GRDC Food Service 867-2747

 

 

Absences

ATTENDANCE PHONE NO. 979-8975

It is requested that a parent or guardian telephone the school attendance recorder (979-8975) the morning of an absence. Failure to call the office will result in a phone call from the clerk to your residence or place of employment. This acts as a parent alert program to assure the safe arrival of students.

All absences not cleared with the office will be listed as unexcused on your child’s record.

In cases where students are absent for a period of several days, a parent or guardian should regularly call the school and advise the attendance clerk of the condition of the student.

 

Attendance and Tardy Policy

San Juan Unified School District recently revised its attendance letters and practices within the Child Welfare and Attendance Office to bring them in compliance with the law. Excused absences consist of the following: ILLNESS, DOCTOR APPOINTMENT, COURT SUBPOENA, or FUNERAL FOR A MEMBER OF IMMEDIATE FAMILY. All other absences are unexcused. The law allows two unexcused absences per year before we must notify you that your child is technically truant. In addition, if your child is ill for more than ten days in a year, you will be asked to provide medical documentation. If you have any questions regarding the attendance policy, please call the school office.

 

Tardies

Students are expected to be on campus and ready to report to the classroom when the bell sounds. Students arriving after the bell rings must report to the office to receive a tardy slip in order to be admitted into the classroom.

SARB (School Attendance Review Board)

Students with excessive absences and tardies will be referred to SARB.

Early Dismissals

Students leaving campus during the school day, including lunch time, must be signed out by a parent or guardian listed on the emergency card in the school office. It is advised that early dismissals be kept to a minimum in order to reduce interruptions to the class. When possible, doctor’s appointments should be scheduled after school. If an adult other than a parent, guardian, or person designated on the emergency card comes for a child, a signed note is required stating that you permit us to release the child to that person. Please make sure you have all adults who might be picking your child up during the year listed on the emergency card.

Independent Study Policy

Gold River Discovery Center expects students to attend school every day that we are in session during the school year. We encourage our families to take their vacations during the breaks. From time to time, we understand that family emergencies may require a student to miss the instruction that is planned for that week. Given the fact that this absence is inevitable, Independent Study is a positive option for attendance improvement goals and academic progress for the student who will miss out on the teacher’s direct instruction. However, Independent Study (IS) is a privilege and a variety of factors determine whether a contract will be granted. Below are factors taken into consideration when approving or denying an independent study contract:

First, is it in the academic best interest of the child? Factors include, but are not limited to, the level of student academic achievement, ability of student to work independently, as well as successful completion of past IS Contracts.

Second, are there attendance or behavioral issues that make IS inappropriate? If a student is excessively absent or having other behavioral issues, additional time from school may be counterproductive to academic success.

Third, was the request for IS made five business days before the contract is to begin? Sufficient time must be allowed for teachers to gather the materials.

Fourth, does the time-frame requested conflict with testing, IEP’s, SST’s or other important educational activities? Testing and other important activities might make IS unreasonable, especially with the difficulty to reschedule staff or makeup tests.

For students in all types of independent study, the maximum length of time that may elapse between the time an assignment is made and the date by which the student must complete the assigned work shall be as follows:

For pupils in kindergarten through eighth grade, two weeks

The maximum length of time for independent study at Gold River Discovery Center is two weeks within a given school year. The work must be returned or postmarked by the due date specified on the contract. Credit for the work and daily attendance is dependent upon the office receiving the completed contract in addition to the teacher’s evaluation of the work. Days absent, beyond the independent study contract, will be recorded as unexcused absences subject to the district’s attendance policy. Students that are absent more than 20 consecutive school days will be dropped and they will have to re-enroll with San Juan Central upon their return. Upon re-enrollment, San Juan Central will determine which school has openings. During the student’s disenrollment period, the student’s spot at GRDC, in their former teacher’s classroom, will not be reserved for their return. Enrollment is filled on a first come, first served basis.

When any pupil or student fails to complete three independent study assignments during any period of 15 school days, the superintendent or designee shall conduct an evaluation to determine whether the pupil or student should be allowed to continue in independent study. A written record of the findings of any evaluation conducted pursuant to this policy shall be treated as a mandatory interim pupil record. The record shall be maintained for a period of three years from the date of the evaluation and, if the pupil transfers to another California public school, the record shall be forwarded to that school.

