LHPUSD: La Honda - Pescadero Unified School District

La Honda Elementary School

Parent and Student Handbook

2010-2011

WELCOME to La Honda Elementary School!

Kristen Lindstrom, Principal

Important Phone Numbers

School Office: 747-0051

School FAX: 747-0617

District Office: 879-0286

  Table of Contents

Handbook Introduction……….………………………2
Staff and Phone numbers …….…………………….4
Attendance   ....................................................5
•    Absences and Excuse Notes
•    Tardy Students
•    Independent Study program
Assemblies  ………………………….….…………………….6
After School Day Care…….…….…………………….6
Behavioral Expectations  …….………….………….6
Bell Schedule  …………….…………….………….……….7
Bicycles and Skateboards  ...........................8
Bus Information ..............……….…………….………8
Chain of Communication  ……….………………..….9
Checking Students Out Early  …….……….……9
Computer Use   ……………………………..…………....10
Conferences    ……………………..………..…………….10
Crisis Management/Inclement Weather …9
Dress Standards   .........................................11
Enrollment/Emergency Contact ……….……...11
Going Home/Change in Daily Routine ………11

Grades..............................................12
• Grading Notices
• Honor Roll
• Late work
• Homework
Library/Book Mobile    ................13
Lost and Found  .............………..……13
Lunch    .......................................…..13
• Free and reduced lunch
Medication    …………………..…….…….14
Parent -Teacher Association – Educational Foundation ..…….…….14
Playground Expectations.............14
School Office ………………………..……14
Special Education………………….…….14
Telephone Use  ……………………..……14
Visitors        ...................................14
Volunteers  …………………..…….…….15

  La Honda Elementary School
Kristen Lindstrom, Principal This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Angie Quinn, Office Manager/Secretary This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 Kindergarten/First Grade …………………………………………Brenda Sterling

 Second/Third Grade……………………………………………………………….Rebekah Rayher

 Fourth Grade…………………………………………………………………..Wendy McConachie

Fifth Grade……………………………………………………………………Mitch Slater 

Sixth Grade……………………………………………………………………….Kristina Kern

 Resource Specialist/Day Care Director………………………Joanne Lehner

 Custodian……………………………………………………………………………Darryl Alexander

 Food Services/Day Care…………………………………………………………………… Kathy Wolf

 Preschool……………………………………………………………………………Carole Corcoran-Williams

 La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability in providing educational services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

 Important Phone Numbers

School Office: 747-0051
School FAX: 747-0617
District Office: 879-0286

 
SCHOOL POLICIES and PROCEDURES 

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend school every day.  They are to arrive at their assigned classes on time and prepared for the day's lessons. Children should not arrive at school before 8:15 a.m., as there is no supervision. Exercises, announcements and flag salute is held each morning in the lower courtyard. Parents are welcome to attend.
Roll is checked each morning after exercises. We strongly encourage students attend every day unless ill and unable. When a student is absent, valuable instruction is lost.
A student is not allowed to leave campus prior to the dismissal bell unless he/she is picked up by either the parent/guardian or the person named on the emergency form. Parent/guardian must check in at the office before going to a classroom to pick up a child at school.
Absences and Excuse Notes
Parent excuses are required for every absence. The school office needs to be informed between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. if a child will be absent for the day. If no note or call is received, the school office will phone parents/guardians of absent students after 9:00 a.m. Parent notes are required to explain the absence within two days of the student’s return to school. The school office should be informed immediately if the child has a communicable illness so that other parents may be notified. In the case of an extended absence, the parent/guardian, teacher, and principal will develop a plan to address the on-going education for the student.
Tardy Students
Students are expected to be in class, ready to work immediately following morning exercises. Late students disrupt learning and repeated tardies are a disciplinary concern. Students tardy more than three times in a semester will be assigned a 15 minute detention or service to the school on the same day the tardy occurs. Subsequent tardies will also be cause for a 15-minute detention or service to the school.

