Handbook

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the Del Sur School Family! Our Del Sur Dragons “SOAR” through the distinctive programs provided for students in Transitional Kindergarten through 8^th grade. Our college prep initiative known as AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination is one of the most prominent programs on campus. We also offer interventions such as IXL, Extended Reading Interventions and tutoring opportunities during the school day. Students are assessed each quarter that precisely measure growth and proficiency to help tailor instruction to meet student academic needs. We believe every child entrusted to our care must be provided with quality instruction. Del Sur School earned WASC (Western Association of School and Colleges) accreditation in 2019, making it one of the few K-8 schools in California with this credential. Our objective is for your child to have a rewarding experience this school year as a Del Sur Dragon.

Communication is vital for a successful school program. We hope that parents become actively involved in their child’s education to promote academic achievement. We have designed this handbook to provide you with meaningful information most often requested. Please take the time to review this handbook with your child. Please also establish a two-way, open relationship with your child’s teacher beginning the first day of school.

If you have questions for administration, please call 661-942-0488. If you prefer to type a quick message for a very quick response, please use the “Let’s Talk’ tab found on right side our school webpage: www.westside.k12.ca.us/ds

Justin Holtfreter, Principal

MISSION STATEMENT

 Del Sur School is a dynamic learning community committed to preparing students socially and academically, to be college and career ready. “Pointing the Way & Providing the Path.

 DEL SUR SCHOOL’S VISION STATEMENT

 We are…

D etermined

R elationship building

A VID in and across all grade levels

G oal setters

O rganized

N urturing

S tudent focused

GO DRAGONS!

Parents have an open invitation to volunteer, to participate, and to share in the setting and achievement of our school’s goals for our children through school site council and the PTSA. We also have an innovative ASB team and an Interact Student Club. We are excited to announce that the Boys and Girls Club of the Antelope Valley will continue to provide an after school program opportunity for a very small fee from 2:00PM-6:00PM daily

Closed Campus

To help ensure student safety at all Westside Union School District campuses, the Board has adopted a mandatory closed campus policy.  All non-school staff, including parents, may not be on campus unless they are authorized volunteers.  Authorized volunteers may help out in the classroom and during authorized off campus activities, but no parent may be on campus including the playground, hallways, school grounds, and/or cafeteria during school hours.  Please note that this policy was adopted to help ensure the safety of all students.  We thank you in advance for your cooperation.  This means that students may not leave the campus between the time they arrive in the morning and the time that school is out in the afternoon unless they have been signed out in the office by their parents, guardians or other persons listed on the student's emergency card.   A valid ID is required to check a student out to verify identity. Parents and visitors must check in with the main office. Parents must have ID's scanned by the Raptor System prior to entering campus. Raptor systems screens ID's against the sex offender registry and custom databases, including those with custody orders and banned visitor status. The system instantly alerts school officials if a visitor is flagged as a security risk. 

Visitors on Campus

School-age visitors are prohibited on campus during school hours. 

Visitors are required to obtain a visitor’s pass in the office.  Parents wishing to visit a classroom should make arrangements with the teacher 24 hours in advance.  On the day of the visitation, you must sign in at the office and will be escorted to your child’s classroom.  

School Hours

All classes are in session from 7:45 am to 1:55 pm.  Please be sure your child is on time to school every day. Supervision will be provided after 7:15 am daily.  All students should be on campus at least 5 minutes before the start of the instructional day, 7:40 am.   At this time, students will be called to class and the tardy bell will ring at 7:45 am.  If a student is not in class or on the blacktop with their teacher at that time, he/she is tardy, and must report to the office for a student tardy slip, no exceptions.  If you drive your child to school, please DO NOT leave him/her prior to 7:15 am. PLEASE USE THE TURN AROUND GATE IF YOU ARE GOING TO DROP-OFF STUDENTS. THE DOORS BY THE OFFICE WILL ONLY BE USED FOR STUDENTS DROPPED OFF BY PARENTS. DO NOT DROP STUDENTS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF 90TH STREET WEST OR AVENUE H.

 Block Scheduling for Middle School 7^th and 8^th grades only

Middle school students' schedules are organized into blocks of 90 minutes for Monday through Thursday and ALL class schedule for Friday's.  We will use an alternate day block schedule.  Students will have six different classes, but only have three periods daily Monday - Thursday.  An "Odd" day will have periods 1, 3, 7. A "Even" day will have periods 2, 4, 8.  Lunch is considered Period 6. Middle School Students begin the day in AVID Structured Homerooms Period 9.

Emergency Contact

They provide information needed in personal emergencies and in the event of a major disaster.  Each student is required to have an emergency contact on file in the school office.  These sheets must be completed and turned in during the first week of school or when registering during the year. Please keep them current for emergency situations.

New Address?  New Phone?

Please notify the records office ASAP if you have a new phone number, home or cell, new address or transfer to another school.