Emergency Cards

Emergency cards are used to contact a parent/guardian in case a problem should arise. It is important that all copies be completed by a parent/guardian and returned to the school by the end of the first week. Any changes in address or phone numbers should be reported immediately to the office. Please list any person who has permission to pick your child up from school should you be unavailable to do so.

If you have a court order stipulating that one parent may not have access to a student at Gold River, you must notify the teacher and the office and provide the office with a current court order. Otherwise, both parents have equal rights to their child.

Injury/Illness

Students who become ill or injured during the school day will be escorted to the office. Those with a temperature of 100 degrees or more will be considered too ill to remain in school. Injuries will be evaluated by office staff and parents will be notified if an injury is beyond basic first aid treatment, or if office staff is uncertain as to the severity of the injury. For emergency situations, 911 will be called, as well as the parent. If the office is unable to locate a parent and the child must be transported by ambulance, parents will be financially responsible.

Medication

This is the San Juan School Board Policy on Administration of Medication by School Personnel:

 

Medication is administered during school hours by school personnel, only when the student’s physician deems the medication necessary for a student who has a potentially life-threatening medical condition or who needs medication administered during the school day in order to interact appropriately in the school setting.

School personnel may dispense and store medication ordered by a licensed physician and provided by the student’s parents/guardian. Administration and storage of medication during the school hours by school personnel will be permitted only when the following has been complied with:

Receipt of a written statement from the student’s licensed physician under the conditions listed above need to detail the method, amount, and time scheduled by which such medication should be taken. The medicine must be in the original container listing the pharmacy, prescribing physician, name of medication, dosage, route of administration, frequency of administration, duration of administration, expiration date. For grades preschool through eighth, parents must bring the medication to the school office. Students may not possess medication at any time (except inhalers). For further clarification, call our office.

Please note: We are unable to administer medication for students who have cold symptoms. If you cannot come to school to administer medication to your child, try to find appropriate medication which will last throughout the school day. If your child needs this medication to function and the suggestions listed above do not work, the child should stay home until he/she is healthy.

Use of Facility

Use of GRDC for Non-School Related Activities

Use of the Gold River campus for non-school related activities is available upon the approval of the principal and the district office. Outside organizations may be charged a usage fee. A “Use of Facility” form must be completed for each activity. The district office requires proof of a $1,000,000 General Commercial Liability insurance policy. Additional fees may be required if a custodian or food service employee is needed.

Student Restrooms

Students have three sets of restrooms available to them, the restrooms are located in Pod A, Pod C, and next to room 28 (for 6th, 7th and 8th graders). The restrooms located in the Multipurpose Room and in the media center are for adults only.

Holidays

Our school board has established a policy that has been reviewed by our School Site Council. The highlights of the school board policy are as follows:

1. Intercultural programs that focus on the diversity of our multicultural society are encouraged.
2. The total effect of artistic and cultural programs should be non-religious.
3. Student embarrassment should be avoided.
4. A program or observance related to a religious holiday in theme or timing should be evaluated for its purposes and affect. More specifically, “A Holidays Around the World” approach that focuses on non-religious and seasonal festivals and the folklore of different cultures would be appropriate.
5. Schools may teach about religion and religious freedom.

Each of our staff members has read and discussed this policy. Our curriculum is guided by the state and district grade level standards. Each teacher selects the objectives which are most appropriate for their particular students. Teachers, especially at the primary level, may choose, or not choose, holiday symbols, songs or examples to help their students meet curriculum objectives. Please respect their professional judgment in choosing the curriculum that best supports these learning objectives.

Cafeteria

Hot lunches are available on a daily basis, except on minimum days when sack lunches will be served. SJUSD has a nutrition website with all the current information about school lunches. Please visit http://nutrition.sanjuan.edu/ for more information.

Forms are available for families who feel they qualify for free or reduced lunches.

Children who forget their lunch or money may be allowed to call their parents. If the student is unable to reach a parent for a lunch or money then the cafeteria will give the student fruit and milk.

Phone Usage

It is our goal to offer excellent service. One area that requires tremendous amounts of staff time is answering telephone calls. So that we can accomplish our other tasks, we request your assistance in limiting school phone calls to business or urgent situations which cannot be dealt with before or after school or with an e-mail.

