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JOHN REED SCHOOL
HANDBOOK
Soar Like An Eagle
2007 – 2008
Please read carefully, as we have new programs and policies.
Welcome to
a variety of programs in place to assist our students to achieve our high academic standards. Programs include: staff specialists for reading interventions, including the BECL program, second language learners, and counseling programs. Our Second Step program is a violence prevention program, which teaches empathy, life skills, and problem solving. We have an active Parent Teacher Involvement Organization (PTIO) and English Language Learners Advisory Council (ELAC). Please watch for announcements.
We are proud of our students at
Students learn best with consistent, regular attendance. Please ensure that your child attends school on a daily basis. If your child’s attendance becomes a concern, a conference with the principal will be scheduled to discuss this issue. Attendance is also critical during the state academic testing period. STAR testing begins after from our Spring Break, on April 15th and continues through May 6th. Please do not plan any extended vacation days or schedule medical appointments during this time. We are proud of our students’ gains, and students need to be proud of their improvements. By planning around these dates, you will help to give our students the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and accomplishments.
The Parent, Student and Teacher Compact outlines the responsibilities of the school staff, parents and students. Your teacher and I have already signed this compact. We need your sincere pledge and commitment to work together to ensure that your child has the best education possible. If each member of our team, parent-teacher-student-administrator, fulfills the commitment in this compact, it will ensure your child’s success at school. Each child’s COMPACT needs to be signed and returned. It will become a part of your child’s school record. Please return it immediately, along with your child’s emergency card and any other important school documents.
This pamphlet contains the John Reed policies and procedures. Please read and discuss these policies and procedures with your child, and then keep the information for reference throughout the school year. If you have questions or concerns at any time, please come in or give me a call.
Sincerely,
Henry Morita, Interim Principal
Every Day Counts!
We Want Every
School Hours
8:15 - 11:50 AM ALL Kindergarteners (except Tuesdays) – First 3 weeks
8:15 - 11:50 AM Early Bird Kindergarteners (except Tuesdays) beginning September 17th
9:30 AM – 2:00 PM Late Bird Kindergarteners (except Tuesdays) beginning September 17th
8:15 AM - 12:00 PM ALL Kindergarteners - Tuesdays Only
8:15 - 3:00 PM 1st - 5th Grade Students (except Tuesdays)
8:15 - 12:05 PM 1st - 5th Grade Students - Tuesdays Only
Tardy Policy
Promptness to class is extremely important. Students need to be in class for the full day of school. Students need to be on time and remain in class for the entire day. Teachers begin instruction immediately, students are learning from the first minute of school to the last. When a child is late to school or leaves early, it not only affects the learning for your student, but also disrupts the learning of every child in the classroom. Tardiness on the part of any student is a very serious matter and is considered to be a disruption of school policy. Students are expected to be in their places ready for work at the 8:15 AM bell.
· Excused tardies are for medical, dental, orthodontic, optometry, or chiropractic appointments only.
· Tardies for all other reasons will be considered unexcused.
· When a child arrives at school late, or needs to leave school early, the parent or guardian must sign them in or out through the school office.
Attendance Policy
Attendance plays a key role in student achievement. Excessive absences are a very serious matter. Shown below are the key points of the attendance policy.
· Excused absences for the following reasons only:
~Illness
~Bereavement of immediate family
~Medical, dental, orthodontic, optometry, chiropractic appointments
~Exclusion from school for failure to present evidence of immunizations
~Quarantine as directed by county officials
· Parents/guardians are encouraged to schedule
appointments during non-school hours.
· Short Term Independent Study Contracts can be
completed for any student absence of 5 or more day
· STAR testing will begin on April 18th and continues for approximately three weeks.
Students need to be here. Please make every effort to ensure your student attends
during this time.
Important Note: Children will only be released to people listed on the emergency card, unless written permission is presented to release your child to someone else. Please keep the office updated with any changes to address, telephone numbers and emergency contacts.
Continued unexcused tardies and excessive absences will result in a referral to the Student Attendance Review Board (SARB) and could result in a referral to the district attorney.
Spanish Translation
Spanish translation is available in our office through the services of our parent liaison,
Mrs. Raquel Rivera. Mrs. Rivera works from 7:30 - 8:45 AM and 1:30 – 3:15 PM. Parents can arrange for a translator for scheduled conferences at the office. Please contact the office for further information.
All school information, such as newsletters and reminders must go home in both English and Spanish. This is a federal requirement through the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). If you receive parental information, which does not include both languages, please contact the school office so that we can rectify the problem.
Traffic Safety
The safety of your child while attending
1. Please remember that you are the most important model for your children of both safety rules and life skills. Please respond appropriately and respectfully to our staff who are supervising the safety of your children. They are there to ensure that your children are safe.
