Student Handbook

Dismissal is at 1:55 pm for all grades. (12:55 on minimum days) You must pick up your child promptly as we do not have any after school supervision.

At 2:10 pm, (1:10 on minimum days) students who have not been picked up will walk up to the office with their teacher and wait for you. Parents will need to come into the office and sign them out. Students will not be released to anyone not listed on their emergency cards.

Please Note: Police or Children's Services may be called for those students who are left at school and not picked up.

Assemblies are planned periodically as special events on the school calendar. Respect, good etiquette, and citizenship are expected of all students.

Daily attendance at school is a very important part of your child's school success. All students are required to be in attendance at school every day. If it's necessary for your child to miss school, the only legally excused absences by California state law (with verification) are for illness, medical/dental appointment, (doctor notes required for illness or appointments) or bereavement of an immediate family (mother, father, sibling, or grandparent only) (Presentation of an obituary or service program is sufficient documentation) or student court appearances. (Documentation from court is required) All absences must be verified by the parent no later than the 4th day following the absence. Absences may be verified by stating reason and dates of absence by sending a note with the student or by calling our central attendance line at (661) 974-8558 or (661) 948-9010 ext 23900 each day student is out. Please be aware that California law requires this verification. All other absences are considered unexcused.

If students have 10% or more absenteeism for any reason, it can create a serious problem for student achievement. Legal action may be taken if absenteeism is not corrected (referral to School Attendance and Review Board.) Also, district policy requires that students missing 30 days or more per year be considered for retention. As a general rule, two or more absences in any given month are considered excessive. EC48260a Any pupil subject to compulsory full-time education or to Compulsory continuation education who is absent from school without a Valid excuse three full days in one school year or tardy or absent for more than any 30-minute period during the school day without a valid excuse on three occasions in one school year, or any combination thereof, is a truant and shall be reported to the attendance supervisor or to the superintendent of the school district.

Students who arrive to school late must report to the office for a pass to class. Students who are late more than 30 minutes will show an absence on their attendance record or T31. Please help your child develop good habits by encouraging prompt arrival at school. Attendance Code for leaving early without a proper excuse will show as URT on their attendance record. Continued tardiness to school may result in disciplinary action. Students are considered tardy if they are not with their class when school begins. Students will not be called out of class until you arrive at school to pick up if a student needs to leave early for an appointment If your child will miss school for any unexcused reason, please contact the school so that arrangements can be made for him/her to keep up with necessary class work through an Independent Study Program. Independent

Study is a possibility if your child is going to be out for five or more consecutive days and arrangements are made one week prior to the absence. Independent Study may not be available the last two weeks of the school year. AWARDS At the end of each semester, students in grades 4th-6th who have a 3.50 grade point average or above will be recognized at a special award program in which parents will be invited to celebrate this achievement. At this award assembly, students who achieve a 3.50 -3.74 will be recognized with an Honor Award and those students at 3.75-4.0 will be recognized with a Principal's List Award.

When traveling to and from school, students must obey all traffic regulations including wearing helmets.

Students who do not wear their helmet will have their bicycle/skateboard/scooter taken and will require their parent to pick it up.

The school assumes no responsibility for these items. However, provisions have been made for safeguarding by having them properly locked in the school bike racks. Bicycles are never to be ridden on school grounds.

Parents who wish to recognize their student's birthday at school may provide all members of the class with a nutritious treat. The snack must be purchased from the store and be easily served. (No cakes please). Be sure to check with your child's teacher in advance for approved list of treats and drop them off in the office before the first recess. Teachers may hand out treats at recess or end of the day working with their class schedule and to be sure instruction time is not interrupted. Party activities and balloons are not allowed.

Leona Valley School believes that all students have a right to a safe and healthy school environment and have an obligation to promote mutual respect, tolerance and acceptance.