Please discuss after school babysitting arrangements, lunch arrangements, after school transportation, special schedules such as minimum days, field trips and any other special circumstances with your child prior to school starting. If a call is an emergency, that message will be delivered immediately. The office phone will be used by students only in an emergency or after 3:15. Students’ use of the telephone is limited to calls for lunches, school business and emergency calls. As it is our intent to help them develop organizational and personal responsibility skills, students will not normally be permitted to call home for forgotten schoolwork, books, instruments, etc.

Cell Phones

Cell phones may be brought to school, according to state law. However, they may be used for emergencies only. They must be turned off during all school hours and out of sight at all times while on the school campus, including before and after school unless you are participating in an educational activity that is directed by a teacher. Cell phones are not to be used to call friends, parents, or other relatives in place of school phones. Cell phones may not be used inappropriately as cameras. If a student fails to follow the rules, the cell phone will be kept in the office during the school day or must be left at home. If there is a second offense then the parents will need to pick the phone up from the office. Any further infractions will follow the SJUSD Discipline Policy.

Field Trips

The goal of school field trips is to enrich and extend the classroom curriculum. Each teacher will discuss the planned field trips for the year at “Back-to-School Night.” The steps listed below will be followed to ensure a safe and successful field trip.

1. All field trips are pre-approved by the administrator.
2. Parents must complete the field trip permission/emergency information form. Each child must have a permission slip filled out for each field trip taken.
3. Field trip permission forms will be sent home with the child a minimum of one week before the trip to allow time for it to be returned to school.
4. When we use the district’s buses, the school has to pay for the cost. Education code allows schools to charge for the transportation of students for field trips. However, if a family cannot afford to pay for the transportation, they can contact the office to inquire about the availability of scholarships.
5. All volunteer drivers must complete the Volunteer Vehicle Usage Form before allowing children in their car. All drivers must:
• be 21 years of age or older
• have completed and cleared district finger printing
• have car insurance
• have seat belts for all riders
• have a safe driving record
• adhere to the state law: a child must be over eight years of age or 4’9” in height to ride in a vehicle without using a car seat. The child’s parent is responsible for notifying the school if the child does not meet the requirements and must provide the car seat if necessary.
6. Be aware that they are personally and financially liable for the safety of children in their car
7. Be aware that they are to drive directly to and from the field trip site without interruption or stops for personal errands
8. The chaperone shall follow agendas and time lines set forth for the field trip by the teacher
9. Chaperones must supervise and stay with their assigned students at all times
10. Siblings are not allowed to accompany parent volunteers on field trips.
11. Students can be suspended from field trips for behavior problems only. Academic, homework, or class work problems are not appropriate reasons for removal from field trips. Removal from field trips requires administrative approval.

Dress Code

The purpose of dress and grooming guidelines will be to help students develop standards for their personal appearance. Research has found a high correlation between the way children dress and their behavior in school. It is the intent of the Dress Code to permit students to dress according to fashion but, at the same time, to restrict extremes that tend to distract students and staff from the main purpose of the educational program.

Students who are dressed inappropriately will be asked to change their attire. These guidelines are in effect at all times when students are on campus.

1. Hemmed shorts or skirts of appropriate length - covering to the mid thigh or extending to the tips of the fingertips when the arm, hand, and fingers are fully extended at one’s side.
2. Bare midriffs, tube tops, half shirts, muscle shirts, halter tops, and spaghetti straps are not permitted.
3. Clothing that exposes undergarments or private body parts is not acceptable.
4. Inappropriate messages on any article of clothing are not to be worn at school. This includes any reference to drugs, alcohol, violence, vulgarity, weapons or are sexually suggestive or profane.
5. Shoes need to be safe for PE and/or recess. Flip-flops 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.
6. Students wearing “Heelies” must remove the wheels while on school grounds.
7. Head covers of any kind are not to be worn indoors except for religious reasons. Hats are to be worn with the bill forward.
8. Other attire considered to be inappropriate will be referred to the office.

Homework Policy

Purposeful homework is an important part of the total school program. After “Back-to-School Night,” homework will be assigned regularly. Homework is used to improve and reinforce skills, develop responsibility and accountability, and to encourage good work habits. Homework also provides an excellent opportunity for parents to stay abreast of the work being done in their child’s classroom. Homework must fit the needs of the child and will be explained to the child when it is assigned.

