Pacific School Parent Handbook

 

Welcome

 

Pacific School Handbook
2011-2012

 

This handbook was designed as a resource for Panther families to keep on hand throughout the year as a guide to the school procedures and policies of Pacific Elementary School and MBUSD.  A calendar of events for the year is also provided in the last page of the handbook.

 

I hope you will find it helpful as one of the many communication pieces designed to keep parents/guardians informed and involved in our partnership.  It is a school wide goal to provide the best educational experience possible for our Panthers.

 

The Pacific Staff looks forward to another wonderful year!

Kim Linz

Principal

 

Please detach and return the bottom portion to Pacific School by November  15, 2011

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Pacific School Handbook Receipt
We have received a copy of the Pacific School handbook for the 2011-2012 school year.
Please complete the following question:

1) Are dogs allowed on the Pacific campus?  ________________

In what section did you find this answer?  _________________  

        We also acknowledge that we understand the contents of the handbook:

Student: ___________________  Grade/Teacher:  ________________

Student Signature:  ___________________________________________________

Parent Signature:  ____________________________________________________

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Registration

Student registration is completed online for all  MBUSD students.Visit mbusd.org to Register then click on On-line Registration.

 

Infosnap

INFOSNAP is now installed for all MBUSD students.  All students must have their parents register their vital information online.  INFOSNAP reduces paper consumption, because paperwork has been eliminated for parents.  It also saves time, as family information input into the system is stored for all their students in MBUSD schools.

Parents of continuing students must register EVERY summer, even if your contact information has not changed.

Visit www.mbusd.org to find the 2010/2011 Student Online Registration, and enter the SNAPCODE provided to you.  Please complete all necessary fields/areas.  This is vital information that is needed to register your child.  All information is updated to our database automatically.  This information will also be used in lieu of emergency cards filled out the first day of school for each student.

During the school year, if you have any changes or revisions to your emergency information, please complete the form located in the office.

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Classroom Volunteers/Visitors

We encourage you to volunteer in our classrooms.  Your involvement and support are greatly appreciated and enhance the educational experience of all students.  Anyone who works in a classroom must have a current Mantoux TB test. The tests are good for four years.

 

All volunteers must be able to keep their commitments to the classroom teacher. In order for a parent to be an effective classroom volunteer, the teacher must be confident that the parent will participate in and support the classroom activities and will maintain confidentiality regarding individual children’s progress.  Please do not bring younger siblings to the classroom with you.  Parents who volunteer to supervise students on campus or field trips are asked to monitor all students at all times.  Praise good behavior and correct any inappropriate behavior.  Parents are required not to use their cell phones while supervising children.

 

MBUSD has installed security requirements for ALL parent volunteers at all schools.  Volunteers must first fill out three important forms: Volunteer Assistance Form, Medical Release Form, and Code of Conduct Form.  Please turn in all completed forms to the office.  Forms are available here and in the school office. 

 

School Board policy requires that all visitors follow the procedures below when on campus. These procedures were developed in consideration of the children’s best interests: to ensure their safety while on campus and the continuity of their educational program.

  1. Regular classroom volunteers must sign in the office and wear the Volunteer Badge provided by the school office for identification.

  2. Other classroom visitors and volunteers must sign in at the office before visiting or volunteering in the classrooms.

  3. Anyone wishing to visit the school or classrooms may make an appointment with Mrs. Mabry (Principal).  Classroom visits are limited to 30 minutes.

  4. Because of the demands of California Content Standards, younger brothers or sisters and students from other schools are not permitted to accompany our students to school to visit or to spend the day in our classrooms.

  5. All volunteers must respect the confidentiality of student achievement & behavior (Family Rights & Privacy Act/ Education Code 49063.)

  6. The parking spaces in front of the school on Pacific Avenue are for staff only.  Volunteers may park on campus at the parking lot on 17th Street west of Center Field.

     

Professional Observation in the Classroom

Pacific School has established the following observation guidelines in an effort to maintain uninterrupted instruction and to protect confidentiality of all students.

  1. Parents must first contact the teacher and request that a professional observation be scheduled in the classroom.

  2. Classroom teacher will suggest two times for observation.  An administrator or designee will be present throughout the observation

  3. Classroom observations are limited to 30 minutes or less.

  4. Parent will provide classroom teacher/school a current signed/dated copy of Authorization for Exchange of Information.

  5. Observation will be confirmed by classroom teacher, administrator and professional.

  6. On the day of the observation, the professional visitor must sign in at the office before visiting the classroom, obtain a visitor’s badge, and be escorted by the administrator/designee.

