Parent Handbook
MISSION STATEMENT
Camino Grove is committed to being a caring collaborative community where creativity, kindness, and confident learners and leaders are cultivated.
Click here to view Learner and Leader Values
We believe cultivating leaders and learners is a shared responsibility of staff, students, and families. Leader in Me principles and restorative conversations guide how the Camino Grove Community moves forward together.
This handbook is brought to you by the members of the School Site Council. Camino Grove School Site Council (SSC) includes a team of teachers, administrators, parents, and classified personnel. If you have any questions you would like to be addressed by School Site Council, please click here.
SCHOOL SCHEDULE, ROUTINES, AND EXPECTATIONS
SCHOOL HOURS
Regular School Week Schedule
Monday 8:25 a.m.-2:35 p.m.
Tuesday 8:25 a.m.-2:35 p.m.
Wednesday 8:25 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
Thursday 8:25 a.m.-2:35 p.m.
Friday 8:25 a.m.-2:35 p.m.
Minimum Days
8:25 a.m.-12:27 p.m.
Collaboration Days
8:25-11:40 a.m.
Check the school site calendar for events, minimum days, and Collaboration days.
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
To enhance our school safety plan and provide a safe and secure student environment, we will only use the Camino Grove Avenue (front of the school) entrance for dropping off and picking up students. The Sixth Avenue gate is locked at all times. Please adhere to the following arrival and pick-up times:
Arrival Times
7:50-8:22 a.m.
Pick-Up Times
2:35-2:50 p.m. (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays)
1:45-2:00 p.m. (Wednesdays)
12:27-12:45 p.m. (Minimum Days)
11:40-11:55 a.m. (Collaboration Days)
The following information is provided to assist you in developing a home-to-school route for your child. The City of Arcadia provides crossing guards located at the following intersections:
- Sixth Avenue and Camino Grove
- Encino and Camino Grove
Students who live south of Camino Real should cross Camino Real at Sixth Avenue and proceed north to Camino Grove Avenue and the school entrance.
Students who live north of Duarte Road should cross Duarte Road at Santa Anita Avenue using the crosswalk at the signals located at First Avenue, Second Avenue, or Fifth Avenue. Students should proceed on Duarte Road to Sixth Avenue and then south to Camino Grove Avenue, where the crossing guard will assist them in crossing the street to the school.
TRAFFIC FLOW
ARRIVAL
Your child should not arrive on campus before 7:50 a.m., as there is no adult supervision. Upon arrival, grades 1-5 students are to proceed to the blue tables in the covered lunch area, where supervision is provided until they are dismissed at 8:22 a.m. to go to their classrooms. TK & Kindergarten students are to proceed to the planters in the courtyard, where supervision is provided until their teacher picks them up to take them to the classroom. SELPA students should arrive at the main gate, east of the front office. Classroom teachers and instructional assistants will await your student’s arrival.
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- Slowly drive your car as far forward as possible before unloading students in front of the kindergarten and school office.
- NEVER park in the no parking zones.
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DISMISSAL
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- Place a name tag that includes the student’s first and last name and grade level on the right side of your dashboard.
- Slowly drive your car as far forward as possible before loading students.
- There is no waiting or parking in loading areas (these also serve as fire lanes).
- If your child is not waiting in the loading areas as you pull up, you may not wait. Please proceed to an empty parking space, walk to the loading area, and accompany your child to the car using the appropriate crosswalks. This will help the loading process and ease the congestion on Camino Grove Avenue.
- Parents walking can meet their child at the blue tables in the lunch pavilion by entering through the gate on the west side of the MPR. When leaving the school, please walk along the sidewalks, or cross at the appropriate crosswalk in the parking lot. For the safety of everyone, do not cross between vehicles.
- Students must be picked up immediately after school, no later than 2:50 p.m., 2:00 p.m. on early release days, 11:55 on Collaboration Days, or 12:45 p.m. on minimum days. We are concerned with the safety of all children. Supervision is not provided after the above-listed times.
PARKING LOT PROCEDURE
Drive-Thru Drop Off
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- Drive through entrance is on the West driveway. Exit at the East driveway. Center driveways are closed.
- Please refer to the traffic flow map for drop-off/pick-up and parking directions.
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Park and Walk
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- If you plan to park and walk your student to the front of the school, please park in the parent parking area on the two northernmost lanes in the school lot.
