WASHINGTON SCHOOL IS A CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL
129 S. Washington Street | Cloverdale, CA 95425
Phone: (707) 894-1940 | Fax: (707) 894-1946
School Office Hours: 7:30am-4:00pm
Principal: Ricardo Martinez - ext. 13
Vice-Principal: Jesse Escobedo - ext. 12
Attendance Secretary: Pam Thorne - ext. 11
School Secretary: Jackie Sloan - ext. 10
School Colors: Blue and Gold | School Mascot: Eagle
MISSION STATEMENT
This mission of Washington School is to engage students in life-long learning which will prepare them for rewarding participation in their future careers, communities and families, while providing a rigorous and challenging curriculum which emphasizes proficiency of the California State Standards.
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to Washington School and the 2006-2007 school year! We are looking forward to another rewarding year of academic excellence and positive character development. Our students continue to make excellent academic improvement as verified by recent awards and test results. During this year, you will be enriched by a variety of new experiences. Our theme is "Bee Here". We hope to help all students reach their highest potential in math, reading, writing, social studies, science and physical education. The information found in this Student Handbook has been carefully prepared to assist you in achieving excellence and to have a rewarding school year.
KEEPING PARENTS INFORMED OF PROGRESS: We believe success in school for every student depends on excellent communication between home and school. The ASSIGNMENT CALENDAR in this TimeTracker is an important link in this communication. Daily homework will be recorded in the appropriate calendar section. Briefly review and discuss assignments daily with your student. To communicate with teachers, use the Assignment Calendar itself or its "Parent/Teacher Comments" box. Students are encouraged to use the GRADE TRACKER and the monthly GOAL SETTING sections to record accomplishments. Please call your child's teacher if you have any questions. There is homework everyday on a regular basis. Our most successful students are those whose families are supportive and involved in their child's education.
Best wishes to you for a rewarding and productive school year. We invite you to participate with us and become active members of the Washington School community. HAVE A GREAT YEAR!
Rick Martinez, Principal
Jesse Escobedo, Vice-Principal
For a Safe and Appropriate School Environment
Washington School is committed to having the best possible environment for learning. Washington School rules and standards for conduct are derived from the following underlying principles of Cloverdale Unified School District.
Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible
| Positive Attitude | Respect | Responsibility | Enthusiasm For Learning | Caring | Trust/Honesty | Perseverance |
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS
Campus Hours:
School Office Hours are 7:30am-4:00pm.
School Class Times: Preparatory (4-6): 8:00am-2:30pm / Middle School (7-8): 8:00am - 2:40pm
1st bell rings at 7:57am; Students are to be in the classroom by 8:00 A.M., otherwise they will be considered tardy.
Contacting a Teacher
If your child is having difficulty in a particular class or with homework, the best thing to do is to contact the teacher first. Teachers are very busy during the day, so please do not interrupt a class, unless scheduled. Messages may be left on teachers' voice mail and please allow 1-2 days response. Conferences involving more than one teacher need to be arranged by staff and usually take place right after school.
Student Support Team
A parent, teacher, counselor or administrator may arrange a Student Success Team (SST) meeting to discuss issues that may be hindering a student's progress, and to work out intervention strategies as a parent-teacher team. Students are invited to participate in their Student Success Team meeting. It is the parent's responsibility to attend their child's SST. DISCIPLINE, ATTENDANCE ISSUES, AND CONCERNS are handled by the principal, Ricardo Martinez at (707) 894-1940 ext. 13 and vice-principal Jesse Escobedo at (707) 894-1940 ext. 12.
Before School Safety Note:
There is no supervision at school until 7:45 a.m. Your child should NOT arrive before 7:45 a.m. unless he/she is having breakfast or is brought by bus. Students must be dropped off in the designated student drop off zones. School buses are available to the Boys & Girls Club after school. For info call: Cloverdale Boys and Girls Club at (707) 894-5063.
All students will be dismissed from the school cafeteria/library area at 7:45 AM and are to go directly to their respective campuses
Bells:
When the bells ring at 7:57am, all students will immediately walk to their classes quietly.
After School Safety Note:
Students MUST leave for home or childcare immediately after class is dismissed, unless they are staying for after school classes. Although there is adult supervision at the Bus Loading Zone, there is no supervision on the playground. Only students remaining under the supervision of school personnel or parents may remain on campus. The main gate is locked at 4:30pm.