  7. Please be prompt, as tardiness, will impact the scheduled observation time.

  8. Professionals will remain seated in the back of the room.  Do not engage in conversation with the teacher or students.

At the close of the observation, the professional will be escorted to the school office to sign out/return badge.

 

Dogs on Campus

Dogs are never allowed anywhere on school property.  Animal Control issues citations for any infraction of this school policy. Pacific loves dogs, however, this policy is important for the safety of students and the health/sanitation of school. 

Any animal, however, that is necessary under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be allowed.

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Attendance & Absences

Regular Attendance Is Essential For Learning

Regular attendance is critical to your child’s education.  Disruptions to your child’s school attendance can have a significant impact on his or her academic performance.

 

Both the California Administration Code and the Education Code state that every pupil must attend school regularly. When a child is excessively absent, a parent-teacher-student conference will be held. If the problem continues, a parent-administrator-student conference will be scheduled. Excessive absences may result in referral to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB).

 

Your child should attend school consistently and should be absent only for illness or emergencies. Please do not schedule extended family vacations during school time.

 

What To Do If Your Child Is Going To Be Absent

  1. Fill out the ‘Report an Absence Online’ form here and hit “submit”. That’s it! This is the easiest and most efficient way to report your child’s absence.

  2. Let us know if your child has a contagious disease, confirmed by your child’s physician, such as chicken pox, measles, mumps, or strep throat. We will watch for symptoms in other students and notify their parents when appropriate.

  3. Please provide the Health Office with a note from your physician indicating the diagnosis and releasing your child to return to school.

  4. A child who was absent due to a fever must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school.

  5. If your child has been absent due to a lice outbreak, please have him/her meet with Mrs. Donna Kim, health technician, before returning to class.

  6. If you have not called in your child’s absence in advance, please submit the ‘Report an Absence Online’ form (on the right side of your computer screen).  This information is needed for our attendance reports and state funding.  The State auditors are very thorough in checking these records.

 

Please notify the school of any anticipated absence due to out-of-town trips, family emergencies or medical or dental appointments.

 

Attendance Alert!

Every day your child is absent, the District loses $35! To report an absence online, click here. The state funds that we receive for students’ daily attendance will NOT be paid for either excused or unexcused absences.  Please see that your child attends school every day. If your child does need to be out of school, please seriously consider making a contribution of $35 to the Manhattan Beach School District for each day your child has a non-medical absence. You can contribute the $35 per day by leaving a check in the office. Thank you for your consideration.

If your child must be out for part of the day due to illness, medical/dental appointments, bereavement, or on religious holidays, please have your child return for the remainder of the day.  Only then does the school district receive funding for that day.

Student absences for religious observance do not count against a perfect attendance record.  If possible, please return your child to school for the portion of the day so we can obtain funding.

 

 

When Students Are Late

We expect students to arrive at school on time.  A student entering class late not only impacts his/her own learning but also disrupts the flow of the classroom and the entire community of learning.   Upon arrival, tardy students must check in at the office.   If your child has several tardies, the school office will send home a letter in October, January and May.  A formal Excessive Tardy/Absence letter from the School Attendance and Review Board (SARB) will be sent home in October, January and May.  Please teach your child punctuality.

Both the California Administration Code and the Education Code state that every pupil must attend school regularly. When a child is excessively tardy, a parent-teacher-student conference will be held. If the problem continues, a parent-administrator-student conference will be scheduled. Excessive tardiness may result in referral to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB).

 

 

Picking Up Your Child Early

If you need to take your child out of school before the end of the school day:

  1. Send a note in with your child stating the time your child will be picked up, by whom, and the reason for the early release.

  2. Go to the school office, not the classroom. Teachers can not release a student to a parent directly from the classroom.

  3. Sign the release form in the office. The office staff will call the classroom and your child will meet you in the office.

  4. All adults must be prepared to show photo identification.

This simple procedure protects your child.  We will not release a student to anyone except the parent, legal guardian, or a person you have authorized to pick up your child.  Please list all authorized individuals on the emergency card.

 

 

Independent Study Contracts

Independent study contracts are available if an important family trip will cause your child to miss five or more continuous days of school.

Independent study contracts allow the school district to receive State Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funds of approximately $35/day when your child is on a family trip.  To obtain an independent study contract, please take the following steps:

  1. Pick up a form in the office at least one week in advance, and complete pg. 1.  The school cannot meet last minute requests.

