Parent - Student Handbook
8 years ago
Oak View High School and Education Center
Parent-Student Handbook
Parent-Student Handbook
Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District
12358 6th Street, Yucaipa, California 92399
(909)797-7931 Fax (909)797-7962
Sam Spencer, Principal
12358 6th Street, Yucaipa, California 92399
(909)797-7931 Fax (909)797-7962
Sam Spencer, Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! We are looking forward to another great year and are excited about the possibilities that are ahead. Our larger campus has served up well this past year and our mascot the Phoenix has become an integral part of our program, from the Phoenix Lounge to T shirts and hats. We have developed a culture that promotes a positive, “I can succeed here” attitude.
This past year we graduated 38 students from the Community Day School which is an all time high for us and we continue to have some of our Special Education students make a successful transition to a traditional campus.
Our number ONE priority continues to be the education of your student. Although we are on a much larger campus, we continue to have that small school feel that functions as a cohesive unit. We have a dedicated staff, both certificated and classified that works diligently to meet the needs of your student and we want to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Oak View family.
If you have any questions throughout the year, please contact me at 909-797-7931.
Sincerely,
Sam Spencer
Principal
ATTENDANCE
Absences (EC 48200)
There are many reasons why children should attend school every day unless they are ill or there is a very serious reason why they cannot. The most important reason is that each day of school provides an important learning experience; however, if your child is not there, he/she misses it.
Here is what you, as a parent, can do to help your child get maximum benefits from his/her school year:
- Make sure he/she attends regularly and gets to school on time.
- Call the school when your child is going to be absent.
- If you cannot call, send a note to school when your child returns.
COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL STUDENTS!!!
Your attendance is mandatory and attendance is taken each period. Students who do not show up for school and a parent did not call in will be considered truant. Calls are made home each day for every student that fails to show up on time. All truant students are subject to disciplinary action including a Clean Sweep Citation.
For absences of less than five days, notify the teacher and make-up work will be provided. Homework provided to students who are expected to be out three or more consecutive days can be picked up in the office. Any absence for more than one day must have a doctor’s excuse. Please allow at least 24 hours for homework to be provided.
Important Information about School Funding
As of July 1, 1998, school districts will no longer received funding from the State of California for pupils who are absent from school. This includes all absences, even those related to illness, medical or doctor appointment, or for the purpose of attending funeral services of a member of the immediate family.
Schools will receive state funding only for students who actually attend school. If you find it necessary to keep your child out of school for reasons other than an illness, we encourage you to send your child to school for at least part of the day so that your child will not be counted absent and also will not miss out on important school assignments.
As of July 1, 1998, school districts will no longer received funding from the State of California for pupils who are absent from school. This includes all absences, even those related to illness, medical or doctor appointment, or for the purpose of attending funeral services of a member of the immediate family.
Schools will receive state funding only for students who actually attend school. If you find it necessary to keep your child out of school for reasons other than an illness, we encourage you to send your child to school for at least part of the day so that your child will not be counted absent and also will not miss out on important school assignments.
SART/SARB School Attendance Review Team (SART) and School Attendance Review Board (SARB) are meetings that consist of parents, students, school officials, and possibly law enforcement as a means of formalizes intervention. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss a student’s attendance, grades and/or behavior. When a student is placed on a SART/SARB contract, it gives the student an opportunity to understand and meet the expectation of the SART/SARB panel.
Tardiness (EC 48260 a)
Children are expected to be in their classrooms at the start of school each day. Tardiness of even a few minutes is disruptive. Important instructions, announcements and directions for the day’s activities take place during these first minutes. Please help your child to be punctual in arriving at school on time. A parent written excuse is required or the student will be considered tardy. . Students “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”. (EC48260)
Truancy (EC 48260)
The following are considered truancies:
- Being absent from school without the knowledge and consent of the parent.
- Leaving the school grounds during the day without permission.
- Staying out of class without permission.
Transferring to another School
A parent must accompany students in order to check out of school. Please notify the attendance office one day prior to the intended check out date. Students must pay all charges and fines and return all school property before checking out of school. Transcripts, grades and yearbooks will be withheld until all school property is returned or charges and fines are paid.
ACADEMICS
Principal’s Newsletter
The school newsletter is sent home quarterly and features information regarding the school program. The school newsletter is an important part of the home/school communication process.
Homework
Homework assignments are specific and related to classroom objectives and are to be completed at home. Assignments may vary according to the individual needs and abilities of students, and varies within the two schools we have here at Oak View.