2. Please use the cross walks with your child. Do not motion your child to cross the street outside of the crosswalk areas.
3. No parking in the red zones. These are fire lanes and this rule must be observed.
4. Parents in the turn-around area must remain in their cars. No cars are to be left unattended. If you need to leave your car to pick up a child, come a little earlier and park in the
5. In the turn-around area, buses have priority. No parking is allowed in the yellow bus zones. All vehicles must stop in either direction when a school bus is loading or unloading. This law must be abided by in our school parking lot. Watch for extended stop sign arm and lights flashing.
6. Parking is available on
7. The parking lot close to the portable classrooms on the eastern side of the school is for staff members only. It is closed for student pick-up and delivery. Parent traffic would be a danger to students walking in this area.
8. SLOW DOWN PLEASE and watch for children and all pedestrians! All vehicles must stop for children in the crosswalk area. All traffic will be required to follow the traffic flow pattern.
9. According to school board policy, pets are not allowed on campus. Please keep your pets at home when picking up or delivering your child.
10. No unauthorized parking of vehicles in the designated handicapped areas. These areas are also used by specialized buses for wheelchair bound students.
11. Please observe posted speed signs and regulations. No speeding is allowed. Violators are subject to citation and/or towing in accordance with the
Please plan to arrive at school with time allowance for child safety without last minute rushing. Show courtesy to both staff members and other parents. Many teachers will be walking your child to the front of the school at dismissal time. At that time, teachers are trying to ensure that each child is picked up by the right person. They will not have time to conference with parents.
Parent Participation
Parents are very important part of our school. We welcome parent participation in the classroom as volunteers, on field trips, and as members of our learning community.
Parents and Teachers Involved Organization
Parents and Teachers Involved Organization (PTIO) is our school parent group. The PTIO is formed by a dedicated group of parents and teachers, such as yourselves, who work together to provide community events and improve learning situations for our students. The goal of the PTIO is to create a feeling of community and make life long memories. Monthly Family Fun night events are planned. These usually occur on the third Wednesday of the month. PTIO fundraisers will be held in September and March. These fundraisers provide funds for Field Trips, School Assemblies, Teacher supplies, and Family Fun Night activities. It takes parents and community members to make this all possible. The PTIO meetings are scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month and we invite everyone to be a part of this process.
English Language Learners Advisory Council
Another very involved parent organization is our English Language Advisory Council (ELAC), which will meet on the same Wednesday as PTIO. We will begin our meetings together to plan school events and then meet to learn and address the needs of second language learners. These meetings address parents' concerns in helping to improve their child's academic achievement. These meetings are conducted in both English and Spanish. All parents of students with English as a Second Language are encouraged to attend.
School Site Council
The School Site Council is a very dedicated group of parents and teachers who meet monthly to oversee school programs. Their work includes approval of the School Improvement Plan, expenditures of categorical funds, and supervisor of special programs. The meetings are held the first or second Thursday of each month at 3:15 PM. All parents are welcome to attend.
John Reed Visitors and Volunteers
Ø ALL Visitors and Volunteers must sign in and out through the office.
Ø ALL Visitors and Volunteers must wear a name tag. They will receive their tag upon signing into the office.
Ø It is not appropriate nor acceptable for visitors to approach students and/or teachers in a hostile manner. If there is a problem with either a teacher or a student, please address this issue with the principal directly.
Ø Per Board Policy, No alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or animals are allowed on any school campus.
Ø NO Middle School Students are to be on campus before 3:00 PM, unless they are working in a classroom. (In order to work in a classroom, written permission must be obtained from the teacher and a pass must be issued from the office.)
Field Trips
Parental assistance with field trips is greatly appreciated. Parents are required to have a current driver’s license and car insurance to participate. Driver forms need to be completed and on file in the office. This form must be completed every year and up-dated throughout the year. We ask that parents do not bring siblings/non students on the field trips, without prior consent from both the principal and the teacher. At times, dependent upon the field trip, there may be a limited number of available spaces for parent helpers, please sign up early with your child’s teacher, if you want to participate. As a chaperone on field trips, parents are responsible for student supervision and student safety.
John Reed Pledge
The John Reed Pledge below will be memorized by all students. It is a simple statement of our school expectations for each child’s daily behavior. We need to teach our children how we expect them to behave throughout the school day. Please remember that all adults on the campus are teaching the children these qualities by presenting a good role model. Parents are welcome to join us for our Tuesday morning assemblies when we honor those students who have been using life skills and Second Step problem solving skills. We always begin with the flag salute and then the John Reed Pledge. We ask that parents observing the assembly join us in these activities and show respect by remaining quiet at these times.
John Reed Pledge
J I respect myself and others.
