RIO SECO SCHOOL
9545 Cuyamaca Street
Santee, CA 92071
PHONE: (619) 956-5500
FAX: (619) 956-5514
www.santeesd.net
2012 - 2013
PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK
The information in this book is provided to help ensure the
success of all Rio Seco families. It contains rules and procedures
that affect teachers, parents and students. Therefore, we
request your cooperation and ask that you read all of the
information carefully.
We are pleased you are a part of the learning community we
serve. The academic achievement and personal growth of all
our students is our number one priority. Rio Seco is a dynamic
and high achieving school because of the wonderful staff and
community. We want to maintain a positive school environment
based on collaboration and respect.
We hope to continue to focus on learning and minimize the
paperwork that is distributed and reviewed.
At Rio Seco, We believe . . .
Every student has the right to learn and
Every teacher has the right to teach.
Rio Seco School
A California Distinguished School
Table of Contents
Master Calendar ...............................................................................................................4
Telephone Reference Sheet ..............................................................................................5
General School Information ............................................................................................6
School Hours ........................................................................................................6
School Office ........................................................................................................7
School Lunch Program .........................................................................................7
District Wellness Policy .........................................................................................8
Celebrations .......................................................................................................10
School Pride .......................................................................................................10
Online Information ..............................................................................................10
Standards for Student Success .....................................................................................11
School Attendance ..............................................................................................11
Checking Your Child Out of School .....................................................................12
Appropriate School Attire/Dress Code ................................................................12
Standards for Student Behavior ........................................................................15
Character Education ...........................................................................................16
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices .....................................................................16
Gum/Food/Beverages ..........................................................................................17
Detention ............................................................................................................17
Guest Teacher/Substitute Teacher Guidelines ....................................................17
Personal Property ...............................................................................................18
Betting and Trading ............................................................................................18
Lost and Found ..................................................................................................18
Grounds for Suspension .....................................................................................19
Student Academic Success ............................................................................................21
Promotion/Retention Standards .........................................................................21
2
Reporting Periods ...............................................................................................21
Student Recognition ...........................................................................................22
Homework ..........................................................................................................22
School Materials/Textbooks ...............................................................................23
Library ...............................................................................................................23
Physical Education and Recess ...........................................................................24
Field Trips ..........................................................................................................24
Student Safety/Health ..................................................................................................25
Safest Route to School .......................................................................................25
Parking Lot Safety Rules .....................................................................................25
Bicycle Safety .....................................................................................................26
Emergency Situations and Disaster Drills .........................................................26
Visitors/Volunteers ..............................................................................................27
When a Student Becomes Ill at School ...............................................................27
Medication at School ..........................................................................................28
Insurance ...........................................................................................................28
School Programs and Organizations .............................................................................28
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) ...............................................................28
English Language Learners (ELL) .......................................................................28
Family Life Program ...........................................................................................29
Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) ........................................................29
Project SAFE .......................................................................................................29
Boys and Girls Club ....................................................................................................... 29
Notes ..............................................................................................................................30
3
2012 - 2013 Rio Seco School Calendar*
July 2012
S M T W TH F S
1
8
2 3 4 5 6 7
9 10 11 12 13 14
January 2013
S M T W TH F S
7/4
6
INDEPENDENCE DAY
7
1
8
2 3 4 5
9 10 11 12
1/7
Professional Day - NO SCHOOL
1/8
Classes resume
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
1/11
STAR Awards - K-6 grades
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
1/21
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
29 30 31
27 28 29 30 31
1/28-2/1
Progress Report Week
August 2012
S M T W TH F S
February 2013
S M T W TH F S
2/8
STAR Awards - K-6 grades
2/11
2/18
LINCOLN'S DAY
WASHINGTON'S DAY
3/8
STAR Awards - K-6 grades
3/12
End of 2nd Trimester (60 days)
3/15
STAR Awards - JH
3/22
Lunch on the Lawn & K-6 Open
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
1
8
15
22
29
2
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
24
31
4
11
18
25
8/14
8/24
School offices open to public
Class lists available online
8/27
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
September 2012
S M T W TH F S
2
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
24
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
1
8
15
22
29
October 2012
S M T W TH F S
7
14
21
28
1
8
15
22
29
2
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
24
31
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
1
8
15
22
29
2
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
24
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
1 2
7 8 9
14 15 16
21 22 23
28
March 2013
S M T W TH F S
9/3
LABOR DAY - NO SCHOOL
9/7
Ident-A-Kid Photo Day
9/21
STAR Awards - K-6 grades
9/24
Professional Day - NO SCHOOL
9/27
School Picture Day - K-3g
9/28
School Picture Day - 4-8 g
10/3
Modified Day begins every Weds.
10/5
School Picture Make Ups
10/8-10/12
Progress Report Week
10/26
STAR Awards - K-6 grades
10/27
Fall Carnival
November 2012
S M T W TH F S
4
11
18
25
3
10
17
24
3
10
17
24
31
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
1
8
15
22
29
2
9
16
23
30
7
14
21
28
1
8
15
22
29
2
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
24
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
11/12
VETERANS' DAY
11/19-11/23
THANKSGIVING BREAK
11/28
End of 1st Trimester (60 days)
11/30
STAR Awards - K-6 grades
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
1
8
15
22
29
2
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
24
31
4
11
18
25
1
8
15
22
29
1
8
15
22
29
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
4/1-4/5
SPRING BREAK cont.
4/29-5/3
Progress Report Week
5/3
STAR Awards - K-6 grades
5/6-5/17
STAR Testing Week
5/27
MEMORIAL DAY OBS.
