Handbook Contents
School Mission
Special Dates
School Holidays
School Hours
Attendance
Health and Safety
Emergency Procedures
Meal Program
Behavioral Expectations
What Else is Important?
 
The mission of Leif Ericson Elementary is to offer a balanced educational program to meet the academic, physical and emotional needs of each student through high quality education. Our program involves children, parents, staff and community working together to provide the students the skills necessary for assuming a responsible position in a global society.

Trimester #1September 5, 2006 - December 15, 2006
Trimester #2January 16, 2007 - March 29, 2007
Trimester #3April 25, 2007 - July 20, 2007
 
Back to School NightSeptember 28, 2006
 
School Picture DaysOctober 17 & 18, 2006
 
Fall Parent ConferencesNovember 28, 2006
 November 29, 2006
 December 1, 2006
 
Spring Parent ConferencesMarch 28, 2007
 
STAR Testing (Grades 2-5)May 29, 2007 - June 19, 2007
 
Open HouseJune 21, 2007
Veteran's Day ObservanceNovember 10, 2006
Thanksgiving ObservanceNovember 20 - 24, 2006
Winter BreakDecember 18, 2005 - January 12, 2007
Martin Luther King Day ObservanceJanuary 15, 2007
Lincoln Day ObservanceFebruary 12, 2007
Washington Day ObservanceFebruary 19, 2007
Spring BreakMarch 30 - April 24, 2007
Memorial Day ObservanceMay 28, 2007
Independence Day ObservanceJuly 4, 2007

Grades K-57:50 - 2:05Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
 7:50 - 12:15Thursday (Modified Day)
   
SEEC PreK7:50 -11:35Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
 Home VisitsWednesday
  - OR -
 10:35 - 2:05Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
 Home VisitsWednesday

Arrival and Dismissal

  • Supervision and the student safety street patrol begin at 7:35 a.m.
  • It is not safe to leave students at school unsupervised. Students are NOT to arrive earlier than 7:35 a.m., and are to be picked up by 2:20 p.m. unless they are participating in an on campus childcare program.
  • Students are to either proceed to their designated location on the playground or go to the cafeteria/MU room if having breakfast. (See Meal Program for more information)
  • Kindergartners report to the Kindergarten playground behind the 40's loft.
  • Parents are asked to have children cross at the marked crosswalk in front of the school.
  • Be aware of posted signs for vehicles indicating NO left turns before and after school at Westonhill Drive and Arcturus Street.
  • Drivers will be cited by law enforcement for not obeying the signs.
  • The school parking lots are locked 20 minutes before and 25 minutes after school.

Daily Attendance

One of the most important factors impacting learning is regular and prompt attendance at school. Students are expected to remain on the school grounds during school hours. If a child needs to leave the school grounds, a parent/guardian must come to the office and sign the child out. Picture identification will be required when signing a child out. We encourage you to make dental or doctor appointments after school thus not infringing on valuable learning time. Show your child that school is important by making regular attendance a top priority. Perfect attendance awards are offered first and second trimester and an entire year award at the end of the year. This means in school every minute every day.

Your child's security is of the utmost importance. A child can only be released to persons listed on the registration card. The information on this card is also used in case of emergency. It is important to be certain the information, especially telephone numbers, is always up to date.

Absences

Absences can only be excused in writing or by telephone by a parent or guardian. Absences may be reported at any time to the school. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. There is an answering machine available before and after school hours to conveniently report absences. When leaving a message, please state your child's first and last name, your full name, date of the absence and the reason for the absence. Student records indicating excessive absences will be forwarded to the district counselor for review.

Contract for Independent Study

The following are considered excused absences: illness or quarantine, funeral services, medical/dental appointments. All other absences are unexcused.

The school district is financially penalized if a student has an unexcused absence from school. By completing the work in a Contract for Independent Study (CIS), the student and school will receive credit for the days absent from school. A CIS is provided only if a student will be absent for 5 or more days. Work must be completed upon returning to the school for the contract to be valid. To initiate the CIS, a parent needs to notify the school office and the teacher at least two weeks before leaving, and sign the contract.

Absence Make-up Policy

Students are still responsible for work missed whether an absence is unexcused or excused. Parents may arrange to have missed work picked up after school. Please call the office and allow for a minimum of 24 hours for the teacher to prepare the assignments for your student.

Tardies

When a child arrives late to school, s/he is to go directly to the office for a "Tardy Slip". Categories for excused tardies are the same as excused absences. Three or more tardies of 30 minutes or more is considered truancy. There is a "warning bell" two minutes before the start of the school day.

