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School Policies |
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Homework Policy
The Glendale Unified School District expects homework to be assigned for grades 1-12, Monday through Thursday nights. According to GUSD Policy, suggested time limits for homework are: up to 10 minutes daily for Kindergarten, 10-40 minutes daily for grades 1-3, and 30-60 minutes daily for grades 4-6. Homework will ordinarily not be assigned on weekends or holidays.
Students are expected to take home books and needed materials. They are also expected to complete homework assignments and turn them in on time. It is a student's responsibility to complete and turn in homework. Parents, please do not bring forgotten homework. Students need to feel the natural consequence of not carrying through on a responsibility. If a student is absent from school he or she will be expected to complete make-up homework assignments.
Homework includes assignments and tasks that are follow-up to lessons or extension work. Homework may also involve studying for tests or reading.
Parents can help their child make the best use of the time that is spent on home study by following these suggestions:
- Take an active interest in what the child is learning.
- Provide an appropriate place and time to do homework.
- Provide personal supervision and encouragement to support the student's ability to do the work independently.
- Confer with the teacher if the child needs special help or is consistently spending excessive time on homework.
We will continue to designate Wednesday nights as writing nights during the 2010-2011 school year. To encourage family nights, PTA Dine Out Nights have been scheduled once a month. PTA Dining Out nights will be designated homework free evenings. Homework policies for each classroom will be communicated to students and parents. Please review your individual student's homework policy with their teachers. Teachers will cover this topic at Back-to-School Night.
Arrival at School
No child is permitted on the school grounds without teacher supervision. Teachers are not on duty until 8:00 a.m. for grades 1-6, and 7:50 a.m. for Kindergarten, so children must not come to school before that time. Unsupervised students are a real concern for the Staff of Monte Vista. We want your child to be safe! Warnings will be issued to students who repeatedly arrive early or remain after dismissal as well as communicating this to parents. Parents are encouraged to use Monty Lane for drop-off and pick-up of students. This drive-thru lane was originally set up to ensure students' safety. This Lane extends the entire length of the school and there is ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING IN MONTY LANE from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 2:00-3:00 p.m. Please leave your pets at home, they do not belong near our drop off or pick up areas. On rainy days, students need to report directly to their classrooms from 8:00-8:15 a.m.
Dismissal
Please expect to meet your child on Orange Avenue and not in front of the classroom. There is no after school street or playground supervision (unless your child is enrolled in an after-school program). Supervision will be provided in the lunch shelter area from 2:15 - 2:31 p.m. This will bridge the gap of primary and upper dismissal times. Children will be dismissed from the lunch shelter area at the 2:31 p.m. time and will be expected to be joined by their sibling to walk up to Orange Avenue. We need your cooperation in this matter. Students must not wait for parents at Cecilville. It is dangerous because no one is there to supervise the children. At arrival and dismissal times, we need to be especially sensitive to our neighbors. No dogs or pets should be brought to school during drop off or pick up times.
Students are not permitted to play on the grass area or the flower beds in the front of the school before or after dismissal. Please remind your children to wait for pickup on the sidewalk areas near the Monty Lanes ... behind the white line. Do not use the driveway (located by rooms 5113 and 4112) to walk your students to their classrooms. The driveway is closed to pedestrian traffic at all times. Students, even when accompanied by an adult, may be subject to a consequence for using the driveway. Once again, do not drive your car to the back to drop your children off by their classrooms.
There will be early dismissal each Wednesday to provide for planning and training for the staff. Kindergarten students attend a regular scheduled day every Wednesday (8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.); grades 1-3 (8:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.) and grades 4-6 (8:15 a.m. - 1:31 p.m.). Supervision on banking day hour will be available for a fee from our RAP (Recreational After School Program) by calling (818) 957-5845.
Monty Lane Traffic Safety Rules
Every morning and afternoon, cones are placed down to form a lane for parents to drive through to drop off or pick up their students. These cones help to keep the lane defined and help to ensure the safety of the children. Here are the guidelines for success while navigating through the Monty Lane:
- Children should be ready to enter or exit the car with all materials.
- Slowly pull into the lane AS FAR FORWARD as possible. It's important that you pull your car as far forward as you can - if you don't the whole line stops! Come to a complete stop before your child enters or exits.
- Designate a meeting spot for all your passengers, preferably toward the middle of the lane.
- Children must enter and exit your car from the curbside only.
- Orange Avenue traffic should yield to the merging lane traffic.
- When waiting for pick-up, children must wait behind the white line painted on the sidewalk - not along the curbside too close to the moving cars.
For additional information, please visit the Monty Lane page.
