Emelita Street School

ENROLLMENT AND CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS

Room assignments for continuing students were made carefully by Emelita‘s teachers just before school closed last school year. This process insures balanced classes while taking into consideration the needs of each student.

Teachers spent considerable time to insure the best placement of each student. As you know, every year many new students enroll at Emelita and some of the students who were enrolled last June have moved over the summer. Due to changes in enrollment during the first weeks of school, it then becomes necessary to make room changes for some pupils in order to even out class size. When these changes occur, great care will once again be taken to place children into classes where they will be most successful. You will be notified if this occurs.

A TTENDANCE AND ILLNESS

All children are expected to be in attendance each day unless they are ill or a family emergency arises. Family vacations and excursions should be planned on non—school days. When your children are not in school, not only do they lose valuable instructional time, but the school loses money, which is used to purchase much needed instructional materials. Please remember that a written note explaining the absence is required alter a student has been absent. Because of the great value we place on attendance, we will be acknowledging students and providing special incentives not only for perfect attendance each month, but for perfect attendance for each of the reporting periods and for the entire year.

We realize that there may be an instance when your child is tardy. However, when this is a regular occurrence it is extremely harmful to your child and to the class in general. If a child arrives in class late, it can upset his/her entire day. The opening directions for the day are missed and your child starts the day behind and may have to rush to complete assignments. It is important for even the youngest students to begin to accept responsibility for their education and being in school on time each and every day is a positive first step. Please avoid tardiness.

Tardiness interrupts your child’s instructional time.

CONFERENCING WITH TEACHER(S)

We always welcome parents to Emelita. Because your child’s teacher is especially busy in the mornings, we would appreciate if you would not discuss your child’s progress at that time. If you would like to talk to your child’s teacher, kindly stop by the main office and leave a message with your telephone number and the best time to call. Our teachers make every effort to communicate with parents. Thank you so much for your cooperation.

EMERGENCY INFORMA TION CARD

During the first week of school, your child will bring home an emergency information card for you to complete.

IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that the information on this card be filled out completely and accurately.

BE SURE T0 ADD CELL PHONE NUMBERS. Please make sure all telephone numbers and addresses are clearly written. Include as many names and telephone numbers as possible of persons who can be contacted in case you cannot be reached. Emergency contacts should live or work relatively close to the school. This information is used whenever the school needs to contact you such as when your child is ill, has been hurt, or in any type of emergency. We will not release your child to anyone not listed on this emergency card without a written note from you. We will also use this information during emergencies such as earthquakes to release your child.

Please notify the school if you change addresses nr telephone numbers during the school year. Important school correspondence such as test scores, report cards and other written communication may not get to you or may be delayed if we do not have a current address in the District Student information System. It is very important that our records be kept up to date at all times.   

 

RESIDENCE INFORMATION

It is the responsibility of the parent to inform the school of any change of address or telephone number immediately or as soon as possible.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL ‘s .

NO children will be allowed on campus before 7:40 a.m. There is NO adult supervision until that time. If your child is left unattended before school, you will be contacted and asked to make safe arrangements.

Please read and follow all traffic pattern and rules. To insure safety when dropping off or picking up students, please pull over as close to the curb as possible in order to exit on the curb side of the car. DO NOT ask your children to cross in the middle of the street or to walk between parked cars to get to their destination. Double parking is illegal and dangerous! Do not park and leave your car on the school side of the street, in the area for drop-off of passengers and for school buses only. Please be considerate of our neighbors and DO NOT HONK for your children as it is inconsiderate. The gate in front of the school will be open at 7:40 a.m. All gates will be closed at 8:10 a.m. lf children are late to school, they must come through the office and obtain a tardy slip.

- Parents may not walk their child(ren) to class after 8: 10 am. lf necessary, office personnel will walk your child to class.  

KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS:

Morning drop off – Parents must remain with their child(ren) by the Zelzah Street Gate where at 8: 10 a.m. the  Kindergarten teachers will pick up the students and take them to their classroom. -

Kindergarteners are welcome to have breakfast from 7:40 a.m. — 8:00 a.m. Kindergarteners having breakfast will go through the Hatteras Street gate by the main office where they will be met by a staff member who will supervise them during breakfast and walk them to the kindergarten yard at 8:10 a.m.

