TRABUCO MESA
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
A CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL
PARENT HANDBOOK 2015 -2016
“A HIGHER PLATEAU FOR LEARNING”
21301 Avenida de las Flores
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
949-858-3338
949-589-1923 (Attendance)
www.svusd.k12.ca.us
TRABUCO MESA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Parent Handbook-Table of Contents
Schedule
Calendar
District Information
Staff
Teachers
PTA Board & Mission Statement
Student Emergency Information
Absences/Reporting Absences
Tardiness
Symptoms of Illness
Medication
Independent Study Contracts
Classroom Interruptions
Visitors/Volunteers
Office Phones/Cell Phones
Daily School Dismissal
Documentation of Parent Custody
Children's Possessions
Vandalism
Bicycle Riders
Nutrition Break/Lunch Recess
Playground Safety Rules
Library Standards
Textbooks
Pets at School
Dress Code
Behavior Expectations-Rights/Rules/Consequences
Homework
Report Cards/Progress Reports
School Site Council
Disaster Preparedness
Non-Discrimination Notice
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10-11
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11-12
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12-13
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15-18
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TRABUCO MESA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SCHEDULE 2015 – 2016
OFFICE HOURS
7:30am to 3:30pm
Telephone: 949•858•3338
Fax: 949•858•5476
Attendance Message Line: 949•589-1923
REGULAR DAY SCHEDULE
Kindergarten (EB)
Kindergarten (LB)
Grades 1 – 6
Recess (Gr.1-3)
Recess (Gr.4-6)
Lunch (Gr.1-3)
Lunch (Gr.4-6)
Recess (Gr. 1-3)
Dismissal (Gr.1-6)
MINIMUM DAYS
8:00-11:20
9:40-1:00
8:00 – 2:20
10:05-10:25
10:30-10:45
11:45-12:30
12:35- 1:20
1:25-1:40
2:20
Grades 1 – 6
Recess (Gr.1-3)
Lunch (Gr.4-6)
Lunch (Gr.1-3)
Dismissal (Gr. 1-6)
8:00-12:40
10:00-10:19
10:30-11:04
11:30-12:05
12:40
Kindergarten Instructional Time: 200 Minutes
Primary Instructional Time: 300 Minutes Regular Day; 226 Minutes Minimum Day
Upper Instructional Time: 320 Minutes Regular Day; 246 Minutes Minimum Day
SPECIAL EDUCATION PRESCHOOL SCHEDULE
AM 8:45 – 11:00
PM 11:45 - 2:00
Playground supervision will begin at 7:45 am for children in Grades 1-6.
STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT SCHOOL BEFORE
PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN!
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2015 – 2016 SCHOOL CALENDAR
First Day of School
Back to School Night K & 6th
Back to School Night 1st-5th
Open House
Last Day of School
Monday, August 31
Wednesday, September 9
Wednesday, September 16
Wednesday, June 1
Tuesday, June 16
MINIMUM DAYS
Every Wednesday & Parent Conferences
School begins at 8:00 a.m., grades 1-6 dismissal at 12:40 p.m.
Kindergarten remains on its regular schedule.
September 16
M-F, Nov 30 – Dec 6 & Mon.Dec. 8
M-F March 9-13 & Mon March 16
June 1
June 16
Back to School Night
Conferences (6 days)
Conferences (6 days)
Open House
Last Day of School
NON-STUDENT DAYS
September 23
November 2
November 11
November 23-27
December 21 - January 1
January 18
February 1
February 12, 15
March 28 -April 1
May 30
Fall Recess Day
Staff Development Day
Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving Recess
Winter Recess
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Staff Development Day
February Recess
Spring Recess
Memorial Day
END OF TRIMESTER
November 20
March 18
June 16
Report Card
Report Card
Report Card
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≈DISTRICT≈
SADDLEBACK VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
25631 Peter A. Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, CA 92691,
949•586•1234
SUPERINTENDENT
Clint Harwick, Ed.D.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Suzie Swartz, President
Ginny Faye Aitkens, Vice President
Dolores Winchell, Clerk
Dennis Walsh, Member
Amanda Morrell, Member
SCHEDULED MEETINGS
The SVUSD Board meets on the second Thursday of each month
at 6:00 p.m.(and the fourth Thursday, if necessary) in the Education
Center Board Room. For meeting information, call 949•586•1234.
