
together and look at the progress of the student, and written
communication such as Report Cards and Progress Reports
to support the flow of information. In addition, parents are
encouraged to take part in their children’s education
through a variety of committees such as School Site
Council, English Language Advisory Committee, and Parent Faculty Association, as well as
volunteering in classrooms. In order to volunteer in a classroom, you must attend the Cortez
Parent Volunteer Academy. Also, PER CVUSD guidelines, minor children, who do not attend
Cortez, are not allowed in classrooms during the instructional day. When visiting our campus,
please honor our school dress code.
While we do encourage your participation in the classroom and meeting with your child’s
teacher to discuss concerns, it is important that meetings be arranged in advance so as not to
disrupt the teaching and learning in the classroom. Even “a moment in line before school starts”
can distract from the teacher’s plans and cause students to lose focus.
Please note that in order to not interfere in the instructional time for students, forgotten
homework and projects, etc. will be placed in the teacher’s box. If the items are turned in before
10:00AM the teacher will receive it that day. We cannot guarantee items brought after 10:00 AM
will be received the same day unless you have made a special arrangement with the teacher.
Lunches brought to school before 11:50 AM will be carried over to the cafeteria by
administration and given to the student. Any lunches brought in after 11:50 AM will have to be
delivered to the cafeteria by the parent. Lunches must be clearly labeled with the teachers name,
student’s name, and room number. If the lunch does not have this, we cannot guarantee it will go
to the correct student. Deliveries of balloons, flowers, or other gifts, will be kept in the office to
be picked up by the child at the end of the day.
Many times parents want to bring in items/treats for the class. This must be pre-arranged through
the teacher and is at teacher’s discretion.
We know that many times it is important to discuss issues concerning children in order to
quickly clear up concerns and/or misunderstandings. All of our staff understands this, and
strives to address needs and concerns as quickly as possible. However if a class is interrupted
while in progress, while children are in line waiting to be escorted in to the classroom, or while
the teacher is preparing for the day; it can be highly disruptive and a violation of the students’
right to an education and the teachers’ right to teach.
Please call the office at any time to set up an appointment or ask for the teacher to return a phone
call. This will enable us to put your request in the teacher’s mailbox immediately.
Please call us at (909) 627-9438 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
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ATTENDANCE
Attendance at school and promptness in arriving at school are crucial in ensuring your child’s
success at school. Even with make-up work, students who are absent cannot adequately regain
the instruction from the teacher that they have missed. Frequent absences only multiply this
problem. In addition, tens of thousands of dollars of income are lost by the school district each
year due to absences. This lost revenue could have been used to directly benefit the children at
our school.
EXCUSED ABSENCES: Per California Education Code, we can only mark the following
absences as excused: illness (doctor’s note required after 3 consecutive days), quarantine,
medical, dental, optometrical, or chiropractic treatments; required court appearances, and/or
attendance at a funeral service for an immediate family member (mother, father, grandparents,
brother, sister or any relative living in the immediate household), personal reasons justified by a
parent or guardian and other reasons within the discretion of school administrators. Students
absent for the above reasons shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed
during the absence that can be reasonably provided and, upon satisfactory completion, shall be
given full credit earned for the assignments.
Please pay careful attention to your child’s absences: Per California Education Code, 10 excused absences per
year is considered excessive.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: Students who are found to be unexcused or truant are not allowed
to make up work. Any absence other than for the reasons listed above in Excused Absences are
considered unexcused per California Education Code. It is not at the school’s discretion, it is the
law.
7 days of unexcused absences is considered excessive per California Education Code and could result in an
attendance contract.
Tardiness and early outs are also a deterrent to success in school. A student who walks in late or
leaves early has not only missed vital instruction, but has also disrupted the instructional process
for the other students in the class. In addition, the minutes lost due to chronic tardiness and early
outs can add up to days of missed instruction if they are multiplied over a long period of time.
Unexcused tardiness and early student pull out will cause a student to be ineligible for
perfect attendance awards.
Because good attendance is so important, the Chino Valley Unified School District has
established the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) to correct attendance problems. In
California, required school attendance is a law until the age of 18. It is a parent’s duty to provide
for their child’s education in the same way that a parent provides food, clothing, and shelter.
