SCHOOL OFFICE POLICIES

For business with the principal, teachers, office supervisor, or health assistant, call the elementary school office, which is open daily from 7:30 until 4:00. Office hours for the primary school are from 8:30 until 3:30. The hours of the health assistant at the elementary school are from 8:30 until 2:30 daily. At the primary school, the health assistant is at school from 10:15 until 1:45. All visitors and/or volunteers must sign in at the office on the campus they are visiting. They should pick up a “visitor’s” badge at that time, and return it to the office when signing out.

Please don’t ask for messages to be relayed to a student except in the case of an emergency. Please do not interrupt a classroom to bring forgotten items, such as lunches or homework, to a student. These items should be brought to the office. The office will notify the teacher at an appropriate time that items have arrived for the student.

For the protection of all children, and in compliance with state law, medications are administered at school on a limited basis only. If it is necessary for a child to receive medication during school hours, a written order from the doctor must be on file in the school office. Medication must be in the original container, will be kept in the school health office, and will be dispensed as the physician’s directions indicate. No child may carry medication to or from school. District policy considers Tylenol, cough drops, and inhalers, as medications.

A parent or other authorized person will be notified when a student becomes ill at school. If the office is unable to reach a parent, they will notify people listed on the Student Emergency Card. It is important that the people listed on the card be able to pick up the child as soon as possible from the office. Please be sure to keep the card updated if changes occur during the school year.

Please make every effort to arrange for medical appointments and vacations outside of school hours. Instructional time is crucial to learning. If picking up your child during the school day, please come to the office. The office staff will call the classroom to notify the teacher to send up the student.

CHARACTER COUNTS

Because we all want our children to have good values and strong character, Hugo Reid has instituted the Character Counts program, which was designed by the nonprofit Josephson Institute of Ethics. It is dedicated to strengthening the character of young people through the promotion of the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Discussions regarding the Six Pillars are held in classrooms of all grade levels. When children are observed demonstrating any of these traits, they are rewarded through various kinds of recognition and special activities. Students who make poor choices in these areas are helped to understand the need to make better decisions in the future. If you have questions or need further information regarding the program, please contact the classroom teacher.

WALKERS AND BIKE RIDERS

Children should not be on campus before 7:55 a.m. since there is no supervision prior to that time. Students who arrive at school prior to the 8:25 bell are to report to the lunch room at the primary school and the cafetorium at the elementary school. Students in grades 3-5 are permitted to ride their bicycles to school. This is in accordance with the age recommendations of the Arcadia Police Department and the California Highway Patrol. Bike racks are provided in a fenced area adjacent to Cabrillo Road. As students leave the street area and enter the campus, bikes are to be walked to the bike compound. It is strongly suggested that all bikes be locked while at school. Students are not to ride bikes on the playground or through the parking lot and hallways at any time. All students who ride bicycles to school are required to wear bike helmets. Student’s names should be written on the helmets.

Crossing guards are stationed at the corners of DeAnza Place and Altura Road, and Altura Road and Hugo Reid Drive during times when children are going to and from school. Children should always use crosswalks when crossing Hugo Reid Drive, Cabrillo Road or Altura Road. Even then, they should cross cautiously after looking in both directions.

LOST AND FOUND

Sweaters, jackets, lunch pails, etc., should be labeled for identification. Lost and found items are placed on a rack which is located in the back of the cafetorium of the elementary school and in the primary school office.

STUDENT UNIFORM POLICY

Through the input from many parents and teachers, a uniform policy was created for the students in kindergarten through grade five at Hugo Reid School. With the exception of free dress days, students are expected to wear uniforms daily. If a student comes to school out of uniform, the classroom teacher will talk with the student about the omission and will remind him or her about the policy. Uniforms are currently available in many Southern California stores. The PTSA also sells Hugo Reid polo shirts and sweatshirts. Every Friday is a free-dress day at school.

Students will be excused from wearing a uniform on days when Cub Scout, Brownie, or Girl or Boy Scout uniforms are worn.

If parents wish to obtain an exemption from the uniform policy, they need to fill out an Application for Dress Code Exemption form available in the office. If a financial hardship exists in a family, the parent should contact the school health assistant and she will confidentially help them find the assistance they need.

UNIFORM STANDARDS

Pants, shorts (boys & girls); Skirts, jumpers, skorts, culottes (girls)

Color: Navy blue or khaki tan (solid colors, no plaids)

Style: Elastic or fitted waist, or with belt (non baggy style).

Tights or leggings may be worn underneath skirts,

skorts or jumpers in navy blue, khaki, white or red.

