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 Ormondale School Student/Parent Handbook 200 Shawnee Pass Portola Valley, CA 94028 2014 – 2015 PORTOLA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT 4575 Alpine Road, Portola Valley 94028 650­851­1777 Lisa Gonzales, Ed.D., Superintendent BOARD OF TRUSTEES Caitha Ambler (650) 529­1558 Timothy McAdam (650) 847­1193 Jocelyn Swisher (650) 529­0442 Karen Tate (650) 851­8085 Linda Wong (650) 529­2299 ORMONDALE SCHOOL 200 Shawnee Pass Portola Valley 94028 650­851­1777 / option 2 Kevin Keegan, Principal Denise Schectman, Office Manager Evelyn Luis, Secretary Office Hours: 7:45 am – 3:45 pm 2014­ 2015 SCHOOL YEAR First day of school – August 25, 2014 Last day of school – June 12, 2015 (shortened day) ORMONDALE SCHOOL HOURS Kindergarten: 8:15 am ­ 12:05 pm: M­F (August 25, 2014 – February 19, 2015) 8:15 am – 2:50 pm: M, T, Th, & F (Feb 23, 2015 – June 11, 2015) Grades 1, 2 and 3: 8:15 am ­ 2:50 pm: M, T, Th, & F (All school year) 8:15 am – 12:05 pm: W (All school year) Shortened Days December 19, 2014 and June 12, 2015 All students (K­3): 8:15 am ­ 12:05 pm Daily Instructional Minutes Kindergarten: 210 minutes/day (August 25, 2014 – February 19, 2015) 330 minutes/day M, T, Th, & F (February 23, 2015 – June 11, 2015) 210 minutes/day W (February 23, 2015 – June 12, 2015) Grades 1, 2 and 3: 330 minutes/day M, T, Th, & F (All school year) 210 minutes/day W (All school year) Shortened Day (8:15 am – 12:05 pm): All students (K­3): 260 minutes/day PVSD Ormondale School 200 Shawnee Pass • Portola Valley, CA 94028 Phone: (650) 851­1777 • Fax: (650) 529­2086 • www.pvsd.net Kevin Keegan, Principal Dear Parents, Welcome to Ormondale School, and welcome to the 2014­2015 school year! Our school looks great and our teachers are eagerly awaiting the start of the year and the children’s arrival. Our teachers, our children, and our volunteers have a great time teaching and learning in our beautiful school. Ormondale School is a terrific place for learning and we feel truly fortunate. At Ormondale School, we have a unique opportunity to provide a program that is specifically designed for the young child, approximately 5­9 years of age. The 2014­2015 school year promises to be truly an exciting one for all, and we invite your participation. Communication is vital to the success of our school, and this handbook is part of that effort. The handbook contains essential information about life at Ormondale School. We know you have many questions about our school, and some of them will be answered in this booklet. Please take the time to review with your child pertinent information (i.e. student expectations and procedures in and around the school) in this handbook. Although your child's teacher will be reviewing relevant parts of this handbook as well, it will be helpful to reinforce this information at home. We wish to welcome you once again to Ormondale School. Your support is essential to your child’s success, and your participation is vital to our programs. Sincerely, Kevin Keegan Principal HISTORY Ormondale School stands on land, which was once a part of the Ormondale Ranch. The Ranch (now the Westridge, Arrowhead Meadows, and Ladera areas) was owned by W.O.B. MacDonough and granted to Domingo Peralta and Maximo Martinez in 1834. Mr. MacDonough raised prize­winning race horses, one of which was named Ormonde, from which the school name was taken. The original portion of the school (four rooms) was built in 1960. With the building of additional rooms and the office area, the school became a "neighborhood school" and housed primary students who lived in the vicinity of the school. The present third grade wing was added in 1976­77. At that time the Portola Valley School site on Portola Road was closed due to the presence of the San Andreas Fault through a corner of the school property. Ormondale School then became the K­5 school and Corte Madera was designated as the sixth, seventh and eighth grade school. Two portable classrooms were added in 1988, to accommodate the expanding school population. The new Educational Center, opened in 1996, provided our school with space for activities such as performing arts assemblies, art and science fairs, music and PE, large group instruction, and after school sports. Additional portables were added in 1996 and 1997. Due to class size reduction and the increase in student population, a decision was made in June of 1997 to reconfigure the school district and move the fourth and fifth grades to the middle school site. Effective September 1998, Ormondale School became a kindergarten­third grade school. With the passage of the bond measure in 1999 and Measure A in 2000, Ormondale School underwent a complete transformation. In addition to the modernization of all the classrooms, bathrooms, and the Library Media Center, a new Kindergarten building and new office complex were completed in 2002. The Ormondale School of 2011­2012 reflects the high value the community places on educating its children. Ormondale Song Oh, I know a school Where everything’s cool. Beside it all others turn pale. I know you will know it as soon as I say, the school in this song is Ormondale. Ormondale, my friend, the place I love to be. We will never forget the years in our green valley. It’s there by the creek. We go every week to write up a verse or a tale. Among all the trees and the frogs and the birds, Who live beside dear Ormondale. Ormondale, my friend, The place I love to be. We will never forget The years in our green valley. Ormondale School Faculty, Specialists and Staff Staff
Position
Ahlback, Adam
Grade 2
Andrighetto, Sherry
Gade K
Askey, Karen
General Ed Para
Avilla, Jan Reading Recovery
Bamber, John
Head Custodian
Berger, Vicki
Special Ed Para
Berman, Kristin
General Ed Para
Bloom­Smith, Jennifer
Grade 1
Castillo, Catherine
Grade K
Chwalek, Maryann
Speech Therapist
Clark, Linda
Grade K
Cullinane, Tim
PE
Dickinson, Suzy
Librarian
Fast, Suzanne
Grade3
Gilbert, Laura
Special Ed Inclusion
Grech, Debbie
Grade 2
Handy, Brian
Technology
Hill, Shannon
Special Ed Para
Keane, Abbe
District Nurse
Keegan, Kevin
Principal
King­Johnson
General Ed Para
Lebsack, Jenny
Grade 3