After—school pick up – Parents can enter through the Hatteras Street main gate and wait for child to be dismissed by their teachers in front of the classroom. Kindergarten students will only be released to an authorized adult such as: a parent/guardian or a Creative Kid’s staff member authorized to pick up; Please be on time to pick up your kindergartener; Kinder students are not allowed to be on the playground after school.

FIRST- FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS:

Morning drop off – Only two main gates will be open for drop off in the morning with staff/parent volunteers supervision — the Hatteras Street main gate by the main office and the Emelita Street main gate. Children will remain on the yard or can have breakfast between 7:40 a.m. —— 8:00 a.m. at which time all 1st — 5th grade students are instructed to lineup with their class on the yard where the teachers will meet them and walk them to class.

Parents are welcome to stay with their child at their room line up until picked up by the teacher. Our instructional day begins at 8:10 a.m. and we ask that all parents leave the campus at that time.

After-school pick up – Parents are welcome to~ come on campus to pick up their chi-ld(ren) from either the Hatteras Street main gate or the Emelita Street main gate. Gates will remain closed until dismissal time. Please keep your child(ren) safe, advise them to stay on the school grounds until they are picked up by an authorized adult. First grade students are not allowed to be on the playground after school so please be on time to pick up your first grader. ‘ ‘ ’

RELEASE OF STUDENTS

 ln order to assure the maximum degree of safety and protection for children, it is imperative that children do not leave school during school hours including the lunch period. lfa pupil is to leave school during school hours for other reasons, the parent or other authorized person must appear at the office and show picture identification.

A child will be released ONLY IN THE OFFICE AND ONLY TO THE PARENT/GUARDIAN OR THE PERSON WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON THE EMERGENCY INFORMATION CARD. If you must have r someone not on the emergency card pick up your child, please call the office and send a note indicating the authorized person’s name and your permission. No one under 18 may pick up a student.

In the event of an emergency, all children will be kept at school until released by their teacher to a parent or designated adult. All adults must appear at the emergency gate of our school (located on Emelita Street) to gain release of their children. In conjunction with our Safe School Plan emergency supplies, food and water are stocked at school. Staff members have been trained in first aid and CPR, and emergency communication channels have been established with neighboring schools-. Our intent is to provide maximum safety and accountability for each student until you or your designee listed on the emergency card arrives at school.

SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM

Breakfast will be served between 7:40 am. and 8:00 a.m. Pupils will NOT be served after this time. Please do NOT drop off your child before 7:40 a.m. There is NO adult supervision until that time. ·

STUDENT PRICES FULL PRICE /REDUCED PRICE

Breakfast $ .60 (milk included) /   NO Charge

Lunch  $1.00 (milk included)  / $ .40 (milk included)

Milk (l/2 pt.)  $ .35

Orange Juice (4 oz.)  $ .30

Menus are sent home monthly and subject to change due to availability. We request that parents provide their children with the exact change required or with a snack and/or lunch} Free and reduced priced meals are provided for those students who qualify under Federal guidelines. Therefore, we are asking parents to please complete and return the confidential meal application as soon as possible. We must provide data to evaluate continued eligibility. Family income that is below the standard set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture will qualify pupils for a free of reduced price breakfast and lunch at school. Each year anew application must be filled out.

lf you are not interested in participating in our meal program, you must still return the application complete with the student’s name and the box checked that says “I do not wish to apply.”

VISITORS ON CAMPUS

All visitors on campus, including parents, must come to the office first. Parents are welcome to observe their child’s class. Upon arrival in the office, the parent will sign in and obtain a Visitor’s Pass before going to the classroom. All visitations are for 20 minutes unless special permission is obtained.

