W. L. VALENTINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2006-2007
General Rules, Information and Discipline Procedures
Return to Valentine home web page
1650 Huntington Drive, San Marino, CA 91108
o Main Office: 626 299-7090 ~ if you know your party’s extension, please dial it as soon as you hear the recording.
o To report student absence: 626 299-7092, please call before 9:00 A.M. each day your student is absent.
o Fax 626 299-7094
o Office Hours: 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Principal Dr. Tray Schreiber
PTA President Mrs. Gretchen Shepherd-Romey
Office Staff Mrs. Donna Clements and Mrs. Jeanne Lipps
___________________________________________________________________________
Index:
Arrivals and departures
Absences
Discipline Policy
Zero Tolerance Policy
School Safety
Academic Information
Parent Responsibilities
Health Policy
School Lunches
Lost and Found
Parent/School Communications
Traffic Flow and Pick-Up Procedures
Emergency Procedures and Student Release Plan
__________________________________________________________________________
SCHOOL HOURS
A. M. Kindergarten: 8:10 A.M. to 11:35 A.M.
P. M. Kindergarten: 11:05 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.
Grades 1-3: 8:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.
Grades 4-5: 8:30 A.M. to 2:50 P.M.
MINIMUM DAY SCHEDULE
A.M Kindergarten: 8:10 A.M. to 10:50 A.M.
P.M. Kindergarten: 9:50 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
Grades 1-5: 8:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
LUNCH SCHEDULE
Grades 1-2: 11:30 A.M. to 12:15 P.M.
Grade 3: 11:45 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
Grades 4-5: 12:00 Noon to 12:45 P.M.
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES
Please carpool to help reduce traffic congestion, especially on rainy days.
School begins at 8:30 A.M. Children must not arrive at school until 8:15 A.M.; adult supervision is not available. All children proceed to the playground areas at 8:15 A.M. NOTE: Kindergarten classes begin at 8:10 A.M.
The San Marino Recreation Department and the YMCA offer before school daycare programs for a fee.
Arriving late to school: Good citizenship and academic achievement begin with prompt school arrival. If a child does arrive after his/her class begins, please have him/her report to the office first to receive an arrival slip before going to class.
Irregular departures during school hours: Any irregular departure from school requires notification from the parent. Please have your child bring a note requesting the early dismissal to the school office before the school day begins. Include in the note: the student’s name, teacher’s name, date and time of pick up, and the name and relationship of the person picking up the student. A blue slip from the office informs the teacher that this request has been approved by the principal. Please pick up and sign out your child in the office. If the child returns before school is over, please remember to sign him/her in.
Children are released only from school to those people listed on their emergency forms. If there are changes or additions to the information on this form, please notify the school office in writing immediately. This form is the only way the school knows how to reach you or your designated contacts in an emergency; it must be kept up to date. Children may not be released during school hours to ride bicycles or walk home alone. In the primary grades, when a child is going to someone else’s home after school, it is advisable to inform the teacher of any changes in the normal procedure.
Students should be on campus only during school hours. Children should be in the corridors only during school hours and on the playground only during supervised times. School grounds are dangerous areas for children to be when there is no supervision. Children may not return to school after 4:00 P.M. or on weekends unless accompanied by an adult. The School District has a policy that facility use is by permit only. Signs are posted at Valentine regarding this policy.
On rainy days students arriving between 8:15 A.M. and 8:30 A.M. should proceed directly to the classroom. They will need to wait quietly in the corridor outside the classroom. Students who are in the Third Grade classrooms will wait on the lunch court. The length of the school day remains the same.
ABSENCES
Student absences are of great concern to us for the child’s safety, the impact it may have on the child’s educational progress, and the fact that state funding is based upon daily attendance. The school loses money every day your child is absent for any reason including illness. If you are planning a short trip, please consider reimbursing the lost funding of $27.00 per child per day.