Update Information

We are fortunate to have a school nurse available 3 days a week. It is important to let the nurse and/or classroom teacher know of any health concerns that may arise during the school year.

Updated information on your child's registration card is critical when there is an emergency involving his/her well being. Please let us know of corrections and additions, i.e. pager numbers, cell telephone number, new emergency contact, etc.

Medication at School

Students taking medication at school must follow the district's medication protocol. Students need to have a form "Physician's Recommendation for Medication" filled out by the doctor and signed by the parent/guardian. These forms are available in the nurse's office. Medication needs to be transported by an adult.

Medication Guidelines:

  1. Prescription medication is in original prescription container. Prescription label states child's name, medication, dosage, and physician. The form "Physician Recommendation for Medication" is completed and signed by physician and parent.
  2. Non prescription medication (Tylenol, Benadryl, etc.) is in the original container and the form "Physician Recommendation for Medication" is completed and signed by physician and parent.
  3. Temporary prescription medication (antibiotics) may be given if in original prescription container, accompanied with a note from parent/guardian requesting that the medication be given at school.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the nurse Monday through Friday 7:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.

Student Injuries/Insurance

The school district offers a voluntary student accident insurance program. The district is not liable for injuries of students on the school grounds or going to and from school. A brochure for the student insurance can be obtained in the school office.

Skateboards/ Rollerblades

These modes of transportation are NOT permitted on the school campus at any time. The municipal code dictates that violators of any age will be ticketed.

Bicycles

Grades four and five may ride bicycles to and from school. Students must wear helmets as required by state law. All bicycles must be parked in the bike racks and locked. The school is not responsible for loss or theft of bicycles. All bikes must be walked on to and off campus. Violation of these rules will result in the loss of bicycle privileges as determined by the principal.

Safety Patrol

This program is sponsored by the San Diego Police Department. Students in grades four and five assist your child to cross the VERY busy street, using the crosswalks, at Arcturus and Westonhill Drive. They are on duty fifteen minutes before and after school.

Slow Down and No Left Turn!

  • The speed limit for a school zone is 25mph.
  • Be aware of posted signs in front of the school indicating vehicles cannot make left turns onto Westonhill and onto Arcturus before and after school. This is to minimize the dangers of traffic interrupting children using the crosswalk.
  • The bus loading zone must be open at all times. Cars may not pick up students or park in this area.
  • Do not double park!
  • Do not cross in the middle of the block, or between cars. Do not direct your child to do so. San Diego law enforcement will issue citations to anyone in violation of the above.
  • Do not block Neighbor's Driveways.

Parking

The parking lots in front of the school are for Staff only. Please do not use the parking lots as a drop off place for your students. The gates are locked twenty minutes before and after dismissal to keep the driveways clear of traffic as children come and go from school. Your understanding is appreciated.

Comprehensive School Safety Plan

Every school in California is required to write and maintain a Comprehensive School Safety Plan, which includes the school's plan, district plans and emergency procedures that deal with disasters and criminal acts that may threaten the safety of students and staff.

Ericson has predetermined procedures for evacuating the buildings in the event of a fire, earthquake or other emergency. These procedures are evaluated yearly and practice sessions are scheduled regularly. The classroom teachers review these procedures with students. Practice sessions are required by law.

The biggest danger is panic. Students will be released only to parents or someone authorized by the parent in writing. Please continue to update your student registration card with current telephone number.

What you can expect us to do in an emergency

  • The first priority of every staff member will be to immediately account for and attend to the needs of every student.
  • Because we know that the safest place for your children in an emergency during the school day is on the school campus, children will be kept in the safest location on the school grounds until they can be reunited with their families.
  • Students generally will not be sent home before dismissal time and, if conditions are severe enough, may be kept on campus until such time as it can be determined that it is safe for students to return to their homes in the usual manner.
  • The evacuation of students from the school campus will be considered only when authorities have determined that occupation of the school campus is unreasonable due to unsafe conditions. Alternative sites have been designated in the event of an evacuation.
  • Staff members work cooperatively with Law Enforcement, Fire Safety, Civil Defense, and the American Red Cross to assure collaboration in providing effective emergency services for the school and the community.
  • Your children will be instructed regularly in emergency procedures for earthquake and other disasters, and will have regularly scheduled opportunities to practice such maneuvers as "Duck, Cover, & Hold", building evacuation and campus lock-down drills.
  • Ericson has a school safety plan and crisis box in place in the event of a crisis.

What you can do in an emergency...

