Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to the 2014-2015 school year. I believe the best learning climate is one in which parents, students, and staff work together. Consequently, I will be asking for your assistance and support in providing the highest educational experience possible. With active participation and cooperation by each of us, we can meet the challenges and responsibilities that this new school year will bring.
Rockford can be very proud of what it has achieved; however, achievements are not due to complacency and/or satisfaction with the status quo. Our program is what it is because of a dedicated staff that has a common goal, and that is to do what is best for all students.
In closing, this handbook is designed for your convenience. We hope that it will be a handy reference for you as parents and/or students regarding policies and procedures that affect the operations of Rockford School.
May all of you have a most successful year.
Sincerely,
Caron Borba, Superintendent/Principal
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ed Flory, President David Gisler, Clerk Fred Hughes, Member
1 Management Borba, Caron Superintendent/Principal Miller, Diana Business Manager Thornburg, Tracy Cafeteria Manager Baez, Hugo Maintenance Manager Certificated Staff Allen, Deborah 6th-8th grade teacher Benas, Priscilla 6th-8th grade teacher Britt, Charles 6th-8th grade teacher Cash, Katie 5th grade teacher Castle, Kimberly 2nd grade teacher Dillard, Terri 1st grade teacher Dowling, Michele 3rd grade teacher Gartung, Chrissy 1st grade teacher Gisler, Katie Kindergarten teacher Hendrickson, Snider Music teacher Loer, Robert 4th grade teacher Mueller, Aleta 2nd grade teacher Nix, Krista 4th grade teacher Patrick, Michele 6th-8th grade teacher Rose, Lindsay 3rd grade teacher Smith, Miki Kindergarten teacher True, Heidi 5th grade teacher West, Douglas 6th-8th grade math teacher
Classified Staff Eden Corpus Cafeteria DeLeon, Elvie Cafeteria Hicks, Cheryl Secretary Luis, Devin Maintenance Paquette, Patty Transportation and Maintenance Smith, Judy Cafeteria
Instructional Aides Garcia, Vanessa Hensley, Kristi Johnson, Diana Kissick, Becky Row, Dorothy Salinas, Elvida
County Staff Del Toro, Melissa Psychologist Pallanes, Nancy Nurse Pasillas, Susan Resource Teacher Rivas, Raul ESL Turner, Sara Speech Pathologist
2 ABSENCES
It is very important to your child’s education that he/she attends school on a regular basis. Missed days of school can leave gaps in the educational process that may be very difficult to make up. Please make every effort to get your child to school every day and on time.
Excused absences include personal illness, doctor and dental appointments. Students are also excused from school for justifiable personal reasons, including, but not limited to, a court appearance, attending funeral services for a member of the immediate family, for the purpose of spending time with a member of the pupil’s immediate family, who is an active duty member of the uniformed services, and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from, deployment to a combat zone or combat support position. Absences granted pursuant to this paragraph shall be granted for a period of time to be determined at the discretion of the Superintendent of the school district. If certain conditions are complied with, pupils may also be excused from school in order to participate in religious exercises or religious retreats. Students shall be allowed to make up a reasonable equivalent of all assignments and tests missed during the absence. No pupil may have his or her grade reduced or lose academic credit for any absence or absences excused if missed assignments and tests that can reasonably be provided are satisfactorily completed within a reasonable period of time.
When your child is absent, may we respectfully request you follow these procedures: Upon returning to school after an absence, a child must bring a note signed by his/her parent or guardian who states the date of and reason for, his/her absence. This note is presented to the student’s teacher or office. A telephone call from the parent will also be accepted.
EXCUSED ABSENCES FOR PUPILS OBTAINING CONFIDENTIAL MEDICAL SERVICES WITHOUT CONSENT OF THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN
The governing board of each district shall, each academic year, notify pupils in grades seven to twelve inclusive, and the parents or guardians of all pupils enrolled in the district, that school authorities may excuse any pupil from the school for the purpose of obtaining confidential medical services without the consent of the pupil’s parent or guardian.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE REVIEW BOARD (SARB)
Students who are irregular in attendance, habitually truant, or disorderly, will be referred to the School Attendance Review Board. The School Attendance Review Board includes representatives of school districts, county probation department, county welfare department, and law enforcement agencies.
A School Attendance Review Board conference is a meeting between students, family, and members of the local School Attendance Review Board. It is an effort to deal with creative alternatives for behavior and attendance problems. If the parent of the student
3 fails to cooperate or exercise their responsibility, a complaint against that parent may be filed through the local school superintendent with the District Attorney. If the School Attendance Review Board finds that the pupil fails to cooperate or follow its directives, then a Request for Petition may be filed on behalf of that pupil through the Tulare County Superintendent of Schools to juvenile court.
PARENT/GUARDIAN RIGHTS NOTIFICATION
Selected California Education Codes pertaining to parent/guardian notifications are included in your school enrollment packets. However, the following rights and responsibilities as a parent/guardian of a child enrolled in Rockford School have also been included in this handbook.
PUPIL RECORDS AND PARENT ACCESS
Pupil records maintained by the Rockford Elementary School District consist of personal identifying information, subjects taken, grades received, standardized test results, attendance record, and health record. The school principal or his/her designee is responsible for maintaining each type of pupil record and the information contained therein. Pupil records are accessible only to parents or legal guardians. Parents/Guardians have a right to review and challenge the contents of their child’s records. Parents/Guardians also have a right to add a written statement or response to the cum file when any record of disciplinary action is placed there. Copies of the pupil record may be obtained by the parent/guardian.
IMMUNIZATION FOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
The governing board of each school district shall require that every child entering a school must be fully immunized against Diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Measles, Mumps, Pertussis (whooping cough), Poliomyelitis, Rubella, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Varicella (chicken pox), and any other disease deemed appropriate by the California Department of Public Health. A written immunization record of each required vaccine, including date and provider must be presented at school entry.
Commencing July 1, 2011, the governing board of each school district shall require full immunization against Hepatitis B for any pupil entering the 7th grade level. Also commencing July 1, 2011, the governing board shall require any pupil entering 7th through 12th grade, inclusive, to be fully immunized against pertussis, including all pertussis boosters (Tdap) appropriate for the pupil's age.
(b) The governing board of the district shall notify the parent or guardian of the pupil that they have two weeks to supply evidence either that the pupil has been properly immunized, or that the pupil is exempted from the immunization requirement pursuant to Section 120365 or 120370 of the Health and Safety Code.
(c) The governing board of the district, in the notice, shall refer the parent or guardian of the pupil to the pupil’s usual source of medical care to obtain the immunization, or if no
4 usual source exists, either refer the parent or guardian to the county health department, or notify the parent or guardian that the immunizations will be administered at the school of the district.
INSTRUCTION IN TOPICS INCLUDING HEALTH, FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, SEX EDUCATION, AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES SUCH AS HIV/AIDS
All pupils in grades 7-12, inclusive, shall receive comprehensive sexual health education and HIV/AIDS prevention education from trained instructors at least once in junior high/middle school and once in high school.