Tardy Policy
The MV Leadership Committee along with the Staff of Monte Vista instituted a Tardy Policy in 2001-2002. The District established a Tardy Committee in 2005-2006. Students who arrive in their classroom after the 8:15 a.m. (8:00 a.m. for Kindergarten) bell are considered late (or tardy). The Tardy Policy states that letters from the principal will be sent home after 10 late times are recorded by a classroom teacher anytime during the school year. After 15 times, another letter will be sent home and parents will receive a phone call from the office. If the pattern continues and there are over 25 recorded tardies, parents will be asked to meet with the Principal and a District representative might conduct a house check. Further tardies may result in suspension. Students may have an excused tardy for any medical or dental appointment, but they must have a signed note from their doctor and present that note to their classroom teacher upon returning to school. The school celebrates children who are tardy-free during the month of October. All students who arrive on time to school everyday in October will receive a recognition dog tag!
Absences
Our district goal for attendance this year is 98.6%. We only earn money on a daily basis for each day a student attends school. Please help by ensuring your child attends school as many days as possible.
When an elementary school-age student is absent (or tardy) the parent must send a note with the child upon returning to school. The note should state the date and exact cause of illness (or reason for absence). An email is also acceptable with the same information.
Absences for other than illness are discouraged. Please schedule necessary medical or other appointments after school or in the afternoon. Children should understand that because of the State Law, the school day begins promptly at the established hour. There should be no unnecessary tardiness or absence.
When an absence occurs, GUSD contacts the family home via telephone reminding them of absence procedures. You may leave a message of absence on the teacher's email or voice mail. It is the join responsibility of the parent and school staff to assist the student in resolving attendance problems. If all efforts fail, a student and their parents may be referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) for evaluation and assistance. Letters will be sent to the homes of students when 10, 15, or 20 absences occur. Letters will not be sent home if a doctor's note is on file in the Health Office excusing days of absence.
We rely on you to keep your child home if he/she appears to be ill. We will have to send youngsters who shows sign of illness home, since we do not have facilities for taking care of them. In case of emergency or when you are not available, please make sure arrangements have been made with another adult to pick up your child. Make sure telephone numbers are current on your Student's Information Card.
Cafeteria Policy
For children who bring their own lunches, milk may be purchased for .50 cents. A hot lunch or sack lunch is served daily, including milk, in the Cafeteria at a cost of $2. Advance lunch prepay can be made to the Cafeteria everyday at your child's lunchtime. Prepays can be made weekly, monthly, or even for the entire year. Checks should be made out to GUSD Food Services. We encourage all students to have at least one week of paid lunches, in case lunch is forgotten. The Office cannot accept money for the purchases of this advance prepay. For more information, see the Cafeteria page.
The Cafeteria will extend credit for one lunch to every student at Monte Vista, but it must be repaid before the student can borrow again. This system is set up so NO CHILD AT THIS SCHOOL GOES HUNGRY. Notices will be send home if your student owes money to Food Services. Monte Vista is not responsible if another child uses someone's lunch card. Students are reminded to only handle and use their own cards. Report any discrepancies directly to the Food Services Handler. Lunch supervisors (Noon Aides) will be in the lunch areas to provide direction and oversee activities. These supervisors have full authority to correct inappropriate behaviors as they help create a positive and safe atmosphere.
Encourage your child to take responsibility to remember to bring lunch if that is your family plan. If a lunch is forgotten, your child's secondary plan should be to get lunch in the cafeteria.
Parents are asked not to sign in and deliver a lunch to a classroom, the teacher will not accept a lunch if this action is interrupting the instructional time of others. The Office will take a forgotten lunch and place it in the teacher's mailbox. Forgotten lunches will not be delivered to classes during class time. If the lunch is not picked up in time, it is not the responsibility of the Office to guarantee the child receives the forgotten lunch. Lunches should be small and NOT messy, smelly, or unhealthy fast food.
Visiting the Campus
All parents and visitors must sign-in at the office and wear a badge when entering campus at any time. Anyone who enters the campus without a badge will be sent back to the office to obtain one. Parents may not drop off lunches, books, homework, projects, etc. after the 8:15 a.m. bell rings.
Our policy, should you wish to visit your child's classroom, is for one 20-minute session with advance notice. Please make arrangements through the school Office. All visitors must sign in at the Office before entering the campus.
Parents are not permitted to sign in ONLY to deliver lunches or homework to the classrooms. Parents are permitted in the classrooms only when volunteering or with the teacher's permission.