Progress Reports
Progress reports are the teacher’s first formal notification that a student is at possible risk of failing. Progress reports will be mailed 4-5 weeks into each quarter. Please contact your child’s teacher immediately to assist your son/daughter to improve. “The written progress report should reflect the educational growth of the student in relationship to the student’s ability, attitudes, interests, conduct or citizenship, and achievement.” BP 5124. Only one mailed school progress report is required by Ed Code. However, teachers may send extra ones on their own.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Conferences with teachers must be scheduled before or after school and during the teacher’s conference period. Teachers may be reached through the school office at 797-7931.
Report Cards
Report cards are sent home after each quarter. Please make sure that the school has your correct mailing address on file to help facilitate the process.
Recognition
Each student is recognized as an individual who is special and valued for his/her contribution. Our school community recognizes accomplishments of staff, parents and students through:
- Words of encouragement
- Personal notes
- Individual awards
- Classroom awards
- School wide celebrations
- Attitude
- Attendance
- Academics
Class Expectations
Teachers,
as skilled professionals, have established classroom rules and
procedures to maintain an orderly learning environment. These rules are
outlined for students at the beginning of the school year and are
available upon request. Student guidelines to ensure maximum learning
include:
- Come to school each day and be on time to my classes.
- Know the school rules and regulations and monitor myself so that I do nothing to violate any of them.
- Comply immediately, respectfully and thoroughly with any directives from any school personnel.
- Use time wisely and productively during school, complete class assignments and complete homework.
- Develop attitudes that contribute to my success in school and behave according to those attitudes.
Students shall be promoted to the next grade if current grade level standards are met.
Retention
As early as possible in the school year and in students’ school careers, the superintendent or designee shall identify students who are at risk of being retained. Identification of students will be in accordance with law, Board policy, administrative regulation and the following criteria: report cards, grade level assessments, state assessments, previous overall demonstrated academic achievement, and school attendance. An intervention team that includes an administrator, counselor, teacher and parent/guardian, shall review student data and determine an appropriate course of action. More information is available through the school counselor. Retention is an action to assist the student to accelerate learning and achieve the promotion requirements established by the Board. (BP 5123 a)
STAR Testing
The standardized achievement test is administered in the spring as part of the statewide accountability legislation.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Cafeteria
Oak View serves breakfast for $1.25 and a hot, well-balanced lunch, including milk and juice for $2.60. Pupils bringing lunches may purchase milk and 100% juice for 50 cents each. Students may also purchase snacks or individual items at the food cart. Fast food breakfasts and lunches are not permitted as well as energy drinks, i.e. Monster, Red Bull. Free and reduced-price lunches are available for those who qualify and fill out the necessary application forms. Proper conduct is both expected and required of students eating breakfast and lunch at school.
Prohibited Devices
School policy prohibits the use of electronic devices, including but not limited to cell phones and pagers, cassette players, CD players, MP3 players, I-pods, electronic games, or any other such devices on school premises during school hours. These items will be confiscated when students do not follow school policy. If students bring these prohibited items, they are bringing them at their own risk and the school will not be found responsible. **See California Education Code below.
Valuable Items
Please leave valuable items and large sums of money at home!!! Students who choose to bring valuable items to school do so at the risk of becoming a victim of theft. In the cases of stolen property, an effort will be made to help recover the item; however, there are no guarantees. **See California Education
Code below.
** As per California Education Code section 35213, the Yucaipa Calimesa Joint Unified School District is prohibited by law form reimbursing students for lost, destroyed or damaged personal property brought by them onto school grounds. For this reason, students bringing valuable property, such as I-Pods, cell phones, camera, musical instruments, expensive jewelry, etc, onto school grounds do so at their own risk. For this reason, the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District discourages students from bringing such items onto campus.
Phone Calls
If you need to reach your student during school hours, please call 797-7931. Cell phones are not allowed in the classrooms and if your student needs to contact you, they may use our office phone. Oak View Education Center has a limited number of phone lines; therefore, the phones in the office are to be used for emergencies only.
Counseling
Our counseling staff is available to provide guidance services for all students at Oak View Education Center. School counseling services relate, primarily, to academics, social adjustment and short term support. Counselors also conduct whole class presentations focused on academic and social issues.
STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Discipline
Discipline is a form of guidance administered in the best interest of the student. Self-discipline is our goal for all pupils. While the individual child is important, he/she must recognize his/her responsibility as a member of a larger group. The safety of all students is of primary importance to the school administration.