In general:

1. The average time spent completing homework assignments is dependent upon a student’s individual ability and work pace.
2. In addition to nightly assignments, homework may include unfinished class work, work missed by absence, or special projects.
3. Parents of students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade should contact the child’s teacher to arrange to pick up any missed assignments or homework. Please allow one day’s time for the teacher to compile the work.
4. Sixth through eighth grade students should contact a homework buddy to find out work that they missed and follow up by checking that all work was completed on Zangle.
5. If completion of homework is a problem, it will be handled on an individual basis by the student, parent, and teacher.

Homework Assignments

Homework will be assigned four times per week (Monday through Thursday) using the following time guidelines:

GRADE LEVEL HOMEWORK READING
Kindergarten 10 minutes 10 minutes
First grade 20 minutes 10 minutes
Second grade 20 minutes 10 minutes
Third grade 30 minutes 20 minutes
Fourth grade 45 minutes 20 minutes
Fifth grade 45 minutes 20-30 minutes
Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth gr. 60 – 90 minutes 20-30 minutes

In addition to regularly assigned homework, students should either read or be read to every night. This could consist of a parent reading to the child (or children), an older child reading to a younger child, or a younger child reading to a parent or older child. Success in reading is directly linked to frequent oral shared reading experiences.

Academic Honesty

The Gold River faculty and administration believe in academic honesty. Students are expected to complete their own homework, take tests without external resources, and submit original work for all assignments. Gold River students are also expected to deny all requests to copy from their own homework or offer to share content covered during exams. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to: plagiarism, cheating, and falsifying or preventing communication between home and school (or school and home). Should a student fail to demonstrate academic honesty, a referral to administration will occur, followed by appropriate action based on the circumstances.  

Computer Use Guidelines

Except as required, the use of school computers and access to the Internet is a privilege. Students who do not follow the rules may be disciplined, and may lose computer privileges. When students use school computers they agree to follow:

1. The directions of teachers and school staff
2. Rules of the school and district
3. Rules of any computer network they access

Students also agree to be considerate and respectful of other users and to follow these rules:

1. Use school computers for school-related education and research only.
2. Do not change any software or documents (except documents you create).
3. Do not produce, distribute, access, use, or store information which:

• Is prohibited by law, district, or school rules;
• Violates copyright laws;
• Is obtained by trespassing in private or confidential files;
• Would subject the district or individual to liability (such as defamatory information);
• Is obscene, pornographic, or sexually explicit;
• Causes delay, disruption or harm to systems, programs, networks, or equipment;
• Is otherwise prohibited in the workplace or on a school campus.

Overdue Books

Our school library is open and accessible to all students during the school day. For primary grades, books will be overdue after 1 week. For Intermediate and middle grades, books will be overdue after 2 weeks. Books can generally be renewed. Overdue notices will be sent home as needed. If a book cannot be found, it can be replaced or paid for. It is district policy to hold a student’s final report card until the library record has been cleared.

General School Rules for Students - GRDC Code of Conduct

The following rules are general guidelines that are used to help students make positive choices while on campus. A more comprehensive handbook that explains San Juan Unified School District’s discipline procedures according to Education Code can be found here:

 

GRDC General School Rules:

Respect the rights, properties and feelings of others.

• Use only acceptable language.
• Refrain from the use of name calling.
• Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
• Stay in designated areas.
• Play in designated areas-not in restrooms, hallways or instructional areas.
• Be in the classroom/pod only under adult supervision.
• Use passes to the office and/or for errands.
• Use assigned restrooms by grade level, unless otherwise posted or directed.
• Walk quietly in the hallways and in rooms.
• Obtain teacher authorization before bringing personal property such as TOYS, GAMES, ELECTRONIC ITEMS, ETC. to school.
• Sports items, with the exception of baseball bats and hard balls, are permitted on campus, but the school and staff will not be held responsible if they are lost, stolen, and/or damaged.
• Food is to be eaten in designated areas.
• No gum chewing at school.
• Hats are to be worn outdoors only.
• Help maintain a clean and safe school environment.
• Public displays of affection are not allowed.