Under California law, more than three days of unexcused absences in a school year is defined as
truancy. Further, more than three tardies of thirty minutes or more in a school year is also
defined as truancy. As a parent, you are liable for the prosecution of your child’s truancy
pursuant to the Education Code and the Penal Code. The penalty could be up to one year in the
county jail and/or a fine of $2,500. If your child’s attendance becomes a problem, or is in
violation of the aforementioned Education Code and Penal Code, the District Attorney’s office
may have no choice but to file charges against you.
We do realize, however, that some absences and tardiness cannot be avoided. When your child
is absent from school please either call the Cortez office or send a note with your child his/her
first day back from being absent. You may also call the school after 4:30 p.m. and before 7:30
a.m. to report an absence on our automated voice mail attendance system at 627-9438. Parents
have a legal and moral responsibility to contact the school in writing or by telephone when their
son or daughter is absent. Any student who arrives late to school, for whatever reason, must
check in at the office before going to class.
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SHORT TERM INDEPENDENT STUDY
Short Term Independent Study (I.S.) is primarily designed for the student who will be away for a
planned absence. This absence is for a minimum of five days to a maximum of twenty school
days. For grades 1 – 6, four hours of work is required for each school day missed. Kindergarten
is required to complete three hours for each school day missed. All work must be completed and
returned to school the first day after exiting the I.S. program. This may involve mailing or
delivering the I.S. work your student has completed to the I.S. coordinator if you return during
off track time. The classroom teacher will give the assignments, assuring that appropriate work
that meets Chino Valley Unified School District’s standards is assigned.
To enter the I.S. program parents must complete and sign the Short Term Independent Study
contract a minimum of three working days prior to the absence. This may be done in the office
with the help of the attendance staff or the I.S. coordinator. This contract must be written and
signed before the absence occurs and may not be altered or amended after the absence occurs.
Students receiving credit for work completed will have an independent study code documented
on their attendance record rather than an absence code.
This is a voluntary program that takes a commitment on the part of both the parent and student.
If you have any questions, you may contact the Independent Study Coordinator.
CURRICULUM AND GOALS
Alicia Cortez Elementary School takes great pride in offering a high quality, challenging
educational program that strives to meet the needs of all of our students. We are known for our
high expectations and our outstanding instructional staff.
Our curriculum focuses on the Common Core State Standards as well as adheres to the Chino
Valley Unified School District core curriculum. Students are given instruction in Language Arts,
Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Physical Education, Art, and Music. We also offer special
programs for Gifted and Talented students, Special Education students and Limited English
speaking students, as well.
*For more details about your child’s curriculum, see your child’s teacher.
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PROMOTION AND RETENTION
Recent legislation (AB 1626) stipulates that all students being promoted to the next grade level
must meet minimum grade level standards. Using multiple measures, student progress is
carefully monitored. By the eighth week of school, parents of any students who are at risk of
failing will be notified by their child’s teacher. A remediation/intervention plan will be
established and follow-up conferences will be set. The final decision regarding
retention/promotion will be made in May.
TEXTBOOKS
The school district will furnish all textbooks, workbooks, and some materials and supplies. A
reimbursement fee is required for replacements should your child lose, damage, or destroy any
type of book provided.
LIBRARY
We have a well-stocked library that is used by all of the classes at our school. The students are
permitted to check out a book for one week. We take great pride in our library and expect the
students to take great care in the way they treat the books. Lost and damaged books affect all of
the students, therefore, we do ask that students who lose or damage books pay for the books that
are lost or damaged.
Also, if you are willing to help in the library, please let the PFA know. We need your help to
keep this important part of the school available to the students.
HOMEWORK
Homework has a definite place in the educational program. It is assigned to help the student
become more self-reliant, learn to work independently, improve the skills that have been taught,
and complete assigned projects.
It is the student’s responsibility to keep an accurate record of assignments, have necessary
materials, follow study techniques outlined by the teacher, apply and practice skills learned in
class, strive for the best quality of work of which he/she is capable, and complete assignments on
time.
Parents should encourage systematic study, show interest in assignments, commend satisfactory
performance, and provide the proper conditions for home study. Consistency is essential.