  2. Return completed form to the office for approval at least one week in advance.

  3. The teacher will provide assignments and send home with child.

  4. Complete independent study and send form and all work back to school within one week of return.

 

 

Students Withdrawing From Pacific School

Please give the office a minimum of one week’s notice before withdrawing a student from school. We ask parents to verify that all library and textbooks have been returned prior to withdrawal. Please make sure that all outstanding lunch balances are paid in full. The child’s cumulative folder will be sent to the child’s new school when a written request  is received from the new school.

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Health & Nutrition

YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH

Health Staff

Our school health technician is Mrs. Donna Kim (ext. 5763).  Our district nurses are on call for emergencies. We will notify you if your child becomes ill or if we detect a change in your child’s health.  We may ask you to follow up with a doctor’s examination.

 

 

Health Procedures

Students with a contagious or infectious disease or a temperature of 100 degrees or higher will not be allowed to remain in school.  When symptoms of a communicable disease are noticed, the school will contact the parent to refer the child to his/her physician.

Re-admission following a communicable disease must be in accordance with the regulations of the County Health Department.  Students with skin disorders, rashes, conjunctivitis and other serious diseases must be re-admitted to school by a licensed physician or local health officer. 

Students who have been absent with any of the following conditions must  be symptom free for at least 24 hours before returning to school:

  1. Fever

  2. Vomitting/Diarrhea

  3. Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

  4. Strep Throat

  5. Any other transmissable disease

 

 

Guidelines for Exclusion/Return to School

Parents/guardians must provide the health office with written instructions from the student’s physician stating limitations and/or instructions for care while at school for the following:

 

  1. A student returns to school with:

  • Cast

  • Crutches or other orthopedic appliances

  • Wheelchair

 

A student returns after:

  • A serious illness requiring 3 days or more absence from school

  • Surgical procedure

  • Overnight hospitalization

 

 

Staying Inside for Health Reasons

Students who must stay indoors during any normal outdoor periods such as PE and/or recess must have a note from a parent or legal guardian. Students remaining indoors will be supervised in the Health Office. If your child requires a prolonged period of removal from outdoor activities (more than 3 days), please provide a release of activity directive signed by your family physician.

 

 

Taking Medicine At School

If your child is required by the doctor to take prescribed medication during the school day, or if you wish your child to take over-the-counter medicines, please follow these steps:

  1. Complete the Request For Medication To Be Taken During School Hours, which can be found here.

  2. Submit the completed form signed by your child’s doctor with the dose, schedule and method of administering the medication.

  3. Keep prescription medication in the original container. Over-the-counter medication must be labeled with the child’s name, dosage, and doctor’s name and phone number.

Students may not carry medications, including  over the counter products such as cough drops or Tylenol in backpacks or on their person.  All medications must be locked up in the Health Office.

 

 

GOOD NUTRITION HELPS LEARNING

We ask that your child have a nourishing breakfast each morning before school.  For lunch, students can buy a healthy school lunch or bring their own. You can find out what we are serving by checking the school menus here. 

 

 

School Lunches

Lunches can be purchased daily at school for $3.25.  More information can be found here.

You can deposit money your child’s lunch account by visiting MyNutrikids.

The hot, nutritionally balanced lunch includes milk. If your child cannot drink milk, we need a written notice from your child’s doctor to substitute juice

 

Free Or Reduced Price Lunches

Free or reduced price lunches ($8.00 for twenty) are available to children who qualify under the income/family size guidelines. Application forms are sent home at the beginning of the year and are available in the school office.  All information is strictly confidential.

 

Lunches From Home

If you choose to send a lunch from home with your child, please do not send soft drinks, non-biodegradable, squeeze-type sweet drinks, or drinks in cans or bottles. Please do not send candy.  We encourage nutritious lunches.  If your child brings lunch from home, milk , orange juice or water may be purchased for 50 cents.

 

No Fast Food

Parents: please do NOT deliver any fast food lunches to your child at school.

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Safety & Transportation

 

Safety

 

Fire & Disaster Drills

Fire drills are conducted monthly and disaster preparedness drills are conducted periodically to practice safe and efficient egress from classrooms and our site. These drills are mandated by Education Code and occur on every campus throughout the State. If a disaster occurs, students will remain on campus (if circumstances allow) until parents and/or their designees sign them out. Students will not be released to anyone who is not listed on the Emergency Card.  All adults must be prepared to show photo identification.

 

Lockdown Drills

Lockdown drills are conducted periodically during the school year to ensure that students and staff are familiar with this important emergency procedure. The school may be placed under lockdown if an emergency situation, on campus or in the vicinity of the school, endangers student and staff safety. During a lockdown, staff immediately implement several security measures: doors and windows will be locked; gates will be locked; no one will be permitted to leave campus; and no parents or visitors will be allowed to enter campus. The Manhattan Beach Police Department will instruct staff and parents of specific procedures given the unique circumstances of the incident.