Please call the Valentine Student Absence Line 626 299-7092 before 9:00 A.M. and leave a message every day that your child is absent or will be arriving late. Please send a note with your child the first day he/she returns to school.
Homework requests may be made through the office on the second day of absence for pick-up at the end of the third day of absence.
An Independent Study Program is available for students who know in advance that they will be out of town or on medical leave for five (5) days or longer. The school does not lose state attendance funds for students who participate in this program. Independent Study Program contracts are subject to the principal’s approval. Please contact the office at least one week in advance to arrange for Independent Study. The teacher will then plan the work and contact you for an appointment to review it. The assignments will be due on the day the student returns to school.
A Home Teacher is available if your child will be absent for more than ten days with a non-contagious illness. A doctor’s note is required at the time of application for a Home Teacher. The Home Teacher is arranged through the District Office.
Parents should notify the office in writing when they will be out of town. Please include the dates of your absence and the name of the person responsible for the student(s) while you are gone.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
The goal of our discipline program is to promote responsible decision making, respect for self and others, respect for property and pride in appropriate behavior. One of our primary responsibilities as a school is to promote a safe, productive learning environment, and it is our belief that communication and teamwork between the home and the school are important in promoting good citizenship and a secure school.
Teachers will present basic rules and regulations for the classrooms and playground. Generally, our rules involve creating a safe and orderly working environment for all and will include the following: treating others with respect and as you would wish to be treated; playing safely with no rough play, fighting, or play fighting at any time; and using language that is appropriate to the school setting - there is to be no profanity or demeaning name calling.
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
Parents and students need to be aware that according to California law and the San Marino School District discipline policy there are certain actions which require suspension and police notification and may lead to expulsion. Among these actions are:
o Causing, attempting to cause or threatening physical injury to another person. In any physical confrontation, all students will be suspended regardless of “who started it.”
o Possessing, sale or otherwise furnishing of any gun, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object or any facsimile of any of these objects (i.e., firearms, knives of any kind including pocket and Boy Scout knives, firecrackers, lighters, matches etc.).
o Possession, use, sale, furnishing or being under the influence of any controlled substances (i.e., tobacco, drugs, alcohol or intoxicants).
o Offering, arranging, or negotiating sales of any controlled substances
Students may be suspended/expelled if any of these acts are committed
o Committing robbery or extortion.
o Causing or attempting damage to school property/private property.
o Stealing or attempting to steal school property/private property.
o Committing an obscene act or using habitual profanity/vulgarity.
o Offering or negotiating sale of drug paraphernalia.
o Disrupting school activities; defying authority.
o Causing, attempting to cause, or threatening to cause “hate” violence
o Intentional engagement in harassment, threats, or intimidation
Students may be suspended/expelled if any of the preceding acts are committed under any of the following situations:
o While on school grounds.
o While going to or coming from school.
o During the lunch period whether or not on campus.
o During, or while going to or coming from, a school sponsored activity.
Working as a team with parents and teachers, administrative representatives will generally follow one or more of the following procedures:
o Discuss the incident and counsel the student
o Detain the student during the school day
o Inform the parent of the nature of the problem, seek parental input, and communicate any consequences applied due to the misbehavior
o Conference with parent(s). Students may sometimes be included in these conferences.
o Suspend the child for a period of 1-5 days. In extreme cases, expulsion may be required.
SCHOOL SAFETY
Bicycle safety is an utmost concern for all of us. A Bicycle Safety Lane will be held after school begins and detailed instructions will be given to students and parents regarding bicycle rules for our campus. Bicycles may be used as a form of transportation by children in grades 3,4 and 5 provided they have a San Marino City Bike License and a lock. The bike license is available at the Fire Department or at the Bicycle Safety Lane which is held after school begins each year. Bicycles must be parked in the designated bike area. Bicycles may not be ridden in the school corridors, on sidewalks around the school, in the parking lot, or on the playground. All children must wear a helmet when riding to or from school.