Attendance

Our primary goal at Del Sur School is to help our students have a successful educational experience.  Regular attendance is essential to students’ success in school.  Most subjects are taught in sequence, requiring the understanding of each concept in the order of its presentation.  Frequent absences create gaps in students’ learning and skill development, which can be difficult to remediate with make-up work.  We understand that absences will occur due to illness.  We do ask that you help eliminate unnecessary absences.

The district uses an A2A program where notices are generated for more than 3 Unexcused/Unverified absences and 10 absences due to illness.  If absences continue, a parent meeting will ensue and a SART contract will be initiated.

Classroom incentives will be offered for perfect, excellent, and improved attendance.  Students will be encouraged to be responsible by being present and prompt in school.  This positive character trait and work ethic are essential for future success.

 All student absences must be cleared within 4 calendar days of the absence.  Failure to clear the absence will result in the absence being considered unexcused.  Please be aware that California Education Code 48260a states that “any student who is absent from school without valid excuse three full days in one school year or tardy or absent for more than any 30-minute period during the school day without a valid excuse on three occasions in one school year, or any combination thereof, is a truant and shall be reported to the attendance supervisor or to the superintendent of the school district.”

Please be aware that California law requires verification for each absence, and that the only legally excused absences are those for illness, medical or dental appointments, court appearance, naturalization appointments, or bereavement in the immediate family.  All other absences are unexcused and may not be legal.  Therefore, if possible, send in all documentation from doctors, dentists, or court appearances. 

Ways to Clear Absences

 When reporting an absences please include 1) child's name, 2) child's teacher (or homeroom teacher for middle school students, 3) date(s) of absence, 4) reason for absence(s).

1. Use iAttendSchool in PowerSchool, preferred method.

2. Call the Del Sur School Attendance Line at 974-8537 or call the school and we will transfer you to the District Attendance Line.

3. Send a note to your student’s teacher- Please state:  student’s name, teacher name, reason they were out, date of absences, parent signature and doctor’s notes are required to be turned into the office.

4. You may also log onto ds.attendance@westside.k12.ca.us

Please help your child develop good work habits by encouraging prompt arrival to school.  All late students must check in through the office and receive a late pass prior to reporting to class. All excused tardies must be verified with the Attendance Office with a note at the time of the tardy or the parent must accompany the student into the office to sign them in. All tardies do affect a child’s eligibility for Perfect Attendance.  Remember if you pick your child up prior to dismissal, they will receive a reverse tardy, 3 tardies equal 1 absence. The tardy bell rings at 7:45 and all students should be in their seats. The turnaround gate will be closed at 7:45 so make sure your child is on time.

A student tardy shall be excused for the following reasons only:

1. Personal illness

2. Medical or Dental appointments

3. Attendance at funeral services for a member of the immediate family

4. Court Appearance

5. Participation in religious instruction or exercises.

*If your child is tardy/reversed tardy and it is for an EXCUSED reason, it must still be VERIFIED by the parent (see above).  Send in all documentation from doctors, dentists, or court appearances.  Repeated personal illness tardies not documented by a physician may result in an issuance of an attendance contract.  All UNVERIFIED tardies after 8:15 are recorded as truancy. 

All tardies which occur during class-to-class transitions will result in a lunch detention after warning. After second detention student is referred to administration for merit loss.

If the student does not comply with the Attendance Policy they may be referred to SART (School Attendance Review Team) followed by SARB (School Attendance Review Board). If there is no improvement in attendance, a truancy ticket may be issued.

The following absences are classified as truancies:

1. Absences from school without the knowledge and consent of your parent or guardian.

2. Leaving the campus during the school day without permission.

3. Staying out of class without permission.

4. Unverified and unexcused absences, in addition to unexcused tardies in excess of thirty (30) minutes are considered truancies.

Morning Drop Off Procedures

Kindergarten Gate: by the office for AM drop off.

• H and 90^th : Front of the school. Parents can park on H and 90^th and utilize the crosswalk. Parents can walk their children to the front double doors next to the office. Drop them off at the front door of the office, not in the office or at their classroom door.
• Turnaround Area: this is located west of the school library on Ave H. This is a horseshoe drop off area. You enter through the east gate and exit through the west gate. Please stay in a single file line and please be patient when you drop your child off.  Please pull forward closest to the 2^nd gate when you drop off your students. This is a valet style drop off, an aide will assist your child as needed. Stopping to drop your child off in front of the office instead of driving to the end creates a dangerous situation and a traffic jam.
• Cars are not permitted to park in the bus loading area for student drop off
• 90^th Street gate is not open for AM drop off.

Afternoon  Pick Up Procedures

• 90^th Street Gate: Students can be picked up at the 90^th Street Gate, (parents must park, turn off  their car and walk up to get their child) No children will be released through the gate unless a parent is standing at the gate.

