Do Things Better Than They Have Ever Been Done Before

STUDENT HANDBOOK 2015-2016

“Do Things Better Than They Have Ever Been Done Before”

1 Dear Parents,

Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year at Vista del Sol Elementary. The purpose of this handbook is to provide our parents some basic information.

An attempt has been made to be as complete as possible in outlining school policies and procedures. However, it is impossible to anticipate every situation or circumstance that might arise during the school year. If at any time you have a question or need clarification of some operational regulation or school procedure, please feel free to contact the office personnel or administrators at 937-7500.

As partners in your child’s education, we are looking forward to another rewarding and successful year of making a mark in your child’s life.

Go Eagles!

Irma Rodriguez Principal ______

Contact Information It is very important that we have the correct contact information for parents and emergency contact in the office at all times for all students. Please be sure you update any changes of information by contacting Letty Diaz at 937-7506 or you can email her at [email protected].

School Hours School will begin at 7:30 in the morning this school year. Students will be expected to report to their classrooms at 7:30 am. We will have music on the intercom to serve as a reminder to report to class. There will be a warning bell at 7:40 am and the Tardy Bell will ring at 7:45 am. It is imperative that students are in their classrooms ready to start the day by 7:30 am. Students that are not in their seats by 7:45 will be counted tardy.

Kindergarten 7:30-2:30 7:30-3:15 Grades 1-5

2 Tardies

Being at school on time is very important for the student’s education. Therefore, we are initiating an incentive program to reward students who come to school on time every day. A student is tardy if he/she is not inside the classroom by 7:45 am, (unless the student has an authorized excuse).  If your child is at school on time all week, they will receive a special wrist band on Thursday. This wristband is will allow them the privilege of free dress on Friday if they do not have an office referral for that week. They must wear the wristband on Friday showing that they earned free dress. Dress Code must be followed. (See below)  Consequences for tardies within a four week period are as follows: o 1st tardy - student will receive a warning o 2nd tardy - student will be given a letter to take home o 3rd tardy – parent will receive a phone call from the teacher regarding tardies and remind parent that the next infraction will include the office referral or lunch detention. o 4th tardy – the student will be given the office tardy referral and set up to attend lunch detention. o Attendance It is very important that your child be in attendance at school every day. Texas State Law under House Bill 5 requires your child to be present 90% of the school year. Attendance is critical in a student’s educational journey, beginning in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Under HB5, there are additional consequences for students whose absences exceed 10% of class sessions. Not only does the student risk losing credit for the course, but a grade will not be issued until the parent addresses the problem with school personnel and finds out exactly what the child needs to recover credit.

It is important if your child is going to be absent, a written note MUST be sent with your child the day he/she returns to school. You will have 2 days to send in the note from the day of the absence. If a note is not received within the 2 days, the absence will remain UNEXCUSED. If your child is out three or more consecutive days they must return with a doctor’s note . (No Calls will be accepted to excuse absences).

Education Code 25.093 A student who is required to attend school under the compulsory attendance laws and fails to attend school on ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year or on three or more days or parts of days within a four-week period may be prosecuted for nonattendance.

Socorro ISD will be promoting good attendance this year with the Make It Count Campaign. If your child is tardy or pick up early of a minimum of 10 times throughout the school year the student will not qualify for perfect attendance at the end of the school year. Furthermore, if this becomes a concern you can speak with the Principal or Assistant Principal regarding this matter. Incentives will be announced and promoted at the district level in addition to the ones below offered at a campus level.

Student Attendance Incentives

3  During announcements a weekly report will be given on current campus attendance, reminders of incentives and encouragement to reach a daily campus goal of 97%.  Each three week period classes will have the opportunity of earning some type of class party. Examples: pizza, popcorn, popsicles, etc. Classes will receive a set of letters that spell out Eagles! Each day the class has 100 in attendance they will earn a letter to spell out Eagles! They must do this within the three week period and can earn more than one party during the 3 week period. After each three weeks they must start over in spelling Eagles! The classroom teacher will submit a request for their party.  All classes that maintain a 97% average during the three week period will be honored on a Make It Count bulletin board. The class picture will be displayed to show congratulations.  During a nine week period, any student who has perfect attendance will be entered into a raffle. There will be two divisions K-2 and 3-5. Three prizes per division will be purchased and displayed in advance for the raffle. At the drawing, the first student drawn will be able to pick any of the three prizes, the second student will choose between the two remaining, and the third student will receive the remaining prize.