TRABUCO MESA STAFF
OFFICE
Mrs. Caryn McGrew
Christy Keller
Debra Berry
Chelsea Edwards
Randee Lennertz
Fran Gusmano
Joni Fowler
Principal
Office Manager
Clerk
Health Office Aide
Librarian
Bilingual Parent Advocate
Computer Lab Aide
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PUPIL SERVICES
Heather Payne
Brenda Ridenour
Carol Peterson
Liz Montoya
Francis Gusmano
Psychologist
RSP Teacher
Speech Pathologist
English Learners Aide
Bilingual Parent Advocate
TEACHERS
SDC Preschool
Kim Brown
Giovana Constantino
Kyna McCaskey
Jordyn Bennett - IBI
Kindergarten
Jill Craven
Cindi Wilson
Angela Johnson
Grades 1-3
Grades 4-6
Natasha Anand
Kathy Adair
Mandy Kelly
Barbara Kowalczyk
Gretchen Montgomery
Jeff Roberts
Christie Shiroke
Janet Spraker
Debbie Boatman
Sarah Cassidy
Mary Collins/ Elaine Devlin
Heather Elo
Sheila Jones
Sharon Matchett
Karissa Teskey
Barbara Walloch
Stacia Garreton
PLAYGROUND ASSISTANTS
Sue Christy, Sandra Paul, Vicki Jacobs, Lynn Lawr,
Nicole Krochmalny, Alycia Jennings
FOOD SERVICES
Debbie Rakowitz, Tessia Lee
TLC AFTER SCHOOL DAYCARE
Rob Brotemarkle
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PTA BOARD
President
Executive Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Financial Secretary
Auditor
Membership
Ways & Means
Programs
Volunteer/Outreach
Parliamentarian
Historian
Legislative Representative
Reflections Chair
Arts Advocacy
Box Tops
Communications
Newsletter
Advisor
Caryn McLain
Caoruce /Cortinas
Keri Bowden
Ti Albrecht
Paula Alvez
Laura Smith
Melody Henderson / Amy Meier
Valerie Eply
Crystal Battistone
Leslie Sweet
Jen Ames
Nicole Krochmalny
Melody Henderdon
Alycia Jennings
Danielle Tuohy
Caryn McGrew
PTA MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the PTA is to positively impact the lives of all children and families
by representing our members, and empowering and supporting them with skills in
advocacy, leadership and communications.
CORE VALUE
o
o
o
o
o
The PTA is a professional, non-profit volunteer organization committed to the wellbeing of all children.
We believe every adult has a responsibility to ensure that all children develop to
their full potential.
We believe parents are children’s first teachers and that parent involvement is
essential throughout a child’s educational experience.
We believe that family is the basic unit of society responsible for the support and
nurturing of all children, and we recognize that “the family” may be defined in many
ways.
We believe our responsibility includes advocating for the safety and welfare of all
children and the opportunity for a quality public education for each child.
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STUDENT EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Each child attending school must have a current Registration/Emergency
Information sheet, signed by a parent, on file in the office. It is imperative that
we maintain up-to-date information, as this is needed in case of illness, accidental
injury, or an emergency at school.
If at anytime during the school year there is a change in any of the information
(such as a home/cell number or address change), please notify the school office
immediately. Failure to keep the school office informed could mean the loss of
precious minutes in the event of an emergency.
ABSENCES
Students are excused if absent because of illness or other justifiable cause.
Children should not be sent to school if they are not feeling well or if they have a
fever, contagious disease, or rash. However, each year there are children who are
illegally absent from school, and others who are persistently tardy. Frequent
absences may have a negative impact on the academic progress that a child makes
in school.