At the beginning of each school year, or at the time of enrollment, the parent or guardian of each pupil shall be notified about instruction in comprehensive sexual health education and HIV/AIDS prevention education and research on pupil health behaviors and risks planned for the coming year. The notice shall include all of the following:
1. Advise the parent or guardian that written and audiovisual educational materials used in comprehensive sexual health education and HIV/AIDS prevention education are available for inspection. 2. Advise the parent or guardian whether the comprehensive sexual health education or HIV/AIDS prevention education will be taught by school district personnel or by outside consultants. 3. Information explaining the parent’s or guardian’s right to request a copy of Chapter 5.6 of the Education Code (commencing with Section 51930 et seq.). 4. Advise the parent or guardian that the parent or guardian may request in writing that his or her child not receive comprehensive sexual health education or HIV/AIDS prevention education.
Anonymous, voluntary and confidential research and evaluation tools to measure pupils’ health behaviors and risks, including tests, questionnaires, and surveys containing age- appropriate questions about the pupils’ attitudes concerning or practices relating to sex may be administered to pupils in grades 7-12. Parents or guardians shall be notified in writing and given the opportunity to review such tests, questionnaires and surveys.
A parent or guardian has the right to excuse his or her child from all or part of the above.
A pupil shall not be subject to disciplinary action, academic penalty, or other sanction if the parent/guardian does not permit the pupil to receive the instruction. While the instruction is being delivered, an alternative educational activity shall be made available to those pupils whose parent/guardian have requested that they not receive the instruction.
Please note: The upper grade Family Life and/or HIV/AIDS prevention education is taught by nurses and/or personnel employed by the Tulare County Office of Education.
5 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND SCOLIOSIS SCREENING
State law requires that the parent/guardian of a pupil entering the first grade must submit to the school written proof that his/her child had a physical examination with the time period of eighteen months prior to entry and ninety days after entry to the first grade.
The school district is required to screen every seventh grade girl and eighth grade boy for scoliosis (curvature of the spine). The school district nurses (via the County Office of Education) will screen all fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. The parent/guardian has the right to submit to the school a written request that the pupil not participate in this screening program.
The parent/guardian has the right to sign an affidavit of personal beliefs exempting his/her child from a physical examination, including vision, hearing, and scoliosis screening.
VISION AND HEARING APPRAISAL
Your child’s vision and/or hearing will be checked by an authorized person between grades kindergarten through eight, unless you present to the school a written denial of consent.
NONDISCRIMINATION District programs shall be free from discrimination based on disability (including, but not limited to blindness or severely impaired vision, physical or mental disability or medical condition), age, gender or sex, gender identity, gender expression, nationality or national origin (including surname or language-minority status or ethnic group identification), color, race or ethnicity, ancestry, genetic information, religion or religious creed, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crime set forth in Penal Code section 422.55, or the perception of one or more of such characteristics or lack of English skills. Title IX requires each school district that receives federal funds to have a Title IX coordinator, to notify all students and employees of the name, office address, and telephone number of the designated coordinator, and to adopt and publish a grievance procedure to resolve student and employee complaints under Title IX. SPECIAL EDUCATION
In order to provide a specially designed instruction program to meet the unique needs of students with exceptional needs whose needs cannot be met with a modification of the regular instructional program, the district will provide a special instructional program at no cost to the parent. Individuals, with exceptional needs, are considered “handicapped children.” This term encompasses children evaluated as being mentally impaired, hard of hearing, deaf, speech impaired, visually handicapped, seriously emotionally disturbed, orthopedically impaired, or other health impaired, deaf-blind, multi-handicapped, or having a specific learning disability. Any individual, public agency, or organization may file a written complaint with the District Superintendent or with the State Superintendent
6 of Public Instruction if they believe the school district has violated federal or state laws regarding special education.
SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT
No pupil will be discriminated against on the basis of sex, handicap, race, color, national origin, or lack of English skills. If necessary, reasonable accommodations are available for handicapped students.
PUPILS WITH TEMPORARY DISABILITIES
A pupil with a temporary disability, which makes attendance in the regular day classes or alternative education program, in which the pupil is enrolled impossible or inadvisable, shall receive individual instruction provided by the district in which the pupil is deemed to reside.
The district shall consider provisions for a pupil with a temporary disability, in which it may or may not be advisable to attend a school or an alternative education program. Such pupils shall be provided individual instruction, as deemed necessary, that may include instruction in the pupil’s home, hospital, or health facility in the pupil’s district of residence. If the hospital or health facility is outside the pupil’s district of residence, the district where the hospital or health facility is located shall be the pupil’s district of residence. It shall be the responsibility of the parent or guardian of a pupil with a temporary disability to notify the school district in which the pupil is deemed to reside, pursuant to Section 48207 of the pupil’s presence in a qualifying hospital.
TESTS ON PERSONAL BELIEFS
Unless you give written permission, your child will not be given any test, questionnaire, survey, or examination containing any questions about your child’s or his/her parents’ or guardians’ personal beliefs or practices in sex, family life, morality, or religion.
CONSENT FOR EVALUATIONS
Your child may not be tested for a behavioral, mental, or emotional evaluation without your informed written consent.
PUPILS’ RIGHTS TO REFRAIN FROM HARMFUL OR DESTRUCTIVE USE OF ANIMALS
Any pupil with a moral objection to dissecting or otherwise harming or destroying animals, or any parts thereof, shall notify his or her teacher regarding this objection. Alternative education projects will be authorized.
GENERAL HARASSMENT
7 Harassment of or by any student shall not be tolerated. Rockford School considers harassment to be a major offense which may result in disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion of the offending student.
RELEASE OF STUDENT TO PEACE OFFICER
If Rockford School releases your child from school to a peace officer for the purpose of removing him/her from the school premises, the school official shall make a reasonable effort to notify you or a responsible relative of your child, except when a student has been taken into custody as a victim of suspected child abuse. In those cases, the peace officer will notify the parent or guardian.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITY
Parents or guardians are liable for all the damages caused by the willful misconduct of their minor children which result in death or injury to other students, school personnel, or school property. Parents are also liable for any school property loaned to the student and not returned on demand of the District.
If your child commits an obscene act or engages in habitual profanity or vulgarity, disrupts school activities or otherwise willfully defies the authority of school personnel, and is suspended for such misconduct, you may be required to attend a portion of a school day in your child’s classroom.
TOBACCO-FREE SCHOOL
Rockford School is a Tobacco-Free School.
SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT CARD
The School Accountability Report Card is available upon request. The report card, which is issued annually by local school boards for each elementary and secondary school in the state, provides for parents and other interested people a variety of information about the school.
RELEASE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION
The law allows schools to release directory information to certain persons or organizations. Directory information may include a student’s name, address, telephone information, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, and the most recent previous public or private school attended by the student. If you wish that the district withhold any of this information, contact the school principal.
8 COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
The district has a primary responsibility to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. The district will investigate complaints alleging failure to comply with these laws. We will seek to resolve these complaints while ensuring that complainants are protected from retaliation. If you believe a state or federal law has been violated, you may file a written complaint describing the failure with the district’s superintendent.