J I keep my hands, feet, and other objects to myself.
J I am on time to class and ready to learn.
J I do my personal best, am a good listener, and follow all directions.
J I walk safely, quietly, and orderly at all times.
Life Skills
INTEGRITY: To be honest, sincere, and of sound moral principle.
INITIATIVE: To do something because it needs to be done.
FLEXIBILITY: The ability to alter plans when necessary.
PERSEVERANCE: To continue in spite of difficulties.
ORGANIZED: To plan, arrange, and implement in an orderly way.
SENSE OF HUMOR: To laugh and be playful without hurting others.
EFFORT: To try your hardest.
COMMON SENSE: To use good judgement.
PROBLEM SOLVING: To seek solutions in difficult situations.
RESPONSIBILITY: To be accountable for your actions.
PATIENCE: To wait calmly for someone or something.
FRIENDSHIP: To make and keep a friend through mutual trust and understanding.
CURIOSITY: A desire to learn or know about a full range of things.
COOPERATION: To work together toward a common goal.
CARING: To feel concern for others.
School-Wide Rewards
J Student of the Trimester: Students showing consistent academic effort and appropriate behavior
will be recognized at special awards assemblies.
J Attendance Awards : Student Awards: Students who attend school on time every day will be
recognized with various rewards. Classroom Awards: Classrooms with high attendance will be
recognized and receive awards.
J Eagle Grams: Students who exemplify the
with verbal praise and Eagle Grams. Students earning five Eagle Grams may turn them into the
office to choose a prize from the treasure box.
J Second Step Award: Students who have used their Second Step problem solving skills either on the
playground or in the classroom will be recognized. Students may use their Second Step Awards
and/or their Eagle Grams for the treasure box in the office.
Children’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities
Y Children have the right to be taken seriously, and the responsibility to listen to others.
Y Children have the right to be loved and protected from harm, and the responsibility to show others love and caring.
Y Children have the right to a good education, and the responsibility to study and respect their teachers.
Y Children have the right to make mistakes, and the responsibility to learn from the mistakes.
Y Children have the right to quality medical care, and the responsibility to take care of themselves.
Y Children have the right to a safe and comfortable home, and the responsibility to keep it neat and clean.
Y Children have the right to be well fed, and the responsibility to not waste food.
Y Children have the right to get special care for special needs, and the responsibility to be the best person they can be.
Safe School
1. Students must WALK on campus at all times. Running is allowed on the grass field areas and in organized games.
2. Students should show pride in our school by keeping the buildings and grounds free of litter.
3. Students will use the restrooms correctly. Loitering, playing, and littering are not allowed.
4. Students will play safely and fairly in their assigned areas. Students should return to the classroom with teacher permission only.
5. Students should stop, look, and listen for teacher directions when a whistle is blown during recess.
6. Students will stop playing immediately when the bell rings. FREEZE. Everyone will walk to their line.
7. Play fighting and rough housing are not allowed at anytime.
8. Sticks, rocks, and other dangerous objects should be left alone.
9. Playground games are open to everyone. Students not participating in organized games may visit with friends at benches or lunch tables. Students should not be wandering around.
10. Playground games are to be played by school rules. If a disagreement occurs, the first person in line is the judge. If the first person did not see the incident, ask the second person or use rock, paper, scissors to settle the dispute.
11. Soccer may be played only with direct supervision. Soccer balls are to be kicked on the grass field areas only. Soccer games are not allowed on any blacktop areas.
12. Football is not allowed at school.
13. Toys, including balls, are not allowed at school. Please do not bring them from home.
14. No dogs are permitted on campus, according to board policy.
15. Students are not allowed to have pagers, cellular phones, music players or electronic video games or players on campus.
Tuesday Lunch Schedule
Parents please be aware, all students may stay to eat lunch on Tuesdays. Students not riding the bus are expected to go directly home after finishing their lunch. The yard duty personnel are here to watch only the students who ride the bus. Tuesday afternoons are not a free playtime at school.
Lunch Procedures
- Students will follow the
- Students are responsible for remembering to bring their lunch ticket or lunch with them at lunchtime. Teachers are to remind students of this on a daily basis.
- Students will stand in a quiet and orderly manner in the lunch lines, keeping voices at a low level, and keeping hands, feet and objects to themselves.
- Students will stay seated at their assigned tables.
- Students will eat quietly using good manners.
- Students will clean their table area. When finished eating, students should raise their hands and wait to be excused. Each student is responsible for throwing away their own trash.
7. Students will line up after being excused and walk to the playground when dismissed.
- Students will leave their lunch boxes in an area designated by their teacher.
- Students who cannot follow these lunch procedures will be talked with and may receive consequences designed to assist them toward appropriate behavior.