Leona Valley School will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any student. Bullying and hazing are serious matters. Bullying is any mean or disrespectful behavior that is done on purpose to hurt someone physically or emotionally. Hazing is any initiation into a team or group that may cause humiliation, physical or emotional harm. A student shall not intimidate or harass another student through words or actions. Such behavior includes: direct physical contact, such as hitting or shoving; verbal assaults, such as teasing or namecalling; and social isolation or manipulation. Students who bully are in violation of this policy and are subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

There are different types of bullying and misconduct including, but not limited to: Physical Bullying: hitting, kicking, pushing or other unwelcome physical contact. Serious physical bullying may be regarded as a criminal act, such as battery or assault. Cyberbullying: using electronic devices to embarrass, spread rumors, threaten or intimidate. This includes posting or sending inappropriate messages or images by text, cell phone or on social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Sending nude or sexual images may be considered distribution or possession of child pornography, which is a crime. Social Bullying: leaving people out, rejecting, manipulating relationships, rating or ranking people, or trying to ruin the reputation of another. Verbal Bullying: name calling, teasing, spreading hurtful rumors or gossip, making threats or rude noises. All threats are taken seriously and may be reported to law enforcement. Non-verbal Bullying: posturing, dirty looks, stalking, damaging property, graffiti, making gang signs or other efforts to intimidate or pressure someone. Indirect Bullying: getting someone to do something mean or hurtful to someone else on your behalf. Sexual Harassment: any unwanted or demeaning behavior about someone's sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity or gender expression. Sexual harassment may require additional investigation. (Even if I like the person I must be respectful at all times.) Discrimination: targeting someone based on their real or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, disability or medical condition, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or gender expression may be considered an act of hate and may be a crime.

Leona Valley School expects students, parents and/or staff to immediately report incidents of bullying to the principal or designee. Each complaint of bullying shall be promptly investigated. This policy applies to students on school grounds, while traveling to and from school or a school-sponsored activity, during the lunch period, whether on or off campus and during a school-sponsored activity.

To help ensure bullying does not occur on our school campus, Leona Valley School will provide staff development training in bullying prevention. Students will participate in campus-wide bully prevention lessons which will take place during designated class times.

Cell phones (and other electronic devices) do not belong at school. Students who bring cell phones to school for after school purposes must have them OFF AND PUT AWAY WHILE ON SCHOOL GROUNDS. Cell phones that are out or on during school hours will be taken away. Confiscated cell phones will not be returned to the student and will require a parent to pick up. Repeat offenders risk the possibility of further actions such as not retrieving items until the end of the school year in June.

Lunch time for all grades is 11:15 – 12:00. Hot lunches and milk are available every day in our school cafeteria. Students may either purchase their lunch or bring a sack lunch. Students may purchase lunches either on a daily basis or for multiple days in the cafeteria. If paying by check, please make the check out to Child Nutrition Services. Lunch prices are $2.80 for grades K-6th. Milk is .45 cents. There will be a $15.00 service charge for any check returned. (Please note all lunch prices are subject to change)

Westside Union School District is committed to providing you with the information and convenience you need to manage your student's school meal account. This information can be accessed on MyPayments Plus, an innovative service for parents that allows you to make prepayments as well as monitor your student's account balances. My Payments Plus at no cost, My Payments Plus allows any family to:

• Create a free, secured account to manage all of your student's accounts

Check your student's current account balance

• Create settings to receive email notifications when the account reaches a low balance For a small program fee, My Payments Plus allows any family to:

• Make a prepayment into your student's meal account using a check, credit card, or debit card at

www.mypaymentsplus.com or by calling 800-381-2642 Funds deposited through My Payments Plus are usually available for student use within 24 hours. This feature eliminates the need to send a check to school or worry about lost or forgotten lunch money. Create settings to automatically replenish your student's account when it reaches a low balance

If you prefer to make payments or check balances via phone, a toll-free number has been created for our district (800-381-2642).

To create a new account, visit www.mypaymentsplus.com. Follow the onscreen directions and register your student using their Student ID Number. You can get your child's student ID from your child's teacher, PowerSchool or the school office. We encourage you to visit www.mypaymentsplus.com or call 800-381-2642 today.

Lunch applications, menus and nutritional information can be found on the district website @ www.westside.k12.ca.us under the Child Nutrition tab.