- After parking, walk your student past the center driveways to the inside crosswalk. For the safety of your children, do not walk through the parking lot.
- Students walking to school from Fifth or Sixth Avenue may use the sidewalk by the West driveway. Walkers from Eighth Avenue may use the sidewalk by the East driveway. Sixth Avenue is not a school entrance and for everyone’s safety, gates on Sixth Avenue are locked.
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SCHOOL-WIDE EXPECTATIONS
School-wide expectations are reviewed throughout the school year by the classroom teacher. Please take the time at home to review how we can all be safe, responsible, and respectful on campus and on the playground.
Click here to view the expectations:
ABSENCES AND HEALTH GUIDELINES
NOTIFICATION OF ABSENCE
Notify the school when your child is absent. One of the following can be done:
- Contact Marily Cabrera, Camino Grove’s Office Assistant, at [email protected] or call (626) 821- 8353 (ex. 5351).
- Use the Absence Verification form. Click here.
- Email your child’s classroom teacher and include [email protected]
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS REGARDING ABSENCES AND EXCUSES (abridged)
A student’s absence shall be excused for the following reasons:
- Personal illness (Education Code 46010)
- Quarantine under the direction of county or city health officer (Education Code 46010)
- Medical, dental…, appointments (Education Code 46010)
- Participation in religious instruction or exercises…
…student shall attend at least the minimum school day.
…student shall be excused for this purpose on no more than four school days per month. (Education Code 46014)
- Attendance at funeral services for a member of the immediate family.
Excused absence in this instance shall be limited to one day if the service is conducted in California or three days if… out-of-state. (Education Code 46010)
“Immediate family” shall be defined as mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, spouse, son / son-in-law, daughter / daughter-in-law, brother, sister or a relative living in the immediate household of the student. (Education Code 45194, 46010)
A student’s absence shall be excused for justifiable personal reasons including but not limited to:
- Appearance in court.
- Observation of a holiday or ceremony of his/her religion.
- Attendance at religious retreats for no more than four hours during a semester.
(Additional excused absences are not applicable to elementary school students)
Students absent without a valid excuse for more than three days in one school year…(or)…tardy on three or more school days (without a valid excuse) in one school year shall be classified as truant. (Education Code 48260)
- From AUSD Master Agreement for Short-Term Independent Study: The Independent Study Program is a voluntary alternative to attending the regular education program at the school.
- Additional Guidelines: A student’s independent study program must last at least 5 consecutive days.
BOARD POLICIES REGARDING ABSENCES AND EXCUSES (abridged)
The Governing Board believes that regular attendance plays a key role in the success a student achieves in school. The Board recognizes its responsibility under the law to ensure that students attend school regularly. Parents/guardians of children aged six to 18 are obligated to send their children to school unless otherwise provided by law. The Board shall abide by all state attendance laws and may use any legal means to correct the problems of excessive absence or truancy.
Consistent attendance is critical to a child’s social, emotional, behavioral, and academic development. Students who miss 10% of the total enrolled school days are chronically absent. At Camino Grove, we understand various unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances can occur. The State of California requires school sites to communicate with families that are at risk of chronic absenteeism. If a child misses more than 10% of school days enrolled, a Student Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting will be scheduled. This meeting includes the principal, parents, and the school site counselor. The objective of the meeting is to create a plan and accountability processes so the student has ample opportunity to engage in learning and growth. This is a partnership effort between school and home. (California Education Code (EC) Section 48320, EC Section 48321).
REQUESTING SCHOOL WORK WHEN YOUR CHILD IS ABSENT
If you wish to pick up schoolwork for your child who has missed school, please contact the school office by 9:00 a.m. Work is usually available for pick up in the office by 3:00 p.m. When coming to pick up work, for the health of our staff and students, please do not send your sick child into the office to get it.
WHEN PARENT/GUARDIAN IS OUT OF TOWN
If you are going out of town and leaving your child in the care of another adult, please visit the Parents section of Camino Grove’s Website, select “Forms and Information” link and print and complete the “Temporary Custodial Responsibility” form.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Independent Study is available to all students who must be out of school five or more days. Independent Study allows the child to have a program similar to classroom study but located away from the usual school classroom. Parents should speak to Ms. Cabrera in the school office a minimum of one week prior to the absence to sign up for this program. You may email Ms. Cabrera at [email protected] to sign up as well. It is very beneficial for a child to be on Independent Study if he/she must miss school because this program provides the opportunity for an uninterrupted educational program. Independent Study also permits the district to collect regular state funding even though the student is not in class. An Independent Study is considered an excused absence.
