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Garfield » About Our School » Handbook/Rules
Handbook/Rules
Garfield Elementary School
3700 Garfield Avenue
Carmichael, California 95608
Phone: 575-2350
School Mission
We are committed to maintaining a positive and effective learning environment through cooperation among parents, staff, and the community. We support students in developing good character, in achieving grade level standards, and in preparing for future academic success.
Student Arrival/Dismissal
In order for teachers to carry out their instructional plans, it is necessary for every student to arrive at school on time! Students are asked to arrive at school no earlier than 10 minutes before the starting time of class. Students who arrive late must check in at the office. If you wish to pick up your child early, please check in at the office. This year’s starting and ending times are located in the WILDCAT WEEKLY. Parents of bus riders must sign their child out in the office after school if they pick them up from the playground area. If a parent calls to pick up their bus rider after school, they must arrive prior to the bus arrival, or the child will be placed on the bus. Please make pick up arrangements for after school before your child leaves for school in the morning.
Attendance/Punctuality
Regular, on-time attendance is critical to your child’s success. Students are expected to be in school except in case of emergency or for reasons below:
1. Personal illness-the school may require the certificate of a doctor if it is deemed necessary.
2. Medical/dental appointments - these are best scheduled before or after school when possible.
3. Observance of a religious holiday.
If a student will be absent, parents are asked to call the school recorder at 979-8340 prior to 9 a.m. After that time, please call our office at 575-2349 to report the absence. If the school is not called, the office will call to verify that parents are aware that their child is not at school. The purpose of the call is to protect your child’s safety.
Family vacations and out of town emergencies are not excused absences. Students gone at least five school days may be placed on independent study if school is notified and contract signed prior to student’s absence. This is at the school’s discretion.
Excessive Absences/Tardies
District computer-generated letters will be sent to parents whose children have progressively 10, 15, and 25 excused absences in one school year (considered excessive). Parents may be asked to provide medical documentation for absences from a physician. Also, unexcused absences and/or tardies over 30 minutes generate truancy letters at 3, 4, or 5 offenses. School will be sending out tardy letters to parents whose child continues to arrive after the start of the school day.
Student Use of Phone
The school phone is to be used for business and emergency purposes only. Students will be allowed to use phone by permission of a teacher or administrator. Forgotten lunches, books, homework assignments, musical instruments, forgotten permission slips, or wanting to go home with a friend do not constitute an emergency. Students staying after school at a teacher’s request are required to call home to notify parents.
Written/Weekly Communication
The WILDCAT WEEKLY, the school newsletter, is published weekly and sent home with students each Tuesday. It would be appreciated if you would read the WILDCAT thoroughly each week as this is the main source of the school’s communication with parents.
Emergency Cards
Each August we send home two Emergency Cards to be completed by you for our files. They are included in this folder. Please take the time to fill in each blank as it is most important that we have someone to contact in case of emergency. Every precaution is taken to make the school as safe as possible for your child. In the event of a serious accident at school, we will follow your instructions on the student’s emergency card. Every effort is made to contact the parent or guardian. It is very important that during the course of the school year, you keep us informed of any emergency information changes. Also, please inform us immediately of any address or telephone changes.
Student Insurance
School insurance covering accidents occurring at school and on the way to and from school may be purchased. A policy providing 24-hour protection is also available. The school strongly recommends that you consider obtaining this low-cost protection, even if your health plan covers your child. Information is included in this folder.
Transportation
Students are encouraged to observe every safety precaution on the way to and from school. It is also imperative that students come directly to and go directly home from school.
BY BUS: The bus drivers have the responsibility for the safety and conduct of students riding the buses to and from school. Instructions and rules for students are posted in each bus. Students should know the arrival time of the buses and be waiting at the bus stop a few minutes before the slated arrival time. Students waiting for the bus must respect the property of the people who live in the vicinity of the bus stops. We will no longer refer to bus numbers to identify the bus routes: various buses may be used each day.
BY CAR: If you drop your children off in the morning or pick them up in the afternoon, please remember not to block the lanes of traffic in front of the school. Do not block bus access to our front circular driveway, also.
BY BICYCLE: Children may ride their bikes to school if the bike is in good mechanical condition and has a lock. Students who ride bikes MUST walk their bikes on and off the school grounds. It is against the law to ride bicycles, skateboards or roller blades on school grounds at any time.
Bike riders must:
a. place bikes in bike rack and lock in place.
b. always ride with the traffic and wear a helmet.
c. not ride double.
d. obey all traffic rules.
WALKERS: Parents need to help their child determine the safest route to school.