 

Emergency Preparedness: What parents should do before a disaster occurs

  1.  Be sure that your child’s Infosnap information is accurate and current.  The only people, other than yourself, that may sign out your child from school are those that you have listed.  Inform those people you have listed that they are authorized to remove your child in an emergency.

  2. Prepare your child.  Please tell your child who has your permission to pick him/her up if you are unable to do so.  Be sure that your child understands that it may take hours for someone to pick him/her up.  Reassure your child that he/she is safe and will be cared for at school until you arrive.  Children who are prepared experience less fear.

  3. Prepare yourself and your entire family for a crisis.  If you are calm and confident, your child will feel confident and secure. 

  4. Be informed and know about the hazards in your area.  Have evacuation routes and disaster plans established before an emergency.

  5. Develop a family disaster plan.  Being prepared will help the entire family cope and have a greater sense of control.

  6. Assemble an emergency supply kit at home and in your car.

 

 

Emergency Preparedness: What parents should do after a disaster occurs

At Home Parents, please:

  1. Assure your personal safety first. Children will be cared for until your arrival.

  2. Remember, remaining calm and safe outweighs the need for speed.

  3. Prepare to arrive calm, patient, and ready to follow school personnel directions.

  4. If possible, walk to school. Streets will be clogged with emergency vehicles.

  5. Leave a message at home and /or on your voicemail indicating when you left and where you went. Others may be looking for you.

  6. Do not call the school.  Phone lines will be used by emergency personnel only and must remain open at all times.

  7. Have a pre-planned emergency family plan for home (i.e. who collects the kids from school, who goes home, where you are meeting your family, etc.).

 

 

Arrival at School:

  1. Campus may be closed. If so, parents will be expected to wait until authorized personnel begin the Student Release Process.

  2. Students will be signed out in an orderly manner. Removing students from campus without signing out will hamper efforts to account for everyone’s safety.

  3. Classroom teachers will release students to parents and persons (known to teacher) on the Pacific Emergency Card or emergency form in zip-lock bags.

  4. Other persons listed on the Pacific Emergency Card or emergency form in zip-lock bags will need to report first to the check out location on the south field.  These persons will then bring the teacher a form signed by school personnel, so that the child can be released.

  5. Parents/Emergency designee will be required to sign release form, and present I.D.

  6. Students will be evacuated from their classrooms or one of the following assembly areas depending on the situation. Signs will be posted to indicate which location students are waiting

  • Upper Playground (Pacific Avenue and Manhattan Beach Blvd.)

  • Center Field (Poinsettia and 17th St.)

  • American Martyrs Parking Lot (off-site evacuation location)

 Items to bring: (1) Driver’s license or (2) photo identification

 

 

Classroom and Site Provisions:

  1. Pacific Safety Plan/Safety Clipboard in each classroom and common areas.

  2. Evacuation Map

  3. Classroom emergency backpack supplies

  4. Individual student zip-lock emergency supplies assembled at home, stored in class.

  5. Site emergency bin

 

 

 

Radio Information: KFWB 980 AM or KNX 1070 AM

 

Manhattan Beach Police Department School Resource Officer

Our MBPD school resource officer visits classrooms and leads grade level assemblies/discussions throughout the year. Discussions may include school/community expectations, emergency procedures, stranger danger, and bullying.

 

Safety Procedures For All Volunteers and Visitors

Visitors and Volunteers must always come to the office and sign in and out, and must always wear a badge when on campus.

MBUSD requires the following for ALL parent volunteers at ALL schools. Volunteers must first fill out three important forms: a Volunteer Assistance form, a Medical Release form, and a Code of Conduct form. Please turn in all completed forms to the office. These forms are available via link below and in the school office.

 

Parent Volunteer Forms

Additional information for Volunteer Responsibilities, Hints and Reminders can be found here.

 

Safe Transportation

It’s Cool to Walk to School!

Parents, please encourage your child to walk to and from school with a buddy or a parent. It is proven that walking helps improve academic ability, creates a healthy life style, helps our environment and reduces congestion around our school.

Every Wednesday is “Walk to School Wednesday”.  Please make this a tradition in your household.

