Pepper Drive - Santee School District [PDF]

Pepper Drive School Parent/Student Handbook 2015 – 2016

1935 Marlinda Way El Cajon, CA 92021 School Office (619) 956-5100 Fax (619) 956-5114 School Absence Line (619) 956-5199

www.santeesd.net/pd

WELCOME TO PEPPER DRIVE We are CORE! Challenging Ourselves to Reach for Excellence Dear Students and Parents, Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year. We are excited about beginning another school year. Our focus this year will be to challenge ourselves to think with depth, move with purpose, and create with imagination as we reach for excellence on our journey toward a college and career bound future. While at Pepper Drive, all students will be encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility and to be accountable for their actions with regards to behavior and academic achievement. This handbook is intended to help all students and parents become familiar with school activities and procedures. We know that with parents and staff working together collaboratively, every child’s experience at Pepper Drive School will be rewarding; and all students will have the optimum opportunity to attain success and to achieve at his or her highest potential. We look forward to another great year! Sincerely, Mr. Ted Hooks Principal

Mrs. Tammy Scholder Vice Principal

Administrative and Support Staff Principal Vice Principal Secretary Attendance Clerk Health Clerk Custodian Library Clerk PTA President

Ted Hooks Tammy Scholder Vicki Torres Julia Hauner Dorothy Martin Ernie Gutierrez Susie Reyes Jessa Smith

For The Santee School District calendar, please visit www.santeesd.net

Table of Contents Pepper Drive Office……………………………………..... Pepper Drive Daily Schedule..……………………………. Beginning and Ending Times..………………….. Minimum Days………………………………… Activities………………………………………………... Eighth Grade Promotion Activities………….….. Attendance…………………………………………….... Independent Study Contracts…………………… Absences/Truancies……………..………………. Tardies Attendance on Activity Days…………………… Leaving School Early……….…………………... Behavior Plan…………………………………………… In-School Suspensions and Suspension…………. Disaster Drills …………………………………………... Dress Code………………………………………………. Electronic Devices………………………………………. Emergency Situations…………………………………… English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)…………. Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)…….…………… Inter/ Intra District Transfers……………………………. Intervention Resource…………………………………… Library…………………………………………………... Locked Gates……………………………………………. Lost and Found………………………………………….. Make-up Work…………………………………………… Materials and Supplies………………………………….... Medication………………………………………………. Casts, Splints, Braces, Crutches………………….. Parking Lot………………………………………………. Progress Reports/Report Cards………………………….. PTA……………………………………………..……….. Safety Patrol ……………………………………………... School Meals Program…………………………………... Student Lunch Workers………………………….. School Site Council (SSC)……………………………….. School Pride……………………………………………… Special Education Programs……………………………... Student Success Team (SST) Process……………………. Telephone Calls……………………………………….…. Textbooks/iPads……………………………………….….. Transportation…………………………………………… Bicycles………………………………………….. Visitors ………………………………………………….. Volunteers………………………………………………... Wellness Policy……………………….............................

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PEPPER DRIVE OFFICE Our school office for grades K-8 is located in the Media Center during construction. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students may enter and exit school through the lower parking lot gate or through the gate near kindergarten. Campus is secured at 8:30 and all gates will be locked. Tardy students must report to the main office to receive a late slip to class. PEPPER DRIVE DAILY SCHEDULE BEGINNING AND ENDING TIMES Beginning and ending times for regular days: K–3 8:30 – 2:20 4 –8 8:30 - 2:46 Beginning and ending times for district minimum days: K–8 8:30 – 1:05 Students should NOT arrive earlier than 8:00 am or remain on campus later than 3:00 pm unless they are participating in a supervised school activity. Supervision of students begins at 8:15 a.m. Students should not be on school grounds before that time unless they are eating a school breakfast in the lunch area. School breakfast is served from 8:00 – 8:25 daily. Once students arrive, students may not leave campus without permission. Also, please arrange to pick up your child after school in a timely manner. In order to maintain a secure campus, primary students and parents who wait for older students at dismissal are to be seated in the lunch patio area until the older students’ dismissal. They are not to play on the playground, sit at the Project SAFE tables, wait in front of classrooms, or inside the two-story building. Project SAFE is available if your primary child needs supervision while waiting for dismissal of an older sibling. There is a fee for the service. Pepper Drive Project SAFE’s number is (619) 956-5110.