GRDC Common Area Behavior Expectations

 

Common Area	Be Safe	Be Respectful	Be Responsible
All Common Areas (including POD)	• Walk facing forward. • Keep hands, feet, and objects to self. • Get adult help for accidents and spills. • Use all equipment and materials appropriately. • Stay in assigned supervised areas.	• Use kind words and actions. • Wait for your turn. • Clean up after yourself. • Follow adult directions. • Use appropriate voice level and language.	• Remind others to follow school rules. • Take proper care of all personal belongings and school equipment. • Be honest. • Follow school rules and the dress code. • Help others if they are sad or hurt.
Cafeteria	• Keep all food to self. • Sit with feet on floor, bottom on bench, and facing table. • Wait in line for food	• Allow anyone to sit next to you. • Use quiet voices. • Use proper eating manners. • Quiet when adults call for attention • No talking when adult is talking	• Choose at least 2 food items. • Get all utensils, milk, etc. when going through line. • Clean your area before leaving. • Once table is cleaned raise hand and wait to be excused. • Use appropriate trashcan.
Playground/ Recess	• Run only on blacktop and grass • Walk to and from the playground. • Stay within boundaries. • Be aware of activities / games around you. • No play fighting. • Use equipment properly.	• Play fairly. • Include everyone. • Play away from classrooms. • Wait your turn. • Use kind words and actions.	• Follow the rules of the game. • Snacks may only be eaten in designated areas (Oak tree). • Put all trash in garbage cans. • Hold all equipment when bell rings. • Keep food in cafeteria.
Hallways	• Walk. • Keep hands and feet to self. • Stay in a straight line when walking with a class. • Hold all equipment.	• Hold the door open for the person behind you. • Use quiet voices. • Quiet when walking by other classrooms.	• Stay on sidewalks. • Do not leave personal items in hallways. Ex. backpacks, lunches, etc. • Wait for turn at the drinking fountain. • Don’t touch equipment.
Bathrooms	• Keep water in sink. • Do not climb on stalls. • Put paper towels in garbage can.	• Knock on stall door before entering. • Give people privacy. • Use quiet voices.	• Flush toilet once after use. • Return to room promptly. • Wash hands before returning to class.
Arrival Areas	• Use sidewalks and crosswalks. • Go to designated area • Quad is off limits. • Keep hands and feet to self. • Walk your bike, scooter, and skateboard.	• Use proper greetings. • Follow adult directions.	• Keep backpack on back or place on class line. • Arrive on time. • Turn cell phones and other electronics off and put them away
Dismissal Areas	• Keep hands and feet to self. • Walk your bike, scooter, and skateboard. • Use sidewalks and crosswalks. • Walk in hallways.	• Say proper goodbyes. • Follow adult directions.	• Go to dismissal area promptly. (Where your parent picks you up) • Bring personal it

 

 

Learning from Mistakes

All mistakes will become learning experiences and opportunities to grow. At Gold River Discovery Center, there will be a progression of steps that school staff follow to help students learn appropriate behavior.

The normal progression will be:
Step 1: Students who make mistakes in judgment will be made aware of their action and asked to correct it.
Step 2: Students will be given time away from peers to think about his/her behavior, appropriate choices, and he/she will be asked how to solve the problem constructively . A conference between the student and teacher will be held to discuss the problem and to find solutions.
Step 3: The teacher will make a telephone contact with the parent to discuss the problem and possible solutions. When appropriate, the child should participate in describing the problem and solution.
Step 4: A behavior notice (see below) will be completed and sent home for the parent to sign and return. A space at the bottom of the form will be provided for the parent to request a telephone conference with the teacher if desired. If needed, a formal action plan for positive student behavior will be developed.

Although the normal procedure will be to follow steps one through four, there are situations when more severe action must be taken. Steps in the procedure may be omitted.

Remaining Impartial

As a general rule, we recommend parents listen carefully to their child’s description of a problem, but we encourage you not to commit to their version. We encourage you to communicate with the educational staff. We recommend the following responses to a child’s concern:

1. Help the child clarify the problem.
2. Help the child clarify their role in the problem and solution.
3. If additional information is needed from the teacher, call the teacher first before contacting the administration.

Issuing of Behavior Notices

If a student disrupts class or other school activities, he or she receives a behavior notice. This notice is a form which can be issued by any adult. At the end of the day, the student who received the notice must take the form home and show it to his or her parent.

The form must be signed by the parent and sent back to school the next school day. Comments from either the teacher or the parent may be written on the form.

Actions Taken for Frequent Minor Behaviors

If a student receives frequent behavior notices, a plan to improve his/her behavior will be developed. Typically, a contract will be written so that we all know exactly how to increase the desirable behaviors. Several parent/teacher conferences may be necessary to develop a successful plan.