Luis, Evelyn
Secretary
Martinez, Silvia
Grade 1
Miller, Whitney
Grade 1
Patterson, Todd
School Counselor
Rickert, Wayne
Grade 3
Rusch, Jeanne
Science Schectman, Denise
Office Manager
Scigliano, Lisa
Psychologist
White, Carlton
Music
Wong, Kristin
Grade 2
Woolfe, Daphna
Grade 3
Location
Room 23
Room 8
Various Locations Room 14
Campus Various Locations Various Locations Room 2
Room 9
Room 17 I
Room 7
MUR
Library
Room 19
Room 16
Room 24
Tech Office
Various Locations 27G
27A
Various Locations Room 20
Office
Room 5
Room 3
27 H
Room 22
Room 15
Office
27J
Room 28
Room 19
Room 23
Extension 2623 2608 2614 2602 2609 2627 2607 2636 2617 2619 2616 2624 2637 2655 2650 2620 2651 2605 2603 2654 2622 2615 2652 2653 2628 2619 2623 ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE Students should not arrive at school before 7:55 a.m., as there is no supervision on the schoolyard before that time. Students are asked to promptly leave the campus at the 12:05 pm dismissal time on Wednesday and the 2:50 pm dismissal time on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. ABSENCES/TARDINESS Absences – When your child is absent from school, please call 851­1777 (please listen to directions for absence line) by 8:45 am and leave a detailed message (student name, teacher, reason of absence, and identity of caller). Excused absences are only allowed for the following reasons: 1. Personal illness; 2. Quarantine under the direction of a county or city health officer; 3. Medical appointments; 4. Dental, optometrist, or chiropractic appointments; 5. Illness or death in the student’s immediate family; 6. Participation in religious instruction or exercises in accordance with District policy. Students who demonstrate a pattern of excessive absenteeism or tardiness may be referred to the county School Attendance Review Board (SARB) for possible review. Students with excessive absences may also be required, at the discretion of school personnel, to provide medical verification of absences. Tardiness ­ If your child arrives at school after the 8:15 am bell rings, he/she is to report to the office to be signed in and receive a pass before going to class. It is important for students to arrive on time. When students are not punctual, a number of problems are created for the student, for the teacher, and for the rest of the class. PLANNED ABSENCES If your child is absent for reasons other than illness, you are requested to arrange for a Planned Absence. It is important that you arrange for a Planned Absence for three or more school days of absence by completing the pink form in the front office. We request you give the teacher at least a two­day notice so an appropriate assignment can be prepared for your child. This is considered an unexcused absence. HEALTH PRECAUTIONS When your child appears fatigued or shows symptoms of illness in the morning, he or she should be kept at home. If a child seems overly fatigued or ill later in the day, the parent will be called. Please remember to keep the school office updated of the information listed on your child’s emergency card. PARENT CONFERENCES The purpose of the fall conference is to exchange information and set goals for the year with your child and his/her teacher. Students are invited to be present during part or the entire meeting. Fall conferences will be September 30, and October 2nd and 3rd, with mid year conferences on February 9th, 10th and 12th. Any conferences outside these dates must be made directly with the teacher. KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION Registration for 2015 ­ 2016 T­K, and Kindergarten students will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. during the months of January, February, March, and April. A special parent Visitation Day will be held for parents of Fall 2015 incoming T­K and Kindergarten students on January 29, 2015 at 8:30 A.M. VISITATION DAYS Ormondale sets aside several days during the spring when parents may visit the school and observe classes in session. Visitors are invited to meet with the principal for an orientation at 8:30 am in the library before being escorted through the classrooms. Visitations are from 8:30 to 9:30 am. Following are the visitation days for the 2011 ­ 2012 school year. TK and Kindergarten Only January 29, 2015 TK ­ 3 Grades April 28, 2015 EMERGENCY INFORMATION In case of serious injury at school, the following emergency procedure is followed: ● The office is notified. ● Parents are notified, or if not available, one of the persons listed on the emergency form. ● If parents and emergency persons are unavailable, the student will be taken by school personnel to the family doctor, if permission is given on the emergency card, or an ambulance will be called and the student will be taken to the hospital, accompanied by a school employee. Emergency forms are sent out by the district superintendent prior to the start of the school year and should be returned promptly on the first day of school, so the school will have current emergency information on hand. In case of a disaster or an earthquake, students will be supervised on the school site until parents or persons listed on the emergency form pick them up. CHANGES IN PERTINENT INFORMATION Please call, stop by, or send a note to the school office whenever there is any change in information regarding an Ormondale student. Please advise the school office of any changes in home or work phone numbers, address, or family changes. PARENT VACATIONS When you leave on vacation without the children, please give the school a note as to whom to notify in your absence, and your expected date of return. PARENT COMMUNICATION Weekly Post ­ Important information from the PTO and local community organizations (sports, clubs, etc). Superintendent Eblast ­ Important information about the district initiatives and projects. School Newsletter ­ School level information to give overviews of different programs and initiatives. Class Update ­ Teacher updates about what is going on in the class and the grade level. LUNCHES Bag lunches prepared at home should be nutritional. Sweets are discouraged. Please do not send drinks in glass containers. The office is unable to heat or refrigerate