WALNUT GROVE
ELEMENTARY
STUDENT
AND PARENT HANDBOOK
Walnut Grove
School
Dr. Charles Young, Principal
Office (925) 426-4250
Attendance (925) 484-3031
Dr. John Casey, Superintendent
Board of Trustees
Chris Grant
Jim Ott
Pat Kernan
Kris Weaver
Steve Brozosky
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2009-20010
Elementary School Calendar
Aug. 25 First Day Dec. 21-Jan 1 Winter Break
Sept. 7 No School Jan 18 No School
Labor Day MLK Birthday
Oct 29 Minimum Day Feb
15 No School
Teacher Workday
Oct 30 No School Feb 22 No School
Staff Development President’s Day
Nov 11 No School Mar. 11-12 Minimum Days
Veterans’ Day Conferences
Nov 17-19 Minimum Days Apr 2-9 Spring Break
Conferences
Nov 20 No School May 31 No School
Conferences Memorial Day
Nov 23-27Thanksgiving
Break Jun
11 Minimum Day
Last Day
Dec 18 Minimum Day
_____________________________________________________________________________________
WALNUT GROVE
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and
Friday
Wednesday
|
|
Morning Recess |
Lunch |
Afternoon Recess |
|
K |
Teacher Assigned |
|
Teacher Assigned |
|
1st, 2nd, |
9:45-10:00 |
11:35-12:15 |
1:35-1:50 |
|
All 2/3 |
9:45-10:00 |
12N-12:40 |
1:55-2:05 |
|
3rd |
10:30-10:50 |
12N-12:40 |
1:55-2:05 |
|
4th, 5th |
10:30-10:50 |
12:30-1:15 |
|
There are no morning recesses on Wednesdays.
|
AM Kindergarten |
8:15-11:35 |
9:15-12:35 Disc K- TBA |
|
Split AM
Kindergarten |
8:15- 11:35 |
9:15-12:35 |
|
2nd Group |
9:15-12:35 |
9:15-12:35 |
|
PM Kindergarten |
11:45-3:05 |
11:45-3:05 |
|
1st-5th
Grades |
8:15-2:50 |
9:15-2:50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum Day Recess and Lunch Schedule
|
|
|
Recess |
Lunch |
|
K |
Teachers will inform
parents of any schedule change |
||
|
1st, 2nd,
|
8:15-12:30 |
9:45-10:00 |
11-11:30 |
|
All 2/3 |
8:15-12:30 |
9:45-10:00 |
11:30-12 |
|
3rd |
8:15-12:30 |
10:30-10:50 |
11:30-12 |
|
4th, 5th
|
8:15-12:30 |
10:30-10:50 |
11:55-12:25 |
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Walnut Grove Staff 2009-2010
Mame Wisniewski 505 AM Kindergarten
Linda Bury/Stacy
Homes 512 AM Kindergarten
Lynn Cronin 506 AM Kindergarten
Kathy Greth 407 First Grade
Marbry Verga 409 First Grade
Jen Whatley/Katie
Schneider 410 First Grade
Candy Aderman 405 Second Grade
LeeLee Cusenza 208 Second Grade
Paula Richter 204 Second Grade
Kelli Bergren 404 Third Grade
Jill Kirkwood 401 Third Grade
Mary Ellen Rodda 403 Third Grade
Tara Martin 101 Fourth Grade
Karen Angel 102 Fourth Grade
Carlota Lim 105 Fourth Grade
Pam Ferreira 106 Fifth
Grade
Michelle Coldani 103 Fifth Grade
Sara Walsh 104 Fifth Grade
Laura Ditto 210 Discovery K/1
Kat Peters 212 Discovery K/1
Colleen Kinney 211 Discovery K/1
Michelle
Williams 201 Discovery 2/3
Debbie Sweeney 202 Discovery 2/3
Terri Quesinberry 107 Discovery 4/5
Joanne Nix 108 Discovery 4/5
Carol Kato 114 Science
Sharolyn Borris Port Vocal Music
Jason Borris Port Instrumental Music
Martie Muldoon Port Strings
John Taylor 216 PE
C’Anna Bergman-Hill 207 Resource Specialist
Sue Tardif 411
Judy Vargas 206 Speech Specialist
Theresa Johnstone 112 Psychologist
Linda Trombadore 406 Computer Tech.