Weekly Home-School Communications
A HOME-SCHOOL FOLDER will be sent home every Thursday. The folder will contain school communications and a newsletter. Ask your child for this folder each Thursday. Please look at it with your child and send it back with your child the next day, signed and dated.
This is your information source regarding activities, policies, and notification of when report cards and progress reports go home, etc. The best way to insure that you get the Newsletter each week is to ask for it every Thursday. Thanks!
Homework Policy
(Administration Regulation 6154) Teachers depend on homework to reinforce or extend the skills and grade level standards students learned in class. Homework is part of the regular instructional program and is given on a daily basis. It is critical for long-term projects. Assignments will usually average for 4th grade-60 minutes including reading; for 5th and 6th grade -90 minutes including reading; four to five days per week. 7th and 8th grade students should expect to receive 20-30 minutes of homework per class per night. (BP6154)
Every student is given this TimeTracker assignment calendar to record assignments. In addition to helping students learn critical organizing skills, this assignment calendar enables parents to monitor completion of homework and long-term projects when appropriate. Your child is required to write down his/her homework assignments for each subject taught every day for the entire school year. If there is no assignment, the entry should say "None." The timetracker must be kept clean and free of graffiti. If it is lost or damaged it must be replaced by purchasing another one for $5.00. The timetracker can also be used as a hall pass as well.
Parents need to ask to see the assignment calendar daily. If you ask to see it, students will then realize the importance of doing it. Please also ask to see completed assignments before they are turned in to school.
Students who neglect to bring in their homework may be asked to spend their recess finishing their homework or receive an after school study hall/detention. Unfinished homework can result in lower grades.
If academic assistance is needed at any time during the year, the student needs to ASK FOR HELP! If teachers are not asked, it cannot be assumed that the student having trouble will be identified. At anytime during the school year, a parent can ask for a Weekly Progress Report. Homework club is provided Monday through Thursday for grades 4-8.
Homework Requests
If a student is absent, a request for homework can be phoned in to the office by 9:00am; to be picked up after 3:00pm that day. The school office closes at 4:00pm every day.
Make-up Work
(Board Policy 6154 (a) Students who are absent are given the opportunity to make up schoolwork for credit if the work is turned in according to a reasonable make-up schedule determined by the teacher. Students will receive no credit on daily homework that is handed in late unless arrangements have been made with the teacher beforehand. A student is given at least a day to make up the work for every excused day absent. Students are given 2 days to make-up tests.
It is the responsibility of the student to ask his/her teacher to reschedule a test. When work is not turned in, a zero goes into the grade book. When long-term assignments are turned in late, (except for an excused absence), a teacher may lower the grade as appropriate. Teachers may also require a suspended student to complete any assignments and tests missed during the suspension (Ed. Code 48913).
Work that is not turned in according to Independent Contract Study dates, (see page 6), will not be accepted and will be given No Credit.
Awards and Recognitions
The following are a few of the school-sponsored awards designed to recognize those students doing an outstanding job both academically and socially at Washington Prep:
- Honor Roll
Computed at the end of each grading period based on student's meeting or exceeding grade level expectations.
- Eagle Award
At the end of each grading period students are selected by the teachers for outstanding character.
- Honors Academy
Students earn special recognition for doing extra projects. Eagle pins and Block Letters are given out for finished projects. In 8th grade, students earn an Eagle Medallion for projects done in grades 4 - 8. Special consideration for scheduling is given at the high school.
- Eagle Pride
Positive notes sent home to students who have exhibited good behavior, attendance, kindness, and/or strong academics.
- Club Excel
Students who show significant progress towards meeting grade level standards may receive Club Excel recognition.
- "Good to Great" Awards
Students who show Good Character; Responsibility, Respect, Honesty, Caring, Trust, Enthusiasm for Learning, and Perseverance will be recognized.
Dress and Grooming
(Ed Code 35010, 35160, 35291, Board Policy 5132) When students take pride in their appearance, a positive atmosphere is created (Admin. Code, Title 5, Sect. 302). The primary responsibility for what a student wears rests with the good judgment of the parent or guardian. Washington School does not have uniforms, however, we do have a Strict General Dress Code. We insist upon a few specific rules of dress to maintain a climate which does not detract from the educational process. These are:
- Clothing must fit: 1 size maximum
- Shirt/blouse/sweatshirt: Must have at least cap sleeves; football jerseys/cheerleading uniforms (wear your own) on designated days; all must be must be 3" below waistline and able to be tucked in.