Arriving at School  Breakfast will be served in the classroom at 7:30-7:45.  Kindergarten -5th grade students will report to their classrooms at 7:30.  Warning bell rings at 7:40.  The tardy bell rings at 7:45. Students must be sitting at their desk in start of breakfast in the classroom)

Dismissal  Kindergarten students will exit through the Eagles nest at 2:30  1st- 2nd grade students will exit through the Eagles’ Nest at 3:15.  3rd - 5thgrade students will exit through the front of the school at 3:15.  Pick up students in designated areas only.

Students should be picked up when they are dismissed and they are not allowed to wait in parking lot or playground for pick up!

Dress Code UNIFORM INFORMATION: A full uniform dress code is required at Vista del Sol everyday in order to maintain a positive environment that does not distract from learning. (Free dress may be earned. Please see above tardy policy)  Royal blue, canary yellow or white polo shirt  Navy or khaki pants, shorts, or skorts  Shoes should be appropriate for P.E. activities (No flip flops, sandals or high heels) A minimum of one shirt with the logo is highly recommended for field trips. You may purchase the shirts with our school’s logo at Sports World located at 11440 B1 Montwood. (590-8689)

4 GROOMING:  Hair must be a natural color. (No green, blue or pink hair).  Earrings should not be large or dangling due to safety issues.  No make-up.(mascara, eyeliner, lipstick or gloss)  Students should dress so that the learning environment is not disturbed. If a free dress day has been earned the following are not allowed:  spaghetti straps, low cut blouses, midriffs, or transparent blouses  flip flops or high heels  inappropriate words or pictures on clothing  Skirts and shorts must not be shorter than the length of the finger tips at arm’s length.  Jeans (must be 4 pocket jeans with no design, no baggy jeans, tight jeans , cargo type jeans or low cut jeans)  Pants should have no more than four pockets. (No cargo pants)

P.E Dress Code Dress Code: Each child is expected to participate in the physical education program every day. Please help your child to remember their P.E schedule and to dress accordingly. Wearing tennis shoes is a must for your child’s safety and success. “No Crocs, No Flip-Flops”. In addition, if your son/daughter wears dress pants or dress on PE day, please have your child bring a pair of tennis for PE and if appropriate a pair of shorts. Please help us keep your child(ren) safe and healthy. Physical Education If for some reason your child needs to be excused from P.E., please send a note to the teacher stating the reason. A student cannot be excused from P.E. for more than three days without a doctor’s note. Grading Policy Kindergarten Grades shall be based on a developmental scale aligned to state standards and guidelines.

1 Did Not Meet Standard

2 Approaching Grade Level Standards

3 Met Standard

4 Commended Performance

1st-5th Grades Grades are based on percentages on a scale of 100 with 70% being passing. In grades 1-5, promotion to the next grade level shall be based on an overall average of 70% on a scale of 100 based on course level, grade-level standards (TEKS) for all subject areas and a grade of 70% or above in language arts,

5 reading, mathematics, science, and social studies. Honor Roll Students who receive grades between 80-100% in each subject and satisfactory grades in conduct in each subject during a grading period are eligible for the Honor Roll. Students will be assigned honors as follows:

Achievers Honor Roll  A numerical score of 80-100 in all subject areas and satisfactory grades in conduct for all subject areas. Scholars Honor Roll  A numerical score of 90-100 in all subject areas and satisfactory grades in conduct for all subject areas.

Incentives will be available at the end of the nine weeks and at the end of the year awards for students that meet Honor Roll criteria.

Bus The district makes school bus transportation available to all students living two or more miles from school at no cost to students. All district buses are equipped with video and audio surveillance cameras. Students are expected to assist district staff in ensuring that buses remain in good condition and transportation is provided safely. When riding in district vehicles, students are held to behavioral standards established in the Student Code of Conduct. Students must:  Follow the drivers directions at all times  Enter and leave the bus in an orderly manner at the designated stop  Rear door to be used only in case of an emergency  Keep feet, books, instrument cases or other objects out of the aisle  Not deface the bus or any equipment  Not put heads, hands, arms, or legs out of the window, hold any object out of the window, or throw objects within or out of the bus  Not possess or use any form of tobacco on school buses  Be seated while the vehicle is moving  Fasten seatbelts , if available  Wait for the drivers signal upon leaving the bus and before crossing in front of the vehicle

Misconduct will be punished in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct; bus riding privileges may be suspended.

6 Bullying and Cyber Bullying Vista del Sol will participate in the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. This researched program is school wide and works with the individual student, classrooms, parents and the community.

The definition of bullying according to the program: “A person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending him or herself.” Olweus et al., 2007

Cyber Bullying: Any intentional electronic act or actions against a student, school volunteer or school employee. Refer to pg. 31 Appendix B, Student Acceptable Use Policy

Discipline Please refer to Student Handbook Code of Conduct page 31 -32 for student acceptable use policy.