ARCADIA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
RULES REGULATING SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Each absence will require a note from the pupil’s guardian. If the absence is due to illness, please specify the nature of the such illness. If the illness is of a suspicious nature, feel free to call the school Health Services Assistant.
The above contagious diseases require readmission by the school office personnel. Children who have been ill should be instructed to bring their notes from parents directly to the school office to be readmitted before going to the playground or classroom.
WHEN IS A CHILD SICK ENOUGH TO STAY HOME???
A few simple rules can help you make that call.
It’s 7:00 a.m. you’re trying to get everybody dressed, fed, and out the door. Suddenly you hear a small voice that stops you in your tracks:, “I’m sick…I can’t go to school.” With the clock ticking you try to diagnose the problem: Fever? Aches and pains? Cough? Upset tummy? Now you have to decide if your child really needs to stay home from school.
Unless the symptoms of an illness are obvious, such as a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, the decision ends up being a parent’s judgment call. The parent must know his or her child and how the child acts when sick. If you child physically doesn’t look well or they’re not their normal spirited self, it may be a good idea to keep them home for a day and let them rest.
If you still can’t decide, here are a few simple guidelines:
- Children with temperatures higher than 100 degrees should stay home from school. They should not return to school until they have had an unmedicated normal temperature for 24 hours.
- Children prescribed antibiotics for contagious diseases such as strep throat, tonsillitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia should not return to school until they have taken the medication for 24 hours.
- Children who are vomiting or have diarrhea should stay home. The 24-hour rule is a good guideline here, also.
- Parents should make sure “sick days” are not appealing. Staying home sick should mean staying in bed—either sleeping, reading, or playing quietly in bed. Children rewarded with TV, videos, or special treats could quickly learn to prefer home to school. We want children to want to come to school.
Helpful hints for keeping our kids well:
- Washing hands is the single most important thing they can do. A child who hasn’t washed their hands can pass germs along on a pencil or through a group activity.
- Parents and teachers should instruct children to turn their heads and cough into the crook of their elbows. This method reduces the transfer of viruses and bacteria through our hands. Do not cough into your hands. If the child should cough into their hands, please remind them to wash their hands.
- Your child must eat three meals a day,…this includes breakfast. Many students have come to school with a headache and/or stomach ache, most due to a lack of food. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day; please be sure your child is not skipping it.
One more reminder:
- Please keep the phone numbers on your child’s emergency card updated. In the event of an emergency, it is important that we have a current phone number to reach a local parent, relative, or friend. Fax numbers are not acceptable.
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
Any medication taken by students during the school day must be kept in the health office in their original containers and administered only by authorized office personnel. Medication must be brought to the office with a signed Physician’s Recommendation for Medication form (available in the office), which states the name of the medication, the amount to be given, and the time it is to be administered. The medication remains in the office, and the child must come to the office at the designated time(s) for administration. This includes all prescriptions, inhalers, aspirin, cough syrup, and over-the-counter medications, both oral and topical, etc. Please do not send any medications to school with your child to take on his/her own. This includes:
- Tums or any antacid
- Asprin
These must all be kept in the office for all our students' safety.
NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES
ARCADIA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TK-8 HEALTHY LUNCH GUIDELINES
In an effort to create safer schools for all children, to help students develop an increased awareness of their own responsibility in making healthy nutritional choices, and to meet state and Federal mandates to school districts regarding nutrition, the PTSA and the Arcadia Unified School District have adopted the following guidelines for grades TK through eight.
Rationale: Many students must follow restricted diets for food allergies, religious beliefs, or other reasons. To protect student health, sharing food is therefore not permitted. The district provides a variety of healthy lunch selections each day. The lunch selections served at school must meet specific nutritional guidelines. The guidelines ensure your children receive a healthy and nutritious meal.
Guidelines: For these reasons, the AUSD, PTSA, and administration have committed to work together to promote healthier food choices at school. Whether a child receives a meal at school or brings one from home, the PTSA and AUSD wish to promote a safe and healthy lifestyle.
In support of the desire to promote safe schools and healthy children, the following Healthy School Guidelines and Wellness Policy are adopted:
- Students should develop an increased awareness of their own responsibility in making healthy nutritional choices.