MINIMUM DAYS The Santee School District schedules minimum days twice a year, for a total of six days. This year’s minimum days are: Parent/Teacher Conferences December 7 – 11 Last Day of School June 22

ACTIVITIES Pepper Drive School has many activities ranging from individual classroom activities to grade level and school-wide activities. Eligibility for each activity is determined by individual classroom teachers or by grade level teams. The intent of staff is to promote participation of as many students as possible. Occasionally, some students may not participate due to minimal effort to achieve academically and / or to comply with the school's standards of behavior. Criteria for participation in middle school activities have been specified in the Pepper Drive Middle School Policies and Procedures packet (see page 16). EIGHTH GRADE PROMOTION ACTIVITIES The Santee School District has established minimum academic and behavioral standards for eighth grade students for participation in the promotion ceremony, the annual trip to Disneyland, and the promotion luncheon / dance. In order to participate in the promotion ceremony, Disneyland trip, and luncheon / dance, students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in academics, citizenship, and effort. Students also must not have more than two suspensions during the school year. ATTENDANCE One of the district goals is to improve attendance by 1%. Regular attendance and punctuality are necessary for high achievement and success in school. As an incentive to be in school, a recognition program for students, based on attendance, has been implemented. It is important to remember that students who attend school daily are more successful in school and later in life. The State of California will only excuse absences due to student illness, doctor/dental appointments, or to attend a funeral. All other absences are unexcused unless an Independent Study Contract is appropriate and completed. INDEPENDENT STUDY CONTRACTS Independent Study Contracts are available for students who will be absent for five days or more. If a child completes the work while on an Independent Study Contract, he/she will receive credit for the absences. If you need your child to be on an Independent Study Contract for five or more days, please contact the Attendance Clerk at least five days prior to your child’s absence. Funding is collected from the state for students who complete the contract. Note: State policy requires students to be at school in order for schools to collect attendance funds each day. This means if your child is not in school for any reason, including illness, we cannot collect funds from the state. Please help us protect your child’s instructional funds by arranging for vacations and appointments on non-school days or after school hours. We appreciate your support in this area. ABSENCES / TRUANCY Students absent without a valid excuse for more than three (3) days in one school year shall be classified as a truant. Students who are tardy in excess of thirty (30) minutes, or more than three (3) school days in one school year shall also be classified as a truant. Such students will be 2

required to make up time. Continual problems will be referred to the District Attendance Review Team and, if necessary, the Student Attendance Review Board. Any student having a verified truancy will be required to make up that time after school. "Ditching" will also result in the loss of school activity privileges. TARDIES All students must be in their classrooms and seated before the tardy bell rings. Anyone arriving late to school must report to the classroom from 8:30 to 8:35 a.m. They will be marked tardy by the classroom teacher. After 8:35 a.m., they must report to the office for a tardy slip. Excessive tardies will result in a parent phone call or a letter to the parents. Continual tardiness may result in a referral to the District Attendance Review Team and/or the School Attendance Review Board. ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL ON ACTIVITY DAYS Students who have been absent from school, for any reason other than a doctor's appointment, on the day of an activity will not be allowed to attend the activity. LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY The health clerk will determine if a student should go home due to illness and will contact the parent. Students are not allowed to walk home if they are ill. Parents or a designated person on the emergency card will need to sign the student out before he/she will be allowed to leave campus. A photo ID is required to check out a student. Students may be released from school early for an appointment by a parent or designated person on the emergency card. The individual who is to pick up the child must come into the school office with an appropriate photo ID to sign the child out. BEHAVIOR PLAN We believe that each student has a right to learn and each teacher has a right to teach in an environment that is conducive to learning for all students. Pepper Drive School Rules to Achieve a Quality Learning Environment: Each student will: 1. Be courteous, respectful, safe, and cooperative in and out of the classroom. 2. Work so that everyone can learn. 3. Be accountable and responsible for their behavior and choices. Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior may include: Verbal Warning Loss of privileges Conference with teacher Parent contact Office referral and parent contact In-School or Out-of-School Suspension. Rewards for Appropriate Behavior and Choices: Students who choose to follow the rules will earn: Special privileges and recognition Special activities Good grades Special classroom rewards 3

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION In-School Suspension is used for serious or continuous behavior problems. Students may be placed on In-School Suspension at the discretion of the principal or vice principal for rough play, disrespect, truancy, continuous classroom disruptions, or other serious problems. Students will be placed out of the classroom in a designated supervised area. SUSPENSION FROM CLASS BY TEACHER A teacher may suspend a student from class for up to two days. When a teacher suspends a student from class, he / she will report the suspension to the principal or vice principal. The teacher will contact the parent or guardian to schedule a parent / teacher conference regarding the suspension. GROUNDS FOR OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION AND EXPULSIONS A student may be suspended for engaging in any of the following acts 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 or coming from school.  During the lunch period, whether on or off the campus.  During, or while going to or coming from, a school sponsored activity.  New state laws include incidents that occur off campus/during off campus times that affect the learning environment upon returning to school. Education Code 48900 (a.1) Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury. (a.2) Willfully used force or violence on another, except in self-defense. (b) Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished a weapon (firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object of no reasonable use to the pupil at school or at a school activity off school grounds). (c) Possessed, used, sold, furnished or been under the influence of alcohol, intoxicant, or controlled substance, as defined in the Health and Safety Code. (d) Offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell a substance represented to be alcohol, intoxicant, or a controlled substance as defined in the Health and Safety Code. (e) Attempted/Committed robbery or extortion. (f) Attempted to cause/caused damage to school/private property including electronic records. (g) Attempted to steal/stole school/private property including electronic records. (h) Use of tobacco or possession of tobacco on school property. (i) Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity. (j) (k) (l) (m) (n) (o) (p) (q) (r)