Walkers need to:
a. always walk facing traffic.
b. walk on sidewalks and walk in groups.
c. stay away from strangers.
d. go directly to and from school.
e. always cross at crosswalks.
Lost and Found
Each year an abundance of clothing and other items are left unclaimed. To avoid the loss of these items, it is recommended that items which are likely to be taken off at school (raincoats, jackets, sweaters, etc.) as well as lunch boxes, backpacks, etc. be labeled with the student’s name. We maintain a lost and found rack in our multi-purpose room. Unclaimed clothing is donated to charity in December and June.
ITEMS THAT SHOULD STAY AT HOME
Knives, sharp instruments, play guns, water pistols, etc., should not be brought to school. Radios, tape recorders, balls, electronic games, Yugio cards, cell phones should also not be brought to school. Some toys can be brought for sharing for P.E. if prior permission is obtained from the teacher. Please do not send any items that could harm others or disrupt the learning environment. Playground balls from home are no longer allowed to be brought to school. All students will use school equipment.
Medication
Any prescription medication will NOT be dispensed by school personnel without proper permission. A form, available in the school office, must be signed by the physician and parent before the medication can be administered. The medication bottle must contain a pharmacy label clearly marked with the child’s name. Children may NEVER have even non-prescription medication in their desks or backpacks. All medication must be kept in the school office.
* Only life-threatening illnesses (asthmas, bee stings, etc.) and medication to control attention deficit disorders (ex. Ritalin) can be dispensed by school personnel according to district policy.
LUNCH PROCEDURES
Hot lunches are available daily. We recommend that students wishing to buy lunches on a regular basis purchase a meal ticket. This year’s price list is included in the first day packet. Students choosing not to buy lunch may bring their lunches and, if they wish, purchase milk. Hot lunch also includes one trip to the Salad Bar.
For families who qualify for free or reduced lunches, there are forms available in the school office which must be completed and approved. It is the responsibility of students and parents to make arrangements for lunches. There is NO provision for students to charge lunches. Menus are sent home each month with the WILDCAT. We do not allow carbonated beverages or glass containers.
TRIMESTER REPORTING TO PARENTS
Students receive three report cards throughout the school year. First Trimester conferences are scheduled for all parents. Deficiency notes are sent home five weeks into each Trimester to inform parents of problem areas. The second Trimester conferences are held for students who are having difficulty. The school will report progress on a regular basis in order to ensure the success of all our students. We depend on parents to share this responsibility and contact us about any concerns.
TEXTBOOKS
All basic texts are loaned to students for their use during the school year. Textbooks are to be kept clean and handled carefully. You will be required to pay for lost or damaged books.
MEDIA CENTER/LIBRARY BOOKS
Garfield has a busy media center. Students are encouraged to use the library for research projects and pleasure reading. There is also a library skills program taught on a weekly basis by our media technician. Students will receive notification of library books which are overdue and the cost of the book. Overdue books or money to replace the book need to be returned to the media center.
HOMEWORK POLICY
Purposeful homework is an important part of the total school program and will be assigned regularly Monday through Thursday. Homework will not be assigned over the weekend or on holidays. An exception to this guideline will be long-term assignments and the makeup of missed assignments.
Homework will be assigned in all grades and within the minutes designated below:
Kindergarten 5 - 10 minutes
Grades 1 - 3 15 - 30 minutes
Grades 4 - 6 30 - 60 minutes
Homework is to be completed and returned on time. If homework is not turned in, the student’s grades will be affected and the teacher may require the student to complete his/her assignment during the school day or after school. The teacher may also notify parents of the uncompleted assignment by note or phone call. If your child is spending excess time completing homework, please contact the teacher.
Homework will be used to improve and reinforce skills, develop responsibility and accountability, and encourage good work habits. Homework must fit the needs of the child and should be understood by the child when it is assigned.
Parent Volunteers
All parent volunteers must be fingerprinted. Parent volunteers are an important part of a school program. Your services for the school help children by giving them additional opportunities and demonstrating your commitment and respect for education. Teachers will schedule volunteer hours. This proves more productive than drop-in volunteering.
The following is a partial list of tasks in which your help would be most welcome:
Classroom: Listen to students reading; supervise seat work; assist in math or reading activities; tutoring; correcting papers and/or preparing materials.
School: Help in the Media Center; file and/or assist in plays or program; help in the office; be a Safety Program volunteer. Join the Parent-Teacher Club!
Home: Bake for class parties, prepare materials; make phone calls and type.