- Students may receive their lunch through the school cafeteria or bring a lunch from home with them in the morning.
- Student lunches should promote healthy choices. Candy, cookies, large bags of chips, and soft drinks do not meet the food guidelines set by the state for The Healthy Meals Act and should not be included in lunches or recess snacks brought from home.
BREAKFAST
At 7:50 a.m., breakfast is available before the start of the school day. Choices include fresh fruit, milk, cold cereal, English muffin, bagel & cream cheese, etc.
LUNCH
Students may bring a lunch from home or receive lunch prepared by Nutrition Services. On Collaboration Days and Minimum Days, the following is in place for these shortened school days:
- Right at School and Arcadia Recreation, students who remain on campus will have the opportunity to pick up lunches in the cafeteria after school. These after-school programs will ensure your child receives lunch.
- For all other students, lunches will be available in the cafeteria after school on Collaboration Day or Minimum Day. Lunches must be eaten on campus in the lunch pavilion. After dismissal, parents will walk their children to the lunch pavilion area, walk through the cafeteria, and supervise their children eating lunch.
- Students also have the option to eat at home or bring a lunch to their after-school program.
If you have any questions about the Universal Free Meal Program, please contact Nutrition Services. Click here. If you have questions about the logistics of Minimum Days or Collaboration Days, please contact Camino Grove’s front office at (626) 821- 8353.
DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS
- Parents are not to bring lunch to their children during the school day.
- Students may not have lunch delivered to school by outside vendors.
- Students may not share any food items with other students, as there may be food allergies, dietary restrictions, or other reasons students do not eat certain foods.
- Students may not provide food to other students for the reasons stated above.
No child will be allowed to go hungry. If a child forgets their lunch, they shall be provided a lunch by the school.
Please be aware, providing special lunches for groups of students is not an appropriate school activity.
PARTIES
The Arcadia Unified School District policy permits two-room parties each year. These party occasions are chosen based on community input. Your cooperation is appreciated in adhering to this policy because when one room has an additional party, through the thoughtfulness of a parent/guardian, other classes feel disappointed their class is not doing the same. The same applies if parents recognize their child’s birthday by sending gifts, special lunches, or “goodies” to school. We will be unable to distribute these items to the classroom. (Party invitations addressed to less than the total class membership may not be distributed at school.)
STUDENT PROGRESS: CULTIVATING LEADERS AND LEARNERS
ASSESSMENTS
Students are assessed throughout the school year to determine growth toward grade-level standards and personal growth and to identify the next steps needed to activate continued progress. In grades third through fifth, students complete the state assessment for English Language Arts and Mathematics. Additionally, fifth-grade students complete the physical fitness test and science test.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
A parent may request a teacher conference anytime during the year by contacting the school office or sending an email or note to the teacher. To leave a voice mail for your child’s teacher, you will be prompted to enter the extension of the teacher you would like to get a hold of. You will enter 53 + the 2-digit classroom number. For example, Room 4 would be 5304.
STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE
Student-led conferences allow students to demonstrate their academic ability, set goals, and celebrate their achievements and growth. They are led by the student using self-assessment techniques, a portfolio of their work, and student performance.
REPORT CARD
Three times a year, a report card is updated to reflect your child's growth and the areas of development needed. Click here to learn how to access your child’s report card.
SCHOOL/HOME COMMUNICATION
Various communications are created so the school and community can collaborate and work together. Classroom newsletters, Principal’s Newsletter, and PTA Caminotes provide talking points and events for parents and student involvement.
SUPPORT SERVICES
ELEMENTARY COUNSELING
The elementary counselor actively assists teachers, parents, administrators, and other staff members in helping students have the best school year possible. The elementary counseling program deals with preventative lessons as well as crisis intervention.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (ELD)
The ELD program is designed to provide additional support for students who are learning the English language.
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE
The Speech and Language Specialist assists students in K-5 who have been identified with special needs in this area. Support is also provided to parents and teachers on ways to help the student in the classroom and at home.
READING INTERVENTION
The Reading Intervention program is additional support to core literacy instruction to target development and growth in specific reading skills.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
The school psychologist supports families and teachers to create the best possible learning conditions for the whole child; socially, emotionally, behaviorally, and academically.