If you have additional questions please stop by the school at lunch to speak to Child Nutrition Services or you may call the Child Nutrition Services Director, Nancy Hemstreet at 943-1057 or email her at n.hemstreet@westside.k12.ca.us.

Our teachers have an important role to educate your children. We ask that you please plan ahead and make sure your child has his/her lunch or lunch money, after school care for your child is arranged before leaving for school and doctor/dentist appointments are scheduled after school hours. All items will be held in the office until lunch. Parents who arrive at school to speak to their children are not only distracting their child but the entire class and teacher. We ask that you communicate with your child all necessary items before they go to school. Students will not be called out of class for messages. In the event you must call the school please be aware that messages after lunch (12:00 noon) may not make it to your child.

You will have the opportunity at the end of the 1st quarter to attend a formal conference with your child's teacher to discuss his/her educational program, school progress, and concerns. You will be contacted to set up a time for your conference from your child's teacher.

If you have questions at any time during the year, please call and make an appointment with your child's teacher to discuss your concerns. Progress reports will be issued at the end of the first and third quarter. Report cards will be issued at the end of each semester.

Report cards will be held each semester should a student have any school obligations. (Example: textbooks, library books, cafeteria fees)

Students are expected to obey all school rules and to behave in the classroom and on the playground in a manner that reflects respect for all persons and for school and personal property. Teachers maintain discipline

in the classrooms by making the rules clear to students, encouraging appropriate behavior, and applying consistent consequences when needed. Playground supervisors maintain discipline during lunch and recesses, along with support from teachers and principal. Some typical consequences assigned in an effort to affect change in behavior are time out of the classroom or on the playground, loss of free time including recess and lunch detentions, contacting parents, and removal from extra-curricular activities such as after-school activities, our fall festival and dances.

Defiance, disrespect for authority, gambling, threats/harassment, vandalism or graffiti to school property and continued disobedience are serious problems and will be subject to disciplinary action which may include recess and/or lunch detention, loss of merits, parent contact, suspension, expulsion, and/or Saturday School. Fighting, gross defiance and disrespect, stealing, possession of a weapon (real or imitation) or other dangerous objects, and possession or use of any controlled substance are grounds for suspension and can lead to expulsion from the Westside Union School District.

Students on our campus are expected to present themselves in a manner that reflects self-discipline, citizenship, courtesy, and eagerness to learn. If we are to have a safe and controlled environment for learning, it is essential that we have the cooperation of all students. We acknowledge that penalties alone will not deter disruptive behavior; however it is extremely important that students understand their role in creating an educational environment that is positive and conducive to allowing all students to learn. Consequences are left up to the discretion of the site administration or classroom teacher.

These penalties are within the guidelines set by the California Education Code [48900-15), and/or Adopted Board Policies of the Westside Union School District [BP 5131]. See School Website for further information.

The school budget is very tight and supplies run short. Donations of ink cartridges, Xerox /printer paper, (white or color) scotch tape, filler paper, pens, pencils, crayons, playground balls, glue sticks, construction paper, Expo white board markers and Kleenex are always needed by all classrooms. Donations of any school supplies are welcomed and appreciated.

The Board of Education of Westside Union School District has the obligation to insure a safe, secure, and orderly campus that provides the opportunity for all students to learn. At each school, students have the right to learn, and teachers have the right to teach. A student's dress is expected to be conducive to a positive school climate and to an orderly educational program. The guidance of students in appropriate dress for school is a shared responsibility of home and school. Students reflect pride in themselves and in their school by wearing clothing that enhances their appearance. To insure the appropriate dress policy, the Board of Education has adopted the following dress code:

1. All students shall wear shoes at all times. (Sandals may be considered shoes provided that they have a strap over the top of the foot and around the heel to insure safety).

2. Shirt/blouses which reveal bare midriff, chest, or back or expose cleavage are unacceptable. Shirts/blouses should meet the waist or top of trousers or skirt when the student's arms are raised. Dresses and skirts must be past the student's fingertips when placed directly down while standing tall. Tank top straps need to be at least one inch wide. Spaghetti straps are not allowed. Both overall straps need to be worn over the shoulder. No big armholes or cleavage.