Shirts, blouses (boys and girls) (short or long sleeves)

Color: White, navy blue, khaki, tan or red.

Style: Polo, golf-type, oxford, or turtleneck (all shirts must have a

Collar)

Note: Shirts and blouses should be tucked in.

Footwear (boys and girls)

Athletic or regular shoes with navy blue, khaki, white or red socks.

Sweaters/Sweatshirts (boys and girls)

Color: Navy blue, bright red, or white (collared shirt or

Turtleneck must be worn underneath)

Style: Sweaters or sweatshirts: V-neck, cardigan, crew neck

Zippered or collared.

Jackets/Coats (boys and girls)

Any jacket or coat may be worn.

Free Dress Days

Every Friday is a school spirit/free dress day. Students may wear T-shirts, jeans or other clothing of their choice that is appropriate for school each Friday.

Unacceptable Clothing or Accessories

Size of clothing that is approximately more than one size too big or too small; sandals or open toe footwear; sweat pants; bare midriffs; and overly-loose fitting clothing.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is required of all Arcadia elementary students. Regular assignments are made for which classroom time is not provided. Homework gives children additional practice in the use of learned skills which are initiated in class. Some children may have work to do at home because they were unable to complete the assignments during the school day. Consult the teacher if you have questions concerning homework.

Generally speaking, homework is assigned in increments of ten minutes at the elementary level as students progress up the grade levels. Ten minutes for first grade, twenty minutes for second, thirty minutes for third grade, and so on. In addition, extra reading at home for pleasure is required of all students. For younger primary students, this would include the student reading with an adult.

It is helpful if parents provide the proper environment in which their child studies. Parents are encouraged to monitor their student’s work.

MAKE-UP WORK

Parents may request work for a child who is home ill by phoning the office or e-mailing the teacher. Arrange to pick up school work after school in the office since the teacher may not be able to complete the request during school hours.

HOME TEACHER

If your child has a lengthy illness and will be absent from school at least four weeks but has no communicable disease, he/she is eligible for a home teacher. Contact the school office if it appears your child’s absence will be of a long duration.

LUNCH TIME

Lunch facilities are located on both campuses. Menus for school lunches go home once a month to help children plan whether they will buy or bring their lunches. If your child wishes to take a lunch to school, milk may be purchased. If students find themselves without lunch or money to purchase lunch, they will be given permission to call home or the student will be offered cheese or peanut butter crackers, courtesy of the Hugo Reid School PTSA. It is not possible for students to borrow lunch money from the office.

Free or reduced-cost lunch is provided for children of families experiencing financial hardships. A letter explaining the application process and eligibility guidelines is included in the students’ first day of school packet. Applications for the free or reduced-price meals are available in the school office.

Booklets of 20 lunch tickets are available for purchase in the school office. Both cash and tickets are accepted in the lunch lines. Use of booklets is strongly recommended because they include the student’s name and classroom and can be returned if lost.

PLAYGROUND

Recess periods (before school, mid-morning and during lunch) are times for relaxation and enjoyment. Teachers supervise the playground during the morning recesses, and noontime aides supervise during the lunch period. A variety of activities are available for all pupils on the various playground facilities and equipment. Organized noon league sports are available to 4^th and 5^th grade students under the direction of an upper grade teacher.

AFTER-SCHOOL RECREATION

The City of Arcadia Recreation Department provides a program of supervised activity on the school playground every afternoon from 2:35 to 4:30. Students may remain on the playground at the elementary campus for the recreation program with parent consent and prior registration with the recreation leaders. Students in grades 3-5 may wish to participate in cheerleading activities and various team sports, which compete with teams from other Arcadia schools. This after-school program traditionally begins in October and runs until May. Please contact the Arcadia Recreation Department at 574-5113 for further details.

LIBRARIES

The Hugo Reid School Libraries have excellent selections of books and resource materials for all elementary grade levels. The libraries are staffed entirely by parent volunteers. A Media Center, consisting of a technologically outfitted library with a connecting computer lab, is on the elementary school campus. A portable laptop cart with twenty computers rotates from room to room at the primary campus. A computer-based card catalog is available for student use. During class time individuals, small groups, or entire classrooms visit the library. Any parent interested in working in the library program should contact the classroom teacher or the PTSA library chairman.

In order to promote reading at home, Hugo Reid School offers two Family Reading Nights: On Wednesday in the primary school library and on Thursday in the elementary school library, both from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Students, their parents, and siblings are encouraged to attend this opportunity to read together as a family. This is a good time for students to use the computers to take Accelerated Reader tests.