PARENT AND SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
PTA
Every adult is encouraged to join the PTA (Parent Teacher Association). PTA membership information will be available at Roadrunner Day. There are many opportunities for parents to become involved in school and education. (Examples: Book Fair, Carnival, Room Parents, Red Ribbon Week, etc.) PTA meetings are held monthly in the multi-purpose room or online in a virtual setting. Click here for more information.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
Parents are encouraged to participate in their child’s education by volunteering in one or more of the following areas: as Library Media Center Aide, at various special events, and as a classroom volunteer. These activities, which depend on parent volunteers, enhance the educational programs that Camino Grove provides our children. REMINDER: Every parent who interacts with the children on the Camino Grove campus must have a current TB Clearance and Volunteer Application form on file. TB Clearance forms are good for four years. Contact the school health office to see when yours expires.
- Field Trips are a fun experience for our students to learn not only real-world experiences but also an experience of how to be safe, responsible, and respectful while away from home and school. Parent volunteers are selected by the classroom teacher to support the learning experience. Please be mindful that not all parents can attend. Parents will notify the teacher they are interested in supporting the field trip. Teachers then randomly select parent volunteers.
SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL
The council administers School Site Plans that address our students' educational needs and goals. The members of SSC are elected to a two-year term and meet monthly to ensure that the school’s objectives and program needs are met. If you would like more information on how to serve on SSC, please contact the school office.
UNIFORM POLICY GUIDELINES
UNIFORM POLICY GUIDELINES
Students are expected to wear uniforms daily unless circumstances beyond their control prevent this. A note from the parent/guardian explaining the circumstances is expected that same day. If a student is not in uniform and does not have a note or an exemption, the parent will be contacted by phone or written notice.
Students are excused from wearing uniforms in the following instances:
- When a student wears the uniform of a nationally recognized youth organization such as the Boy Scouts or the Girl Scouts on regular meeting days.
- When a student’s parent or guardian has secured an exemption from the uniform policy by following the procedures set forth in Exemptions.
- Request by mail or in person an Application for Exemption from Uniform Program. The parents may obtain an application from the school office.
- Complete the application in full and submit it to the Principal.
- Meet with the Principal to discuss the uniform policy and parent/guardian’s objections to the policy. The purposes of this meeting include (a) ensuring the parents understand the reason for the uniform policy and (b) verifying the accuracy of the information on the application. The Principal will then approve or deny the request for exemption.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
All students will come to school in clothing that allows the student to participate in all school activities. All coats, sweaters, and sweatshirts must be labeled with first and last names. Students may not wear clothing or accessories that are gang-related, obscene, suggestive, or promote drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. Make-up may not be worn or brought to school. Every Friday is uniform optional /spirit day.
Pants/Shorts (Boys and Girls):
Color: Navy Blue (not faded blue), Khaki (tan), or Black
Style: Fitted at waist or elastic waist (no baggy styles or sweat pants)
Must be size appropriate
Fabric: Twill, cotton, corduroy, polyester (no jeans/denim)
Shirts/Blouses (Boys and Girls):
Color: White, Navy Blue, Red
(no turquoise)
Style: Polo, oxford, Camino Grove spirit t-shirt or turtleneck
Skirts/Jumpers (Girls):
Color: Navy Blue, khaki (tan), or black (no jeans/denim)
Note: Skorts or shorts are acceptable (no short shorts)
Inseam must be at least 3 inches
Shoes (Boys and Girls):
Athletic or appropriate shoes (closed heel and toe)
No cleats or skate shoes (Socks must be worn)
Sweaters/Sweatshirts (Boys and Girls):
Color: White, Navy Blue, Red
Style: Cardigan, crew neck, V-neck or zippered sweaters or sweatshirts. (No logos)
Jackets/Coats (Boys and Girls):
Note: Any jacket or coat may be worn. Must follow general rules.
Hats:
Hats must have a brim that covers the neck. No baseball caps will be allowed. All headgear must be removed while in the classroom.
Camino Grove Shirts (Boys and Girls):
The PTA sells Camino Grove polo, t-shirts and sweatshirts throughout the year. These shirts are considered part of the uniform and may be worn at any time.