3. No student may wear articles of clothing, jewelry, paraphernalia, hairstyles, nails longer than 12 inch or accessories, which pose a threat to the physical and/or emotional well-being, and safety of the student or others on campus or at school activities.

4. Clothing, jewelry, paraphernalia or material which is obscene, sexually explicit, evil, intimidating, or which depicts or suggests sexually related or obscene gestures, pictures, or wording, or which promotes violence, the use/abuse of drugs, tobacco or alcohol, or which downgrades a positive educational climate, may not be worn or carried on campus or at school activities.

5. Clothing or articles of clothing (including, but not limited to gloves, torn clothing, bandannas, shoestrings, wristbands, jewelry) which are likely to cause others to be intimidated by fear of violence or are disruptive to the educational process, may not be worn on campus or at any school activity.

6. "Sagging” is not permissible. Baggy pants are limited to two sizes above waist size and must be worn

appropriately. Pants must not fall down when running. Principal or designee will determine what is appropriate for school. Oversized shirts must be tucked into trousers.

7. No gang related hats or other gang related headgear may be worn on campus or at school activities. Baseball-type caps may be worn on campus or at school activities as long as the logos on the hats are school appropriate. Hats must be worn outside only and worn correctly with the bill facing forward.

8. No gang-related jewelry, insignia, colors, paraphernalia, materials, apparel, clothing, hairstyles, or attire may be worn or carried on campus or at school activities.

9. Items identified as gang-related clothing, apparel, attire, jewelry, insignias, paraphernalia and materials may vary from school to school, may change from year to year and may be different from grade level to grade level.

10. No unnatural color dye or hair gel may be worn in hair that poses an educational disturbance. Students who come to school with dye or color gel in hair will be asked to wash it out, or a call home will be made to pick the student up.

11. Minimum makeup is permitted.

12. No chains on wallets.

13. Earrings are permitted only in the ear. No nose rings, brow rings, lip rings or other body part rings will be allowed.

14. The principal or principal's designee shall enforce the Student Dress Policy. School employees will assist the principal or his designee in the enforcement of the Westside Union School District Student Dress Policy.

DRESS CODE VIOLATION If students disregard the school dress code, one of the following may occur:

1. The student will be given a set of loaner clothes from the office or call home for a change of clothes.

2. All improper clothes or other items will be removed from the student and returned by the teacher or principal at the end of the day (1st offense).

3. Should the student continue to abuse the rules, items will be kept until June, or by special arrangement, picked up by the parent.

4. A conference with the student, parent, and principal will be scheduled should the problem continue.

It is very important for emergency and administrative reasons, that every student maintains an up-to-date address and emergency record at the school office. Notify the school immediately if you have a change of address or telephone number during the school year.

Fire Drills and Earthquake drills are conducted once each month. In case of emergency, each student is required to have on file at the school office, the following:

1. Parent(s) or guardians(s) name(s)

2. Complete and up-to-date address

3. Current home phone, parent(s) work and cell phone

4. Emergency phone number of friend or relative

5. Physician's name and phone 6. Medical alert information

7. Disaster emergency card with authorized release information It is essential that your child's emergency cards show telephone numbers for local people and one emergency number outside the Antelope Valley area.

In addition please provide a comfort kit for your child in the event that you will be separated from them in an emergency. The following items are suggested and should be placed in a one-gallon zip lock bag labeled with the student's name and teacher's name.

A regular size bottled water Solar emergency blanket (available at Target and Wal-Mart) A raincoat or poncho Small flashlight with batteries Lip balm, sunscreen and an individual pack of tissue. A personal size antibacterial soap Band-aids Small activity (paper and pencil, coloring book and crayons, storybook) Non-perishable, nutritious snack (granola bar, fruit snacks, etc) and hard candy to help calm nerves and dry mouth. An encouraging note from you and pictures of the family.

Please submit this kit to your child's teacher no later than August 25th. All kits will be returned to you at the end of the school year.

Information concerning field trips will be sent home by the classroom teacher. Please keep in mind that no one is allowed to accompany the children on any of these trips without first being fingerprinted and cleared through the Westside Union School District. Parent volunteers are also required to wear a current District provided ID badge while volunteering.