5/31
STAR Awards - JH
6/7
STAR Awards - K-6 grades
6/14
Disneyland Trip - 8g
6/17
Yearbook Signing Party - 8g
6/18
Dinner/Dance - 8g
6/19
End of 3rd trimester (60 days)
6/19
Last school day; Minimum Day
6/19
8th grade promotions @ 9 am
May 2013
S M T W TH F S
June 2013
S M T W TH F S
3
10
17
24
31
SPRING BREAK
April 2013
S M T W TH F S
December 2012
S M T W TH F S
2
9
16
23
30
House (Tentative)
3/25-3/29
12/7
STAR Awards - JH
12/10-12/14
Parent/Teacher Conference Week
Minimum Day Dismissal for All
12/10-12/14
Sixth Grade Camp
12/24-1/4
WINTER BREAK
2
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
24
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
*DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
MODIFIED/MINIMUM DAYS FOR ALL GRADES; EARLY DISMISSAL: K @ 12:45 PM; GRADES 1-8 @ 1:00 PM
4
2012-13 Rio Seco School Contacts
Principal......................................................Mrs. Debra Simpson
Vice Principal ......................................................... Mr. Jim Rosa
Secretary ................................................Mrs. Jackie D’Agostino
Attendance Clerk ......................................... Ms. Sheila Mangels
Health Clerk..................................................... Mrs. Karen Keys
Site Custodian .................................................Mr. Robert Biesel
PTSA President .....................................Mrs. Tazha Langworthy
TELEPHONE REFERENCE SHEET
Rio Seco School Office................................................ 956-5500
Absence Verification Line...................................956-5599
Fax Number ............................................................... 956-5514
Mrs. Johnson, Language Arts Specialist (26)............. 956-5546
Ms. Durham, Lang. Speech/Hearing Specialist......... 956-5554
Ms. Helms, Specialized Academic Inst., (RSP1) ......... 956-5563
Mrs. Moerschell, Inst. Media Tech. (Library) .............. 956-5515
Mrs. Broding, Psychologist ........................................ 965-5552
Mrs. Van Scoy, Project SAFE ..................................... 956-5510
These numbers will automatically connect to the teacher’s voice mail during
school hours. Please leave messages for teachers on their individual voice mail
lines and remember that the teachers may not be able to return your call until
the end of the school day.
Kindergarten Teachers:
Fourth Grade Teachers:
Kindergarten
Fourth
Grade Teachers:
Mrs.
CordermanTeachers:
1
5521
Ms.
Glanz
13
5533
Mrs.
Corderman
1
5521
Ms.
Glanz
13
5533
Mrs. Fuentes
2
5522
Mrs. Rosa
16
5536
Mrs.
Fuentes
2
5522
Mrs.
Rosa
16
5536
Mrs. Garcia
5
5525
Mrs. Gonzales
15
5535
Mrs.
McCormick
4
5524
Mrs.
Turner-Gonzales
15
5535
Mrs. McCormick
4
5524
Ms. Van Duzer
5
5525
Fifth Grade Teachers:
FifthBoard
Grade Teachers: 17
Mrs.
5537
Kindergarten/First Grade Teacher:
Mrs.
Board
17
5537
Mrs. Rowan
6
5526
Mrs. A. Boulais
14
5534
First Grade Teachers:
Ms.
Ostash
14
5534
Ms. Peterson
19
5539
Mrs.
Brodeen
3
5523
Ms.
Peterson
19
5539
First Grade Teachers:
Mrs.
Galarneau
8
5528
Mrs. Brodeen
3
5523
Fifth/Sixth Grade Teacher:
Mrs. Galarneau
Marino
5527
Fifth/Sixth
Mrs.
87
5528
Mrs.
FleischerGrade Teacher:
20
5540
Mrs.
Meier
24
5544
Ms.
Fleischer
20
5540
Mrs. Marino
7
5527
Sixth Grade Teachers:
Mrs. Meier
24
5544
Second Grade Teachers:
Sixth
Grade Teachers: 207
Mrs.
Kaufman
5577
Mr.
Higgins
25
5545
Mrs.
Kaufman
207
5577
Mrs. O’Hanlon
205
5575
First/Second Teacher:
Mrs.
Hirahara
27
5547
Mrs.
O’Hanlon
205
5575
Mrs. Bates
22
5542
Mrs. Richards
204
5574
Mrs. Sibayan
23
5543
Mrs. Richards
204
5574
Second Grade Teachers:
Second/Third
Teacher:25
Mr.
Higgins
Mrs.
Bates
22
Mrs. Hirahara
27
Mrs. Sibayan
23
Third Grade Teachers:
Mrs. Barber
Third
Grade Teachers: 11
Mrs.
Boulais
12
Mrs. Barber
11
Mrs.
Bowling
10
Mrs. T. Boulais
12
Mrs. Bowling
Chase
9
Mrs.
10
Mrs. Chase
Schoff
Mrs.
96
First/Second Teacher:
Mrs. Schoff
18
Specialized Academic
SAI/SDC
Ms.
HarperTeachers:
Ms.
Harper
Ms. Frank
Mrs.
Frank (7-8 gr.)
Mr. Conway
Mr.
Conway
Ms. Sithideth (7-8 gr.)
Ms. Sithideth
5545
5542
5547
5543
5531
5532
5531
5530
5532
5529
5530
5526
5529
Inst. (SAI):
21
5541
21
5541
28
5548
28
5548
203
5573
201
5571
LRC
5555
201
5571
Junior High Teachers:
Junior
High Teachers: 105
Mrs.
K. Brown
5565
Mrs.T.K.Brown
Brown
105
5565
Ms.
211
5578
Ms. Hendrix
T. Brown
211
5578
Ms.
104
5564
Ms. Hendrix
104
5564
Mrs.
Mazzola
201
5571
Mrs.
Mazzola
18
5538
Mr. Robbins
101
5561
Mr.
Robbins
101
5561
Dr. Shevinsky
102
5562
Dr.
Shevinsky
102
5562
Mr. Strickland
202
5572
Mr.
Strickland
202
5572
Information Is Subject To Change
5538
Information Is Subject To Change
5
GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION
SCHOOL HOURS
Supervision of students at Rio Seco begins at 8:15 A.M. Students should not
arrive at school prior to 8:15 A.M. To ensure the safety of all children, students
should not be on the school grounds before that time. If you leave for work
early, please make necessary arrangements to have your children taken care of
until supervision begins at 8:15 A.M. Once they arrive, students may not leave
campus without permission.
Please leave your house in enough time for your child to be seated in class when
the 8:30 A.M. bell rings. It is important that all students be on time.
Punctuality is a life skill that carries over into the work force. In addition, a loss
of instructional time can be avoided when students are on time. If your child is
not in class or with the teacher at 8:30 A.M., he/she will be marked tardy.
Three tardies are the equivalent of one absence. Junior High students that are
truant will make up lost academic time during lunch detention.
There is NO SUPERVISION for students and students and parents must wait
behind the school campus gates until the bell rings at 8:15 A.M. At that time,
students are to walk to their designated playground area and wait for their
teacher to pick the class up at 8:25 A.M.
Please make arrangements for dismissal time. After children are dismissed, they
are to go to the front of the school to meet their ride or begin walking home.
Under no circumstances are students allowed on school equipment or on
playgrounds after school, even with parent supervision. Primary students will
not be permitted to wait for their older siblings to be dismissed from
school. Please make the arrangements necessary to enable your child to
leave campus at their dismissal time each day. After school supervision is
not provided. Project SAFE is available for a fee and will provide supervision for
your child if necessary until transportation can be provided at dismissal time.