Student Dress Code
Students are expected to dress in a neat and clean manner at all times. To promote a climate favorable to learning and to ensure student safety, student dress must conform to standards of safety and not disrupt the learning environment (in compliance with Educational Code Section 48921, Administrative Code, Title 5, Sections 300; 302).
- Full support shoes with a safe sole are to be worn with socks. Sandals must have a heel strap. Laces must be tied. Heels may not be higher than 1". "Crocs" are not appropriate because of safety.
- Pants must be the same size as the waist and must be worn at the waist. Pants may not be baggy or have splits in the legs and must be hemmed so pant cuffs do not drag on the ground.
- Belts must be of the correct size and the end of the belt may not hang down.
- Hooded sweatshirts may be worn, however, hoods cannot be up in the classroom or school building. Hoods cannot be up during recess times or passing from room to room (unless it's raining).
- Students who wear overalls must have both straps up on the shoulders.
The following may NOT be worn:
- Hats and visors except official Monte Vista gear.
- Wallet chains, or chains of any other type.
- Clothing which suggests gang affiliation.
- Clothing which contains obscene, violent or offensive drawings or messages.
- Clothing which advertises or represents alcohol, tobacco or illegal substances.
- Clothing which represents concert or rock group logos.
- Hair coloring must not be a distraction to the learning process. Extreme hairstyles could result in a call home from the Principal or classroom teacher.
- Jewelry or body ornaments that may pose a potential safety hazard. This includes hoop earrings and long necklaces.
- Makeup. This includes glitter above the eyes or on cheeks. Temporary tattoos are not allowed.
Students must be modestly dressed. Articles of clothing inappropriately revealing may not be worn at any time.
- Shorts, skirts and dresses must reach at least mid thigh.
- Shoulder straps must be at least 2 inches wide.
- Spandex shorts (or "Daisy Duke's) are prohibited.
- Clothing which exposes bare midriffs, when arms are raised, may not be worn.
- Holes in fabric or frayed edges must be repaired.
- Shirts may be sleeveless but must fit snugly under the arms. No oversized, sleeveless jerseys.
Student Information Cards
Please notify the school office promptly of any change of address or telephone number -- yours, the emergency number or child care provider number. This is a State Education regulation. Failure to report a new address immediately may interrupt your child's attendance at Monte Vista.
Lost and Found
All garments and lunch boxes should be marked with your child's name. Lost and Found is kept in the lower hall next to Room 1108 and the boys' restroom in the Main Building. Lost & Found is open daily, and is available to parents and students at any time. Unclaimed materials will be displayed often and unclaimed articles will be given to charitable organization twice a year. Parents and students will be notified in Paw Prints periodically when Lost and Found articles will be cleared. Having student items labeled with their names makes it much easier to re-unite a student with a lost or forgotten item.
Medication
Education Code dictates that school children may not self-medicate during school hours. "No pupil shall be given medication during school hours except upon the written request from the parent or guardian of the pupil AND a licensed physician who has the responsibility for the medical management of the pupil (Education Code Section 49423). The Health office has the form "Request for Medication to Be Taken During School Hours" (Form HS25). It will be necessary to have it filled out and signed by your child's physician and for you to fill out and sign the parent portion of the request.
All over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, cough syrup, cough drops (even the candy kind), eye drops, nose drops, dietary supplements or ointments also must have Form HS25 filled out and signed by a doctor.
All medications will be kept and administered in the Health Office. In addition, inhalers for asthma must be held in the Health Office, not by the child.
If you are unable to get the form prior to your doctor's visit, the doctor can write and sign a note to the school on a prescription form listing the following information: name of pupil, name of medication, purpose of medication, dosage prescribed, time schedule, dose form (tablet, liquid, etc.), and the length of time medication will be necessary. Medication must be in the prescription bottle or the original container.
Any child, who has an injury requiring the use of a cast of any kind and/or the use of crutches, must have a medical release from their doctor in order for them to attend school. It is necessary to know the diagnosis, the time frame involved and to have a release from P.E. activities (this also means no playing on the field at recess). Children NOT having the necessary doctor releases will be sent home immediately until the releases are obtained. No exemptions will be made. If you have any questions regarding these requirements, please contact the Health Office at (818) 248-2617.
Philosophy of Student Discipline and Behavior
As we are helping students develop academically we are also helping them develop socially. It is natural for children to make poor behavior choices at times; this is part of the learning experience. We aim to use poor choices as another way to help students learn. Please work with your student's teacher or other school adults to collaboratively address any behavior issues that commonly occur in the young life of a child.
