Emerson School Student Parent Handbook
Ralph Waldo Emerson promotes life-long learning that empowers our students to be academically successful and contributing members of society. Our instruction is focused on the Common Core State Standards with importance placed on integrating technology to enhance student learning. Our staff is strongly committed to the social, intellectual and emotional growth of students. Our efforts towards our goal of academic excellence continue to be underscored by the principles of honesty, fairness, compassion, and respect of others.
ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL
The school opens at 7:50 a.m. for students eating breakfast. Students who do not eat breakfast should arrive to school at 8:00 a.m. Please do not drop your child off at school before 8:00 a.m., as there is no one available to supervise them.
IMPORTANT DATES
First Day of School August 23, 2018
Labor Day – No School September 3, 2018
Professional Development Day – No School November 11, 2018
Veteran’s Day – No School November 12, 2018
Thanksgiving Break – No School November 19–23, 2018
Parent Conferences December 7, 2018
Shortened Day December 21, 2018
Winter Break – No School December 24, 2018–January 4, 2019
School Resumes . January 7, 2019
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – No School January 21, 2019
Professional Development Day – No School February 4, 2019
Lincoln’s Birthday – No School February 11, 2019
Washington’s Birthday – No School February 18, 2019
Parent Conferences March 15, 2019
Spring Break – No School April 8–12, 2019
Memorial Day – No School May 27, 2019
Last Day of School (Minimum Day) June 12, 2019
DRESS CODE
UNIFORMS ARE MANDATORY.
- Boys: Navy blue pants/dark blue jeans or walking shorts and a white or light blue shirt
- Girls: Navy blue pants/dark blue jeans, navy dresses or skirts and a white or light blue top
- Every Friday is Spirit day. Students may wear a red shirt or an Emerson Bulldog t-shirt
Students are expected to attend school every day, unless they are ill. When returning to school after an absence, students are to bring a note that includes the following information:
- Student’s full name
- Date(s) of absence
- Reason for absence
- Parent Signature
A phone call to the office by the parent regarding the absence will be accepted in place of a note. Homework may be requested through the school office.
TARDINESS TO SCHOOL
We expect our students to arrive to school on time. Students who are late miss learning time and disrupt the learning of other students. Students arriving late must report to the office.
STUDENT RELEASE
Doctor and dental appointments should be scheduled after school. If it is necessary for a student to leave during school hours, parents must go to the school office to sign a release form. Students will not be released from the classroom without a copy of the signed release form. Students will not be released to persons not listed on the emergency card. Students should return to school after the appointment, if possible.
VISITORS/VOLUNTEERS
When visiting the school, parents, guardians, and community members must check in at the school office and obtain a visitor’s pass. If you would like a conference, a date and time should be arranged with the classroom teacher.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
An emergency plan has been developed which will insure the maximum efficiency and safety for evacuating the building during drills or actual emergencies. Instructions are posted in each classroom to follow during fire, earthquake, and other emergencies. Drills are to be taken seriously. Students are expected to maintain classroom conduct throughout the entire drill and to become informed to the exit routes of the classrooms.
EARTHQUAKE KITS
Basic earthquake supplies are kept in each classroom. Parents are to provide individual kits for their children. Suggestions for these kits will be provided by PTA. All students must have a kit by the third week of school
TEXTBOOKS
Books are issued to each student. The books are on loan to the student for the year and are to be maintained in a manner that shows respect and good care. Students will be changed for lost or damaged books.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
The school does not assume responsibility for personal property brought to school by students. Students are not to bring large sums of money, expensive jewelry, electronic games, skates, skateboards, or toys to school.
HOMEWORK
Homework is an important resource in helping students to learn and should be included in their educational program. The purpose of homework is to maintain skills learned in the classroom, extend and enrich knowledge, help develop good study habits and responsibility. The suggested average time for homework is:
Grades K-3 10-30 minutes
Grades 4-6 40-60 minutes
These times represent average time. Actual time will depend on the child and the teacher.
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)
The PTA is an organization which seeks ways to strengthen parent/teacher relationship; promote the welfare of our children in the home, school, and community; actively raise funds to benefit our school and children. We encourage all parents to become a member of our PTA and to serve on parent committees in order to be a part of making Emerson successful!
SCHOOL RULES
- Be respectful of others and their property.
- Be responsible for your own behavior at all times.
- Be on time for school and classes.
- Stay and play in designated areas
- Use equipment properly; do not bring equipment, balls or toys from home.
- Use restrooms and drinking fountains for their intended purposes.
- Use good manner at all times.
- Gum is not permitted at school.
- Keep the school clean.
- The parking lot is out of bounds for all students.
- Leave campus on time.
Three Rules to Remember
1. Be ready and prepared for school. (Wear your school uniform and complete your homework.)
2. Use appropriate language and behavior at all times.
3. Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself.
- Student Referral sent home
- Phone call to parents
- Recess detention
- Campus beautification
- Parent/Teacher meeting
- Referral to principal
- Saturday School
It is important that students know that breaking a rule will be followed by a consequence. It has been our experience at Emerson School that most students are kind, respectful and well behaved. However, there are times when even the best of students make mistakes. It is our goal that they will learn from these mistakes and grow to be responsible, kind adults. To this end, we ask for parental support.
SUSPENSION
Students and parents should be aware that California Education Code 48900 specifies students may be suspended for any of the following violations:
- Cause, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause harm to another person.
- Brought or was in possession of a dangerous object.
- Had, used, or was under the influence of a controlled substance (drugs, alcohol).
- Provide or offer to sell a controlled substance.
- Caused or attempted to cause damage to school or private property.
- Stole or attempted to steal or help someone to steal.
- Committed extorted and/or robbery.
- Possessed, use, or furnished tobacco.
- Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity.
- Possessed or furnished objects commonly associated with drugs.
- Disrupted, defied school authority, classroom instruction, and school activity.
- Knowingly received stolen property.
- Committed an act of bullying or sexual harassment.
- Committed a hate crime or making a terrorist threat.