Additional Corrective Options

A variety of consequences will be available for the classroom teacher to use when dealing with students who violate rules.
These consequences are as follows:

School Service
Often, the natural consequence for student misbehavior is school service. For example, students who deface school property will spend time during lunch periods and after school performing school cleaning tasks. Additionally, the school district has the legal remedy to have students and parents pay for any damages.

In-School Suspension
Gold River Discovery Center teachers may use an in-school suspension program. This is an alternative to sending students to their homes during the school day. This consequence will be tried with students who have received a number of citations. They attend school in another class.

Exclusion from Field Trips
Students who have not exhibited appropriate behavior as described by GRDC’s Common Area Behavior Expectations matrix may be excluded from upcoming field trips. Students must demonstrate they can be trusted to follow directions and behave in a safe manner while on a field trip.

Suspension and Expulsion

(Education Code 48900, 48915 and District Policy 5161)
Under the provision of the Ed Code, some of the more common reasons students may be suspended or expelled are listed below. For a comprehensive list of infractions and the possible consequences please consult the SJUSD Parent Handbook:

Common reasons for suspension and expulsion from school:

1. Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person.
2. 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 certificated school employee, which is concurred by the principal or the designee of the principal.
3. Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of any controlled substance, as defined in Section 11007 of the Health and Safety Code, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind.
4. Unlawfully offered or arranged or negotiated to sell any controlled substance, as defined in Section 11007 of the Health and Safety Code, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind, and then sold, delivered, or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance, or material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant.
5. Committed robbery or extortion.
6. Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.
7. Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property.
8. Possessed or used tobacco, except as provided in Section 48901.
9. Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
10. Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia, as defined in Section 11364 of the Health and Safety Code.
11. 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.

A pupil may be suspended or expelled for acts which are related to school activities which occur at any time, including but not limited to:

1. While on school grounds
2. While going to or coming from school
3. During the lunch period, whether on or off campus
4. During, or while going to or coming from a school-sponsored activity

A parent conference with the principal or designee may be required after each suspension. These conferences will be held in compliance with current district policy.

Pre-expulsion hearing

If a student has received ten (10) days of suspension during a calendar year, they and their parents must appear at a hearing with the assistant superintendent or their designee at the district office. The purpose of this hearing is to review the problems to date and to make additional suggestions for improvement. We will make every effort to improve the child’s behavior and to avoid an expulsion hearing.

 

Distribution of Behavior Policy to Parents

The above behavior policy will be distributed online to all parents and their children each school year. Students registering during the school year will be expected to view and review the behavior policy at registration time. All parents will be requested to sign a statement indicating that they have accessed, read, and discussed the Gold River Discovery Center behavior policy as well as the San Juan Unified’s Parent Handbook with their children. This statement shall be returned to the child's teacher. Any questions relating to these policies should be directed to the principal or to the classroom teacher.

Problem Resolution Guidelines

In our school, there will be times when you are not satisfied with a particular policy, program, individual or incident. We will make every effort possible to help you communicate your concerns and find acceptable solutions. The following guidelines are intended to help you communicate concerns and solve problems. For school-wide policy concerns, contact site administration by sending a letter of concern to the school, or set an appointment and we will respond to you promptly.

Individual Concerns

Situations may arise either in or out of the classroom that create concern for you and your child. If this occurs, first address your concern with the people immediately involved. Discussing concerns at this level first is efficient and creates opportunities to develop successful solutions.

To resolve questions, concerns, or problems as successfully as possible, we ask you to:

Meet informally with the person(s)

Try to understand the other person’s intent and/or concern as well as you understand your own positions.

If additional meetings are necessary to gather data or to meet at a less emotional time, set another date in the near future.

 

If an impasse occurs, call the office and discuss the matter with the administration. The administration will facilitate a clear delineation of the interests and issues in dispute. Every attempt will be made to keep the focus on the issues and not the personalities of the participants. Solutions which are in the best interest of the child will have the highest priority. Every effort will be made to hear concerns promptly and to see if facilitation between the parties will help.

Following these guidelines will produce a healthy relationship between home and school.

Progress Reporting / Conferences

Teachers will keep you well informed about your child's progress. Progress reports are completed for students who are having problems. Report cards are issued at the end of each trimester. Conferences may be held whenever parents and/or teachers feel they are necessary. If you have any questions concerning your child's progress, we strongly advise you to make an appointment with your child's teacher. Home/school communication is extremely important, particularly in regard to student performance. Teachers and parents share a joint responsibility for this communication.