If you need to pick your child up before school is dismissed, please come to the
office and sign him/her out. Your child will then be called to the office to leave
school. A student may only be released to adults listed on the emergency card
unless a special note is provided to the school office.
Grade
Kindergarten
1-3
4-8
Regular Day Schedule
Begin
8:30 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
Dismissal
1:30 P.M.
2:31 P.M.
3:01 P.M.
Modified Days (K-8)
Will be every Wednesday beginning October 3, 2012 students will be dismissed
at a modified time. Grades 1-8 will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m. and Kindergarten
will be dismissed at 12:45 p.m.
6
SCHOOL OFFICE
School office walk-in hours are 7:30 A.M. until 3:30 P.M. Phone hours are 8:00
A.M. to 3:30 P.M. To better serve you please follow these rules concerning office
use:





If your child is absent, please call the absence line (619-956-5599) each
day to verify the absence. Please do not call the office.
If your child has an appointment, please send a note with him/her the
morning of the day he/she is to be released early from school. This note
must state the date, time, and reason for the dismissal, and must be
signed. The note should be given to the office.
Telephones are to be used in emergency situations only. Please make
arrangements for transportation, after school plans, etc. before coming to
school. A note from a teacher is required to use the phone in the office.
Please make regular arrangements with your child as to what he/she
should do when it rains. Students will not be allowed to use the phone to
obtain transportation on rainy days.
Please do not ask office staff to interrupt the classroom for nonemergency messages because the teacher has to stop instruction to
deliver the message. Phones are installed in each classroom and you will
be able to access them using voice mail. We appreciate your cooperation
in not disrupting the educational program at Rio Seco.
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
Santee School District cafeterias comply with rigorous, federal nutrition
standards for school meals. These standards are intended to ensure that meals
are healthy, well-balanced, and provide students all the nutrition they need to
succeed in school. Now is a great time to encourage your kids to choose school
lunch!
School meals offer students milk, fruits and vegetables, proteins and grains, and
must meet strict limits on saturated fat and portion size. Starting in 2012-2013
school year, school lunches will meet additional standards requiring:
 Age-appropriate calorie limits
 Larger servings of vegetables and fruits (students must take at least one
serving of fruits and or vegetables, 1/2 cup)
 A wider variety of vegetables, including dark greens and red/orange
vegetables and legumes-Fat-free or l% milk (flavored milk must be fat-free)
 More whole grains
 And less sodium
We invite you to visit school and observe the lunch program any day. If you
would like to have lunch with your child, please have him/her order lunch for
you in the morning. A parent purchasing an adult lunch with their child may
only take their child to the front of the lunch line.
7
Menus are available on the District website at www.santeesd.net
Student
lunches are $2.25 and adult lunches are $3.50. Students that owe more then
$6.75 on their meal account will receive an alternate meal from the cafeteria.
An alternate meal will consist of a cheese stick, crackers and white milk.
Payments can be made online at www.mynutrikids.com or dropped off at the
school office. Students are verbally reminded when their balances run low and
receive a low balance notice to take home. Parents and Guardians can also
check their student’s account balance on-line at www.mynutrikids.com. In
addition, an automated phone call will be made home on Mondays to students
owing more then $4.50 on their lunch account. If you have any questions, you
can call the Child Nutrition Services at 619-258-2290.
An application for free and reduced meals must be submitted for each child,
each year and approved by the Food Services Director for students to qualify. If
you have any questions about this program, please contact the school health
clerk.
Only students in grades 4-8 can purchase items from the school snack bar.
Students need to purchase snack items the first time they enter the lunch line.
Students will not be allowed to return to the cafeteria and snack bar once they
have received their lunch and/or snack.
Santee School District Student Wellness Policy
Policy Highlights

Foods Available on Campus



Only compliant foods & beverages will be sold on campus from 30 minutes before to 30
minutes after the school day.
Only compliant snacks are recommended to be served during the school day.
Only compliant foods are recommended for use as rewards.
Celebrations should take place after lunch.

Provide students with opportunities for moderate to vigorous physical activity on a regular basis.




Physical Activity
Health & Nutrition Education
Provide students the nutrition education they need to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Staff Support
SSD staffs are encouraged to serve as positive role models. Encourage all students to lead a
healthy and active lifestyle.
Rewards
Class/Student reward(s) from teacher/staff to student(s)
When rewarding students for academic performance or good behavior, non-food items are
recommended.
If food items (snack or entrée) are given as a reward, they must meet or exceed SB12 & SB 965
as listed.
8
Celebrations & School Sponsored Activities

ACE /Good Citizen Awards, Graduation, Birthday Celebration, Dances
Rewards, celebrations, or school sponsored activities that include federally regulated noncompliant food will be limited to once per month and will be pre-scheduled by the
teacher/administration. This includes celebrations taking place up to 30 minutes before, 30
minutes after, and/or during school hours. All persons providing beverages and snacks are
encouraged to provide items that adhere to SD12 and SB965. Celebrations will only be planned
after lunch.
Fundraising Activities and Food Sales (During the School Day)
During the school day, only one student organization may sell up to three food or beverage items per day
upon approval of the governing board. Such foods and beverages cannot be prepared on campus and
cannot be the same as items sold in the food service program that day at that school. On no more than
four days during year, any number of student organizations may sell food and beverages. (MB 00-810—CCR
Title 5, Section 15501) All other fundraising or food sales must take place 30 minutes before or after the school
day.
Examples of non-compliant foods:
SB 12 compliant snacks contain




No more than 35% of calories from fat
No more than 10% of calories from saturated fat
No more than 35% sugar by weight
No more than 250 calories per individual food/snack
item
Compliant entrée items contain



No more than 400 calories per entrée
No more than 4 grams of fat per 100 calories
Entrees do not need to meet the above listed snack
standards
SB 965 compliant beverages





Fruit-based drinks with no less than 50 percent fruit
juice and no added sweeteners
Vegetable-based drinks with no less than 50 percent
vegetable juice and no added sweeteners
Drinking water with no added sweeteners
Milk (two percent fat, one percent fat, nonfat,
soymilk, rice milk or other similar nondairy milk)
Electrolyte replacement beverages containing no
more than 42 grams of sugar per 20 oz









Soda or other carbonated drinks
Water with added sweeteners
Candy
Chewing gum
Snow cones, water ices
Non-baked chips or other fried foods
Cookies, Cakes
Muffins, Donuts
Candy coated popcorn
Examples of compliant foods:









Bottled water with no added sweeteners
2%, 1% & Non-Fat Milk
100% Fruit juice
Fresh fruit & vegetables
Baked chips
Whole grain breads and crackers
Pretzels
Graham crackers
Nuts and seeds

(consider allergies before giving out nuts)


Frozen juice bars (100%)
Reduced fat and sugar ice-cream
This list is not intended to be all inclusive and certain kinds of crackers, popcorn
etc., may not meet the nutritional requirements. Please contact Child Nutrition
Services with any questions
Definitions
“Snack” - A food that is generally regarded as supplementing a meal, including but not limited to, chips, crackers, nachos, French
fries, donuts, cookies, and candy.