- Any color other than those clothing items that are predominately red may be worn. Stripes, plaids, solids, florals and graphics/writing are OK as long as they are appropriate. Special Spirit Days will be planned where exceptions to the dress code will occur.
- Pants must be fitted at the waist.
- Belts: No red, blue, or hanging belts. No chains.
- Shorts, skirts, dresses, and skorts: Must fit long enough to reach the bottom of the longest finger when shoulders are held straight down at side.
- Shoes: No flip flops, backless sandals, high heels, slippers.
- No red or blue shoelaces.
- Jackets/Coats: No trench coats or red.
- Backpacks/binders: No red, free of obscene or inappropriate language/gang symbols/graffiti.
- No jewelry is allowed to be worn during Physical Education for safety reasons; Athletic shoes are required and must be laced and tied.
Prohibited at all times:
All shades of red; exposed midriffs, spaghetti straps, sleeveless, or revealing clothing, cut-offs, spandex, swimming apparel, underwear as outerwear, pajamas, inappropriate fit; high heels, platform shoes, skate shoes; bandanas, hairnets, excessive make-up, perfumes, or cologne; inappropriate words, numbers, letters, designs, obscene language, tobacco or alcohol logos, sexually explicit messages, gang symbols; and chains. No body piercing except for ears. Hair styles and hair colors that become a distraction to the educational environment will not be allowed.
(Other guidelines may be added, as school officials deem necessary after obtaining information from community agencies and resources).
The interpretation of these standards is the responsibility of the school staff. Parents will be notified if students are inappropriately dressed and the students may be either sent home or asked to change into a loaned outfit from the office. Repeated infractions will be dealt with as defiance and result in a school suspension.
Visitors to Campus
(Board Policy 1250) We welcome visitors and volunteers to our campus. For security reasons, all visitors MUST FIRST SIGN in at the main office and will be given a visitor's badge. We ask that this be done for all visits including short visits to deliver lunches, etc.
In order to talk to a teacher about a class issue, an appointment MUST be made with the teacher. Students may not bring relatives or friends to school with them while school is in session for reasons of safety and liability.
Closed Campus
(Ed.Code 44808.5, BP 5112.5 [a] ) Students are under the authority of all teachers/ staff.
- Once a student is on campus, he or she is to remain on campus at all times unless given authorization to leave early.
- Students waiting for the bus are not to leave the waiting area.
- Students do not go home for lunch unless a parent comes in person to the school office to pick their child up and has first notified the school secretary IN WRITING.
Leaving School Early
If a student is to be dismissed early, he or she needs to bring a signed note from the parent to the office in the morning before school. The note should state who will pick up the student and at what time. The student will be given the verified note to use as a pass from class at the appointed time; and will come to the office to wait to be picked up. For safety reasons, students who are leaving school early must wait in the office for their parents or guardians.
We highly discourage parents to take their children from school early. Students miss valuable classroom instruction and explanation which is hard to make up. Please schedule doctor and dentist appointments after school.
Telephone Use
Parents should make sure students know daily plans before coming to school. School phones are used by teachers and staff members for school business. Students are not to use office phones for anything other than school business and personal calls of a truly emergency nature. Cell phones must be turned off during the school day. Inappropriate use of cell phones will result in the cell phone being taken away and parents will have to pick it up from the Principal's office.
Library & Computer Lab
The school library is an important resource for research. Students are responsible for materials checked out and are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior in the library. Parents are encouraged to use the library also. Call 894-1944.
The Computer Lab is available for student use. Hours are to be determined. Students must sign a computer usage contract before getting computer privileges.
Rules for the Internet:
- School-related work only.
- Non-educational games, email, and chat rooms are prohibited.
- Only one student on each computer.
Textbooks
Students are responsible for all textbooks issued to them even if they are lost or stolen. Textbooks must be kept covered. Debt for damaged or lost books must be cleared at the end of the school year through the school office. (Ed Code 48902, BP 6161.2) Students are responsible for paying for books that are abused, misused or lost.
