BUS
NOTES
Students who normally ride the bus
are expected to return home by bus unless the parents have made other
arrangements through the office. To
get off at another stop, the child must give the driver a parent note that has
been signed by the office.
Students who don’t normally ride
the bus, but wish to go to a friend’s house, must bring a parent note to this
effect to the office.
Students will not be allowed to
call parents from school to seek permission to go to a friend’s house. These plans must be made before the child arrives
at school in the morning.
ARRIVAL BY PRIVATE VEHICLE
Over the years, the number of parents who
choose to drive their child to school has increased dramatically. Unfortunately, our school parking lot is not
large enough to accommodate this high number of vehicles. Please help us keep all children safe by
following these rules.
Cottonwood Parking Lot Procedures
1. DRIVE SLOWLY,
no more than 5 miles per hour when
using the driveway or parking lot. Be
watchful for patrol students and for any students who may dart between cars.
2. NEVER STOP YOUR CAR IN A CROSSWALK! These are designated
crossing zones.
3. NEVER DRIVE OR DROP OFF IN THE BUS LANE, this
lane is for buses only.
4. WHEN DROPPING OFF YOUR STUDENT park
in a marked parking space and walk your children to the crosswalk in front of
the school. Crossing guards will assist
them from that point.
5. HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACES ARE RESERVED for those authorized to use
them.
These spaces may not be used for picking up or dropping off
children.
6. NEVER BLOCK THE SCHOOL BUS.
7.
ESCORT
YOUR CHILDREN TO AND FROM THE SCHOOL when you choose to
park in the parking lot. Remember
to use our crosswalks! Adults
who jaywalk set a bad example for our students and create dangerous
situations. Walking between cars can
lead to tragic results.
8.
PLEASE
FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS of the adults parking lot flaggers.
Thank you for your support.
Your suggestions for further
improvement are greatly appreciated.
ARRIVAL BY WALKING
Students
who choose to walk to school must use appropriate safety measures. Walkers should try to walk in a group with
others. Parents need to instruct
children in the safest route, appropriate behavior, and what to do in an
emergency. Students should always try to
use sidewalks and crosswalks. To assist
in their safety, Cottonwood Elementary and the West Valley School District have
established a School Safety Patrol.
Please remind students to cross
where safety patrols are stationed and to follow their directions.
CHILD
CARE
Before and after school day care is
available through the West Valley Child Care Program. Prior Registration is required. Please contact West Valley Child Care
directly at 965-9766 during operating hours.
BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, SKATES, CELL PHONES AND RADIOS
1. Bicycles
must be parked upon arriving at school and remain parked until school is
dismissed.
2. It is
the parent’s responsibility to decide if the child is mature and responsible
enough to ride a bike safely to school.
3. The
school assumes no responsibility for bikes at school.
4. Riders
must obey traffic rules that apply to vehicles.
5.
Skateboards, skates, radios, cell
phones, pagers and other valuables are not to be brought to school.
KINDERGARTEN
REGISTRATION
To attend kindergarten, a child must be five
years of age by August 31. An official
birth certificate and up-to-date immunization records are required. Students who transfer from another district
during the school year may register for school one day and begin classes the
next.
ATTENDANCE–
WVSD Board Policy 3121
The West Valley School District has six
elementary schools, each of which serves specific residential areas. To attend Cottonwood, students must reside
within the Cottonwood boundaries or be granted a transfer from another West
Valley elementary school. At the present
time West Valley elementary schools are accepting out of district students, as
space is available. Please contact the
Central Office (972-6000) for more information about out-of-district
enrollment.
EXCUSED AND
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
Students
are expected to attend school each day.
Teachers are responsible to submit absence and tardiness records to
their building office, where attendance information is transcribed into the
student’s record. In grades K-5, an
absence for more than 90 minutes of the school day shall be counted as a
half-day absence.
You
can help ensure your children’s success at school by getting them to school on
time each and every day. On the rare
occasions when your children must be absent from school, please do the
following:
1.
PLEASE INFORM THE SCHOOL SECRETARY
(965-2052) before 9:00
AM if your child will be absent or late to school.
2.
TO EXCUSE YOUR CHILD’S ABSENCE, you must call the office or send a
signed, dated note explaining the reason for absence within two (2) days of
your child’s return to school.
3.
FOR A PRE-APPROVED
ABSENCE, please contact
the office for a pre-approval form and to make arrangements for any assignments
that may be missed during the absence.
4.
WHEN CHECKING OUT EARLY FOR APPOINTMENTS,
LUNCH, ETC.,
parents must come to the
office and sign their children out or send a signed, dated note explaining the
special circumstances.
EXCUSED ABSENCES
The
following are acceptable excuses for absences and tardiness. Assignments and/or
activities not completed because of an excused absence or tardiness may be made
up in a manner provided by the teacher:
A. Participation
in school-approved activity: To be excused, a
staff member must authorize this absence, and the affected teacher must be
notified prior to the absence unless it is clearly impossible to do so.
B. Absence
due to illness, health condition, family emergency or
religious purposes: When possible, the parent is expected to
notify the school office on the morning of the absence and send a signed note
of explanation with the student on his/her return to school. A parent may
request that a student be excused from attending school in observance of a
religious holiday. In addition, a student, upon the request of his/her parent,
may be excused for a portion of a school day to participate in religious
instruction provided such is not conducted on school property.
C.
Absence resulting from disciplinary
actions or short-term suspension. As required by law,
students who are removed from a class or classes as a disciplinary measure, or
students who have been placed on short-term suspension, shall have the right to
make up assignments or exams missed during the time they were denied entry to
the classroom.
D. Preapproved Absences: This
category of absence shall be counted as excused for purposes pre-approved by
the principal and the parent. An absence may not be approved if it causes a
serious adverse effect on the student’s educational progress.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
When
a parent/guardian fails to provide any type of excuse statement within two days
of the student’s absence, that absence will be unexcused. This type of absence is also defined as
truancy. The school will contact the
home to correct the problem. After two
unexcused absences in one month, a parent-student-principal conference will be
held. Washington attendance laws mandate
that the school notifies the juvenile courts after a child accumulates seven
(7) unexcused absences in one month or ten (10) absences in one year. Your assistance in helping us comply with the
law is appreciated.
TARDINESS
It
is very important for children to arrive at school on time. Late entries are
disruptive to the classroom and cause the late student undue stress. Please make every effort to get your child to
school by 8:55 AM (12:50 for p.m. Kinder).