Consequences for violation of these uniform standards include, but are not limited to:
- A written notice or phone call to parents/guardians
- A change of clothing/temporary confiscation
UNIFORM OPTIONAL/SPIRIT DAY AND STUDENT EXEMPTION STANDARDS
Our goal is to provide a school climate with minimal disruption to the learning process while maintaining a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment for all of our students. The presence of certain types of clothing and attire can cause substantial disruption of, or material interference with, instructional activities and other school events. The following regulations are in effect for the school year during spirit/uniform optional days or for students who have an approved exemption from the uniform program:
- Hats must have a brim that covers the neck. No baseball caps will be allowed. All headgear must be removed while in the classroom.
- Sagging/baggy pants and/or shorts, hanging or oversized belts and chains attached to clothing or wallets are inappropriate and not allowed. Pants/shorts must be worn at the waist (no more than one size larger than the actual waist size) and stay up without a belt, rope, or suspenders. Pants are not to drag on the ground.
- All clothing should be in clean and good condition. Students should use good taste in all aspects of grooming. Shoes must be in good condition. Bare feet, flip flops, and sandals (open toe/heel) are prohibited. All footwear must fit snugly to the foot, and shoelaces must be tied—no cleats or skate shoes.
- Clothing or jewelry bearing inappropriate or undesirable advertising, lettering, or symbols cannot be worn at school. Specifically, T-shirts, hats, or other apparel representing drugs, tobacco, alcohol, sex, gangs, violence, etc., in word or pictures may not be worn. Leave expensive items at home.
- Beachwear, sheer or revealing garments, torn clothing, and clothing with holes are inappropriate school attire. Halter tops, backless tops, revealing crop tops, spaghetti straps, and short shorts are inappropriate. The inseam for shorts or skorts must be at least 3 inches. Any top, which does not cover the midriff, is inappropriate.
- A student’s appearance may not detract from nor interfere with the learning atmosphere or process. Any clothing which has a disruptive influence is inappropriate. The discretion of the school administrator will prevail.
Consequences for violation of these standards include, but are not limited to:
- A written notice or phone call to parents/guardians
- A change of clothing/temporary confiscation
- Revocation of exemption
****Please label all hats, jackets and sweatshirts, and sweaters. ****
CAMPUS ACCESS
During the regular school day, once the final tardy bell rings each morning, the school gates will be locked and the only access to campus will be through the school office.
All visitors and volunteers to the campus must check in at the office first. You must sign in and be issued a visitor badge while on campus. Please sign out when you are ready to leave. This is for the safety of your children and visitors in an emergency. Please note, prior to working on campus or assisting in any and all school activities including, but not limited to field trips, classroom visitations and parties, book fairs, and grade level theme days, all volunteers must have completed the volunteer registration form and have a current TB clearance form on file in our health office. Children, who are not Camino Grove students, may not accompany parent volunteers or visit campus during school hours.
ARCADIA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT PARENT/GUARDIAN VISITS TO CLASSROOMS
The Governing Board encourages parents/guardians and interested members of the community to visit the schools and view the educational program, open house activities and other special events (BP 1250).
Visitors are expected to:
- Follow the established school policy in requesting a classroom visitationContact the school site principal or designee via a written request for a classroom visit or as otherwise required by the established school policy
- Complete a visitor‘s permit upon arrival at the site
- Enter and leave the classroom as quietly as possible. Parents will not converse with any students, teachers, and/or instructional aides during the visitation unless invited to by the classroom teacher.
- Do not interfere with any school activity.
- Keep the length (30-minute standard unless otherwise mutually agreed-upon)
- and frequency (no more than 1 time per month, unless mutually agreed upon) of classroom visits reasonable, as established by the principal or designee
- Follow the school‘s established procedures for meeting with the teacher and/or principal after the visit, if needed
- Learn and follow the school-wide behavioral expectations
- Return the visitor‘s permit to the point of origin before leaving the campus.
Relevant Education Code/Board Policy/Administrative Regulations:
○ Parents/guardians may observe instructional and other school activities that involve their child in accordance with Board policy and administrative regulations adopted to ensure the safety of students and staff, prevent undue interference with instruction or harassment of school staff, and provide reasonable accommodation to parents/guardians (Education Code 49091.10).
○ AUSD BP/AR 1250 -- While “To ensure minimum interruption of the instructional program, the Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures which facilitate visits during regular school days. Visits during school hours should be first arranged with the teacher and principal or designee. If a conference is desired, an appointment should be set with the teacher during non-instructional time. To ensure the safety of students and staff and avoid potential disruptions, the Board requires that all visitors and outsiders register with the principal or designee upon entering school grounds.”