SHORTENED OR MINIMUM DAYS ·

Occasionally we will have shortened or minimum days in order to provide time for in-service presentations that help teachers sharpen skills and better meet the needs of our students. In addition, shortened and minimum days are scheduled for parent conferences. We always notify you in advance by regular monthly bulletins, special reminder bulletins and posting information on our Marquee located in front of the school. The afterschool playground and Creative Kids are open early during these days; please let children know your pick-up plans so that they do not become upset. The school phones are for emergency use only. Please make sure to read — bulletins regularly.

 

SCHOOL SITE COUNCILS (SSC/SBM, TITLE I, ELA C)

The Emelita Street School Site Council is made up of parents and teachers who meet and discuss the School Improvement and Categorical Programs. The English Language Learners (ELL) and Title I Councils are also very important. Parents are elected annually and orientation for all our elections will be held sometime in September. Please attend so we can explain how you can be of service to Emelita Street School students. We truly need your input and participation in order to raise the academic achievement of all our students. A notice concerning parent involvement and election will be sent home soon. We really need your participation on all 3 councils.

DRESS CODE

District and school dress code states that, ‘°students shall be required to show proper attention to personal cleanliness, health, neatness, safety and suitability of clothing and appearance for school activities.” Students clothing cannot cause distraction or disturbance or create a health or safety hazard. In no case may attire commonly associated with gang membership, affiliation or activity be worn, extra large or sagging-style clothing · or clothing with foul language or pictures; such attire is not protected by the First Amendment. (Please refer to drop down page for dress code specifics)

 

PERSONAL PROPERTY OF STUDENTS

The LAUSD does not provide insurance for loss of or damage of personal. property of students. School , administrators have been urged to notify parents and students that since there is no insurance, bringing personal property to school, particularly large sums of money or expensive jewelry, radios, video games, watches, etc., is not allowed. Personal items may NOT be brought to school. Teachers and other staff try to work with students to help them learn to respect the property of others. We urge you to continue to work with your child to teach and reinforce those values which enable us to better live together in our society.

GUIDELINES FOR USE OF CELLULAR TELEPHONES BY STUDENTS.

Students are permitted to possess a cell phone on campus provided that any such device shall remain OFF. lf and stored in a backpack during school hours or school activities. Students are permitted to use cell phone before or after school. Students must comply anytime a request is made by school personnel to cease the use of a cell phone. lf such devise is observed by staff during school hours or activities, it shall be confiscated until redeemed by a parent or guardian. Please be advised that the District/school is not responsible for students’ lost or stolen cell phones. I

MEDICATION, CRUTCHES, STITCHES OR CASTS AT SCHOOL

Children are NOT permitted to take medication, wear casts, use crutches or have stitches at school unless there is a written release from a doctor. Students who need to take any continuing prescribed medication during school hours must have on file in the office their parent’s/guardian’s signed request, in addition to the doctor’s request.

Please pick up a “Request for Medication during School Hours” form from the office if your child needs to take medication at school; Students may not bring any type of medication to school including prescriptions, over-the- counter remedies and vitamins. Please do not allow your child to carry his/her own inhalers or other medications.

 They must be brought to the office. lf it becomes necessary for your child to wear a cast, use crutches or have A I stitches, a note from the doctor-indicating that it is okay for your child to return to school is required., The  doctor’s note should indicate any physical restrictions. Children wearing a cast, using crutches or with stitches will be asked to remain in the office during recess and lunch and engage in quiet activities for their safety.

WEAPONS ON CAMPUS

Any student who brings a weapon, real or imitation, to school will be subject to expulsion.

EMELITA ’S PTA

The Emelita’s PTA is the main parent participatory organization at Emelita Street School. Your participation is vital to our school. PTA needs your involvement and we hope you will attend their meetings.

AFTER SCHOOL PLAYGROUND

The Youth Services Recreation Program will begin on the first day of school. The playground will be open from the close of school untill-5:30 pm., Monday through Friday, except for school and legal holidays. The After School Playground Program is provided bythe LAUSD as an addition to the eommunity’s recreational facilities.

The program is planned tor students in grades 2 -5 only who are capable of independent supervision. With one or two Youth Services adults to supervise, older children can play on the yard and participate in games and activities.