• Turnaround: This is located west of the school library on Ave H. This is a horseshoe pick up area. You enter through the east gate and exit through the west gate. Please stay in a single file line and please be patient when you drop your child off.  Please pull forward closest to the 2^nd gate when you drop off your students. This is a valet style pick up a teacher will assist your child as needed. Teachers will blow a whistle to signify students can approach their cars. Stopping to pick up your child off in front of the office instead of driving to the end creates a dangerous situation and a traffic jam.

Students will NOT be released through the turnaround gates due to safety reasons. NO Students will be released at the front of the school or through the front office doors. 

• H and 90^th: Parents and students need to use the crosswalk at the corner of 90^th and H. Parents can park and walk to pick up their students at 90^th Gate or through the front office.
• Kindergarten Rose Garden Gate: Only Kindergarten students will be released through this gate- this gate is parallel with 90^th Gate near the kindergarten area.
• Cars are not permitted to park in the bus loading area for student pick up.

Late Pick-up Procedure

• Please note there is no supervision after school.
• Children that are picked up after 2:00 will need to be need to be signed out by an authorized adult on the child’s emergency card.
• Please call the Boys and Girls Club for after school care details, if you need after school care. This is an on campus program. Boys and Girls Club is in the cafeteria from 2:00pm to 6:00pm every day. The number to contact them is 661-860-6010.

• Parent/Guardian must call, not another person on Emergency Card, to change pick up for that day. After 1:30pm,  NO phone messages will be given to students.
• If a parent is picking up a student early they must do so before 1:30 pm – parent needs to be in front office by this time in order to do so.
• To change pick up person on emergency card, parent must come into the office to add or delete.  We will not take notes or phone calls.  Parent/Guardian must come to school in person.

In order to limit interruptions and stay focused on instructional time, the Del Sur staff follows these guidelines: 

• We will not make deliveries to the classroom.  Please send lunches, snacks, band instruments, homework, and jackets with your child in the morning.  In the event you forget, your child may check the office to see if you brought in the item, during break and recess. Access will not be granted to deliver any items nor will the Del Sur staff be responsible to deliver items.
• We do not make calls to classrooms to give messages to students.  Due to the safety of your child, we cannot make changes as to how your child is getting home or who is picking them up over the phone. Constant messages to the classroom interrupt instructional time. Please send a note with your child in the morning so the teacher is aware of any changes.

No interruptions for early pick-up will be made after 1:30pm since students are beginning to prepare to leave at this time.

If you are unsure how weather conditions are affecting the school, please tune to a local radio station for information: 610 AM, 1380 AM, 1470 AM, 103.1 AM, 106 FM, or 107.3 FM, or the district web page.  School closures and/or shortened days will be announced as soon as the determination has been made.

Independent Study

If you anticipate, your child will miss five or more consecutive days of school it is important that you contact the school a minimum of 5 days prior to the absence so that arrangements can be made for him/her to keep up with the necessary class work through Independent Study. Independent Study allows your child to be absent for other than legal reasons without incurring unexcused absences typically a maximum of 10 days/year.

The request for short term independent study must be for a minimum of at least five days and a maximum of 14 days. Students are only allowed 14 total days of IS per year.  IS cannot be requested for less than 5 days.

The principal of the school has the right to deny a new short term independent study agreement when the student has history of not completing work assigned.

• Except for chronic or extended medical conditions, the short term independent study agreement must be planned, written and signed before the start of the absences and cannot be made retroactive to an earlier date.  If the absence is the result of a chronic or extended medical condition contact School nurse for Home Hospital Education referral.
• All assignments must be completed and returned by the due date or the date the student returns to classroom instruction, whichever occurs first.  This date is final and cannot be extended under any circumstances.  If completed work is sent by mail, it must be sent by priority mail and postmarked by the agreement due date.
• If assignments are completed or returned after the due date, academic credit may be given; but no credit will be awarded for attendance.
• For special education students, a short term independent study agreement must be stipulated in the IEP.
• See Mrs. Darla Jones in the office regarding Independent Study.

Rights of Students

1. To attend school and classes unless removed under due process as specified in the Education Code and district rules.

2. To be informed about school and district rules and regulations pertaining to students.

3. To receive appropriate educational programs designed to meet his/her individual needs and challenge his/her abilities and talents.

4. To attend school in an academic and social climate that is free from fear and violence and inappropriate disruptions.

5. To receive fair and reasonable treatment from those who are responsible for enforcing standards of student conduct.

Responsibilities of Students

1. To comply with the regulations, pursue the required course of study, and listen to the authority of the teachers/staff of the school.

2. To know and obey school rules and regulations.

3. To punctually and regularly attend assigned school classes.

4. To be prepared to work in class with needed materials and assignments

5. To deliver correspondence between school and parents such as progress reports, report cards and notices. 

6. To respect the rights and property of others, including the right to learn.

7. To conserve, enhance and maintain the appearance of school buildings and grounds, school equipment and instructional materials.

8. To maintain personal standards of dressing and grooming appropriate to class and school activities as stated in the Westside Union School District Dress Code Policy.