Scooter Boards: Scooter boards may be ridden to and from school only. They may not be ridden on the school grounds. Scooter boards must either be stored inside a backpack or locked to the bike rack during the school day. They may not be stored inside the classroom. Only the person to whom the board belongs may use it for transport back and forth to school. Students using scooter boards are strongly encouraged to wear protective gear (especially helmets) as serious injury is quite possible. Boards used in an unsafe manner or contrary to school rules will be confiscated and will be returned only to the student’s parents. Scooter boards may not be ridden in the school corridors, on sidewalks around the school, in the parking lot, or on the playground.
Pedestrian safety is also a great concern for all of us. Children should walk on the sidewalk, use the crosswalks, and look both ways when crossing the street. The school has crossing guards at the intersections of Huntington Drive and Virginia Road, Virginia and Roanoke Roads, Huntington Drive and Cambridge Road, and Huntington Drive and West Drive. The crossing guards are on duty 1/2 hour before and after school. The guards are not on duty mid-morning for Kindergarten arrival and dismissal.
Skateboards and roller blades may not be brought to school at any
time. No skateboarding or roller blading is allowed on school property at any
time. Students are not encouraged
to ride skateboards to and from school even if they have an off-site place to
store them during school hours.
Policy
Regarding Dogs on School District Property: The Board of
Educations asks for your help in communicating with parents, coaches,
neighbors, and students that dogs are not allowed on District property, in
particular our fields and facilities.
Lacy Park is intended for community use, and residents are fortunate to
have many nice neighborhoods in which they may walk dogs. If you could help us in communicating
this message to everyone, the Board would be very appreciative. This policy applies to all District
fields and facilities. For
everyone’s safety and security and for sanitation purposes we must enforce this
policy.
Parent driving requires extraordinary caution around the campus. Momentary distraction can result in disaster. Please do not use cell phones in or around our parking lots and pick-up areas.
Appropriate school dress is expected at all times. Students are expected to dress in a safe, healthy and non-distracting manner. Athletic shoes or other closed-toe, closed-heel, securely fastened flat-soled shoes must be worn at school at all times. Sandals of any kind, backless shoes, shoes with in-appropriate/unsafe heels, or shoes with cleats are inappropriate and may not be worn. Long skirts, bare midriffs, short shorts, spaghetti straps and tank tops are not appropriate. No hats are allowed in the classroom, but hats and other sun-protective clothes are allowed for outside activities. T-shirts with advertisements about cigarettes, beer, alcohol or other substances are inappropriate school attire and may not be worn.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Homework is an important part of the instructional program. The purpose of the assignments is to reinforce classroom learning, encourage self-direction and good study habits, and to stimulate independent thinking. Parents can help their children by taking an interest in what the student is doing as well as by providing encouragement and guidance where appropriate. It is important to have the necessary resource materials and a good work place for the student. Parents may also check work for neatness and to see that directions have been followed. Parents should confer with the teacher if help seems needed.
Homework is assigned at all grade levels and should be no longer than:
Kindergarten - 10 to 15 minute on one scheduled night per week
Grade 1 - 10 to 15 minutes per night
Grade 2 - 15 to 20 minutes per night
Grade 3 - 20 to 25 minutes per night
Grade 4 - 30 to 40 minutes per night
Grade 5 - 50 to 60 minutes per night
Report cards are issued at the end of the second, third, and fourth quarters. An annual Parent/Teacher conference is scheduled in November in lieu of the first quarter report card. Kindergarten progress report cards are issued three times a year. Appointments may be made for conferences with your child’s teacher anytime during the school year.
Cumulative Records are kept on file in the office. These include all academic records and student histories. Parents may have access to these records by appointment with the Principal.
Transcript requests may be made through the office. Please provide an addressed envelope with enough postage to send two (2) ounces (as of August 23, 2006, the cost is sixty-three cents - $ 0.63).