Joyce Sanborn Library
Assistant
Mike Payne Day
Custodian
Shelly Elkins Attendance Clerck
Mary Snell Health
Clerk
Ann O’Neal Principal’s
Secretary
Charles Young Principal
Michelle Hill aide
Susan Bantz aide
Kelly Bammer aide
Valerie Miyashiro 207 RS
aide
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Lunches
We encourage our students to eat a well balanced lunch each day. Milk and juice are available for purchase during lunch for 30 cents. Hot lunches are available for purchase on a monthly basis for $3.00 per day. Forgotten lunches may be left in the office for student pick up during recess or in the cafeteria during lunch. Please remind your child to check in the office for forgotten lunches. A student may only charge up to $10. After that they will be offered fruit, yogurt, milk and/or juice.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS
Student Activities:
·
Birthdays:
All students will have the opportunity to be recognized at our monthly
birthday table. August birthdays will be
included in the September celebration and July birthdays will be celebrated in
June.
·
Spirit Days: Walnut Grove spirit days will be celebrated by the wearing
of special clothing and special class activities.
·
Assemblies: Students will meet periodically
through the school year as a student body to experience special programs which
will enhance their educational needs.
These gathering may offer enrichment opportunities to students, or they
may be held to celebrate or Character Education program.
·
Class Parties: This is an activity that takes
place outside of the normal academic routine.
Each class is allowed a maximum of three parties per year at the
discretion of the teacher. This policy
does not preclude positive incentive programs which teachers might have for
their students who display outstanding academic achievement and/or behavior.
Food must follow District guidelines.
·
Field Trips: Class or grade level trips off the
school grounds will apply learning from the classroom to the real world. All trips will be explained fully to parents
and must show relevance to the curriculum.
All trips will be cleared in advance with the school administration.
·
Fundraising: These activities have become
necessary to provide extra materials and equipment. Fundraising is kept to a minimum and is
coordinated through the PTA.
Birthdays
We celebrate birthdays two ways at Walnut Grove. Once a month there is a birthday table during lunches where birthday people may sit and eat ice cream. If a student wishes to celebrate his/her individual birthday, we have the birthday book program. The student may bring a book to be donated to the classroom library. Students may paste a photograph and inscription in the front cover.
Counselor Program
The counseling program offers support for students through small group instruction on various topics, such as social skills, study skills, and self-esteem. A second aspect of the program is parent support in the form of parenting workshops, support groups and newsletters.
Gifted and Talented
Education Program (GATE)
Our GATE program offers identified students an opportunity of classes to meet their special needs and interests. Special testing for identification is done in spring for students in grades two through five only. Parents and teachers can recommend students for testing. Special interest courses are offered for all GATE students after school throughout the district. A “Walnut Grove GATE Club” meets weekly. Please contact Mrs. Tarver, Vice Principal, with questions.
Resource Specialist Program
Walnut Grove offers the advantage of small group instruction by resource specialists for students who, after testing, qualify for the program. Teachers recommend students for testing based on their academic achievement in the classroom. Prior to testing, a formal meeting is held to discuss the student’s needs.
WE EXPECT STUDENTS TO:
·
Play Safely!
·
Show Respect!
On the Playground
1. Students are to refrain from
fighting and/or play fighting.
2. No pushing or playing
roughly on the playground.
3. Follow game rules fairly.
4. Students check our their own
playground equipment.
5. Follow all Noon Supervisors’
directions.
6. Wait turn on the play
equipment and bars.
7. Stay on the playground side
of the red lines.
8. Teasing, name-calling or
bullying are forbidden.
9. No climbing on the fence,
baseball backstop or kickball walls at any time.
10. Toys, radios, walkman,
cameras are not allowed at school.
11. No rock or bark throwing,
tackling or carrying of other students.
12. No running on “big toy” area
At Lunch Time
1. Stand in line quietly.
2. Use inside voices
3. Walk only.
4. Stay seated.
5. Be courteous.
6. Eat with good manners.
7. Wait politely to be
dismissed.