9. To comply with regulations requiring students to stay off any other campus while that school is in session or having an approved school function.

10. To practice self-control at all times.

11. To ask for help with problems when needed.

1. Arrive on time to class with all necessary materials. Arrive no later than 7:40am.

2. Follow the dress code rules.

3. Listen to and follow directions of the teachers.

4. Get involved in class activities and do your best.

5. Show respect to others in the room and their property.

6. Treat school property with respect.

7. Complete assignments on time.

8. Do not disrupt the teacher’s teaching or other students’ learning.

9. Stay in control of your behavior.  Know that you are responsible for your behavior.

10. No eating or gum chewing.

11. Classroom Boys Town Social Skills List:

a. Following Instructions

b. Accepting Criticism or a Consequence

c. Accepting “No” for an Answer

d. Greeting Others

e. Getting the Teacher’s Attention

f.  Disagreeing Appropriately

g. Making an Apology

h. Accepting Compliments

i. Having a Conversation

The administration and faculty at Del Sur will continue to assist your child to make positive decisions both in and out of the classroom.  To assure your child a successful experience the following basic procedures will be implemented.

1. Students will be made aware of the types of behavior that are not acceptable in a discipline assembly.  Del Sur School utilizes a merit system for some grade levels.  Merits may be lost for class/school rules violations. Students who keep 100 merits may participate in a 100 Merit Activity held at the end of each semester.

2. When a student exhibits inappropriate behavior the teacher may remind the student of the rule at that time and have the student practice, however chronic violations may result in an office referral.

3. Parents of students receiving office referrals will be notified of consequences by administration. Teachers will communicate classroom consequences with parents.  

4. Continued disruptive behavior will result in school consequences that may include detention, Saturday school or suspension.

5. Students who continue to display inappropriate behavior may be suspended.

All Del Sur Students who live in the Del Sur Boundaries are eligible to ride the bus to school. Bus transportation is provided by the Antelope Valley School’s Transportation Agency.  This agency is operated independently of the school district. If you have questions about bus transportation, please call the Antelope Valley Schools Transportation Agency at 945-3621.

All bus riders are expected to abide by the bus rules. The rules are designed to ensure the safety of all students riding the bus. If a student violates the safety rules, he/she may be issued a warning ticket.  If the violations continue, he/she may have his/her bus riding privileges suspended for a specified number of days or denied permanently.  More serious infractions can lead to discipline at school. REMEMBER:  It is a privilege to ride the bus.

Request to change buses will be granted FOR EMERGENCY REASONS ONLY, by transportation agency (not the school). Students may not transfer busses to visit friends, go to athletic practices, 4-H, or other social reasons.  If you need to make any transportation arrangements for your child, which differ from his/her regular schedule, call the transportation agency at 945-3621.  The office will not issue your child a special bus pass without the permission of transportation. A student's verbal notification of a parent's intention to pick him/her up after school is not sufficient.

Without a note, bus riders will be sent home on their assigned bus. In an EMERGENCY, please feel free to call the school office at 942-0488 and the secretary or clerk will get the message to the teacher. Please allow plenty of time (at least one-half hour) prior to dismissal time, so we can be sure your child doesn't get on the bus.

ANTELOPE VALLEY SCHOOLS TRANSPORTATION AGENCY BUS RULES
1. Authority of the driver: Pupils transported in a school bus shall be under the authority of, and responsible directly to the driver of the bus, and the driver shall be held responsible for the orderly conduct of the students while they are on the bus or being escorted across a street or highway. (Title V, Section 14103 – A, California Administration Code)
2. Cooperate with the driver. Follow directions the first time they are given.
3. Arrive at the bus stop waiting in line 5 minutes before the scheduled bus departure time. While going to and from the bus stop and while waiting for the bus, keep out of the street and off private property. Noise, rowdy behavior and property damage at the bus stop could cause the stop to be moved to a less convenient location. Students must use the designated stop closest to his or her home both A.M. and P.M.
Students may not use multiple stops. Any student having to use another stop in an “emergency only” situation must have a note preapproved by the school.
4. Board and leave the bus in an orderly manner. Do not push other students. Be seated promptly. Do not “save” seats for others. Be willing to share the seat with fellow bus riders. Follow driver’s instructions concerning seating location and unloading procedures.
5. Always sit facing the front of the bus. Remain seated when the bus is in motion. Do not change seats without permission of the driver.
6. Keep head, hands, and arms inside the bus at ALL times. Do not yell out of the windows to others outside the bus.
7. No physical contact of ANY kind is allowed. Keeps hands off other people and off others possessions.
8. Animals, insects, and reptiles are not permitted on the bus with the exception of service animals. (54.2. Civil Code)
9. Large musical instruments are prohibited on the bus. Other prohibited items include glass containers or other breakable items, skate boards, roller blades/skates, balloons, playground equipment, and other large bulky items. Special arrangements must be made for transportation of athletic equipment. Cleats and or spikes must be removed prior to boarding the bus.
10. Bus aisle and emergency exits must be kept clear of feet, legs, arms, books, and lunches.
11. Keep the bus clean. Students are not to eat, drink, or chew gum or tobacco on the bus.
12. Appropriate school dress must be worn at all times while on the bus. Appropriate footwear must also be worn. Hats/caps, hoodies, etc. are not to be worn while on the bus and must be removed prior to boarding. No open cosmetics or aerosol cans are permitted.
13. Do not use obscene or profane language. Smoking, any narcotics, weapons, and lighting of matches are not permitted on the bus. No hazardous materials, liquids, or gases are permitted on the bus.
14. Do not deface or destroy bus equipment. Damage to seats, windows and other parts of the bus are unnecessary and costly. The student will be responsible for the cost of repair.
15. Avoid loud talking, loud laughter or unnecessary confusion (it may divert the driver’s attention and could result in an accident).
16. Students living across streets, upon which the bus is stopped to unload them, should cross only when the driver indicates that it is safe to do so. Students must cross the street in front of the bus and walk straight across the street. The driver will escort Elementary and Junior High students across the street.
17. In school districts with bus passes, students MUST show their bus pass before boarding the bus and may not use another student’s pass.
18. Students are NOT allowed to use cell phones or any electronic devices while on the bus. These items must be placed in the off position and kept in the student’s possession at all times while on a bus.
19. Students that leave campus for any reason other than a school authorized, pre-approved appointment will NOT be allowed to ride the bus home in the PM.
20. If school bus is equipped with seat belts and shoulder straps, they MUST be worn at all times. Tampering with ANY seat belt or shoulder strap is PROHIBITED.