After the local investigation, you may appeal to the California Department of Education. Some complaints may involve civil law remedies, direct State intervention, or the withholding of funds from the district if it fails to comply with the law.
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE SCHOOL PROGRAM
The Governing Board believes that the quality of the educational program can improve when the district listens to complaints, considers differences of opinion, and resolves disagreements through an established, objective process.
The Board encourages complainants to resolve problems early and informally whenever possible. If the problem remains unresolved, the individual should submit a formal complaint as early as possible to the school superintendent/principal.
Although individual Board members do not have authority to resolve complaints, when approached directly, Board members will listen to the complaint and show concern by referring the complaint to the Principal or designee so that the problem may receive proper consideration.
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING PUPIL FEES A pupil enrolled in a public school shall not be required to pay a pupil fee for participation in an educational activity. This article is declarative of existing law and should not be interpreted to prohibit the imposition of a fee, deposit, or other charge otherwise allowed by law. (a) A complaint of noncompliance with the requirements of this article may be filed with the principal of a school under the Uniform Complaint Procedures set forth in Chapter 5.1 (commencing with Section 4600) of Division 1 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. (b) A complaint may be filed anonymously if the complaint provides evidence or information leading to evidence to support an allegation of noncompliance with the requirements of this article. If it is found that the complaint has merit, the school shall provide a remedy to all affected parties (pupils, parents/guardians) which shall ensure full reimbursement to the parties subject to procedures established by the State Board of Education. In addition, schools should have policies and procedures in place.
9 If a complainant is not satisfied with the decision of the school, the decision may be appealed to the California Department of Education. (e) Information regarding the requirements of this article shall be included in the annual notification distributed to pupils, parents and guardians, employees, and other interested parties pursuant to Section 4622 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. ACCIDENTS
If a serious injury occurs on the school grounds or on the bus, parents will be notified and asked to pick up their child for their own observation or examination by a family physician. Parents will be promptly notified of all injuries not considered minor. In the event that parents cannot be reached, your student will be discharged to a person named on the emergency card.
ADMISSION
State Law requires a child to be five years of age by December 2 to start Kindergarten and six years of age to start first grade. Students who have not reached the age of 5 by December 1st may start Kindergarten upon turning 5 years old providing there is available space in Kindergarten and parents sign a form to acknowledge that placement at mid-year does not necessarily mean promotion to first grade at the end of the school year.
If the child has not attended Rockford, it is mandatory that the parent bring a birth certificate for the child.
State Law makes it mandatory for parents (unless a personal belief affidavit or medical exemption is on file) to present evidence that the child has been protected against polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Hepatitis, chicken pox, and red measles (rubella). A TB skin test must also be recorded.
COOPERATION IN CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASE & IMMUNIZATION OF PUPILS
The governing board of any school district may permit a licensed physician and surgeon, or a health care practitioner (including a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, licensed vocation nurse or nursing student who is acting under the supervision of a registered nurse as provided by law) who is acting under the direction of a supervising physician and surgeon, to administer an immunizing agent to a pupil whose parent or guardian has consented in writing prior to administration of the immunizing agent.
10 PARENT’S REFUSAL TO CONSENT
A parent or guardian having control or charge of any child enrolled in the public schools may file annually with the principal of the school in which he is enrolled a statement in writing, signed by the parent or guardian, stating that he will not consent to a physical examination of his child. Thereupon, the child shall be exempt from any physical examination, but whenever there is a good reason to believe that the child is suffering from a recognized contagious or infectious disease, he shall be sent home and shall not be permitted to return until the school authorities are satisfied that any contagious or infectious disease does not exist.
PICTURES
Individual pictures will be taken each year of all pupils. Packets of color prints of these pictures will be made available for purchase.
ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL
Students are not allowed on campus until 8:00 a.m. The school grounds are not supervised until this time. School begins at 8:20 and concludes at 2:45. Students who arrive late must report to the office before going to class. Students should also be picked up at their respective dismissal time (2:45 p.m.), as there is no after school supervision.
USE OF SCHOOL TELEPHONE
The telephone located in the school office is for business only. The student may be given permission to use the phone if, in the teacher’s judgment, the call is absolutely necessary. Only in an emergency should the office be contacted to interrupt a student in the classroom to deliver personal messages.
ASSESSMENT
Throughout the year, students will be given various opportunities to demonstrate their acquisition of grade level objectives. The most common assessments are given in the classroom in the form of tests, work samples, and performances. Additionally, classroom teachers have the opportunity to collect data to be placed in a portfolio for each child. Students are also given a state standardized test in the spring.
RIDING BICYCLES OR WALKING TO AND FROM SCHOOL
Due to safety issues, students are not allowed to ride their bicycles or walk to and from school as well as other school sponsored activities.
11 BOARD MEETINGS
The Rockford School District Board of Trustees holds their regular governing board meetings on the second Thursday of each month in the school office at 6:00 a.m. Agendas for each meeting are posted prior to each meeting. Parents and members of the community are welcome to attend. Should you wish further information, please call the school office.
SCHOOL BUS SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS
Rockford School is dedicated to providing pupil transportation services with maximum safety as our prime objective for all pupils. To ensure this level of safety each student must behave in a satisfactory manner, allowing the driver to direct his or her undivided attention to driving.
Title 5 California Administrative Code Section 14103:
Pupils transported in a school bus shall be under the authority of, and responsible to, the driver of the bus, and the driver shall be held responsible for the orderly conduct of the pupils while they are on the bus or being escorted across the street or highway.
BUS RULES
1. Cooperate with the driver. Follow directions the first time they are given. 2. Arrive at the bus stop before the scheduled bus arrival. While going to and from bus stop and while waiting for the bus, keep out of the street and off private property. Noise, rowdy behavior and/or property damage at a bus stop may result in the loss of bus riding privileges. 3. Board and leave the bus in an orderly manner. Do not push other students. Follow driver’s instruction concerning seating location and unloading procedure. 4. Be seated promptly. Be willing to share a seat with fellow bus riders. 5. Always sit facing front of bus. Remain seated when bus is in motion. Do not change seats without permission of driver. Do not “save” seats. 6. Keep hands off other people and their possessions. 7. Keep head, hands, and arms inside bus at all times. Do not yell out of the windows to others outside the bus. 8. Animals, insects and reptiles are not permitted on the bus. Guide dogs and signal dogs excepted. (54.2 Civil Code) 9. Glass containers are not permitted on the bus. 10. Bus aisle and emergency exits must be kept clear of books, lunches, etc. 11. Keep the bus clean. Students are not to eat, drink or chew gum on the bus. 12. Students must wear shoes and shirts at all times while on the bus. No open cosmetics or aerosol cans are permitted. 13. Do not use obscene or profane language.
12 14. Students will be responsible for their individual behavior. It is not possible for a driver to watch all students at all times; therefore, saying “somebody else was doing it too!” does not exempt a misbehaving student. 15. Do not deface or destroy bus equipment. Damage to seats, windows, and other parts of the bus is unnecessary and costly. The student responsible will pay for any damage. 16. Avoid loud talking, loud laughter, or unnecessary confusion.