Independent Study Program
The Independent Study Program is an educational alternative for students who are required to miss from 5-20 consecutive school days due to unavoidable travel or other circumstances. An independent study contract should be requested in order for the student to receive credit for work completed and the school to receive Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funding from the state. Long-term Independent Study is also available with a written contract. All work must be completed upon the return of the student.
To enroll, contact the Office at least five school days prior to the planned departure date so that the contract can be prepared and homework assembled.
Assemblies/Special Assemblies
Assemblies are held every other week in the Multi. They provide a stimulating and positive forum through which students can be recognized for their accomplishments and talents. Classes rotate at each assembly and demonstrate knowledge learned or perform.
Special assemblies, thanks to the PTA, are held throughout the school year and may include educational topics, storytellers, musicians, wildlife education, bike safety, etc.
After School Day Care
This program offers child care services for La Honda School students on site in the after care portable from 3:05 release time (12:40 on Weds.) to 6:00 p.m. (extended hour until 7:00 if needed). Prices are at a monthly rate, paid in advance. Additional children from the same family are at a discounted rate. Call the school office for current child care rates.

 Behavioral Expectations
La Honda Elementary School strives to teach students to make responsible choices. We encourage students to learn from the outcomes of their decisions. We expect students to be respectful, treat others as they want to be treated and to work hard.
Students will be expected to demonstrate self-discipline. All students are expected to show courtesy and respect school personnel, fellow students, and understand the consequences for inappropriate choices. In order to guarantee that the students at La Honda Elementary School enjoy a positive learning climate, we utilize a program of simple clear rules, consequences and rewards. Our goal is to provide a positive and safe learning environment for all students. Our most important expectations:

Be Kind
Be Safe

Take Care of Your School
Do Your Best Work

 Students are expected to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive. Students must not engage in harassment behaviors motivated by race, color, religion, national origin, or disability. Students must not engage in unwanted and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed towards another student or district employee. This prohibition applies whether the conduct is by word, gesture, or any other sexual conduct.
Anything that distracts from the learning environment is not allowed at school. Toys, chewing gum, water guns, firecrackers, explosives, knives, projectiles, etc. are not to be brought to school. I-Pods, radios, CD players, hand-held electronic games and devices are not permitted at school unless the teacher or principal gives special permission. If brought to school without permission, the items will be taken and held. A parent/guardian may claim the items from the school staff.
Profanity will not be tolerated at school, on the buses, or at school sponsored activities.
Possession or use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco is not permitted on school grounds or buses and will be treated as a severe offense. Students are to observe all posted safety rules and play only in designated areas.

Bell Schedule

 8:30   K-5 School Exercise/Pledge (5min)  
8:40  Attendance and lunch count in rooms
10:30  End of Recess

12:40  End of Lunch     K-3 12:40 Wednesday Dismissmal    4-6 2:00

3:05  End of School

 Bicycles and Skateboards

Bicycles and skateboards may be ridden to school but must be walked or carried on school property. Skateboards must be stored in the school office during school hours and are not to be ridden on school property.  Helmets are required for students riding bicycles/scooters at all times.

 Bus Information
La Honda Elementary has no bus service, but does use it occasionally for field trips.
Riding the school bus is a privilege. Students must obey the rules or lose the privilege.
Students who ride the bus are expected to:
• Be at the bus stop on time.
• Follow all school rules when riding the bus.
• Understand that the bus driver is the authority on the bus. Students shall respect and obey the bus driver.
• Get on and off the bus at designated stops only.  Only eligible students may ride the bus.
• Sit in a designated seat, face forward, and keep feet on the floor and hands to one’s self.  Remain seated while the bus is moving.  Keep the aisles clear.
• Refrain from making loud noises, yelling, or using obscene language.
• Refrain from pushing, fighting, or taunting others.
• Refrain from throwing objects inside or out of the bus.
• A student who causes damage on the bus must pay for the cost of the damage.
• Use the emergency door only during supervised drills or emergencies.
• Wait for your turn to leave the bus.
• Stay clear of the bus upon exit. Do not chase or hang onto the bus at any time.

 Prohibited Items on the Bus
• Food, candy, drinks or chewing gum
• Tobacco, alcohol, or drugs
• Weapons, explosive devices, matches, or cigarette lighters
• Toy weapons
• Radios, CD players or other electronic devices may only be used with headphones.