Dress and Grooming
The purpose of these Student Dress and Grooming guidelines is not to infringe on any individual student’s rights to freedom of expression, but rather to encourage students to dress appropriately and come to school properly prepared for participating in the educational process.
The governing board believes that there is nothing inherently wrong with dress or color of dress, but when
students’ dress serves to intimidate or impede the rights of other student, it will be determined that such dress is in violation of this regulation. A student may not remain at school dressed in a manner that:
1. creates a safety hazard for the student or others at school;
2. constitutes a serious and unnecessary distraction to the learning process or tends to disrupt campus order;
3. is in conflict with the district’s goals and philosophy on the prevention of substance abuse; and/or
4. is obscene, libelous, or slanderous, or so incites students as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on school premises or the violation of lawful school regulations, or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.
When the site administrator or designee determines that a student’s attire is in violation of this policy, the student will be required to modify his/her clothing and/or apparel in such a manner that it no longer violates this policy. If necessary, the student may be taken or sent home, with parental notification, to modify unacceptable dress and return to school. Refusal to take such steps as described in this regulation shall be cause for disciplinary action against the student. Any such disciplinary action shall be handled pursuant to the exiting student discipline policy.
Each school shall allow students to wear sun-protective clothing, including but not limited to hats, or outdoor use during the school day. (Education Code 35183.5)
Parents and/or guardians have the primary responsibility to see that students are properly attired for school. School district personnel have the responsibility of maintaining proper and appropriate conditions conducive to learning.
Hence the following guidelines will be implemented in all district schools and at all regular school activities:
1. Shoes must be worn at all times. A substantial sole is required and enclosed toe and heel footwear is highly encouraged.
2. Clothing shall be sufficient to conceal undergarments at all times, including when the student is seated.
3. Clothing that is sheer, see-through, fish-net, or form fitting such that the shape, color, or form of undergarments may be seen, including leotards or swimwear worn outside of the appropriate physical education class or extra-curricular activity; tube tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, off-the-shoulder, and/or any strapless top or dress; and/or any top or dress that reveals the midriff, breasts, shoulders, or back is prohibited. Shoulder straps on garments must be at least 2 inches in width.
4. Pants may not fall more that 2 inches below the natural waistline.
5. Skirts or shorts shorter that the student’s arm length to the fingertips when the student is standing straight are prohibited.
6. Hats, caps and other head coverings shall not be worn indoors. Exceptions may be granted for medical reasons.
7. Clothing, jewelry, or accessories with obscene statements or designs are prohibited.
8. Clothing, jewelry, and personal items, including work folders shall be free of writing, pictures, or any other images that are crude, vulgar, profane, or sexually suggestive, which bear drug, alcohol, or tobacco company advertising, promotions, and likenesses, are prohibited.
9. Earrings, jewelry, or accessories that present a safety hazard to the wearer or others are prohibited.
10. Sunglasses may be worn on campus outside of class. Prescription sunglasses may be worn in class only with a written explanation from an ophthalmologist or optometrists stating why clear or light-sensitive lenses cannot be worn (or with advance permission from the teacher for temporary periods when regular glasses are lost or mislaid).
11. Hair shall be clean and neatly groomed. Hair may not be sprayed by any coloring that would drip when wet.
The principal, staff, students and parent/guardians at each school may establish reasonable dress and grooming regulations for times when students are engaged in extracurricular or other special school activities.
The Governing Board unequivocally believes that every student has the right to attend a school that is orderly and free from influences that detract from a wholesome educational environment.
The expression of a student’s uniqueness and individuality through dress is sanctioned by the governing board. However, restrictions on student dress will be imposed whenever the mode of dress in question creates a health or safety hazard, constitutes a serious an unnecessary distraction from the learning process, tends to disrupt campus order, or is in conflict with the district’s philosophy and goals on the prevention of substance abuse. The board expects student to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to wear clothes that are suitable for the school activities in which they participate. No restrictions on freedom of dress will be imposed which are discriminatory attempts to dictate or adjudicate style or taste, or do not fall within the direct or implied powers of the governing board.
In an effort to provide a safe and orderly school environment for all students and in response to a desire to keep all district schools free from threats or harmful influences of any group or gang, the governing board directs the Superintendent to develop guidelines for student dress through cooperative planning with staff, students, and parents.