Dress Code
The dress code is designed to prevent disruptions to the classroom learning environment. Please help us by ensuring that your children come to school dressed appropriately. {If your child is dressed inappropriately, a telephone call will be made and a change of attire will be requested.}
- Clothing that advertises the use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and/or violence may not be worn.
- Clothing with offensive or inappropriate slogans and pictures, including gang symbols, may not be worn.
- Footwear must be worn by all students at all times. Appropriate footwear must be provided. Tennis shoes are the suggested appropriate footwear. Footwear without back support (flip-flops, clogs, etc.) will not be allowed. Tennis shoes with rollers are not allowed.
- Shorts may be worn provided that they are the appropriate length. Short shorts and short dresses are not allowed. {Shorts and dresses must be mid-thigh length.}
- Shirts must be waist length. No inappropriate crop-tops may be worn which expose the stomach area. Tank tops with low-cut underarms, spaghetti straps or strapless tops will not be allowed.
- Anything that covers the head such as hats and hoods can be worn on the school grounds at recess and P.E. only.
7. Make-up and tattoos may not be worn at school.
- Bandanas, sagging pants, hanging suspenders, hanging belts, or pant legs that touch the ground will not be allowed.
Some Offenses for Suspension/Expulsion
A complete list with detailed descriptions of offenses and district policies
is available from the school office upon request.
The following serious offenses occurring at school will result in automatic suspension, and possible expulsion.
1. Causing, attempting to cause, or threatening to cause physical injury to another person, including
fighting, including play fighting. {48900 (a)(1)}
2. Habitual use of profanity or vulgar language. {48900 (i)}
3. Disruption of school activities or defiance of school personnel. {48900 (k)}
4. Possession of any knife, explosive or other dangerous object. {48900 (b)}
5. Sexual harassment of another person, as defined in Education Code Section 212.5. {48900.2}
6. Possession of any controlled substance including tobacco and alcohol. { 48900 (c) / (h)}
7. Causing, or attempting to cause damage to school property or private property. {48900 (f)}
§3080, 4600, 4960 TITLE 5 CCR UNIFORM COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
The Governing Board recognizes that the district is responsible for complying with applicable state and federal laws and regulations governing educational programs.
The district shall follow uniform complaint procedures when addressing complaints alleging unlawful discrimination based on age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, or mental or physical disability in any program or activity that receives or benefits from state financial assistance. Uniform complaint procedures shall also be used when addressing complaints alleging failure to comply with state and/or federal laws in adult education, consolidated categorical aid programs, migrant education, career/technical education, child care and development programs, child nutrition programs and special education programs.
Any individual, public agency or organization may file a written complaint of alleged noncompliance by the district.
A person who alleges that he/she personally suffered unlawful discrimination or a person who believes that an individual or any specific class of individuals has been subjected to unlawful discrimination may file complaints alleging unlawful discrimination. Complaints must be filed in writing with the designated compliance officer identified below. The complaint must be initiated no later than six months from the date when the alleged discrimination occurred or when the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged discrimination.
In accordance with adopted procedures, complaints will be investigated and a written report of the district’s investigation and decision sent to the complainant within 60 days of receiving the complaint. If dissatisfied with the district's decision, the complainant may appeal in writing to the California Department of Education within 15 days of receiving the district's decision. A copy of the local educational agency's policy and complaint procedures may be obtained through the superintendent's office.
A complainant may pursue available civil law remedies outside of the district's complaint procedures. Complainants may seek assistance from mediation centers or public/private interest attorneys. Civil law remedies that may be imposed by a court include, but are not limited to, injunctions and restraining orders. For discrimination complaints, however, a complainant must wait until 60 days have elapsed from the filing of an appeal with the California Department of Education before pursuing civil law remedies. The moratorium does not apply to injunctive relief and is applicable only if the district has appropriately, and in a timely manner, apprised the complainant of his/her right to file a complaint in accordance with 5 CCR 4622.
The Governing Board designates the following compliance officer to receive and investigate complaints and to ensure district compliance with law:
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources ~
Nondiscrimination Notice
A complete description of these policies were mailed to every family prior to school starting
and are also available in the school office upon request.
The Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religious creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, handicap (or disability), or age in any of its policies, procedures or practices, nor does it condone such conduct by its officers, employees, agents, or students.
Sexual Harassment Policy
A complete description of these policies were mailed to every family prior to school starting
and are also available in the school office upon request.
The Governing Board shall not tolerate the sexual harassment of any student by any other student, staff member, or third party doing business with the District.
Tobacco Free Schools
The use of any tobacco products and the disposal of tobacco-related waste at any time in district-owned or leased buildings and on district property is prohibited.
This prohibition applies to all employees, students, and visitors at any instructional program, activity or athletic event.