  • If your child needs regular medication at school (health office only), assure there is always a 3--4 day supply maintained at all times.
  • Discuss with your children the emergency training they have received at school, give your support by stressing its importance, and encourage them to cooperate with school staff members, both in practice drills and in the event of a real emergency.
  • Formulate your own home emergency plans and teach your children what they should do. Instruct them as to whom they should go to for adult supervision if you are not available and what they should do if an emergency occurs when they are walking to or from school.
  • Make sure your children are taking the safest routes to school and friends' homes, ones that avoid danger spots like alley, new construction, and wooded areas. Test walk it together.
  • Tell your children to stay away from strangers who hang around playgrounds, public restrooms, and empty buildings.
  • Tell your children never to open the door to a stranger when they are alone in the house or apartment. Caution them about answering the phone and accidentally letting strangers know they are alone. Children can always say their parents are busy and take a message.
  • Make sure they know how to work the door and window locks and that they use them when they are inside alone.

CELL PHONE POLICY

On December 9, 2003, the Board of Education approved Policy H-6980, which outlines the rules for student possession and use of cellular phones, pagers and other electronic signaling devices on school campuses, on school buses and at school-sponsored activities, while under the supervision and control of school district employees.

All students may use these devices on campus before school begins and after school ends. Students in high school grades 9-12 may use such devices during the lunch period.

These devices must be kept out of sight and turned off during the instructional program. Unauthorized use of such devices disrupts the instructional program and distracts from the learning environment. Therefore unauthorized use is grounds for confiscation of device by school officials, including classroom teachers. Repeated unauthorized use of such devices may lead to disciplinary action. We ask parents to help their children be responsible about this valuable piece of equipment. Phones are to be kept in the student's backpack during the school day.

For more information, please reference the SDCS Fact Sheet on the Cell Phone Policy at http://sandi.net/comm/factsheets/cell_phones.pdf.

Breakfast and Lunch

Food Services offers a kid's choice breakfast and lunch menu in our Campus Café. Students are able to make selections from these menus, including breakfast bar and salad bar instead of only one entrée.

REMEMBER:
  • For breakfast, depending on entree, students must take either 2 or 3 menu items.
  • For lunch, students must take at least 2 menu items.
  • Students should take only what they want to eat and eat what they take.
Providing a lunch is a parent's responsibility. The parent must either prepare a sack lunch, provide money, or complete the appropriate form requesting government assistance, based on the family's income, to pay for their child's lunch.

At Ericson, when a child has no lunch from home, we call the family. We do not provide a cafeteria lunch because many of our children have dietary restrictions, religious food considerations or strict family food values. There is never a guarantee that the ingredients of a cafeteria lunch will honor any of these situations.

Food Services is a service organization contracted by the school district. The organization provides families, via your child, with a courtesy notice to let you know that your child is out, or almost out, of money for lunch. Unfortunately, we pick up dozens of these notices on the playground.

Here are some helpful tips to help ensure your child is not sent to school without a lunch:
  • Calculate on your calendar how many lunch days the money you give your child will cover. This is not difficult since the lunch is always $1.25 and breakfast is $.50. Be sure you put it in an envelope with your child's name and room number clearly printed on the front.
  • The cafeteria manager is available to take phone inquiries from 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. You may also leave a message on our school telephone.
  • Food Services is now offering families the opportunity to call (858) 627-7340 and charge their child's lunch account to a VISA credit card. You may also make a payment to your child's lunch account on the district website-www.sandi.net. Click on SDCI Food Services, then scroll down to credit payments.
  • Tuck away an extra $1.25 in your child's backpack for an, "Oops, I forgot my lunch!" day.
We hate to see children not have a proper lunch. Your cooperation is very much appreciated by all!

Cafeteria and Lunch Arbor Rules and Behavior Expectations

  • There is no talking in line once you enter the cafeteria doors
  • Keep your hands and feet to yourselves at all times
  • NO "cutting" in the lunch lines
  • NO running in the cafeteria
  • NO balls in the cafeteria
  • Please use both hands to carry your lunch trays
  • Please do not stand on the stage or bother equipment left in the cafeteria
  • Please take your milk/juice and keep the line moving
  • One person at a time up to the computer key pad (to punch in lunch number)
  • NO pushing at the salad bar
  • NO flicking the trays to make noises
  • NO FOOD FIGHTS (throwing croutons, flicking, or stepping on juice box)
  • If there is a problem with another student, please talk to an adult on duty
  • MUST FOLLOW DIRECTIONS given by NOON DUTY
  • Always use your BEST MANNERS
  • Keep eating area clean by picking up trash around you
  • When you have finished raise your hand to request permission to be excused
  • Stack your empty tray on the table in the correct direction
  • Do not take food from lunch to the playground
  • WALK from the lunch arbor to the playground area, when excused
  • Patiently wait in the recess line after you have been excused from your lunch table
Teachers have the right to teach!
Students have the right to learn!
Everyone has the right to be safe!