When
children are tardy, their parents must check them in at the office or send a
written note explaining the reason for their delay. Tardies will be excused or unexcused
according to the same standards as absences. When children miss more than 90
minutes of the school day, it shall be counted as a half-day absence. When a student’s tardiness becomes frequent
or disruptive, the student shall be referred to the principal or counselor for
counseling, parent conferencing, and/or disciplinary action in accordance with
state and district regulations.
CHECKING OUT OF
SCHOOL EARLY - WVSD BOARD POLICY 3124
Students
with excellent attendance tend to be excellent learners. For this reason, please do your best to schedule medical
appointments during non-school hours.
If you find it necessary to pick up your child early, you must check in
at the office first and sign out your child.
We also ask that you send a written excuse to the teacher that morning so
that she may plan for your child’s absence. If a student leaves school early
for any reason, the attendance record will reflect the early release.
EMERGENCY
SCHOOL CLOSURE INFORMATION
When
weather conditions are extreme, please listen to one of the following radio
stations or watch one of the following T.V. stations to find out if schools are
operating. DO NOT call stations for closure information.
RADIO -
AM
RADIO - FM TELEVISION
KIT 1280 AM
KATS 94.5 FM KNDO
CH 23
KMWX 1460 AM KFFM
107.3 FM KIMA CH 29
KBBO 1390 AM KXDD 104 FM KAPP
CH 35
KYXE 1020 AM KQSN 930 AM
KHAK 980 AM KRSE 105.7 FM
ACCIDENT/ILLNESS AT SCHOOL - WVSD BOARD POLICY
3418
The
Board recognizes that schools are responsible for providing first aid or
emergency treatment in case of sudden illness or injury to a student, but that
further medical attention is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
When
a student is injured it is the responsibility of staff to see that immediate
care and attention is given the injured party until relieved by a superior, a
nurse or a doctor. Word of the accident should be sent to the principal's
office and to the nurse. The principal or designated staff should immediately
contact the parent so that the parent can arrange for care or treatment of the
injured.
In
the event that the parent or emergency contact cannot be reached and in the
judgment of the principal or person in charge immediate medical attention is
required, the injured student may be taken directly to the hospital and treated
by the physician on call. However, an injured or ill student should only be
moved if a first aid provider has determined that it is safe to do so, or that
it is safe to transport the student in a private vehicle. Students with head or
neck injuries should only be moved or transported by emergency medical
technicians. When the parent is located, he/she may then choose to continue the
treatment or make other arrangements.
The district is not qualified
under law to comply with directives to physicians limiting medical treatment
and will not accept such directives.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Check with the classroom
teacher in advance
regarding birthday parties. Balloons, flowers, and other gift deliveries are
discouraged, as they tend to disrupt student learning. Furthermore, balloons are not allowed on
buses.
PARTY
INVITATIONS-----Young
children are very sensitive. Many are
deeply hurt when not invited to a birthday party. Out of consideration for those not invited, invitations for home parties should not be
distributed at school.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE/
EMERGENCY CONTACT
Please
notify the office as soon as
possible if there is a change in address,
phone number, or emergency contact information.
Notify the school office a week in advance if you plan to move.
CHILD ABUSE
REPORTING - WVSD BOARD POLICY 3421
State
law requires that staff members report matters of child abuse and neglect. Those who in good faith report suspected
child abuse or neglect shall be immune from criminal and civil liability. It is a misdemeanor for a staff member to
knowingly fail to report child abuse and/or neglect.
CHILD NUTRITION
The
West Valley Child Nutrition program provides Cottonwood with a hot lunch
program. All students will be provided information to establish their
qualification in the federal free or reduced price lunch program.
The child nutrition department
has created an “electronic” point of sale process. A student’s lunch money is deposited into
his/her individual account, either by cash or check collected in the classroom
or by Visa/MasterCard through Child Nutrition.
Then, when the student enters his/her account number at the cash
register, the appropriate amount is deducted from the account. Please
be sure to keep your child’s account current, as students without sufficient
funds will not be allowed to purchase lunch. To check on your child’s
account or to make a credit card deposit, contact West Valley Child Nutrition at 972-6040.
Adults are welcome to have lunch with their children at
school. If you’d like to join your child
for lunch, please make your reservation
by calling the school office (965-2052) before 9:00 a.m. Always remember to check in at the office
when you arrive.
CONFERENCES
Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences will
be scheduled in the fall and again in the spring. At these conferences, participants are
encouraged to share any joys or concerns they might have regarding the
student’s school experience. A parent
may also schedule a conference with a teacher and/or the principal at any time
during the school year to discuss a particular concern.
Parents,
please contact the teacher if you cannot make your scheduled conference.
FINES AND FEES - WVSD BOARD POLICY 3520
Students must demonstrate care and
respect for both personal and school property.
Fees and fines will be charged to replace or repair library books,
textbooks, musical instruments, magazines, or any other lost or damaged
items. Student report cards will be held
until payment is received.
COUNSELING
SERVICES
Promoting
quality mental health in all areas of our students’ lives is one of our
goals. A school psychologist/counselor
will be on staff five (5) days per week.
She will assist students in their learning development through
prevention and intervention programs.
DRESS AND APPEARANCE - WVSD BOARD POLICY 3224
All dress requirements are based on
health, safety, good taste, and decency.
Please provide your children with clean, neat, weather-appropriate
attire. Shirts with thin straps
(spaghetti or shoestring) are discouraged.
Underwear (including sports bras) and midriffs must be covered. Excessively scooped armholes or neck openings
are not allowed. Skintight or
see-through mesh tops/shorts/skirts may not be worn at school. Shorts and skirts should be at least
mid-thigh length. Clothing should be tasteful, without offensive designs or
writing, and free of alcohol/tobacco advertising. Hats are considered outside
apparel.
Students dressed inappropriately may be
required to change.
Children will have outdoor recess except
in extreme weather conditions. Shorts should be worn only in warm
weather. We count on parents to help
students make appropriate clothing choices.
Mark
those belongings: Coats,
hats, backpacks, etc. should be clearly marked with your child's name. Check Lost
and Found periodically for missing items.
RECESS
Recess is an important part of the school
day. Students need periodic breaks from
academic work, and they benefit from the opportunity to socialize with
peers. Teachers, too, need breaks to
take care of personal needs. Therefore, all students are expected to go outside
during scheduled recesses. As a
general rule, children who are too ill
to go outside for recess are too ill to be at school.