“Entrée” - A food that is generally regarded as being the primary food in a meal, and shall include, but not be limited to,
sandwiches, burritos, pastas & pizzas.
“Sold” - the exchange of food for money, coupons or vouchers.
“Added Sweetener” - Any additive other than 100% fruit juice that enhances the sweetness of a beverage.
“SB 12” - State Law for Food Standards
“SB 965” - State Law for Beverage Standards
“Moderate Physical Activity” - Movement that causes moderate increases in breathing, sweating, and heart rate. Such activities
include brisk walking, active play, active housework, and gardening..
“Vigorous Physical Activity” - Movement that causes heavy breathing and sweating and large increases in heart rate. Examples of
such activities include jogging, aerobic dancing, biking, swimming, skating, soccer or other active sports.
9
CELEBRATIONS
At school celebrations for any occasion including birthdays and holidays are to
be arranged with the classroom teacher and need to include the entire
class. In order to prevent hurt feelings or exclusivity, parents and students are
not permitted to bring or order lunch for just their friends. We strongly
encourage all celebrations to take place away from school.
If you would like to share something with your child’s class to honor a special
occasion, please consider non-food items such as books or a special activity.
Healthy foods are highly encouraged. Cookies, cupcakes, soda and other high
sugar items are not recommended. Please refer to SSD Student Wellness Policy.
SCHOOL PRIDE
We are proud of the appearance of our school and try to keep the school neat
and clean. We would appreciate your cooperation in helping us instill pride and
respect in your children for school property. The school belongs to everyone and
when school property is damaged or destroyed, money that is used to repair or
replace the damaged or destroyed property is diverted from the educational
program. We will work together to make our school a clean, neat, and pleasant
environment in which to learn.
ONLINE INFORMATION
Outside organizations often request Santee School District to distribute
information in the schools to students about activities or events for children and
families. In an effort to keep the distribution to students of materials at a
reasonable level, most district-approved informational materials will be available
on the District web site at www.santeesd.net for you to access. A display rack in
the school office will be available for students and parents to see these flyers.
Information from your child’s teacher, administration, PTSA and/or school
district will continue to come home with students but may also be posted on the
district or school site web page. Please be sure to check the web site regularly
for updates.
10
STANDARDS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
One of our goals at Rio Seco is to instill in our students the importance of
education. Students who value education do better in school. We believe that
regular attendance and punctuality are necessary for high achievement and
future success in the work world. Every absence or tardy can interfere with a
child’s progress. Please make every effort to make student appointments in
the afternoon after school or during modified day afternoons. If your child
has an appointment during the day, please bring your child to school
before and after the appointment.
All absences, excused and unexcused, result in a loss of learning time for
students and instructional funding for the school.
The State of California defines Excused Absence as:
 student illness
 doctor/dental appointment
 funeral of an immediate family member, one day of excused absence
 Religious observance
 Independent Study Contract, only available for absences of 5 or
more days. (Please contact the attendance clerk 5 days prior to your
child’s absence so that your child’s teacher can plan accordingly.)
All other absences are considered by the State to be unexcused including
out of school suspension and will be counted as such.
Parents must verify any absence by note or phone call within 72 hours of the
absence. Notes are to be given to the office stating the name and grade of the
student, along with the dates and reason for absence. Our 24-hour absence line
is also available for verifying absences. The absence verification number is
619-956-5599. Please use this number instead of calling the school office.
After 72 hours, any absence that is not cleared is considered unexcused.
Total absences for the year include excused and unexcused absences. Ten
(10) or more absences are considered excessive and may result in
consequences including a referral to the Student Attendance Review
Board (SARB).
All parents in the Santee School District will receive attendance letters
after their child has missed 7, 10, and 15 days of school or a combination
of absences and tardies whether they are excused or unexcused absences.
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Students who are absent are responsible for making up missed work and
instruction. Absent students should contact their study buddy for missed
assignments. Students are also responsible for recording the assignments in
their planner. Also please read each teacher’s policy on make-up work. Absent
work must be made up in a timely manner.
Students with excessive absences or tardies may be considered truant. A
student is considered tardy if they are not in their seat when the bell rings.
Three tardies are equivalent to one unexcused absence. Truant and/or tardy
students may be required to make up time before or after school and/or serve
in-school suspension. Assignments missed due to truancy may or may not be
made up at the discretion of the teacher. Continual attendance problems may
be referred to the School Attendance Review Team (SART) at the school level or
the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) at the Santee Sheriffs Department.
Note: The state of California requires students to be at school in order for schools
to collect attendance funds each day. This means if your child is not here for any
reason, even illness, we cannot collect funds from the state. Please help us
protect your child’s instructional funds by arranging for vacations and
appointments on non-school days or after school hours. We appreciate your
support in this area.
CHECKING YOUR CHILD OUT OF SCHOOL
Partial Day Absences
On occasion it may be necessary to check your child out of school for
appointments or personal matters. If your child is checked out of school and is
gone for more than 30 minutes, that absence is recorded in the attendance
system as a “tardy of more than 30 minutes.” These tardies are considered
excused if they meet the criteria for an excused absence. All other tardies are
considered unexcused. Likewise, if students are signed out of school prior
to 9:00 a.m., the absence will be recorded as a full day absence.
Excessive time missed from school when your child is checked out for a portion
of the day may result in consequences including a referral to the Student
Attendance Review Board (SARB).
APPROPRIATE SCHOOL ATTIRE/DRESS CODE
The Rio Seco staff is dedicated to providing the maximum educational
opportunity with the minimum number of distractions. On occasion, student
fashion may disrupt the educational environment.
The following District
guidelines shall apply to all school activities. These guidelines are from the
Santee Board of Education Administrative Regulation 5132.
Additional
information is available on the district website.
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1.
Appropriate shoes must be worn at all times. Sandals must have heel
straps. Flip-flops or backless shoes or sandals are not acceptable. Heels
must be of a reasonable height and not be unsafe in the school
environment.
2.
Clothing, jewelry and personal items (backpacks, fanny packs, gym bags,
water bottles etc.) shall be free of writing, pictures or any other insignia
which are crude, vulgar, profane or sexually suggestive, which bear drug,
alcohol or tobacco company advertising, promotions and likenesses, or
which advocate death, violence, racial, ethnic or religious prejudice.