any lunches for the students. Ormondale is a nut­free campus. Please do not pack any items in your child's lunch that contain nuts or nut products. HOT LUNCH DAYS Students may subscribe to hot lunch Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. If you have not signed up, please see the hot lunch flyer that was in the Back­to­School packet or stop by the school office to pick one up. MILK PROGRAM The district makes available a milk subscription program. Information on the program and costs will be sent home in the Back­to­School information envelope. RAINY DAY SUPERVISION During inclement weather the library and classrooms will be open for children from 8:00 am until school begins. Classrooms and the library will also be open during recesses and noontime during rainy weather. LIBRARY SERVICES The library is open from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm everyday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. It is usually open during recess and the lunch period as well. Kindergarten through second grade students may check out books for one week. Third graders may check out books for two weeks. Unfinished books may be renewed each week until completed. Parents will be charged for replacement of lost books. At the end of the school year, progress reports will be withheld until books and materials are returned or replacement costs paid. RESPONSIBLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY The use of technology is a privilege. The district Responsible Use of Technology Agreement was included in your first day of school packet. All students and parents must complete the form and return it to school to be eligible to use technology on campus. Violation of the policy is subject to disciplinary action. CYBER­BULLYING Social Networking pages (i.e. Facebook), Instant and Text messaging, email and other like ways of communicating with one another via technology have become a virtual reality for students around the world. Although there are many benefits to this type of mass communication efforts, there are other times when the virtual world has a direct impact on the school climate. At Ormondale, when cyber­bullying disrupts the learning environment for students, we will take the necessary disciplinary steps to maintain a safe and positive environment for all students. Assembly Bill 86 was passed in 2009 to support school authority by adding cyber­bullying to school disciplinary codes. Cyber­bullying is harassment through e­mails, text messages, and social networking sites. CELL PHONES Students who bring cell phones to school are to have them off and concealed during the day. If a student needs to make an emergency call, they are to come up to the office. Cell phones that are used without permission, go off in class, or are considered interfering with the educational process, will be confiscated. The cell phone will be held in the principal’s office and will not be returned until a parent or guardian can pick it up. Students may use cell phones after school is dismissed for the day. USE OF THE TELEPHONE Children may use the school phones when they are ill, have forgotten their lunch, or missed a ride. For after school and social activities, please have your child make these arrangements and phone calls from home. CLASS LISTS/DIRECTORY It is district policy not to make class lists and students' phone numbers and addresses available to the public or for commercial purposes. A class list is given to each room parent for his/her use. You will have an opportunity to make your child’s name and grade, your name, address, and phone number available for the PTO to publish in its directory. Directory forms are sent home in the Back­to­School packet. This directory, with all available information is then available for purchase as a fundraiser for the PTO. CONFISCATION OF ITEMS Anything that distracts from the educational process may not be brought to school or on field trips. Examples of these items include toys, games, iPods, iPhones, portable electronic games, and any other electronic devices. These articles will be confiscated, and held in the principal’s office and will not be returned until a parent or guardian can pick it up. LOST AND FOUND Please be sure that all removable clothing, lunch boxes, and backpacks are marked with your child's name. There is a "lost and found” area on the walkway behind the office. Unclaimed items are donated to charity periodically. To give families an opportunity to reclaim lost items, a notice will be placed in the Weekly Post before each donation is made to charity. PARTY INVITATIONS When your child invites some of his or her classmates to a private birthday or other party, please do not allow him or her to distribute the invitations at school. Mailed invitations or telephone calls prevent hurt feelings. Please refrain from bringing limousines to school for the purpose of picking up groups of children for private after­school parties. BIKES/WHEELED VEHICLES Children who ride bikes, scooters, roller blades, or skateboards to school must wear helmets, and should be sure they lock their bikes and scooters securely to the bike rack before going to class. Rollerblades and skateboards should be placed by the classroom coat racks in such a way as to not cause any accidents for those in the walkways. Skateboarding, rollerblading, scooter riding, in­line skating, and mini­motor bikes are not permitted on school grounds at anytime. These activities must be done away from school grounds, under parent supervision. Recreational motorized vehicles such as scooters, go­karts, and mini­motor bikes are strictly prohibited from campus at all times. BUSES Buses drop off and pick up students each morning and afternoon at the back entrance to the school. Students should report promptly to the bus loading area as soon as school is dismissed to avoid missing the bus. Students are expected to exhibit the same good behavior on the school bus as they do at school. School wide disciplinary rules and consequences apply to all bus riders. Therefore, students are expected to be courteous to the driver and fellow riders, to take a seat immediately and to remain seated, to not put their