LOST
AND FOUND
Clothing and other items are frequently
found on the school grounds. It is
difficult to identify the owner if the items are not properly marked. Please
label your child’s clothing and items.
We discourage students from bringing personal items (toys, Gameboys, Walkmans, CD players, etc.) to school. The school cannot be responsible for the loss
or damage to students’ personal items. Check the lost and found bin outside the
office for lost items.
FEES AND FINES - WVSD BOARD POLICY 3520
Students must demonstrate care and
respect for both personal and school property.
Fees and fines will be charged to replace or repair library books,
textbooks, musical instruments, magazines, or any other lost or damaged
items. Student report cards will be held
until payment is received.
IMMUNIZATIONS
- WVSD BOARD POLICY 3410, 3413
State law requires that all students meet
state immunization requirements before entering a Washington State Public
School. The school must have a written
record of the dates of the immunizations before the student may attend. Please contact the school office for details.
INSURANCE
Schools do not provide insurance to cover
students in the event of injury. If your
child(ren) are not covered by a health insurance
program, you may want to consider the student insurance program selected by the
district to provide affordable coverage options. If you decide to enroll your child in this program,
please make payment and send correspondence to the provider and NOT to the
school. We are not selling the
insurance.
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL - WVSD BOARD POLICY 3416
Over-the-counter
drugs (aspirin, cough medicine, cough drops, etc.) will be treated the same as
prescriptions. Again, we must have a
signed medication form giving authorization for your child to receive the
medication. Students cannot administer
medication on their own.
We understand that children sometimes
need to take prescribed or over-the-counter medication during the school
day. Our district policy requires a
completed medication request form that has been signed by both the parent and a
physician, giving complete instructions for administering the medication. Parents
(not students) must bring the medication to the office in the original
container.
Over-the-counter drugs (aspirin, cough
medicine, cough drops, etc.) will be treated the same as prescriptions. Again, we
must have a signed medication form giving authorization for your child to
receive the medication. Students cannot
administer medication on their own.
NEWSLETTERS
School newsletters will be published and
sent home with students on a regular basis.
Please take time to read these newsletters, which will keep you informed
of upcoming events, announcements, celebrations of success, etc.
PERSONAL
ITEMS
Safety will be the determining factor for
equipment use and student behavior on the school grounds. Students are encouraged to leave trading cards, radios, tape players,
Gameboys, cell phones, pagers, and other personal items at home. If such
items are brought to school, they may be confiscated and returned to the owner
at the end of the school day. The school
will not be responsible for these items.
PERSONAL
SAFETY
The
beginning of the school year is a good time to re-teach personal safety,
particularly regarding strangers, how to get help, etc. Cottonwood staff members teach and re-teach
personal safety periodically. This is
not to alarm you, but simply to make sure our children have the skills to
increase their personal safety.
All
classrooms will repeatedly practice both fire drills and other emergency
procedures. Students and staff are as
prepared for emergencies as they can be.
In our efforts to maintain a safe learning environment, we require all
visitors (including parents) to check in at the office upon arrival. Please
do your part by picking up a badge at the office when you visit the
school.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
If
your child is injured at school, first aid will be administered. You will be contacted if the injury appears
to be serious. Your emergency
instructions will be followed whenever possible.
A child suffering from a
fever or vomiting should stay at home. Those at school will be expected to
participate in P.E and recess activities, unless a physician's note is on
file.
Children
with head lice, scabies, or other diseases
or infestations that are easily spread will be sent home from school. In the case of lice, children must be
nit-free to return to school. One day of
excused absence will be allowed for treatment.
Medications
(both over-the counter and prescription) may be given by school staff only
at the request of both the physician and the parent (signed “medication request
form”). Children are NOT allowed
to carry any medications (with the exception of authorized asthma inhalers)
at school. (Not even cough syrup,
aspirin, and/or cough drops!)
PTSA
The Parent Teacher Association at Cottonwood
Elementary is a very supportive group of people who sponsor special events and
fundraisers for the purpose of enriching our students’ educational
experience. Your participation is
optional, but strongly encouraged. Playground equipment, assemblies, books, and
other special gifts are examples of purchases made possible by our PTSA. Please plan to join this group and contribute
to their efforts at making our school the best it can be. Watch the school newsletter for meeting
dates.
SCHOOL PATROL
The
purpose of the school patrol at Cottonwood Elementary is to assist members of
the student body to and from school at designated crossings. These crossings have been determined to be
the safe walking routes to and from this school. In addition, the safety patrol strives to
provide a model to foster the development and use of good safety habits by the
entire student body at Cottonwood School.
Please encourage your child to cooperate with the School Patrol. Their job is to help keep your child
safe. Being uncooperative,
non-compliant, or disrespectful toward school patrols will result in a school
disciplinary action.
PATROL
SCHEDULE AND
DESIGNATED CROSSINGS
Safety
Patrol will be posted from 8:40 – 8:55 a.m. and from 3:30 – 3:45 p.m. at the
following crossings:
2 crossings across bus lane
Sidewalk at north end of building to sidewalk
that goes to
stop light
Crossing 96th at stop light
STUDENT
INFORMATION
West
Valley School District is prohibited from releasing any personally identifiable
records or files about an individual student without parental consent. However, the district may release directory
information or a list of students belonging to a group (e.g. sports teams,
award recipients, participation in special activities, etc.). Such information may include the student’s
name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, participation in
officially recognized organizations, activities, and sports, and awards
received. Occasionally, the district may
also release photographs of students for public information purposes.
Parents
have a right to request in writing that any or all of these categories of
information, including personally identifiable information and photographs, not
be released without their prior consent.
STUDENT
PLACEMENT
Every
year, teachers make classroom placement recommendations based on their
collective knowledge of sound educational practices as applicable to each
child’s academic, social, and emotional needs.
The following criteria are used in making classroom assignments:
Academic needs, ethnic balance, gender balance, class size, parent input, and
professional judgment.
TELEPHONE USE
In
order to properly conduct the business of the school, it is necessary to
restrict student use of the school telephones. Permission to use the phone will
be granted in cases of emergency or legitimate school business. Children
who plan to visit another student after school should make those arrangements
from home. It is necessary that your
child’s method of getting home from school be a long-standing routine,
discussed with the child in advance, and varying only when extenuating
circumstances make it necessary.
In order to keep phone lines
open for official school business, please call the office with going-home
instructions only in emergency
situations. If you need to change transportation, please call before 2:00
o’clock. DO NO LEAVE A MESSAGE ON THE
ANSWERING MACHINE.
