ARRIVAL
The supervision of the children who attend Allen Elementary School begins at 8:30 AM.  Students should not arrive before this time as there is no supervision.  At 8:25AM students may have breakfast quietly in the lunch arbor or indoors during inclement weather or report to the blacktop area to play before the school bell rings at 8:50AM.  Students who are late will need to report to the Health Office to get a tardy slip. Please plan medical appointments during school vacations or after school when possible.  If your child is absent, it is important that you call the school Health Office that day.  If you fail to call the Health Office, please send a note with your child on the day he/she returns to school.  This note should include the date of absence and reason. 

 

INDEPENDENT STUDY CONTRACT POLICY
If your child will be absent 5 or more consecutive days, please notify the teacher at least a week prior to the absence, if possible.  Please follow these guidelines:
• Contracts must have specific dates and be signed by all parties in advance.
• Beginning and ending dates are firm (no extensions).
• The assigned work cannot be done before or after the contract days.
• Contract must be returned to the teacher the first day the student returns to school with the completed assignments.

 

DISMISSAL
Students are dismissed at 3:10 PM Monday – Thursday grades 1-6 and the afternoon kindergarten class.  On Fridays and Minimum Days students grades 1-3 are dismissed at 1:40PM and students grades 4-6 are dismissed at 2:00PM.  All children should leave their classroom once the bell rings and report to the pick up/drop off area in front of the Ann Daly Academy, the YMCA, DASH or the bus waiting area located in front of the 400 building.  NO CHILDREN SHOULD BE WAITING TO BE PICKED UP IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL OFFICE AREA.  Students should be sitting or standing quietly while waiting to be picked up. No child should be running around, climbing on railings, swinging backpacks or playing around.  Students must be picked up within 15 minutes of dismissal. 

 

EARLY DISMISSAL/LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS
Students are not allowed to leave the school building and the grounds with anyone other than their parent or guardian, or a designated adult who is listed on the student’s emergency card.  Students must be signed out in the office by the parent or designee prior to leaving the school grounds.  Unfamiliar individuals will be required to show a picture identification to office personnel before the child can be released.  Parents and designees will be asked to wait in the office while school personnel call the child to the office.

 

STUDENT DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
Student drop-off and pick-up is located in front of the Ann Daly Academy along the yellow curbside.  Students who arrive late to school must come to the Health Office to receive a green admit slip.  Students not picked up by 3:20 PM will need to be picked up at the library.   Children will not be allowed to wait in front of the school office. Please remember to:
• DRIVE SLOWLY AND CAUTIOUSLY
• DO NOT DOUBLE PARK
• BE RESPECTFUL AND POLITE
• DO NOT MOTION FOR YOUR CHILD TO WALK BETWEEN CARS OR DISREGARD THE SAFETY PATROL OFFICERS

 

BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Student activities available on the school campus before or after school include:
• DASH (Dynamic After School Hours):  A free two-hour after school program conducted by the City of Chula Vista Library and Recreation Department that provides structured activities for 1st through 6th grade children
• YMCA Childcare: Fee based childcare services provided before and after school

 

KIDCO

KIDCO is a non-directive play program appropriate for some children in kinder through 3rd grades.  This year we are adding small group instruction in confliction resolution. Children are screened by teachers and staff then selected to participate in this during-school program.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Accidents do happen at school.  The school does not carry medical insurance for students.  However, a voluntary student accident insurance program is offered by the Board of Education.  All necessary forms for the insurance program are included in your first day of school packet.  Additional forms may be obtained through the school office.

 

ALLEN ARTS ACADEMY
The Allen Elementary School Arts Academy provides all students with instruction and performance opportunities in Dance and Theatre.  Art instruction is provided by classroom teachers who have been trained in a variety of instructional techniques in visual arts. Additionally, students may participate in the Allen Arts On Stage, Art in the Community, Allen Arts Museum, and the Variety Show.  All students need white tennis shoes, black shorts and Allen Arts T-shirts.  Shirts can be purchased from the office.
           

BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS & ROLLER-BLADES
To ensure student safety, riding bicycles, skateboards, scooters and roller-blades on campus during school hours is strictly prohibited.  This includes shoes with wheels. 

 

BIRTHDAYS
We have a “no food” birthday policy on the Allen School campus.   If you want to share something with your child’s class, please check with the child’s teacher to see if what you want to do is appropriate.  Consider donating a book to the classroom.  Cake, cupcakes, ice cream, etc. will be returned home if brought to school for a birthday.