Student Code of Conduct

  • Students are expected to show respect and cooperation with everyone at school
  • Students are to walk on campus at all times (exception field activities)
  • Students are to FREEZE and be silent at the bell. Listen for the whistle and WALK to your line-up area
  • Students are to use appropriate language at all times
  • Students are to keep hands, feet and other objects to themselves
  • Students are not to damage school property
  • Name calling, bullying, threats or putdowns, including sexual and racial discrimination, are not allowed
  • The district Zero Tolerance policy includes weapons (also fireworks), imitation weapons, violent acts and repeated fighting causing physical injury. Also, situations involving items such as alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and explosives such as popper can result in criminal and school disciplinary consequences. Based on the specific circumstances, a student can be recommended for expulsion and suspended up to five days. Please see the district brochure "Facts for Parents", distributed in the opening of the school packet, for more detailed information.

CONSEQUENCES

For students who do not follow the rules
  • Parent contact
  • Time out recess, sent home
  • Loss of a privilege
  • After school detention
  • A non educational item taken will be returned only to parent
  • Parent/teacher conference held
  • Parent/teacher/administrator conference
  • Parents must reimburse the school for damaged property
  • In-school suspension
  • Formal suspension at home
  • Expulsion
San Diego City Schools (SDCS) is proactively attempting to reduce the number of suspensions and expulsions in the district. Educating students, parents and staff about offenses leading to suspensions and expulsion is essential to achieving our goal of consistently enforcing student discipline policies while reducing suspensions and expulsions. While it is important that students be held accountable for their conduct, it is equally important that students and families know of their right to appeal and understand the appeal process.

More information on suspensions and expulsions, including district efforts to reduce them, can be found at http://sandi.net/depts/placement_appeal/discipline_policy/index.html. If you have specific questions, please contact the principal, vice principal or counselor.

Suspension

Teachers are expected to go over classroom rules and to alert students to the consequences of their behavior. Teachers have the right to suspend a student from their class for the remainder of the day that an incident occurs and during the following day. When a student is removed from class under those circumstances, principal and parent notification is required, and teachers may assign work to be completed by the student at home.

Students may be suspended at the discretion of the principal, principal's designee, for several reasons, including offenses relating to fighting, drugs or alcohol, robbery, obscenity, disruption/defiance, sexual harassment, possession of an imitation firearm, or weapon. Out of school, or formal, suspension means students are not allowed to be on campus during the period of suspension except for official meetings relating to their suspension. In-school suspension usually means that a student is sent to a particular area at the school where they are monitored by school staff. In-school suspensions do not go on the student's record and may be used as an alternative consequence before rising to the level of a formal suspension.

Expulsion

Offenses involving firearms, brandishing knives, explosives, sexual assault and/or sexual battery, and selling controlled/prohibited substances always result in a recommendation for expulsion. Although the Zero Tolerance Policy is for secondary students (middle, junior and senior high) only, some of the guidelines still apply to elementary students, and certain offenses outlined by the Ed. Code always result in a recommendation for expulsion. Only the Board of Education may expel a student.

In Lieu of Expulsion Process for Elementary Students

For serious offenses that do not require mandatory expulsion, the principal may choose to lead a multidisciplinary team to determine appropriate interventions in lieu of expulsion for elementary students. Students who commit offenses in this category are suspended for five (5) days and required to participate in activities designed to address their poor conduct. Intervention activities may include daily contact between the school and the student's parents, referral to a district counselor or a community agency, parent education classes, behavior contracts, tutoring or other academic interventions, a review of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for Special Education students or other available interventions.

Playground Behavior and Rules

  • Respect the rights of other students
  • Follow directions of the adult on duty
  • Use appropriate language and sportsmanship at all times
  • Stay out of restricted areas where there is no adult on duty
  • If there is a problem among students find an adult for help
  • Play games according to school rules
  • No food, candy or gum is allowed on the playground
  • Leave toys or personal play equipment at home
  • Stop playing IMMEDIATELY when the bell rings. Listen for the whistle and WALK to your line-up area.
  • Trips to the drinking fountain or restroom need to be taken during recess before the bell
  • Students are not allowed back into the classroom during recess or lunch without adult supervision
Parents please note: Discuss the above items, as well as the other items in the handbook, with your child. Your child should clearly understand that if the Ericson policies and code of conduct are not followed, a disciplinary consequence will result.

