Twin Lakes

We want to welcome you to the Twin Lakes learning community. We are proud of what happens here each day; your role as parents is important to this experience; please make the commitment to support Twin Lakes with your time and talents.

The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint parents with the programs, policies and procedures of Twin Lakes School. In addition, information regarding available community services is provided.

The contents of this booklet were developed by parents and staff of Twin Lakes School with you, the parent, in mind. We sincerely hope that the information within will be valuable to you throughout the school year. Carefully read this handbook. The policies within this document will be enforced.

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY - PATHWAYS TO THE FUTURE

At Twin Lakes we prepare each child for the challenges of the future.
We believe parent involvement is a critical component of the Twin Lakes success story.
Our staff is committed to excellence in education.
The interaction between students and teachers each day in the class setting is the most important act that occurs at Twin Lakes School.
Nothing will be allowed to interfere with the act of teaching and learning.

At Twin Lakes School, the focus of all of our energy, resources, and talent will be on the classroom . . . where the student and teacher meet each day is the most important activity. We enjoy and want to continue to nurture parent involvement; it is one of the keys to success.


Twin Lakes emphasizes excellence in all subject areas. Hands-on activities lead to conceptual development in math, science, and social studies. Writing across the curriculum helps children synthesize, organize, and communicate. Using literature, students make connections to their own lives and experience while expanding their view of the world.

Twin Lakes Staff is committed to helping students develop personal responsibilities in many ways. Students are provided opportunities to collaborate in class meetings and cooperative group instructional settings. Teachers will strive to provide the “springboard” for students to excel; students must respond by using all of their talents and hard work to achieve.

Creative expression is valued at Twin Lakes. Student performances are supported and encouraged by not only the Music, Art, and Physical Education Specialists but by every teacher and as part of each grade level plan.

Students at Twin Lakes care for their world through a variety of creative and supportive activities. Cross-age tutoring, student government, and our “Buddy System,” reflects this commitment to support and caring. Our GATE students participate in a grade-level, full-day program once each month.

Students at Twin Lakes are provided many opportunities to utilize technology to advance the educational process. We have two computer labs, both a K-3 and a 4-6 to reinforce curriculum and explore word processing, data base, and spreadsheet application to learning. Students do research through the Internet and teachers receive communication through their E-Mail. All classrooms at Twin Lakes have televisions connected to cable, a VCR / DVD’s.
Our entire school is networked for even better utilization of the opportunities afforded by the Internet technology.

Parent involvement is a valued, effective component of Twin Lakes School. Parents are active and vital at Twin Lakes.

BEHAVIOR PHILOSOPHY
All students have the right to attend school in a psychologically and physically safe environment. All Students have the right to learn and all teachers have the right to teach in an environment free of disruptions. This environment extends from the classroom to the playground, the cafeteria and any area of campus as well as travel to and from school.

The school staff has the responsibility for providing a teaching and learning environment which contributes to the atmosphere of trust and respect within the school community. Staff members are responsibility for modeling and teaching their students the behavior standards existent in the classroom and the school as a whole. They enforce the rules and regulation in the school and give support to the principal in maintaining district policy. The classroom teachers are responsible for establishing classroom rules and procedures as well as rewards and consequences.

Parents and guardians are responsible for reinforcing appropriate school behaviors and for supporting school and district policy. Parents and guardians are responsible and liable for holding children accountable for their conduct and behavior. Parents and guardians are liable for lost property or damages to persons and property incurred by their child. Records and grades may be withheld until such restitution is made.

Students are expected to follow all school rules and dress code at all times. Students are to have good attendance and to be on time to school. Students will be respectful to self and others and follow the directions of the adults on campus. Students will be responsible for their behavior and be held accountable for violations and infractions of the rules. Students are expected to behave in a manner that is safe for themselves and others. Consequences will be based on the progressive discipline policy of the San Juan Unified School District and the California Educational Code Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
School rules protect the rights of all students and promote a safe learning environment. Students must be free to learn and teachers’ must be free to teach. Students are accountable for their behavior during school and school activities as well as on their way to and from school and home.