Students may not bring or chew gum at school.

We believe homework is an integral part of student reinforcement of what has occurred at school. Students and parents can expect homework every night. The school expects the homework returned within deadlines specified by the teacher. Teachers will notify parents when homework is not being returned and its negative impact on the student's grade. Homework is not always paper/pencil in nature. Listening to your child read, telling an oral story, or orally testing spelling words are all forms of homework. Some homework is long term in nature such as a book report, project, or written report. Deadlines for these must be constantly reinforced with students by the school and the parents. The parent/school partnership is especially vital in this regard.

Time limits for homework, which can be expected, include: Kindergarten - no more than 15 minutes, Grades 1-3 - no more than 30 minutes, Grades 4-5 - no more than 50 minutes, Grades 6 - no more than 75 minutes.

State law requires that every child who is admitted to public school must have evidence of successful vaccination for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio. Also required is a rubella/rubeaola/mumps vaccination, Hepatitis B vaccine and Varicella vaccine if your child has not had the Chickenpox. According to state law, children who are in grade 7th or higher are also required to have a Tdap immunization on or after their 7th birthday. Students who do not have the Tdap on file in the health office upon entering 7th grade will be excluded from enrollment and not assigned to a class until compliance has been met.

In case of illness or injury, children will be cared for temporarily by the school nurse or a member of the school staff. School personnel will give first aid treatment only. If emergency medical treatment is necessary the parents will be contacted and the child will be taken to the emergency room or 911 will be called. Remember, an emergency telephone number where parents can be reached and the name and telephone number of the student's family doctor must be on file at the school.

School insurance will be offered at the beginning of each school year or at the time of enrollment. The school and the District does not maintain any medical insurance covering students. Insurance coverage remains the responsibility of the parents/guardians.

Westside Union School District, in cooperation with the California Departments of Health Services and Education, has a program to allow the District to be reimbursed with federal Medicaid dollars for selected health services (such as hearing and vision screenings, health assessments) provided to eligible students at school. In accordance with Local Education Agency rules and guidelines, we are notifying you that eligible students records may be forwarded to the District's billing agency. These records will be forwarded in a confidential manner. Our vendor holds a contract with the District that contains a specific confidentiality clause to ensure information is not disclosed inappropriately; further, our vendor is HIPAA complaint (Federal Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act).

School health services currently provided to all students will not be changed by this program. Students will not be denied services they require to attend school, and parents will never be billed for services by the school district.

Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds prior to being dismissed for the day unless they have been signed out in the office by their parent, guardian or other persons listed on the student's emergency card. Students will not be released to an individual unless they are listed on their emergency card. If students return to school after being signed out, they should report to the office prior to returning to class.

All clothing found on campus, regardless of its value, is placed on the "Lost and Found table" located in the cafeteria. Unclaimed items will be donated. Jewelry, keys, phones and eye glasses will be kept in a separate "Lost and Found" located in the office. Unclaimed items are donated.

Students sign up for hot lunch with their teacher in the morning at attendance time. Students who arrive late (after 8:15am) will not be able to order hot lunch as our lunch count is turned into Child Nutrition Services to insure the correct amount of lunches are received.

There is no playing in the cafeteria including standing in line and at the eating tables. All students will sit at assigned tables by grade.

Students may talk quietly using their inside voices while in the lunchroom. Hats are not to be worn inside at any time during the day. Students must wait until they are outside. Taking other student's lunches will not be tolerated. Throwing of any objects will not be permitted. To insure the safety of everyone in the cafeteria at lunch; students are to remain seated at all times. Students must wait to be dismissed by the aide on duty before getting up. All trash must be picked up by students and thrown out before exiting to the playground. Only two students may be allowed in the bathroom at any one time. Food and drinks are to be finished in the cafeteria and not taken out to the playground. Visitors are not permitted to eat lunch in the cafeteria or remain on the playground during recess and lunch recess.

Part of a good learning experience is a healthy lunch. Candy, soda and red dyed drinks are not allowed at lunch or classroom activities. (The red dye stains both the carpet and the cafeteria floor) Please send appropriate drinks and snacks for lunch. No glass bottles at any time.