STUDENT RECOGNITION

All students are urged to reach for high scholastic and citizenship goals. To celebrate outstanding effort and growth, students in the kindergarten are recognized for their achievement at the end of the school year. At the end of each trimester, students in grades one through five who are deserving of special recognition are awarded honor certificates signed by the teacher and principal noting their high academic and behavioral achievement. The certificates are presented in the classroom setting shortly after the close of each trimester, or in the cafeteria in grade level clusters.

REPORT CARDS AND CONFERENCES

In all grades, report cards are issued at the end of each trimester. The report cards in the primary grades are developmental in concept. In upper grades, the focus is more on academic achievement. The report cards are given out shortly after the student-led conferences, which take place in November and March. The student-led conferences are designed to encourage students to take more responsibility for their learning. Assisted by the teacher, students share their successes with their parents and indicate the areas on which they must work harder in the coming weeks. The students also formulate goals for themselves for the new trimester. Although these student-led conferences are designed to include the student as well as the parents and teacher, it needs to be understood that parents and teachers are encouraged to call for conferences at any time when the needs present themselves to set up a conference with a teacher. Parents should contact the office and leave a message for the teacher to phone them, or contact the teacher via e-mail.

RESOURCE SPECIALST PROGRAM

Students who have identified learning disabilities are eligible for the Resource Specialist Program (RSP), which is part of Special Education. According to specific, recognized needs as stated in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), these students enter the resource classroom for a maximum of forty-nine percent of their instructional day for extra assistance from the Resource Specialist. At appropriate times, the RSP teacher and/or her aide visits classrooms to service students while they are in the regular classroom. Regular education students experiencing continued difficulty in learning may be referred for discussion to the Student Study Team, consisting of the principal, psychologist, Resource Specialist, Speech/Language Specialist, classroom teacher, parent and counselor. Additional classroom interventions are suggested by this panel.

SPEECH/LANGUAGE PROGRAM

The services of a part-time Speech and Language Specialist are available on both campuses. Children are enrolled in the speech/language program as directed by IEP’s for specific, identified needs. Communication difficulties, which could be helped through the program, include articulation problems (sound pronunciation errors), delayed understanding or expression of language, processing difficulties, listening comprehension problems, stuttering, and voice disorders. Some speech/language-centered lessons are given as whole group instruction in regular classrooms, when the specialist visits the classroom.

COUNSELOR

The counseling program provides guidance and support for all students in the development of academic, personal and social skills. Support is provided in the form of individual appointments, focusing on personal strengths and study skills; small group activities, focusing on maximizing the learning environment; and class lessons, focusing on problem solving and communications.

The counselor can be reached at Hugo Reid (821-8356) on Mondays and Wednesdays, as well as Friday mornings.

TITLE I PROGRAM

Title I is a federally funded program that is designed to help students who are not succeeding in the language arts/reading area. Currently, a before-school time frame is utilized to assist students who experience problems developing their skills in phonics, reading comprehension, writing, or spelling. Identification of students who qualify for this instruction is made by analyzing the results from the District language arts assessment, the CST scores from the previous May, reading fluency evaluations, writing skills and teacher judgment. Depending on the severity of the student’s difficulties, they are instructed by classroom teachers once, twice, or three times a week in the areas where specific needs have been identified. This additional pre-teaching session is designed to help the student be more successful during the lessons that will be taught during the regular school day. Class size for Title I instruction is kept to a maximum of about 5 or 6 students.

HUGO REID SCHOOL PTSA

Hugo Reid Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) supports student education and enrichment programs, and community building events. Parents are encouraged to join the PTSA, and partner with the important work that is done to enhance our school. Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of the month. Coffee is at 8:45, and the meetings begin at 9:00 a.m. in the elementary cafetorium. Attendance at meetings is a great way to be informed about all that is going on at Hugo Reid. We recognize that not all parents who are interested in helping the school are able to attend the meetings; however, there are many opportunities for volunteering in a way that fits your interests and schedule. Volunteers provide the following programs for our school:

Art in the classroom

Book Fair

Christmas Sharing

Cultural Arts/Reflections

Fifth Grade Promotion Party

Gift Wrap Fundraiser

Intercultural Night

Rolling Readers

Room Parent

SCRIP

Video/Cable Coordinator

Arts & Posters Carnival

Chorus

The Hugo Reider

The PTSA prints a monthly newsletter called the Hugo Reider. It is sent home with students to keep families informed about school and PTSA events. It includes a message from the principal and a calendar of events.