If your child walks to school, please share these safety tips with him or her.  Please teach your child:

  1. Not to talk to strangers;

  2. The safest route to school;

  3. The meaning of traffic lights;

  4. To walk, not run, across the street;

  5. To walk directly to and from school;

  6. To use the crosswalk and always look both ways; and

  7. To follow the directions of the crossing guards. The City of Manhattan Beach assigns crossing guards to busy intersections.

 

 

Riding Bikes/Scooters To School

Third through fifth grade students, with parent permission, may ride bicycles/scooters to and from school.  A child who rides a vehicle to school should:

  1. Always wear and buckle your safety helmet;

  2. Know the safest route to and from school;

  3. Learn the laws of bike riding;

  4. Use the bike racks outside of Mrs. Linz’s office to lock your bike/scooter.

  5. Bicycles/scooters are to be walked when crossing the street and at all times on the school grounds.  Students who do not walk their bicycles/scooters may lose the privilege of bringing them to school.

The school is not responsible for missing bicycles/scooters. Please be logical and lock your personal bikes/scooters in the bike rack.

Skateboards, roller blades and shoes with wheels are NOT allowed on campus.

Parents, please note that children who ride bikes are required to wear a bicycle safety helmet. 

 

 

Panther Valet Drop-Off Service

The Panther Valet Service is designed to protect the safety of our children, create a predictable traffic flow, and prevent blocked streets for all the residents of Pacific. 

 The Panther Valet Service is located in two areas at Pacific: 

  1. “The Zone” on 14th Street (behind the front of the school)

  2. Pacific Avenue (north of the stop sign).   

 

In order to help the program run smoothly, we ask that you do the following:

  1. Make sure your child(ren) has all of his/her things before entering valet areas.  Don’t block traffic or double-park.

  2. Arrive early to ease traffic congestion and refrain from cell phone use.

  3. Wait patiently in line, pull to curb, and come to a complete stop so valet volunteer can safely assist your child(ren).

  4. All children must exit on the passenger/curb side of the car.

  5. Be courteous to the valet volunteers…children learn by modeling adults!

 

 

Pick-Up

A no-stop policy in The ZONE has been established for pick-up.  This means cars will not be allowed to stop unless a child is entering the vehicle.  If your child has not been released from class and is not waiting for you at The ZONE, you will be directed to drive through and allow other cars to pull up.

 

 

Kindergarten Pick-Up

Kindergartners are dismissed on the 17th Street playground.  The parking spaces in front of the school on Pacific Avenue are for staff only.  Volunteers may park on campus at the parking lot on 17th Street west of Center Field.

 

 

Field Trip Transportation Guidelines

Students participating in approved field trips must be transported to and from the activity on district-authorized bus transportation.  Students may not participate in a field trip unless a Parent Permission Form has been signed by the parent and returned to the school.  Parents providing additional supervision for the field trip are encouraged to ride the bus as well.

All Pacific Expectations will be followed during Field Trips. Students should utilize their KSR-HELPR and District Policy & Education Code.

Additionally, cell phone use is prohibited and cell phones will be confiscated by the classroom teacher.

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Parent-Teacher Partnership

 

Report Cards

Students receive three report cards during the school year:  November, March, and June. 

 

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are held in conjunction with the first reporting period.  Students in grades 1-5 are on a minimum day schedule during this week to allow for conferences.  We expect that divorced parents to attend one conference together.  These conferences are a critical component of student success and achievement and we want all parents to hear the same information at the same time.

 

Working Together

If you have a concern regarding your child, please speak to the teacher first.  Leave a voicemail, send in a note, or send an email and request a telephone call or an appointment.  Please do not attempt to engage your child’s teacher in a lengthy conversation before or after school.  

Teachers are often unavailable during those times due to meetings and they want to provide you their undivided attention.  Uninterrupted conversations are always best.

 

If you continue to have concerns, after speaking with the teacher, please schedule an appointment with the principal.  The school office will arrange for a convenient time for a meeting with all parties.  We strive to address your concerns quickly and professionally.

 

Back to School Night

Back to School Night is scheduled in the fall and it is an adult only event.  This is an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher(s), learn about the curricular objectives, and gain knowledge on how you can assist your child to make it a successful school learning year.  It is important to remember that this is not a time to discuss individual progress or concerns (Refer to Working Together section).

 

 

Open House

Open House is scheduled in the spring and it is a family event.  This is an opportunity to visit your child’s classroom.  It is important to remember that this is not a time to discuss individual progress or concerns (Refer to Working Together section).

 

State Testing

Standardized tests (e.g., STAR) typically occur during the first three weeks of May.  Grades 2 to 5 participate in standardized testing.  Please do not schedule medical appointments or family excursions during this time.  Additionally, classroom teachers offer reviews and test practice strategies during the month of April and we encourage all students to participate.  The STAR measures understanding of California Content Standards and these are taught all year so every school day is important!