(t) (.2) (.3) (.4) (.7)

Possessed, offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell drug paraphernalia, as defined in the Health and Safety Code. Disrupted school activities or defied authority of school personnel. Knowingly received stolen school or private property. Possessed an imitation firearm. Attempted/Committed sexual assault and/or battery. Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a pupil witness. Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold the prescription drug Soma. Engaged in, or attempted to engage in, hazing. Engaged in an act of bullying, including, but not limited to, bullying committed by means of an electronic act, as defined in subdivisions of (f) and (g) of Section 32261, directed specifically toward a pupil or school personnel. Aiding and abetting the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury to another person. Engaged in sexual harassment (Grades 4-8). Engaged in hate violence (Grades 4-8). Engaged in intimidation against students or staff. (Gr. 4-8) Made terroristic threats against school officials/school property.

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Education Code 48901 (.5) Use/Possession of electronic signaling device not essential for student’s health. California Penal Code 417.27 (b) Possession of laser pointer.

Education Code 48915 requires that a principal or superintendent recommend a student’s expulsion. Please note that possession of knives, weapons (or replicas), dangerous objects, drugs, or alcohol will result in mandatory suspension and a possible recommendation for expulsion. DISASTER DRILLS Students practice fire drills, lockdown drills, or earthquake drills once a month. All students evacuate to their assigned areas where attendance is taken to account for every child. We can evacuate all students and take roll in approximately six minutes. We have 2-way radio communication between our school and the District Office. If the need should arise to evacuate students off campus, students will be escorted to the First Assembly of God and will be released only to parents or adults listed on emergency cards. This is another important reason for keeping information cards current. DRESS CODE The Santee School District Board approved dress code has been implemented and enforced at all schools. The dress code is designed to promote a learning environment that is safe and free from distractions. Following are policy guidelines for appropriate school attire: Each school shall allow students to wear sun-protective clothing, including but not limited to hats, for outdoor use during the school day as long as these articles comply with the requirements in this administrative regulation. In addition, the following guidelines shall apply to all regular school activities: 1. Appropriate shoes must be worn at all times. Sandals must have heel straps. Flip-flops or backless shoes or sandals are not acceptable. Heels must be of a reasonable height and not be unsafe in the school environment. 2. Clothing, jewelry and personal items (backpacks, fanny packs, gym bags, water bottles etc.) shall be free of writing, pictures or any other insignia which are crude, vulgar, profane or sexually suggestive, which bear drug, alcohol or tobacco company advertising, promotions and likenesses, or which advocate death, violence, racial, ethnic or religious prejudice. 3. Hats, caps and other head coverings shall not be worn indoors. 4. Clothes shall be sufficient to conceal undergarments at all times. See-through or fish-net fabrics, halter tops, spaghetti straps, off-the-shoulder or low-cut tops, strapless or tube tops, backless shirts, bare midriffs and skirts or shorts shorter than mid-thigh are prohibited. 5. Gym shorts may not be worn in classes other than physical education. 6. Hair shall be clean and neatly groomed and the color may not cause a distraction to the educational environment. Hair may not be sprayed by any coloring that would drip when wet. 7. Spiked jewelry and waist chains will not be allowed. 8. Pupils must be cleanly dressed so as not to promote unhealthy or unsanitary conditions. 9. Bandanas and sweatbands shall not be worn unless prior approval is granted by a site administrator. 10. Overalls are considered pants and must have an appropriate shirt worn underneath. 11. Muscle shirts, tank shirts, or underwear shirts may not be worn. Clothing that is suggestive or revealing will not be allowed. 12. Facial piercing shall be limited to the ears only. Any other piercing must be plugged with a skin tone plug (no color). 13. Pants must not be worn to expose undergarments or bare skin above the waist.

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14. Clothing that is considered nightwear (pajamas and slippers) may not be worn, with the exception of a designated day by the school. Coaches and teachers may impose more stringent dress requirements to accommodate the special needs of certain sports and/or classes. No grade of a student participating in a physical education class shall be adversely affected if the student does not wear standardized physical education apparel because of circumstances beyond the student's control. The principal, staff, students and parent/guardians at each school may establish reasonable dress and grooming regulations for times when students are engaged in extracurricular or other special school activities. Gang-Related Apparel and Racial or Ethnic Symbols Gang related apparel or clothing with racial or ethnic symbols is prohibited. Annually the District will work with the Sheriff’s Department to identify specific logos, designs symbols, verbiage, etc. that are associated with gangs.