The California Education Code, Section 48200, makes full time education
compulsory for children from ages six to sixteen, or high school graduation. It is
the legal responsibility of parents, or guardians, to see that their school aged
children are enrolled and attending school every day unless they have a valid
excuse. Under the law, a child may be legally excused from attending school only
for illness, quarantine, funeral service of a member of the immediate family, or for
medical, dental, or optometric services. Staying home to visit with out-of-town
relatives, babysitting a sibling, accompanying parent(s) on a day off, etc., are not
legally valid excuses for a child missing a day of school.
Students will be given ample opportunity to make up work that is missed because of
an excused absence. You may request homework on the attendance line
(949) 589-1923; however, please allow 24 hours for the teacher to prepare.
REPORTING ABSENCES
We all share responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of the children
attending school. For this reason, it is essential that the school be notified of any
absence before it occurs. If your child is to be absent, or more than 5 minutes
late, please phone our 24 hour school attendance line at 949-589-1923. Please
call each day your child is absent or late to school. If we have not been informed
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of your child’s absence, we must assume that something is wrong and proceed as
follows:
1.
2.
3.
Call the student’s home
Call the parent’s work place/cell phone.
Call the relative/neighbor listed on the emergency card.
If the parent/guardian cannot be reached, we would appreciate a note stating the
reason/dates for the absence when the child returns to school. If a reason for
absence is not given, we will assume it is an unexcused absence.
TARDINESS
It is vital that every child attend school promptly and regularly. We request that
you impress upon your child the importance of arriving on time. Doing so will
encourage responsibility and eliminate classroom interruptions. Habitual tardiness
results in your child missing out on essential instruction and can have a negative
impact on academic progress.
Students arriving after the instructional day has begun are to report to the office
and “sign in” before going to the classroom.
SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS
In order to protect your child and others, we recommend that you keep your child
home from school under the following conditions:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
Temperature of 99.6 F or higher
Nausea, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain within 24 hours
Marked drowsiness or dizziness
Acute cold, sore throat, persistent cough, constant runny nose
Colored nasal mucus
Red, inflamed, itchy, or discharging eyes
Any undiagnosed skin rashes
Earache or swollen glands around the jaws, ears, and neck
Diarrhea
Any draining skin lesions
YOUR CHILD MUST BE
RETURNING TO SCHOOL.
WITHOUT
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FEVER
FOR
24
HOURS
BEFORE
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
The Education Code allows school personnel to administer medication if the
following steps are taken:
1.
2.
3.
Physician’s Request Form completed by physician, and the Parental Release
Form should be on file in the office. (Please contact the office for the
form.)
The container of medicine must be labeled with the name of the child, name
of medicine, physician’s name, and dosage requirements. This information
must match exactly that given on the physician’s form.
Medicine must be brought to school by a parent. Any leftover medicine
must be picked up by the parent on the last day of school or it will be
disposed of at the end of the school year.
STUDENTS SHOULD NOT BRING TYLENOL, COUGH DROPS, OR ANY
OTHER MEDICATION TO SCHOOL TO TAKE ON THEIR OWN.
INDEPENDENT STUDY CONTRACTS
If a child is to be absent for five days or more, the District may receive state
funds if parents, teachers, and principal develop an Independent Study Contract.
Please notify the office ahead of time to allow the teacher time to prepare the
study contract. It will require the signature of the student, teacher, parent, and
principal before the absence takes place. Work is to be completed and handed in
to the office upon return to school. The work will be evaluated by the teacher,
and the absence will be changed to show completion of the contract. This contract
is very important as it allows the school to continue to receive valuable state funds
for student attendance.
CLASSROOM INTERRUPTIONS
In order to minimize classroom interruptions, we ask that any deliveries to
students be brought to the office. Teachers will be notified as soon as possible
and students will be asked to come to the office at a time that will not disrupt
their learning. It is the responsibility of each student to remember personal
property, lunches, assignments, projects, etc. We ask parents to encourage this
responsibility by eliminating as much as possible the delivery of forgotten items.
We seek your cooperation and assistance in providing an uninterrupted academic
learning time. You can help us by:
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1.
Signing in at the office, rather than interrupting the classroom, if you need
to check your student out.
2.