Parents should check assignments each night for accuracy, neatness, and completeness. This will
ensure good study habits.
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The amounts of time listed below represent the total daily AVERAGE for homework which will
be assigned Monday through Thursday nights.
Kindergarten
15 – 20 minutes/day
1st and 2nd grade
20 – 30 minutes/day
3rd and 4th grades
30 – 40 minutes/day
5th and 6th grades
40 – 60 minutes/day
STANDARDS OF EXPECTED STUDENT BEHAVIOR
We expect our Cougars to show their PRIDE
Positive Attitude
Respect
Integrity
Diligence
Excellence
PRIDE
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Dress appropriately for school. Refer to the Dress Code.
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Be prepared for classes and activities.
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Follow Playground procedures. Refer to Playground Booklet.
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Follow Classroom rules.
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Stop play when the bell rings. After the bell rings, walk to line. No playing in line. Use
the restroom and get a drink BEFORE the bell rings.
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Walk on campus at all times (we walk on white concrete and blacktop and run on green
grass). PE or specific games are the only exceptions to this rule.
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Toys, scooters, skateboards, shoes with skates attached, tape players, CD players, and
other objects that distract from learning are not permitted at school.
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Use “Rock, Paper, Scissors” to settle disagreements and go to an adult for help if
necessary.
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PRIDE
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Respect all students and adults. The use of profanity, offensive, or hurtful language
toward any staff member or student is not permitted.
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Avoid bodily harm or injury to others. Play safe and play fair. There will be no fighting,
play fighting, wrestling, chase games, tag (except shadow tag), piggyback riding,
throwing sand, or anything else that could result in harm to others.
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When in line, be quiet and courteous. Students will keep their hands to themselves and
be quiet when passing classes both in and outside of the buildings.
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Work and play cooperatively.
PRIDE
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Take care of all school property, materials, and
equipment.
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Food and candy are permitted in the lunch area only and
never on the playground, in front of the school, or at the
bus pick up area.
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No gum at any time.
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Treat restrooms with respect. (Restrooms are not the playground)
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Do not enter a classroom or the Media Centers during recess without an adult to
accompany you. If your teacher wishes to see you during recess, the teacher will come to
the playground.
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Follow the rules of arrival at school and line up in front of the school to wait for the
appropriate personnel to escort you to class.
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DRESS CODE
Please note the dress code applies to students as well as visitors on campus.
A. General Guidelines
1. Student dress which disrupts or threatens to disrupt the instructional process, or which
creates an unnecessary or unreasonable risk of injury or harm to any student is prohibited.
2. Student grooming which disrupts or threatens to disrupt the instructional process, or
which creates an unnecessary or unreasonable risk of injury or harm to any student is
prohibited.
B. Specific Minimum Dress and Grooming Standards
1. Shoes must be worn; the absence of shoes will be allowed only upon a showing of
medical necessity. Backless or strapless shoes may not be worn. Shoes with wheels may
not be worn.
2. Thongs or thong-type footwear and platform shoes above 2 inches are not permitted.
3. Footwear (i.e., shoelaces) that shows affiliation with and/or is reflective of a non-school
sponsored club or gang is not permitted.
4. Absence of undergarments is not permitted.
5. Clothing which allows undergarments to be visually observed is not permitted. Sports
bras are undergarments and must be covered.
6. The absence of shirt or other clothing covering the upper torso is not permitted.
7. Bare midriffs are not permitted.
8. Halter, tube or strapless tops without a covering blouse or jacket are not permitted.
Straps on tops must cover undergarments. Overalls over spaghetti straps are not
permitted.
9. Shirts, tops, blouses, or sweater tops unbuttoned below the sternum are not permitted.
10. Bathing suits are not permitted.
11. Short-shorts that allow undergarments to be seen are not permitted.
12. Dresses, skirts or pants that are slit more than six inches above the knee are not
permitted.
13. Tattered clothes are not permitted.
14. Clothing containing emblems printing lettering, or pictures pertaining to drugs, alcohol,
sex or profanity is not permitted.
15. Clothing or grooming that is obscene or defamatory, or that so incites students to create a
clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on school premises, or the
violation of school regulations, or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of
the school is not permitted.