VANDALISM
Vandalism is considered a criminal
act. Any students vandalizing school
property or the property of any staff member or student may be subject to short
term out of school suspension, may be required to make restitution, and may be
reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
VISITING THE
SCHOOL
We welcome visitors to Cottonwood
Elementary. In order to provide
effective communications and ensure safety, we require all visitors to check in at the school office. If an adult wishes to visit a classroom, an appointment must be made with the
classroom teacher in advance of the visit.
To conference with a teacher, please schedule an appointment after 3:40,
when teachers have completed "end of the school day" responsibilities
with students. This assures that testing
will not be taking place and the class will not be out of the room for a field
trip, assembly, or other activity. It is
very important not to disrupt instruction and classroom management.
When visiting the school, please remember
the following:
J Always sign in at the
office upon arrival.
J Pick up a visitor’s
badge from the secretary before proceeding to a classroom.
J At the end of your
visit, return the visitor’s badge to the office and sign out.
VOLUNTEERING
Parents
are encouraged to volunteer for classroom assistance, and/or field trips. All
volunteers will need to complete a Volunteer Application Form before
volunteering. Please get these from the
office.
PARENTAL
NOTIFICATION OF PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
In accordance with ESEA
1111(h)(2), parent/guardians may request information
regarding the professional qualifications of their student's classroom teacher
and paraprofessionals. In accordance with
RCW 28A.320 and RCW 42.17, parent/guardians may request public records
regarding school employee discipline.
FIELD TRIPS -
WVSD BOARD POLICY 2320
The
Board recognizes that field trips when used as a device for teaching and
learning integral to the curriculum are an educationally sound and important
ingredient in the instructional program of the schools.
Such
trips can supplement and enrich classroom procedures by providing learning
experiences in an environment beyond the classroom.
Field
trips which take students out of the state or are planned to keep students out
of the district overnight must be approved in advance by the Board. Outdoor
education resident school plans shall be presented to the Board for annual
approval. The Superintendent has the authority to approve all other field
trips.
The
Superintendent shall develop procedures for the operation of a field trip or an
outdoor education activity which shall insure that the safety of the student
shall be protected and that parent permission is obtained before the student
leaves the school. Each field trip must be integrated with the curriculum and
coordinated with classroom activities which enhance its usefulness. Private
vehicles may be used to
transport
students if approval is obtained in advance from the principal.
No staff member may solicit
students for any privately arranged field trip or excursion without Board
permission.
HOME - SCHOOL
COMMUNICATION
Please check your child's backpack daily
for schoolwork and information sent home.
Notices & newsletters will be sent home frequently to keep you
informed of schedule changes, field trips, school picture schedules and fees,
holidays, early dismissal days, and other miscellaneous items.
Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) Disclosure - WVSD Board
Policy 3231
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
In accordance with the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, parents/guardians have the right to inspect and
review all official records pertaining to your child(ren) which are maintained by the West Valley School District.
In the event of a student transfer
to another educational institution, educational records will be sent upon request by
the receiving institution. Also,
subpoena requests will be honored after you have been notified. Student records
will not otherwise be released by the West Valley School District without
expressed written consent.
The West Valley School District
makes available as “directory” information the following: student names as published in activity and
athletic programs and brochures (information may include height, weight, age,
class and program experience); student names and activities as published in the
school yearbook and newsletters; and student names as published in honor rolls
and commencement programs (which may include grade point information). Parent permission is not required for release
of “directory information.” However, if
you do not want the school to release such information without your consent,
please notify the school office in writing.
HIGH ACADEMIC
STANDARDS
The
State Department of Education has established high academic standards for all
students in the state of Washington. Our
3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will take the
Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) in the spring to assess their
mastery of these Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs).
We also use a variety of other tests to
assess students’ progress in school.
Students in 2nd grade take a Diagnostic Reading Assessment (DRA). All students take a District Writing
Assessment in the fall and spring. And,
of course, teachers give curriculum based assessments throughout the year to
make certain that students are mastering specific concepts and skills.
Assessment data helps us determine each
student’s strengths and weaknesses, and allows us to more accurately design
appropriate instruction and intervention.
WASHINGTON STATE
LEARNING GOALS
All students will demonstrate an ability to…
1. Read with comprehension, write with skill, and communicate effectively and responsibly
in a variety of ways and settings;
2.
Know and apply the core concepts and principles
of mathematics; social, physical, and life sciences; civics and history;
geography; arts; and health and fitness;
3. Think analytically,
logically, and creatively, and integrate experience and knowledge to form
reasoned judgments and solve problems;
4. Understand the importance of work and how performance,
effort, and decisions directly affect future career and educational
opportunities.
Homework
Policy - WVSD Board Policy 2422
The
Board believes that homework is a constructive tool in the teaching/learning
process when geared to the needs and abilities of students. Purposeful
assignments not only enhance student achievement but also develop self-discipline
and associated good working habits. As an extension of the classroom, homework
must be planned and organized; must be viewed as purposeful to the students;
and must be evaluated and
returned to students in a timely manor.
Homework
may be assigned for one or more of the following purposes:
A.
Practice --- to help students to master specific skills which have been
presented in class;
B.
Preparation --- to help students gain the maximum benefits from future lessons;
C.
Extension --- to provide students with opportunities to transfer specific
skills or concepts to new situations; and
D.
Creativity --- to require students to integrate many skills and concepts in
order to produce original responses.
The
purposes of homework assignments, the basis for evaluating the work performed
and the guidelines and/or rules should be made clear to the student at the time
of the assignment.
READING
At Cottonwood Elementary, it is our goal to make EVERY CHILD A READER. To
accomplish this goal takes encouragement and practice. Therefore, all Cottonwood students are
expected to participate in the West
Valley “20-20” Reading Programow
can you help? It’s easy! Every day, find a quiet place to sit and
read a good book with your children.
Students
receive a 20/20 reading calendar sheet at the beginning of each month. The “20-20” goal is 400 minutes per month.
Students are expected to read, or have someone read to them, at least 20 minutes a day for 20 days,
or any combination to total 400 minutes in a month. Please
help your child record and tally the
number of minutes read and then initial the reading record sheet. Completed record sheets are returned to school at the end of each
month. Students who meet their monthly
20/20 goals will receive a special reward from the principal!
Make time to read to your little ones, or to listen to
your older children read to you.