8. Clean up your table.
PUPIL DRESS CODE - ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION 5155
I.
These regulations specify
standards of student dress that promote a positive and safe learning
environment conducive to high academic and behavior standards. Each school site
council or other school committee shall regularly review the following
regulations and may establish additional school rules governing student dress,
so long as such rules are not contrary to this regulation. The district and
school dress codes shall be enforced during the school day. on the school campus and at any
school-sponsored activity.
Alternative programs may implement differentiated
standards for # 4.
II.
Any apparel, jewelry,
grooming, or accessories, even if not specifically mentioned below, which creates
a safety or health concern, or causes or threatens to cause a disruption to the
educational process is prohibited.
1.
Pupils must dress
appropriately for educational activities in which they will participate so as
not to endanger their health, safety, or welfare, or that of others.
2.
Shoes must be worn at all
times. Footwear is required at all times and must be
safe and appropriate for indoor and outdoor activity.
3.
Clothing, grooming,
accessories, and jewelry shall be free of writing, pictures, symbols or any
other insignia which are crude, vulgar, profane, obscene, libelous, slanderous,
or sexually suggestive. Clothing, grooming, accessories, or jewelry that
degrade any cultural, religious or ethnic values or which advocate racial,
ethnic, or religious prejudice or discrimination, or which promote sex, the use
of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol or any unlawful acts, are prohibited.
4. Hats,
caps, and other head coverings shall not be worn in classrooms, except for
valid medical reasons authorized by the administration and verified in writing
by a physician.
5. Dark
glasses shall not be worn indoors, except for valid medical reasons authorized
by the administration and verified in writing by a physician.
6. Clothes,
apparel or attire must be sufficient to conceal undergarments, the breasts,
midriffs, buttocks, and torso at all times.
Clothing, apparel or attire that fails to provide adequate coverage of
the body, including but not limited to, see-through or fishnet fabrics, bare
midriffs or revealing any part
of the midrift or torso, tank tops, tube tops, halter tops, off-the-shoulder
or low-cut tops or dresses, tops
that have shoulder straps that are less than one and one half inches wide,
skirts shorter than the length of a person’s finger tips when the arms are
extended naturally at the side and
shorts shorter than the length of a person’s fist when the arms are extended
naturally at the side, which are shorter than mid-thigh in length, sagging
pants (Pants
must be worn above the buttocks), and tattered or torn clothing that may cause a safety issue or
do not meet the standards of decency, are prohibited.
7. Any
clothing, apparel or attire which could be used as a weapon, or could be
damaging to school property, included, but not limited to, steel-toed boots,
chains, items with spikes or studs, etc., is prohibited.
8. Gang-related
apparel is prohibited, including, but not limited to, bandannas, or other
symbols, emblems, or insignia.
9. Pupils
shall not display any material which so incites others as to create a danger of
the commission of unlawful acts on school grounds, disrupts the school process
or violates district or school site policies or rules.
10. Clothing,
grooming, accessories, or jewelry which have been altered by the addition of lettering
or symbols and fall within the definition of part 8 above, are prohibited. Clothing
and accessories such as backpacks, patches, jewelry, and notebooks must not
display or promote 1) racial or ethnic slurs/symbols, (2) gang affiliations,
(3) vulgar, subversive, or sexually suggestive language or images; or (4) products which students may not legally
buy; such as alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.
11. Exceptions
may be made by the principal particularly for special days, special events, or student
activities outside the school day.
Students will be expected to uphold the standards of safety and decency
at all school events.
III.
Enforcement of the District Dress Code Regulation
1
Any violation of the district
or school dress code(s) will be considered a violation of Education Code
section 48900 (k)--disruption of school activities and/or willful defiance of
valid school personnel authority.
.
2
Administrators will notify all
students of the dress code regulation expectations at the start of every school
year.
3
The following possible consequences will follow any infraction of
the district dress code regulation
a.)
Change of clothing with parent notification
b.)
Change of clothing with detention assigned & parent
notification
c.)
Change of clothing with Saturday school assigned and parent
notification
d.)
Student suspension
IV.
Consequences will be specified
in each school discipline plan but may include suspension or recommendation for
expulsion. Final determination of what constitutes appropriate
dress will be made by the school administration.