At least once each school year, students also receive safety instruction that includes proper loading and unloading procedures, how to safely cross the street, highway, or private road, bus evacuation, and location of emergency equipment. Instruction also may include responsibilities of passengers seated next to an emergency exit. As part of the instruction, pupils shall evacuate the school bus through emergency exit doors
EMERGENCIES
In the event of any emergency, every attempt will be made to contact the parents if a student requires immediate medical attention. The Emergency Card on file in the school office lists whom to contact in case of any emergency. School staff will follow the parent’s directions as far as it is possible to do so.
Please fill out the emergency card completely. If we have an emergency it is important we have a number to reach you. If there is a change in address, telephone, or employment, notify us immediately so that in an emergency we will be able to locate you.
EXCUSING CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL
Once a student arrives at school, he or she is not permitted to leave school or the school grounds before regular dismissal without the consent of the parent or guardian. Parents and guardians must sign students out through the office in all cases of early departure.
If the parents allow any other person (including grandparents or siblings) to check out their child, the parent must notify the office. You may leave a note in the office for the school year stating who can check out your child.
FIRE AND EARTHQUAKE DRILLS
Fire drills are held once a month. The purpose is for the staff and students to know the appropriate procedures in case of a fire. Fire drills are indicated by an alarm system.
Students are also made aware of what to do in case of an earthquake while at school.
13 FOGGY DAYS
Each year we may have to cope with “Foggy Days”. These days are often confusing for parents and students. We will use the following procedure for the declaration of a Foggy Day Schedule:
If buses are to be delayed, determination will be made at 7:30 a.m. KTIP Radio Station (1450 AM) will be contacted ONLY if there is a Foggy Day Schedule. A Foggy Day Schedule means buses may run later than normal. Please listen to the radio for information. No report on the radio will mean buses run on normal schedule.
GUARDIANSHIP/CHILD CUSTODY
It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to provide the school with all legal documents regarding guardianship, child custody rights, school visitations, and any other rights related to school activities.
HEAD LICE
Our primary concerns in dealing with head lice are that they are easily transmitted from one student to another, and unless an infected student has all nits (egg sacks) removed, the lice will most likely return. For these reasons, we recommend that students do not share combs, jackets, etc. Also, it is our district policy that a student is sent home for head lice and must be completely nit free before returning to school.
LOST AND FOUND
Articles of clothing found are placed on the “lost and found” rack. Smaller items such as wallets, jewelry, eyeglasses, keys, etc. are kept in the office. Unclaimed articles are donated to charitable organizations.
Parents are advised to write children’s names on lunch boxes, sweaters, coats, etc.
ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIBED MEDICATION FOR PUPIL
(a) Notwithstanding Section 49422, any pupil who is required to take, during the regular schoolday, medication prescribed for him or her by a physician and surgeon or ordered for him or her by a physician assistant practicing in compliance with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 3500) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, may be assisted by the school nurse or other designated school personnel or may carry and self-administer prescription auto-injectable epinephrine if the school district receives the appropriate written statements identified in subdivision (b).
14 (b) (1) In order for a pupil to be assisted by a school nurse or other designated school personnel pursuant to subdivision (a), the school district shall obtain both a written statement from the physician and surgeon or physician assistant detailing the name of the medication, method, amount, and time schedules by which the medication is to be taken and a written statement from the parent, foster parent, or guardian of the pupil indicating the desire that the school district assist the pupil in the matters set forth in the statement of the physician and surgeon or physician assistant.
(2) In order for a pupil to carry and self-administer prescription auto-injectable epinephrine pursuant to subdivision (a), the school district shall obtain both a written statement from the physician and surgeon or physician assistant detailing the name of the medication, method, amount, and time schedules by which the medication is to be taken, and confirming that the pupil is able to self-administer auto-injectable epinephrine, and a written statement from the parent, foster parent, or guardian of the pupil consenting to the self-administration, providing a release for the school nurse or other designated school personnel to consult with the health care provider of the pupil regarding any questions that may arise with regard to the medication, and releasing the school district and school personnel from civil liability if the self-administering pupil suffers an adverse reaction as a result of self-administering medication pursuant to this paragraph.
(3) The written statements specified in this subdivision shall be provided at least annually and more frequently if the medication, dosage, frequency of administration, or reason for administration changes.
(c) A pupil may be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to Section 48900 if that pupil uses auto-injectable epinephrine in a manner other than as prescribed.
Also, for the protection of your child’s health and welfare, we ask that you have on file an updated Emergency Information Card.
CONTINUING MEDICATION
The parent or legal guardian of a pupil on continuing medication for a non-episodic condition shall inform the school nurse or other designated school employee of the medication being taken, the correct dosage, and the name of the supervising physician. With the consent of the parent or guardian, the school nurse may communicate with the physician and may counsel with school personnel regarding the possible effects of the drug.
PARENT VISIT TO SCHOOL
Parents are encouraged to visit their child’s classroom at any time. Visits with either teachers or other school staff members should be by appointment because this will assure that the persons or subjects you want to see are available when you come. For the safety and protection of all students, all visitors must first sign in at the office before entering the classrooms.
15 PARENT GROUP
Our Parent Group continues to stress activities for students and educational opportunities for parents. All parents are encouraged to join the meetings scheduled for the first Tuesday of each month beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.
STUDENT INSURANCE – MEDICAL & HOSPITAL SERVICES NOT PROVIDED
Rockford School does not provide student accident insurance for school related injuries, but does offer student accident insurance for voluntary purchase. Information and applications regarding the volunteer student coverage options are available to every household. These options pertain to students who have no insurance as well as to those who do. If you need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office or a health plan administrator.
Please note: In order to participate in sports, students must have insurance coverage. Along with what is noted above, Rockford School does not provide medical and hospital services for pupils who are injured while participating in athletic activities.
STUDY ROUTINES
In order to be successful at school, the following suggested study routines have been helpful in developing good study habits:
Select a regular time each day for homework and study. Allow the child some time after school to play as well as TV time in the evening. Just before or just after dinner may work best for completing homework. Keep study/homework time reasonable. Keep distractions to a minimum. Don’t have the student working near the TV or radio. Try to keep brothers and sisters from bothering the student. Allow no interruptions such as phone calls. Check the work. When the student is finished, take a few minutes to look over the work. Check for neatness and obvious mistakes.
LUNCH PROGRAM
Rockford School offers a daily, nutritious hot lunch for all students. Those who bring sack lunches may also purchase milk.
Rockford School participates in the Statewide Lunch Programs. An application form is sent home with each student the first week of school (or upon registration). If for any reason you did not get one and feel you might qualify, application forms are available in the office.
Please note, that although you may qualify, you are not eligible for free/reduced lunch prices until you have applied each year by completing and returning the application form
16 to the district. All applications are due within two weeks of the beginning of school. If they are not returned, even though you may have previously been determined eligible, your student will be placed on a full-charge cash basis until the application has been processed.