3.
Hats, caps and other head coverings shall not be worn indoors.
4.
Clothes shall be sufficient to conceal undergarments at all times. Seethrough or fish-net fabrics, halter tops, spaghetti straps, off-the-shoulder
or low-cut tops, strapless or tube tops, backless shirts, bare midriffs and
skirts or shorts shorter than mid-thigh are prohibited.
5.
Gym shorts may not be worn in classes other than physical education.
6.
Hair shall be clean and neatly groomed and the color may not cause a
distraction to the educational environment. Hair may not be sprayed by
any coloring that would drip when wet.
7.
Spiked jewelry and waist chains will not be allowed.
8.
Pupils must be cleanly dressed so as not to promote unhealthy or
unsanitary conditions.
9.
Bandanas and sweatbands shall not be worn unless prior approval is
granted by a site administrator.
10.
Overalls are considered pants and must have an appropriate shirt worn
underneath.
11.
Muscle shirts, tank shirts, or underwear shirts may not be worn. Clothing
that is suggestive or revealing will not be allowed.
12.
Facial piercing shall be limited to the ears only. Any other piercing must
be plugged with a skin tone plug (no color).
13.
Pants must not be worn to expose undergarments or bare skin above the
waist.
14.
Clothing that is considered nightwear (pajamas and slippers) may not be
worn, with the exception of a designated day by the school.
Coaches and teachers may impose more stringent dress requirements to
accommodate the special needs of certain sports and/or classes.
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No grade of a student participating in a physical education class shall be
adversely affected if the student does not wear standardized physical education
apparel because of circumstances beyond the student's control.
The principal, staff, students and parent/guardians at each school may
establish reasonable dress and grooming regulations for times when students
are engaged in extracurricular or other special school activities.
Gang-Related Apparel and Racial or Ethnic Symbols
Gang related apparel or clothing with racial or ethnic symbols is prohibited.
Annually the District will work with the Sheriff’s Department to identify specific
logos, designs symbols, verbiage, etc. that are associated with gangs. This
information will be provided to the school administration each spring so that
families can be informed of the dress code requirements before the end of the
school year.
Dress code violations will not be tolerated and will result in consequences.
Students may be provided temporary, appropriate clothes and/or removed from
class. Teachers may impose more stringent dress requirements to accommodate
the special needs of certain sports and/or classes. No grade of a student
participating in a physical education class shall be adversely affected if the
student does not wear standardized physical education apparel because of
circumstances beyond the student's control. (Education Code 49066)
The principal, staff, students and parent/guardians at each school may
establish reasonable dress and grooming regulations for times when students
are engaged in extracurricular or other special school activities. Students that
come to school in inappropriate dress will be asked to change their shirts or
have appropriate clothes brought to school from home. Please keep these
guidelines in mind when buying clothing for children. Appropriate clothing
for school contributes to a child’s total attitude and minimizes school
disruptions. We appreciate your cooperation in this area.
DRESS CODE RESTRICTIONS
(input from Santee Sheriff’s Department & Site Administration)
1.
2.
3.
4.
No “MONGOLS” or “DAGOS”
No “SKIN” industries (some schools allow this logo)
No “Metal Mulisha”
No violent skulls (bloody, skulls with helmets, skulls that are offensive to
subgroups) (some schools allow no skulls others allow nonviolent skulls)
5. No black boots with red laces
6. No #13 with lightning bolt (There is no #13 on the San Diego Chargers. It
is a Mexican mafia gang)
7. No “Juggalo” tattoos – gang beginning in Santee
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STANDARDS FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR
ALL SCHOOL RULES ARE ENFORCED TO AND FROM SCHOOL
Our goal at Rio Seco is to maintain a positive, safe, and quality learning
environment as well as help students learn self-discipline and responsibility.
Students are asked to be courteous, respectful, and practice safety both in and
out of the classroom. Through careful planning and understanding of each
student, teachers and administrators seek to minimize the need for disciplinary
action. Through learning and observing school rules, students contribute to
their own safety, the safety of others, and enhance the opportunities of learning
for all. We believe that each student has a right to learn and that each teacher
has the right to teach. We practice the PeaceBuilder Program standards and
goals of student behavior in grades K-5. 6-8 grade practices the standards
outline through Character Counts.
The PeaceBuilders Pledge
I am a PeaceBuilder
I Pledge ….
 To praise people
 To give up put-downs
 To seek wise people as advisors and friends
 To notice the hurts I have caused and make amends
 To right wrongs
 To help others
I will build peace at home, at school, and in my community
each day.
All school rules and consequences are enforced to and from school.
Harassment, bullying, and threats of any kind are not allowed. Fighting is not
permitted. Any inappropriate behavior including possession of inappropriate,
dangerous, or illegal items may result in consequences such as loss of privileges,
detention, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or expulsion from
the Santee School District. Santee School District has a zero tolerance policy for
drugs and weapons. Knives (or replicas), weapons, drugs, or alcohol are not to
be brought to school and will result in suspension pending an expulsion
hearing.
Parents are contacted when children are referred to the office. A parent
conference will be required for flagrant or continued disruption of school
activities.
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CHARACTER EDUCATION
Character education is an important part of our school curriculum to help
enforce the rules, encourage respect and enhance the safety and peaceful
environment on campus. Each month a new character trait will be focused on
at school and in the classroom.
September-Respect
October-Responsibility
November-Citizenship
December/January-Compassion
February-Honesty
March-Trustworthiness
April-Fairness
May/June-Courage
CELL PHONES AND PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cell phones, electronic devices and video games must be turned off and not
used during the school day or during any school activities. Cell phones
may only be used in the “phone zone” which includes the front on
Cuyamaca Street and the sidewalk on Riverwalk Dr. Cell phones that are
used on campus or go off at school will be confiscated and the parent will
need to pick up. If a student chooses to use his/her phone during class
time, it will be considered defiance and the student will receive
disciplinary consequences as stated below. If a student needs to use the
telephone, he/she can use the classroom or office phone with permission.
POSSESION OF CELLULAR PHONES AND OTHER PERSONAL ELECTRONIC SIGNALING DEVICES
Students may possess personal electric signaling devices including but not limited to pagers, beepers, and
cellular/digital phones. The school is not responsible for any electronic device brought onto a school
campus.
Permitted devices shall:
1. Be turned off at all times during the school day, and at any other time when directed by a district
employee;
2. Not disrupt the educational program or school activity;
3. Be turned off at all times during instructional student trips or 6th Grade Camp;
4. Be turned off at all times while riding on a school bus; and
5. Not be connected or linked to school district electronic information systems.
The basic rule will be: SEE IT, USE IT, HEAR IT, TAKE IT. Therefore, if an electronic device is seen,
used or heard, the following procedures will be put in place:
First Offense:
the device will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school day.