TRANSPORTATION IS A PRIVILEGE. FAILURE TO ABIDE BY ONE OR MORE OF THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN THE LOSS OF BUS RIDING PRIVILEGES.

Class Rules

• Vary from class to class. Examples are: Rules and Expectations
• Respect other people and their property.
• Be prepared to participate in all activities.
• Raise your hand when you need to share information or ideas.
• Be in your assigned area.
• Follow directions the first time they are given.

Consequences

• 1^st offense: Verbal warning, reminders or prompting
• 2^nd offense: Classroom Consequence(s)
• Repeat offenders: Classroom or School Consequence(s) and Parents/Guardian communication (call home or note in binder reminder), office referral warning
• Severe offenders: Office Referral

Specific School-Wide Rules

1. Dress appropriately.  Student dress must be safe for the student and those around the student.  It must not be offensive, disruptive of school operations or the educational process, and it must not be contrary to law.

2. Only leave class on legitimate business and with the approved student pass and/or signed planner.

3. Do not bring any objects to school that are of no reasonable educational use, that are considered to be weapons or that tend to create a nuisance. 

4. Use or possession of any form of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or related paraphernalia on campus is prohibited.

5. No chewing gum on campus.

6. No use of profane or vulgar language.

7. No trading, selling or buying any goods or items with/from another student.

8. Eat only in the designated areas and avoid areas identified as off limits for students during the lunch period.  Water is the only drink permitted outside of the lunch area.

9. No inappropriate demonstrations of affections, including holding hands, kissing, and hugging.

10. Fighting will not be tolerated and offenders will be suspended.

11. Let an adult know immediately if you are being threatened or harassed by another student or students.

12. Observe the “hands off” policy at all times.

A student attending Del Sur School may rightly expect that the faculty and administrators will maintain an environment in which there is freedom to learn.  To maintain the appropriate conditions and opportunities in the classroom, on campus, on the bus and on the way home, students should practice good citizenship and exert an effort to benefit from the academic program.

Student conduct is expected to conform to district and school rules and regulations.  Violations of such rules and regulations will result in disciplinary action, including, but not limited to the following:

1. Detention(s)

2. Demerits

3. Parent contact (letter or phone)

4. Schedule modification

5. Behavior, attendance, or other Contract

6. Campus clean-up; i.e.: paper pickup, etc.

7. Parent conference

8.  Loss of bus privileges

9. Counseling

10. Loss of extra-curricular activities

11. Restricted lunch (time and place)

12. Suspension (home)

13. Modified day

14. Saturday School

15. Campus Change/Westside Academy

16. Expulsion

Students are expected to attend all detentions assigned. Failure to attend detention will result in a loss of merits. Failure to attend three detentions will result in a Saturday School and loss of merits for defiance. Excessive detentions and no-show’s will result in suspension and loss of merits.