STUDENTS VIOLATING THE DRESS CODE WILL BE ASKED TO COMPLY OR WILL BE SENT HOME TO CHANGE. Students may be asked to cover inappropriate shirts with a school shirt that has been provided or be sent home to change. We appreciate your cooperation to assure an optimal learning environment for your child. ELECTRONIC DEVICES Students may possess personal electronic signaling devices including, but not limited to cellular/digital phones, portable music devices, and tablets. The school is not responsible for any personal electronic device brought onto a school campus. Electronic communication of any kind is prohibited on school grounds except under the direct supervision of a teacher with prior approval from site administration. Each school has designated a "phone zone" where phones may be used before or after school but under no circumstances during school hours. Pepper Drive’s phone zone is along the cement walkways outside of the school gates. Permitted devices shall: 1. Be turned off at all times during the school day, and at any other time when directed by a district employee. 2. Not disrupt the educational program or school activity. 3. Be turned off at all times during instructional study trips or at 6th grade camp. 4. Be turned off at all times while riding on a school bus. 5. Not be connected or linked to school district electronic information systems. The basic rule is: SEE IT, USE IT, HEAR IT, TAKE IT. Therefore, if an electronic device is seen, used, or heard, the following procedures will be put in place: First Offense: The device will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school day. Second Offense: The device will be confiscated and the parent must personally reclaim the device. Third Offense: Will result in an in-school suspension; the device will be confiscated and a parent must personally reclaim the device. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS Please make sure to update the school office on changes in your emergency phone numbers. State law requires us to have valid emergency phone numbers on file for every student. Last spring, Student Profile Forms were sent home asking for updated emergency information. If 6

emergency information (addresses, phone numbers, contact persons) has changed since that time, please let us know by contacting the school office. Students will not be released to persons who are not listed on emergency cards. ENGLISH LEARNER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ELAC) An ELAC committee has been implemented at Pepper Drive. The purpose of the committee is to allow parents of English Learners an opportunity to discuss issues regarding the education of their children and their unique needs as bilingual learners and how those unique needs are met. The committee meets several times over the course of the school year. Parents are elected through peer election (by other parents of bilingual students) to serve on the committee. GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION (GATE) The Santee School District offers an appropriately differentiated curriculum program for students who are identified by specific criteria, which includes multiple measures. All nine schools in the Santee School District offer GATE instruction. GATE students receive a comprehensive program in language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science, along with qualitatively different extension activities that promote problem solving and critical thinking. INTER / INTRA DISTRICT TRANSFERS Students who attend our school on inter/intra district transfers are subject to the conditions of the agreement signed by parents prior to entering Pepper Drive School. Grades, attendance, and behavior must be appropriate at all times. Poor grades, attendance, or behavior may result in revocation or non-renewal of inter / intra district transfer permits. INTERVENTION RESOURCE The intervention resource teacher offers the following services:     

assessing reading skills administering and interpreting diagnostic tests supplementing reading instruction and record keeping diagnosing reading difficulties in grades K- 8 providing language arts in-services and strategies for parents and teachers

LIBRARY The library is open daily during the school year from 8:45 am to 1:45 pm. A pass is required to use the library during the school day. Generally, one book per student may be checked out at a time. Books must be returned or renewed on, or before, the due date. All damaged or lost books must be replaced by the student. Report cards and other school documents will be withheld until missing library books/textbooks are replaced or paid for.

LOCKED GATES In order to help ensure a safe campus for students and staff, ALL exterior gates will be kept locked during the school day. ALL parents or visitors, who come to school after 8:30am are to enter through the front office door and sign in as a visitor or volunteer. 7

LOST AND FOUND Clothing, lunch boxes, and other articles that are left in the classrooms will be kept in the rooms for a week. Articles will then be placed in the “Lost and Found” rack, which is kept in front of Room B. Please clearly mark all jackets, sweaters, lunch boxes, etc… Each month the Lost and Found rack will be cleared and all items donated to those in need. MAKE-UP WORK It is the student's responsibility to request make-up work from a teacher when returning from an absence. Students are expected to make up all work missed when they are absent from school. A minimum of one day of make-up time will be allowed for each day of school missed. Absence does not excuse responsibility for long term assignments. Parents may call teachers for packets of missed work if needed. Parents should contact the school and pick up make-up work only in the case of prolonged absences. A 24-hour notice is necessary. Students who are only absent for few days, are urged to call classmates to get assignments, or they may obtain make-up work from their teachers upon returning to school. Students in grades 4-8 have agenda planners with space to write in assignments for the week. Agenda planners should be reviewed by parents on a daily basis. If you have any questions about assignments, check your student's planner, or contact your child's teacher in writing, via email, or phone message. Many teachers note daily work on their class websites. MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES Each student should have pencils, paper, and folder/binder in which to keep assignments with him or her at all times. Any student requiring these items will have them supplied. Toys from home, personal sports equipment, video games, iPods, etc…, are not to be brought to school. Such items will be taken from the student and returned to the parent. MEDICATION If it is necessary for your child to take medication at school, including over the counter medication, it must be kept in the health clerk’s office and is not to be taken to class. Parents must take the medication directly to the Health Clerk. Parents need to count out medication in front of the Health Clerk to verify the number of pills, etc… A physician’s statement must accompany all medication brought to school and be submitted to the Health Clerk. Students are not permitted to bring medication to school, and will be suspended, possibly expelled, if found in possession. Medication should be clearly labeled with the name of the student, doctor, pharmacy, date, number, name of the medication, amount of medication to be taken, and the specified time. That includes all pills, injections, inhalers, eye and ear drops, cough medicine, cough drops, and aspirin or similar products. All medicine, not picked up at the end of the school year, will be discarded.