Sending the teacher a note stating the time a child is to be dismissed from
school to help the teacher be prepared.
3.
Establishing a system at home which helps eliminate forgotten lunches,
homework, instruments, etc. Your child will not be allowed to call home
during instruction time for these items.
VISITORS/VOLUNTEERS
The value of positive parent involvement is evident each day at our school. All
visitors/volunteers must sign in at the office and get a visitor sticker. The sticker
must be worn while on campus to alert our staff that the person has been approved
to be on the school grounds. Also, in order to comply with current State and
District regulations, regular volunteers must complete a volunteer registration
form, which is available from the classroom teacher. Please do not bring
siblings/young children with you when volunteering or visiting the classroom due to
insurance liability.
We ask all of our parents to abide by the visiting rules of the school. Please do not
approach any classroom doors or disturb the learning and safety of a classroom.
Our procedures have been established to provide protection to our students. Only
those adults who have official business at the school will be allowed on campus.
Parents are welcome to visit the school and individual classrooms by making
arrangements with the teacher or principal first. It is not possible for teachers to
conference with parents during class time. We suggest that a conference be
arranged with the teacher at a mutually convenient time. Classroom visitations are
limited to 20 minutes in order to reduce disruption of the instructional program.
OFFICE PHONES/CELL PHONES
Keeping the safety of your children in mind, and to avoid confusion, children should
make arrangements about going to friends’ houses prior to coming to school, and
will be reminded of this rule if they come to the office to make such arrangements
by phone.
If you have provided your child with a cell phone for emergency communication,
please be aware that it may not be used for routine calls or texting during the
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school day. In case of an emergency, students are able to use the office phone as
needed. Students are asked to keep cell phones in their backpacks during school
hours. Students are not allowed to share their cell phone with others. The
District does not assume liability for lost, stolen or damaged cell phones.
DAILY SCHOOL DISMISSAL
We make every effort to insure your child’s safe arrival at home after school.
Please instruct your child to go directly home after school is dismissed. Any time a
child’s routine is to be different than usual, let us know with a note so we’re ready
to assist if circumstances dictate.
Please use the loading/unloading right lane or the parking spaces provided in front
of the school when picking up your student(s). Parents must park and walk to pick
up their students. Students are not to cross the parking lot to meet a waiting
adult.
Our parking lot is very busy during drop off and pick up times. The right lane is for
loading and unloading; however, please be prepared to do a quick stop in an effort
to keep the lane moving.
DOCUMENTATION OF PARENT CUSTODY
The school must legally allow either parent to check their child out of school with
proper I.D. unless court custody paperwork is on file in the school office.
CHILDREN’S POSSESSIONS
Please label clearly with a permanent marker all lunch boxes, sacks, backpacks,
personal books, and articles of clothing with your child’s name. Your help is needed
in teaching children to care for their own belongings. Many items, often brand
new, go unclaimed in our school’s Lost and Found. Unclaimed articles will be given
to a charitable organization at the end of each month.
VANDALISM
Students and their parents are responsible for all damage to equipment or school
property. This responsibility applies in the matter of books, supplies of all kinds,
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furniture, as well as equipment, school buildings and grounds. Whenever possible,
the administration shall require restitution for damaged school property.
Parents are asked to report to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department any
unusual or suspicious activity, graffiti, or vandalism on school premises after school
hours or on non-school days.
BICYCLE RIDERS
Only students in grades 4, 5, and 6 may ride bicycles to school. Each bicycle must
be equipped with a well-built, strong lock and is to be parked and locked only in the
bicycle racks.
Bicycle riders must wear helmets. Scooters, razors, and
skateboarding are prohibited at all times on the school grounds.
NUTRITION BREAK/LUNCH RECESS
All students should eat something nutritious for their morning and lunch breaks.
We ask that parents provide a nutritious snack for their students’ first break of
the day. Students are expected to sit and eat their snack before going out to play
for recess. Students may bring their lunch or purchase one from our school lunch
program. Our district uses a computerized point of sale program. Each student
has their own account; parents can deposit money on their student's account
through our district website or by bringing cash/check to the school office.