Regular Testing is provided in conjunction with district and state testing programs. Parents are welcome to discuss the results with their child’s teacher. The STAR tests are given in the spring to grades 2-5. The results may be discussed with the teacher or the principal at a scheduled conference.
All classes are grouped heterogeneously. Each class includes a wide rage of academic abilities, personalities, and a balance of boys and girls. Specific parent requests for classroom assignment are not normally considered.
Each year the teachers, principal, and specialists are involved in placement of students for the following year. Countless hours are spent in meeting, discussing, and deciding the appropriate situation for each individual child.
We ask that parents trust the school’s decisions in placing students. It is almost impossible to prepare class lists while working within the constraints of parent requests. We have an exceptionally dedicated staff that will provide the same quality of learning experiences for your child. The teachers within each grade level plan cooperatively so as to maintain like instructional programs.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Safety
o To see that all health records and emergency phone numbers are up to date.
o To notify the school every day the child is absent for any reason. Call 626 299-7092 before 9:00 A.M.
o To notify the office, in writing, when parents are going to be out of town. Please write the name and phone numbers of persons in charge of the child.
o To see that children arrive and depart from school promptly during assigned hours. This is especially important on minimum days.
o To make certain child knows and understands where and with whom he/she goes after school.
o To understand and comply with the school medication policy.
o To understand the school discipline policy
o To understand and follow the irregular departure procedure
Health
o To see that children attend school well nourished, well rested, and free from illness and that they are dressed appropriately for the weather.
o To keep a child at home for a twenty-four period after the child stops vomiting or after the child’s temperature returns to normal
o To notify the school promptly if a child has a contagious disease such as pediculosis, chicken pox, measles, impetigo, strep throat, conjunctivitis, etc., and to keep the child at home in accordance with school district policy. Some examples follow:
Fifth Disease – as soon as student is diagnosed the school must know so that
staff can be notified. This disease can be dangerous for women in early
pregnancy. The student may attend school if fever is not present and the
child feels well.
Pediculosis
– student must be shampooed with a pediculocide shampoo, have all nits removed and be checked by
school personnel before re-entering school
Chicken pox
– student must remain home for six days from the onset of the rash
Impetigo-
student must have a note from the doctor and all lesions must be covered
Strep throat
– isolation for 24 hours after antibiotic therapy begins
Conjunctivitis
– student must stay at home for two days while under treatment; may return when
eyes are clear and medication is not required during school hours
o Please call the Office 626 799-7090 for the policy on other diseases
Items Brought to School
o To see that all articles of clothing and property are well-marked with the student's first name and last name.
o To send no medication of any kind with children. “Medication” is defined as either prescription drugs or over the counter drugs such as Tylenol, cough drops, etc. Parents or other adult must personally bring medication of either type to the office. Medication of either type must be authorized by a physician in writing to be administered by the office and with a signed note from the parent. A parent may personally administer medication during school hours without a physician's consent. Any changes in dosage must be authorized in writing by a physician. Any unauthorized medication will be confiscated by the Health Coordinator or designee. Students may not carry medication on their person or keep it in their desks or backpacks unless specific written permission from the parents and the prescribing physician is on file in the Health Office.
o Please see below for a thorough explanation of the school medication policy.
o To make certain that children understand that they may not sell anything at school unless it is under adult supervision, has the Principal's approval, and is done before or after school. This includes Girl Scout cookies, Boy Scout tickets, YMCA candy, etc.
To monitor items brought to school. DO NOT SEND ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
o Glass containers such as Snapple bottles or other beverage containers
o Toys, balls, trading cards or other expensive items
o Large amounts of cash money
HEALTH POLICY
Mrs. Joanne Javier or Mrs. Colony Abbott, the District Health Coordinators, will be available at Valentine once a week.