We are the Leona Valley Bobcats. Our colors are blue and white. School spirit clothes can be purchased from the PTO, Fridays are special days when students are encouraged to dress in school colors and their Bobcat T-shirts unless the Student Council has designated the day, as a unique spirit day.

If it is necessary for your child to take medication during school hours, the "Request for Medication to be taken during School Hours" form (available upon request) must be completed and signed by the physician and the parent. NO EXCEPTIONS. The medication (provided by the parent) must be properly labeled by the pharmacist. Parents must deliver the medication to the school. No medications may be brought to or from school by STUDENTS. The same procedure applies for non-prescription (over-the-counter) medication such as vitamins, "cold” preparations, inhalers, and aspirin. If more convenient, parents may come to school and dispense the medication themselves. Students may not use any items deemed as medication, unless prescribed by a physician and proper paperwork is submitted to the health office.

Non Medication creams can be brought to school without a medical form. These crèmes include Eucerin skin crème, Cetaphil, sunscreen, chapstick and Carmex. Cremes are not to be in spray form as they may cause allergies to other students. If you have any questions please check with the school office before sending your child to school with it. Inhalers We ask that if your student uses an inhaler that you pick up the necessary doctors authorization form from the school office and have an inhaler at school in the event your child needs it. Weather changes and some activities trigger the need for an inhaler for some children. In the event that your child needs their inhaler and does not have it at school you will be called to bring and administer it. If school personnel deems necessary 911 will be called.

No pets of any kind are allowed at school. Please leave your pets home when picking your children up.

The staff at Leona Valley School believes that physical education is an important part of the educational experience. The development and maintenance of a healthy body is essential for physical well being and good mental health. We attempt to create an atmosphere for the development of leadership, sportsmanship and congeniality through our physical education program.

Elementary students will participate in Physical Education. Twice per week students will have a 45 minute P.E. session supervised by a certificated Physical Education teacher. It is recommended that students come to school dressed appropriately for physical activities. Closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothing is suggested for safety reasons. If your child cannot participate or must have limited participation in P.E. for medical reasons, the school nurse must be contacted and a note from a Doctor is required. Parents can only excuse a child for P.E. for one day with a written note.

Individual student pictures will be taken in the fall and spring. All students will be photographed. Fall Pictures are used for school records and parents may purchase picture packages on picture day. Spring Picture packages are sent home for the parents to view before purchasing.

Additional information regarding dates and package prices for both picture days will be sent home when available.

Playground rules will be reviewed with students at the beginning of each year and when necessary. Students are expected to act in a safe and respectful manner at all times.

The Westside Union School District is using a web-based program (PowerSchool) that allows the parents to access student and school information. Information available includes student's grades, attendance and the school site bulletin that includes activities and information for Leona Valley School and the Westside Union School District. PowerSchool codes with instructions to set up a PowerSchool account are sent home at the beginning of each school year and with newly enrolled students. PowerSchool accounts and passwords do not change over the summer vacation or when transferring to another Westside School. Returning students will use the same code. Please see the school office if you have lost or forgotten your PowerSchool account information.

Textbooks, classroom library books, and other school property are for student use. Students are responsible to do their part to keep their assigned property, as well as, the building and grounds in a manner that will make all of us proud of our school. Library books may be checked out and taken home. However, students are responsible for returning them on time. All lost or damaged books must be replaced by the student to whom they are assigned. Please notify the office immediately if your child has lost or damaged a book. Report cards and other records will not be issued to students who owe monies for lost or damaged books.

PTO Leona Valley School Parent Teacher Organization, (PTO) is a most important support group for our school. Membership in the PTO is open to all interested adults. A Membership Drive will begin in August.

Exciting new projects and activities have been planned.

Elementary and middle school counselors support student growth in the areas of academics, career and personal/social development. Please contact the office if you would like to refer your student for counseling services.