We encourage all students to participate in the lunch program. Payments for lunch need to be paid in advance or on a daily basis.
This is an equal opportunity program. If you believe you have been discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, age, gender, or handicap, you may write to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250.
TEXTBOOKS
Rockford School furnishes necessary textbooks for all students. We hope this significant investment of district funds will be treated with respect. Reasonable wear and tear is to be expected, however, unreasonable damage will result in the parents/students being financially responsible for the book’s replacement.
YARD SUPERVISION
Teachers and classroom instructional aides share the responsibility for monitoring the behavior and safety of the students while on the school campus, in the hallways, and in the cafeteria. Students are expected to respond obediently, courteously, and quickly to any adult doing this supervision.
LOWER GRADE PLAYGROUND RULES
1. With the exception of the first baseball or softball diamond, no lower grade children are allowed on the upper grade playground. 2. Students are to respond to the whistle. 3. No returning to the cafeteria after a student has left. No food or drink to be taken out of the cafeteria. 4. Restrooms and drinking fountains: No playing in and around these areas 5. Merry-go-round: -No standing -No jumping off while in motion -Stay out of the middle 6. Jump ropes are only for jumping 7. -No balls near building -Do not go off the playground for a ball without permission -No bouncing balls off buildings 8. No bats without teacher supervision 9. Sandbox: -No sand may be thrown -Sand stays in sand box areas -Only sand toys may be used in the sandbox
17 10. No wrestling – students can get hurt just as badly wrestling in a friendly manner as when fighting. Friendly wrestlers often get mad and start fighting. 11. No tackle football 12. No soccer 13. One person down the slide at a time; go down slide on bottom, feet first only 14. No standing on bleachers 15. Be respectful and kind to others 16. No student leaves the playground without first talking with supervisor
UPPER GRADE PLAYGROUND RULES
1. Restroom and drinking fountain: -No playing around the restrooms and drinking fountains is permitted. -No balls in restrooms -No more than three students are allowed in the bathroom at one time. 2. Throwing baseballs, footballs, or hard objects in the crowded area near the four- square games or toward the buildings is not permitted; no balls are to be bounced against the buildings. 3. Fighting is not allowed. No wrestling – students can get hurt just as badly wrestling in a friendly manner as when fighting. Friendly wrestlers often get mad and start fighting. 4. No one is to be allowed to loiter in the corridors during break and lunch time. 5. Students must get permission from a supervisor to go to the office. 6. If a child must come to the office, only one needs to come, not all of his/her friends. 7. Upper-grade children are not allowed on the primary playground. 8. Any activity which looks dangerous shall be stopped immediately. 9. Holding hands and overt displays of affection will not be allowed. 10. In foggy weather when it is impossible to see the back of the playground, the students are to stay in view of supervisors. 11. Cafeteria: -No returning to the cafeteria after student has left -No food or drink to be taken out of the cafeteria 12. Tackle football is not allowed. 13. Students are to remain visible at all times on the playground and are not to play behind backstops and/or buildings.
CAFETERIA RULES
En Route To and Entering the Cafeteria: Do not run, push, shove, crowd or bunch up - - - Walk quietly in the corridors. No “playing around” or “goofing off”. Stay facing forward in a single-file line at the service window.
While Eating: Good table manners will be expected by students - - - don’t handle food - - - use the utensils.
18 Students are to keep their hands to themselves - - - do not touch the food or bother the tray of another student. Students are discouraged from changing lunches or lunch items with each other Students are not to bring glass containers. Conversation should be limited to those at your own table - - - don’t turn around to those at other tables. Talk should be done quietly - - - don’t yell, scream or talk loudly.
Dismissal From Cafeteria: No food or trash should be left on or under tables. Stay facing forward in a single-file line while returning trays. All trays are to be emptied in the trash. Unopened milk should be placed in the window when returning trays - - - don’t throw it in the trash cans. No food is to be taken out of the cafeteria. Students are to eat in a timely fashion - - - they will not be allowed to linger in the cafeteria.
CAMPUS RULES
Once you arrive for the beginning of your school day, you may not leave the campus for any reason unless you have permission from the office. If you arrive late, go to the office. You must register every day. If you do not register in your homeroom or where your attendance is taken, you will be marked absent unless the office has a record. Never bring matches, knives, or other dangerous instruments to school. Fighting and horseplay are not allowed on campus. Throw all trash into cans. If you are not using the restrooms, you have no business there. Do not linger. Come to the school office for business only. Leave as soon as you have finished your business. Do not bring friends into the office with you. Never bring personal items to school, i.e. cameras, radios, tape recorders, toys, pets, expensive rings, watches, or excessive amounts of money. Your desk is assigned to you personally. Do not tamper with the desk of another student. Gum chewing is not allowed on campus. Marking walls or damaging any part of the school or any equipment or structures on school property is a criminal offense. Sale of controlled substances, possession of controlled substances, and sale of drug paraphernalia are criminal offenses.
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE; RULES
Rockford School prides itself on a discipline plan that is fair and consistent. We feel that all students have a right to go to school in a safe environment. Each student also deserves the opportunity to learn free from the influence of disruptive classmates. Each student
19 has a responsibility to do his or her part in creating and maintaining a safe and stimulating learning environment.
We have policies and procedures that will enable the staff to handle the situation so that they are able to deliver to the other students an educational program that is safe and free from disruptive influences. Consequences for unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to, the following:
Isolation Detention Suspension and/or Expulsion Loss of Bus Privileges
As a parent/guardian, you have a right to review the school rules regarding student discipline.
SUSPENSION BY TEACHER
A teacher may suspend any pupil from his or her class for any of the acts enumerated in Ed. Code Section 48900, for the day of the suspension and the day following.
SUSPENSION BY SUPERINTENDENT/PRINCIPAL/DESIGNEE
The following acts committed by a student while under the jurisdiction of the school shall constitute good cause for the suspension and/or recommended expulsion of the student (California Education Code, Section 48900):
a(1) Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person. a(2) Willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except in self defense. b Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object; unless, in the case of possession of any such object, the pupil had obtained written permission from a certified school employee, which is concurred by the principal or the designee of the principal. Note: The school principal or designee may search the person of a student (including backpack, purse, bag, etc.) if there is reasonable suspicion to believe the student may have a concealed weapon, narcotics, stolen property, or contraband. c Unlawfully possessed, used, sold or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind. d Unlawfully offered, arranged or negotiated to sell any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, alcoholic beverage, or delivered, or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance or material and
20 represented the liquid, substance or material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant. e Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion. f Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property. g Stole or attempted to steal school property or private property. h Possessed or used tobacco or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets, and betel. However, this section does not prohibit use or possession by a student of his or her own prescription products. i Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity. j Had unlawful possession of, or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia, as defined in Section 11014.5 of the Health and Safety Code. k 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. l Knowingly received stolen school property or private property. m Possessed an imitation firearm. n Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault or a sexual battery as defined by the Penal Code. o Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a pupil who is a complaining witness or witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of either preventing that pupil from being a witness or retaliating against that pupil for being a witness or both. p. Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold the prescription drug Soma. q. Engaged in, or attempted to engage in, hazing. r. Engaged in an act of bullying. s. A pupil may not be suspended or expelled for any of the acts enumerated unless that act is related to school activity or school attendance occurring within a school under the jurisdiction of the superintendent or principal or occurring within any other school district. A pupil may be suspended or expelled for acts that are enumerated in this section and related to school activity or attendance that occur at any time, including, but not limited to, any of the following: (1)While on school grounds. (2)While going to or coming from school. (3)During the lunch period whether on or off the campus. (4)During, or while going to or coming from, a school sponsored activity. t. A pupil who aides or abets, as defined in Section 31 of the PC, the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury to another person may suffer suspension, but not expulsion, pursuant to the provisions of this section except that a pupil who has been adjudged by a juvenile court to have committed, as an aider and abettor, a crime of physical violence in which the victim suffered great bodily injury or serious bodily injury shall be subject to discipline pursuant to subdivision (a).