A health card is kept on file for each student. Parents are asked to keep information current and to see that all immunizations are up-to-date. When filling out the annual Emergency Information form, parents should be especially careful choosing persons to be contacted in the event of an emergency or if the student becomes ill at school and the parents cannot be reached. It is especially important that at least one person on the emergency form be able to speak English. Please note on the form if the student goes to a baby sitter or other regular childcare after school. If your child has any health restrictions regarding P.E., please include this information.
Medication Policy
The following principles and procedures will be followed when a parent requests that a student be permitted to take medication at school. “Medication” is considered both a physician’s prescription or over the counter items such as cough drops, pain relievers, or other nostrums.
1. The administration of medication to students shall be done only in exceptional circumstance wherein the child's health may be jeopardized without it and only when such administration has been requested and approved by the student's parents and physician.
2. Students requiring medications at school shall be identified to the school by parents and physician. Students observed by school personnel administering medications to themselves will be reported to the principal and their parents.
3. All medications (prescriptions and over the counter items) must be delivered to the school office by an adult. All medications for students must be kept in the health office. Students may not carry medication on their person or keep it in their desks or backpacks unless specific written permission from the parents and the prescribing physician is on file in the Health Office.
4. A written statement shall be required of:
a. The prescribing physician, who shall indicate the necessity for the medication being given to the student during school hours, and the method, amount and schedules for medication.
b. The parent, who shall request and authorize the designated school personnel to give medication in the dosage prescribed by the physician.
5. All medications brought to the office to be administered to a student must be in the original, labeled container with the name and telephone number of the pharmacy, the student's identification, name of the physician, and dosage of the medication to be given.
6. Form letters to parents and physicians designed to facilitate these procedures are available in the school office and are to be completed on an annual basis. To open and print a Physician’s Recommendation for Medication form click here.
7. Any change in the dosage or type of medication given must be authorized in writing by a physician.
8. A list of students needing medication during school hours, including the type of medication, times, and dosage, will be maintained at the local school in the administrative or health office. This list is to be reviewed and updated periodically by the District Health Coordinator.
9. Under no circumstances are school personnel to provide/administer over the counter medicines or nostrums to students without first obtaining written consent from the parent and physician.
10.
At the end of the
year parents must claim any medication remaining at school or it will be
disposed of by the school.
If you need a medication form
click here.
SCHOOL LUNCHES
District Food Services maintains electronic accounts for each child in the Huntington Cafeteria. Each student uses a PIN to access the account at lunchtime. Make check payable to Food Services Department and mail it directly to the District Office, 1665 West Drive, San Marino, CA 91108, attention Food Services. Please write your student’s name and school on the memo section of the check. Send no cash in the mail.
|
Payment Method |
|
|
Daily |
$ 4.00 |
|
Monthly Prepayment |
$ 100.00 |
|
Annual Prepayment |
$ 700.00 |
Students will be given a low balance slip at the end of each month. Please keep abreast with payments, as only 2 meal credits will be allowed. Milk is available at the Lunch Court for $ 0.50.
LOST AND FOUND
Please label all clothing and personal items with the student’s first name and last name. If your child has any missing items, check the Lost and Found Rack outside Room 19. Unmarked and unclaimed items will be donated to charity every few weeks.
PARENT/SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS
Classroom interruptions can be very disruptive for the teacher and the children. If your child forgets a lunch, homework, or any other needed item, please leave the item in the school office before 10:00 A.M. clearly marked with child’s name and room number.
Parents are encouraged to become better acquainted with the school programs by visiting the classroom. Since prolonged visits are hard for many of the students, it is suggested that you limit your visit to 20-30 minutes. Please call the school office staff at least one day before you wish to come. Appointments for parent/teacher conferences may also be made at anytime during the year.
Parent Volunteers are very important at Valentine. Please remember to sign in and out in the Volunteer Book maintained in the Valentine Office. This sign in and sign out book is important so parents may be located and accounted for in an emergency.