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KSR -HELPR

The goal of Pacific School’s KSR-HELPR program is to teach students self-respect, self-discipline, respect for others, and positive social interactions.  Key factors for a successful discipline program include:

1.   Positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior;

2.   Limit-setting and clear, reasonable expectations;

3.   Appropriate teaching and good classroom behavior;

4.   Planning, consistency and accountability; and

5.   Logical consequences for inappropriate behavior.

 

To establish an effective discipline program, it is essential that students understand what behavior is expected of them.  The most effective discipline occurs when the home and the school work together.

The behavior program at Pacific School is positive and proactive. The entire teaching staff: teachers, teaching assistants, cafeteria/ playground supervisors, office staff and volunteers, praise and reward appropriate behavior. Everyone tries to “Catch students being GOOD!”

These expectations are summarized by eight simple rules, which are represented by the letters “KSR-HELPR”:

                                   1.  Be Kind

                                   2.  Be Safe

                                   3. Be Responsible

                                   4.  Be Honest

                                   5.  Be Empathetic

                                   6.  Be Logical

                                   7.  Be Positive

                                   8.  Be Respectful

 

Cool Tools

Pacific School  is committed to maintaining a safe, caring school.  Students, staff, and parents utilize an innovative conflict resolution program, “Cool Tools” to teach lifelong strategies to address conflict.  This program assists Panthers in creating a caring community in which all students feel safe to learn and play without threats of physical, verbal, or non-verbal harassment.

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Rules & Policies

Pacific Playground Rules 2011-2012

All students are provided with the following playground rules at the beginning of the school year:

  1. Pacific Campus opens at 8:00am. Before school, all students Grades 1-5 are to be on the south playground until the 8:10 am bell.  Students who linger in the halls and around the classrooms will receive Red Cards.

  2. Use logical common sense while playing on the playground.  No walking on the tops of the walls.  Be careful and respectful.

  3. Inappropriate language is an automatic Red Card.  No warnings!

  4. Play only on the Pacific School playground.  If your ball goes over the fence, you must go to the teacher for help.

  5. All students going to the playground or field must walk. 

  6. When at the drinking fountain: wait politely in line, keeping your hands to yourself.  Drinks may be a long as “1 alligator, 2 alligator, 3 alligator, 4 alligator, 5 alligator.”

  7. Play safely.  Be kind to others.  Have fun!

 

Swings

  • Do not jump off swings.  No “death drops.”

  • One person on a swing at a time.

  • When waiting to use the swings, Grades 1-3, count to 33, Grades 4-5, count to 66 (forward and back is 1, forward and back 2)

 

Slides and playground structures

  • Walk up the steps only.  Do not walk down.

  • Do not push or shove on the steps.

  • Slide down the slide only, on your gluteus maximus.  Don’t walk up. 

  • Slide one person at a time.  Use logic:  KSR-HELPR.

 

Playground Activities

  • Soccer

  • Basketball

  • Tetherball

  • Jump rope and Double Dutch

  • Four Square

  • Handball

  • Swings

  • Climbing Apparatus

 

Closed Campus

The Pacific School campus is a “Learning Zone” from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every day.  Pacific School has multiple start and stop times across kindergarten to fifth grade.  Please minimize disruptions to the learning environment and keep our students safe by not playing on the playground or chatting in the halls/in front of the classroom doors until after 3:00p.m. 
The “Learning Zone” phrase reminds students and adults to respect the learning of all Panthers.

 

Personal Property of Students

Students may not bring balls, toys, eletronic games, cameras, radios, etc. to school for recess or after school play. These items are often lost or broken and Pacific School is not responsible for lost or broken items.

Knives or sharp objects (of any type, including replicas) may not be brought to school. Possession of air soft guns or knives on school campus may result in suspension or expulsion.

 

Cell Phones

Students may bring cell phones to school for use before and/or after school. Cell phone polices also apply to field trips. If a student uses his/her cell phone during the school day or on a field trip, it will be confiscated. Confiscated phones will be held in the school office until a parent meets with the principal. Pacific School is not responsible for lost,  stolen, or broken cell phones.

 

Student Use of School Telephone

Students may use the office phone to contact a parent/guardian when appropriate. Students are encouraged to arrange after school activities outside of the school day.  If you need to get a message to your child, please call the school office. The office staff will deliver the message and not disrupt the learning process.