Second Offense:
the device will be confiscated and the parent must personally reclaim the device.
Third Offense:
will result in an in-school suspension, the device will be confiscated and the parent
must personally reclaim the device.
A student who violates this policy may be prohibited from possessing a personal electronic signaling device
at school or school-related events.
No student shall be prohibited from possessing or using an electronic signaling device that is determined
by a licensed physician or surgeon to be essential for the student’s health and the use of which is limited to
health-related purposes. (Board Policy 5131.2)
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GUM/FOOD/BEVERAGES
Gum is not allowed on school grounds or during school activities at any time.
This includes before and after school. Food and beverages are not permitted in
class unless the teacher gives permission. Students are not allowed to drink
coffee or energy drinks during school or while on campus. They will be
disposed of if consumed on campus. Many of these drinks specify on the
container that they are not recommended to be consumed by children.
Consequences will result if these rules are broken.
DETENTION
A teacher may assign a.m., p.m. or lunch detention when a student chooses not
to follow school or classroom rules and procedures. In addition, the student’s
citizenship grade may be lowered. The effectiveness of detention increases with
cooperation between parents and the school. Pursuant to Board Policy 5144,
students may be detained for up to 15 minutes after school without prior parent
notification.
Parents will be informed when students have been assigned a before or after
school detention. If a child does not show for detention, the time may be doubled
or he/she may be given other additional consequences.
GUEST TEACHER/SUBSTITUTE TEACHER GUIDELINES
Rio Seco students are expected to treat all guest/substitute teachers with the
utmost respect. The job of a guest teacher can be a very difficult one, and it is
the responsibility of all students to follow the rules. Students are expected to:
1. Quietly enter classrooms and sit in assigned seats.
2. Follow all directions given by the guest teacher.
3. Show respect for the guest teacher at all times.
Consequences up to and including suspension will be enforced for any student
who is sent to the office by a guest teacher. Junior High students sent to the
office by a guest teacher will receive a referral.
Guest teachers are encouraged to make a list of all students who demonstrate
exemplary behavior. These lists will be left for the regular classroom teacher.
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PERSONAL PROPERTY
Students assume the responsibility for loss or damage to their clothing,
equipment, books, and other personal property brought to school. The school
endeavors to protect all personal property, but is not responsible for it. Large
sums of money and articles of real or sentimental value should not be brought
to school. Due to possible loss, theft, or damage, the school advises
students to leave valuable possessions or items of sentimental value at
home.
Education Code, Section 48901.5 prohibits the use of electronic signaling
devices including cellular phones. Items such as CD players, radios, I pods or
MP3 devices, electronic games, cameras, cell phones, and pagers are not
permitted on campus except when expressly permitted for special projects.
Items that distract from the learning process are to be left at home. Items
confiscated from students may be held until the end of the school year or until
parents can retrieve them.
BETTING AND TRADING
Betting money or trading items of value is not permitted on school campus. If
money is involved, the child is responsible to return the entire amount of money
accepted.
LOST AND FOUND
The lost and found is located in the Rio Seco Safety Patrol Room. Be sure to
label belongings so that, if lost, the item may be returned. Unclaimed items will
be donated to charitable organizations at the end of each trimester. Please
leave valuable items and large sums of money at home.
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GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION
This section restates the grounds in Education Code, Section 48900. This
section shall not be interpreted to be inconsistent with those statutes.
ALL SCHOOL RULES ARE ENFORCED DURING, TO AND FROM
SCHOOL AND OR AT A SCHOOL ACTIVITY.
A pupil shall not be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion
unless the superintendent, Principal or designee of the school determines that
the pupil has:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to
another person.
Possessed, sold or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or
other dangerous object unless, in the case of possession of any object of
this type, the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the item
from a certificated school employee, which is concurred in by the principal
or the designee of the principal.
Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished, or been under
the influence of any controlled substance, an alcoholic beverage, or an
intoxicant of any kind.
Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled
substance, alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind, and then
either sold, delivered or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid,
substance, or material, and represented the liquid, substance, or material
as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant.
Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.
Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private
property.
Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property.
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 pupil or the
pupil’s own prescription products.
Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
Unlawfully possessed or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell
any drug paraphernalia.
Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority
of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school
personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.
Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.
Possessed an imitation firearm (meaning a replica of a firearm as to
substantially similar in physical properties to an existing firearm as to
lead a reasonable person to conclude that the replica is a firearm).
Committed or attempted to commit sexual assault or sexual harassment
as defined by the Penal Code.
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15. Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in an act
of hate violence.
16. Intentionally engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation directed
against a pupil or group of pupils that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to
have the actual and reasonable expected effect of materially disrupting
class work, creating substantial disorder, and invading the rights of that
pupil, or group of pupils, by creating an intimidating or hostile
educational environment.
17. Aiding and abetting the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury
to another person.
18. Rock throwing
Mandatory Suspensions
The Santee School Board has determined that a pupil shall be suspended for
the following conduct committed at school or at a school activity on school
grounds or on the way to or from school or at a school activity.
1. Possessing, selling, or furnishing a firearm if possession is verified by
school employee and the pupil did not have permission from a
certificated employee for the possession with such permission being
concurred in by the principal or designee of the principal.
2. Possession of any knife.
3. Unlawful selling of a controlled substance.
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STUDENT ACADEMIC SUCCESS
PROMOTION/RETENTION STANDARDS
California State law requires all students in grades 2 – 8 to meet the minimum
academic standards for that grade level in order to be promoted to the next
grade. Parents will be notified as early in the school year as possible if their
child is at-risk of retention. An intervention plan will be developed with the
classroom teacher. Final recommendations for retention/promotion will be
made the last few months of each school year.
Parent–teacher
communication is critical for student success. The classroom teacher can
answer questions regarding your child’s academic progress best. Please
contact your child’s teacher directly for additional information.
REPORTING PERIODS
Santee School District is on a trimester system. Report cards are sent home
three times each year. Progress reports are sent home approximately half way
through each report card grading period. Each trimester is 60 days, which
allows for a reporting period about every 30 days. Please see the next box to
note which days are reporting periods.
Trimester
1st
2nd
3rd
Progress Report
Week of October 8
Week of January 28
Week of May 6
Report Card
Week of December 10, 2012*
Week of March 18, 2013
June 18, 2013
*The first report card will be carried home with students along with a parent
conference slip. Please fill out and return the slip the next day in order to facilitate
scheduling a conference.