Dress Code
The purpose of dress and grooming guidelines will be to help students develop standards for their personal appearance. The school shares with parents a responsibility for teaching young people appropriateness of dress. Students will be expected to dress appropriately and be groomed in a manner that reflects pride in oneself and in one’s school. Our guidelines are:
1. Pants are to be neat, clean, hemmed and in good repair.
2. Hemmed shorts beyond fingertip length will be permitted during warm weather. Skirts must be fingertip length.
3. Bare midriffs, tube tops, and spaghetti straps are not permitted. Shoulders must be covered.
4. Inappropriate message (drug or alcohol) patches or tee shirts are not to be worn at school.
5. Thongs, clogs, zories, elevated platform shoes, or sandals without heel straps are considered unsafe, and are not to be worn. Bare feet are not permitted. Shoes should be appropriate for ALL school activities, including P.E.
6. Hair should be neat and clean and natural color.
7. Combs and brushes are acceptable, but are not to be used in class or shared with other students.
8. Headcovers (hats, caps) are not to be worn while in class.
9. Earrings that hang below the lobe should not be worn while at school.
10. No makeup is to be worn at school.
Clothes Closet
The district P.T.A. maintains a Clothes Closet making clean used clothing available free of charge to families which qualify. All items left at school will be donated to our district clothes closet at the end of each trimester.
Special Education
There are four special education services at Garfield. They are Speech and Language Therapy, the Resource Specialist Program, a Special Day Class 4-6 Program and one Special Education Primary Program.
INTERVENTION
The Student Study Team is a group of school personnel that meets once a week to recommend strategies to help student experiencing academic, behavioral or attendance difficulties. The parent or a staff member may refer a student to the SST. Students may be referred for special testing after Interventions are tried and found to be ineffective. The first step toward arranging extra help for a child is the Student Study Team.
Speech and Language Therapy
This state-funded program helps children who have communication disorders.
Resource Specialist
The Resource Specialist works with students who have been identified as qualifying for special education services. The Resource Specialist provides supportive help to students so that they can spend the majority of the school day in their regular classrooms. This teacher also works with regular education students as time allows.
School Site Council
The School Site Council is an advisory group made up of parents and staff. The Site Council approves the Single Plan for School Achievement and the budget necessary to implement the Site Plan. We encourage you to become involved and knowledgeable about Garfield’s School Site Council. Members are elected for one to two-year terms. Parent members are elected through a written ballot published in the weekly newsletter.
Home and Hospital Instruction
In the event that your child is unable to attend school for an extended period of time due to illness or injury, please contact the school for information regarding home or hospital instruction.
Immunizations/Physical Exams
Immunizations are required by law and will be verified at the time of registration. The records will be periodically reviewed. It is also a federal mandate that each child have a complete physical examination upon entry into kindergarten or first grade. All immunization requirements must be met for student to enter school. Dental exams are now required by spring of a student’s Kindergarten year.
Student Transfers
Parents who plan to move and whose child will be attending another school should notify the school office as soon as possible. The office will make copies of student’s shots record and birth certificate for parents to take to new school for registration. The child’s CUM record will remain at our school until it is requested in writing from the child’s new school. District policy does not permit us to give the CUM record to the parent.
Visiting School/Security
We welcome and encourage you to visit Garfield School. If you desire to visit, we request you call the school ahead of time. Please check in with the office and receive a badge before visiting, and check out before leaving campus. Parents are not allowed to play with students on the playground, or to be on the blacktop during recess. Parents may observe from the bench areas adjacent to the classrooms. This requirement is for the safety and protection of all children. Only people with legitimate business are allowed on our campus. For security purposes, if you come to pick up your child or call to give a message to your child, you must check in at the office. You may be asked to provide identification. If you are picking up your child at the end of the day, please wait at the blue benches in front of the office until class is dismissed. Do not wait by classrooms or in the hallways.
All parents are reminded that conferences with teachers are not possible during instructional times. Planned conferences are welcomed before and after school and allow the teacher time to assemble the material and information for the conference.
Gifted and Talented Education (G.A.T.E.)
This program serves all children identified as gifted. Credentialed personnel provide qualitatively different instruction for identified children.
Student Council
The Student Council provides for student activities, serves as training experience for both leaders and followers, promotes the common good, gives students a share in the management of the school, develops high ideals of personal conduct, acts as a clearing house for student activities, seeks to interest students in school affairs and helps solve problems that may arise. Members of the Council are student representatives and have direct access to the school administration. We have a Student Council each year that a teacher is able to sponsor this activity.
Garfield School Code of Behavior
I. PHILOSOPHY
Garfield students will be treated with dignity and respect. The school environment will be positive and pleasing to students, and they will be able to attend school without experiencing fear or undue anxiety. Garfield School will provide an atmosphere where each student can develop the basic academic and emotional skills necessary for independence in an ever-changing society, and develop self-discipline and a positive self-image with appreciation for the value of learning.
II. AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
All members of our school community have the responsibility to ensure and maintain the stability of a positive learning environment. Human trust, acceptance, and concern for each individual must be fostered in order to achieve this climate in school. With these basic rights go the responsibility for guiding individuals and disciplining their efforts to achieve this common goal of human respect.
A. School Staff - All members of Garfield’s Staff have a primary responsibility for providing a teaching-learning situation which contributes to the atmosphere of respect and trust within the school community. The school staff is responsible for modeling and teaching their students the behavioral standard expected in the classroom and the school as whole. They enforce the rules and regulations in the school and give support to the principal in maintaining district policy.
B. Parents/Guardians - Parents/Guardians are responsible for reinforcing behaviors consistent with the school behavior code and district policy on the part of their children. Parents/Guardians function in a partnership with school staff regarding decisions directly affecting their children or the well-being of the school as a whole. Parents/Guardians are liable for damages to persons or property abused by their children for any sum up to $7,500. The school whose property is lost or damaged may withhold grades or records of a student providing written notification of the student’s misconduct is given. Parents/Guardians are responsible for verifying the cause of each student’s absence or tardy. It is the parent’s right to request a conference in regard to the student’s behavior or academic achievement.
C. Students - Students are responsible for following school rules and procedures established by the Garfield School Behavior Code. Respecting the rights of others and demonstrating self-discipline are primary requirements of students in order for an optimum school climate to exist. Positive student attitudes and actions are an integral part of the establishment of such a climate.
The Garfield behavior plan is based on California State codes and San Juan Unified School District Board policy.
III. SPECIFIC STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. We believe all students have the right to attend school and pursue their education without danger of physical injury. Therefore, it is expected that:
ALL STUDENTS WILL REFRAIN FROM CAUSING INTENTIONAL INJURY OR PAIN TO ANOTHER PERSON.
B. We believe all students have the right to attend a safe school which includes freedom from stealing. ALL STUDENTS WILL REFRAIN FROM STEALING OF WILLFUL DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY.
C. We believe all students have the right to attend a safe school which includes freedom from name calling, racial/ethnic slurs, and teasing. ALL STUDENTS WILL REFRAIN FROM CAUSING ANOTHER PERSON EMBARRASSMENT THROUGH NAME CALLING, RACIAL OR ETHNIC SLURS. Choosing to comply with this rule will show your respect for the rights and ethnic heritage of others.
D. We believe all students have the right to attend school and pursue their education without unnecessary interruptions, such as yelling, profanity, or any disruptive behavior in the classroom.
Furthermore, it is the teacher’s right and responsibility to teach and expect acceptable behavior from the students while they are in school. To ensure that students’ rights are respected, there are two basic rules which are standard throughout the school:
Students will listen to and follow directions of all adults the first time.
Students will show respect for the rights, feelings and property of other people.
ALL STUDENTS WILL REFRAIN FROM ANY WILLFUL DISRUPTION OF SCHOOL OR CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES, DEFIANCE OR DISRESPECT OF SCHOOL PERSONNEL OR OTHER STUDENTS.
E. We believe all students have the right to eat lunch in pleasant, clean, orderly space, without unnecessary disruption. Therefore, all students will:
Use inside voices only.
Enter and leave the cafeteria in an orderly manner, walking only.
Be allowed to be out of their seats and away from their table only with permission from the adult on duty.
Leave his/her eating area clean. Absolutely no throwing of food.
IV. SUSPENSION
The San Juan Unified School District student behavior policies provide for suspension when a student’s behavior warrants such action. District policy #5144.1.
Definition - “Suspension” means removal of a student from ongoing instruction for adjustment purposes. It also means that the student is not to attend or participate in school activities for the duration of the suspension. Only the school prinicpal (or designee) can suspend a student from school. Rules apply while on school grounds; going to or coming from school; during or while going to or coming back from a field trip. Ten days of suspension require a district pre-expulsion hearing.
Reason for suspension - Following are the exclusive reasons for suspension (maximum 5 days):
1. Caused, attempted to cause or threatened to cause physical injury to another person (fighting, assault, battery).
2. Possessed, sold or furnished any unauthorized firearm, knife, explosive or other dangerous object or replica.
3. Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, furnished or been under the influence of any controlled substance, listed in Chapter 2, Division 10 of the California Health and Safety Code, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind.
4. Unlawfully offered, arranged or negotiated to sell any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind on school grounds, and either sold, delivered or otherwise furnished to any person an “in lieu of” substance (not controlled) and represented the material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant.