Volunteers must also wear their Volunteer ID badge.
Announcements and notices from the School, PTA, and other organizations are sent home on Wednesdays. To sign up for the Valentine Weekly Update, a weekly e-mail message of current Valentine events and information, click here. This is the most important way to keep advised of school activities.
Valentine Web Site: Please check the Valentine web site and the District web site for up-dated information. The District posts the following information on their site: Notice of Rights of Parent or Guardians of Minor Pupils Under Certain Education Code Sections, California Education Code Parental Notification Requirements, Students Use of Technology, Emergency Procedures and Disaster Preparedness, State of California Attendance Funding Letter, Student Accident Insurance, Annual Notification of Application of Pesticides, Student Injuries and Insurance Letter, and Media Letter. The Valentine web site contains the cafeteria menu, the Handbook, and many other items of interest.
TRAFFIC FLOW AND PICK-UP PROCEDURES
Please follow the procedures listed below to ensure the children’s safety
Driving
1. Only the Kindergarten Circle, Huntington Drive Parking Lot, and Virginia Road Parking Lot are supervised drop-off/pick-up areas. In order to evenly distribute the number of vehicles and to prevent back-ups on Huntington Drive, use of the parking lots is as follows:
A. Kindergarten Circle is primarily for use by Kindergarten students, but is also available for the morning drop-off only, for overflow from either the Virginia or Huntington lots. Only kindergartners and siblings may be picked up at the Kindergarten Circle. All other students must be picked up at the Virginia Road or Huntington Drive lots.
B.
Huntington Drive Lot is available only to those vehicles
dropping off or picking up only ONE student. Traffic
through this lot must move quickly to avoid any back-up on Huntington
Drive. During morning drop-off only, if the line backs up toward the
Virginia Road and Huntington Drive intersection, drivers are requested to
proceed to the Kindergarten Circle for drop-off. Vehicles using the
Huntington Drive Lot should:
1) approach from east-bound Huntington Drive;
2) avoid Virginia Road, which will have its own pick-up line; and,
3) not make U-turns from west-bound Huntington Drive into the
parking lot.
C. Virginia Road Lot is available to those vehicles dropping off or picking up handicapped students, carpools, or two or more students. Drivers using the Virginia Road lot must enter from the north-bound lane. There is no left turn into the lot within 15 minutes before or after pick-up and drop-off times. DO NOT make a U-turn on Virginia Road. (This is highly dangerous because of the crosswalks and the amount of traffic.)
2. Please arrive on time.
A. A.M. Kindergarten begins at 8:10 A.M. Drop-off at the Kindergarten Circle is not permitted prior to 8:05 A.M.
B. There is no drop-off permitted prior to 8:15 A.M. for Grades 1-5.
C. Children dropped off after 8:30 A.M. must go to the office for a late arrival slip before going to class
D. Vehicles arranging to pick up 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders after 2:45 P.M. must wait in line with the 4th and 5th grade parents for the 2:50 P.M. pick-up.
E. Vehicles arriving for 4th and 5th graders prior to 2:45 P.M. must find legal parking or circle around the block to get in the later pick-up line.
3. There is only one traffic lane circling through each pick-up/drop-off area. Do not create a second lane nor attempt to pass other cars unless directed to do so.
4. Always pull as far forward as possible and stay close to the yellow curbs and poles so that other cars may get around your vehicle if necessary.
5. Children must always enter or exit from the passenger side of the vehicle.
6. Drivers should never exit or leave their cars while in the traffic lane. If your children are not in the designated area when you arrive for pick-up, you must find legal parking before leaving your car to look for them.
7. If you intend to walk your student to class or drop off items for your student, you must find legal parking – do not leave cars in the Kindergarten Circle or red curb areas for any period of time.
8. No drop-off or pick-up except in designated areas. Children may not exit or enter cars in any red curb area, between other cars, or within 25 feet of any exit at any time. This is for their safety!!! Children must wait for pick-up in designated areas behind the yellow poles.
