Handbook, New for 2010-2011

District Mission Statement
Our mission is to graduate proficient students.

Belief Statements
1. Education is the joint responsibility of the individual, home, school, and community and lays the foundation for a successful and productive life.
2. If given appropriate opportunities all students can learn, achieve, and succeed.
3. Students must accept responsibility for their education.
4. Life-long learning is essential in a changing society.
5. Students learn better in a positive learning environment.
6. Each student is unique and has self worth.
7. Every student has a right to a safe and comfortable physical environment.
8. The resources of the district are focused on the mission.

PHILOSOPHY OF MOUNTAIN VIEW ELEMENTARY
We believe all children are different and yet the same. As a staff we must provide for these differences in a framework of caring, acceptance, and understanding. The children with whom we work should learn to accept each other and show appreciation for the strengths in others and an understanding of their weaknesses.

We believe that children need limits that are clear and well defined but comfortable to move within. We believe that every child has the right to think and act creatively within these limits in developing and being their best self.

We believe that each child has the right to effective instruction (they must learn the basics) that is geared to their ability and readiness, to develop to their full potential.

We believe that all school decisions should be made in consideration of that which is best for children in meeting their needs and the needs of society for today and tomorrow.

SCHOOL DAY SCHEDULE
First, Second & Third grade Schedule
8:00 - 8:30 Bus students arrive; Breakfast is served to all students.
8:15 - 8:30 Walking students arrive; Breakfast continues
8:30 - School begins
10:05- 10:20 Morning recess
11:20-12:00 1st Grade Lunch
12:00- 12:40 2nd Grade Lunch
12:30-1:10 3rd Grade Lunch
Afternoon Recess 1:45-2:00 Grade 2
1:30-1:45 Grade 1
2:10-2:25 Grade 3
3:00 - Walking home students dismissed
3:05 -1st group of bus students dismissed
3:10 - 2nd group of bus students dismissed
3:15 - 3rd group of bus students dismissed

Kindergarten Schedule
8:00-8:30 Bus students arrive
8:30 – 11:15 Morning Session
12:15 – 3:00 Afternoon Session
After school schedule is the same as above.

Music, Library, & P.E.
Music, Library, and PE are scheduled for all students Kindergarten through 3rd grades. All students also use computers regularly, some In the computer lab, and some in the classroom. Check with your child's teacher for the specific days and times for these classes . PE shoes or gym shoes are highly recommended for all students. These need not be expensive, but your child’s name should be on/in these shoes somewhere for identification.

All students participate in character education and citizenship programs throughout the year. Group and individual school counseling is available by request of teachers, parents and students.

SCHOOL WIDE DISCIPLINE PLAN

General Rules (including bus lines):
Follow directions the first time they are given.
Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
Use appropriate language at all times.
Pick up after yourself.

Playground rules:
Follow directions of supervisor (teacher on duty).
Use equipment properly.
Do not throw rocks or other harmful objects.
No swearing, teasing or fighting

Lunchroom Rules:
Follow directions of staff.
Speak in soft voices. Do not yell.
Do not throw food.
Walk, don't run.
Clean up your space after eating.

Hallway Rules:
Follow directions of teachers.
Always walk, don't run.
Walk to the right of the hallway.

Consequences:
Students who misbehave will receive:
1st offense - warning
2nd offense - benched
3rd offense - see principal
Severe Clause, Go immediately to principal

Severe Clause:
Students fist, or any type of physical fighting, will be sent directly to the principal’s office.
In school suspension may be used as a severe consequence for inappropriate behavior. A student may be given out of school suspension if deemed appropriate by the principal. As always, parents will be notified before such action takes place.

Positive Reinforcement:
When adults (staff) "catch students being “good" students will be given praise or other rewards to encourage appropriate behavior. Once a week each teacher will send a student to the office for a Positive Awareness Award (“student of the week”) . We will also have a “student of the month” from each grade level. These students will participate in special activities. A behavioral specialist will work with students to help reinforce and teach positive behavior, when needed.