Please sign the "Handbook Signature Card" indicating you are aware of the Student Code of Conduct. Students in grades 3 - 5 must also sign the cards.

Visitors/Volunteers

California State Law requires ALL persons visiting a school site to report to the school office. Visitors and volunteers must sign in and wear a school identification badge while on campus. Please return the badge when exiting the school campus.

This requirement may be an inconvenience; however, it was designed to maintain the security and safety of all our children during school hours.

If you would like to make a special visit to your child's classroom during school hours, please coordinate the time with the teacher in advance. A courtesy notice to the teacher is always welcomed!

Clothing

Students are to dress appropriately for school activities. Clothing should be in good taste and not distract from the learning environment. Students who come to school inappropriately dressed will either call their parent for a change of clothing or if a parent cannot be reached, be given a set to borrow. Inappropriate logos, beachwear, halter tops, bare midriffs, short shorts, baggy pants, or underwear showing will not be permitted. In hot weather we strongly recommend parents put sunscreen on their child. A hat may be worn during outside activities. Shoes worn to school must be safe and appropriate. Sneaker skates are not permitted. Safety must be particularly considered during PE. Thong type shoe wear or high stacked heels are not allowed. If sandals are worn, the student should bring suitable footwear for PE. The classroom teachers will enforce the dress code. Consequences for not adhering to these rules are as follows:
  1. Verbal warning/note sent to parents
  2. Parents called
  3. Sent to administrator

Lost and Forgotten Items

There is literally a mountain of unclaimed items by the end of the school year. The items are placed or hung on a portable rack found in the lobby of the M.U. Room. At the end of the school year, all unclaimed items are donated to charity. Every attempt is made to return items that are clearly labeled with your child's name. To avoid unnecessary expense to replace lost items, please label your child's belongings especially lunch boxes, jackets sweaters and backpacks.

Telephone Messages

Each classroom is equipped with a telephone. Only a message that is an emergency is allowed to disrupt the classroom. Messages to the teacher will be forwarded to their mailbox by the office staff. Please prearrange special circumstances with your child. Students who are unclear about special circumstance arrangements are allowed to come to the school office to call a parent.

Homework

Homework is given as enrichment to develop good study habits, self-discipline and improve performance in basic skills. Parent involvement is crucial to the success of the homework program. Homework is normally assigned Monday through Thursday. Routine time set aside to do homework will help your student develop commitment to homework. Students who on occasion may say they have no homework should be directed to devote time to home reading. If homework appears too challenging for your student, please talk to the teacher.

Staying After School

District Procedure allows a teacher to keep a child one hour after school. Ericson teachers may keep a student after school for up to 15 minutes. If they will be detained longer, parents will be contacted.

Moving?

If you move during the course of the school year, please notify the school office promptly. If your new address is still within our boundaries, you will need to provide us with a new verification of residence. If you move outside our school boundaries, please notify us so that we may have the necessary transfer information ready for your child's new school enrollment.

Release of Student Information to Media

During the course of the school year, the media may be on campus covering a special event or news story. Your child may be interviewed, photographed and/or video taped. There may be occasions when your child's name, picture or work may appear in the school newsletter or possibly be posted on the classroom website. The newsletter is distributed to the school community and posted on our website. We will make every effort to be sure that a child's name and picture are not displayed together. If you do not want your child referenced in any/all of these manners, it's your responsibility to notify the office and make a notation on the Handbook Signature Card and let the classroom teacher know.

Field Trips

During the course of the year teachers may sponsor supplemental educational field trips away from school grounds. Students will not be disqualified from participating if a family is unable to pay. A parent should advise the teacher if finance is a concern. Parents must sign permission slips for their student to participate. Verbal approval is NOT accepted. A fieldtrip is a privilege. A student may have this privilege revoked by the teacher because of unsatisfactory classroom behavior.

Family members are often asked to drive and/or supervise students. It is imperative that drivers sign the district form, "Driver Instructions for Field Trips and School Events", indicating they carry the proper insurance and the vehicle is in safe working order to transport students.

Toys-Sports Equipment

The school provides physical education and playground equipment. Please leave personal sports equipment at home.

Please do not allow your child to bring toys, radios, ball gloves, or other distracting, valuable or dangerous items to school. Such items interfere with the educational process.


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