arms out of the windows, and to not distract the driver. Students who fail to follow these rules will be disciplined according to the Sequoia Union School District guidelines, or SamTrans rules governing ridership. Repeat offenders may lose all bus privileges. DOGS ON CAMPUS School is a place for children ­ not animals. Dogs are not allowed on campus at any time. Please keep animals at home during drop­off, pick­up, and while volunteering at school. We ask that extra effort be taken to ensure that all dogs are confined to the owners' property. Dogs, which are allowed to run loose naturally, gravitate toward action ­ in other words, the schoolyard. As a result, they may cause a safety hazard. Classroom Events Nutrition education is more than formal lesson plans. Offering healthy snack foods during classroom and school­wide events can be good teaching examples too. During classroom events, please help us by providing nutritious foods for students to taste and enjoy. Snack Foods that are Snack Foods that are NOT Recommended Allowed Fresh fruits Cakes and cookies Small bags of trail mix (without Ice cream nuts) Donuts Unbuttered popcorn Soda Fruit bread (i.e. pumpkin or Fruit punch zucchini) Candy Pumpkin or Sunflower seeds Chips Yogurt with fresh fruit Vegetable sticks with yogurt dip Fruit kabobs Bran or fruit muffins Raisins and dried fruit String cheese or sliced/cubed cheese Pita bread and dip Fruit smoothies Mini sandwiches cut into shapes Pretzels Bagels with cream cheese Graham crackers Fruit juice bars Crackers (nut free) Frozen yogurt Quesadillas These foods contribute more These foods have very little than just calories, sugar, and fat. nutritional value. They taste great and are healthy for children too. Ormondale’s Birthday Book Club! In honor of your child’s special day, the Ormondale staff, PTO, and School Site Council invite your family to join in the tradition of donating your favorite book to either the classroom or school library. In lieu of sharing a treat with the class, your child will have the opportunity to showcase his or her personal selection. We invite you or your child to read the book to the class or have the teacher read it aloud before it is added to the library. A nameplate will be placed inside the front cover of the book where your child can autograph the book for future reference. We are excited about this educational way to honor birthdays! Forgot your book on the big day? Didn’t make it to the bookstore? Don’t fret! Just stop by the office and have your child select a favorite book from Ormondale’s special collection. Please understand that you are not obligated to participate in this activity. A child’s birthday is special with or without a “Birthday Book.” We appreciate you supporting our Healthy Foods Initiative by celebrating birthdays in this way at school. Stay tuned for additional ways the PTO and School Site Council are helping us raise awareness and encouraging our children to make healthy food choices each day. We will focus on the “Food of the Month” again this year. If you have a suggestion or are interested in getting involved, please contact the school office and let us know! PORTOLA VALLEY SCHOOLS’ HOMEWORK POLICY The Governing Board believes that homework serves many important purposes. The administration and certificated staff shall design homework plans and assignments so that through their homework, students can reinforce academic skills taught in school, learn how to conduct research effectively, develop ideas creatively, and become life­long learners. The Board believes that homework is the responsibility of the student. It is the student's job to develop regular study habits and to do most assignments independently. When assigning homework, which may involve interaction with parents/guardians, teachers should include instructions, which show how parents/guardians can best help their children. Parental support for a child's homework assignments should not diminish his/her sense of responsibility. Homework should reinforce classroom­learning objectives and be related to individual student needs and abilities. Each school should establish the expected number of minutes per night for homework. The amount of time assigned for a weekend should not exceed that assigned for a weeknight. Assignments must be relevant and important. They should contribute to students' enthusiasm for learning as well as their understanding of subject matter. Reading for pleasure and vocabulary development should be encouraged at all grade levels. Homework should not become such a burden that a child who is putting forth his/her best effort becomes defeated by it. Homework should never be used as a disciplinary measure. The Board believes that holidays and vacations provide valuable intervals for quality family time without academic pressure. Long­term assignments should be completed prior to major holiday breaks. Homework other than reading should not be assigned during winter and spring holiday breaks. "Reading" means just that, the reading of a short story or part of a book. Upon students’ return, they should be provided a reasonable amount of time by the teachers before a literary analysis or a project based upon the assigned reading matter is required. Families are encouraged to continue to read to and with young children during breaks. Older children are encouraged to read for enjoyment during school year vacations. Summer reading will be required for incoming sixth, seventh and eighth graders. The Superintendent shall ensure that each school site develops an effective homework plan in accordance with Board policy and administrative regulation and that such plans are available at the beginning of each school year. ORMONDALE SCHOOL HOMEWORK POLICY For each grade level, the amount of time that students shall be expected to spend on homework is listed below. It should be noted that these times are averages, and an individual child may need more or less time to complete assignments. If homework takes significantly longer or shorter than anticipated time, parents should contact the classroom teacher. Grade Level Time on Homework TK ­ K 0 minutes 1 20 minutes 2 25 minutes 3 30 minutes 1.