Guidelines for assessing Disciplinary Consequences

Students shall be treated fairly and equitable, Disciplinary action shall be based on a careful assessment of the circumstances of each case. Factors to consider shall include: a. Seriousness of the offense b. Students age c. Frequency of misconduct d. Students attitude e. Potential effect of the misconduct on the school environment

Electronic Devices Cell phones and electronic devices (i-pods, games, etc.) are disruptive during the school day. Cell phones may only be used before or after school. They must be turned off during the instructional day and must not disrupt any school-sponsored activity. The administration and staff of Vista del Sol are not responsible for any personal items brought to school by students. If an electronic device is at school or a cell phone is disturbing instruction the following procedures will be followed: 1 st Time: Phone/electronic device will be confiscated and parent must pick it up from the office.* 2 nd Time: Phone/electronic device will be confiscated and parent must pay a fee of $10 to pick up the device in the office.* 3 rd Time: Phone/electronic device will be confiscated and parent must pay a fee of $15 to pick up the device in the office.* *Administration will conference with student and parent and appropriate consequences may be assigned.

7 Health Services Medications: Students are not allowed to carry medications on campus. If a child should need to take medication at school, he/she needs to report to the nurse’s office before the beginning of the day. Medications from Mexico cannot be administered. Emergency Information: Please notify the school attendance clerk immediately of any change in phone numbers, addresses or emergency contact information. It is imperative we have this information in case an emergency should arise. School Nurse: Patricia Chavez [email protected] 937-7508

Safety School safety is a priority here at Vista Del Sol, therefore, we ask for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and orderly environment. ALL visitors are asked to enter and exit through the front doors only, show I. D. and sign in at the front entrance.

We ask that you do not escort students to the classroom in the morning or visit the classroom during the instructional day without prior arrangement with the classroom teacher or administration.  Visits to individual classrooms during instructional time are permitted only with prior approval of the principal or the teacher. It must not disrupt instructional time.  All visitors are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of courtesy and conduct: disruptive behavior will not be permitted.  Students and parents are asked to report any suspicious activity to the schools administration. It is everyone’s responsibility to provide for the safety of our students.

Students with transportation services will be dropped off and a parent should be at the stop to receive them. Students in 1st-5th grade will not be brought back to the office so we encourage you to please be consistent and on time to receive your child.

Dogs at School Due to the safety of all students, please do not bring dogs on the school property during the school day. Service Dogs are permitted on the premises.

Cafeteria Information Kindergarten-5th Grade Meal Prices

Regular Reduced Breakfast: Provided in classroom Lunch: $1.90 $0.40

8 The cafeteria has a no charge policy. Students that continue to forget their lunch money will be provided with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The district now offers the application for reduced charges on-line. Click on Departments and then Child Nutrition Services to find the links. Applications will be processed faster on-line.

Additionally, you may update and review their child’s school meal account. Instead of sending cash or checks to school cafeterias, parents can create a secure online account to manage their student’s school meals. Click on Departments and then Child Nutrition Services to find the links. With a click of a computer mouse, parents can update and review their child’s school meal account. Instead of sending cash or checks to school cafeterias, parents can create a secure online account to manage their student’s school meals. Visit this site for more information: www.myLunchMoney.com

Nutrition Policy Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has mandated Nutrition Guidelines for all Texas Public Schools in an effort to promote a healthier environment. Below are the highlights of the policy: Elementary Schools – No food of minimal nutritional value; candy (this includes chocolate candies, which were previously allowed) and competitive food can be offered or sold anywhere on school premises until the end of the last scheduled class period. This applies to school staff, parents, and school organizations. School districts have been provided the opportunity to select 3 days per calendar year in which restricted treats may be offered to students. SISD shall follow Smart Snack Guidelines in place of allowable treat days. This policy does not apply to parents who wish to provide lunch or any kind of snack for their own child’s consumptions, as long as they do not provide any food items for other children.

Classroom Birthday Parties Texas Department of Agriculture recognizes that celebrating student birthdays with a classroom party is a time-honored tradition that provides the opportunity for parental involvement in the education of their children, which is beneficial for students, parents and teachers. Foods otherwise restricted by the policy are permitted in classroom during student birthday parties. At Vista Del Sol, these parties may be scheduled during the last 15 minutes of the day. Federal regulations do not permit foods of minimal nutritional value to be served in the food service area during meal periods.

Student Agendas Each student will receive a student agenda provided by the school to help with organization skills. Replacement cost for the agenda is $5.00.

Fluency Folders Each student will receive a Fluency Folders. Replacements cost for the fluency folder is $5.

