John Wash Elementary School

P T A

The Parent Teacher Association is an organization of parents and teachers dedicated to the goals of encouraging and enriching the lives of children. The members are devoted to promoting an atmosphere of closer relationships between home and school. Five general meetings are scheduled throughout the school year. We encourage all parents and friends of John Wash to join the PTA.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL

The School Site Council develops the school improvement plan, which must be approved by the district governing board. They also have an ongoing responsibility to review the implementation of the school improvement program, approve modifications and assess the effectiveness of the program.

The School Site Council at John Wash is a committee of eight. The council members include the principal, two teachers, a classified staff member and four parents. Council memberships are for a term of two years with half of the members elected in the fall of each year. Any interested persons may submit their names for nomination to the school office.

SCHOOL DAILY SCHEDULE

SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS: 7:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

KINDERGARTEN
Starting Time....................8:15
Recess.....................9:45-10:00
Lunch Time......................11:40
Dismissal Time..................12:00
PRIMARY GRADES (1-3)
Starting Time....................8:15
Recess....................10:20-10:35
Lunch Time................11:30-12:20
Recess......................1:30-1:45
Dismissal Time...................2:50
INTERMEDIATE GRADES (4-6)
Starting Time....................8:15
Recess....................10:40-10:55
Lunch Time................12:00-12:55
Dismissal Time...................2:50
MINIMUM DAY (1st thru 6th grade)
Starting Time....................8:15
Lunch Time – Primary......11:30-12:20
Lunch Time – Intermediate.12:00-12:50
Dismissal Time...................1:00

FOGGY DAY SCHEDULE

When a foggy day schedule is called for bus riders, usually the District will announce Plan A which means school buses will be two hours late, however parents should check to see if the delay has been extended before sending their children to the bus stop. Sanger Unified School District will notify radio stations and TV channel 18 by 6:00 A.M. If you have questions, call the Transportation Department at 237-3171 (ext.206) or 875-7170. Even though buses are delayed, classes will start at the usual time.

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL

Students are allowed on campus at 8:00 A.M. when the first bell rings. Please do not drop your children off before 7:30 A.M. as there is no adult supervision until teachers are on duty at 7:50 A.M.

LEAVING CAMPUS DURING SCHOOL HOURS

Please be advised that students are not allowed to leave campus during the school day without written permission from the parent or legal guardian. It is mandatory that students sign out in the office when they leave the school grounds for any reason during school hours. Please Remember That Parents Need To Sign Their Children Out When Picking Them Up From School.

DRESS CODE

Sanger Unified School District maintains a student dress code to provide a safe school environment targeted at learning. Please refer to the attached dress code regulations. Students not dressed appropriately will be held in the office until a change of clothing can be provided by the parent, if the child prefers not to wear what is available from the clothing closet at school.

AFTER SCHOOL

It is school policy that students go home immediately upon dismissal from class. If students do not walk or ride the bus home, your cooperation is requested in picking your children up promptly after school.

*PLEASE NOTE: It is not possible for lower grade students to remain on campus beyond their normal dismissal time to wait for an older brother or sister, as there is no adult supervision provided.

Occasionally requests for a student to stay after school may be made by a teacher, principal or another designated adult supervisor for the purpose of completing class work, disciplinary reasons, or participation in extra curricular activities. In such cases, prior parent notification, permission, and arrangements for transportation home will be secured. After school activities must have a designated adult responsible for members of the group until the last one leaves the school grounds. We appreciate parents being conscientious in picking up their children at the appointed time. (Teachers are officially off duty at 3:30 P.M. and the office closes at 4:00 P.M.)

ABSENCES

It is very important to your child’s education that he/she attend school on a regular basis. Missed days of school can leave gaps in the educational process that may be very difficult to make up. Please make every effort to get your child to school every day possible. California law requires school attendance of every person under eighteen (18) years of age. The law states that an absence may be excused if the absence is due to: Illness of student, Medical appointments, Funeral for members of the immediate family.

When your child is absent from school please phone the school office right away. We are required to write down a specific reason for any absence. If the parent has not called the school to verify an absence the student must bring a written note upon returning to school which includes the student’s name, the date, the reason and dates of absence and the parent’s signature. (Parents should be aware that the school loses funds for all absences.)

TARDIES

Like absences, coming to school late can also be disruptive to your child’s education. It is difficult for a child to get adequate introduction to the day’s work unless he/she reports to the class promptly. Additionally, other children in the classroom lose precious time when a student comes in late as the lesson in progress is usually halted while the late student settles in and gets caught up. Please make every effort to be sure your child arrives on time.

When the 8:20 A.M. bell rings students line up by class on the black top for opening exercises and announcements. A student is considered tardy if they have not come through the front gate by the time the tardy bell rings at 8:20 A.M. When late, a student must report to the office immediately for an admittance slip to present to the classroom teacher.