 

CLOSED CAMPUS
In an effort to ensure a safe campus, Allen School is a closed campus.  All students must report to the front office before leaving early or when returning to campus.   All students are to wait at the front gate in front of the office before entering at 8:30am.   All gates will be locked during school hours.

 

COMMITTEES
Parent participation and involvement is one of the best ways you can ensure your child’s success.  Key committees where parents can be involved include:

• ELAC – English Language Acquisition Committee provides input into the development of the Single Site Plan as it pertains to meeting the educational needs of English Language Learners.  ELAC is also responsible for overseeing the school’s annual needs assessment process, the annual language census, and providing information to parents regarding the importance of regular school attendance.

• Olweus Committee – Oversees the behavior policy and anti-bullying program. 

• PTC – Parent-Teacher Club is an organization that exists to promote student achievement, parent involvement and teacher and staff support.  Every parent and guardian of an Allen student is a voting member of the PTC, and there are no fees or forms to complete in order to join.  The PTC achieves its goal of enhancing the learning experience of our children by coordinating volunteer support, organizing special school events and student activities, and conducting fund raising events.

• SSC – School Site Council develops, implements, monitors and evaluates the Single Site Plan in accordance with Federal and State laws, and District policy.  The Single Site Plan is a coordinated plan that focuses school resources on prioritized student educational needs identified in the process of analyzing student achievement data with the important goal of ensuring that every child masters grade level academic standards.

• VPA – Visual, Performing Arts Committee oversees the visual and performing arts program of the school.

 

DISASTER/EARTHQUAKE/FIRE DRILLS
Fire, earthquake and disaster drills are conducted throughout the school year in order to be prepared in the event of such an occurrence.  If you arrive on campus and see a sign on the office door which reads, “FIRE, EARTHQUAKE OR DISASTER DRILL IN PROGRESS” please wait off campus and return in 15 minutes.  In the event of a real disaster, please report to the family reunion table in front of the Ann Daly Academy. You will be instructed what to do from there.

 

HEALTH
Should you send your child to school?
It is often difficult for parents to know whether their children are too sick to attend classes.  Here are some general guidelines:

 

* Fever, measured orally, 100 degrees or higher (Stay Home)
(Please allow a full 24 hours of being  “fever-free”
before sending your child back to school)

* Vomits more than once (Stay Home)          

* Infrequent diarrhea (Go to School)

* Ear infection; no pain (Go to School)

* Minor cold:  runny nose, sneezing, sore throat (Go to School)

* Infestation of scabies, lice (AFTER treatment go to School)

* Cold sores (sore covered) (Go to School)

* Strep Throat (after 24 hours on medication) (Go to School)

* Undiagnosed skin rash (See a Doctor)

* Eye infection (See a Doctor)

* Flu:  body aches, fever, headache (Stay Home)

* Vague “I don’t feel good” symptoms (Go to School)

** Please bring in doctor's notices regarding any limitations the school may be required to observe.

Please call the school health office if you have any questions.

 

Homework should help a child:
 • Develop independent study habits and self-discipline.
 • Reinforce classroom instruction by further application and experience.
• Enrich school experiences as a result of independent study, individual research and experimentation.

Your child’s teacher is committed to:
• Explaining and clarifying assignments with students at the time homework assignments are made.
• Periodically providing assignments other than pencil and paper activities.
 • Evaluating and monitoring homework assignments.
• Informing parents when students consistently fail to complete assignments.

Parents are encouraged to:
 • Provide a study place with a minimum of distractions and interruptions.
 • Monitor the student as needed.
 • Communicate with the teacher if there are questions about homework assignments or if students have difficulty in  
completing assignments in a reasonable time.
 • Make sure that school materials are returned.
 • Check to see that work is completed.

 

A student is expected to:
• Inform his/her parents when assignments are made and when they are due.
• Bring necessary materials home and return materials on time.
 • Complete the assignments neatly, accurately and on time.

 

Time allotments:
 • The suggested maximum weekly time allotments are:
   Grades K - 1: One hour and 20 minutes to two hours
   Grades 2 - 3: Two hours to two hours and 40 minutes
   Grades 4 - 6: Two hours and 40 minutes to four hours

 

If a student consistently fails to complete homework assignments, the following procedures will be followed:
 • Effort grade is affected
 • Counseling by the pupil’s teacher
 • The teacher will contact the parent
 • The school Principal will contact the parent

If a student is absent more than three days and is able to work at home, the teacher should be contacted so that home study assignments can be prepared.