Legal Reference: EC 35183, 35291.5, 35294.1, 48900, 48907, 48950,
51264, 51265,
Regulations, title 5, section 302, Penal Code 186.22 and
13826-13826.7
ADOPTED:
AMENDED:
DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
Substance Abuse Policy
1. The purpose of the intervention policy is:
a. To help students become aware of the destructive nature of the substance abuse.
b. To aid them to discontinue use of illegal substances, tobacco, and alcohol.
c. To offer families and staff information regarding resources, referrals and assistance to effectively deal with the problem of illegal substances, tobacco and alcohol.
2. Enforcement:
Walnut grove has a responsibility to provide a safe, tobacco, alcohol and drug free environment for all students. Therefore, a student is subject to suspension or expulsion whenever it is established that the student has used sold or been in possession of tobacco, alcohol or an illegal substance on/or about school property.
a. First and second offense:
1. Three day suspension.
2. Student and parent shall be given the option of continued suspension or acceptance of referral to designated intervention program.
3. If the student and parent are unwilling to participate in the intervention program, a 4-5 day suspension shall be assigned.
b. Third Offense:
1. Recommendation to the Board of Trustees for expulsion.
2. Student shall remain on suspension until the Board of Trustees renders a decision.
Transportation
Cars
The students walk, ride bikes or arrive in cars. There is excessive pedestrian traffic and all
drivers must us extreme caution when driving near the school. When dropping off students, please use the
main parking lot in front of the school office or the north parking lot. DO
You may want to arrange an alternate meeting place to pick
up your child. You could wait for
him/her along the curb of
Bikes and Scooters
The bike rack is located behind the multipurpose room. If you ride your bike to school, please lock your bike in the bike rack. All students in grades 2 through 5 may ride their bikes to school. First grade students need to bring a note from their parent. Please remember when you ride your bike:
1. Follow all bike safety rules including wearing helmets (this goes for scooters also)
2. Walk your bike inside the bike rack. No riding on any area of the campus.
3. Bring a lock for your bike. You must lock your bike and you cannot lock up with a friend. You may not lock up on the outside of the bike rack.
4. If you vandalize or take a bike without permission, you may lose bike privileges for the remainder of the school year.
5. Please be extremely careful when you leave school to go home. Walk your bike off campus, then ride home carefully.
6. The school has no legal responsibility for bikes. Damaged or stolen bikes are the financial responsibility of the owner.
7. We encourage you to register your bike with the Pleasanton Police Department or city hall.
Crossing Guards
There are crossing guards at
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GUIDELINES FOR FIELD TRIPS
In accordance with
Role/Responsibility
of Teacher
- Align and connect field trip experiences with school goals and curriculum;
- Inform parents of all trips, their purpose, destinations, mode of transportation, costs (if any) and secure positive written permission from parent/guardian;
- Inform students of behavioral expectations and take appropriate action where needed;
- Provide the administration with a list of chaperones as well as each chaperone’s assigned students;
- Provide clear driving directions (parent drivers) as well as parking instructions as needed;
- Provide the office with one or more cell phone numbers for emergency contact;
- Take attendance/headcount before embarking (to and from destination)
- Bring the following and distribute to chaperones as needed;
- Student Emergency Cards (copy)
- Emergency backpack
- Class list
Role/Responsibility
of Chaperone
- Receive clearance from school administration for participation (Volunteer Form);
- All forms are subject to background check
- Complete vehicle insurance requirement form (if driving);
§ Valid only once signed by principal (documentation required)
- Follow safety guidelines;
§ Seatbelts and appropriate restraints (car seat for less than 60 lbs. & under 6 years of age
§ No small children in front passenger seat if auto has passenger airbag
§ Obey all driving laws and regulations
- Find alternative childcare for siblings;
- Be punctual;
- Be aware of behavioral expectations for students and report any questionable behaviors to teacher;
- Become familiar with your assigned student group;
- Have a great time!!!
Role/Responsibility
of Students
- Unless otherwise directed by teacher, follow all routine Walnut Grove behavioral expectations;
- All
behavior should reflect respect
and safety
- Obey chaperone at all times;
Role of Principal
- Oversee and approve all field trip activities in accordance with policy, safety, instructional compliance and common sense.