Students and parents/guardians shall be informed about dress and grooming standards at the beginning of the school year and whenever these standards are revised. A student who violates these standards shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Gang-Related Apparel
The principal, staff and parents/guardians at a school may establish a reasonable dress code that prohibits students from wearing gang-related apparel when there is evidence of a gang presence that disrupts or threatens to disrupt the school’s activities. Such a dress code shall be included as part of the school safety plan and must be presented to the governing board for prior approval. The governing board shall approve the plan upon determining that it is necessary to protect the health and safety of the school’s students.
Unacceptable Behavior
Oak View Education Center administration follows the state law requirement for the suspension and recommendation for expulsion of any student who brings a firearm to school, knowingly brandishes or threatens any person with a weapon, participates in any fighting that inflicts serious bodily injury on another person and sells or provides alcohol or other drugs at school. BP 5131.7(a) Oak View Education Center is an “Operation Clean Sweep” campus per regulations from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Refer to pages at the end of the Discipline Chart for more information.
Consequences
If students do not follow good conduct standards, the following discipline may be assessed:
- Verbal warning
- Phone call to parent
- Time out
- Referral to office
- Written notification to parents*
- Develop a written plan of action
- Detention at lunch time
- Conference with parent, teacher, administrator and student
- Probation department intervention
- Loss of privilege(s) i.e., special functions, events, field trips
- Community service to school
- Suspension from class*
- Suspension from school*
- Recommendation for expulsion*
- Expulsion by school board action*
- Involuntary transfer to San Bernardino County Schools*
- Financial liability of parent for student damage, loss, theft, or defacement of school property or injury to persons or personal property*
*Education/Penal Code Requirement
SAFETY
Closed Campus
Students may not leave campus during the school day without being signed out by a parent or guardian. Anyone signing a student out MUST be listed on the emergency release card.
Visiting the School
Adult visitors are welcome and encouraged to visit their student’s classroom. Please make prior arrangements with the teacher. PLEASE CHECK IN WITH THE OFFICE AND SIGN IN WITH THE RECEPTIONIST PRIOR TO VISITING THE CLASSROOMS OR BEING ON THE SCHOOL GROUNDS. The campus is closed to all student visitors from other schools this includes visiting relative and friends.
If you need to pick up your child before the end of the school day, you are encouraged to send a note that morning indicating the time your child should be in the office to meet you. Following this procedure minimizes interruptions of class instruction.
Emergency Cards
At the beginning of the school year, parents are asked to fill out emergency release cards. It is extremely important that the cards be filled out properly and returned to school as emergency names and phone numbers are necessary in the event of an emergency or disaster. If phone numbers or situations change during the school year, please contact the office.
Disaster Plans
Disasters often strike without warning. In most instances, chances for survival are excellent if disaster planning is done ahead of time and individuals know how to act. Such an emergency may occur when school is in session. In that event, the principal will determine if students shall be released or retained at school. The school staff will protect your student while at school the best they possibly can with the facilities available. In any event, the staff will remain with students until released.
Wild Animals
Pets/animals are not to be brought to school unless approval has been given by administration. We would appreciate it if parents would follow up with your student regarding the dangers of touching wild animals. Not only could your child be bitten if he/she handles a wild animal, but the animal may carry a disease. Wild animals found on the campus are not to be touched and should be reported to administration immediately.
Personal Property at School
Articles of value, jackets, book bags and purses, should be clearly labeled. Students should not bring anything of value, including large amounts of money to school. The school is not responsible for loss or damage. Valuable items such as hand-held video games, cameras, trading cards, tape recorders, I-Pods, CD players, valuable jewelry, headsets, radios, skateboards, pagers, cell phones, toys, other electronic devices, or other personal mementos are to be left at home.
HEALTH SERVICES
Accidents/Illness
When an accident or illness occurs at school, emergency treatment is given and the parent is notified. Since the school does not have facilities or staff to care for sick children, a child not well enough to participate in the classroom may not remain at school. This is not only in the best interest of your child, but serves as a protection for other children as well. Parents should make prior arrangements for someone to transport and care for their child if such a situation should arise. In addition, you are urged to see that the emergency release card is filled out and kept up to date. Please notify the school at once when your address or phone number has been changed.
REMEMBER, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT DOES NOT PROVIDE STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING COVERAGE FOR YOUR STUDENT.
If you do not have medical, dental, or accident insurance, you need to know that, in case of accident or illness, you will be responsible for the cost of any medical care, including ambulance, emergency room treatment, other medical, hospitalization or other medical charges incurred for your student. Low cost student insurance coverage is available.