16. Jewelry that creates a health or safety hazard is not permitted.
17. Jewelry that can be readily or reasonably used as a weapon is not permitted.
18. Non-medical cosmetics (makeup) shall not be worn by any student enrolled in any grade
K through 6.
19. “Gang type” attire and/or any other attire which includes oversized clothing such as
oversized t-shirts, oversized and/or sagged pants, oversized shorts with long white socks,
or oversized overalls are not permitted. Pants must fit at the waist without requiring
alteration. Military-style clothing and trench coats may also be excluded.
20. Oversized, hanging belts are not permitted.
21. Clothing with professional team or college logos, as approved by the school principal is
permitted.
22. Gang-related and/or obscene/profane/vulgar tattoos must be covered at all times. Body
markings are not permitted.
23. Accessories such as, but not limited to, hair nets, shoestrings, wristband, belts, belt
buckles, chains, bandannas, which advocate and/or cause disruption on campus and/or
other acts of violence or may be used as weapons are not permitted.
24. Hats are permitted at Cortez as long as they are not gang-related and are used properly.
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MEDICATION POLICY
In order to help ensure the safety of our students in the Chino Valley Unified School District, our
medication policy is as follows:
1. A physician must complete the school district form
requesting medication be given during school hours.
2. The parent must sign the form requesting the medication be
given at school.
3. Medication is to be supplied by the parent in the original
pharmacy prescription bottle, or the original container
labeled with the student’s name.
4. Any changes in medication dosages will require an updated
written request by parent and physician.
Examples include medication needed for acute conditions such as ear infections, sore throats,
coughs, etc. In most cases, medication can be given at home. Consult with your child’s
physician regarding medication time schedules.
Please do not send any medication (including over-the counter medication, cough drops, aspirin,
etc.) to school with your child until you have provided the proper paperwork. Medications will
be kept locked in the health office for the safety of all students.
Medication is necessary to treat illness, but it can also be harmful if not properly handled. In
order to prevent the possibility of error, our School Board Policy (1007.0304-R) regarding
medication will be strictly followed. Your child’s safety and well being is of utmost concern and
we wish your child a safe and healthy school year.
Thanks for your continued cooperation regarding our school district’s medication policy.
REPORTING CHILD ABUSE
The law requires that all District employees must report suspected child abuse to the proper
authorities. These persons are not liable for either civil damages or criminal prosecution as a
result of making a report, unless it is proven that they made a false report with malice (Calif.
Penal Code 11161.5). The child abuse hotline number is 1 (800) 540-4000.
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What is PFA? PFA stands for Parent Faculty Association.
Who are the board members? We are a group of involved parents, elected by fellow parents.
“Can I join or participate in the meetings?” Yes. We invite all parents, staff and friends.
When are the meetings? Every 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:00 PM
“But where do I leave my kids?” You can bring them, babysitting is provided.
What does PFA do? Our primary function is to raise funds for our school through the Cookie
Dough Sale, Spring Fundraiser, PFA Membership Drive, and Family Fun Nights. These funds
are needed for programs and equipment not provided by the district. Raising funds is planned
and discussed in our meetings.
Please support your PFA in any way you can. Your child will thank you for it
STUDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM
Honor Roll – Grades 2 – 6
A special certificate will be given each trimester to students who receive A’s and B’s (O’s and
S+ for grade 2) on their report cards in the areas of Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and
Science.
Cougar Award – Grades K – 6
A special certificate will be given each trimester to a maximum of five students per class for
Effort, Improvement, Growth, Behavior, etc. and will be given at the discretion of the teacher.
Perfect Attendance – Grades K – 6
A special certificate will be given each trimester to any student who has had Perfect Attendance
for the trimester. Perfect attendance means actual presence at school on time and all day. A
special certificate will be given at the end of the year to students who have had perfect
attendance for the entire year and the student will be invited to participate in a special event.
Citizenship – Grades K – 6
Grade levels will give monthly awards for Citizenship. Students will also be honored for
citizenship at our awards assemblies.
AR- Grades 1-6
Students who meet 100% of their Goal during a trimester will receive a certificate. Students who
meet 150% of their Goal during a trimester will receive a CougAR StAR shirt. Students who
meet at least 100% of their Goal all trimesters will receive a medal. Students who meet 150% of
their Goal all trimesters will receive a trophy.