Kindergarten through 6th grade classes will be in session from 7:45 am to 1:55 pm. Students who are not lined up or in class at 7:45 are tardy and will need to go to the office for a pass to class. Supervision will be provided at 7:15 am daily. For the safety of your child PLEASE do not leave him/her prior to 7:15 am. Students who are not picked up at 1:55 pm will return to their classroom or teacher on duty and will require an adult on their emergency card to sign them out.

During the school year we send out several phone messages. If the correct telephone number is not on file for your child you will not receive messages sent out and will miss important information regarding school activities or emergencies that may occur during school hours. Please stop by the office when you change your phone number to update your child's records.

Leona Valley has a School Site Council (SSC) comprised of parents, teachers, and other staff members. The purpose of the SSC is to monitor the educational program and funding from School Improvement funds, which are allotted toward improving the curriculum. The SSC is an elected council. We are always looking for members and volunteers. Please check with office for a meeting schedule.

Our goal for our students is that they have a successful school experience. The time we take to discuss school rules with your child at school and the time you spend at home will help insure this success throughout this year. If problems do arise, however, we will make every effort to contact you to enlist your help and support in solving problems early. Our success with your child heavily depends upon the home and school working together to bring about the best learning situation possible. We encourage your active involvement in your school.

Students will be provided with educational opportunities that will encourage them to adopt a healthy life style. One of the main programs is the “Say No' approach to drugs, alcohol and tobacco and encourages a strong, healthy self-concept. Parents should remind their children that possession or use of any alcohol, tobacco products or illegal drugs will not be tolerated at school or school functions.

Students are responsible for caring for each of their textbooks. In the event a textbook is damaged or lost intentionally or by accident the student and their parent is responsible for replacement.

In accordance with Westside Union School District's Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 3513.3, and per the California Health and Safety Code, Section 104420, and with State and Federal Laws, “Tobacco Use of any kind is prohibited at all times on all district property, owned, leased or rented, and in all district vehicles." This policy applies to all employees, students and visitors. Any violation of the policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension and/or dismissal. Please model behavior to our students and please adhere to, and help enforce the policy and regulations.

The following is a list of Tobacco Cessation programs available:

• California Smoker's Helpline

1-800-NO-BUTTS

1-800-456-6386 (Spanish) California Tobacco Chewer's Helpline 1-800-844-2439 Website: www.nobutts.org

1-800-45-NO-FUME (Spanish) American Cancer Society

1-800-ACS-2345 American Lung Association

1-800-586-4872

• Nicotine-Anonymous.org

BecomeAnEx.org

• TobaccoFreeCA.org

Classroom volunteers are always welcome. If you would like to assist in the classroom or by making education materials, please contact your child's teacher to arrange this. Volunteers help the school staff to provide more adult contact time with each individual student, and it gives the volunteer a "good feeling" to observe the contribution he/she has made to the children. This time is important to your child attending school and we ask that you do not bring other siblings with you. All volunteers helping in the classroom or with PTO must have fingerprints cleared through the District office and volunteer sheet on file in the office before volunteering. Approved volunteers must make arrangements prior to volunteering on campus. Volunteers are required to sign in through the office and wear their personalized picture ID supplied by the District Office. Volunteers that do not follow these procedures will be asked to return to the office. Volunteers are held to strict confidentiality for protection of all students. If confidentiality is breeched, volunteer status may be revoked.

We ask your assistance to insure the health and safety of your children. VOLUNTEERS ARE VALUED. Parents are encouraged to become an integral part of their child's educational process. There are many ways to help: (1) Work with your students at home to reinforce schoolwork; (2) Become a member of the PTO and/or the School Site Council.

Should school close due to weather conditions it will be announced by School Messenger Communications System and by public radio over one or more of the following stations:

KGMX 106.3

KOSS 1380 AM KTPI 97.7 FM

KAVL 610 AM KISS 105.5 FM

KUTY (HISPANIC) 1470 AM KQAV 93.5 FM If an evening event is cancelled due to inclement weather, it will not be rescheduled.

The school office should be notified by the parents of any student who is transferring to another school. Your child's attendance records (which follow them to their new school) are affected when they are not properly withdrawn. School records must be requested by the new school and will not be forwarded by Leona Valley until the student has officially withdrawn and paid all fees due. Records will not be sent with the student or parent.