CASTS, SPLINTS, BRACES, CRUTCHES Please notify the school Health Office if your child has a cast, splint, and / or crutches. We will need a note from your child’s doctor releasing him / her to return to school. To keep all students safe, students who have casts, splints, braces, and / or crutches should not be on the playground 8

at recess and lunch. They may be asked to stay in the school office, lunch area, or other designated area. PARKING LOT In order to ensure the safety of students, students are not allowed to walk in the parking lot or to cut through waiting cars to get to their ride. They are to wait at the pick-up zone until their ride arrives, and then walk directly to the car. Drivers, who are picking up children, need to be in the lane closest to the curb. Having children cross the pick-up lane to go to a waiting car in the street creates a safety hazard. Drivers are to remain in their vehicles at all times unless parked in a marked space. PROGRESS REPORTS / REPORT CARDS Report Cards are sent home with students at the end of each trimester. If your child is absent on the day report cards are given out, the report card will be handed to the student upon his/her return or mailed to your address. If you fail to receive a report card, please contact the office as soon as possible. Progress Reports are distributed to students halfway through each trimester. Progress reports allow parents to see grades, and students to bring up poor grades before the trimester ends. Teachers in grades 6-8 also keep online gradebooks for review. Please check with specific teachers as to how often these gradebooks are updated. PTA Pepper Drive School has an active, supportive PTA. Many family activities are planned throughout the year, as well as special assemblies for students. Unit meetings are held each month. Our PTA president can be contacted by calling the school office if you would be willing to help with some of the special activities. We encourage all parents to join and support school activities. SAFETY PATROL This program is for 5 and 6 grade students who wish to participate and who have the recommendation of their teacher. The following criteria are taken into consideration: citizenship, attitude, effort, and responsibility. th

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All students are expected to obey the Safety Patrol members. Adults are also expected to respect the important role these children provide and have patience when interacting with patrol members. Safety Patrol students are on duty daily before and after school on Marlinda Way. SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM School lunch menus may be found on the district website. Student breakfasts are $1.25, adult breakfasts are $2.00, and are served between 8:00-8:25am daily. Student lunches are $2.75 and adult lunches are $5.00. The Board of Education adopted a policy in April, 2015, addressing unpaid meal accounts. The Child Nutrition Staff has been instructed to make students aware of their account status so they can notify their parents before the account becomes negative. Students are notified when their meal account is getting low and again when their account is negative. Students are given low / negative balance notice from the Cashier. In addition, weekly phone calls and e-mails are sent 9

out via our automated calling system. You may also check your students account balance at www.myschoolbucks.com. If a student’s account reaches -$7.50, the student will no longer be allowed to charge meals to their account, and they will receive an alternate meal. An alternate meal includes a string cheese, crackers & white milk. To avoid your student receiving an alternate meal please keep your students accounts in good standing. LUNCH TIMES 6–8 K–2 3–5

Regular Days

Minimum Days (6 district days)

11:16 – 11:56 11:55 – 12:35 12:30 – 1:10

12:20 – 1:00 11:00 – 11:40 11:40 – 12:20

FREE AND REDUCED MEALS A completed application must be submitted by a parent each year and approved by the Director of Child Nutrition for students to qualify for the free or reduced lunch program. If you have any questions about this program, please contact the school office.

STUDENT LUNCH WORKERS Students may participate in the Volunteer Lunch Workers’ Program. The program involves voluntary students being released from class on a revolving schedule to help serve lunches. Classroom teacher must approve the student to be in good academic standing in order to participate.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC) Pepper Drive has a School Site Council, a group of elected parents, staff members, and administrators who work together to discuss relevant school issues, make decisions regarding the use of categorical funds, and monitor implementation of the school program. The council meets once a month and is open for anyone interested to attend. SCHOOL PRIDE We are proud of our school’s new and updated appearance and would appreciate your cooperation in helping us to instill in your children pride and respect for school property. SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS Pepper Drive provides specialized services for students who qualify for special education, as determined through various assessments, and have active Individualized Education Programs (IEP's). Support for students with IEP's can be provided by the Speech and Language Specialist, Resource Specialist, or other Specialized Academic Instructors.. If your child is new to our school or district and has an IEP, please notify the office.

STUDENT SUCCESS TEAM (SST) PROCESS The Student Success Team (SST) is part of an intervention process at the site level. If a child is having academic or behavioral concerns, and the teacher has exhausted resources to offer assistance, the teacher or parent may refer the student’s case to the team. The team consists of the classroom teacher, site administrator, Intervention Resource Teacher, school psychologist, 10