○ Upon written request by a parent/guardian, the Superintendent or designee shall arrange for parental observation of a class or activity in a reasonable time frame and in accordance with Board policy and administrative regulations (Education Code 49091.10).
○ AUSD BP 1313 requires "...consistent and appropriate communication and interaction between all parties.... The Board requires positive
communication among all staff and parents/guardians and prohibits volatile, hostile, or aggressive words or actions that could negatively impact the learning environment."
○ Engage in disruptive actions, activities or communication (EC 32210, 32211,
44810, 44811; BP 1313, BP 3515.2).
○ Speak or interact with any student (including their own), teacher, or instructional aide (EC 44810; BP 1250).
○ Conference with the teacher (EC 44811; BP 1250).
○ Electronically listen or record the teacher or students (EC 51512).
STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND SCHOOL-WIDE EXPECTATIONS
Every student has the same rights, responsibilities, and rules at Camino Grove School.
Student rights:
- You have the right to be treated with respect and kindness at school.
- You have the right to be safe and clean at school.
- You have the right to learn at school.
- You have the right to express yourself.
- You have the right to tell your side of a problem and be a part of the problem-solving process.
Student responsibilities:
- You are expected to treat others with respect and kindness at school.
- You are expected to help make our school a safe and clean place.
- You are expected to allow and help others to learn at school.
- You are expected to arrive at school and be in your seat, ready to work on time.
- You are expected to complete all assignments on time and to the best of your ability.
- You are expected to express your needs, ideas, and answers to questions or problems in a polite and honest manner.
- You are expected to utilize the Chromebook as a learning tool to expand growth and learning.
Student basic rules:
- Always follow school-wide expectations and playground game rules.
- Use good common sense: if someone might get hurt, do not do it!
- Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
- Stay in assigned areas.
- Use restrooms and drinking fountains at school respectfully and courteously and at appropriate times.
- During lunch, eat quietly and politely, clean up your area, and remain seated until dismissed by Proctors.
- Students may not borrow, give, or lend money or share food with other students.
- In part because we are teaching your children responsibility and the natural consequences of both planning and preparation, the school will NOT accept drop offs in the office of any item that your student forgot to bring to school with them, including but not limited to: jackets, backpacks, lunches, water bottles, instruments, homework, library books, any student work and projects. (Certain exceptions may apply.)
- Arrive at school no earlier than 7:50 a.m., as there is no supervision prior to this time.
- Leave all toys, trading cards, electronic devices and personal sports equipment at home unless special permission is given by your teacher to share only in the classroom.
- Cell phones/Apple watches are not to be used on campus prior to the start of school, or during school hours, which includes recess and lunch breaks.
- Camino Grove is not responsible for the loss or damage of any personal items brought to school by students.
- Gum,candies, or large bags of chips are not allowed in classrooms or playgrounds.
- Leave skateboards, scooters and rollerblades/shoes at home.
- Only students in grades 3-5 should ride bicycles to school independently. Bikes must be walked on and off campus and locked in the bike rack. When leaving the school, please ride along the sidewalks, or cross at the appropriate crosswalk in the parking lot. For the safety of everyone, do not cross between vehicles. Students must wear a helmet.
- For safety reasons, run and play only in designated areas. Display good sportsmanship and follow the game and equipment rules discussed in your class.
- You may not enter a classroom if a teacher is not present.
- Go directly home after school unless you are involved in a regularly scheduled youth activity. All school rules are in effect at after-school activities.
- During an assembly or any learning experience, you will be courteous to all speakers by not talking while they speak and appropriately showing your appreciation (i.e., clapping).
- District-assigned Chromebooks are used as a learning tool to extend knowledge and monitor progress.
Examples of Unacceptable behavior
- Repeatedly disrupting instruction and learning
- Having three or more unexcused absences or tardies
- Being disrespectful to adults
- Using profanity and/or obscene gestures
- Destroying school or personal property
- Stealing
- Fighting (real or play)
- Dishonesty
- Physically harming or threatening a staff member, visiting adult, or another student
- Throwing objects
- Using Chromebook inappropriately, such as sending messages to students unrelated to a learning task or searches that are not age appropriate/related to a learning task.
District policy elaborating more on behavior, click here.
Progressive Discipline
Progressive discipline is a proactive approach to support, modify and monitor student behavior so students understand how to be accountable, responsible, and reflective as community members of Camino Grove. Each student and the circumstances of behaviors are complex and require different supports. Addressing the behaviors is an incremental process of interventions to address the challenging behavior being exhibited.