Students are expected to:

Follow school rules.
Follow the directions of all school staff; teachers/administrators/noon duty aides/custodians/crossing guards.
Show respect for all staff and fellow students.
Comply with classroom rules as described by each teacher.

In general, students may not;

Have any weapon or dangerous object.
Have or sell drugs or drug paraphernalia, tobacco, alcohol, or other controlled or dangerous substance or dangerous substances, or intoxicants.
Fight, harm, threaten, harass, or intimidate anyone.
Damage or take (steal) property of others
Act in a way or carry any item that is obscene, profane, unsanitary, and offensive, degrades others or promotes violation of laws or school rules.
Defy school authorities.
Leave school grounds without permission.
Cheat or falsify documents.
Disrupt a class or school activity.
Participate in any gambling activity.
Carry pagers, cell phones, headsets, other electronic communication devices.
Skip school or be late to class.

ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR HELMETS WHEN RIDING THEIR BICYCLES.

FIGHTING
Fighting is, of course, dangerous behavior and will not be tolerated. Each circumstance of fighting will be investigated and evaluated thoroughly. Parents will be contacted and involved to remedy this behavior. The situation will be identified as either a “physical altercation” or fighting depending on the circumstance. Typically, if a fight or physical altercation is deemed not to be severe, a first level of consequence, including time out/loss of recess or other lower-level remedy will result. Parents will always be contacted at any instance of fighting or physical altercation. IF, HOWEVER, THERE IS A SECOND INSTANCE OF FIGHTING OR PHYSICAL ALTERCATION BY THE SAME CHILD, THE RESULT WILL BE SUSPENSION REGARDLESS OF THE OTHER PARTY INVOLVED.

The consequence will be consistent with San Juan Unified School District P-6 division causes for suspension/expulsion. This document will be distributed to all parents separately, signed and returned to school and filed. Behavior reports will be documented electronically into the student information system in the student’s file.

All students have the right to attend a school where they will be free of the threat of stealing, fighting, name calling, racial slurs, threats and harassment of any kind. Additionally, all students have the right to pursue their education without unnecessary interruptions. Yelling, swearing, and other disruptive behaviors will not be tolerated. Sagging will not be permitted. Furthermore, teachers have the right to expect behavior which is conducive to the instructional program and to establish and enforce rules which they deem necessary for the orderly operation of the classroom.

CLASS MEETINGS
“Class Meetings” are an important component of each grade level and classroom behavior management system. Class meetings are held each week in every classroom to provide a format for problem solving and resolution of issues that may arise between students. Teachers have met and trained together to provide an effective, consistent application of the class meeting concept to provide the most successful due process for students. Feel free to talk to any classroom teacher regarding this process. If necessary, students from other classrooms will join another classroom for resolution of a problem.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

HEALTH SERVICES
Vision screening, hearing test and first aid are among the services rendered. The school is not permitted to diagnose or treat illness or provide other services normally performed by nurses or doctors. Family Life Education is provided in grades 4, 5, and 6 (for boys and girls), with parental permission. Health screening occurs at the following grade levels: hearing, grades K, 1, 2, 5 and all special education classes; and vision, grades 1, 3, 6, and all special education classes.

Head Lice- We allow three days of consecutive absences for head lice. If a student returns to school with lice within ten calendar days, additional absences are un-excused.    There is a maximum of three days in a row allowed for children with lice. After three days it will be marked as un-excused.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) - Children are excluded from school for 24 hours after active treatment has been started by physician.

MEDICATION IN SCHOOL
Medication will be administered during school hours only when a physician determines medication is needed for potentially life-threatening medical conditions or in order to interact appropriately in the school setting. A Medication in School form must be filled out by your child’s physician before any medication can be dispensed. Forms are available in the school office. This form will need to be filled out yearly.

