Admission to School
A child must reach age five prior to September 1 to be eligible for kindergarten.  Likewise a child must reach age six prior to September 1 to be eligible for first grade.

Arizona Law ARS 15-830, requires proof of immunizations before starting school.  A copy of the proof of immunization will be kept in the child's health folder.  Immunizations must be up to date in order for the child to be enrolled.  If the requirements are not met the child can be held from attending school until such requirements are met.

Arrivals and Departures
Classes begin at 8:30 a.m.  Students are welcomed on our campus after 8:00 a.m.  Supervision will not be available until that time and student safety is our primary goal.  Breakfast will be available to all students beginning at 8:00 a.m. in the cafeteria.  We request that students eat breakfast as soon as they arrive on campus and prior to going to the playground.  This will help them arrive on time to class.

Students arriving after 8:30 a.m. need to check in at the front office to pick up a pass prior to going to their assigned class.

Children in grades kindergarten through six are dismissed at 2:30 p.m.  Students will leave the building through the exit closest to their classroom.  For safety reasons, we request that students leave school immediately unless they have written parental permission to be involved in a school sanctioned activity after hours.

If for any reason you wish to pick your child up from school before dismissal, you will need to come to the office in order to have them paged.  Parents or guardians will be asked to sign-out for their child in a notebook kept in the office.  Please remember students will only be released to individuals listed on the Emergency Card that is already completed in the office.  Please be prepared to show photo I.D.

Attendance and Absence Procedures
We feel school attendance is a critical part of a successful school year.  Students should be absent only when absolutely necessary, as much of the classroom activity cannot be made up, the benefit of discussion and participation is lost forever to those who are absent.

When your child is ill or not going to be at school on a particular day, please call school attendance line prior to 9:00 a.m. on the actual day of your child's absence.  When calling in an absence, please state child's name, teacher, grade and reason for absence.  Failure to report a child's absence will constitute an unexcused absence.

Parents, let us remind you that attendance is a matter of Governing Board Policy and that a student may be retained for excessive absences that affect his school academic progress.  We encourage you to discuss with the principal and/or nurse any medical conditions your child may have that result in frequent absences.

Bicycle Safety Policy
For safety reasons, Governing Board Policy and the Phoenix Police Department advises only students in grades three through six may ride a bicycle to school.  Student who are eligible to ride bicycles to school are responsible for following the common bicycle safety practices.  We encourage all bicycle riders to wear helmets while riding to and from school.  No skateboards, scooters, go-peds, motorized scooters, roller blade shoes or roller blades allowed.

Change of Address or Phone Number
It is imperative that our files contain accurate information so we can locate you should an emergency arise.  If a change in any information should occur, please notify the office by phone or in writing of those changes.  We thank you in advance for helping us in this matter.

Conferences-Parent/Teacher Portfolio
Conferences are scheduled for parents and students, kindergarten through sixth grades, at the close of the first and second quarter.  This is a special opportunity to share and celebrate the progress and growth of each of our students.  Parent participation and involvement with the conference is highly valued, significant and rewarding to all.  It is our hope that communication lines will be kept open and on-going throughout the year and that parents will be encouraged to meet or confer with their child's teacher to discuss concerns whenever necessary.

Dress Code
Keeping in mind that our manner of dress is often a reflection of the respect and attitude we have about ourselves and those around us, we ask parents and students to support us in the belief that you need to dress appropriately for the situation.  Clothing should not be hazardous to the health and safety of the student or disrupt or distract from the educational program.  If the school deems that the attire does not meet this standard, the student will be required to change.  All students must wear footwear (no flip-flops, open-toed shoes or shoes with wheels will be worn).  Hats may be worn to and from school and at recess as long as they are worn correctly.  (i.e. baseball visors should shade the face, etc.)  All hats must be removed from the head when entering the building. Hair color should be a natural color.

Examples of inappropriate dress are:  see-through blouses or shirts, half-shirts or halter tops (which expose the midriff), over-sized tank tops, boxer shorts, T-shirts with vulgar or violent language or pictures, short shorts, attire that exposes the navel or clothing that exposes the undergarments (such as sagging pants).  When earrings are worn, they should be the post type.  No spaghetti strap shirts.  Make-up is not allowed.

Food Services
Breakfast will be served starting at 8:00 a.m. at a cost of 75 cents and is available to any student.