 

Dress Code

We request that students wear clean, appropriate clothing to school.  Students should begin the school day clean and well-groomed. If your child’s grooming or clothing detracts from the educational program in the school, we may send your child home and ask that he or she return properly prepared for school. 

We request that students wear rubber-soled shoes appropriate for P.E. activities. This is for their safety in the classroom and on the playground.  No flip-flops, sandals, jellies, shoes with wheels, cowboy boots, UGG-type boots or smooth-soled dress shoes. 

 T-shirts with inappropriate sayings or graphics, cutout tank tops, muscle shirts, crop tops, and short-shorts are not allowed.  Caps, scarves, and hats may be worn on the playground, but not in the classroom or cafeteria. Hats should not be worn backwards.  Please, no bare midriffs or visible underwear for children (and parent volunteers, too).

 

Lost-And-Found

Please label your child’s jackets, sweaters and lunchboxes with his or her name.  Lost items fill our Lost-and-Found containers every year.    Pacific cannot assume responsibility for damage or loss of any personal items.  The items left in the Lost-and-Found are given to our partner, 68th Street School, in mid-December and at the end of June.

 

Parties / Birthdays / Holidays

Parties:  Class parties are held during the regular school year.  The grade level teacher teams work with the room parents to organize these parties. Room parents may contact parents for items needed and/or additional donations.

 

Birthday Celebrations:  At Pacific, the teachers arrange various activities on children’s birthdays – singing to them, special seats, special privileges, etc. Please do not send any treats, cookies, doughnuts, balloons, etc. for your child’s birthday.  Many of our children have medical conditions, food allergies, and/or financial constraints and cannot participate in these activities. Additionally, our District has a Wellness Policy which regulates food use in the schools.

 

Individual Party Invitations:  Please do not distribute invitations to children’s individual parties on school grounds during school hours.  Thank you for respecting the feelings of all children.

 

“Create a Legacy and Donate a Book” to the library or your child’s classroom.  Many parents have chosen to dedicate a book to the classroom for birthdays.  Special birthday bookplates are provided.

 

Holiday gifts for teachers:  We suggest that parents consider purchasing items from the classroom wish lists instead of individual teacher gifts.  The wish lists are distributed by the room parents.

 

Dogs on Campus

Dogs are never allowed anywhere on school property.  Animal Control issues citations for any infraction of this school policy. Pacific loves dogs, however, this policy is important for the safety of students and the health/sanitation of school.

Any animal, however, that is necessary under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be allowed.

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Expectations

In The Classroom

While individual classroom rules may vary somewhat, the following expectations for behavior will be consistent in all classrooms.

Students are expected to:

  1. Treat everyone with respect;

  2. Remain on task;

  3. Follow adult directions;

  4. Raise hand and wait to be acknowledged; and

  5. Use appropriate voice control.

 

Lunch Expectations

All Panthers will…

  • Walk to the lunch areas and use whispering voices.  Wait patiently and keep hands to yourself. 

  •  Stay in your personal “bubble of space”.

  •  Say please and thank you to all cafeteria helpers.

  •  Stay seated while eating and use polite language. Share your friendship but not your food.

  •  Clean up your table, bench, and floor/ground/patio completely after eating.  Recycle all food and trash in the appropriate bins. 

  • Return to your seat and wait quietly for dismissal.  Classes will be dismissed no earlier than:

1st grade = 11:35 –  2nd grade = 11:45 – 4th grade =11:55

3rd grade = 12:05 / 5th grade = 12:15

  •  Walk to the playground behind the playground helpers and use whispering voices.

 

Kindergarten Recess Expectations

All Panthers will…

  • Be kind

  • Be safe

  • Be responsible

 

Playground Expectations (Grades 1-3)

All Panthers will…

  • Use whispering voices when walking to the playground

  • Listen to and respect all playground helpers

  • Follow directions the first time they are given

  • Use appropriate manners and language

  • Have fun and include all Panthers in games

  • Play only in supervised areas

  • Stay out of the trees

  • Stay off the rocks and grass areas between the buildings

  • Use playground equipment safely

  • Follow the “hands-off” Panther rule

  • Stay in their own personal “bubble of space”

  • Be safe and make logical choices

  • Walk or skip on the blacktop

  • When the bell rings, freeze, sit down and wait for the whistle then walk or skip quietly to your line

  • Have fun!