Process for Reporting Progress

The Elementary Schools Division's procedure for Reporting Pupil Progress requires the following formal steps:

Group Conference: “Back to School Night”
The group conference or “Back-to-School Night” is the first formal step in the reporting procedures. It will be scheduled sometime in late August. The purpose of this meeting is to inform parents of the school philosophy, classroom policies, classroom instructional activities, and instructional objectives for the grade level.

Individual Conferences
The purpose of this conference is to inform parents of the educational progress of their children.

Grades K-5: An individual student-led conference will be scheduled in November. A second conference will be held in March if:

1. The student's achievement or behavior is unsatisfactory in any area.
2. The quality of work is below minimum criteria.
3. The parent requests a conference.
4. Also, parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers through personal notes, e-mail, and/or telephone calls.

Report Cards

Report cards will be issued three times a year at the end of each trimester. Student progress will be reported through a rubric scoring system as well as a discursive account. A description of the strategies, projects and activities covered during each trimester will accompany the report card.

Posted District Policies

The following district rules are posted on our outside gates:

1. No motorbikes, scooters, bicycles, motorcycles allowed. No skating, skateboards or rollerblading allowed.
2. No animals allowed.
3. No golfing allowed.
4. No glass containers or alcoholic beverages allowed.
5. No smoking, SJUSD is a smoke and drug free environment.

These policies have been adopted district wide to ensure the safety of everyone. Please do not bring animals onto the campus even though they are on leashes. The only exception would be sight and service dogs. Please do not use the school property as a short cut to the park.

We may confiscate any of the above mentioned riding equipment if it is being used on campus. Parents may pick up the equipment in the office after calling to make the necessary arrangements. Please remind your student that California state law requires children wear safety helmets when riding any form of wheeled transportation (skates, bikes, scooters, etc.)

Arrival and Dismissal

For safety and supervision reasons, students should arrive at school no earlier than 8:15 a.m. Campus supervision is provided between 8:15-8:30 a.m. Students who arrive after 8:30 a.m. must come to the office and obtain a tardy slip before going to their classes. At the end of their school day, students should go directly home unless previous arrangements have been made and meet with parent approval.

 

If your child does not arrive home within the normal time range, please call the school office.

Walking Safely To and From School

We encourage parents to review the safest route to and from school. It is best if parents physically walk or ride the same route students will take. Pay particular attention to stoplight and street walking light procedures, cross walks, and blind spots in the road. Find a way for your child to travel with a partner. Identify safe places between home and school where your child might be able to get help if there is a problem. Lastly, make sure your child does not engage in any type of conversation with an unknown adult.

Crossing Guard

A crossing guard is stationed on the corner of Gold Country Boulevard and Poker Flat Drive to assist students. Please help your child recognize the importance of crossing the street under the supervision of the crossing guard.

Volunteer Forms and Identification

All volunteers will be required to fill out the volunteer form prior to working on campus. All volunteers must wear a visitor badge while on campus. With your cooperation, this policy should help us to identity adults who do not belong on campus.

Parent Volunteers

Parents and community volunteers are encouraged to be an integral part of the educational program at Gold River Discovery Center. Volunteers enrich the school environment by bringing with them a variety of backgrounds and talents. Each teacher has specific volunteer needs which may include working in small reading groups, assisting with seat work, clerical work and materials preparation. In addition, volunteers are needed to serve as room parents, art and media center docents and drivers for field trips. Siblings are not allowed to accompany parents during their volunteer time.

For those parents and community members who cannot arrange to be at school during regular school hours, there are many important tasks that can be completed at home, such as monthly book orders, typing and other projects required for classroom instruction. Classroom and home based volunteer assignments will be made during “Back-to-School Night.“ School-wide volunteers are needed to assist in the Media Center, in the main office, and during special school events. Questions regarding volunteering should be directed to your child’s teacher or the office.

Visitors

We welcome and encourage parent visits to the school. If you would like to visit a classroom, please call ahead of time. All visitors must sign in at the office and obtain a visitor badge before going into the classroom. This requirement is for the safety and protection of all children as it ensures that only people with legitimate business are on campus. All parents are reminded that both formal and informal parent conferences with teachers are not possible during instructional time. We do encourage open communication and request that you schedule conferences for that purpose before or after school.