1. All students shall wear shoes at all times. Sandals may be considered shoes provided they have a strap over the top of the foot and around the heel. Crocs, Slides, flip flops and slippers are not allowed.
2. No shirts that are low cut, revealing or show skin around the waist.
3. No back-less tops /dresses.
4. No tank tops or off the shoulder tops.
5. No inappropriate symbols, pictures, slogans on any piece of clothing.
6. No pajamas, onesies or blankets.
7. Ripped or tears in jeans above the knee, on pants if skin is showing you must wear leggings or bike shorts underneath. No tears/rips in clothing larger than the size of your ID card, including store-bought clothing with rips and tears or with leggings or clothes underneath. Rips or tears can not be in upper thigh area.
8. Sheer or “see through” shirt/dresses must have shirts under them that meet dress code.
9. No short-shorts or dresses. They may not be rolled up at the hemline, or rolled down at the waist. Shorts or dresses must be at or below the middle of the students thigh. 
10. No sagging clothing (pants should stay up without a belt AND without holding onto the pants)
11. Pants waistband should be no lower than the hip area.
12. Belts can be no longer than 5” beyond the buckle. No chains hanging from the waist or wallet. Electronic belt buckles are prohibited.
13. No student may wear articles of clothing, jewelry, paraphernalia, hair styles or accessories which pose a threat to the physical and/or emotional well-being and safety of the student or others on campus or at school activities. (This includes studs with points, spikes or gauges.)
14. Clothing, jewelry, paraphernalia or material, which is obscene, sexually explicit, satanic, or which depicts or suggest sexually related or obscene gestures, pictures or wording which promotes violence, the use/abuse of drugs, tobacco or alcohol, or which downgrades a positive educational climate may not be worn or carried on campus or at school activities.
15. Clothing or articles of clothing (including but not limited to gloves, torn clothing, bandanas, shoestrings, wristbands, jewelry) which are disruptive to the educational process , may not be worn on campus or at any school activity.
16. All hats must be worn with the bill facing forward. Hoods, hats and beanies should be removed upon entering the building. Scarves, bandanas, combs in hair and hair rollers are not permitted on campus.
17. No gang-related jewelry, insignia, colors, paraphernalia, materials, apparel, clothing hairstyles or attire may be worn or carried on campus or at school activities.
18. Items identified as gang-related clothing apparel, attire, jewelry, insignias, colors, paraphernalia and materials may vary from school to school, may change from year to year and be different from grade level to grade level.
19. Sunglasses are prohibited indoors and should be placed inside of backpacks.
20. Accessories such as heavy chains, and jewelry with dangerous points or spikes are prohibited. Earring piercings are permissible provided that student wear studs only. Long dangling or hoop earrings are prohibited. Facial piercing (nose, eyebrow, tongue, etc.) are not allowed.
21. School employees will assist the principal or his designee in the enforcement of the student dress policy.

In Summary: Student dress and grooming must be safe, clean, modest, and conducive to educational pursuits. Dress Code violations will result in loaner clothing and confiscation of inappropriate items. Repeated offenders will receive additional school consequences.  

DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS CONSEQUENCES

Strike 1 – Warning and change of clothes

Strike 2-  Campus Cleanup, change of clothes, and parent contact

Strike 3 – Office Referral – 5 Demerits

The Board of Education at Westside Union School District has the obligation to insure a safe, secure, and orderly campus that provides the opportunity for all students to learn.  At each school, students have the right to learn and teachers have the right to teach. To insure that these obligations are met, WUSD Board Policy states:

• Cell phones, including those with any image capturing capabilities, are to be, off and put away (away means in a backpack and not on persons), not in pockets, while on school grounds. These devices may only be used with the permission and in the presence of an administrator or designee. 
• Video recording and taking pictures is prohibited on campus as it may be considered against the law (exception: unless with permission of a staff member for school purposes only)
• If the device is not "off and put away", the school employee shall confiscate it and turn it over to an administrator or designee who will release the device to a parent or guardian only.
• Possession of cell phones at after school activities or extracurricular activities will follow the same policy of "off and put away" and will only be allowed with permission and in the presence of an administrator or designee or parent/guardian present at the activity, as long as it is not a disruption to the activity.
• A student who violates this policy may be prohibited from possessing a cell phone at school or school-related events and may be subject to site disciplinary action.
• All other electronic devices, such as:  Smart watches, iPods, other digital music devices, and cameras are prohibited at all times except with specific permission from an administrator or designee. If any student is found in possession of any such device, except with specific permission from an administrator or designee, it shall be confiscated and the student will be subject to the school disciplinary policy.

In keeping with this policy the Del Sur Administration will be issuing the following consequences for student violations at school, on school grounds and within the gates:

Cell Phones and other electronic devices that are confiscated are given to the office.

1st Offense: will be returned to student at the end of the day.

2nd Offense: Parent will need to pick it up from the office.

3rd Offense: Merit loss, Saturday School, and/or Suspension. 

 ALL CELL PHONES NEED TO BE OFF AND AWAY.

DO NOT USE CELL PHONES UNTIL YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL GATES.