Lost books should be reported immediately to the teacher; the student will be referred to the office to be billed and to get authorization for a replacement book. A student's report card may be withheld if he/she owes money for overdue, damaged, or lost books. Please keep your receipt, if the book turns up later, the receipt will be needed in order to reimburse you.
Attendance
Regular attendance counts! We all know the importance of establishing and maintaining regular routines. Research shows that daily interactions and discussions that occur in our classrooms are vital components to learning. Regular attendance and punctuality influence learning and success in school.
Any absence from school that is not excused is truancy. The school determines if an absence (or tardy) is excused or unexcused in accordance with California state law. The only excused absences or tardies are for illness, medical/dental appointments, or a death in the immediate family. Family trips are not excused unless Independent Study has been arranged at least one week in advance. Students are not allowed to participate in activities if they have been absent on the same day.
Truancy or flagrant tardiness is subject to school disciplinary measures and may result in a referral to the Cloverdale School Attendance Review Board (SARB) or the District Attorney's office for possible prosecution. The District has contracted with a company named e-Truancy to generate our correspondence home regarding unexcused absences.
Did you know? As far as funding school programs is concerned, the state no longer recognizes a difference between "excused" and "unexcused" absences. Cloverdale Unified School District loses money whenever there is an absence regardless of the reason. Attendance does count in many ways.
Returning From an Absence?
A re-admit is required for any absence of one or more class periods. A written note from a parent or guardian must be presented to the attendance secretary in the office upon return. Date(s) and reason for absence must be reported with a valid parent signature. Students whose parents do not phone the school or write a note will be marked "unexcused." Unexcused absences are considered by the State of California to be truancy.
Tardies
Punctuality is a courtesy to others and an essential life skill. In addition, tardiness is detrimental and disruptive to the educational process. Students are considered tardy when they are not in their seats with proper books and materials when the class period begins. An unexcused tardy to school or class of more than 30 minutes is legally equivalent to truancy.
Students who are tardy may lose a portion of their recess time. Tardies can also impact grades and reward activities.
Severe tardiness, like chronic absenteeism, is legally equivalent to truancy and will lead to a family referral to the Cloverdale School Attendance Review Board (SARB), and in persistent cases, a referral to the District Attorney.
Independent Study
If a student is going to be away from school for 5 or more days, an Independent Study Contract needs to be requested from the school secretary at least five days in advance. Contracts must be signed before the Independent Study begins. Independent Study work must be turned in by the specified dates in the contract or the contract becomes invalid. The state does not recognize illness as a reason for not turning in completed assignments. Parents will be asked to bring work into the office if the student is unable to do so. Contact the school office 894-1940 for information. Incomplete work does not count for credit or attendance. The state will no longer allow Short Term Independent Study contracts for less than 5 days. It is important to remember that attendance is a critical factor in Cloverdale Unified's Promotion/Retention Policy. No independent study will be allowed during the last two weeks of the year.
Illness or Injury
PARENTS - The district does not provide the services of a Health Tech at the present time. In the case of illness or minor injuries, school staff will handle the situation and then call the parent or other authorized person if necessary. For more serious injuries or medical problems, the parent (or authorized person) is called. If someone cannot be reached, we will call 911. A yearly updated EMERGENCY CARD, by law, must be completed and on file at school. It is CRITICAL that you keep the office informed of address and phone number changes on your child's Emergency Card. Thanks!
Accident Insurance
The school district offers information on an accident policy that gives coverage for regular school and after school activities. Parents have the option of purchasing this insurance if they wish. Application forms for this insurance, along with a list of benefits, is supplied in the registration packet and thereafter will be available in the school office.
Medications at School
We are no longer able to dispense over the counter medications or prescription medications without a doctor's note* and parent signature on the authorization form. The medicine will be kept in a secure cabinet in the office.
*NOTE: The forms may be obtained from the office. Students may not carry any prescription or over-the-counter medication with them in school.
Breakfast & Lunches
Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. Both breakfast and hot lunch menus are posted in classrooms, the office, and the cafeteria. Meal tickets are sold in the cafeteria. You may pay by check or cash. We discourage charging lunches. Students may purchase a ticket and keep it on file in the cafeteria for such emergencies. If a student forgets his/her lunch, a free peanut butter and jelly sandwich may be provided. Skipping lunch is not conducive to learning. Parents will be contacted if students do not have a lunch.