INCENTIVE PROGRAM
It is important to provide positive feedback to students who work hard to do their best in all areas.  At Allen, we acknowledge good behavior in the following ways:
• Awards Assemblies where students are recognized for outstanding citizenship, academic excellence, improvement, technology and visual and performing arts
• Allen Eagle Allstar  tickets are for students who are caught demonstrating good social skills
• Allen Eagle Allstar class tickets are for classrooms that demonstrate outstanding behavior
• Students who are “On a Roll” are selected by the classroom teacher each month to have lunch with the principal
• Perfect Attendance Awards to individuals and classrooms
• Individual classroom rewards established by the classroom teacher

 

INTERNET POLICY
Internet access is available to Allen School students in the classroom, the computer lab, and the school library. Students and teachers are able to use this resource as a powerful tool to gather information and perform research in a worldwide electronic library.

No student or adult is permitted to utilize the Internet prior to reading and signing the Chula Vista Elementary School District Internet Use Guidelines/Agreement. After reading this document thoroughly and reviewing it with your child, please sign (student and parent) and return it to school if you wish to allow him/her to participate in the use of this technology.  This Agreement is in the first day of school packets.

 

LOST AND FOUND
Please label all clothing items, book bags, and supplies with your child’s name.  By doing so, most “lost” items can be returned to their owners promptly.  If an item has been misplaced, please encourage your child to check the lost and found bin located outside the auditorium.

 

MEDICATIONS
Medications are not permitted at school except when kept in the school Health Office.  Parents of any student who is required to take medication prescribed for him/her by a physician during the regular school day, must complete an “Authorization For Medication Administration” form and keep on file in the school Health Office.  This form authorizes office personnel to administer the medication to your child.  You will need to submit a new form at the beginning of each school year.

 

PARKING
Please remember to park in unmarked spots regardless of the time of day as this is a matter of respect and courtesy.  There are plenty of parking spaces in the parking lot located in front of the Ann Daly Academy.  Please do not double park as this is a safety issue.

 

PETS
Due to the unpredictability of animals and potential allergic reactions wedo not allow pets on campus.

 

EMERGENCY AND HEALTH INFORMATION
The student Emergency and Health Information sheet is an important source of information for the school office.  It provides the child’s address, phone number, school identification number and emergency contact numbers. When necessary, teachers, administrators and other office and health personnel use this information to contact families.  It is imperative that a new sheet be completed each year for each child in attendance and that it is done in a timely fashion at the beginning of the school year.

Please inform the office of any changes in student information throughout the year, most importantly work, cell and emergency numbers.

 

PROGRESS REPORTS
Allen School will continue to utilize the Chula Vista Elementary School District Standards-Based Progress Reports for the 2009 – 2010 school year.  The progress report measures and reports students’ level of mastery of specific California State Content Standards utilizing a 4-point rubric. Student progress is reported four times a year (September, December, March and June).  Please refer to the school calendar for dates of this year’s progress reports and parent/teacher conferences.

SAFETY/PARENT PATROL
During the morning drop offs and afternoon pickups Student and Parent Safety Patrol members will help direct traffic and assist with the safe crossing of students in designated areas.  Please be respectful and courteous to our safety volunteers as they are responsible for ensuring everyone’s safety to and from campus.

 

SCHOOL NEWS/COMMUNICATION
Communication between the school and home is important to ensure that parents are well informed regarding their student’s educational progress, all campus policies, calendar activities and parent involvement opportunities.  The school newsletter goes home each week on Mondays, is posted on the school website and posted in the showcase outside the school office.  Additionally, highlights of upcoming events and information are posted each week on the marquee.   If you have information that you would like to contribute to the newsletter, it must be approved by the principal and submitted to the school secretary no later than Thursday of each week to be considered for the following Monday newsletter.

 

SNACKS
The morning recess is considered a nutrition break.  Students will be encouraged to eat nutritious snacks during this time. Candy and chips are not appropriate snack items for nutrition break.  Foods such as crackers and cheese, pretzels, fruit, granola bars are examples of nutritious snacks.  There is much research that directly connects poor nutrition with poor academics.