Bully Prevention Policy

Del Sur School believes that all students have a right to a safe and healthy school environment and have an obligation to promote mutual respect, tolerance and acceptance. Del Sur School will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any student. Bullying and hazing are serious matters.  Bullying is any mean or disrespectful behavior that is done on purpose to hurt someone physically or emotionally.  Hazing is any initiation into a team or group that may cause humiliation, physical or emotional harm. A student shall not intimidate or harass another student through words or actions. Such behavior includes: direct physical contact, such as hitting or shoving; verbal assaults, such as teasing or name-calling; and social isolation or manipulation. Students who bully are in violation of this policy and are subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

There are different types of bullying and misconduct including, but not limited to:

• Physical Bullying: hitting, kicking, pushing or other unwelcome physical contact.  Serious physical bullying may be regarded as a criminal act, such as battery or assault.
• Cyberbullying: using electronic devices to embarrass, spread rumors, threaten or intimidate.  This includes posting or sending inappropriate messages or images by text, cell phone or on social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.  Sending nude or sexual images may be considered distribution or possession of child pornography, which is a crime.
• Social Bullying: leaving people out, rejecting, manipulating relationships, rating or ranking people, or trying to ruin the reputation of another.
• Verbal Bullying: name calling, teasing, spreading hurtful rumors or gossip, making threats or rude noises.  All threats are taken seriously and may be reported to law enforcement.
• Non-verbal Bullying: posturing, dirty looks, stalking, damaging property, graffiti, making gang signs or other efforts to intimidate or pressure someone. 
• Indirect Bullying:  getting someone to do something mean or hurtful to someone else on your behalf.
• Sexual Harassment:  any unwanted or demeaning behavior about someone’s sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity or gender expression. Sexual harassment may require additional investigation. (Even if I like the person I must be respectful at all times.)
• Discrimination:  targeting someone based on their real or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, disability or medical condition, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or gender expression may be considered an act of hate and may be a crime. 

Del Sur School expects students, parents and/or staff to immediately report incidents of bullying to the principal or designee. Each complaint of bullying shall be promptly investigated. This policy applies to students on school grounds, while traveling to and from school or a school-sponsored activity, during the lunch period, whether on or off campus and during a school-sponsored activity.

To help ensure bullying does not occur on our school campus, Del Sur School will provide staff development training in bullying prevention. Students will participate in campus-wide bully prevention lessons which will take place during designated class times.

Eligibility Requirements for Middle School Extracurricular Activities: Minimum requirements for participation in any extra-curricular activity, which includes any after school or off campus activity, are based on criteria determined quarterly based on:

1. The student must be passing all classes with a 2.0 GPA and no “F’s.
2. The student must maintain a citizenship grade of 80 merits or more.
3.  Students must be enrolled in the regular, full day of classes at Del Sur.
4. Students must have attended a full day of classes the day of the activity.
5. Students with more than 3 absences in any class per quarter may not be permitted to participate in extra-curricular activities such as dances, field trips, etc.

Del Sur uses a merit & assertive discipline system for 6^th-8^th graders. Students begin with 100 merits each semester. Merits are lost as consequences for violations of school rules such as ‘no shows’ at detentions, and office referrals and suspensions.

Parents are an important asset to the merit & assertive discipline system.  Praise and encourage your son or daughter when they maintain good citizenship. 

We encourage you to conference with your child’s teacher(s) if your child is continuously losing merits. Also, please be aware of the strong stance on harassment, smoking, and drug or alcohol related incidents that may result in suspension or expulsion through our progressive discipline policies.   

Students maintaining 100 merits will be treated to special reward activities at the end of each semester. Students who drop below 80 merits will lose their privileges to extracurricular activities.

The Del Sur Middle School citizenship grade guidelines are as follows:

            95 – 100 merits = A

            85 - 94 merits    = B

            75 - 84 merits    = C

            65 - 74 merits    = D

              0 - 64 merits    = F

Detentions: Detentions assigned to students in violation of a classroom or school expectation. Grades 1-3 serve AM recess while 4-8 grade serve detention during lunchtime. Rescheduling of detentions should occur before the required detention. Continual refusal to attend assigned lunch detentions will result in increasing consequences such as after school consequences or Saturday school.

Elementary Physical Education Program

Elementary students K-6 have 2 PE classes a week.  Please see your child’s classroom teacher for the days and times.  Please send your child in appropriate shoes and clothing on their PE days. Students in grades 1-6 begin their morning walking.  All doctor’s notes must be turned into the nurse and child’s teacher that pertain to PE restrictions.  Please send your child with a water bottle on PE days.

Middle School Physical Education Program

Wearing appropriate Del Sur P.E. clothes to PE class accounts for 50% of a student’s daily grade. Del Sur P.E. uniforms are available at a cost of $25 (cash only) from the front office. Non suits will reflect in a student’s grade.

·Students shall change into P.E. clothes for class, and change out of them after class.

·During colder weather, sweats may be worn with (but not in place of) normal P.E. clothing.

·Combination locks are checked out to students in the locker rooms. Replacement cost for lost locks is $7.00 (cash only.) For emergency purposes, personal locks are not allowed.

·Wheeled/oversize backpacks will not fit in lockers, and should not be brought to P.E.