Information about eligibility for free and reduced lunches will be available in the registration packets, and thereafter will be available in the school office.
Cafeteria Conduct
(BP 5131.2) Washington School wants to reinforce the good table manners and social skills families have taught their children.
Students are expected to be courteous, quiet, and to observe proper eating habits. Parents are invited to eat lunch with their children.
Bus Conduct
(Board Policy 5131.1) The use of the School Bus is extended as a privilege only insofar as the student displays good conduct and behavior while preparing to ride, while riding, or after getting off the bus. If a student fails to comply with the rules and regulations explained by the bus driver, this would be sufficient reason for a student to be denied transportation.
While on the Bus:
- Remain facing the front
- No singing or boisterous conduct
- No eating, drinking or gum
- Keep all parts of the body inside the bus
- No profanity
- No throwing food, water, or any other object
- Emergency Exit is for emergency ONLY
While at the Bus Stop:
- Respect surrounding property
- Keep noises to a minimum
- Stay out of street
- Enter the bus courteously
- Students must stay in line at all times.
All school rules are in effect at the bus stop and on the bus
Personal Property & Ca$h at School
Personal property such as MP3 players. Ipods, walkmans, radios, video cameras, tape recorders, cameras, animals, etc., are not permitted at school without special permission. Under NO circumstances should spray bottles be brought to school (i.e. perfume, deodorant, hair spray). If a school activity requires such items, students must get permission in writing prior to bringing them to school.
Students bring their equipment at their own risk. The school cannot take responsibility for any lost, stolen or damaged equipment.
Money in excess of $5.00 should be brought to school in the form of a check or money order. We cannot assume responsibility for lost or stolen money. Personal property, including large amounts of money, should be stored in the office for safekeeping or not brought to school at all.
Lost and Found
Valuables that are found or turned into the school staff are placed in the lost and found. Clothing that is found is placed in a designated barrel near the cafeteria; clothing not retrieved is donated to charities at the end of every month.
Bicycles, Skateboards, Scooters & Roller Blades
Students may ride bicycles to school as long as they do so in a responsible manner.
Strapped helmets are required by State Law for students who ride bikes, skateboards, scooters, or rollerblades. Students must provide and use locks to secure their bicycles to the racks in the designated enclosures. Skateboads will be locked up during the day. The school cannot, however, be held financially liable should a bicycle be stolen. Bicycles, skates and skateboards are never to be ridden in the hallways, on stairs, or other cement areas of the school. This is for safety and maintenance reasons.
Checking Out of School
The office and then their teacher(s) must first clear students, who are planning to move. Students who owe money for overdue, damaged, or lost books must pay in the office prior to leaving. All musical instruments must be turned in. Grades will be withheld until student is cleared (Ed Code 6161.2, BP 5118).
Extracurricular Activities
Washington has a number of clubs and organizations. Since the number of active clubs and organizations varies from year to year, it is important to watch for announcements concerning club memberships at the beginning of the school year.
Academic Pentathlon is offered to Middle School students. This is an academic competition with other Middle Schools in our area.
Instrumental Band is offered to the fifth and sixth graders.
Drama: There may be opportunities for students to be in a play.
National Geography Bee is a national competition which tests students' geographical, mapping, and current event skills.
National Spelling Bee is a competition that focuses on the ability of students to spell words correctly. Students go on to state and national contests if they qualify.
Sonoma County Lego Robotics is a program where students build robots to compete in a county competition.
Family Fitness Night is an extension of the 4-6 physical education program. This program is held in the evening twice a year.
Fit Kids Club is a lunch recess activity that encourages walking and is available to 4/6 grades to earn prizes for their efforts to complete mileage.
Yearbooks are publications in which students are able to participate. The yearbooks will be published and given out in June.
Gifted and Talented program at Washington Preparatory also sponsors extra enrichment activities. GATE students are eligible, as well as others if space permits. GATE testing takes place in the spring of every year.
League Sports are available to students through various community organizations and Middle School students through district sports. Students who participate in school sports must maintain a C average with no failing grades and citizenship must be at a satisfactory level in order to participate, a physical dated after July is reqyired as well as proof of insurance. Students may not particapate until cleared. Washington School follows CIF rules for eligibility.