The classroom teacher will address many behaviors in the classroom. The behavior is addressed by reteaching the appropriate behavior or possible restorative conversations. Problem-Solving Through Restorative Conversations involves students in the problem-solving process. This is essential as we cultivate our next generation of leaders and learners. Students identify the impact of their actions toward others and collectively create the next steps and accountability to “being better” and restoring a relationship. Restorative conversations are structured as follows:
Behavior is monitored and reinforced through the partnership of the teacher, the student, and the student’s family.
If the addressed behavior continues, a loss of a privilege and/or a specific intervention to support the student's social, emotional, and behavioral development will be put in place. The principal, student, teacher(s), and parent will create an intervention plan with a specific goal, action steps, and monitoring processes.
All incidents are investigated in a timely manner, considering there are various factors and various perspectives. Information regarding other students involved in an incident will remain confidential between the student, the student’s family, the teacher, the principal, and any other support team members.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES
AFTER SCHOOL RECREATION
The Arcadia Recreation Department offers after-school activities from 2:35 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri. and 1:45 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Wed. with the exception of some rainy days and minimum days. Students who participate in the recreation program must follow standards of behavior that are required during regular school hours. This program usually starts in late August and continues until early June. To participate, students must be registered through the Arcadia Recreation Department. For more information, please call: (626) 574-5113.
ARCADIA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION (AEF)
AEF comprises Arcadia parents and community members who want to ensure that Arcadia schools continue to provide the excellent quality of education for the 21st century that has characterized Arcadia student performance in the past. Not only does this benefit our students, but also maintains the hallmark educational program that has contributed to community pride and helps sustain the value of our neighborhoods. Camino Grove's parents represent our school in this organization. We are always looking for community members willing to serve in this capacity. If you would like more information, please visit our school office.
All tax-deductible proceeds directly benefit Arcadia’s students. Most of the money raised by AEF has been used to purchase educational technology such as computers, DVD players and chrome book carts. One way to support the foundation is through the purchase of SCRIP. (See section on page 21.) (If you would like to know more about this organization, contact: Arcadia Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 660174, Arcadia, CA 91066-0174.)
RIGHT AT SCHOOL
In addition to providing supervision before and after school, the goal of Right at School is to present pleasant and enriching experiences, which complement regular classroom activities and enhance each participant's cognitive and social development.
For daycare registration information, please visit www.rightatschool.com
EMERGENCY PLAN
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS POLICY AND CHECKOUT PROCEDURE
Our Emergency Preparedness Plan has been developed to ensure the safety, care, and feeding of your child(ren) in the event of a disaster that leaves you unable to get to school for several days.
IN THE EVENT OF AN EARTHQUAKE OR OTHER DISASTER, PLEASE DO THE FOLLOWING:
- The student pick-up area is on the playground. The parent, or someone listed on the Emergency Card, should come to the Sixth Avenue playground gate.
- Look for the sign indicating “STUDENT REQUEST”. Complete the STUDENT EMERGENCY RELEASE FORM and give it to the staff member.
- Your request form will be taken and verified with the student’s emergency card, and your child(ren) will be located at their classroom assembly area.
- Then proceed to the “STUDENT RELEASE” area, where you will be reunited with your child(ren). You will be asked to sign your child(ren) out.
PLEASE REMEMBER . . . The safety and security of everyone is our goal.
- Sixth Avenue is our emergency vehicle access. Please do not double park, block driveways, park in a red zone, or in front of fire hydrants. Also, be sure not to inhibit traffic flow on Sixth Avenue.
- Please, do not search the campus for your child(ren). We have designated search & rescue teams that will complete this task in the most efficient, predetermined manner.
- Please, do not remove your child(ren) without signing them out at the “student release” gate. This is extremely important as we might send a search team to find your “missing” child(ren), when your child may be safe at home with you. This can unnecessarily endanger the lives of our search team and waste valuable time.
- When you get to school, please be prepared to wait. We must document who takes your child(ren) and where they plan to go.
If you have concerns regarding campus safety, please visit our website, cg.ausd.net . Go to Parents, Click on the “Forms and Downloads” link, and print and complete the “To Report Safety Concerns” form. If you want to view the School Site Safety Plan, a hard copy is available in the front office.