Students will access their account to pay for lunch by entering a PIN number.
We ask that you use the point of sale system rather than giving cash to your
students to buy lunch, as cash sales create very long lunch lines for students!
Prepaid meal accounts help the lunch lines go faster and gives students more time
to eat, relax, and play. It also gives you the peace of mind of not having to worry
about looking for lunch money every day or worry that it might get lost, taken or
used for things other than lunch.
PLAYGROUND SAFETY RULES
Playground rules are reviewed regularly with students by staff. Students are
expected to act respectfully, responsibly, and safely. Students are to report any
accident on the playground to the teacher or campus supervisor on duty. Please
encourage your child to let the teacher or supervisor know if he/she is ill or
injured, and to report any dangerous condition which may be noticed to an adult.
Children are not to bring tennis balls, toys, or other play equipment from home.
Scooters, razors, and skateboarding are prohibited at all times on the school
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grounds.
Our #1 rule of conduct on the playground for safety is: “Keep your
hands, feet, and objects to yourself.”
LIBRARY STANDARDS
In an effort to maintain the ambiance of this room as well as caring for the
materials contained within, we ask that children abide by the following guidelines:
•Follow all directions given to you by the librarian.
•Treat books with care and respect.
•Use quiet voices, remove your hats, and remember that gum is not allowed at
school at anytime.
•Check out books with the librarian and return them promptly, so that others may
enjoy them.
TEXTBOOKS
If a student’s textbook or library book is lost or damaged, it will be necessary for
the student to buy a replacement book or pay the school for the cost of the book.
Please encourage your children to treat their books with respect and to always
know where they are located. At the close of the school year, report cards will not
be distributed to students who have failed to pay for lost or damaged library
books or textbooks.
PETS AT SCHOOL
For the safety and well being of all students, no pets are allowed on school
property at any time, even when on a leash or with the owner present. Please do
not bring pets to school when dropping off or picking up your children at
school. Thank you for your cooperation.
DRESS CODE
The Saddleback Valley Unified School District supports dress codes that help
maintain a safe, distraction free, educational environment. In an effort to meet
that goal, Trabuco Mesa’s dress code promotes neat, safe, and age-appropriate
clothing and accessories. Any style or item that could be construed as disruptive,
immodest, unsafe, or extreme is not permitted. School personnel reserve the right
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to determine the appropriateness of any attire, taking into consideration
information from staff, parents, students, and law enforcement.
Inappropriate Items Include:
1. Clothing or accessories that are offensive or promote alcohol, tobacco,
drugs, violence, gangs, vandalism, bigotry, vulgarity, sexual connotations,
including those that contain double meanings.
2. Shorts or pants that are oversized and/or sag. (Pants must be of proper
size, which means that they must fit securely at the waist.)
3. Clothing in disrepair with holes, cuts, or tears that are distracting or
unsafe.
4. Any writing on the body (including temporary tattoos) or piercing other than
ears.
5. Any clothing that is revealing, immodest, are prohibited. Examples include:
Tops that expose bare midriff or undergarments, halter-tops, bathing suits,
sports bras, tube tops and spaghetti strapped tops. (Straps on blouses/tank
tops must be at least two inches wide.) Low-cut tops or tank tops with
oversized arm holes, and short shorts, skirts, or dresses are also prohibited.
6. Any accessories that could be a safety issue such as chains, spiked/studded
belts, or dangling earrings/jewelry.
7.Only hats with a brim are allowed outdoors for sun protections and beanies
for cold weather. Baseball hats are to be worn with the bill forward. All hats
are to be removed while inside all campus buildings.
8. Open-toe shoes/flip flops are not permitted as they are unsafe for our
active students. Tennis shoes are recommended for P.E. and outdoor
activities.
9. Hair or make-up of an unnatural color or extreme style. Examples of
hairstyles that may be disruptive include mohawks or faux-hawks.
A well-groomed appearance is important in developing a positive self-image and
complements the total instructional program. Please help us in the shared
responsibility of making sure children are appropriately dressed for school. Thank
you!