When a medication is needed by a student, parents are encouraged to explore, with their child’s physician, medication options and dosage schedules that fall outside of the regular school day.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

THERE IS NO SUPERVISION FOR STUDENTS UNTIL 8:10 A.M. Supervision of students begins at 8:10 a.m. each morning. Students are not to leave school during recesses or noon period without written permission from home and signed out by a parent or guardian. Students are not to return to the school grounds after school unless enrolled in a supervised activity. All students are expected to go home promptly after dismissal from school.

ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is necessary if you are to make the most of your school year. In the event of an absence, make-up work is the student’s and parent’s responsibility. Ask your teacher for the lessons missed, and in general, ask for extra help whenever you feel it is necessary. When your child will be away from school, please make arrangements several days in advance whenever possible.   Keep in mind; unexcused absences do not entitle a student to make-up work.

INDEPENDENT STUDY
The San Juan Unified School District has one type of attendance contract available. The Independent Study Contract is for students who will be absent more than five days, but less than three weeks. The contract and the work need to be returned the first day the student is back to school. Students will not receive a Perfect Attendance Award if a contract is used during the school year. If the homework assignments are not completed, the original absence code will be used and the student may be subject to receiving attendance letters. We require that parents notify the school office TEN WORKING DAYS BEFORE STUDENT’S ABSENCE to prepare independent study contract. This allows the teacher ample time in their busy schedule to prepare a quality plan. We have request forms in the office for parents to fill out before we can issue the contract.

ABSENCES
If your child is going to be late or absent, please call the school at 986-2247. The recorder is on 24 hours. You will hear a recorded message. At the tone, please state: 1) child name, 2) child teacher, 3) reason for absence, 4) anticipated dates of absence, 5) homework request. This phone call will serve in place of a written note. If you do not call this parent alert number, our attendance clerk will call you to verify the absence. Examples of excused absences include: personal illness, quarantine, medical/dental appointments, and funeral of an immediate family member. If you have a doctor’s note for the reason why your child is absence, please give the note to the office for a verified absence. Some examples of unexcused absences include: transportation problems, funeral of someone outside the immediate family, personal family problems, family vacation, babysitting, separation anxiety or fear of going to school, and illness of another family member. Unexcused absences do not entitle a student to make-up work.

If a student has a note to be dismissed early, he should give it to the teacher, and the parent should meet the child at the school office, being sure to sign the child out when departing, and sign the child in when returning, designating the time and date on the office roster. Children leaving early will not be brought or sent to the office to wait for a parent until a parent arrives to check them out.

LOST AND FOUND
There is a lost and found rack in the Multi-Purpose Room, which should be checked for missing items. If the missing items are not claimed within a month, they are sent to the San Juan Clothes Closet.

NEWSLETTER
The Twin Lakes Newsletter is sent home the first and third Monday of every month and contains school news. This information is also on the school web page at www.sanjuan.edu/twinlakes

BUS RIDERS
Children are expected to conduct themselves in a safe manner both on the bus and at the bus stop. Students will be suspended from riding the bus for inappropriate behavior. An absence or tardiness due to missing the bus is un-excused. If you have questions regarding transportation call 971-7075.

BICYCLES
Locks and helmets are required to be used at all times. Bicycles must be parked in the bike racks at all times. Bike riders must obey the traffic laws of the State of California and the laws of common courtesy. Bike riding on school grounds is not permitted.

No motor scooters, skateboards, ‘blades/razor’ scooters, skates, wheelies, or horses are allowed on school property at any time.

DRESS CODE
Twin Lakes School endeavors to create and maintain a very positive, appropriate school culture. We know that parents appreciate and support this approach. To that end, parents need to reinforce a school dress code that works to make Twin Lakes about learning and growing for their children. Parents need to monitor and evaluate student’s choice of clothing and encourage and or modify clothing choices. Students should wear clothing that is appropriate to the mission of education. For example, students should not wear soccer uniforms or pajamas to school.   Students should wear clothing that will enable them to participate in the excellent physical education program without possibility of injury. For example, flip flops or sandals that are too high or do not support the foot during exercise could lead to injury. At no time should students go barefoot at school. Closed shoes and socks should be worn at all times. Clothing that is too brief or revealing is inappropriate. Spaghetti strap tops, halter tops or backless tops are not appropriate. Pants that sag should not be worn by boys or girls. Short shorts are also not appropriate. Makeup, glitter, spray on hair color, or other such affectations are not permitted unless there is a specific teacher request for purposes of some dramatic presentation or program. Unnatural hair colors or styles are not permitted.