Parent-teacher conferences are held December 10-14, 2012. If at any other time
you would like to meet with a teacher to discuss your child’s progress, please
notify the teacher by voice mail, note or email to set up an appointment.
Parents are encouraged to be part of the school experience. If a parent needs to
communicate problems, concerns, or important information, please contact one
of the teachers. The best educational environment possible can be provided
with ongoing home and school communication.
Report cards will be held at the school until all school materials are returned
and/or fines are paid. Borrowed lunch money must also be paid prior to
receiving the report card.
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STUDENT RECOGNITION
Students at Rio Seco are rewarded for their outstanding academics, citizenship,
and effort. Students have the opportunity of being recognized by their teachers
as S.T.A.R. students for their Scholarship, Talent, Attitude, and Responsibility.
Student assemblies are held several times throughout the school year. Parents
are contacted prior to the assembly by their child’s teacher and are invited to
attend the assembly as a surprise to their child.
Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 are recognized each trimester for outstanding
academic achievement.
Academic Honor Roll
=
Academic STARS Honor Roll =
3.5 or higher GPA in academics
4. GPA in academics
Each qualified student will be honored at a special activity for Honor Roll
students.
Rio Seco students with Perfect Attendance will also be recognized each
trimester for attending school without any tardies for whatever reason
EVERYDAY!
Students will be awarded regularly with STAR/PeaceBuilder praises. Students
will be able to redeem their Character cards for prizes each Friday at lunch.
HOMEWORK
The Rio Seco staff recognizes the value and importance of homework.
Homework is used as an extension and reinforcement of the learning that takes
place in the classroom. Ideally, homework strengthens those concepts that are
the building blocks of the learning process. All homework assigned will provide
a positive educational purpose and will serve to enrich and enhance learning at
all levels. Homework is included as part of the total effort and/or work grade
upon which the student is evaluated. Each teacher has their own classroom
policies concerning make-up of homework assignments. Please contact your
child’s teacher for any questions or concerns about homework.
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SCHOOL MATERIALS/TEXTBOOKS
Students are responsible for all school materials checked out to them. This
includes all books, educational materials, and school equipment. If any items
are lost or damaged, the student will be required to pay for loss or damage.
Textbooks are loaned to students for their use during the school year. These
books should be handled carefully with the idea that other students will be
using the books in the future years. Parents contribute a great deal of tax
money to our school for student supplies. Students are responsible for taking
care of the textbooks issued to them and for keeping all textbooks covered.
Textbooks should not be used as notebooks in which papers and assignments
are stored, they should not be written in, or taken from a teacher’s classroom
without their permission. Students will be charged for any textbook that is lost
or damaged beyond normal wear. The average cost of most textbooks is
approximately $60-$85.
At the close of the school year, final report cards will not be sent home until all
books and other school property have been returned or fines paid.
LIBRARY
The Rio Seco library and research center is open Monday through Friday during
the school year. Generally one book per student may be checked out at a time.
Students are responsible for returning or renewing books on or before the due
date and are expected to pay for lost or damaged books. Report cards will be
held for lost or damaged books. Checking out a library book carries an
assumption of responsibility for that book. Parent volunteers are welcome in
our library. If you would like to volunteer, please contact our media clerk.
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND RECESS
Students in grades K-8 will have the opportunity to participate in both physical
education (P.E.) and recess. The classroom teacher will direct P.E. activities.
Teachers, instructional aides and campus aides will monitor recess times.
Therefore, it is important that students respectfully follow the directions of ALL
adults on duty at all times and practice safe playground behavior. Failure to do
so may result in loss of privileges and/or a referral to the office.
These active times allow students both structured and unstructured recreation
time. It is important that students wear appropriate and comfortable clothing
daily that allows them to participate in both P.E. and recess. This includes, but
is not limited to appropriate shoes. Shoes need to protect students’ feet and
allow them to run freely on playground areas.
FIELD TRIPS
Students at Rio Seco may be offered the opportunity to participate in a limited
number of field trips at a minimal cost. Field trips are an extension of the
curriculum standards.
The classroom teacher will provide all field trip
information. Field trips are not mandatory and are at the discretion of the
teacher.
In cases where transportation is provided, students must ride the bus to and
from the field trip. Field trip days are considered regular school days and all
students are expected to attend school whether or not they are attending the
field trip. All school rules apply on the bus and during the fieldtrip.
Appropriate school attire for the field trip is expected. Students are also
expected to maintain school behavior standards. Failure to do so may result in
disciplinary action.
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STUDENT SAFETY/HEALTH
SAFEST ROUTE TO SCHOOL
Students living on the north side of Mast Boulevard are to use the crosswalk at
the corner of Mast Boulevard and Cuyamaca Street and then proceed down
Cuyamaca Street using the sidewalk. Students are expected to follow all traffic
laws and obey the adult crossing guard.
Students living on the west side of Cuyamaca Street are to cross using the
Cuyamaca Street bridge. Students walking west on Riverwalk Drive are to walk
to the sidewalk on Cuyamaca Street and follow the sidewalk to school.
Students are not to arrive on campus before 8:15 A.M. There is no supervision
before 8:15 A.M.
PARKING LOT SAFETY RULES
Many of our students are driven to school in the morning and are picked up by
parents in the afternoon. In the interest of student safety, please observe
the following procedures as you drop off or pick up your children at Rio
Seco. Your patience and cooperation will make the traffic flow smoother and
keep the parking lots safe for everyone. Please do not drop off students before
8:15 A.M. because we do not have supervision before that time.












Students must be dropped off and picked up on the front or side parking lot curbs.
No student is allowed to exit or enter a car that is not parked in a designated
parking space or pulled up to the drop-off curb.
There is NO PARKING, NO WAITING, and NO STUDENT DROP-OFF OR PICK-UP in
the fire lane or through lanes of the parking lot.
Please observe the BUS ONLY signs for our daycare and special education busses.
The yellow curb is for loading and unloading students. YOU CANNOT PARK AND
EXIT YOUR VEHICLE ON THE YELLOW CURB. You must exit the drop-off/pick-up
lane immediately after loading or unloading your student.
You must keep your car engine running while on the yellow curb. Please pay
attention to the traffic in front of you and pull forward as cars move forward. Your
child can easily walk to the spot on the curb where you stop.
Please have your child ready to exit the car when you reach the curb.
If you need to wait for more than one dismissal time, you must park in a designated
space. Waiting on the curb for the second dismissal blocks the safe flow of traffic
and will not be allowed. Additional parking is available on Riverwalk Drive.
If you do not enter the parking lot in the curb lane you will have to leave the parking
lot to return to the curb lane. DO NOT cut in or out of the curb lane.