Field Trips/Rewarded Activities
Teachers and Staff plan several different kinds of enrichment activities for the students. These activities may consist of field trips which are educational and relate to the classroom curriculum. All students are invited to attend, provided that they have demonstrated safe, respectful, and responsible behavior at school.
Preparatory students (4th-6th) do not attend night dances reserved for seventh and eighth-graders.
General Rules and Standards of Student Conduct
We know that the vast majority of our students are considerate, well-behaved, and responsible. We will make a consistent effort to notice, praise, and reward these positive behaviors.
Washington School students, in order to meet Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs) must behave in a way that allows the teacher to teach and other students to learn:
- Arrive to class on time
- Bring the necessary class materials
- Be in your assigned seat and ready to work when the bells rings
- Respect yourself, staff, and others
- Be responsible for your own behavior
- Follow directions the first time they are given
- Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Refrain from roughhousing.
- Use appropriate and respectful language and tone of voice at all times
- Respect the property of the school and that of others
- Remember that GUM is not allowed
- Candy and soft drinks are allowed only in cafeteria - NOT in classroom.
- Fighting, "put-downs", teasing, name calling, exclusionary behavior, hazing and racial, ethnic or sexist slurs are hurtful and prohibited. It will be considered a serious offense if intimidation or harassment are involved. There is ZERO TOLERANCE for this type of behavior. Contact Mr. Escobedo at 894-1940, ext 12, if you have concerns.
"All students and staff in schools have the inalienable right to attend campuses which are safe, secure, and peaceful."
California State Constitution, Article 1. Section 28c 1982
School Discipline
Be Safe
Be Responsible
Be Respectful
The guiding principle of this discipline plan is not one of punishment but one which teaches and encourages students to accept responsibility for their actions and to regard the rights of others with as much care as their own. We expect students at Washington School to behave ethically. When they make mistakes, their consequences will be sequential and progressive. This discipline policy was developed to promote consistency in dealing with unacceptable behaviors and to allow students to become increasingly more responsible for their behavior. We believe that if students clearly understand the school rules and the consequences for certain behaviors, they can make intelligent choices. We expect parents to recognize the importance of school rules and to cooperate with their enforcement. Discipline consequences for students who are unable to follow the school rules range from a verbal warning to suspension/expulsion. The consequences for infractions of school rules and standards of conduct, Board Policy, or Education Code are as follows:
Consequences for Minor Infractions:
Teacher's course of action will consist of the following:
- Conference with student
- Make parent contact
- Hold Parent-Teacher Conference
- Serve timeout in an alternate classroom
- Serve classroom detention with teacher (hours verified with parent prior to serving detention)
- *Parent Support Visit
Positive Discipline will be available when students request the opportunity to reverse a referral. (Under Ed Code 48900.1).
*Parent Support Visit - for behavioral reasons, the teacher/administrator can require the parent or guardian, to attend a portion of the school day in his or her child's classroom. Labor Code Section 230.7 further provides certain employment rights to parents and guardians who are absent from work to attend class and certain penalties against employers who retaliate against any employee who is absent.
Detention/Office Referral
Detention or school service is assigned to students who show lack of respect for others, lack of self-discipline, or show disregard for school policies and school regulations. A teacher or administrator may assign detention. Detentions will be held after school or at lunch, according to the instructions.
If a detention is assigned, the student must remember to report promptly and come prepared to work. Failure to serve detentions will result in further disciplinary action. Parents are notified when students are given after-school detentions. Students are responsible for returning the white copy of their referral with parent's signature. As referrals begin to add up, the consequences may become progressively more serious.
School service may also be assigned for infractions, under the supervision of the School Safety Officer. An administrator will assign school service. Students can take action to reverse referrals by doing community/school/class service under the direction of the School Safety Officer. This option is NOT available for suspension.
Consequences for Serious or Chronic Infractions
- Suspension from school
- Reduced Day
- Referral to County Community School
- Recommend Expulsion by the Governing Board
Drug Free & Safe Campus
Possession or use of controlled substances such as tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or anything portrayed to be a controlled substance on campus is a severe violation of the law as well as school rules and may lead to expulsion; and the police will be notified. Washington School is a Drug Free Zone; violations of the law may lead to enhanced legal penalties.