STUDENTS MUST CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN A MANNER THAT IS CONSISTENTWITH THE

RULES AND REGULATIONS ESTABLISHED BY THE PLAYGROUND DIRECTOR.

Students will be suspended from the yard for ongoing behavioral difficulties. The after school program (YS) is not a childcare facility.

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE:

Every effort will be made to address student disruptive behavior and non-compliant actions in a positive and pro-active manner between the teacher, parent and/or administrator. However, in the event that the student’s classroom and playground behavior results in violating the teacher’s general classroom rules or the Discipline and Student Conduct Policy for Emelita Street School,
the following six steps will be taken:

STEP 1:

• The student is reminded of the Discipline and Student Conduct Policy and/or general classroom rules.

STEP 2:

• The student may lose classroom privileges of participation in classroom activities.
  • Students may be sent to another classroom or main office for “Time Out.”

STEP 3:

•  The teacher will contact the parent/guardian concerning violation of the Discipline and Student Conduct Policy.

STEP 4:

• The teacher will arrange for a parent-teacher conference (or parent-teacher-administrator conference if warranted) to discuss the student’s disruptive or non-compliant behavior and/or actions.

STEP 5:

• If the student continues to be disruptive and exhibits non-compliant behaviors or actions, attempts to cause physical injury to others or poses a safety threat to others, the student is suspended from the classroom and/or school. The parent/guardian will receive notification from the administrator by telephone and in writing of such suspension and the duration of the suspension.
• Parents are required to attend a conference with the administrator and/or teacher after suspension in order to return to the classroom.
• Parents may be required to observe and visit their child’s classroom after their child’s suspension from school.

STEP 6:

• If disruptive and non-compliant behaviors or a threat to the safety of adults and students continues after Steps 1 – 5, the parent/guardian will be required to attend a conference with the teacher and administrator to determine alternative placement options for the student.

SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION:

Education Code 48925 defines suspension as “removal of a pupil from ongoing instruction for adjustment purposes.” Education Code Section 48900 et. seq., identify the grounds for suspension and expulsion.  A student may not be suspended from school or recommend for expulsion unless the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the student is enrolled determines that the student has:

 A. Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person;  willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except in self-defense.

B. Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished a firearm, knife, explosive or other dangerous object unless, in the case of possession of any object of this type, the student had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, which is concurred by the principal/designee.

 C. Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of, any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind.

D. Unlawfully offered, arranged or negotiated to sell any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, 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 presented 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 or private property.

 G. Stole 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, cigars, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets, and betel. 

 I. Unlawfully possessed or unlawfully offered, arranged or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia, as defined in the Health and Safety Code.

 J.Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.

K. Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defined the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school personnel engaged   in the performance of their duties.

L. Knowingly received stolen property or private property.

M.Possessed an imitation firearm.  As used in this section, “imitation firearm” means 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.

 N. Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault or battery.

 O. Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a student who is a complaining witness or witness in  a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of either preventing the student from being a witness or retaliating against that student for being a witness, or both.  

P. Committed sexual harassment as defined in Education Code 212.5.  It must be considered by a reasonable person of the same gender as the victim to be sufficiently severe or pervasive to have a negative impact upon the individual’s academic performance or to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.  This section does not apply to students enrolled in kindergarten and grades 1-3, inclusive.

Q. Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in an act of hate violence, as defined in Section 33023.5.  This applies to students in grades 4-12, inclusive.

R. Intentionally engaged in harassment, threaten, or intimidation, directed against a student or group of students, that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to have actual and reasonably expected effect of materially disrupting class work, creating substantial disorder, an         invading the rights of that student or group of students by creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment.  This applies to students in grade 4-12, inclusive.

S. Made terrorist threats against school officials, or school property, or both.

A student may not be suspended or expelled for any of the acts listed unless that act is related to school activity or school attendance occurring within a school under the jurisdiction of the principal or occurring within any other school district.  A student may be suspended or expelled for acts that are listed in this section and related to school activity or attendance that occur at any time, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

• While on school grounds.
• While going to and coming from school.
• During the lunch period.
• During, or while going to, or coming from, a school sponsored event.