Legal Authority
The California Administrative Code, Title V, Section 300 states: "Every pupil must attend school punctually and regularly; conform to the regulations of the school; obey promptly all the directions of teachers and others in authority; observe good order and priority of deportment; be diligent in study; respectful to teachers and others in authority, kind and courteous to schoolmates; and refrain from the use of vulgar or profane language."
Students are expected to exercise good judgment and self-discipline. Students are expected to take pride in themselves, and follow established rules. Any student sent to the office for misconduct will be dealt with fairly. Efforts will be made to help students understand and adjust their behavior in accordance with safety, common sense, concern for others, and school regulations. Disciplinary actions will be taken with the same above principles in mind.
Parents or guardians shall be expected to cooperate with school authorities regarding the behavior of their children. Parents or guardians shall be held responsible for the willful misbehavior of their children that results in any school damage or the destruction of personal property of others.
Importance of Modeling by Parents and other Adults
One of the best ways for children to learn positive behaviors is from seeing these behaviors modeled by parents and other important adults. Please keep this in mind as you review school rules with your child. One of the safety rules is to use cross walks. You teach this so thoroughly by just using cross walks. When you do not use the cross walk you are showing your child that this rule is not important to you.
Discipline - Tiered System
Green Paws for the Positive slips will be issued to reinforce exemplary, positive behavior. Green slips will be given to students, reinforced by teachers, and sent home.
Students misbehaving will be issued yellow warning or red slips. Infractions will be addressed by these different colored slips. This tiered system has been developed by the Monte Vista Leadership Committee, discusses with parent group leaders and endorsed by the Staff of Monte Vista. Having multiple colored slips will be used so a small transgression like bouncing a ball does not have the same consequence as a larger one like using inappropriate language.
Yellow slips are for warnings. They can be issued by teachers and other staff/supervising adults. Parents would need to sign and return these yellow warning slips to the classroom teacher. Teachers keep track of these warnings. Multiple yellow slips for varying infractions would need attention by the classroom teacher and parent. Three yellow slips for the same infraction would warrant a red slip.
Red slips are issued for more severe infractions. Examples of earning a red slip would be being disrespectful behavior, spitting, climbing fences, gambling, forgery, profanity, etc. A red slip earns detention (number of days varies by transgression). Multiple red slips could lead to suspension. Parents will be notified immediately regarding any red slip.
Basic Standards of Conduct
These basic standards of conduct will be consistently used by all teachers and school personnel:
- Students will accept and respect direction from all school personnel.
- Students will respect the rights of other children.
- Students will conduct themselves in an orderly and appropriate manner while at school as well as going to and from school.
- Students will follow lunchtime rules of good behavior and respect the noon time supervisors.
- Students will observe the school-wide rules at all times. They are: keep hands, feet, objects to self; use appropriate manners/language; respect school and personal property; observe all safety rules and play in adult-supervised areas.
Specific Rules of Behavior
In the Classroom: as described by their teacher.
In the Cafeteria/Lunch Tables
- All Monte Vista Rules and Procedures apply to students during lunch times and recesses.
- Students must sit in their assigned tables by classrooms.
- When using the lunch shelter, students need to walk around the tables to get to their assigned table. The aisles between the benches are not to be used to get to your assigned area.
- There will be no playground balls in the lunch shelter area. Playground balls need to remain in the ball rack until students are dismissed for recess.
- NO CANDY, GUM, OR SODA is permitted at lunch times. Lunchables brand products need to conform to this rule or will be taken away (a school lunch will be substituted).
- Students will remain seated during lunchtime and not get up to visit other tables or students.
- Students who need to use the restroom must get permission from a Noon Aide. Children will not be dismissed in groups to go to the restroom.
- Absolutely no throwing of food or other items. This includes croutons, ketchup packets, paper, napkins or dried noodles. Students need to report food "fights" immediately to a Noon Aide or risk repercussions.
- Noon Aides will dismiss tables. Students are to clean up their immediate areas and proceed to the trash cans and empty their garbage. Students are to WALK down to the lower field.
- MONTE VISTA STUDENTS ARE TO RESPECT NOON AIDES AT ALL TIMES. Noon Aides can issue warning slips and report inappropriate behavior to the classroom teachers and/or principal. Students are expected to give their names when stopped by a Noon Aide.
- While eating, students may speak to one another in a quiet, low voice. No screaming or yelling is permitted. Students may not table hop to visit other students.
- The guidelines above apply to all students eating under the lunch shelter OR tables in the Cafetorium.
- Classrooms will be assigned a turn at clean up on a weekly basis. Students may pick up papers on the ground or wash tables. Clean up assignment is set up to foster student pride in their campus and environment.
- Students are to line up and be dismissed by class at the end of lunch time recess.