9 e-HAC (Electronic Home Access Center) e-HAC is a browser-based Student System that allows parents, guardians, and students to view information regarding registration, attendance, scheduling, report card, and homework. The Home Access Center is part of the Department of Technology Services strategic plan to close the gap between the digital divide. The Home Access Center will enhance communication between school, home, and community.

Parent Services We welcome any parent to come and volunteer at Vista del Sol. To ensure the safety of all our students the district requires a background check from any adult that wishes to volunteer either in their child’s classroom or attend a field trip. If you do not have a background check you will NOT be allowed to attend field trips or volunteer in the classroom. Parents are encouraged to visit our Parent Liaison and/or Parent Volunteer Coordinator to find out how you can help volunteer at VDS.

Student Success Initiative (5th grade students)

The Student Success Initiative was created by the Texas Legislature to ensure that all students receive the instruction and support they need to be successful in reading and mathematics . Under the Student Success Initiative grade advancement requirements, students are required to meet the passing standard on the Grade 5 STAAR reading and mathematics tests to be promoted to sixth grade. The requirements also apply to students served by special education.

Students have three opportunities to meet the passing standard on each of the tests and will receive additional instruction after each testing opportunity on which they do not meet the standard.

A grade placement committee, consisting of the principal, teacher, and parent or guardian, meets when a student has not met the passing standard after two testing opportunities and decides the most effective way to support a student’s academic success.

A student who does not meet the passing standard after three testing opportunities is automatically retained; however, if the parent appeals the retention, the grade placement committee may choose to place the student if all members agree that the student is likely to perform on grade level with additional instruction.

Communication Communication with our parents is a priority to us. We strongly encourage parents to not only attend our Open House and parent-Teacher Conference Nights but to visit your child’s teacher regularly throughout the year. District Web site: www.sisd.net School Website: http://www.sisd.net/site/default.aspx?domainid=4172

10 Parent Tips to Prepare for Success 1. Start early. Meet your child’s teacher in person, through e-mail or by phone. 2. Ask your child’s teacher to go over the results of the required reading inventory that each student takes in Kindergarten-third grades. 3. Attend the school’s open house and parent-teacher conferences. Find out if there are activities you can do with your child at home to help improve reading skills. 4. Read and discuss a variety of materials with and to your child daily. 5. Review what your child has read, discussing the meanings of new words and comparing stories. 6. Don’t be afraid to talk, ask questions, and keep in touch with your child’s teacher and principal throughout the entire school year. 7. If your child seems to be struggling, ask the teacher about tutoring programs or other forms of assistance. Please review the following procedures with your child: Cafeteria Procedures:  Be prepared to tell cafeteria staff your choice of food  Walk at all times  Dispose of trash and carry your tray to the window.  Clean up your area.  Always use an inside voice.  Be polite to everyone.  Exhibit patience and good citizenship as you wait to be served.  Exit the doors at the north end of the 200 hall. Hallway Procedures  Walk without touching work boards, decorations or student work.  Walk quietly, using inside voices, especially near a classroom.  Walk in an orderly fashion staying on the right hand side.  Only eat or drink in the cafeteria. Restroom Procedures  Enter restroom with an inside voice.  Respect each other’s privacy.  Wash your hands after using the restroom to prevent spreading germs.  Use paper towels resourcefully and throw them in the trashcan.  Exit the restroom when finished. Playground Procedures  Throw trash in the trashcan to keep our playground clean.  Respect the monitors because they are here to help you stay safe.  Be respectful of school property, environment, and others.  Share equipment and designated playground areas.  Line up when called.

11 Vista Del Sol Elementary 2015-2016 Student Handbook

______Date/ Fecha Student’s name/ Nombre Del Estudiante

Failure to sign this contract does not take away the responsibility of the student to abide by the Student Handbook.

The offenses and sanctions included in this handbook are not inclusive. While an attempt has been made to list major concerns, not all possible misbehavior and disciplinary actions have been included.

This document is a reference source for students, teachers and parents. More specific information can be obtained from the administration at Vista Del Sol Elementary.

Student I have received a copy of the Vista Del Sol Student Handbook for the 2015- 2016 school year. I understand that I will be held accountable for my behavior and will be subject to disciplinary consequences outlined in this handbook.

______Student’s Signature Print Student’s Name

Parents, Guardian or Persons Responsible I have received a copy of the Vista Del Sol Student Handbook for the 2015- 2016 school year. I will carefully review this resource with my child and agree to help my child abide by this handbook.

______Parent/ Guardian/ Person Responsible Signature Print Name

Failure to return this form will be considered an acknowledgement of receipt.