Together, you will enjoy the simple pleasures of reading and the
satisfaction of reaching a worthy goal.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
PHILOSOPHY OF DISCIPLINE AND
MOTIVATION
Everyone at Cottonwood Elementary is
expected to do his/her very best at all times.
Staff and students will work together to help every person in the school
reach their fullest potential. Any
behavior or action which helps someone grow and mature will be encouraged. Any behavior or action that interferes with
the learning process will not be tolerated. Should problems occur, the students
will be asked to evaluate their own behavior according to this expectation. To
assist students with their behavior, we have developed four simple rules
everyone is expected to follow. These
are:
1. Be Safe
2. Be
Respectful
3.
Cooperate With Others
4.
Do Your Best!
GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS
IN
THE CLASSROOM: Students are
expected to follow the teacher’s classroom rules. When the student is in another class such as
PE or Music, the student will follow the rules of the PE or music teacher. Since every adult teaches slightly
differently, each teacher will communicate precisely how students are expected
to behave in each activity. Consequences
for misbehavior in the classroom are at the discretion of the teacher. When students are trying their best, the
teacher will acknowledge their efforts.
Every staff person in the school is an
equal and contributing part of the discipline policy and procedures. Students are expected to comply with
reasonable requests made by any staff member, including aides, secretaries,
custodians, bus drivers, and other employees.
IN
THE HALLS, ON THE PLAYGROUND, ON BUSES: Students will respect the physical
safety and the emotional security of themselves and others. Therefore, no students will be allowed to run
in the halls, use playground equipment inappropriately, or engage in cruel
teasing. Specific guidelines and consequences
for halls, playground, and buses are attached.
PLAYGROUND
RULES
1.
Students
will keep hands, feet and objects to themselves. Throwing of rocks, sticks or
other objects is not acceptable.
2.
Students
will show respect for others and follow instructions given by staff.
3.
Students
will play in a safe and courteous manner.
Tackle football, hard ball, dog fighting, twisting in swings, bailing
out of swings, snowballing, and king of the mountain are some examples of
unacceptable play.
4.
Students
will play in designated areas as assigned.
The irrigation ditch, fences, and street are off limits.
5.
Students
will stay outside during recesses and noon unless they have a pass or are under
the direct supervision of an adult. The
courtyard and parking lot are off limits during recesses.
6.
Students
will not slide on icy areas, run through sprinklers, or stand under the rain
gutters.
7.
Students
are to stop what they are doing when the bells ring and return to class
promptly.
8.
Students
will show pride in their school by keeping the building and grounds free of
litter.
9.
Students
will leave knives, guns, and other unsafe objects at home. Radios, tape players, hardballs and
skateboards should also be left at home.
10. Slides are to be used by only one student
at a time, facing forward in a sitting position.
11. Swings are to be used by one person at a
time. Climbing on swing structures,
twisting, and bailing out are not acceptable.
A student may be counted off the swing after 35 full counts.
12. Once a student has arrived at school,
he/she will not leave the playground boundaries for any reason without a note
signed by his/her parents and/or teacher or principal. The note must be shown to the person on duty,
their teacher, or the principal.
13. Students who ride their bicycles to
school must park them when they arrive to school and leave them until they go
home. Bikes must be walked (not ridden)
while on school grounds..
14. Students will settle differences
peacefully. Stop/Think/Plan (STP)
HOW
PARENTS CAN HELP WITH DISCIPLINE
Parents are encouraged to participate in
the education of their children. Without
the cooperation and support of parents, the school can not effectively help a
student reach his or her fullest potential.
The major role of parents in discipline is to continually show the child
that they are interested and supportive of how their child is doing in
school. When the child sees that mom and
dad are actively interested in how they are doing, the student is given the
incentive to strive for excellence.
Parents will be
periodically informed when their child is doing his/her best or when their
support is needed. They may be asked for
help on developing a particular skill or to take responsibility for their
child’s behavior. The school staff will
provide specific information on different ways to accomplish this goal.
If there is a severe or reoccurring
problem, parents will be asked to assist in developing alternative
behaviors. In such cases everyone must
recognize that the goal is to help the child learn and to get along at
school. By working
together, parents and staff can help students learn behaviors that will
increase the student’ chance of success.
Notification of Due
Process to Parents - WVSD Board Policy 3200
DUE
PROCESS: No pupil shall be deprived of
educational opportunity by the school district without due process of law. These include rights of appeal.
It is the goal of the West Valley School
District to effectively handle complaints and concerns on the part of students,
staff, parents, and patrons. To that end,
we believe that these issues are best resolved at the classroom, building, or
departmental level. If the problem is
not resolved at this level, then a written statement that describes the
complaint or concern and a possible solution may be filed with the District
Office. If still unresolved after
meeting with the Superintendent or his/her designee, the matter may be brought
before the Board of Directors. (See
Policy 4312P/4312F)
Rules about Student
Conduct and Consequences - WVSD Board Policy 3240, 3241
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
PHILOSOPHY:
The goal of any intervention should be to
assist students in developing self-discipline. We believe students can change
behavior and it is the staffs’ job to assist them in resolving problems. Our
goal is to help students correct their unacceptable behavior so that they may
become productive, happy, healthy, contributing members of our school
community. Though the consequences for unacceptable behavior are outlined
below, administrators and staff will use best judgment based on available
objective data when dealing with individual students.
Examples of UNACCEPTABLE
BEHAVIOR:
·
Disruption of Learning/Not prepared for
class
·
Verbal or Written Profanity/Obscene
Gesture
·
Intimate Displays of Affection
·
Failure to Follow Classroom, Playground,
and/or Cafeteria Rules
·
Unsafe Behavior/pulling out chairs/rubber
bands/running in hallways/spit wads/snowballs
·
Being in Unauthorized Areas
·
Forgery
·
Defiance/Insubordinate/Disrespectful
·
Intentional Misuse of School Equipment,
Supplies, Facilities and Others’ Personal Property
·
Gambling
·
Gum Chewing
·
Tardies/Truancies
·
Failure to Pursue Academic Achievement
CONSEQUENCES May Include:
·
Verbal Warning, Review Expectations
·
Problem Solving
Worksheet
·
Change in
Seating Arrangement
·
Note or Phone Call Home
·
In Classroom Time Out
·
Loss of
Recesses/Privileges
·
Referral sent home for parent
signature/Phone call
·
Referral to an Administrator
·
Referral to a Counselor
1st Referral to office: Progressive Discipline
Referral to an Administrator/Verbal
Warning
Parent contacted or signature on returned
referral form
Successive Referrals:
Administrator
will follow progressive discipline process which may include out of school
suspension.