Outside of the Classroom:
General Playground Rules
- Students should walk to the playground and remain there unless given permission to leave.
- Listen to the adults supervising on the playground. They are there for everyone's safety.
- Good behavior and eating during snacks and lunch. All food must be eaten at the lunch shelter (lunchtime) or snack shelter (recess). Eat neatly. Clean up your area when you are finished. No gum, candy, or soda at school. Healthy food or snacks and lunch are strongly encouraged.
- All playground balls are to be used correctly. No kicking balls into the air at random. Use balls in correct areas (basketball court, kickball area, etc.) Balls are only to be bounced on the lower playground, not other areas. Equipment balls must be held after the bell. Handballs (large bounce calls) against handball court wall only. Only balls are to be thrown on the playground (not other items, not toys or balls from home).
- Play SAFELY! Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. No hanging from tether ball ropes or basketball hoops. No playing tag, chasing, or racing bases. Play on climbing equipment only with an adult supervising.
- Line up at the end of recess. Freeze when the bell rings. When the whistle blows, go to your classroom line. Wait quietly for dismissal (quiet hands and feet).
Traveling Bar Rules
One at a time. Hand over hand to cross the bars. One at a time with forward movement only. The traffic pattern is towards the fence. Students may not be underneath the equipment.
Slide Rules
One at a time. Climb safely and sit down at the top. Slide down feet first and move out of the way at the bottom.
Objects Prohibited at School
Playthings are to be kept at home and this includes any item that will be dangerous to others or will interfere with instruction. Radios, TVs, Electronic games, skateboards, skate shoes, roller blades, folding scooters, laser pens, etc. are not to be brought to school (Education Code Section 44049). Students will not be permitted to bring in trading cards or gambling items (including Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokeman, etc). Balls cannot be brought from home unless donated to the classroom. If found, these above items will be confiscated and returned only to parents.
Skateboards, scooters, skate shoes and bikes are not permitted at after school events such as the PTA Picnic, Carnival or Open House. If you have a question about the appropriateness of any item, please contact the Office for guidance.
School Safety/Weapons at School
No student knowingly shall possess, handle or transmit any knife (even an X-acto blade), razor, ice pick, explosives (including "poppers"), loaded can, sword can, machete, pistol, rifle, shotgun, pellet gun, metal knuckles or other objects that reasonably can be considered a weapon or dangerous instrument in any school building, on any school premises, on any school bus or off the school grounds at any school-related activity, event or function. Toys resembling any of the above mentioned items are prohibited on school grounds and consequences will be the same as if an actual weapon is brought on campus.
Cell Phones
Cell phones are not encouraged but are permitted. They should be off and put away, out of sight at all times. Phones that are used or visible on campus or whose noises are heard will be collected by any staff member and turned in to the office. An adult will need to pick up the phone. If the problem continues with the same student, further action will be taken.
Sexual Harassment
Glendale Unified School District has strict guidelines regarding sexual harassment. Behavior of this nature toward any student or employee will be handles with strict disciplinary action, which may include suspension from school. A copy of the District's Board Policy on Sexual Harassment is located in the 2010-2011 Information for Parents and Students packet distributed to parents on the first day of school. This information is also given to incoming Monte Vista students and parents.
Fighting
Severe, immediate disciplinary action will be taken against individuals who participate in a fight or encourage it in any way. Absolutely no disruptive behavior of this kind will be allowed becasue it infringes and reflects upon the education process. Students starting or participating in fighting will be suspended. Defending oneself will not be considered an excuse. children should turn to any adult on the campus FIRST if trouble is starting to occur. Monte Vista has a "zero" tolerance policy when it comes to fighting!
Consequences of Inappropriate Behavior
See "Discipline - Tiered System" above. See also Student and Parent Information Packet 2010-2011 for very serious infractions.
Inside the Classroom
Teachers develop grade-level and classroom specific rules and procedures. There is also a progression of limit-setting consequences appropriate to and age and grade level of students.
Outside the Classroom (on Campus)
Student may receive one of the color-coded slips.
Student may conference with teacher, other adult, or principal.
Parent may be contacted by teacher, other adult, or principal.
Saturday School (in lieu of suspension) may be assigned.
Suspension
Suspension from school may occur as a result of the following violations of school rules and the California Education Code (section 48900).
- Severe disruption of school activities
- Continual disruption or willful defiance of the valid authority of school personnel
- Causing or attempting to cause physical injury to another person
- Possession of a weapon or dangerous object
- Theft or willful damage of school or private property
- Committing an obscene act, including profanity or vulgarity
- Engaging in sexual harassment
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