Multiplication Tables- Grade 3 only
Students who master their timed multiplication test will receive a Multiplication Shirt.
GiGi Math- Grades K-5
Students who complete their grade level for GiGi Math will receive a special reward.
Spirit Award- Grades 1-6
Every Friday is Sprit Day. We draw a name each Friday and if the person whose name was
drawn is wearing Cougar Gear or has on our school colors, red and black, they will receive
$5.00.
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VISITING IN THE CLASSROOM
Along with the task of making sure your children receive a high quality education, it is the job of
the school to ensure the safety of our children physically, and to make sure that the students and
the teachers are free from unnecessary disruption. To this end, the State of California and the
Board of Education of the Chino Unified School District have passed laws and Board Policies
that require that any visitor on campus (into the buildings or on the playground or patio) must
sign-in at the principal’s office between the hours of 7:30 to 4:30. Walking onto campus without
signing in and going onto the playground, into the media centers, into the classrooms, into the
library, and into the lunch area, is a violation of these laws and policies. Even if all you want to
do is drop off homework, a lunch, give a message, etc., you must come into the office. We will
see to it that your child’s needs are met as quickly as possible. For the same reason, we ask that
you wait outside the buildings for your children when picking up or dropping off after school.
Going inside the classroom or Media Centers before the dismissal warning bell not only restricts
our ability to ensure your child’s safety, but it is also disruptive to what the teachers are trying to
accomplish as they get their students ready to leave for the day.
NON-STUDENTS ON CAMPUS
Because of district wide liability issues, the Chino Valley Unified School District has a policy
that requires that there be no children who are non-students on campus during school hours. The
only exceptions to this policy are that high school students may sign in to do prearranged
community service work at school and in classroom. Non-students may attend awards
assemblies and daytime programs/performances as long as they are with their parents. Nonstudents may not help with, or be present at, classroom parties or other classroom functions.
This policy was instituted both for the safety of students and non-students alike, and to ensure a
disruption free learning environment.
LOITERING
Any person who loiters about any school or public place at or near where children attend or
normally congregate and who remains at any school or who re-enters a school within 72 hours
after being asked to leave is considered a vagrant and is punishable by a fine not exceeding
$1,000 or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or both (Calif. Penal
Code 653g).
INSULTS AND ABUSES BY ADULTS
Any parent guardian, or other person whose conduct interferes with a school employee who is in
the course of his or her duties and materially disrupts class work or extracurricular activities is
guilty of a misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine not exceeding $100, by imprisonment in
the county jail for a period of not more than 10 days, or both. This section does not apply to any
otherwise lawful employee concerted activity, including, but limited to, picketing and the
distribution of handbills (Ed. Code 44811).
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DROP OFF – PICK UP for Grades K-6
In conjunction with Chino PD, the City of Chino, and the school district, Cortez will be
implementing a new traffic pattern for drop off and pick up. This new format is designed
to alleviate the congestion during the peak traffic hours in our neighborhood. The
following key changes have occurred:



The kindergarten driveway (north) is no longer accessible for drop off and pick up. It is a
bus lane only.
A left turn will not be permitted for drivers heading northbound (on Carissa Avenue)
trying to enter the parking lot during peak hours (drop off/pickup)
The pickup up line will have a continuous flow. Parents/guardians will not be allowed to
wait for their student. Those who do not see their child will need to go to the back of the
line.
There are two routes:
Southbound traffic (on Carissa Avenue) will enter the parking lot lane and pull up all
the way to drop off/ pick-up area in front of the Cafeteria. Students exit and enter the
vehicle from the passenger side only. Students are expected to get into the vehicle within
a reasonable amount of time. Vehicles are not allowed to park and wait during pick up;
no loitering. Parents/ Guardians who do not have students boarding the vehicle in a quick
and timely manner will need to exit the pickup line and reenter at the back of the line.
Magnolia entrance-students are dropped off behind the cafeteria and walk to class.
During pickup it will be opened shortly before dismissal time, allowing parents to slowly
pull into driveway leading to back of Cafeteria, pick up student, circle around and exit to
Magnolia Ave.