VISITING SCHOOL
Please feel free to visit Twin Lakes at any time. Stop and sign in at the office to notify the secretary, and phone or send a note to the teacher prior to your visit. “Visitors” who are not regular classroom volunteers should prearrange their visit with the classroom teacher. A visitor’s badge must be worn while you on campus at all times students are present. On a class visit, plan your time so you do not bring pre-school children. Twenty-four hours notice would be appreciated.

FACILITY USAGE AGREEMENTS
These forms are available on the district webpage. A conversation with the principal is necessary before applying for use of facilities. Custodial time is very limited at all schools and care must be taken to leave the premises as good as or better than found.

PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)
PTA is an important extension of the school in that it provides a liaison between the teacher, parent and student to bring about solutions to monetary, equipment or environmental needs of the classroom and school. The method PTA uses to produce funds is usually fun activities that involve not only PTA members but teachers, principals, students and entire families. PTA provides a link that keeps the communication and motivation between parents and school in operation. These days, when many homes require both parents to work, PTA is more important than ever. It gives the working parent a chance to get involved with projects, during after work hours that will benefit their child’s classroom and education. To be a member of PTA is to be a working part in your child’s education.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT
    Safety Committee
    GATE Committee
    Room Representative
    PTA
    Auction Committee
    Carnival

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

HOMEWORK POLICY
We at Twin Lakes School encourage parents to:
Show positive interest in their children’s homework as well as their school work.

Cooperate with the teacher to make homework more effective.
Provide children with a suitable place to do homework, away from TV or pre-school children
Serve as consultants about assignments, but not to do the assignments for the child.
See that assignments are completed neatly.
Encourage but not pressure children.
Talk to their children about their attitudes toward schoolwork and homework.
Children are responsible for returning homework on time. Homework delivered to school by a parent will be marked “late”.
Sign and return all behavior reports.

In grades K and 1, your child will have an average of 15 minutes of work per night. In grades 2, 3, and 4 your child will average 30-45 minutes per night. In grades 5 and 6 your child will average 45-60 minutes per night. Some children may need more time and others will accomplish the assigned task very quickly. Classroom work not completed during class time may need to be finished at home. Our school policy is generally not to assign work on Friday which would be due on Monday. We want to allow students more time to engage in family activities over the weekend. (Some classes however, may allow the weekend for completion of a weekly packet/project.)

MUSIC
There are many music opportunities offered to Twin Lakes’ students. Each class has music weekly. For the fifth and sixth grade, band is offered, usually twice weekly. Other opportunities include the 3rd grade chorus, 4th , 5th , and 6th grade choir, 5th and 6th grade band (beginning and advanced bands), and the 5th / 6th grade Rock n Roll show.

GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION (GATE)
Twin Lakes accepts and celebrates GATE students in the classroom. Students who meet the threshold scores to qualify for the GATE program will have the option of participating in a pull-out program run through the school. Please contact the principal for this information. We will strive to provide the most challenging classroom setting and supplemental program for all students, including GATE qualified children. We also believe that GATE students must take advantage of the instructional opportunities we provide and work to the fullest extent they is capable.

COMPUTER LAB
We have both a Primary and Intermediate Computer Lab. Individual classes work in the computer labs regularly. In addition to “traditional” application, the computer lab is a student research center.

SPEECH-LANGUAGE IMPROVEMENT
Each year all children entering kindergarten are evaluated for speech and language development. Other students are referred for evaluation as the need arises. If a child is to be enrolled in speech therapy, parents will be notified and periodically informed about the progress their youngster is making.