POL-5537
Page 1 of 1
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FOODS PROVIDED FOR SCHOOL
The
Board of Trustees values community involvement in support of classroom and
other school activities. One of the traditional ways this happens is the
contribution of foods from home for classroom parties, picnics, staff
appreciation and other related events.
While
this is often a highlight to a school activity, and may even be incorporated
into an instructional program as an educational tool, there is potential
exposure to pupils and staff from chemical and biological food hazards that may
be present in foods prepared in the home. While food and drink products will
never be absolutely risk free, with proper preparation, storage, and food
handling the risk can be minimized.
In
order to continue the tradition of community sharing in the classroom and
school activities experience, in balance with the District’s requirement to
ensure the safety of pupils, the Board of Trustees will permit the serving of
foods provided for school functions in accordance with Administrative
Regulation 5537.
Principals, in cooperation with staff and school community, may adopt local procedures more restrictive than Board Policy 5537.
Legal
Reference
Code 113700 et seq.
ADOPTED:
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
_____________________________________________________________________________________
HEALTH AND
SAFETY
Tobacco Free Policy
What
It Means To You
Students,
employees and visitors should
be
aware that Board Policy 1510:
•
Prohibits tobacco use in all district
buildings
•
Prohibits tobacco use in district
vehicles
•
Prohibits tobacco use in outdoor areas
on district
owned property and school
sites
•
Is in force 24 hours a day
•
Applies also to non-district activities
Tobacco
Cessation
Resources
The
use of tobacco can be a difficult
habit
to break. The following is a sample
of some
of the many resources available
to
assist students and employees who
elect
to cease using tobacco:
Kaiser
and Blue Cross both offer tobacco
cessation
services for members. Nicotine
patches
are available. Most other health
plans
and HMO's also offer some form of
tobacco
cessation assistance.
The
American Heart Association can
provide
a list of tobacco cessation
classes
available in the local area. Call
(510)
632-9606.
The
American Cancer Society sponsors
free
tobacco cessation classes. For
information call 832-7012 (
833-2784
(
For
information on services and
programs
available through the American
Lung
Association, please call 893-5474.
The
Program
is a referral program with a
variety
of resources in the county.
Phone 268-STOP.
Implementation
The
success of the tobacco-free policy
depends
on the thoughtfulness,
consideration and cooperation of
tobacco
users and non-users. All
staff,
students and visitors share in
the
responsibility for adhering to and
enforcing
the policy.
.
A courteous reminder is usually the
most
effective enforcement technique.
.
Any staff member or student who
feels the policy has
been abused
should
contact his or her supervisor,
school
principal or the principal's
designee.
.
Students or employees who knowingly
and
willfully violate the tobacco-free
policy
will be subject to disciplinary
action.
.
Visitors who persist in violating this
policy
will be asked to leave district
property.
.
The principal is responsible for
enforcing
the tobacco-free policy at
the
school site. At non-school work
sites,
the immediate supervisor is
responsible for enforcement of the
policy.
Background
In
a report issued in 1986, the Surgeon
General
of the
the
health hazards caused by passive
exposure
to second-hand tobacco
smoke.
The Environmental Protection
Agency
has also ruled that airborne
tobacco
smoke is a regulated hazardous
material.
The school district tobacco-
free
policy will help to protect students
and
staff from the adverse health
effects
of exposure to second-hand
smoke.
The
Surgeon General has warned that
quitting
smoking (tobacco) greatly
reduces
serious risks to your health.
Studies
have documented that the
implementation of a tobacco-free policy
in the
workplace generally results in
increased
productivity and decreased
absenteeism.
In
1991, the
that
each
must
implement a tobacco-free policy
or
forfeit Tobacco Use Prevention and
Education funding.
Tobacco-Free
Policy
On
April 19, 1994, the
District
Board of Trustees
approved
Board Policy 1510
which
states that as of July
1,
1994, the use of tobacco
products
shall be prohibited
on
district property and in
district
vehicles.
4665
Bernal Avenue
(510)
462-5500
Revised
6/97