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Please assist us in keeping our children safe by remembering the following:
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Primary students enter/exit campus through the double doors, near office area, by
American Flag painted on gates.
Elementary students enter/exit campus through the gate by the portable, near Cafeteria.
Kindergarten entrance/exit is the wide swinging gate at the Kindergarten Playground.
All Kindergarteners will remain behind their gate until a parent is present for pick up.
All visitors must enter through the office as registered guests.
Bike riders will walk their bikes through the gate by portable. They will wait in the
student assembly area in front of the gate before the morning bell rings.
Students in the drop off/ pick up lines must exit/enter from the passenger side of the
vehicle.
Parents are not allowed to get out of the vehicle to unbuckle car seats or seat belts while
in the drop off/pick up zone.
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Smog//Heat Extreme Policy
Living in the West End of San Bernardino County brings with it several benefits and a few
hazards. One of those hazards is smog and the accompanying heat problems.
We at Cortez were one of the leaders in providing a model of a Smog/Heat Extreme Policy that
was used in developing a District wide policy, which was adopted by the School Board on
Tuesday, June 15, 1993. The policy is basically this:
SMOG
1. Health Advisory Episode (PSI 138)
a. avoid prolonged exposure by limiting vigorous outdoor activity by scheduling
P.E. in the morning and monitoring playground activities during recess, and by
providing alternate activities for students with respiratory sensitivity.
2. Stage 1 Smog Episode (PSI 200)
a. basically the same as Health Advisory, however, physical activities are to be
further restricted.
b. teachers are to pay close attention to sensitive students.
3. Stage 2 Smog Episode (PSI 275)
a. all unnecessary physical activity avoided
b. students will be kept inside for recesses
Each day during the smog season, the Chino Unified School District is informed of the PSI
readings and predictions for the day in the Chino Valley. That information is called to the
schools where the site administrators make a decision as to the activity level of the students.
HEAT EXTREMES
1. Temperatures of 80 – 90 degrees
a. allow unrestricted access to water at recess times and
as needed in the classroom
b. provide time for cooling off after recess
c. watch carefully students with a tendency toward
heat illness
d. during periods of moderate to high humidity, avoid
prolonged vigorous physical activity
2. Temperatures of 90 – 100 degrees
a. avoid any prolonged vigorous activity, regardless of humidity
b. allow unrestricted access to water at recess times and as needed in the classroom
c. provide time for cooling off after recess
d. watch carefully students with a tendency toward heat illness
3. Temperatures above 100 degrees
a. all vigorous activity is to be avoided
b. limit outdoor activity to short periods of time
c. allow unrestricted access to water, even indoors
d. watch carefully students with a tendency toward heat illness
e. all students with a history of heat related illness shall remain indoors
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EMERGENCY DISASTER PROCEDURES
As parents or guardians, you should be aware of the plans we have made at our school in the
event of a serious natural disaster.
Safety of School Buildings
District students are housed in buildings that meet state specifications. They are built to be
resistant to natural disasters.
During a Disaster
Teachers will command “duck, cover, and hold.” Students and personnel will remain under
desks or in other appropriate locations until the danger is over. When the danger is over,
students will be dismissed as a class under teacher supervision to predesignated areas outside the
buildings. They will remain outside until buildings are judged safe by qualified inspectors.
Telephone /Communications
If telephones are operational following a serious disaster, their use will be restricted to reporting
medical, fire or other emergencies. Please do not call the school. Information for parents will be
released by radio on FM stations KFRG 95.1 and KZLA93.9 and AM station KINSE 1510.
Parents will be advised regarding school conditions, dismissal times and procedures.
Dismissal
In the event of a disaster, school will not be dismissed and children will remain under the
supervision of school authorities.
Picking Up Your Child
No child will be released to anyone other than his/her parent or guardian, except under the
following conditions:
1. The person is listed on your child’s Emergency Information card in the school office and
has photo identification.
2. The signature and phone number of any person signing a child out will be required before
the child is released.
3. If any of the above are judged to be in doubt, the child will remain in the care of the
school.
Please minimize the possibility of a traffic jam and facilitate the smooth release of children by
walking to school when possible.