TELEPHONE

The office will not transfer calls to classrooms. We will take a message for the student and make sure the student receives the message.

ATTENDANCE REPORTING

All District schools are required to participate in computerized attendance accounting. Both absences and tardies are entered on the computer and reported to the District office each month. If a student is absent and or tardy (excused or unexcused) on more than 15% of the days school is in session, the school is required to send a warning letter or PRE-SARB (School Attendance and Review Board) letter to the parents suggesting a need for improvement. If the student continues to show absences and/or tardies exceeding 15% during any subsequent reporting periods, the District office requires that the parents be sent a first SARB letter mandating a conference with the principal. If attendance or tardies continue, the parents will be required to meet with the District SARB; then with the County Judge!

ILLNESS AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURE CARDS

When an illness or emergency arises, the school will call the nearest parent or responsible adult listed on the emergency procedure card, as well as the school nurse or paramedics if necessary. If an emergency should arise which requires immediate medical attention and parents or guardians cannot be contacted, your signature on the EMERGENCY CARD authorizes school officials to take whatever emergency steps are needed to protect the health of the child. In the case of injury or sudden illness, it is imperative that the parent completes an EMERGENCY PROCEDURE CARD for each child and returns it to school immediately. It is the parents’ responsibility and essential for the child’s safety to inform the school of any changes of information on the emergency card throughout the school year. If your child has a known allergy or other medical problem, this should be noted on the card. Your cooperation in this matter will be greatly appreciated and will enable the school to provide swift medical care according to your instructions. Please be aware that the people you list on this card will be the ONLY people that the school will allow to pick up your child from school.

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

If your child needs to take medication, we encourage you to plan a schedule, which will allow each dosage to be taken at home. When absolutely necessary for your child to receive medication at school, the following requirements must be met: (Education Code section 49423)

1. A completed Medication in School form must be on file at the school that has been signed by both the physician and the parent/guardian. The form must be renewed at the beginning of each school year. (A copy of the form is located in the forms section of this Web site.)
2. The medication must be brought to school in an original container labeled by the pharmacy including the following information: pharmacy name and phone number, name of student, doctor, medication and dosage schedule. (You may request a duplicate bottle from the pharmacy to be used at school.)
   *Please note that aspirin, cough drops, ointments, cold pills, eye drops, asthma inhalers, or any other over the counter drugs are all considered medicines for which the medication procedure must also be followed. By law, no exceptions can be made to these rules. If they are not followed, we cannot administer your child’s medication at school.
   PLEASE NOTE: School personnel cannot accept responsibility for reminding children to take their medicine.

VISITORS POLICY

We welcome parents as well as visitors and hope they can volunteer or visit frequently. Visitors and parents are required to check with the classroom teacher in advance if planning to observe in the classroom. All visitors to the campus are required to report to the office to sign in upon arrival. Teachers will not conference with parents during class time. Volunteers are always appreciated in the classroom to make instructional materials and help the teacher.

MESSAGES AND GIFTS FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF

Parents are requested not to call the office to have a message relayed to their child unless it is an emergency. When it is necessary to leave a message for a student please call before the lunch hour when teachers pick up messages in their boxes. Messages phoned in at the last minute will not get to the student in time. If you wish to leave a message or speak personally with a school staff member you may leave word with the office and they will relay your message. Teachers check their boxes before school, during the noon hour and after school for messages, but are generally unable to return phone calls until the end of the school day. We request that parents refrain from sending gifts such as balloon bouquets, flowers, stuffed animals, etc. to school for children’s birthdays or other special occasions. They will be held in the office until the end of the day! Also, we ask that you do not deliver invitations to parties at school. Children who are not invited feel left out.

LOST AND FOUND

All clothing and personal items should be marked clearly with the student’s name so they may be identified if lost. Students who have misplaced or lost personal items may get permission from their teacher to check in the school lost and found box in the cafeteria after they have done a thorough check of the classroom, restroom, school grounds, etc. Every year we are left with many beautiful pieces of clothing and other personal items, which are never claimed. Periodically unclaimed items are given to a charitable organization.

FIELD TRIPS

Academic studies are often enhanced by taking students off campus to participate first hand in visiting sites and participating in activities that make classroom instruction more meaningful. Trips are chosen by the teacher to coincide with grade level curriculum. Prior to each trip, parents are requested to sign a form giving permission for their child to go on the trip. Students without a properly completed field trip form will not be allowed to participate. The teacher at his/her discretion may exclude a student from the trip for discipline or behavior reasons.

REPORT CARDS

Standards-based report cards are issued every twelve weeks throughout the school year. Parents are required to sign the report card before it is returned to the teacher. On all of the cards there is a place that parents can request a parent conference. If you have any question about your child’s progress make sure that you get your questions answered by requesting a conference.