Teachers will provide parents with an advance planning sheet or other description of the homework. There will be no homework assigned on Fridays. When long term projects are assigned, the work for such assignments will be within the number of minutes to be expected for homework, not in addition to that number. 2.
The goal of homework assignments is to reinforce and enrich the children's learning experiences, to develop independent study skills, effective time management skills, and good organizational habits. Parents are encouraged to allow children to complete their own homework assignments independently. Parents can support children by establishing a routine for homework, including proper space, materials, set time, and by providing appropriate assistance as needed. 3.
Parents are informed about homework expectations through a variety of means: teacher newsletters, websites, and Back­To­School Night presentations. Progress reports will have a category that reflects the quality and timeliness of homework completion. 4.
Each classroom teacher will teach the students appropriate homework strategies at the beginning of the school year. These strategies will be reviewed and reinforced throughout the year. They will be taught as part of an on­going organizational skills program in each classroom. 5.
Students may obtain resources for their homework assignments from the classroom, Ormondale library, Town Library, Internet access, etc. Parents are expected to provide appropriate resources such as pencils, crayons, glue, paper, etc. for the home. 6.
Each grade level will decide the nature of the homework. The extent to which homework becomes more and more complex will be developmentally appropriate, and determined by the needs of the children, the grade level standards, and achievement targets. 7.
Parents will have an opportunity to give feedback regarding homework plans at Back to School Night, on weekly communication sheets, in individual conferences, or in phone calls to the parents or the principal. Parents will receive written copies of homework policies at the beginning of each school year. AGREEMENTS FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR Ormondale students are expected to: ● Be Respectful ● Be Responsible ● Be Safe ● Be Kind Common Area
All Common Areas
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Safe
Be Kind
Use a calm, quiet voice
Follow adult directions
Walk
Work with others
Be aware of others and
their work
Keep it clean
Keep personal space
Be a Bucket filler
Use your best
manners
Clean up after
yourself
Stay seated at your
table
Use kind words
Listen to the adults
Eat a Healthy Meal
Walk after you have
been dismissed
Outside Classroom
Eating Area
Include others at your
table
Please and Thank You
Playground/Recess
Take turns
Return all equipment
Include others
Be a problem solver
Keep hands, feet and
objects to yourself
Use kind words
Invite others to play
Use equipment safely
Listen to adults
Get water/use
restroom
Follow rules of games
Use a quiet voice
Passing Areas
Walkways
Keep the hall ways
clean
Walk
Keep personal space
Use an indoor voice
Flush and throw away
your trash
eye contact
take care of personal
belongings
Wash your hands
Respect each others
privacy
Bathrooms
Arrival and Dismissal
address others by
name
walking
saying “thank you” &
“please”
keep body to self
listening & looking
personal space
Listen to adults
awareness of others &
surroundings
Listening ears
Eyes on speaker
MUR
Assemblies
Focus on the
presentation
Enter quietly
Hands/Feet to yourself
Walk to and from MUR
Stay seated
Show appropriate
appreciation
DISCIPLINE PLAN In the event that a child has a behavior problem, the progressive discipline system that is followed is noted below: First Offense: Verbal Warning with an explanation of why the behavior or choice is inappropriate. Second Offense: Refocus Time in the office, the tables, or next to a staff member during free time. Third Offense: Student conference with the principal. Fourth Offense: Student will meet with the principal, parents, and classroom teacher to discuss his or her behavior and to negotiate a contract describing a plan of action for improving the student's behavior. Possible Disciplinary Actions Informal talk: A staff member may talk to the student and try to reach an agreement regarding how the student should behave. Refocus Time: Students who need a break to cool down and “refocus” their energy will be asked to take breaks in the office, at the tables, or oustide next to a staff member. Every effort will be made to “refocus” and then re­enter in a positive fashion. Conference: A formal meeting may be held between the student and one or more staff members (teacher, counselor, psychologist, or principal). Issues will be explored, and agreements will be reached as to expected behavior on student's part. Parent Involvement: Parent/guardian may be notified by email, telephone, personal contact, or letter. A meeting m
be held between the student, his/her parent/guardian, appropriate school personnel and other individuals concerned
contract describing a plan of action for improving the student's behavior, agreed upon by all participants, may be negotiated at anytime. Suspension: A suspension from school or class can be given in one of two ways: first, chronic offenses or second
when a student commits any one of the following: Suspension Offenses:
a) Causes, attempts to cause, or threatens to cause physical injury to another person. b)