OUT-OF-DISTRICT STUDENTS: Exceptional Misconduct may result in
withdrawal of permission to attend the West Valley School District.
Examples of EXCEPTIONAL
MISCONDUCT:
These
behaviors are examples that will result in a direct referral to the office:
·
Continued Office Referrals (4 or more)
·
Fighting
·
Threatening/Physical or Verbal Assault
·
Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying
·
Arson/Possession of Lighter
·
Indecent Photos/Language/Exposure
·
Trespassing
·
Leaving School Grounds without Permission
·
Possession or use of weapons or firearms
(see policy)
·
Possession or use of nuisance
items--Nuisance: anything that causes injury, harm or annoyance to the
educational process.
·
Gang related behavior
·
False Alarm or bomb threats/Prank 911
Call
·
Theft/Vandalism
·
Extortion
·
Possession of unauthorized medication/drugs/alcohol/tobacco
CONSEQUENCES May Include:
·
Problem Solving
·
Parent Notification
·
Loss of Recesses/Privileges
·
After School Detention
·
In School Suspension
·
Short Term Out of School
Suspension/Emergency Expulsion
·
Long Term Out of School Suspension
·
Expulsion
The proper
authorities will be called in cases of arson, possession of alcohol or other
drugs, weapons, assault or any other behavior which is considered a danger to
self or others and, at the discretion of the administrator, may result in a
long term suspension or expulsion from school.
DISRUPTIVE ITEMS
PAGERS, CELL
PHONES, LAZER POINTERS, ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICE, GAMEBOYS, CD PLAYERS, MP3’s, iPODS, RUBBERBANDS, SHOOTERS, COLLECTOR OR PLAYING CARDS,
FINGER BOARDS, ROLLER SHOES, SKATEBOARDS, TOYS, ETC.,
are not allowed at school. These items are a disruption to the educational
process and will be taken.
West Valley Schools are
not responsible for such as these lost or stolen items. REPEATED DISRUPTION
WITH THESE TYPES OF ITEMS WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
ANTI-BULLYING, INTIMIDATION, AND HARASSMENT
- WVSD BOARD POLICY 3207
Our school
is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students,
employees, volunteers and patrons, free from
harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
FIGHTING/BULLYING/HARASSMENT
Fighting,
bullying, and harassment on school grounds and/or at school activities are
unacceptable. Consequences for infractions will follow the district discipline
plan. It is important for all students
to learn how to deal with conflict in a safe and healthy manner, without resorting
to intimidation or violence. Please seek
the help of a staff member before a difficult situation turns into a
fight.
RCW 28A.300.285 (2) "Harassment, intimidation, or
bullying" means any intentional written, verbal, or physical act,
including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in
RCW 9A.36.080
or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional written, verbal,
or physical act: (a) Physically harms a student or damages the student's
property; or (b) Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's
education; or (c) Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an
intimidating or threatening educational environment; or (d) Has the effect of
substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school. Nothing in this section requires the affected
student to actually possess a characteristic that is a basis for the
harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
To report an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, contact the school principal.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT - WVSD BOARD
POLICY 3207, 6590
Sexual
harassment is sometimes hard to talk about because it’s a sensitive topic and
can be a serious problem for both adults and students. Our school considers
sexual harassment a serious offense, and it is subject to a range of
disciplinary actions, including warning, suspension and expulsion.
Sexual
harassment is unwanted sexual attention, usually in the form of repeated verbal
or physical sexual advances, sexually implicit or derogatory statements, or
discriminatory remarks made by someone in your school, any one of which causes
you discomfort or interferes with your academic performance.
Any
victim of sexual harassment should immediately report the offense to a teacher,
counselor or other staff member. Keep in
mind that all inquiries are handled discreetly and held in confidence. Staff members will work with you to stop the
offensive behavior.
Substance Abuse Program
- WVSD Board Policy 2121
Substance Abuse Program
Actions taken by staff in dealing
with student use of alcohol and the use and abuse of controlled illegal,
addictive or harmful substances including anabolic steroids will have as their
first concern the welfare of the student involved and the other students in the
school. Although a helping relationship rather than an investigative and
punitive approach will be emphasized, necessary and appropriate disciplinary
action will
be
taken when laws or school regulations are violated. Law enforcement agencies
will be called upon for investigative and consultative assistance where illegal
drug or alcohol activity has occurred.
Prevention
The prevention program shall focus
on classroom instruction, guidance services and the school climate.
Instruction
This dimension of the prevention
program shall focus on:
A. The effects of addictive
substances such as alcohol, drugs and nicotine upon the body.
B. Skill development related to self
esteem, goal-setting, decision-making, conflict management, problem-solving,
refusal and communication.
Guidance
Services
Staff shall meet with students,
individually and in small groups, to supplement addictive substance prevention,
instruction and skill development. Staff will also assist parents to maximize
the prevention efforts of the school.
School Climate
A facilitative school environment
can help students to achieve in a productive manner (academically, socially and
emotionally). The school shall strive to be a place where:
A. Students, staff, and parents
respect themselves and others.
B. Individuals can be trusted to do
what they say they will do.
C. High morale is evident.
D. Each person feels that he/she has
a voice in the decisions that affect him/her.
E. All feel that they are continuing
to learn and grow.
F. All value diversity and accept it
as an opportunity for growth and development.
G. All possess a "sense of
belonging".
H. All feel that they can make a difference
to someone else.
Intervention
The West Valley School District’s
intervention strategy is aimed at eliminating student use of tobacco, alcohol,
and other drugs.
•All schools will establish and
maintain an assistance program, which utilizes a team approach. The team will
assess the student’s level of use/abuse, develop goals, and make
recommendations for needed services for the student.
•Team members will receive training
in confidentiality procedures, alcohol and drug abuse, and intervention strategies.
Ongoing inservice
will be provided for faculty and staff focusing upon those characteristics of a
comprehensive program that are crucial for successful implementation.
DRUG,
ALCOHOL, AND TOBACCO EDUCATION - WVSD BOARD POLICY 2121
The
board recognizes that a significant number of parents, students and others are
seriously concerned about the adverse effects of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco,
and that the schools share the responsibility for providing appropriate
information to young people.
The
district shall cooperate with parents, professional authorities, community
agencies and others in developing an effective educational program dealing with
this important area.