Wednesday Folders

Every Wednesday students bring home a folder with written communication for the week from the school. Included might be notices from the school district, principal, staff or PTSA. Notification of upcoming events and the Hugo Reider are carried home in the Wednesday folder. Please send the folder back to school the following day.

Classroom Parties

Arcadia Unified School District policy permits two room parties each year. Parents may sign up at Back-to-School Night in September to provide food, beverages, or paper products for the parties. It is requested that parents not provide any additional room parties.

Party Invitations

Party invitations for off-campus activities may be distributed in the classroom under certain conditions, such as if all children, all boys, or all girls are included. The teacher will pass out the invitations at the end of the school day. If it is impossible to invite everyone in a classroom, please use non-school time to distribute invitations.

Volunteer Aides

Hugo Reid School welcomes the participation of volunteers in a variety of roles. Our instruction program for students is strengthened by this support that takes many forms. Parents who wish to volunteer should contact the teacher directly or the PTSA first vice-president in charge of volunteers for the volunteer application form. It is mandatory for anyone working with students that they have a Mantoux TB test. Completed volunteer applications and proof of TB test are turned in to the school office. Contact the school office if you know you are in need of this test, which is offered at a reduced charge to volunteers at an area clinic.

STUDENT COUNCIL

The Hugo Reid School Student Council gives students experiences in leadership and democracy in action. The group is comprised of third, fourth, and fifth grade student representatives. Elections are held at the beginning of each semester, and officers are chosen by the students in third through fifth grades. Two teachers serve as faculty advisors to the council. There are various small fundraisers in which the council members participate during the year. Goals are set to fund favorite charities or to purchase gifts for the school that enhance the educational opportunities for all students.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Emergency plans have been designed to assist all students and personnel in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake or fire. The Hugo Reid School PTSA has contributed vast amounts of volunteer time as well as equipment and supplies that could be used in a disaster or emergency situation. Two large storage containers, one on each campus, hold classroom supplies, tools, walkie-talkies, emergency food and water, stretchers, and basic first aid materials. Once each month both schools conduct fire drills. A minimum of twice a year, earthquake drills are held. During an earthquake drill, various components of the School Emergency Plan area activated. Search and rescue teams, first aid stations, command posts, student attendance accounting, and student control strategies spring into action. In order for families to assist us to prepare for a disaster, it is imperative that all student information on the Student Emergency Cards is up to date. Names of persons whom you wish to be authorized to take your children from school in the event of a disaster need to be clearly defined on this card. As data on the emergency card changes, it is important to notify the office personnel in writing that these alterations are being made. The school cannot release students to any persons whose names are not on the Student Emergency Card.

The annual Junior Red Cross drive supports the purchase of necessary emergency equipment and supplies. Currently, 75% of the Red Cross proceeds given by Hugo Reid students are returned to our school for disaster preparedness.

SHINING STARS EXTENDED-DAY CHILD CARE

The Arcadia Unified School District offers a before and after school day care program for Arcadia school students. The purpose is to furnish a safe, loving, and nurturing environment for children before and after school, and to provide children with opportunities that enable them to achieve a sense of independence and responsibility. The air-conditioned facility, which is housed in the Hugo Reid Youth Hut on Cabrillo Road, opens at 7:00 a.m. each school day and is open until 6:00 p.m. A snack is provided daily, and materials are provided for children to initiate their own activities. Additional activities in the program are based on curricular areas of language, math, art, cooking, science, and physical education. The day care staff is qualified, experienced, and trained in working with children. The telephone number to the day care facility is 821-6347.

SCRIP

The Arcadia Educational Foundation has set up a process whereby grocery scrip for local stores can be purchased through our Hugo Reid PTSA. Scrip is available in several forms. Paper scrip is available for Howies, Whole Foods and 99 Ranch. People in the community purchase scrip at face value, and the school gains a percentage profit from those stores whose scrip we sell. The proceeds from the sale of scrip are spent on prioritized technology equipment and other educational materials that are identified by a teacher/parent committee that meets every fall and spring. Scrip can be purchased at either campus.

Another option that many parents find convenient is to register online with eScrip. The e-mail address is: www.escrip.com. Currently, Vons, Pavilions, How’s, Payless Shoes, Coco’s and many other businesses offer this option. There is a nominal charge to join online, but you do not need to purchase or carry scrip. Ralph’s customers can apply to have their Club Card activated to support Hugo Reid when you swipe your card. Forms are available in the school office.