PARENT CONFERENCES

Parent conferences are scheduled with every parent in Kindergarten to 6th grade in November. Parents should also feel free to request a conference at any time throughout the year when they have concerns. If canceling a conference appointment, please call at least 24 hrs in advance.

***NEW LUNCH PROCEDURE***

Hot lunches are provided for $1.50 a tray, which includes milk. Breakfast will cost $.90. Students bringing their own lunches may purchase milk for $.25. For those students who have allergies, juice can be substituted for milk if a doctor’s note is on file. Students may pay for lunch daily or lunch cards can have credit added to them weekly or monthly. Menus will be sent home monthly. Students may occasionally charge their lunches. A maximum of three charges will be allowed. Those who charge must get their charge slips by going to the end of their class lunch line. Those students who have 3 charges will receive a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and container of milk until their charges are paid. Please do not send items to school that require heating, as that service is not provided by the school.

STUDENT INSURANCE

A form for student insurance is sent home the first week of school. Whether you purchase school insurance or not, please complete this form and return it to school. If you choose to enroll in this insurance plan, please complete this form and return it to school in the enclosed envelope with your check for the proper premium as soon as possible.

NOTE: Each student who participates in any school-sponsored sport should be covered either by school insurance or a family insurance plan.

CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE PLAN

At the beginning of the school year, each teacher will review their classroom rules, consequences for misbehavior and rewards for positive behavior with their students. The Assertive Discipline Plan will be posted in each classroom and parents will be given a written copy that will be reviewed at Back To School Night. When misconduct occurs in the cafeteria or on the school grounds, the infraction will be reported to the classroom teacher. Students will be sent to the principal when they have reached the last step on the hierarchy of consequences. Each teacher will keep a written record of individual student conduct. Students who are continually misbehaving in class or forgetting to complete their homework assignments will be required to spend their lunchtime recess in the detention classroom. In the case of severe misbehavior such as fighting, vandalism, defiance and immoral behavior, the classroom discipline hierarchy no longer applies and the student is immediately sent to the principal. When a student is referred to the principal, the following steps will be followed:

1. The principal will conference with the pupil, parents will be notified, expectations will be discussed, appropriate solutions to problems will be presented, and consequences for future misconduct explained. A student behavior file will be initiated for future entries.
2. Conference with student. Parents will be notified. An In-school suspension for the remainder of the school day will be enforced.
3. Conference with student. Parent notification. Off campus suspension for remainder of the day. Mandatory conference with parents, teacher and principal. Appropriate consequences for misconduct to be determined at the conference.
4. On or off campus suspension. Mandatory conference with parents, teacher and principal to develop individual behavior contract for the student.

*SEVERE CLAUSE: Parents should be advised that in extreme cases of misconduct, immediate suspension from school might be warranted. In such cases, parents will be given written and telephone notice within 24 hours. Please refer to the Sanger Unified School District Parent Information Handbook section on discipline. (Pgs. 13 - 29) We request that parents read and review the rules of conduct with their children as well as the Sanger Unified Behavior Policies.

STUDENT STUDY TEAM

The student study team serves as a resource for staff with special concerns about a student’s social, emotional, physical, intellectual or academic development. The team is comprised of regular teachers, specialists, other support staff, the school principal and the parents when appropriate. After a referral is made, the team meets to examine the reason for concern and offer recommendations of alternative methods, materials, and/ or programs that might best meet the needs of the student to help them function at their optimum.

NURSE

The school nurse is on campus one day per week. In addition to hearing and vision screening, the nurse plays an important role in providing health education to students, parents and staff on health related conditions or hazards that may impact students or affect the operation of the school. There is also a District nurse on call at all times in case of emergency. In addition to the nurse on campus one day a week, we have a health aide on campus for 1 day a week.

LIBRARY

The school library is available to all students in kindergarten through sixth grades. Our librarian is on campus on MONDAY - FRIDAY from 8:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. In addition to checking out books, the librarian also maintains, updates, and expands library selections and services. The librarian also serves as a consultant for students, teachers and parents. Arrangements may be made to open the library at other times for research and special projects. **This year, parents will be able to check out videos, books and pamphlets that focus on ways to improve communication, study skills, homework and reading with their child at home.

SPECIAL FRIENDS PROGRAM

Special Friends is a primary intervention program that helps children get a good start in school by fostering a healthy self concept, developing effective social skills, and working to their full academic potential. The implementation of this program of early intervention is to promote student growth and prevent rather than respond to trouble. Students may be referred by staff members or parents. Parent permission is required to participate in the program. The Special Friends aide is on campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays and sees each student in the program individually for thirty minutes a week.

Y.A.P. CHILD CARE PROGRAM

The Sanger YAP provides quality after school care for students. They are open from 2:50 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. weekdays. The program is located in the school auditorium. If you are interested in this program, you may call 875-7513.