5. Committed robbery or extortion.
6. Caused or attempted to cause damage to school, student or employee property.
7. Stole or attempted to steal school property private property. Receiving known stolen school property.
8. Possessed or used tobacco or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products.
9. Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
10. Wearing inappropriate attire or attire that has inappropriate or gang messages.
11. Sexual offenses; slurs (racial, ethnic, religious, handicapped, sexual).
12. 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.
13. Disrupted school activities or willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties (includes false fire alarms).
V. EXPULSION
The San Juan Unified School District student behavior policies provide for expulsion when a student’s behavior warrants such action. District Policy #5161.
Definition - “Expulsion” means removal of a student from supervision of school personnel. A student who is expelled shall not attend any school function or alternative instructional program within the San Juan Unified School District for the duration of the expulsion. District Policy #5161.
Reasons for Expulsion - Students are recommended for expulsion from the San Juan Unified School District when any of the acts listed under supervision involve a continuing danger to the physical safety of the student or others or involve a threat to disrupting the educational process. Guns, knives, other weapons, etc., fall under district zero tolerance policy and may lead to suspension/expulsion.
VI. FIELD TRIPS
We believe that field trips are an integral part of a student’s education. It is the student’s right to expect and a teacher’s responsibility to ensure “that all safety procedures are followed.”
San Juan Unified School District Policy 6132.01 states that “the certificated teacher shall hold pupils accountable for their conduct during the field trip.” Therefore, we believe that it is imperative that a student obeys quickly and without question while on a field trip, to ensure their safety as well as others.
Students will not be allowed to attend field trips as the result of one or more of the following:
1. Student behaves in a manner in which classroom, playground or school rules are consistently ignored and the behavior management system of the classroom or school has not brought about improvement in student’s behavior. Therefore, the teacher may determine the student’s conduct to be unreliable or possibly unsafe on the field trip.
2. Student’s behavior on a previous field trip was potentially harmful toward himself or others, or disrespectful or disobedient towards any supervising adult.
3. Students in grades 4-6 fail to bring in signed permission slip the day before the trip. Students in grades K-3 fail to bring in signed permission slip the day of the trip. (No phone permission will be allowed.)
VII. SPECIFIC SCHOOL RULES
Be Safe
1. Use all school supplies and equipment correctly.
2. Walk in halls and classrooms.
3. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
4. When the bell rings FREEZE - When the whistle blows walk to your line.
5. Leave unsafe or unnecessary items at home.
Be Respectful
1. Listen
2. Be polite in word, deed and action.
3. Have good manners.
4. Follow directions the first time.
5. Work quietly.
6. Stay in your own space.
7. Keep your school clean.
Be Responsible
1. Come to school on time and be ready to learn.
2. Complete all class work and homework.
3. Be in charge of your actions.
4. Follow school and game rules.
5. Leave the school/classroom cleaner than you found it.
6. Help others.
VIII. SCHOOL’S PLAN FOR TEACHING APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
1. The teachers will teach and review the behavior code and school rules the first week of school and at the beginning of each trimester during the year. Teachers reteach the rules upon returning from all breaks of one week or more. The necessity and purpose of the rules will be emphasized.
2. All students and parents will receive a copy of the behavior code. Parents will be required to sign acknowledging that they have read and understood the code.
3. Each new student and parent will receive a copy of the code upon entering the school.
4. Teachers will model behavior standards throughout the school.
5. When students disobey school rules the following system of consequences will be followed each quarter:
a. Step One - a student behavior report will be sent home to the parent or guardian to be signed and returned to school.
b. Step Two - a conference will be held between parent and teacher to develop a plan to bring about more responsible behavior.
c. Step Three - a conference will be held with the teacher, principal and student.
d. Step Four - on-site suspension.
e. Step Five - suspension at home.
6. When students follow the rules and demonstrate responsible citizenship, they will be recognized in a variety of ways, including
a. Garfield Paws tickets, PAWS T-Shirts and stripes (20 tickets can be exchanged for a t-shirt, with each additional 20 tickets earning a stripe to be ironed onto the sleeve.
b. drawings for prizes
c. Citizen-of-the-Week and Student-of-the-Month awards to be issued at monthly spirit assemblies, classroom awards, good marks on report cards, and certificates.
Recess
Schools are required by law to provide drink, lunch and bathroom breaks. Recess is a privilege. Students may not be allowed to play at one or more recesses as a result of inappropriate behavior. Intermediate students may be assigned to attend Detention to finish their homework or because of behavior infractions. Primary students may sit on the bench to finish their homework or be assigned to time out for behavior infractions. Rough play by individuals or groups of students may result in restriction from a particular activity for a specified period of time.
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