Chain of Communication
Communication between the school and parent/guardian is essential for everyone’s success. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the staff members as explained below in order to resolve concerns and problems.
• If you have a question about your child’s grades, homework, or instructions, first speak with the teacher. If unresolved, please then contact the principal.
• If you have a question about a classroom discipline, first speak with the teacher, then the principal.
• If you have a question about health services (medication, etc), speak with the principal.
• If you have questions above those listed above, or if your concern or issue is still unresolved, please contact the school and ask to speak to the principal.

Checking Students Out Early
State law requires that students be in attendance the full day unless the child is sick or there are extenuating circumstances. Leaving school early to go on a trip, avoid traffic, or for extra-curricular activities outside of school violates district and state policies regarding attendance. Because class time is important, doctor’s appointments should be scheduled after school, if possible, or at times when the student will not miss instructional time. Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds alone at any time during the school day. A parent/guardian or someone authorized to pick up the child must provide identification and sign them out in the office. This is for the safety and protection of our children.

Computer Use
During the school year students are encouraged to use computers and the internet to help them in many ways. Use of school computers is a privilege, not a right and students are expected to be safe, kind, and productive while using this important work and communication tool. Parents must sign the District’s “Computer Use Agreement”. This signed agreement must be on file in the principal’s office prior to student use of computers.

Conferences
Parent-teacher and student led conferences are vital to the education of students.  Two conferencing periods are scheduled during the school year, one in the fall and one in the spring.  Teachers will arrange an individual conference with each parent.

Conferences are welcomed at other times throughout the year by making an appointment with the teacher.  When a problem arises, a conference can be held by contacting the teacher or principal immediately.

 Crisis Management/Inclement Weather Plans

 All staff members are trained yearly on various aspects of Crisis Management. Students will also be taught what to do during safety drills. The campus will have emergency drills so that all students and staff members are well prepared in the event of an emergency. The campus Crisis Management Team consists of the principal, secretary, and teachers. Your help, understanding, and support during these times are important and will assist the staff. Should you have any questions, you are encouraged to visit with the principal. When, due to present or projected hazardous road conditions, or if faced with a crisis situation, or if it becomes necessary to cancel school, delay the schools starting time, parents will be notified via our emergency phone tree.

 Dress Standards
The parent/guardian may determine the student’s personal dress and grooming standards, provided that the student’s dress and grooming observe the following:
• Student attire and grooming shall not lead school officials to believe that such dress will disrupt, interfere with, disturb, or distract from school activities.
• Student attire and grooming shall not create any hazard to student safety, or the safety of others.
• Students are not to wear hats inside the school building.
• Clothing must fit appropriately.
• Clothing or accessories or materials that have inappropriate words or images are not allowed.
• Images depicting the use of or advertising the use of alcohol, drugs, violence, or tobacco are prohibited on clothing or school supplies.
Please adhere to the following:
• Shirts and blouses must be appropriated in length, buttoned appropriately, and not be revealing in nature. They must be long enough in length so that there is no exposed midriff.
• Shorts must have an inseam of at least 3” and should be loose fitting.
• Caps and hats may be worn outside for recess and whenever outside for special events. Upon entering the classroom all head coverings must be removed.
• Students are strongly encouraged to wear comfortable shoes.
If the student’s dress or grooming is objectionable or distracting under the above provisions the classroom teacher or principal shall request that the student make appropriate corrections, and the parent/guardian may be notified.

 Enrollment/Emergency Contact/Health Cards
It is very important that parents/guardians keep the school updated on any changes of address, home, cell, and work phone numbers, or persons to be contacted in case of an emergency. Contact the school immediately when any changes occur either by sending a note or calling the school office.

Going Home At the End of the Day (Change in Daily Routine)
Teachers need to know how your child goes home each day. Knowing your child’s regular routine is essential for his or her safety. If your child is going home in a manner that is different than his or her regular routine, it is very important to notify your child’s teacher that morning. This is especially important should there be a substitute teacher in the room that day. Please send your child’s teacher a note that explains the change in routine with complete details and call the office as well as Afterschool care, no later than 2:00.

Grading Notices
Report Cards are mailed at the end of each quarter and semester.  Progress reports are mailed home to parents of students in danger of failing a course in the middle of each quarter.

Honor Roll
An Honor Roll recognizes outstanding academic achievement each grading period for students who achieve a GPA of at least 3.00 with no grades of D, F, I, or W/F (Withdrawal/F.)