21 u. A superintendent or principal may use their discretion to provide alternatives to suspension or expulsion, including, but not limited to, counseling and an anger management program, for a pupil subject to discipline under this section. v. It is the intent of the Legislature that alternatives to suspensions or expulsion be imposed against any pupil who is truant, tardy, or otherwise absent from school activities.
Suspension procedures require the following:
An informal conference with the student unless an emergency situation exists constituting a clear and present danger to the lives, safety, or health of pupils or school personnel. Allow the student the opportunity to present his or her version and evidence in his or her defense. Advise the student of the reason for disciplinary action. That parents be given written notice of suspension within twenty-four hours. At the time of suspension, a school employee shall make a reasonable effort to contact the parent in person or by phone. That parents or guardians respond to the school’s request for a conference without delay, as per state law. That parents be informed that the Superintendent or his designee may review suspensions. A student may not be suspended for more than five consecutive days. That no pupil shall be suspended for more than twenty days in one school year, unless (a) a pupil enrolls in or is transferred to another school, an opportunity school or class, in which case the total number of school days for which the pupil may be suspended shall not exceed thirty days in any school year, or (b) pending the expulsion process. That the teacher of any class, from which a pupil is suspended, may require the suspended pupil to complete any assignments and tests missed during the suspension. That suspended students must remain under parent supervision and are not to be on the school campus or attend school activities for the duration of the suspension.
EXPULSION
The removal from enrollment in a school or the District may be ordered by the Board when other means of correction have repeatedly failed or the continued presence of the student causes danger to the physical safety of others. State law provides for full due process rights and rights to appeal any expulsion order. (Ed. Code Sections 48915- 48925) A pupil with exceptional needs, who is enrolled in a special education program, can only be expelled if the conduct was not caused by or is not a direct manifestation of the pupil’s identified handicap. (Ed. Code Section 48915.1)
22 EXEMPTION
Students may be exempted from compulsory public school attendance, at the request of their parents, for various circumstances as defined by state law.
EXCLUSION
The Board of Education may exclude students from attending school for any of the following reasons:
Filth or vicious habits, contagious or infectious diseases, including noncompliance with state immunization requirements. Physical or mental disability determined to be detrimental to the welfare of other pupils.
DRESS CODE
Rockford School believes that the standards of dress and grooming are primarily the responsibility of the parents and students. Students should wear appropriate school clothing and groom themselves in a manner which reflects credit to themselves, their family, and Rockford School. However, under no conditions should clothing or personal grooming be distracting, unsafe, immodest, or disruptive to the education program. When the mode of dress is in question, the school has a responsibility to establish restrictions on student dress or facial adornment. As a result, the following dress code standards have been developed with concern for the safety of the student and the student’s ability to participate effectively as a learner.
It should be recognized that styles do change and guidelines will be subject to periodic review. The school also realizes that no set of rules can cover every situation. However, if parents and students will keep in mind such things as neatness, cleanliness, safety, and modesty, a productive educational environment will be established and maintained. Your support as parents will certainly be appreciated in upholding these guidelines.
1. No cut-off jeans 2. No swim suits or sun suits 3. No cut-off shorts, short or tight-fitting shorts i.e. biker’s shorts, leggings, etc. 4. No spaghetti straps, tube tops, or halter tops. Sleeveless tops are permissible, but they must be at least 1½ inches wide. 5. No backless, strapless or low-cut dresses or tops 6. No clothing that exposes tummies 7. No see-through shirts or blouses i.e. fish net 8. No clothing that has holes, rips, cuts, or tears 9. No clothing items that advertise drugs, tobacco, alcohol 10. No clothing items that are considered gang-related i.e. “baggy” clothing too large in width and length 11. No hats except Rockford School baseball caps or visors.
23 12. No undergarments are to be visible at any time 13. Shorts must be at least 4 ½ inches long from the inseam, and skirts or dresses are not to be shorter than mid thigh 14. Shirts not tucked in cannot extend below the wrist when the student is standing up straight 15. Pants must be worn above the hip bone at all times (without the aid of a belt or suspenders) 16. No oversized hanging belts; belts must fit and be fitted through belt loops 17. No attire that may be used as a weapon is to be worn (i.e. chains, wallet chains, etc.) 18. No clothing that is considered to be distractive to the educational environment of the classroom 19. Wearing jewelry, rings, studs, etc. as a result of body piercing shall be allowed only in the ear lobe and otherwise shall be considered a distraction to the school climate. 20. Coloring of hair shall be restricted to natural colors and otherwise shall be considered a distraction to the school climate. 21. Consequences for deliberate disregard of the guidelines addressed in the dress code may result in disciplinary action that includes detention, suspension, and/or expulsion
Rockford School reserves the right to send home any student which, in the opinion of the superintendent and/or staff, is not appropriately dressed for school. If you have any questions regarding the dress code, use this rule of thumb: IF IN DOUBT, DON’T WEAR IT!
SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL
As a condition for receiving and expending certain categorical and supplemental funds, Rockford School is required to have a School Site Council. The School Site Council helps develop programs responsive to the needs of every student. Members are comprised of the administration, teachers, parents, or community members. If you are interested in becoming a member or attending the meetings, please call the school for the next scheduled meeting.
PARENT CONFERENCES
Rockford School strongly believes that student progress is stimulated by good communication and supportive parents. Conferences with teachers are scheduled at the end of the first and third grading periods where grade cards are distributed and progress discussed. Teachers are available upon request at other times of the year.
LIBRARY
The library services all students in our school. We have acquired a great selection of fiction and non-fiction books for our library. Students have the opportunity to browse
24 through the books and to check out selections each week. It should be noted that it is the student’s responsibility to care for these books and return them by the due date.
RESTROOMS
Each student should use the restroom before class, at noon, or during recess. Class time is work time. There should be no playing in the restrooms.
PETS AND ANIMALS
It is against school rules to have animals at school unless they are part of a classroom experiment, activity, or project. Arrangement must be made with the classroom teacher and/or administrator prior to any of these activities. Animals may not be transported on the bus.