There is no tolerance for knives, weapons, or simulated weapons. Students who bring dangerous objects to school will be suspended and may be considered for expulsion from the district. If a student inadvertently brings an item to school, such as a pocketknife, s/he may avoid reprisals by reporting it to a teacher or principal immediately.
Gang Affiliation and Activity
( (Calif. Constitution, Article I, Section 28(c) and Ed. Code sections 32050, 48907, and 48900.) It is important to maintain a campus that is safe for students and staff in accordance with the mandate of the Constitution of the State of California. In meeting this commitment, the governing board finds that gangs, or any groups, which initiate or advocate activities which threaten the safety and well being of persons or property on school campuses are dangerous and harmful to the purposes for which the school operates.
Gang members can be identified by their "uniform" - common clothing worn by gang members; their graffiti; their hand signs; their intimidating behavior; and their weapons. Young people who want to imitate and/or pretend to be a gang member will often wear the "uniform" of the local gang. The administration stays in close contact with the local police department when suspected gang activity is observed.
GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION or EXPULSION
(Ed. Code 48900) If a student chooses to break the rules, a consequence will follow. Repeated failure to follow school rules could result in suspension from school. Serious violations could result in suspension on the first occurrence. Repeated violations could lead to recommendation for expulsion. A student may be suspended or expelled for acts which are enumerated if the act is related to school activity or attendance which occur at anytime, including, but not limited to any of the following:
- While on the school grounds
- While going to and from school
- During the lunch period or recess
- During, or while going to or coming from, a school sponsored activity
The school will take disciplinary action, or suspend, and the Board of Education may expel, if a student has done any of the following: (Grades 4-12)
- Violence: Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person.
- Hazing: EC32050 An initiation that causes bodily harm or personal derogation will not be tolerated.
- Dangerous Objects: Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearms, knife, explosive or other dangerous object. (Articles that are dangerous to the welfare of other students such as matches, lighters, knives or other sharp instruments, are not permitted at school. A student who brings any sort of weapon, or "imitation" firearm/weapon that appears to be a weapon, may by brought before the Governing Board to be considered for expulsion.)
- Robbery: Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.
- Controlled Substance: Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished, or been under the influences of any controlled substance, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind.
- Vandalism: Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property. Stole or attempted to steal school or private property. "School property" includes, but is not limited to, electronic files and databases.
- Fire Alarm: Tampering with an alarm, fire extinguisher, or turning in a false alarm is a criminal offense and will be dealt with accordingly. The Fire Marshall will be contacted as well.
- Tobacco: Possessed or used tobacco, or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products.
- Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
- Possession: Had unlawful possession of, or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia.
- Stolen Goods: Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.
- Defiance/Disruption: Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.
- Plagiarism/Cheating: Cheating on schoolwork is a serious infraction of school rules.
- Sexual Harassment: Sexual assault/conduct which has the effect of interfering with an individual's educational performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment (E.C. 48900.2).
What is Sexual Harassment at School?
It's unwelcome sexual behavior, including bullying and exclusion, that makes a victim feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Sexual harassment simply has no place in a positive learning environment; and both federal and state laws make it illegal...whether it involves different-sex or same-sex situations.
- Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault or sexual battery as defined in the Penal Code.
- HATE VIOLENCE Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause an act of hate violence as defined in Section 3 of Ed Code 33032.5(e).
- HARASSMENT Intentionally engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation directed against a student, group of students, or school district personnel that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to affect the classwork or create substantial disorder in the educational environment. Please tell your child to report continual harassment of any kind to their teachers/principal immediately so appropriate action can be taken.
A superintendent or principal may use his or her discretion to provide alternatives to suspension or expulsion, including, but not limited to, counseling, and anger management program, for a pupil subject to discipline under this section.