Resource Specialist, and Speech and Language Specialist. The process consists of a team meeting with the parent to discuss concerns and previous attempts to solve the issues. It also reviews the outcomes of the attempts or interventions. The team then discusses and plans the next steps of intervention to be implemented. SST meetings are held on Friday mornings throughout the school year. TELEPHONE CALLS We do not have any public phones on campus, but students have access to a phone in the office to use for urgent matters. Please make all arrangements for special activities for your child in advance. If you need to get a message to your child, the office staff will attempt to contact the teacher during a non-instructional time period. If it is an emergency, please contact the office, and a message will be delivered immediately. TEXTBOOKS/iPADS Textbooks are loaned to students for their use during the school year. Students are responsible for taking care of the textbooks issued to them and for keeping all textbooks covered. Students may be requested to pay for any lost or damaged textbooks. Report cards and other school documents will be withheld until missing library books/textbooks are replaced or paid for. Students in third through eighth grade will be loaned an iPad to use during the school year. Students are responsible to take care of the device and are not to alter any settings on the device at any time. Students are required to follow the Acceptable Use Policy, which students and parents read and sign annually. Parents are offered an optional insurance plan if they allow the iPad to be brought home. Optional insurance must be purchased annually before the required date. TRANSPORTATION Students at Pepper Drive School walk to school, take district bus transportation, or have their parents, or another qualified adult, transport them. Students are responsible for following school rules from the time they leave their parent or guardian’s supervision in the morning until they arrive back in their parent or guardian’s supervision after school. Students are expected to follow school rules while waiting at the bus stops and while being transported on the bus. Students misbehaving on the bus will receive a bus referral, which may lead to suspension from riding the bus. BICYCLES Due to the design of the roads leading to Pepper Drive School, the California Highway Patrol has determined that students should not ride their bikes to school. Skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, go-peds, and shoes with built in skates are not allowed on campus because of City Ordinance #21113. Children have been injured by jumping off railings and tables, and every child’s safety is our concern.

VISITORS It is mandatory that all visitors sign in at the office and receive a visitor’s pass. Non-enrolled students are not allowed on school grounds or in the parking area during school hours unless they are with a parent. Older students who walk younger siblings home need to meet them in the patio area. I.D. may be requested by staff before a child is released. 11

VOLUNTEERS Individuals volunteering at school must complete a volunteer training and have a Volunteer Packet complete and on file with the office. Volunteers should be over the age of 18 and the office will photocopy the individual’s identification to be used to confirm Megan’s Law compliance. Volunteer trainings are offered at the beginning of each year and on a case-by-case basis as needed. WELLNESS POLICY

SANTEE SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY The following regulations have been established as guidelines to reflect district practice in promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity:  Rewards, celebrations, or school sponsored activities that include federally regulated noncompliant food will be limited to once per month. Celebrations will only be planned after lunch.  Snacks served during the school day and in after school care or enrichment programs shall meet or exceed the guidelines listed in the wellness plan. The school day is defined as midnight before school begins to one half hour after school ends.  All students in grades 1 – 8, including students with disabilities, special health-care needs, and in alternative educational settings, will participate in moderate to vigorous physical education for a minimum of 200 minutes every 10 days (Education Code Section 51210) for the entire school year. Please visit the Santee School District’s Child Nutrition website for the full Student Wellness policy.

Thank you in advance for your help, support, and cooperation. The 2015 - 2016 school year will be another great year for our Pepper Drive School family.

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Pepper Drive Middle School Pepper Drive School strives to challenge ourselves to think with depth, move with purpose, and create with imagination as we reach for excellence on our journey toward a college and career-bound future.

1935 Marlinda Way ● El Cajon, CA 92021 Main Office: (619) 956-5100 ● Fax: (619) 956-5114 24-Hour “Parent Link” Attendance Line: (619) 956-5199 Web Address: www.santeesd.net/pd School hours: 8:30 am to 2:20 pm (K-3) 8:30 am to 2:46 pm (4-8) 8:30 am to 1:05pm (Minimum Day) Students should NOT arrive earlier than 8:00 am or remain on campus later than 3:00 pm unless they are participating in a supervised school activity.

Principal: Mr. Hooks Mrs. Torres School Secretary

Vice Principal: Mrs. Scholder Mrs. Hauner Attendance Clerk

Mrs. Martin Health Clerk

MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Periods

Subject

Teacher/Room #

1 (8:30 – 9:24) 2 (9:26 – 10:20) 3 (10:22 – 11:16) Lunch (11:16 – 11:56) 4 (12:00 – 12:54) 5 (12:56 – 1:50) 6 (1:52 – 2:46) POWERSCHOOLGRADES ON LINE: User# ______________

Password: ________________

*24/7 access to your current progress in all classes. Choose the PowerSchool link from the school website and log on as “parent” or “student.” Click on the blue letter grade to go to a listing of all assignments for that grade.

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PEPPER DRIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES This handbook contains information and procedures specific to Pepper Drive Middle School. Additional information about the items below can be found in the K-8 handbook, available in the school office or on the school webpage.