TOYS AND EQUIPMENT
Toys are not to be brought to school. However, certain items of equipment for the upper grades such as mitts, masks, etc. are permitted provided the owner realizes that the school is in no way responsible for the equipment.
SERVICES TO DISABLED PUPILS
If you have reason to believe that your student has a disability which requires special services or accommodations, please bring this to the attention of your student’s teacher or the school office. Your student will then be evaluated to determine whether he/she is eligible for special instruction or services.
BAND
Students in grades four through eight are encouraged to participate in the band program. Students participating in band will be required to attend all after school performances which include parades and concerts. Also, the criteria or eligibility for year end band trips is based on the same requirements as those established for the eighth grade graduation trip.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
An Independent Study Program is available upon request for fourth through eighth grade students who will be missing school for a length of time. Students will be required to complete the same quantity and quality of work as students remaining in the classroom. See the Superintendent/Principal for further information. All Independent Study contracts must be prepared in advance by the Superintendent/Principal and teacher.
25 SCHOOL ACTIVITIES CALENDAR
The school calendar is sent home at the beginning of each school year. An updated monthly Calendar of Events is also distributed to each student via the newsletter. Three minimum days are again scheduled for the school days before Christmas/Winter break, Easter/Spring break, and summer vacation, while a pupil free professional staff development day is scheduled to be held on Monday, October 7th. More information will be forthcoming on upcoming activities such as Back To School Night, the Halloween Carnival, the Christmas program, Scicon, the eighth grade trip, etc.
SCICON
Rockford School District believes in an “outdoor” educational experience. Each year sixth graders will spend a week at Scicon while the fifth grade class will visit for one day. The district budgets for the expense but asks that each sixth grader pay ten dollars to offset the total costs.
ELIGIBILITY ISSUES
Rockford School believes that active participation in extracurricular events helps to promote a healthy and well-rounded education. Opportunities are offered for this purpose and students are encouraged to be involved in these activities. The eligibility criteria sets a high standard of expectancy and is not meant to demean or disqualify a student. The purpose is to elevate and reward those who have worked hard to earn additional privileges and recognition.
ATHLETICE ELIGIBILITY FOR GRADES 5-8
Grades and/or behavior are monitored to determine eligibility for athletic competition with other schools. As noted under Student Insurance, students must also have insurance coverage in order to participate.
SPECIAL EVENTS/ACTIVITIES/FIELD TRIPS
For some selected activities or events, student participation and/or attendance may be determined by acceptable academic progress (passing grades), good citizenship, responsible behavior, and regular attendance.
Minimum requirements for participation in the eighth grade graduation and the seventh grade trip are sent home with the students. The Review Panel, made up of the upper grade teachers and administration, meets periodically throughout the year to review eligibility of students. Parents are informed of the possible ineligibility of their child(ren). Discretion may be exercised by the panel depending on the conditions or nature of the offense. The final decision of eligibility will be made by the Review Panel.
26 LIABILITY OF PARENTS OR GUARDIANS
The parents or guardians of any minor whose willful misconduct results in injury or death to any pupil or any person employed by a school district or private school or who willfully cuts, defaces, or injures in any way any property, real or personal, belonging to a school district or private school, or personal property of any school employee, shall be liable for all damages so caused by the minor. The liability of the parent or guardian shall not exceed $10,000. The parent or guardian shall also be liable for the amount of any reward not exceeding $10,000. The minors’ parent or guardian is also liable for any/all property loaned by a public or private school and not returned on demand of the district or private school.
Failure of a minor pupil to return property, or to properly pay for damages after being given due process, may result in grades, diploma, and/or transcripts being held until the property is paid for. Voluntary work shall be provided in lieu of paying for lost or damaged property should the parents or guardians be unable to pay.
USE OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS
The Healthy Schools Act of 2000 requires all California school districts to notify parents and guardians of pesticides they expect to apply during the year. Parents or guardians may request prior notification of individual pesticide applications at the school site. People listed on this registry will be notified at least seventy-two hours before pesticides are applied. If you would like to be notified every time we apply a pesticide, please contact the school office or our facilities’ manager Steve Salter. The following pesticides could be applied this year:
Name of Pesticide Active Ingredient(s) Cykick Cyfluthrin D-Force H.P.X> Deltamethrin Demand CS Lambda-Cyhalothrin Demon Max Cypermethrin Goal Oxyfluorfen 22% Gopher Getter Bait Strychnine Alkaloid 1.8% Maxforce ant killer bait gel Fipronil Maxforce magnum roach bait gel Fipronil Maxforce roach bait gel Fipronil Montar Sodium Cacodylate 23.4% and Dimethylar Acid 4.0% P.T. 565 Pyrethrins Rely Glufosinate-Ammonium Round-Up Glyphosate, N-Phosphonomethy1) Glycine 41% Suspend CS Deltamethrin Talstar Bifenthrin Termidor Fipronil
Non pesticides Glueboards for mice/rats Lo-line – insect monitor stations
You can find more information regarding these pesticides and pesticide use reduction at the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s Web site at http://www.cdpr.ca.gov.
27 ATTENDANCE OPTIONS/INTERDISTRICT TRANSFER REQUESTS
Each year Rockford receives a number of interdistrict transfer requests from students who live outside of the district boundaries. Each request is reviewed by the school board on an individual basis. All transfers must be renewed each year. Requests may not be renewed due to the lack of compliance with attendance, academic, and/or behavioral expectations. Interdistrict transfer request forms for students residing within the district requesting a change of attendance outside the district are also available in the office upon request.
FUNDRAISING
An attempt is made at Rockford School to limit the number of fundraising events. Fundraising efforts throughout the year are for the band, Rockford’s Parent Group, the eighth grade trip and, on occasion, for other classroom projects or activities. Students who are involved in fundraising events for the school will be held responsible for the full amount of merchandise or money entrusted to them.
PROMOTION AND RETENTION POLICY
The Governing Board of Trustees supported and approved a recommendation by the teachers and administration to use the following criteria and considerations for determining student promotion:
Pupil performance as reflected on report cards using the district’s grading system. Passing the appropriate district grade level proficiency tests. STAR testing results. Teacher determination and/or recommendation. Consultation with and recommendation of support service personnel such as the county psychologist, Resource Specialist Program (RSP) teacher, migrant services, etc. Consideration of student age. Consideration of student’s social, psychological and/or emotional development. Consultation with parent and/or guardian. Prior retention of a student may be considered in the final determination. Exempt Status may be considered in cases of LEP (Limited English Proficient) or RSP students. Final determination of promotion/retention may be made through the consensus of a student study team (SST) comprised of teachers, support staff, and administration.
When a student is recommended for retention or is identified as being at risk for retention, opportunities for remedial instruction to assist the student in overcoming his or her academic deficiencies may include, but are not limited to, tutorial programs, after-
28 school programs, summer school programs, and advisement from Rockford’s Student Study Team (SST)
AVAILABILITY/SUMMARY OF CURRICULUM
Each grade level’s instructional materials and curriculum, including the California Content Standards, are available for review upon request. Parents have the right to inspect all instructional materials.