·For health and safety reasons, aerosols and glass are prohibited in locker rooms.

·Written examinations are a regular part of Del Sur’s physical education program.

·Students may be excused from some physical education activities (up to 3 consecutive days, not class periods with a written note from their parent.) All written notes need to go to the School Nurse. For longer periods, a doctor’s note is required. Students will be expected to participate to the greatest extent possible and the instructor will accommodate the injury/illness specified in the note.

School Nurse/ Health Clerk

The district nurse will be available on campus on a regularly scheduled basis.  She will conduct student health services, such as vision and hearing and scoliosis screening tests.  The Health clerk is on campus daily.

Westside Union School District participates in cooperation with the California Departments of Health Services and Education, has a program to allow the District to be reimbursed with federal Medicaid dollars for selected health services (such as hearing and vision screenings, health assessments) provided to eligible students at school. In accordance with Local Education Agency rules and guidelines, we are notifying you that eligible student records may be forwarded to the District’s billing agency. These records will be forwarded in a confidential manner. Our vendor holds a contract with the District that contains a specific confidentiality clause to ensure information is not disclosed inappropriately; further, our vendor is HIPAA compliant (Federal Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act).

School health services are currently provided to all students and parents will not be charged by this program. Students will not be denied services they require to attend school, and parents will never be billed for services by the school district.

·No crutches on campus without a doctor’s note or ER note documenting treatment

·Pediculosis  “ excused” for 5 calendar days

·Notify the Health Clerk or School Nurse about attendance concerns before the student is referred to SARB---student may have a chronic health condition or need Home/Hospital

·Chickenpox outbreak> 5 cases in 3 weeks (one incubation period)

·P.E. excused by parent: 3 consecutive P.E. days only

Medication

The following procedures will be followed if it becomes necessary for your child to take medication during school hours.

In order to properly and safely assist your child with medication when necessary at school, the following must be done:

1. The form "Request for Medication to be Taken During School Hours" (forms available upon request) must be completed and signed by the physician and parent.

2. The medication (provided by the parent) must be properly labeled by the pharmacist.

3. Parents must deliver the medication to the school.  IMPORTANT: No medication may be brought to or from school by pupils.

4. The same procedure applies for non-prescription (over the counter) medication, such as vitamins, cold medications, inhalers, and aspirin.  Or, if more convenient, parents may come to school and dispense the medication themselves.

PLEASE NOTE:

Usually it is possible to work out a schedule with your physician to administer the medication at home before and after school, rather than during the school day.  If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse at 942-0488

Illness or Injury at School

Please be sure that we have an ACCURATE address and phone number where you may be reached during the school day.  Should your child become ill or injured during school, it will be necessary for us to contact you immediately.  For your child's protection, it is also necessary that you provide us with the names of local alternate persons to contact in the event we are unable to reach you.  It is important for this information to be current at all times.  Remember, our ability to contact someone immediately may be the difference in obtaining appropriate medical care for your child.

The Westside Union School District is encouraging and reinforcing the wellness of the students in the district.  One of the goals of the district is to align the types of foods or treats provided to students with the wellness policy developed by the State of California. 

 The Del Sur staff has implemented changes at the site regarding birthday treats and classroom parties.  Please DO NOT provide sweets such as cakes, cookies, cupcakes, candy, etc.  Specialty treats or food items will only be allowed for pre-planned and approved classroom parties or events, held NO MORE than ONCE per month.  

**Birthdays are a special time for each student.  If you would like to provide something special for your child, please distribute items such as pencils, erasers, stickers, or other favors instead of food. If you have worked with the classroom teacher to schedule and provide a birthday treat for your student’s class, it may only be distributed AFTER LUNCH, and must be a healthy option taking into consideration the TOP 7 Food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. Consider more healthy choices such as vegetable and fruit trays, popcorn, crackers and cheese, pretzels and granola bars. To safeguard the health and safety of students, please note the following concerning food items brought onto campus. 

·No food prepared or stored in a private home shall be used, stored, served, offered for sale, sold or given away in school to students.

·Treats or snacks provided by teachers, parents, PSTA’s or other organizations to students must be commercially processed and wrapped to prevent the possible spread of bacteria or germs.

Such items could be sent to school with your student for the teacher to distribute at the appropriate time.  PLEASE GET AUTHORIZATION FROM YOUR STUDENT’S TEACHER REGARDING DATES AND TIMES FOR A CELEBRATION. This will enable our classrooms to receive fewer interruptions and maximize instructional time.  The purpose of this policy is to instill healthy habits for all of our students.  We appreciate your continued support in working towards the growth of healthy minds and hearts. If you are DROPPING OFF items for a preplanned and teacher approved celebration, in the office, for your child’s classroom please make arrangements to contact your child’s teacher through the preferred messaging system such as Class Dojo. Our office staff WILL NOT interrupt classroom learning for deliveries, drop-offs, and announcements as learning is our number one priority.