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR

As students progress through the grades they are taught, and frequently reminded, to be courteous, kind, respectful, thoughtful, and honest toward fellow classmates and to the many adults who are guiding them in various facets of school like. Students are encouraged to be proud of their school, friends, teachers, and other adults as well as themselves. They are expected to relate respectfully to teachers and other staff members. All Hugo Reid students have the same basic rights and responsibilities, and are expected to follow the school rules. Following are the student rights and responsibilities:

Student Rights

You have the right to:

1. be treated with respect and kindness at school

2. have a safe and clean environment at school

3. learn at school

4. express yourself in a polite and honest manner.

Student Responsibilities

You are expected to:

1. be at school every day

2. treat others with respect and kindness at school

3. display good sportsmanship and follow game and equipment rules

4. help make Hugo Reid School a safe and clean place

5. allow others to learn at school

6. arrive at school on time

7. complete all assignments on time and to do your best

8. share all assignments and school flyers with parents

9. express your needs, ideas, and answers to questions or problems

10. avoid any activity where someone might get hurt

Basic School Rules

You need to:

1. follow the directions and requests of school staff, crossing guards, and volunteers

2. use good common sense when making decisions

3. keep hands, fee, and objects to yourself

4. play in assigned, supervised areas only

5. use restrooms and drinking fountains in a respectful and courteous way

6. eat quietly and politely, clean up your area, and stay seated until dismissed

7. obey the freeze bells

8. arrive at school no earlier than 7:55 a.m. but no later than 8:34 a.m.

9. go directly to the lunchroom if you arrive before 8:25 a.m.

10. avoid waling through the elementary school parking lot at all times

11. follow safety rules when going to and from school

12. leave all toys, pets, and sports equipment at home unless you have permission from your teacher to share them ONLY in the classroom (excepted: elastic jump ropes)

13. refrain from chewing gum anywhere at school

14. leave skateboards, roller blades, and scooters at home

15. be at least in third grade to ride your bike to school

16. walk your bike on the school campus and lock it in the bike compound

17. wear a helmet at all times when riding your bike

18. leave all hats and bandanas at home

19. obtain permission from your teacher to leave the classroom

20. stay out of classrooms when a teacher is not present

21. go home directly after school at 2:35, unless you are involved in a supervised activity

22. be courteous during assemblies, showing your appreciation to the performers by clapping, not whistling or booing use the pay phone only after school

23. follow the uniform policy

Unacceptable Behaviors

It is unacceptable for you to:

1. be tardy and have unexcused absences

2. be disrespectful to adults and other students

3. use bad language or make obscene gestures

4. damage school or personal property

5. litter the school grounds

6. steal

7. fight (real or play)

8. cheat

9. hurt or threaten students, staff members, visitors, or other adults

10. disrupt instruction or learning

11. throw sand, rocks, or other objects

12. bring a knife, gun, or other weapon, whether real or look-alike, onto the school campus; this will result in immediate suspension, followed by a recommendation by the principal for expulsion (Ed Code 48900[b])

13. bring matches, tobacco products, or drugs to school (Ed Code 48900 [h])

14. engage in sexual harassment of anyone at school; this will not be tolerated and may result in suspension and expulsion (State Education Code 48900.2)

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior

Inappropriate behavior will result in one or more of the following:

1. assignment of an appropriate task or consequence

2. loss of a privilege

3. removal from the classroom

4. communication with parents

5. detention after school (with parent permission)

6. meet with counselor and/or principal

7. in-school suspension

8. at-home suspension

9. expulsion

State Guidelines for Pupil Suspension/Expulsion

In addition to the guidelines noted above, certain state requirements with respect to student behavior must be understood by students and parents. The following enumerate the behaviors listed in Education Code 48900 which are grounds for suspension if the student has:

(a) Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person.

(b) Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object unless, in the case of possession of any such object, the pupil has obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee which is concurred in by the principal or the designee of the principal.

(c) Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished or been under the influence of any controlled substance…., an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind.

(d) Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled substance, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind, and then either sold, delivered, or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid substance or material and represented the liquid, substance or material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant.

(e) Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.

(f) Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.

(g) Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property.

(h) Possessed or used tobacco, or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets, and betel.

(i) Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.

(j) Had unlawful possession of, or unlawfully arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia.

(k) Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.

(l) Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.

A pupil may be suspended or expelled for acts which are enumerated in this section which occur at any time, including but not limited to, any of the following: while on school grounds; while going to or coming from school; during the lunch period whether on or off the campus; during, or while going to or coming from a school sponsored activity.