INTERNET AND ONLINE SITES
The Student User Agreement is sent home at the beginning of each school year and is available upon request in the office. If a student does not follow the guidelines as stated in the district’s Student User Agreement, the student’s privilege of using the Internet will be withdrawn. Prior to using the Internet, both student and parent must sign a permission form indicating that they have read the Student User Agreement and agree to use the Internet and computer network appropriately.
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION TRAINING PROGRAM
Parents have the right to refuse to allow their children to participate in a child abuse primary prevention program.
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT
Any district receiving funds from the United States Department of Education must adopt a policy regarding the (1) administration of surveys and physical exams/screenings; (2) right of parents to inspect instructional materials; and (3) collection of personal information for marketing purposes. Additional notice shall be provided within a reasonable period of time after any substantive change to such policy.
According to federal law, at the beginning of each school year, the district shall notify the parents of each student that parents have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher, including:
Whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction. Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived. The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
29 Parents must also be provided information on the level of achievement of the parent’s child in each of the state’s academic assessments, and must be notified if their child is taught by a teacher who is not “highly qualified” for four or more consecutive weeks.
NOTIFICATION TO HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Parents receiving benefits under CalWORKS should be aware that state law requires schools to notify the Health and Human Services Department if your student does not meet attendance requirements. Continued truancy, tardies, or lack of attendance must be reported and will be dealt with by Health and Human Services. Actions taken by Health and Human Services is not the school’s responsibility or within school control.
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT (IDEA)
Every individual with exceptional needs, who is eligible to receive educational instruction, related services, or both under this part shall receive such educational instruction, services, or both, at no cost to his or her parents or, as appropriate, to him or her. Federal law also requires a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment be offered to qualified handicapped pupils.
CHILD FIND POLICIES (SPECIAL EDUCATION)
All children with disabilities residing in the state who are in need of special education and related services shall be identified, located, and assessed and a practical method developed and implemented to determine which children are receiving needed special education and services as required by Federal law. Each special education local plan area shall establish written policies and procedures for use by its constituent local agencies for a continuous child-find system which addresses the relationship among identification, screening, referral assessment, planning, review and triennial assessment. The policies and procedures shall include, but need not be limited to, written notification of all parents of their rights under this chapter and the procedure for initiating a referral for assessment to identify individuals with exceptional needs. Parents shall be given a copy of their rights and procedural safeguards only one time a school year, except that a copy also shall be given to the parents upon initial referral or parental request for assessment, upon receipt of the first state complaint under Section 56500.2 in a school year, upon receipt of the first due process hearing request under Section 56502 in a school year, when a decision is made to make a removal that constitutes a change of placement of an individual with exceptional needs because of a violation of a code of pupil conduct, and upon request by a parent.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF A STUDENT
The Governing Board of the district shall not tolerate any behavior by school staff members which constitutes sexual harassment of a student. For the purposes of this policy, sexual harassment of a student will be defined as:
30 1. Unwelcome sexual advances. 2. Requests for sexual favors. 3. Other verbal or physical conduct or written communication of an intimidating, hostile, or offensive sexual nature.
Students will be provided the use of a student grievance procedure. All faculty, staff, and administrators will be held accountable for compliance with this policy. Violations may lead to disciplinary action to include appropriate administrative action for any violation of the above defined sexual harassment acts.
COURSE OF STUDY – SEXUAL BIAS
Elementary and secondary (high) schools shall offer classes and courses, including nonacademic and elective classes and courses, without regard to the sex of the pupil enrolled in these classes and courses. A school district may not prohibit a pupil from enrolling and may not require a pupil of one sex to enroll in any class or course on the basis of the sex of the pupil.
WILLIAMS UNIFORM COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
Pursuant to California Education Code section 35186, every student has a right to sufficient textbooks and instructional materials. That means each pupil, including English learners, must have a textbook or instructional materials, or both, to use in class and to take home to complete required homework assignments. Every student also has a right to school facilities that are clean, safe, and maintained in good repair. In the event you have a concern regarding textbooks and instructional materials, facility conditions, or teacher vacancies or misassignments, a complaint form may be obtained at the school office. You may also download a copy of the California Department of Education complaint form from the following Web site: http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cp/uc/index.asp
CELLUAR PHONES, ELECTRONIC SIGNALING DEVICES, AND LASER POINTERS
Students may not possess or use electronic signaling devices, including but not limited to pagers, beepers, and cellular/digital telephones. Possession or use of laser pointers is also prohibited.
RESIDENCY – PARENT/GUARDIAN EMPLOYMENT
A school district may deem a pupil to meet residency requirements for school attendance if at least one parent or legal guardian of the pupil is physically employed within the boundaries of that district, subject to the right of the district of residence or the district of employment to prohibit the transfer on various grounds provided for in Section 48204(b), paragraphs (2) to (6). The school district is not required to admit the pupil to its school based on the employment of the parent/guardian, but it may not refuse to admit the pupil on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, parental income, scholastic achievement, or any other arbitrary consideration. Once a pupil has been deemed to have residency and is enrolled
31 in the district based on the employment of the parent/guardian, the pupil does not have to reapply in the next school year to attend a school within that district, and the governing board shall allow the pupil to attend school through the 12th grade in that district if the parent or guardian so chooses and if at least one parent or legal guardian continues to be physically employed in the district, subject to the right of the district to disallow attendance as provided in Section 48204(b), paragraphs (2) to (6).
TYPE 2 DIABETES INFORMATION
The school districts shall provide an information sheet regarding type 2 diabetes to the parent or guardian of incoming 7th grade pupils. The information sheet may be provided to the parent or guardian of incoming 7th graders with the annual parent rights notification, or it may be provided separately. The information sheet is available to school districts through the California Department of Education website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/type2diabetes.asp. Written copies of the information sheet are available to school districts upon written request to the California Department of Education
ASBESTOS
The asbestos management plan for each school shall be available for inspection in district and school offices during normal business hours. Parent/guardian, teacher, and employee organizations shall be annually informed of the availability of these plans. In addition, staff, students, and parents/guardians shall be informed at least one each school year about any inspections, response actions, and post-response actions, including periodic re- inspection and surveillance activities, that are planned or in progress.
DROPPING OFF OR PICKING UP YOUR STUDENT(S)
In an effort to provide a safer place to enter and exit school each day to drop off or pick up your student(s), please use the lot on the north side of the school. The lot on the north side of the campus is also designed to include abundant parking spaces to help alleviate parking along Road 208.
FURTHER INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE
Further information regarding Rockford School’s programs, policies, and procedures is available to any interested person upon request to our district office.
32 RECEIPT OF NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS
STUDENT NAME: ______
GRADE: ______
My signature as parent or legal guardian indicates receipt of Rockford School’s Notification to Parents through its Parent and Student Handbook.
This portion must be returned to your child’s teacher as per California Education Code Section 48982.
Date: ______Signature of Parent or Guardian
33