Possesses, sells, or otherwise furnishes any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object. c)
Unlawfully possesses, uses, sells, or otherwise furnishes, or has been under the influence of any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind. d)
Unlawfully offers, arranges, or negotiates to sell any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind, and then either sells, delivers, or otherwise furnishes to any person another liquid, substance, or material, and represent such as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant. e)
Commits or attempts to commit robbery or extortion. f) Causes or attempts to cause damage to school property or private property. g)
Steals or attempts to steal school property or private property. h)
Possesses or uses tobacco, or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products, including but i) j) k)
l) m) n)
o)
p)
q) r) not limited to cigarettes, cigars, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets, a
betel. Prescription products must be kept in office with signed instructions from doctor. Commits an obscene act or engages in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
Unlawfully possess, or offers, arranges, or negotiates to sell any drug paraphernalia. Disrupts school activities or otherwise willfully defies the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school personnel engaged in their duties. Knowingly receives stolen school property or private property. Possesses an imitation firearm. An "imitation firearm" is a replica of a firearm that is so substantially similar in physical properties to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to conclude that the replica is a firearm. Commits or attempts to commit a sexual assault or commits a sexual battery. Harasses, threatens or intimidates a student who is a complaining witness or witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of either preventing that student from being a witness or retaliating against that student for being a witness, or both. Engages in sexual harassment. Causes, attempts to cause, threatens to cause, or participates in an act of hate violence.
Intentionally engages in harassment, threats or intimidation, directed against a student or group of students, that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to have the actual and reasonably expected effect of materially disrupting class work, creating substantial disorder and invading the rights of that student or group of students by creating a hostile educational environment. School Suspension Action: a) Parents are notified. b) Student is suspended from school for one to five days. c) Student will complete school assignments during suspension. d) Following suspension and before re­admission to school, the student and parent(s) will meet with school personnel to complete a Behavior Contract tailored to the student and the disciplinary situation and designed to promote positive behavior. i Expulsion: A student can be recommended for expulsion by the superintendent, principal or principal's designee. A student may be suspended while the recommendation for expulsion is being considered and acted upon by the Board if the superintendent or his/her designee, after conferring with the parents, determines that the presence of the student at school or in an alternative placement would cause a danger to persons or property or a threat of disruption to the instruction process. Mandatory recommendation for expulsion in the absence of extenuating circumstances: Causes serious physical injury to another person except in self­defense. a)
Possession of any knife, explosive, or other dangerous object. b)
Unlawful possession of any controlled substance. c)
Robbery or extortion. d)
Assault or battery upon any school employee. School Expulsion Action: ● Notification of parents. ● Principal or Superintendent recommends to the School Board that the student be expelled. ● The School Board holds a hearing and makes a final decision on expulsion. Mandatory Recommendation for Expulsion and Mandatory Expulsion: a)
Possession, selling, or otherwise furnishing a firearm. b)
Brandishing a knife at another person. c)
Unlawfully selling a controlled substance. d)
Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault or committing sexual battery. e)
Possession of an explosive. f) Causing serious physical injury to another person, except in self­defense. g)
Robbery or extortion. Expulsion Action for Mandatory Expulsion Offenses: ● Notification of parents ● Principal or Superintendent recommends to the School Board that the student be expelled ● The School Board holds a hearing and makes a final decision on expulsion For detailed legal references, please review “Parents Rights" on the district website www.pvsd.net. Suspension and expulsion procedures follow due process as listed in administration regulation 51441.1. ORMONDALE TRAFFIC, SAFETY, AND PARKING PLAN The main purpose of the Ormondale traffic plan is to ensure student safety first, and to facilitate the drop off and pick­up process second. Please take the time to carefully review the directions below. In order to ensure student safety, it is essential for everyone to follow the directions below. Ormondale School is located at 200 Shawnee Pass (at Iroquois Trail) in Portola Valley. Shawnee Pass is a “horseshoe”­shaped street, which intersects Cervantes Road at two locations. All Ormondale School traffic must enter Shawnee Pass from the northernmost intersection