Tori Bryant Mary Hayward Barb Knoll Michelle McNearney Sarah Mowrey Colette Rickon Michael Roach Katrina Sparley

Ted Hooks Tammy Scholder Vicki Torres Julia Hauner Dorothy Martin Attendance Line

PEPPER DRIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHING STAFF 619-956-5173 [email protected] 619-956-5179 [email protected] 619-956-5170 [email protected] 619-956-5177 [email protected] 619-956-5178 [email protected] 619-956-5175 [email protected] 619-956-5174 [email protected] 619-956-5172 [email protected]

PEPPER DRIVE OFFICE STAFF Principal 619-956-5102 Vice Principal 619-956-5103 Secretary 619-956-5101 Attendance 619-956-5105 Health Clerk 619-956-5104 619-956-5199

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

STEPS TO SUCCESS  Believe in yourself! The most important tool for success is the belief that you can succeed!  Seek the help if you find yourself having problems with anything.  Be prepared with all necessary materials.  Get involved! Look for someone you can help in school. We are part of a team that is working for success.  Be responsible in all aspects of your education. Have needed materials, complete all assignments to the best of your ability, and participate in class by asking questions and participating in discussions.  Be at school, on time, every day CHECKING GRADES ONLINE Each student and family has the opportunity to monitor and check grades online through PowerSchool. As assignments are graded, scores are posted to display each child’s individual progress. However, due to the number of assignments and students, grades are not typically inputted daily. Checking grades online regularly is beneficial to your child’s educational performance. Weekly checks of PowerSchool can be helpful for any student or family to help continuously monitor progress. If a family is ever concerned about a child’s progress over the course of the trimester, please contact the teacher to discuss details about the class. Directions to Check Grades on PowerSchool: 1. Go to: Pepper Drive webpage: www.santeesd.net/pd 2. Go to: Parent Resources tab 3. Select PowerSchool 4. Input the ID and Password (note: Parent ID and Password can be personalized, and parents can set up an account so that PowerSchool will email a student’s grade regularly). 5. When the course grades appear, you can hover the mouse over a grade and click- this will give you a listing of assignments and accompanying scores. 6. “T” refers to academic grades (test, homework, etc.), “E” refers to effort, and “C” refers to citizenship.

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HOMEWORK Homework is an important part of our instructional program. It is assigned to reinforce concepts, skills, and lessons taught during the day. Middle School students will have between 45 - 90 minutes of homework each night.  Students are responsible for completely and accurately recording their homework for each class in their student planner supplied by the school.  Homework is due the next class meeting unless otherwise stated.  Each student is responsible for completing homework and class assignments missed due to absence in accordance to the individual teacher's policy. MATERIALS Materials are loaned to students for their use during the school year. Students are responsible for taking care of the materials issued to them. Students are required to pay for any materials that are lost or damaged. iPad Science book P.E. Lock

TBD My iPad # ________ $65.00 My book #________ $ 5.00 My locker #_______

Literature book Social Studies book Replacement Planner

$57.00 My book #________ $60.00 My book #________ $5.00

REPORT CARDS Students will receive six formal reports on their grades during the year. Progress reports, a report of your child's mid-term progress, will be sent home in October, January, and May. Report cards will be sent home in November, March, and June. Report cards are a permanent record of your child's achievement and are placed in your child’s cum folder. 24/7 access to grades is available on PowerSchool. CREATING A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT A teacher must have the freedom to teach without interruptions, and fellow students have the right to learn without disturbances. Therefore, students will be held to the following expectations: 1) Student behaviors will not disrupt the teaching/learning process.  Students will follow all established classroom rules and procedures.  Students will engage with instruction and stay on task at all times.  Students will follow all established procedures inside and outside the PE locker room.  Students will be respectful of the learning environment.  Students will refrain from bullying, intimidating, or threatening behaviors.  Food and beverages are prohibited in the classroom unless for a specific activity approved by the teacher. Gum is NOT allowed on campus.  Unauthorized electronic devices must be turned off and remain in students’ backpacks. 2) Students will be courteous and respectful to their peers and adults on campus.  All interactions between students and staff will remain positive and respectful.  Students will keep hands, feet, and objects to themselves.  Students will not go into others' backpacks or P.E. lockers.  Students will not enter a teacher's area without permission.  Students will refrain from public displays of affection.  Students will keep the campus litter free  Students will follow the dress code  Students will not cause another student to feel uncomfortable and/or unsafe on school campus through teasing, spreading of rumors, intimidation, etc. 3) Students will come to class prepared to learn.  Students are expected to have all assignments completed and ready to turn in on the due date.  Students are expected to have their PE clothes for class every day.  Students will have all necessary materials needed for success. See school website for list of suggested materials.  NO sharpies or permanent markers in possession of students on campus.