Emergency Information Card
Keep the information on your child’s Emergency Information card current
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CHINO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion (K-6)
Students shall conform to the regulations of the board, the superintendent, the principal, and the teachers
of the District.
Rules pertaining to student discipline shall be communicated to every student at the beginning of the
school year or when transfer students enroll during the school year.
I.
Cause for Discipline:
Education Code Section 48900 (A-O): Discipline, including suspension or expulsion, may be
imposed in accordance with Board policy and regulations when it is determined that the student has:
A. Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person; or
B. Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous
object unless, in the case of possession of any such object, the student had obtained
written permission from a certificated school employee, which is concurred by the
principal or the designee of the principal; or
C. Unlawfully possessed, used, sold or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of
any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of
Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind;
or
D. Unlawfully offered or arranged or negotiated to sell any controlled substance listed in
Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety
Code, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind, and then sold, delivered, or
otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance, or material in lieu (lookalike) of the controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant; or
E. Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion; or
F. Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property; or
G. Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property; or
H. Possessed or used tobacco, or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products,
including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes,
smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets, and betel. However, this section does not
prohibit use or possession by a student of his or her own prescription products; or
I. Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity; or
J. Unlawfully possessed, offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia as
defined in Section 11014.5 of the Health and Safety Code; or
K. Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of
supervisors, teachers, administrators, or other school personnel engaged in the
performance of their duties.
L. Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.
M. Possessed an imitation firearm, i.e. a replica of a firearm that is so substantially similar in
physical properties to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to conclude that
the replica is a firearm.
N. Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault as defined in Section 261, 266c, 386,
288, 288a, or 289 of the Penal Code.
O. Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a student who is a complaining witness or witness in
school disciplinary proceedings for the purpose of either preventing that student from
being a witness or retaliating against that student for being a witness, or both.
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Students in grades 4 through 12 are also subject to suspension or recommendation for expulsion for any
of the acts listed below:
Education Code Section 48900.2: Committed sexual harassment as defined in Education Code
212.5 (Education Code 48900.2)
Education Code Section 48900.3: Caused, attempted to cause, or participated in any act of hate
violence as defined in Education Code 33032.5
Education Code Section 48900.4: Intentionally harassed, threatened or intimidated a student or
group of students to the extent of having the actual and reasonably expected effect of materially
disrupting classwork, creating substantial disorder, and invading student rights by creating an
intimidating or hostile educational environment.
Education Code 48900.7: Made terroristic threats against school officials or school property, or
both.
Education Code Section 48915(A): Except as provided in subdivisions (c) & (e), the principal or the
superintendent of schools shall recommend the expulsion of a pupil for any of the following acts
committed at school or at a school activity off school grounds, unless the principal or superintendent finds
that the expulsion is inappropriate, due to the particular circumstance:
A. Causing serious physical injury to another person, except in self-defense.
B. Possession of any knife, explosive, or other dangerous object of no reasonable use to the
pupil.
C. Unlawful possession of any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with
section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, except for the first offense for
the sale of not more than one avoirdupois ounce of marijuana, other than concentrated
cannabis.
D. Robbery or extortion.
E. Assault or battery, as defined in Sections 240 and 242 of the Penal Code, upon any school
employee.
Education Code Section 48915(c): The principal or superintendent of schools shall immediately suspend,
pursuant to Section 48911, and shall recommend expulsion of a pupil that he or she determines has
committed any of the following acts at school or at a school activity off campus:
A. Possessing, selling, or otherwise furnishing a firearm. This subdivision does not apply to an
act of possessing a firearm if the pupil had obtained prior written permission to possess the
firearm from a certificated school employee, which is concurred by the principal or the
designee of the principal. This subdivision applies to an act of possessing a firearm only if
the possession is verified by an employee of a school district.
B. Brandishing a knife at another person.
C. Unlawfully selling a controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section
11053 of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code.
D. Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault as defined in subdivision (n) of Section
48900 or committing a sexual battery as defined in subdivision (n) of Section 48900.
II.
Behavior on School Buses:
Bus drivers are responsible for the orderly conduct of students on the school bus. Continued
disorderly conduct or serious misbehavior shall be sufficient reason for a student to be denied
transportation on a school bus by the principal.
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