If you are interested, please contact your school secretary for an application.
Regular Medication
Education Code Section 49423 Administration of Prescribed Meds
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 49423, any pupil who is required to take, during the regular school day, medication prescribed for him by a physician, may be assisted by the school nurse or other designated school personnel if the school district receives (1) a written statement from such physician detailing the method, amount and time schedules by which such medication is to be taken and (2) a written statement from the parent or guardian of the pupil in the matters set forth in the physician’s statement. All medication brought to school must be kept in the nurse’s office.
Immunizations
State law requires that all students entering seventh grade after July, 1999, be immunized for hepatitis B with a series of three immunizations over six months. They must also have a second immunization for measles, mumps and rubella. Students will not be allowed to begin school or pick up their schedules, until proof of complete and current immunizations are provided. Effective July 1, 2001, the Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is required for (a) children entering kindergarten (or entering first grade, if kindergarten was skipped) in California for the first time on or after July 1, 2001, and (b) older children under 18 years of age from OUT OF STATE, OR OUT OF COUNTRY who enter (or transfer to) a California school at a higher grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2001.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Bus Privileges/Route Registration
There is a transportation fee for students riding the buses. Please see the attached letter, fee schedule and application for transportation. Parents may choose to provide transportation for their children to and from school. However, personal student transportation is prohibited. Bus transportation is a PRIVILEGE and not a responsibility of the school district. Failure to observe district rules may result in denial of transportation. Students are permitted to ride their designated bus only.
School Bus Rules
- Arrive five minutes early to the bus stop. Stand quietly in a safe place and respect surrounding property and persons.
- Follow the instructions of your school bus driver at all times.
- Remain in your seat at all times except when getting off or on the bus.
- Do not place your head, hands, arms or any body part outside the bus windows.
- Do not eat or drink on the bus.
- Do not bring animals, insects or reptiles on the bus.
- Do not bring harmful substances or objects (drugs, tobacco, alcohol, weapons) on the bus.
- Abusive language, actions and loud noises are not allowed.
- Do not destroy or deface any part or equipment on the bus.
- Do not litter on the bus or at the bus stop.
Bicycles, Skateboards, Roller Blades and Motorized or Gas Powered Scooters
- Bicycles, skateboards and roller blades are not allowed on campus before, during or after school.
- No motorized or gas powered scooters are allowed on the Oak View Education Center campus.
- More information on motorized scooter safety and laws is available on the Internet at www.electricscooterparts.com/laws.html.
EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEES
School Site Council
The School Site Council is a group of school staff and parents working together to:
- Oversee the development of a comprehensive school improvement plan
- Become involved in carrying out various activities stated in the plan.
- Monitor activities to determine whether or not the planned program is working.
THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
It is an absolute necessity that students attend school on a regular basis. Studies originating from a variety of sources indicate that there is a direct correlation between education and income. If your child’s success in life is important to you, it is critical that he/she gets a good basic education. This can only occur if regular school attendance is maintained from kindergarten through 12th grade (13 years). The following are examples of potential education versus actual education for students who are frequently absent, based on 13 years of education with 180 days of instruction per year.
| Possible Days |
Actual Days | Attendance Rate |
Days Missed in 13 Years |
Average Days Missed per Year | Education Loss |
| 2340 | 2340 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2340 | 2317 | 99% | 23 | 2 | Negligible |
| 2340 | 2223 | 95% | 117 | 9 | 2/3 of a year |
| 2340 | 2106 | 90% | 234 | 18 | 1 1/3 years |
| 2340 | 1755 | 75% | 585 | 45 | 3 1/4 years |
| 2340 | 1170 | 50% | 1170 | 90 | 6 1/2 years |
Students who miss 10% or more actually lose more than time. They lose out on skill development, practice, and standards mastery, which can impede their ability to pass the California High School Exit Exam.
Students who regularly miss school miss out on what other students in their classes are getting. They begin to feel that they will never catch up, so why should they try?
Regular attendance does not guarantee success, perfect scores, high grades, or a high school diploma, but it does give students the best possible chance. In this life, basic skills are offered “free” only once. The failure to take advantage of a free public education when it is available is very costly. Don’t cheat your children or yourself. See to it that you get your money’s worth the first time around. Promote education in your home and see to it that the leaders of tomorrow – your children – are the best this world has to offer.
You are the first and most important teacher in your children’s lives. Please teach them the value of learning.