9. Safety in the children’s pick-up and drop-off areas requires each driver’s full attention. No cell phone use is permitted in any of the drop-off/pick-up lots or circles.
10. Out of consideration for others in line, children should unload quickly and move immediately to the area behind the yellow curb or poles. At afternoon pick-up, students should be in the staging area, watching for their vehicles and ready to load quickly. Vehicles must always move out immediately.
11. Children walking home via Sherwood Road should leave the school immediately upon dismissal without interfering with P.E. classes in session. At no time should younger children wait in the unsupervised areas by Sherwood for older siblings or friends.
12. Parking is available along Huntington Drive and Virginia Road. Visitor spaces marked for short-term parent parking are available in the Huntington Drive lot.
Walking/Biking/Scootering
1. Children should cross at Huntington Drive or Roanoke Road, where there is a crossing guard (never in the middle of the street). At the Kindergarten Circle, please make sure that drivers see you before crossing, and never walk in the driving area of the circle.
2. Walkways into the school grounds are available at both the north and south side of the Virginia Road parking lot. Children must never walk or ride across the entrance or exit to the parking lot.
3. Bicycles and scooters may be ridden to school only by 4th and 5th graders at the beginning of the school year. This privilege is extended to 3rd graders after they successfully complete the traffic safety course given after the school year begins.
4. No bikes, scooters, or skateboards may be ridden on school grounds at any time. This includes during sporting events, on weekends, afternoon or in the evenings.
5. All bikes must be locked at the bike racks. Scooters can either be secured to the bike racks or can be kept in a backpack.
* Virginia Road Parking Lot for
Carpools only
** Huntington Drive Parking Lot for Single riders only
*** Kindergarten Circle for Kindergarten students only
San Marino Unified School District Emergency Procedures and Disaster Preparedness
(Revised September, 2005)
This summary is being issued to inform parents of the school district’s plans for handling emergencies of this type. These rules encompass only the best planning which can be provided with our own facilities. PLEASE READ THESE CAREFULLY, DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR SON/DAUGHTER AND MAKE THE HOME PLANS WHICH YOU DEEM NECESSARY. We will make every effort to keep you informed if procedures are changed.
Please note: Each school will have plans specific to their site.
Emergency Procedures and Student Release Plan
I. DURING SCHOOL HOURS
A. Regardless of whether it is an alert or actual disaster, all students will be held at school (except as stated in “B”) until the school principal is notified by the Chief of Civil Defense, the Superintendent of Schools or other proper authority to release students.
B. EARLY RELEASE – Until notification is received to send students home, PRIMARY STUDENTS WILL BE RELEASED ONLY TO THEIR PARENTS, OR AN ADULT LISTED ON THE CHILD’S EMERGENCY CARD, FROM THE CLASSROOM BY THE TEACHER.
C. Students remaining at school will be released to return home on foot or by their own transportation when official notice to do so is received.
D. It is recommended that parents give careful consideration to the arrangements made for their son/daughter to be picked up by designated persons or to go to a neighbor’s home in case parents are away. MAKE SURE NAMES ON EMERGENCY CARDS ARE UP-TO-DATE.
E. At Valentine, students will be released by teachers from the classroom or from the evacuation area on the playground only to their parents, or an adult listed on the child’s emergency card.
II. BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL HOURS
Keep your son/daughter at home until the Chief of Civil Defense, the Superintendent of Schools, or other proper authority gives instructions by radio, telephone or other media or communication.
III. GENERAL INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION
In the event of an emergency or disaster, the following bell signals will be given:
CODE RED: One long, continuous tone. Stay in rooms and lock doors. (chemical or hazardous material incident; lock down procedures)
CODE GREEN: A series of short ringing bells. Evacuate rooms immediately. (fire; bomb threat; explosion/aircraft crash/similar incident)