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION SYSTEM (PBIS)
Maintaining an orderly and safe environment is an important role of public schools,
for without these qualities, effective learning cannot take place. Having safe and
orderly schools directly relates to student discipline. Each time a student disrupts
a classroom, learning time is wasted. Students all have the right to learn and grow,
play fairly, and to be safe while at school. Students who disrupt these activities or
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infringe on the rights of others will face the consequence of his/her behavior.
Schools cannot maintain order unless the parents are involved in and supportive of
the staff’s discipline decisions.
Trabuco Mesa holds high behavioral expectations for all students! We have
implemented school-wide expectations as part of our Positive Behavior
Intervention System. Positive behaviors are taught, reviewed, encouraged and
reinforced in all school settings through this program.
The 3 Be’s in our matrix are:
o Be Safe
o Be Respectful
o Be Responsible
Our PBIS program includes positive rewards for good behavior as well as
consequences for unacceptable behavior. Students are expected to follow
classroom and school-wide expections. Students who continually disregard rules
and rights of others will be required to accept the consequences of their behavior.
A variety of activities have been developed that are appropriate consequences for
continual misbehavior. Office referrals, time outs, missing recess, and suspension
from school for up to five days are some of the consequences that may be used
depending on the type and severity of the infraction.
STUDENT RIGHTS:
Students have these important rights:
o Students have the right to be themselves at school.
o Students have a right to be respected and treated with kindness.
o Students have a right to be safe at school.
o Students have a right to tell their side of a problem before a consequence is
given.
SCHOOL RULES:
Be respectful to adults and other students. Use only kind words toward others.
Examples of language that is not allowed includes:
o •making fun of a person’s appearance, abilities, race, religion, etc.
o •threatening another person
o •swearing, obscene or inappropriate language or gestures.
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o •persistent harassment or bullying.
Use common sense. Do not do something if you think there is a chance that you,
or someone else, or school property could be hurt by your actions.
Remain in assigned areas. Students must stay in correct areas of the school.
Keep hands, feet, and objects, to yourself. If you think someone might be hurt
by your action, don’t do it.
Complete all assigned work. Students are to complete all classwork and homework
assigned. Copying from others is not allowed.
Follow the directions of adults. Always follow the directions of teachers,
campus supervisors, and school staff. Defiance is unacceptable.
Maintain good school attendance. You must attend school every day unless you
are ill or have a doctor’s appointment. You must be on time.
Do not bring toys or dangerous weapons to school. There are some things that
you must not bring to school because they are dangerous, such as knives, weapons,
matches, explosives, drugs, alcohol, and look alike items from above list. Other
items that you may not bring to school because they interfere with learning are
toys, stuffed animals, electronic games, and hand-held devices. (Hand-held devices
may be brought/used at school if the student is participating in a “bring your own
device” program and has signed a usage contract.)
SCHOOL CONSEQUENCES:
The staff and principal work together to provide fair consequences for
inappropriate behavior. Please review with your child the expectations we have
listed above and encourage your child to be a positive, contributing member of our
school community. Minor infractions of rules are handled by teachers. Usual
consequences for serious infractions of rules are listed below:
Care of school property: If a student damages or destroys school property, the
principal will counsel the student and contact the parents.
Students are
responsible for the cost of the damage. Vandalism of school property is an
expellable offense.
Not completing assigned work:
If a student does not complete classroom
assignments, the teacher will talk with the student and parents will be notified.
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Incomplete work or lack of completed work will affect a student’s grades. The
teacher will work with the parents and student to plan a course of improvement.
Defiance: If a student does not obey adults at school, the teacher will talk with
the student and notify the parents. The student may lose classroom or playground
privileges. If the behavior continues, or if the problem is serious, the student will
be counseled by the principal, parents will be notified, and the student may be
suspended from school.
Profanity:
If a student uses swear words or obscene gestures, the
teacher/principal will counsel the student, the student will lose privileges, and
parents will be notified. The student may be suspended from school for such
behavior.