RESOURCE SPECIALIST
The Resource Specialist Program is a special education program designed to help children with learning disabilities. There must be a significant discrepancy between the child’s ability and his/her academic performance. There are no specific criteria which the student must meet. The children are worked with on an individual or small-group basis.

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
The School Psychologist is part of the Student Study Team in the school. This committee reviews the academic or behavioral problems of the entire student body. In addition to this, the committee works with Special Education (along with all the support groups-speech, reading, etc.) assessing the needs of and reviewing each child. He/she also acts as a resource to teachers and parents.

SPECIAL DAY CLASS
The Special Day Class is a special education program designed to help children with learning disabilities. This environment provides academic instruction in a small-group setting along with emphasis on study skills and time management.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER PROGRAM
The program provides services to non-English and limited-English speaking students. This program emphasizes language acquisition, both oral and written. It also provides cultural knowledge to enable students to be successful in the school system, along with appreciation and value of their home language.

DISCOVERY CLUB
This program provides day care for kindergarten through sixth grade students both before and after school. This program has planned activities which enable students to complete homework, develop special projects and work together cooperatively as well as providing free time and physical activities. For more information, call 986-2246.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC)
School improvement decisions are made through the School Site Council which is legislated (by AB65) to provide an ongoing analysis of Twin Lakes programs. It is this group, the (SSC) School Site Council, which plans and evaluates new programs, evaluates and revises existing programs, reviews test scores, and determines curriculum as well as budget priorities. The School Site Council is composed of staff members and an equal number of parent or community members who are elected each year.

SPECIFIC SCHOOL RULES

Be On Time

Students are to arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before the start of the school day. Students arriving after the 8:20 bell must report to the office for a tardy. All students are to leave school grounds by 15 minutes after final dismissal of the day.
Student may not return to campus until 3:55 p.m. Students arriving to school before 8:10 a.m. will be contacted by mail.
Children remaining at school after 3:10 p.m. may be reported to Child Protective Services.

Be Respectful to Self and Others

Students are expected to listen to adults and follow direction.
Students will not back talk, sass, mimic, or show other signs of disrespect to adults.
Students will not use profanity or foul sounding language at any time.
Students will not use offensive or hurtful language.
Students will not damage or ruin school and private property.
Students will treat others as they wish to be treated.

Be Responsible

Students will come to school prepared with books, materials, and completed homework.
Students will use appropriate language and behavior at all times.
Students will not run in halls and may not leave the classroom without teacher approval.
Students may not be in the halls, bathrooms, or office without a pass.
Students will enter the cafeteria with their teacher and class in an orderly fashion.
Students will sit at their assigned tables and may not move or leave without permission.
Students will use an inside voice while in the cafeteria.
Students will not touch another student’s food and may not trade, buy or sell food.
Students will not throw food or trash and will keep their eating area clean and throw trash in the receptacle when instructed to do so.
Students may not eat on the playground or blacktop play areas.
Students will not chew gum at school.
Students will follow the school and district dress code.
Students will not bring toys, pets, sport equipment or electronic devices to school. They may have a cell phone as long as they have a signed permission slip on file yearly with the office.

Be Safe

Students will play in designated play areas only and only during recess times.
Students will keep hands and feet to themselves at all times.
Students will not play roughly.
Students will not run in hallways.
Students will follow playground rules for games and play apparatus.
Students will not ride bikes, scooters, skates, skateboards, or other wheel devices on school grounds.
Students will stay in supervised areas at all times.
Students will not play in the bathrooms or stand on toilets or sink.
Students will not climb fences, trees, or anything other than the play apparatus.
Bus riders will follow the transportation services rules. The school will also issue consequences for violations of bus rules.

Consequences
Consequences for violations of school rules will include a progressive approach for minor infractions. However, more serious offenses may result in immediate suspension as determined by the principal. Progressive discipline includes:

Warning
Recess Detention
Time out – Having to sit outside the classroom.
Buddy Room time out – Being sent to the teacher’s buddy room for a longer time out.
Loss of privileges – Such as field trips.
On-site suspension – Sitting for a period of time in the principal’s office.
Home suspension – Being sent home for a period of from 1 – 5 days depending on the offense.