Late Work/Make-up Work
Students are required to complete all assignments. After any absence, if deemed necessary, the teacher may assign make-up work. Upon returning to school, the student has two school days to complete and turn in make-up assignments. In the case of an extended absence, the teacher may extend the 2-day deadline.

Homework
Homework should be meaningful and purposeful, and be a reinforcement of skills already introduced. Parents/guardians can support their child and their child’s teacher by providing a workspace free from distractions, a regular schedule for completion, and a supportive attitude. Please limit your child’s computer/video game/television time and encourage imagination and play. If your child uses a computer at home, for his/her safety, please place this tool in a general family area and not in a child’s bedroom and monitor internet access. La Honda Elementary School has high expectations and believes that all students can achieve.

It is important that administrators, teachers, and parents/guardians work together to provide a climate that encourages students to become responsible learners.

Library – Book Mobile
Materials may be checked out for a one-week period.  Students are scheduled for weekly class times to visit the library for storytelling or research.  Students will be held financially responsible for any item that is lost or damaged.  End of the year report cards are held in the office until all fines are paid.
The San Mateo County Book Mobile arrives to the La Honda campus every other Tuesday from 12:00 until 12:45 and then at the Pioneer Market each Tuesday they are not at school from 2:00 until 3:00. Students must have a library card to check out books from the Book Mobile.

Library Expectations
• Students will maintain quiet so that others in the room may work undisturbed.
• Students will keep the room, books, and all materials clean and neat.
• No food or drink is allowed.

Lost & Found
Students or parents should contact the school office when they have lost or found any object. Please label your child’s lunch box, outerwear, and other personal items. Students are discouraged from bringing personal items not related to school activities onto the campus. Items remaining in the lost and found will be donated to South Coast Children’s Services at the end of the school year.

Lunch
Students eat outside or in the Multi-Purpose room under the supervision of the lunch staff. After lunch, students are dismissed to the playground. Good table manners and nutritious lunches are encouraged. A hot lunch program is available on a day-to-day or full-time basis. Call the school office for updated prices and information. Students meeting certain requirements are eligible for free/reduced fee lunch. A school lunch calendar is sent home monthly and will be accessible on the school website.

Medications
All medications must be checked in to the school office and taken in the presence of the school secretary. Parents are required to send an explanatory note with medications instructing staff on the proper dosage and timing.  No medications of any kind may be distributed by school staff to students or by students to any other students.

Parent-Teacher Association/Educational Foundation (PTA – LHEF)
La Honda Elementary PTA and LHEF sponsor’s various activities that benefit our school. Meetings are held monthly. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings and be involved with these organizations.

Playground Expectations
The playground is not supervised before 8:15 am or after 3:10 (Wed. 12:45/2:05) dismissal.  Students are expected to follow playground safety expectations at all times.

School Office
The school office is open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each school day. Parents may inquire about school programs, contact the principal, or leave messages for teachers or after school child care through the school office. If the secretary is away from the desk, parents may leave a message. Your message will be delivered as soon as possible.

Special Education
The La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District provides an individualized program for those students who have been identified as needing Special Education services. A Resource Specialist and a Speech and Language Therapist provide these resources.

Telephone Use
Students may only use the school telephone in the event of an emergency or for essential school business.

Visitors
All visitors are expected to check in at the office as soon as they come onto the campus before entering any classroom. Friends and relatives are not allowed to shadow students.

Volunteers

Adult volunteers have always been important helpers at La Honda Elementary School.  Volunteers are encouraged to contact the School Office or the La Honda Educational Foundation (LHEF) for information.

Reasons Volunteers Have a Positive Effect on Our School

• Instructors have more time to teach and plan.
• Children get more individualized attention.
• The curriculum is enriched.
• Community appreciation of school and the educational process is increased.
• Parenting knowledge is increased.
• Discipline problems are reduced.
• Children can relate to more adults.
• Motivation of children is increased.
• Children’s respect for adults is increased.

What can Volunteering do for YOU?
• Provide opportunity to practice and improve skills
• Increase your understanding of the educational process
• Help you meet other members of the community
• Provide involvement and information about school
• Provide satisfaction for doing an important job
• Help you to acquire new skills
• Provide work experience for future jobs