with Cervantes Road (nearest Westridge Drive, 1/2 mile from Portola Road). To DROP OFF students before school: • To drop students off in the morning, proceed to Iroquois Trail and turn right, then right again into the driveway loop in front of the school. The Ormondale School message board is located at the driveway turn­in. • Teachers and the principal are stationed at the curbside to assist the students from vehicles. • In the beginning of the school year, there are staff and parent volunteers to direct students to classes. • Approaching vehicles are to stay in single file with children remaining in their cars until curb space becomes available. • To ensure safety, children must exit vehicles only from right­side (curbside) doors thus permitting direct access to the sidewalk. • When leaving the school, vehicles are to turn LEFT out of the parking lot on to Iroquois, then RIGHT on Shawnee Pass. • Take special note that Shawnee Pass is a ONE­WAY street from 7:45 am to 3:15 pm. Embrace safe driving and avoid a moving traffic citation by complying with this requirement. • Students may NOT be dropped off in the bus turnaround parking lot. To PICK­UP students after school: • The pick­up location is identical to the drop­off location – curbside in front of the school. Kindergarten teachers will accompany their classes to the curbside pick­up area. When picking up your child, please inform the appropriate teacher so your child’s name can be checked off the list. • Each family must have an 8 1/2” X 11” name card of their child clearly displayed on their vehicle’s dashboard so the staff can bring their child to the curbside. Name cards can be made at home or in class as a project. • Children are escorted to the pick­up area in front of school. Parents should remain in their cars. The loading process takes place in many cars simultaneously (i.e., this is not a one car at the front of the line operation). • Cars toward back of the line should not pass parked cars, which are in the process of loading to advance to open spots in front of the line. PARKING: • There are a few visitor parking spaces available in the school lots. Please do not park in any parking space marked “STAFF”. Even though the space may be vacant at the time, the staff member may be arriving shortly. You may park on Iroquois (east side only) or on Shawnee Pass. • For safety reasons, through traffic is not allowed down Iroquois past the school office after 8:20 am. All traffic at this point must cycle through the driveway loop in front of the school. • Kindergarten parents/caregivers who wish to park near the kindergarten area must park before 7:55 am. • Please do not park in anyone’s driveway. We do not want to create any inconveniences for our neighbors. ALTERNATE CARE PROVIDERS: • As indicated on the school registration forms, written statements as to the person(s) authorized to pick up your child are on file with the school. Any alternative arrangement must be authorized in writing including the date(s) for which the alternate plan is valid. • Teachers cannot release children to others without written approval from the parents/guardians. Additional important things to remember as you approach and leave Ormondale, especially during peak drop off and pick up times: • PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY, BE OBSERVANT, AND USE THE CROSSWALKS • Being alert and courteous will help maintain an “accident­free zone” at Ormondale. • Please respond courteously to staff requests at crosswalks and drop­off areas. Please obey directions given by staff stationed at the crosswalks. • Respect that there are many children to load and move through the line as quickly as possible. Help our children understand the need for quick loading and unloading. Save the hugs and kisses, and the sharing of schoolwork until after you have left the parking lot. • Should you need to visit the front office, park your car in one of the visitors’ parking spaces and walk in. • Don’t leave your car unattended along the curb. Yard Duty Procedures General Rules ● Students should play in designated areas (play yard) and move quickly through corridors. ● Yard supervision coverage begins at 7:55 am, 10:15 am, and 12:05 pm. ● All yard duty staff will circulate at all times, to make sure there is visual contact with all areas under their supervision. Yard duty staff will be able to see all students who are in their area of supervision. 7:55 – 8:15 am Before School Recess 1.
Kindergarten students go to the kindergarten playground. 2.
Students in grades 1 – 3 are to drop off their backpacks in front of the classrooms, and go to the blacktop playground. 3.
Students in grades 1 – 3 can play on the field and on the blacktop area. 4.
There are balls available on the playground for student use. 5.
Students may be in the library beginning at 8:00 am. 6.
8:13 am – warning bell / 8:15 am – classes begin. 10:15 am Morning Recess and Noon Recess 1.
At 10:15 am, students who are eating snacks should be sitting in the eating area. During the noon recess, the eating period is from 12:05 ­ 12:25 pm. 2.
Students play on the field and blacktop. We move quickly through the halls to put away items. 3.
Students may go to the library to read, play board games, or draw. 5.
When students are eating we ask that they sit nicely and eat their meal. 6.
Students clean up after themselves before they leave the eating area. 7.
At noon, yard duty staff will dismiss as appropriate after the bell has rung. 8.