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DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES If a student should choose to disregard the school rules, the following procedure will take place: Step 1 Verbal warning Step 2 Verbal warning Step 3 Visit office, phone call home, warning L.O.P. (Loss of Privilege) Step 4 Phone call home, L.O.P. list Step 5 In-School Suspension Severe disruptions will automatically be referred to the office. All Disciplinary actions will be recorded on a student’s step card which is to be in the student’s binder at all times. New step cards will be given at the beginning of each trimester. If a student loses their step card, it will be replaced, and the student will automatically be placed on the LOP list. Any step that was assigned during or after the report of the lost card will stand and be recorded onto the replaced step card. If necessary, behavior interventions may include parent/teacher conferences and/or behavior contracts. ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY Student use, possession, distribution, sale, or being under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, controlled substances, “look-alike” drugs, steroids, or possessing drug paraphernalia on any school premise or at any school function (home or away) is strictly prohibited. Minimum penalty for violation of this policy will be suspension from school; however, violation of this policy could result in permanent expulsion from school. Law enforcement officials may be contacted upon initial investigation and verification of the violation. 8th GRADE PROMOTION ELIGIBILITY All 8th grade students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of a 2.0 in academics, citizenship, and effort in order to have the privilege of participating in the promotion activities at the end of the school year. Furthermore, students may not have more than two out-of-school suspensions. ACTIVITY DAY ELIGIBILITY (Month to month) All middle school students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in academics, citizenship, and effort in order to have the privilege of attending monthly middle school activities. Students receiving step 4, an office referral, or an in-school or out-of-school suspension will be ineligible (LOP) for the next middle school activity. Activities may include dances, BYOD (bring your own device) afternoons, organized sporting competitions, and field trips. Some activities may include a small cost, but students will not be restricted on attending due to the inability to pay. HONOR ROLL Students who achieve a 3.5 GPA (or higher) in academics will be recognized as Honor Roll Students. Students achieving Honor Roll will be honored at the end of each trimester with a special activity. ASSEMBLIES Visitors often form a lasting impression of our school and community by our behavior at assemblies, therefore middle school students are expected to behave courteously at school assemblies. Students should give full attention to the performers on the stage and show appreciation only through clapping hands. Whistling, shouting, and foot stomping are not appropriate. TIGER PRIDE COUPONS Teachers will use Tiger Pride Coupons to recognize positive behavior and achievements. Prize drawings will be held periodically during lunchtimes. SANTEE SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY The following regulations have been established as guidelines to reflect district practice in promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity:  Rewards, celebrations, or school sponsored activities that include federally regulated non-compliant food will be limited to once per month. Celebrations will only be planned after lunch.  Snacks served during the school day and in after school care or enrichment programs shall meet or exceed the guidelines listed in the well plan. The school day is defined as midnight before school begins to one half hour after school ends.  All students in grades 1 – 8, including students with disabilities, special health-care needs, and in

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alternative educational settings, will participate in moderate to vigorous physical education for a minimum of 200 minutes every 10 days (Education Code Section 51210) for the entire school year. Please visit the Santee School District’s Child Nutrition website for the full Student Wellness policy. APPROPRIATE SCHOOL ATTIRE The following district guidelines shall apply to all regular school activities: 1.

2.

3. 4.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

For safety purposes, appropriate shoes must be worn at all times. Sandals must have heel straps. Flipflops or backless shoes or sandals are not acceptable. Heels must be of a reasonable height and not be unsafe in the school environment. Clothing, jewelry and personal items (backpacks, fanny packs, gym bags, water bottles etc.) shall be free of writing, pictures or any other insignia which are crude, vulgar, profane or sexually suggestive, which bear drug, alcohol or tobacco company advertising, promotions and likenesses, or which advocate death, violence, racial, ethnic or religious prejudice. Hats, caps, and other head coverings shall not be worn indoors. Clothes shall be sufficient to conceal undergarments at all times. See-through or fish-net fabrics, halter tops, spaghetti straps, off-the-shoulder or low-cut tops, strapless or tube tops, backless shirts, bare midriffs and skirts or shorts shorter than mid-thigh are prohibited. PE shorts may not be worn in classes other than physical education. Hair shall be clean and neatly groomed and the color may not cause a distraction to the educational environment. Hair may not be sprayed by any coloring that would drip when wet. Spiked jewelry and waist chains will not be allowed. Students must be cleanly dressed so as not to promote unhealthy or unsanitary conditions. Bandanas and sweatbands shall not be worn unless prior approval is granted by a site administrator. Overalls are considered pants and must have an appropriate shirt worn underneath. Muscle shirts, tank shirts, or underwear shirts are prohibited may not be worn. Clothing that is suggestive or revealing will not be allowed. Facial piercing shall be limited to the ears only. Any other piercing must be plugged with a skin tone plug (no color). Pants must not be worn to expose undergarments or bare skin above the waist. Clothing that is considered nightwear (pajamas and slippers) may not be worn, with the exception of a designated day by the school.

Students are allowed to wear sun-protective clothing, including but not limited to hats, for outdoor use during the school day as long as these articles comply with the requirements in the district administrative regulations. Please keep these guidelines in mind when buying clothing for children. Students who come to school in inappropriate dress will receive a step. Student will call home to have appropriate clothes brought to school from home or be given a school appropriate garment to wear for the remainder of the day. All Santee School District dress code requirements apply to Pepper Drive Students.

Dear Parent/Guardian and Student, We have read the Pepper Drive School Handbook together, and we clearly understand the rules and expectations as stated in this handbook. As a parent/guardian, I will ensure that my child will do his/her best to adhere to these rules and expectations throughout the school year. Likewise, as a student, I will adhere to these rules and expectations throughout the school year.

Student Name: (print)________________________________ Student Signature: ________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ________________________

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