Parent contact will be made by the teacher for consequences 1-6. At any time the teacher determines necessary, he/she may require a parent/teacher/student conference with a behavior contract to be signed and a copy given to the principal to be kept on file. Violation of the contract may result in suspension. The principal will contact the parent for consequence number 7.

Some examples of more serious offenses which will result in skipping consequences 1, 2, 3, and 5 go right to number 5, 6, or 7 may include:

Unsafe or dangerous behavior
Fighting
Theft or Vandalism
Drugs / Alcohol or Tobacco
Extortion
Defiance of Authority, disobedience or disrespect of adults
Weapons
Obscene Behavior
Sexual Harassment

This list is by no means all inclusive. Any behavior or activity that is deemed to be inappropriate will be dealt with and result in a consequence.

Twin Lakes Elementary School Rules

Be Safe
Use equipment appropriately
Walk in halls
Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself at all times
Climb on playground equipment only
Stay in staff supervised areas at all times
Follow playground rules for games
Bus riders will follow the transportation rules. The school will issue consequences for violations of bus rules.

Be Respectful
Listen to adults
Follow directions
Use appropriate language
Use quiet voices
Take care of school property
Be nice to others
Be courteous to others around you
Include everyone
Play fairly
Keep campus clean
Allow others privacy

Be Responsible
Come to school on time and be prepared
Wait for dismissal
Get permission before going to the office
Return to classroom as soon as possible
Enter cafeteria with your teacher in an orderly fashion
Use inside voices when inside
Keep your food to yourself
Eat your own food
When finished eating, throw trash in trash can before leaving cafeteria
Clean up after yourself
Leave gum at home
Leave personal items at home
Follow the school and district dress code
Leave on time
Wash hands after using the bathroom, before eating and before going to the computer lab
Use bathroom properly
Use closest drinking fountain and go directly back to the playground (or classroom)
Line up when bell / whistle blows in your line

Twin Lakes Elementary Dress Code

The Twin Lakes Dress Code is designed in accordance with the San Juan Unified School District dress code to assure that all students come to school in clothing that is appropriate, that will ensure their safety and not distract them or their peers from the learning process. All clothing must meet the following criteria.
Shirts and Tops
·    No logos, pictures, or writing depicting sex, alcohol, drugs, or gangs
·    Must cover chest, torso, midriff (belly button)
·    Tank tops must be at least two inches wide at the shoulders
·    Tank top arm holes must not allow any part of the upper torso to be visible
Pants
·    No baggy, saggy, oversized pants or pant legs
·    Must fit at the waist and be worn at the waist
·    Must be hemmed and free of holes and tears
·    Must not trail or touch the ground
·    May not be rolled up to expose the legs
·    No pajama bottoms or sleepwear
Skirts/Shorts/Dresses
·    Shorts must meet standards established for pants
·    Shorts and Skirts must be long enough to cover the buttocks while sitting or bending over
·    Dresses and skirts must not trail or touch the ground
Belts
·    Must threat through belt loops
·    End of belt may not extend more than three inches from the buckle
Shoes
·    Footwear and socks must be worn at all times
·    No bedroom or house slippers
·    No thong sandals, clogs, or heels more than one inch high
·    Sandals must be buckled at the ankle and must be worn with socks
·    No combat type boots or steel toed boots or shoes
Jewelry and Accessories
·    Must be safe and free of reference to gangs, cults, drugs, tobacco, sex, or alcohol
·    No hanging or hoop earrings, stud ear rings in the ear lobes only
·    No nose rings or other body piercings
·    No make-up or visible tattoos
·    No pocket chains
·    No fake fingernails
·    No artificial hair coloring
·    No unconventional hairstyles
Hat/Headgear/Sunglasses
·    Hats are not to be worn inside
·    Sunglasses are allowed outside only
·    No head covering which is associated with gang affiliation