 

STUDY/FIELD TRIP POLICY
Off campus learning opportunities are offered throughout the year.  Although the goal is to provide each child with the opportunity to participate in these learning experiences, students may jeopardize their opportunity to participate or a child’s parent may be required to chaperone if that child’s behavior becomes a chronic problem in the classroom or on campus.  Parents must complete and sign the Chula Vista Elementary School District permission slip in order for their child to attend an off campus study/field trip (no exceptions).

 

TELEPHONES/CELL PHONES
Students may use the office telephones only in the case of an emergency or when instructed to do so by the office staff.  If you send a cell phone with your child, that phone must be kept in the child’s backpack and turned off during school hours.  Allen School is not responsible for lost, stolen or broken cell phones.

 

TEXTBOOKS
It is the responsibility of the child to ensure that the classroom textbooks which are checked out to them remain in good condition throughout the school year.  Students will be charged for the replacement of damaged or lost textbooks.

TOYS
Students should not bring toys to school unless this has been approved by the classroom teacher.  Toys, gadgets, jewelry, hair ornaments, etc. may be a distraction to your child’s learning and the learning of others.  Allen School is not responsible for lost, stolen or broken personal items or toys. 

 

TESTING
CELDT – The California English Language Development Test is given to all students whose language on the home language survey is not English.  This test assesses a student’s level of language development on a rubric of 1 – 5.  Students who reach the level of 5 are considered for reclassification.  

 

CST/CAT6 – The California Standards Test is currently given to all 2-6 grade students to assess their level of progress in accordance with the California State Academic Content Standards in Mathematics and Language Arts.  This is not a timed test. Students who receive scores of 350 or higher on math and language arts are considered at grade level.  The CAT6 is only given to third grade students and this test is timed.

 

DISTRICT LOCAL MEASURES – The District Local Measures assess student ability in grades K-6 in accordance with district benchmarks in reading and mathematics.  These assessments are given at the end of each school year.

 

GATE –  Gifted and Talented Education - The district Psychologist administers this test to students in grades 3 – 6.  The GATE testing determines placement in the GATE program.

 

SPECIAL EDUCATION - Students who qualify for special education are tested by the Resource Specialist, Speech Therapist and District Psychologist.  The Student Study Team (SST), following the request of the classroom teacher, recommends students for testing or a parent may request testing.  Parent requests for testing must be in writing.
 
STAR WRITING – This test assesses students only in grade 4 to determine whether or not they are at grade level in accordance with the California Writing Standards.

 

TRANSPORTATION
Transportation must be furnished by parents/guardians for students approved to attend a school outside their home school area.  The District provides transportation for students whose residence is beyond the designated walking distance to their neighborhood school.  The school office has a schedule of bus stops and times for Allen School neighborhood routes.  Students who attend Allen School on a Zone Transfer and are approved for transportation will receive bus information directly from the Chula Vista Elementary School District Transportation Department.  Only authorized bus riders are permitted to ride the buses.  Students are required to get on and off at their designated stops.  An authorized bus rider who desires to get off the bus at a stop other than their normal stop is required to have a note signed by his or her parent and endorsed by the school Principal.  Good safety habits and appropriate behavior are very important when riding the school bus.  Students who fail to follow transportation rules will be denied school bus transportation.  Students who attend Allen School on a zone transfer and continue to misbehave and disobey transportation safety rules may be reassigned to their neighborhood school.  Please refer to the Chula Vista Elementary School District Riding the School Bus brochure for specific rules and regulations.  This brochure is included in the first day of school packet and available in the school office.

 

VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS
There are many opportunities to volunteer at school.  All volunteers who work directly with students do so under the supervision of certificated staff and must have a current TB skin test result filed in the school office.  Volunteers on campus more than twice per week must also be fingerprinted.  Arrangements for visiting or volunteering in a classroom are to be made with the teacher in advance.  For the safety and security of our students, any time anyone, other than staff and students, will be on campus, we ask that you stop by the school office, sign in and obtain either a volunteer or visitor’s badge.  Please wear the badge in a visible location while on campus at all times.  If a staff member notices you are not wearing a badge, you will be asked to report to the school office.  It is important that you sign in and sign out as this is a way for administration to monitor who is on site in the event of a disaster or emergency.  Under no circumstances should a visitor/volunteer interrupt classroom instruction.