 

 

Playground Expectations (Grades 4-5)

All Panthers will…

  • Use whispering voices when walking to the playground

  • Listen to and respect all playground supervisors

  • Follow directions the first time they are given

  • Use appropriate manners and language

  • Understand that the use of inappropriate language, threats, “Put Downs” or bullying is not acceptable

  • Play only in supervised areas

  • Stay off the hillside and ramp near the kindergarten building

  • Stay out of the bushes on the lower field and off the hillside near the playground equipment

  • Use playground equipment safely

  • Do not bring personal toys/balls from home to use on the playground

  • Follow the “hands-off” Panther rule

  • Stay in your personal “bubble of space”

  • Be safe and make logical choices

  • Get permission from a playground supervisor to walk to the restroom, walk with a buddy to the restroom, and return to the playground immediately

  • Freeze, stop playing, and walk quietly to assigned area when the bell rings/whistle blows

  • Have fun!

 

 

Rewards and Consequences

Students who behave appropriately have the satisfaction of knowing that “In my head and in my heart, I have done the right thing,” and will feel proud of themselves. Students are recognized for appropriate and exemplary behavior through verbal praise and Gold Cards.

 Students (Grades 1-5) who fail to follow yard and cafeteria rules will receive a Red Card.  The Red Card system operates cumulatively over the entire year.

  • 1st Red Card:  Student warning, parent letter

  • 2nd Red Card: 2 days lunch detention, parent letter

  • 3rd Red Card:  5 days lunch detention, office conference, parent letter

 A Red Card letter is mailed to each parent after an incident has occurred.  A student on lunch detention eats lunch in a restricted area and remains there during the play period following lunch. 

 If a child receives a red card, he/she is expected to tell a parent the same day.  Hopefully, parents will listen calmly to the admission.  Our goal is ongoing open communication between parents and children, as well as respect for the teachers and noon supervisors. 

Additionally, in accordance with District Policy and Education Code, students engaging in the following actions can be suspended from school:

  1. Profanity or vulgarity

  2. Fighting, participating in a fight, or threatening to harm another

  3. Defiance of authority or willful disobedience

  4. Willful damage to property

  5. Theft, attempted theft, and/or receiving stolen property

  6. Possession of drugs or weapons (including imitation)

  7. Sexual harassment (Grades 4 & 5)

  8. Acts of hate violence (Grades 4 & 5)

  9. Threats or intimidation directed against a pupil or group or pupils (Grades 4 & 5)

Pacific School’s rules are explained to all students in a school-wide KSR-HELPR  Standards and Expectations Assembly.  Gold Cards are awarded from the first day of school.  Gold Cards are awarded frequently and Red Cards very infrequently.  One Red Card simply means that a student has made a mistake.  Students are encouraged to be open and honest with their parents, sharing successes and lessons learned.  “Smart people learn from their mistakes.”

 

Internet Safety

Everyone is aware of the potential dangers of inappropriate content on the Internet. It is critical that we help our children use home computers safely and appropriately. Students in the upper grades are increasingly making use of home computers for research and class projects, and this use will continue to increase as the students go on to MBMS and Mira Costa.

 Please discuss responsible and safe computer use with your children, supervise their computer use, and consider installing content controls on all home computers. You may also wish to set up your computer in a central location.  The following websites offer information about risks and ways to protect your computer and your children:

                  www.getnetwise.org             www.safekids.com

                  www.bsafehome.com          www.cybersitter.com    

 

Academic Honesty

Please review with your children appropriate use of research materials and the importance of creating original work while using those materials. Review their research materials as you help them with a project.  Be sure that your child’s final product is truly his/her own work. One of the elements of Depth and Complexity for our students in Kindergarten –Grade 5 is Ethics. Help your child be an honest academic!

 

Nondiscrimination/Harassment

District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination, including harassment, threats, and intimidation, with respect to gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or any other personal preference or characteristic.  The School Board prohibits intimidation or harassment of any student by any employee, student or other person in the district.  Staff shall be alert and immediately responsive to student conduct which may interfere with another student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from school services, activities or privileges.  Teachers will discuss this policy with their students in age-appropriate ways.   

 

Religion and the Public Schools

The use of religious symbols, provided they are used only as examples of cultural or religious heritage, is permissible as a teaching aide or resource.  Religious symbols may be displayed only on a temporary basis as part of the academic program.  Students may choose to create artwork with religious symbols, but teachers should not assign or suggest such creations.  Information about treatment of religious issues and observance of religious holidays in public schools can be found in the brochure, “A Parent’s Guide to Religion in the Public Schools,” available in the school office.

 

Conclusion

All students at Pacific School have the right to a positive, warm, and nurturing environment where they can learn and play safely and comfortably.  Students are encouraged to care about others and to demonstrate school spirit and pride.

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