Parent Teacher Organization

Our PTO is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to provide an enriched educational environment at the school. It provides a monthly forum for constructive dialogue between staff and parents on a variety of topics. The PTO coordinates a number of special programs for students including the following: an art docent program; parent in services; field trips; special assemblies and cultural programs. To pay for these programs, the PTO sponsors several fund raisers throughout the year such as entertainment book sales and a jog-a-thon. The PTO also supports classrooms directly through funds raised at Friday Morning Coffee Hours. The following are examples of equipment and supplies that have been contributed to the school: a laminating machine; computers; video cameras; software, music supplies; books; and much more. We hope you will become involved by volunteering as a committee member and supporting our activities throughout the year.

School Site Council

The School Site Council oversees the School Improvement Program (SIP) which is a state funded program whose mission is to review and improve schools’ educational programs and policies. Parents and staff members have equal numbers of elected members to the School Site Council. Policies, budgets, and academic programs are discussed during School Site council meetings.

Art Docent Program

We have an art docent program available for parents who would like to share ready made and user friendly lessons with their child’s classroom. Training is provided to parents so they can present these lessons confidently and effectively. Our parents have really enjoyed bringing these special lessons to our students

Garden of Learning

We are very proud of our garden program. It is run by a dedicated group of parent volunteers. Our students have been involved in a variety of wonderful activities.

Academic Supports & Programs

Gold River Discovery Center offers a wide variety of student services in support of our academic program. Some of the well-known programs are described below:

Student Success Team

The purpose of the student success team is to provide recommendations, support, and program modifications to teachers regarding a student experiencing academic or behavioral difficulties. The committee meets as needed to review a student's progress. A student can be referred to the team by a Gold River staff member or parent.

Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)

The program for the gifted and talented students is available to all identified students in second-eighth grades. GATE students receive a Individual Learning Plan which details the differentiated instruction your student will receive. Please see our presentation on the website for more information.

Music

Music is provided each week to kindergarten through fifth grade classes. Our instructor teaches students songs and dances that align with the Visual and Performing Arts State Standards.

Physical Education

Physical education is provided each week to kindergarten through eighth grade classes. The instructor teaches students a variety of game skills, teamwork, fitness, movement fundamentals, balance, gross and fine muscle coordination, spatial awareness and eye hand coordination.

Media Center

The Gold River Media Center houses a wide variety of books and multimedia instructional materials for use by all Gold River students, teachers, and parents. The materials in our Media Center were selected to support the classroom curriculum and are utilized and various times.

Special Education

There are two special education programs at Gold River Discovery Center: Speech and Language Therapy and the Resource Specialist Program. Students may be referred by the student success team for testing to see if a child qualifies for one of these special programs.

Speech and Language Therapy

This state funded program helps children who have the following types of communication disorders: articulation problems, delayed language development (including vocabulary, grammar and syntax), stuttering and voice disorders. Those children who have been referred by staff or parents, or who are identified during the kindergarten screening, receive individual testing and evaluation to determine their eligibility for enrollment in speech and language classes.

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 program is available to any identified student in grades K through 8.

Student Council

Student Council elections will be held for student officers and class representatives. Two representatives will be elected from each classroom. Student Council officers will be as follows:

The offices of President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary may be held by a 7th, or 8th grader.

Student body officers and class representatives will have scheduled meetings with a faculty advisor. Student council enhances our school culture by assisting with Movie Days and other school-wide activities.
 

 

 

If parents do not wish photographs or videos of their students to be used in these materials, they should complete a Photo/Video Opt-Out form available at school offices or via the link below. Please be aware that opt-out requests are valid for the current school year and must be renewed at the start of the next school year.

 

 

If an opt-out form is filed, district and school staff members will ALSO request news media not interview your student or film/photograph your student. While local news media typically honor such requests, the district does not have legal authority to prevent your student from talking with media or restricting who media outlets film or photograph. You are encouraged to have a discussion with your student about your wishes should members of the news media request to interview them. 

 

If photos or videos of students or staff are going to be created, maintained or displayed by a third party where the district or school will not have direct control of the materials, then a written release form is required. Contact the Community Relations Office at (916) 979-8281 to discuss options. 

 

 

School and district staff will always seek parent/guardian permission before using a photo that identifies a student receiving special education or homeless services. Permission forms for these situations can also be obtained from school offices or via the link below.

 

 

 

 

Please contact your school office or the Community Relations Office at (916) 979-8281 if you have any questions about this policy.