The speed limit is NO MORE THAN 5 MPH.
Leaving your vehicle running and unattended is not permitted.
Do not leave young children unsupervised in your vehicle.
Parking your vehicle and leaving it unattended in any non-designated spot, such as
a drop off zone, is not permitted.
25
BICYCLE SAFETY
Students in grades 4-8 are allowed to ride bicycles to school. All bicycles must
be individually locked inside the bike enclosure. Students who wish to ride their
bicycle need to have a bicycle permit on file in the Vice Principal’s office yearly.
Students are required to follow all school rules for safety including wearing a
helmet, walking bicycles on campus, and displaying courtesy to others. Failure
to follow rules and/or obtain a permit will result in the loss of the privilege to
ride a bicycle to school. The permit can be picked up in the office and requires
both parent and student signatures. The school does not assume responsibility
for bike or helmet security.
City ordinance #21113 prohibits skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters
on campus at any time. Please discuss this law with your children.
Children have been injured and we have experienced a great deal of
damage to school property. Thank you for your cooperation in this area.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND DISASTER DRILLS
Please be sure to update the school office of any changes in your
emergency phone numbers. State law requires us to have valid emergency
numbers on file for every student. Each year we send home new student
profiles for you to complete and return to the school. During the year, please let
us know when you change home, work, and cell phone numbers or addresses.
We mail items home during the year and in case of emergencies, we need up-todate information on each student.
Fire and earthquake drills are held on a regular basis and are an important
safety precaution. It is essential that the students follow their teacher’s
instructions promptly and remain quiet at all times. Our staff is trained yearly
in disaster and emergency procedures. In case of an emergency, all students
will remain at Rio Seco and be released only to parents or adults listed on the
emergency locator card.
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VISITORS/VOLUNTEERS
Adult visitors are welcome at Rio Seco School.
We require all parents,
volunteers, and guests to sign in at the office and wear a visitor tag. Nonenrolled students will not be permitted to visit during school hours or
attend school-related activities. They are also not allowed on the school
grounds or in the parking area during school hours unless they are with a
parent. Older students who walk younger students’ home need to meet them in
front of the school. Students are not permitted on playground equipment before
or after school even if supervised by a parent. This practice is to ensure the
safety of the students we serve.
Parents of students are welcome to visit or volunteer in classes at any time. We
ask that parents who wish to visit/volunteer in their child’s classes follow these
procedures:
 All school volunteers are required to complete a “School Volunteer
Application” and “Volunteer Code of Conduct” forms from each volunteer
prior to being allowed to participate as a volunteer. This includes
volunteering in the classroom as well as chaperoning field trips.
 On the day of the visit, check in at the school office before proceeding to
the classroom or playground. Wear your visitor tag at all times.
 Arrange visits beforehand through either a note or a phone call to the
teacher whose classroom will be visited.
 Do not plan to conference with the teacher during your visit. Make an
appointment with the teacher(s) with whom you would like to conference.
This will allow adequate time for staff to meet with you.
WHEN A STUDENT BECOMES ILL AT SCHOOL
If a student has a fever or is displaying other symptoms of illness, the parent or
person listed by the parent on the student profile as “Emergency Number” will
be notified. The student should be picked up as soon as possible. Students
should have a normal temperature for 24 hours before returning to school.
School personnel, including the school health clerk, are not permitted to
diagnose or administer treatment. In the event of an injury, the procedures
outlined above will be followed.
Occasionally parents request that the ill student walk home or be sent home to
an empty house. It is the belief of the Santee School District that it is not in the
best interest of ill students to walk home alone or sent home without an adult
present to care for them. We will not release a student from school without a
parent or parent designee signing the student out in the office.
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MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
(PRESCRIPTION AND/OR OVER THE COUNTER)
Medication refers to all prescription and over the counter health related
products. This includes all pills, injections, inhalers, eye and ear drops, cough
medicine, cough drops, and aspirin or similar products. If it is necessary for
your child to take medication at school, the medication must be kept in the
health clerk’s office and is not to be taken to class. A Rio Seco Physician’s
Statement must accompany all medication brought to school and submitted to
the health clerk. Medication should be clearly labeled with the name of the
student, doctor, pharmacy, date, number, name of the medication, amount of
medication to be taken, and the specified time. An adult must bring medication
into the school health office. Students are NOT permitted to bring any
medication to school. All medicine not picked up at the end of the school year
will be disposed of after one week.
INSURANCE
We encourage all parents to provide health insurance for their children. A lowcost policy is made available through the school district. Information is sent
home during the first few weeks of school. Please contact the school office if you
need more information.
SCHOOL PROGRAMS AND ORGANIZATIONS
GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION (GATE)
Santee School District offers an appropriately differentiated curriculum for
students in grades 4–8 who are identified as gifted or talented by screening
criteria and recommended to participate in the GATE program. Three schools in
Santee (Rio Seco, Carlton Oaks, and Cajon Park) are designated as GATE
schools. GATE programs are offered at eight of the nine Santee School District
Schools.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL)
The State of California provides additional assistance to schools that enroll
children who have limited English proficiency. The program provides testing,
instructional assistance, and instructional materials.
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FAMILY LIFE PROGRAM
We offer a Family Life Program for sixth and eighth grade students. Classroom
teachers usually teach the program. Parents are given an opportunity to
preview the materials that are used in the class prior to children receiving
instruction. A letter and permission slip is sent home for parents to indicate if
they want their children to participate in the Family Life Program.
PARENT – TEACHER – STUDENT ASSOCIATION (PTSA)
The Parent – Teacher – Student Association (PTSA) is a very important and
active organization at Rio Seco. PTSA volunteers help with dances, assemblies,
field trips, eighth grade promotion activities, newsletters, and many more
functions throughout the year. Rio Seco is fortunate to have this group to
support activities by organizing and providing the means for many of our
students to enjoy the activities we plan for them. All parents, teachers, and
students are encouraged to become members and participate.
PROJECT SAFE
Project SAFE is an on-site childcare program. Care is offered from 6:30 A.M. –
6:00 P.M. or shorter periods of time. Project SAFE has a Sibling and Modified
Day After-School program available for young students that need to wait for
junior high dismissal. Call 619-956-5510 for further information.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
The Boys and Girls Club of East County is dedicated to improving sports skills
while emphasizing fun, sportsmanship, teamwork and the development of selfesteem. This program is available to all 5th – 8th grade students for a nominal
fee. Transportation is available from Rio Seco to this off site location and can be
arranged with The Boys and Girls Club. Please call 619-440-1600 or see
www.bgcec.org for further information.
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Notes
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