Lunch Fee Policy
Students will not be allowed to charge more than 5 days. After the 5th charge, the student will be given a “survival lunch” (that consists of peanut butter sandwich, apple, and milk) for 5 more days. The student will not be able to eat school lunch if lunches are still not paid. The kitchen staff will send reminders home and make calls to inform family of overdue fees. There is a free and reduced lunch form available to anyone for application. Please come to the office if you have any questions.

ATTENDANCE
According to District Policy, students are expected to be in school every day that school is in session. After every 8 th, 15 th, and 18th absence you will receive a letter from the school about your child's absences. This is for your information and to make sure our records are correct.

Truancy:
When a student is truant (absent without the consent of parent/guardian or school officials), parents will be notified immediately. If truancy continues, (4 or more) a possible action will be to turn his/her name over to the county judicial system (SOS- Status Offenders Services). If you have any questions about this section please feel free to discuss it with building principal.

Tardy Policy:
3 unexcused tardies will result in a call from teacher or principal to parents. Also, every 3 unexcused tardies will be considered one absence, which will be included when excessive absent letters are sent home.

Student Dress Policy:
Recognizing that school is a place of business and that pride in ourselves and in the entire student body is a worthwhile objective; the students, faculty, and administration, recognize the following dress policy:

*Responsibility for dress rests primarily with the parents. They should see to it that their children are properly dressed for attendance at school. If in doubt, be conservative.

Our only guideline is that attire be in good taste. Shorts are acceptable providing that they are not too short (no short-shorts). Tops should not reveal bare back or midriff.

*To prevent health or safety hazard for all students, baggy clothing or long belts will not be allowed. This will also be considered when it disrupts classroom management or student behavior.

*If, in the judgment of the teacher and/or administrator, attire is disruptive to the educational process, the student may be required to change.

*Please dress your children for the weather. If it is cold outside, please make sure they dress warmly as they will usually be outside for recesses.

Head Lice Policy
The school will follow district policy, which may be viewed on the district web site as Policy No. 563 Exclusion for Head Lice.

MEDICATION POLICY
School policy has been changed to allow school personnel ONLY to dispense prescription medication. This is Policy No. 561, and may be viewed on the district web site.

Fund Raisers
Albertson’s
Albertson’s cards are available at the school office. These cards allow each school a small percentage of your grocery purchase to be returned to the school quarterly. The money is used to purchase technology support for classrooms (such as ink cartridges for printers, updates on existing software, and new software for classrooms)

Smiths Food King
Smith's is providing a percentage of grocery purchase back to the schools when patrons use their Fresh Value Cards. The money will be used to help support Accelerated Math and Reading programs.

Soup Labels/Box Tops
This is great fund raisers for playground equipment and/or PE supplies. Thank you for your support and please continue to turn in these labels and box tops. The PTO will collect these every month. Check out the posters and signs displayed throughout the school.
Pencil Machine- will be accessible to all students as needed. Pencils are $ .25 each.

PTO :
The PTO group has few fundraisers planned throughout this year, We are encouraging parents to use the above programs to keep fundraisers at a minimum.

PTO Board 2010-2011
Co-President: Nikki Beck
Co-President: Terri Alcocer
Treasurer:
Secretary: Marilyn Poulson
Teacher Rep: Jamie Arteaga

Students Placement in Classrooms

Each year we receive requests for placement of students in specific classrooms. Our primary determinants are as follows:

1. Academic factors, to make classes heterogeneous.
2. Classroom environment.
3. Learning styles.
4. Personality of student and teacher.

We will not be taking teacher request by name; however you may have some specific information that will help us make the best possible placement. In the spring, you may come in and get a form from the office that will further explain the student placement. Please fill out the form and your request will be considered with all factors to make the best educational placement for your child. Final decision with all placements rests with the principal

Please feel free to discuss this with Mrs. Valdez at anytime.

Important Telephone Numbers:
Mountain View Telephone Number: 878-6609
Mountain View Fax Number: 878-6609
Principal ---Delia Valdez—878 6608
Vice Principal—Bonnie Bair—878-6608
Secretary—Angela House-- 878-6608
District Office--878-6600