Fighting: If a student is involved in a serious fight, the student will be sent to
the principal, parents will be notified, and the student will lose privileges or may be
suspended from school. Threatening another student is prohibited and will result
in consequences.
Possession of alcohol, drugs, or weapons: If a student brings such an item to
school, the student will be subject to suspension and/or expulsion from our school
district.
HOMEWORK
Homework is an integral part of the learning process. We believe in the
importance of homework for two specific reasons: (1) children need to practice the
skills they learn at school often and continuously; and (2) children need to learn the
discipline of accomplishing assigned work and be responsible for its completion.
It is our intent that the completion of homework should not require more time than
outlined below. Since some students work more slowly than others, more time may
be needed in certain cases. Homework Guidelines:




Assignments will be related to class work, explained thoroughly, and will be
reviewed in class.
Some kind of grade or credit will be given to each assignment. As a minimum,
homework will be used in determining a student’s final effort grade and may
have a bearing on his/her final grade in a subject area.
Homework will be assigned Monday through Thursday. Exceptions would
include absence from school, long-term projects, etc.
The following maximum time limits have been established to maintain
continuity throughout the school and district:
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a) Kindergarten - as appropriate
b) Grades 1-3 - 20 to 60 minutes
c) Grades 4-6 - 60 to 90 minutes
When studying at home, conditions should be made as favorable as possible. Quiet
and good lighting are probably the most important of the physical conditions. When
a separate room is not available, a study corner with an uncluttered desk and
adequate lighting should be provided. Remember, television is often a distraction.
Please consult with the teacher regarding any individual problems your child may
have with homework. Our mutual cooperation and common goal of developing
independent study habits will pay dividends in the future. A reasonable homework
policy expands teaching and learning beyond the classroom and allows parents to
become involved in their child’s schoolwork. We intend it to be a positive
experience.
REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS
Report cards are issued three times per year, at the end of each trimester.
Progress reports may also be sent mid-trimester. Should your child receive an
unsatisfactory progress report, you may wish to contact the teacher to establish
specific objectives to improve his/her academic achievement in the classroom.
SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL
The School Site Council is an elected group of staff and parents from Trabuco
Mesa that acts in an advisory capacity to the principal and staff. The council’s
task is to develop, implement, and update an Integrated School Improvement Plan
as outlined in Assembly Bill 65. The School Site Council serves as a communication
link between the community and the school. Meetings are held at least 3 times per
year. Interested parents may contact the school.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Our school has an action plan, should an earthquake or other disaster occur during
the school day. Please review the items listed below:
The Principal and staff will be responsible for all children until a parent or
authorized person arrives. Students will need to be signed out by an authorized
person on the Disaster Emergency Card.
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Information may be sent out through our school messenger system via text, phone
and/or email. Please do not call the school as our staff will be busy attending
to the situation and may be unable to answer the phone.
If the school is evacuated, a sign will be posted on the school grounds.
Maintain a calm appearance and a positive attitude in the childrens’ presence.
An emergency condition would exist if the school was directly damaged as a result
of fire, flood, earthquake, fallen aircraft, or other disaster. This possibility should
make it clear to us all that THE EMERGENCY INFORMATION ON FILE IN THE
OFFICE MUST BE KEPT UP TO DATE AT ALL TIMES! Help us by doing the
following:
Complete the entire Disaster Emergency Form.
This is kept with emergency equipment in case of a major emergency.
completing this form, please take into consideration the following:
In
a. Include local friends, relatives and neighbors who will be available. Remember,
roads and freeways may be heavily congested or closed.
b. Please notify the persons you are listing to be sure they are available and willing
to assume the responsibility.
c. Please keep this information up-to-date by sending a note to the school when a
change is made.
d. Discuss with your children the names on the disaster form. Explain to them why
we can release them only to authorized persons. Review with them your family
emergency plan.
NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE
Saddleback Valley Unified School District has a policy prohibiting discrimination in
educational offerings on the basis of an individual’s sex, race, color, religion,
citizenship, age, or physical disability. Complaints alleging non-compliance for
students should be directed to the school principal and/or the Director of Pupil
Services at the district office.
Rev. 8/2015
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