REGULATION
OF DANGEROUS WEAPONS ON SCHOOL PREMISES - WVSD BOARD POLICY 4200, 4210
It
is a violation of district policy and state law for any person to carry a
firearm or dangerousweapon or maliciously display an
instrument that appears to be a firearm on school premises, school-provided
transportation or areas of other facilities being used exclusively for school
activities.
The
superintendent is directed to see that all school facilities post
"Gun-Free Zone" signs, and that all violations of this policy and RCW
9.41.280 are reported annually to the superintendent of Public Instruction.
The
following persons may carry firearms into school buildings, as necessary,
although students engaged in these activities are restricted to the possession
of rifles on school premises:
persons engaged in military, law enforcement, or school
district security activities;
persons involved in a school authorized convention, showing,
demonstration, lecture or firearm safety course;
persons competing in school authorized firearm or air gun
competitions; and
any federal, state or local law enforcement officer.
The
following persons over eighteen years of age and not enrolled as students may
have firearms in their possession on school property outside of school
buildings:
persons with concealed weapons permits issued pursuant to
RCW 9.41.070 who are picking up or dropping off students; and
persons
conducting legitimate business at the school and in lawful possession of a
firearm or dangerous weapon if the weapon is secured within an attended
vehicle, is unloaded and secured in a vehicle, or is concealed from view in a
locked, unattended vehicle.
Persons
may bring dangerous weapons, other than firearms, onto school premises if the
weapons are lawfully within the person's possession and are to be used in a
school-authorized martial arts class.
Persons
over eighteen years of age and persons between fourteen and eighteen years of
age with written parental or guardian permission may possess personal
protection spray devices on school property.
No one under eighteen years of age may deliver such devices, nor may
anyone eighteen years or older deliver a spray device to anyone under fourteen
or to anyone between fourteen and eighteen who does not have parental
permission.
Students
who violate this policy are subject to district discipline policies, including
the due process provisions regarding notification of parents. Students who
violate the firearms provisions are subject to a minimum one calendar year
expulsion, with possible case-by-case modification by the superintendent. The
district shall also comply with federal protections for disabled students in
the application of this policy.
Spray
devices may not be used other than in self-defense as defined by state
law. Possession, transmission or use of
personal protection spray devices under any other circumstances is a violation
of district policy.
School
officials shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of known or
suspected violations of this policy.
Students who violate this policy shall be subject to discipline, including
a one year expulsion
TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
Electronic Information
System (K-20 Network)
Acceptable Use
Guidelines
INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY - WVSD BOARD
POLICY 2022
Access to the Internet and other district
network resources provides great educational opportunity for students. However, this opportunity must be balanced
with responsibility and awareness on the part of the student. Student behavior
on the Internet should be to the same high standards expected for any other
school activity. The content of work on
the district’s network is open to examination by network administrators. Although one might feel “anonymous” on the
Internet, one’s activities can be monitored and tracked by others. In order to access the Internet, a student
must have a signed Internet Use Parent
Permission Form (2022F) on file.
Students who abuse their Internet privileges may lose such privileges.
NETWORK USE
1. All
use of the system must be in support of education and research and consistent with
the mission of the district. District reserves the right to prioritize use and
access to the system.
2. Any use of the system must be in conformity
to state and federal law, K-20 Network policies, and district policy. Use of
the system for commercial solicitation is prohibited. Use of the system for
charitable purposes must be approved in advance by the Superintendent or
designee.
3. The system constitutes public facilities and
may not be used to support or oppose political candidates or ballot measures.
4. No use of the system shall serve to disrupt
the operation of the system by others; system components including hardware or
software shall not be destroyed, modified or abused in any way.
5. Malicious use of the system to develop
programs that harass other users or gain unauthorized access to any entity on
the system and/or damage the components of an entity on the network is
prohibited.
6. Users are responsible for the appropriateness
and content of material they transmit or publish on the system. Hate mail,
harassment, discriminatory remarks, or other antisocial behaviors are expressly
prohibited.
7. Use of the system to access, store or
distribute obscene or pornographic material is prohibited.
8. Subscriptions to mailing lists, bulletin
Boards, chat groups and commercial on-line services and other information
services must be pre-approved by the Superintendent or designee.
SECURITY
1. System logins or accounts are to be used only
by the authorized owner of the account for the authorized purpose. Users may
not share their account number or password with another person or leave an open
file or session unattended or unsupervised. Account owners are ultimately
responsible for all activity under their account. For reasons of system and
personal security, each system account holder must authorize district review of
e-mail messages.
2.
Users shall not seek information on,
obtain copies of, or modify files, other data, or passwords belonging to other users, or misrepresent
other users on the system, or attempt to gain unauthorized access to any entity
on the K-20 Network.
3. Communications may not be encrypted so as to
avoid security review.
4. Users should change passwords regularly and
avoid easily guessed passwords.
PERSONAL SECURITY
1.
Personal Information such as complete
names, addresses, telephone numbers and identifiable photographs should remain
confidential when communicating on the system. Students should never reveal
such information without permission from their teacher and parent or guardian. No user may disclose, use, or disseminate
personal identification information regarding minors without authorization.
2.
Students should never make appointments to
meet people in person that they have contacted on the system without district
and parent permission.
3.
Students should notify their teacher or
other adult whenever they come across information or messages that are
dangerous, inappropriate on the web or when using electronic mail, chat rooms,
and other forms of direct electronic communications (i.e. Instant Message
services).
3.
COPYRIGHT
1. The unauthorized installation, use, storage
or distribution of copyrighted software or materials on district computers is
prohibited.
2. Material posted on the internet through the
district’s K-20 Network access system is not protected for individual
copyright. Staff work is usually a work for hire with the copyright belonging
to the district, but all users must waive their copyright interest in their
materials posted on-line through the district’s K-20 Network access system.
FILTERING AND MONITORING
1. As soon as practical
filtering software or services will be installed and used on all computers with
access to the Internet. This will block or filter access to visual depictions
that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. When adults are
using the Internet, materials which are obscene and child pornography must
still be filtered or blocked.
2. Educational staff will, to the best of their
ability, monitor minors’ use of the Internet in school, and will take
reasonable measures to prevent access by minors to inappropriate material on
the Internet and World Wide Web, and restrict their access to materials harmful
to minors.
GENERAL USE
1.
Diligent effort must be made to conserve
system resources. For example, users should frequently delete E-mail and unused
files, and users should promptly disconnect videoconferences on completion.