Expected Student Learning Results (ESLRs)
Created by a partnership between students, staff, parents, and community, these standards assist in guiding our school to meet the needs of all students while at the same time satisfying the mission of Washington School:
Effective Communicators who:
- Listen, speak, write, and read in English thoughtfully and effectively
- Develop interpersonal skills
- Work cooperatively with others
- Use a variety of media, including advanced tools and technologies
- Defined their opinions on issues of importance
Goal Setters who:
- Set and pursue realistic goals, both personal and academic
- Demonstrate reliability and punctuality in completion of tasks and meeting goals
- Manage time and resources effectively, including meeting deadlines and evaluating progress
Exemplary Citizens who:
- Take responsibility for preserving and improving their environment
- Acknowledge cultural and personal differences of others, including language, ethnicity and beliefs
- Understand rights and responsibilities of being a student and good citizen
- Contribute time, energy, and talent to improve their community
Academic Achievers who:
- Strive to do their very best in all subjects areas
- Make connections across the curriculum and apply these connections to further learning
- Implement appropriate strategies to assess and solve a variety of problems
- Engage in independent, complex thinking, and reasoning
Lifelong Learners who:
- Demonstrate curiosity, self-direction, and independence
- Develop a basic core of information needed to survive in the modern world
- Draw upon talents to test and explore the possibilities
- Read on own (self-guided reader)
Superior Producers who:
- Create quality products as an individual and as a team
- Use skill from a variety of subject areas
- Engage in activities that foster self-esteem
- Create products that reflect solid workmanship
- Are effective leaders and/or supportive team members
EAGLE PRIDE
AIMING HIGH
Grading
The Preparatory [grades 4-6] school year is divided into four grading periods [quarters] with one progress report midway through each quarter. Student accountability will be based on assessment of their performance toward meeting mastery of the State Grade Level Standards. Examinations, homework, class participation, and daily attendance are all factors which can affect students' effort grades. Conferences will be held twice a year. Dates to be announced.
The Middle School [grades 7 & 8] year is divided into four nine-week quarters with one to two progress reports throughout the quarter. Passing grades are issued as:
- A: indicates superior work;
- B: represents better than average work;
- C: indicates average work;
- D: indicates barely passing work;
- F: indicates failure.
No credit is given for an Incomplete or a failing grade of "F". Examinations, homework, class participation, and daily attendance are all factors which can affect students' grades. Opportunity to make up failing work (2 F's) will be available starting after the end of the first quarter.
To view the Grade Level Standards, please refer to the state's website at: http://www.cde.ca.gov or school district website at: http://www.cusd.org.
Promotion to Next Grade
The shared efforts of parents and teachers are aimed at giving each student the best chance for being successful in school, which is the formula for lifelong learning. Students who have successfully completed the current grade level requirements will be promoted.
Interventions for students who do not meet grade level standards will be offered throughout the year. Middle school students will be expected to complete 110 credits per year to be able to promote. Students lacking adequate credits in a given quarter will be required to make up credits through intervention programs. Be aware that the state law now mandates that students who do not meet State Grade Level Standards must be considered for retention. Parents are regularly informed if their student is at risk. Possible interventions, such as, homework club, after school credit make up or tutorials and summer school, are recommended for the students who are at risk.
8th Grade Promotion Requirements
Passing grades in both 7th and 8th grade will earn credits giving eligibility towards 8th grade promotion. Eighth grade students must meet all academic and behavior requirements to participate in promotion related activities.
Washington School Calendar - 2005-06
- School Starts - Aug. 16
- Labor Day Holiday - Sept. 4
- School Picture Day - Sept. 19
- Back to School Night (4-8th) - TBA
- End of 1st Quarter (7-8th) - Oct. 19
- Non Student day - Oct. 20
- Make Up Picture Day - Oct. 27
- School Standards Assessments - Oct/Nov
- Parent Conferences - Oct.31- Nov. 3
- Veteran's Day Holiday - Nov. 10
- Thanksgiving Holiday - Nov. 23-24
- Minimum Day - Dec. 20
- End of 2nd Quarter
- Winter Break - Dec. 21-Jan 5
- Return to School - Jan. 8
- Martin Luther King Holiday - Jan. 15
- Parent Conferences - Jan.16-19
- Non Student Day - Feb. 15
- Washington's/Lincoln's Birthday - Feb. 16-19
- End of 3rd Quarter - Mar.
- Minimum Day - April 6
- Spring Break - April 9-13
- Return to school - April 16
- State/School Testing - May 1-11
- Memorial Day Holiday - May 28
- Open House/Barbecue - TBA
- 8th Grade Promotion - May 31
- End of School Min. Day - May 31
Calendar Subject to Change
Every Wednesday, unless a minimum day, will be Early Out for the students due to common teacher planning. Students will be excused at 1:20pm.