When the bell rings, all games end, the equipment gets put away, and students walk to line up. 10. During rainy days, students eat in the MUR; return to classrooms and play quiet games or go to library. Yard duty staff and volunteers supervise students by circulating among classrooms. SPECIFIC GAME RULES Four­Square Players take position in boxes A, B, C, and D. The object of the game is to become the leader by gaining box D. Player A starts the game by bouncing the ball and hitting it into box C. Players hit the ball from box to box in any order until somebody misses. When someone misses, he/she goes to the end of the line and the first child in line enters at box A. All the players in the game who are below the vacated box advance one box towards D. Rules: 1. The ball must bounce one time in any square. 2. The ball may be hit with one or two hands with palms open. Player is out if: 1. The ball hits out of bounds. 2. The ball bounces more than one time in your box. 3. A player hits a ball that has bounded into someone else’s box. 4. A player holds the ball for more than three seconds. 5. A player bounces the ball over the height of another’s hands. ➔ Knock Out Game is played with as many players that want to play. Two basketballs are used. First player shoots the ball at the basket. Second player shoots after the first. If the first player makes the basket, the ball is given to the next person in line to shoot. If the second player makes a basket before the first, the first player is out and goes to the end of the line. Tetherball Rules The object of the game: The player who succeeds in wrapping the ball around the pole first is the winner. Rules: A player loses the game immediately and goes to the end of the line for any of the following: • Hitting the rope or grabbing it on purpose. • Stepping into the opponent’s court. • Climbing the pole to prevent a tether. The winner stays in and the new player serves first. Conflict Resolution at Ormondale Cooling Off & Talking it Out Anger can make you feel like you want to explode, blow up, and boil over. When you get angry, here are 10 ways to help cool off. Remember you STOP, so you can THINK. Here’s how to STOP and THINK: 1. Freeze and take a deep breath 2. Count to Ten 3. Walk Away You can also use your words. 4. Ask a question. 5. Talk about how you feel. 6. Write about how you feel. 7. Talk to yourself. You can get busy and use your angry energy to do things like: 8. Drawing a picture. 9. Kicking a ball. 10. Run a lap! The “I” message I feel _______________________________ when you __________________________ and I wish, need, want you to ______________________________________________. Resolution Steps 1. 2. 3. Introduce yourself: “Hi my name is __________________.” Ask: “Would you like help solving your problem?” Ask: “What is your name?” Say: “Before we begin you must agree to three rules: 1. No interrupting 2. No put downs 3. Work to solve the problem Do you agree?” 4. Ask: “What happened?” (Listen carefully to the answer) Ask: “How do you feel?” 5. Restate: “I understand you feel ________ because _______. 6. Ask: “What could you do to solve this problem?” Ask (the other person): “Would this work for you?” 7. Ask: “Is this problem solved?” (If not, repeat step #6) 8. Say: “Congratulations. Good work solving your problem.” *** Ask: “How can you avoid this in the future?” Helpful Hints Active Listening Rules: 1. Use non­verbal behavior: ● Tone of voice ● Facial Expression ● Gestures ● Eye Contact ● Posture 2. Put yourself in the other person’s place to understand what the other person is saying and how he or she feels. 3. Restate the person’s most important thoughts and feelings. 4. Do not interrupt. Offer advice or give solutions. 5. Don’t take sides. Remain neutral. 6. Be supportive. Evaluating your work: 1. What went well? 2. What needs more practice? 3. Did you and your partner help each other? 4. Did you feel you listened to the disputant? 5. Was the agreement a good one? Why or why not? VOLUNTEER INFORMATION Volunteers play an increasingly important role at Ormondale School. The following information is intended to orient volunteers: A. Responsibilities of the Volunteer ∙ Always sign in at the office before going to your volunteer duties. After you've completed your time for the day, please sign out.
∙ Be punctual and reliable in fulfilling your assignment. Notify the school if you must be absent. Please check with individual teachers to ascertain whether or not you should find a replacement. ∙ Keep anything you see and hear at school about individual children in strict confidence. Any conversation with a teacher concerning others in the class should be spoken in private. ∙ Help the teacher foster independence in the child by encouraging the child to do as much as possible for him/herself. Make sure to fill out your volunteer packet, attend the trainings, and have fun supporting the Ormondale Community! Thank you! Portola Valley Parent Teacher Organization The purpose of the Portola Valley Parent Teacher Organization (PV­PTO) is to promote the education and welfare of the students of Ormondale and Corte Madera schools. The PV­PTO takes a very active role in the enrichment activities of our schools while encouraging a sense of community spirit among the students, staff, and parents. Funds to support all PTO­sponsored programs and purchases are generated through direct donations and parent­coordinated fundraisers. All parents are invited and encouraged to participate in the PV­PTO’s activities. The PTO board meetings are typically scheduled one day of each month and all parents and staff are welcome to attend meetings and participate. If parents or staff are interested in becoming more involved, they may contact the chair for a particular event or activity. Alternatively, if one is interested in a leadership position, please contact one of the officers. We encourage everyone to participate in some way. The PV­PTO sponsored activities for Ormondale School include: For Students:
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Cultural Arts Assemblies
PRIDE Assemblies
School Photos
Emergency Preparedness Program Weekly Post Newsletter Community Building Events Back to School Picnic
Playground Supervision
Book Fairs
Spirit Wear
Kindergarten Welcome Breakfast
1st Grade Thanksgiving Feast
Buddy Program
Visiting Author/Poet For Parents: ● Parent Education Workshops ● Welcome Back Coffee ● Original Arts Programs ● TB Tests ● Volunteer Recognition For Staff: ●
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For the School Community Staff Appreciation Activities Years of Service Recognition Copy Services Room Parent Coordination Yard and Library Volunteers Welcome Back Coffee Art in Action Volunteers Movie Night Back to School Packets Turkey Trot Family Bingo Night Student Directory Volunteer Recognition