2.
No person shall have access to the K-20
Network without having received appropriate training, and a signed Individual
User Release Form must be on file with the district. Students under the age of
18 must have the approval of a parent or guardian.
3.
Nothing in these regulations is intended
to preclude the supervised use of the system while under the direction of a
teacher or other approved user acting in conformity with district policy and
State and Federal laws.
From time to time, the district will make
a determination on whether specific uses of the K-20 Network are consistent
with the regulations stated above. Under prescribed circumstances non-student
or staff use may be permitted, provided such individuals demonstrate that their
use furthers the purpose and goals of the district. For security and
administrative purposes the district reserves the right for authorized
personnel to review system use and file content. The district reserves the
right to remove an individual’s network access privileges to prevent further
unauthorized activity.
Violation of any of the
conditions of use may be cause for disciplinary action.
As a user of the
West Valley School District’s computer network, students are expected to comply
with the rules regarding the use of the network in a reliable fashion while
honoring all relevant laws and restrictions. Individual students and families
may be held liable for any violations. In addition, some materials on the
Internet may be objectionable. Parents, along with the District staff, share
the responsibility for guidance of Internet use - setting and conveying
standards for their son or daughter to follow when selecting, sharing or
exploring information and media on the Internet. The parent or legal guardian
of a minor student may choose for their son or daughter to be denied access to
networked computer services such as the Internet. To do so, a letter stating this
shall be given to the building principal on an annual basis.
PESTICIDE NOTIFICATION -
WVSD BOARD POLICY 6895
Pesticide Notification, Posting And Record Keeping Requirements
The District shall comply with all legal
requirements for record keeping regarding the application of pesticides to
school grounds or school facilities. This includes creation of an annual
summary report of pesticide usage and compliance with state department of
agriculture rules regarding record keeping. Such records will be available on
request by interested persons under the state Public Records Act and other
laws.
Procedure 6895 shall be printed and
distributed annually in employee handbooks and student handbooks to employees,
students and parents at the start of the school year or when an employee begins
work or a student enrolls.
At
least 48 hours before the application of a pesticide to school facilities or
school grounds, the District shall notify parents and staff of the planned
application in writing, including the heading, “Notice: Pesticide Application.”
This notice shall be posted in a prominent place in the building office in
addition to being provided to parents and staff. This pre-notification is not
required if the school grounds or facilities will not be occupied by students
for two days following the application of the pesticide. If the application is
not made within 48 hours of the notification, an-other notification shall be
made prior to the application. This pre-notification is not required in the
case of any emergency application of pesticides to a school facility, such as
an application to control stinging pests, but full notification shall be made
as soon as possible after the application.
Following
the application of a pesticide to school facilities (structures and vehicles) a
sign shall be posted at the location of the application. The notice shall be at
least 8.5 x 11 inches in size, shall include the heading, “Notice: Pesticide
Application,” and shall state the product name; date, time and specific location
of the application; the pest for which the application was made; and a contact
name and telephone number. The notice shall remain posted for 24 hours, or
longer if required by the label of the pesticide.
Following
the application of a pesticide to school grounds notice shall be posted at the
location of the application and at each primary point of entry to the grounds.
The notice shall be at least 4 x 5 inches in size and state that the landscape
recently has been treated with a pesticide and pro-vide a contact name and
telephone number. The notice shall remain posted for 24 hours, or longer if
required by the label of the pesticide.
These
notices are not required for the application of anti-microbial pesticides
(substances used to sanitize or disinfect for microbial pests: viruses,
bacteria, algae and protozoa). These notices are not required for the placement
of insect or rodent bait that are not accessible to children.
For
outside playground, grass areas, and athletic fields the District will normally
use Round-up (ground killer), Turflan, Horsepower,
and Weedar (broad leaf), Casaron
and Surflan (Pre-emergent), and Scyth
(burns lines into the athletic fields). For insects, the name brands may
change, but the use of some kind-of sprays for insect will be used. Presently,
the District is using Fast Kill III
(roach and ant killer), Flying Insect
Killer
(Flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, beetles, etc.), and Jet Force II (wasp and
hornet)
Revised:
08.12.03
Du
FAMILY
EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 (FERPA) DISCLOSURE WVSD
BOARD POLICY 3231
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
In accordance with the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, parents/guardians have the right to inspect and
review all official records pertaining to your child(ren) which are maintained by the West Valley School District.
In the event of a student transfer to
another educational institution, educational records will be sent upon request by the receiving
institution. Also, subpoena requests
will be honored after you have been notified. Student records will not
otherwise be released by the West Valley School District without expressed
written consent.
The West Valley School District makes
available as “directory” information the following: student names as published in activity and
athletic programs and brochures (information may include height, weight, age,
class and program experience); student names and activities as published in the
school yearbook and newsletters; and student names as published in honor rolls
and commencement programs (which may include grade point information). Parent permission is not required for release
of “directory information.” However, if
you do not want the school to release such information without your consent,
please notify the school office in writing.
The Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that the
West Valley School District, with certain exceptions, obtain your written
consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from
your child's education records. However, the West Valley School District may
disclose appropriately designated "directory information" without
written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in
accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory
information is to allow the West Valley School District to include this type of
information from your child's education records in certain school publications.
Examples include:
·
A
playbill, showing your student's role in a drama production;
·
The
annual yearbook;
·
Honor
roll or other recognition lists;
·
Graduation
programs; and
·
Sports
activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team
members.
Directory
information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or
an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside
organizations without a parent's prior written consent. Outside organizations
include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or
publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational
agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military
recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories - names,
addresses and telephone listings - unless parents have advised the LEA that
they do not want their student's information disclosed without their prior
written consent.(1)
If you do
not want the West Valley School District to disclose directory information from
your child's education records without your prior written consent, you must
notify the District in writing by [insert date]. the West Valley School District has designated the
following information as directory information:
- Student's name
- Participation in officially recognized
activities and sports
- Address
- Telephone listing
- Weight and height of members of athletic teams
- Electronic mail address
- Photograph
- Degrees, honors, and awards received
- Date and place of birth
- Major field of study
- Dates of attendance
- Grade level
- The most recent educational agency or
institution attended
Footnotes:
1.These
laws are: Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7908), as amended by the No Child
Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110), the education bill, and 10 U.S.C. 503,
as amended by section 544, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2002 (P.L. 107-107), the legislation that provides funding for the
Nation's armed forces.