Hot lunches are served at school to grades kindergarten through six.  The cost of a hot lunch is $1.50 per day and includes milk or apple juice.  If a student brings lunch from home, milk or apple juice can be purchased for 25 cents per day.  Snacks are also available for 50 cents.

Students may deposit money into their lunch and/or beverage card account daily from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. or pay cash for their lunch or beverage at the assigned eating time.  (Please note prices are subject to change).

A free and reduced lunch program is available at Boulder Creek.  Please check with Food Service personnel, in the cafeteria, for an application.

Health Center
A registered nurse that is eager to work with Boulder Creek families on many health and education related issues staffs our Health Center.  In addition, we will teach students lifelong habits that will promote healthy life styles.  Please remember to notify the nurse of any health problems or concerns your child may have.  If you child is on any medication, even if only at home, remember to notify the nurse so that she may help monitor the medication for any adverse reactions.

Our primary purpose is to evaluate and/or treat any child who becomes ill or injured at school.  If it is necessary for the child to leave school, the parent will be contacted and requested to pick up the child.  The Health Center tries first to locate a parent before calling the emergency numbers listed.  Always keep in mind no child will be sent home alone or released without an adult to accompany them.

We request that you do not send an ill child to school to be diagnosed by our nurse due to health and legal factors.

Health Screening
Age/grade level appropriate and program specific health screenings of student (e.g. height, weight, vision, hearing, blood pressure, scoliosis) are performed each year.  You will be notified should the nurse detect a possible problem.

Library/Media Center
Students are encouraged to participate in frequent checkout of library material as well as utilizing the Media Center for both pleasure and research experiences.  Students are responsible for materials they have checked out.

Lost and Found
For that occasional misplaced item, the school has designated a collection box for lost items to be placed and a starting place for you to look.  Although schools are not responsible for lost items, we will make every effort to help locate the item reported missing.

Make-Up Work For Absences of 2 or More Days
It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all work is obtained and made up upon return from any absence.  Parents assisting in the pick-up of make-up work are urged to phone the office after 10:00 a.m. with this request, thus allowing teachers the time to prepare materials and have it ready for them in the office the next day.  In cases of prolonged absences, parents should consult with individual teachers.

Medication
State Law rigidly controls dispensing medication to children by a school nurse.  These requirements are made for the protection of all children.  When students must take medication at school, either by a physician's order (Prescription Medication) or by parent/guardian request (Non-Prescription Medication) the following steps will be required:

A medication form provided by Paradise Valley School District must be completed and signed by the parent/guardian prior to dispensing any medication.

Medication must be delivered to the nurse in the original prescription bottle or over the counter container.

The prescription label must have the student's name, current date, and name of medication, dosage and the time to be given.

If dosages should change while the child is on the medication, such changes need to be faxed to the nurse from the doctor or a new prescription bottle provided with the changes listed prior to the new dose being administered.

The dosage of a non-prescription medication must be within the manufacturer's recommendation as printed on the label.

Teachers only keep and administer medication on field trips.

NO CHILD MAY CARRY MEDICINE TO ADMINISTER TO THEMSELVES without a doctor's order on file in the nurse's office.

Parent/Student Orientation Night
Our Parent Orientation Evening will be held August 19, 2008.  Parents are invited to attend and will receive important information from the teachers for the coming year.

Physical Education Excuses
Physical Education is required of all students.  For a temporary P.E. excuse of three consecutive days or less, a written parental excuse must be submitted to the nurse at the beginning of that P.E. day.  The note must specify the illness or injury.  The nurse will complete the appropriate form for the student to give to the physical education teacher to excuse the child from participation in activities that day. If your child frequently needs a temporary excuse, please contact the physical education teacher and/or nurse.

For long-term excuses of more than three consecutive days, the parent is required to obtain a written statement from the student's physician describing the health problem and the length of time to be excused from active physical education participation.  The note will be kept in the student's health file and a copy sent to the physical education instructor.  A second note will be required from the physician to allow the child to resume his/her normal activities.  The dress code for P.E. includes tied, closed toe shoes, shirt and shorts or pants.

Principal's List/Honor Roll
To promote and acknowledge continued academic excellence and progress in grades four through six, Boulder Creek has two categories of recognition.

Principal's List  - a student will qualify for this list if he/she receives all A's in general subject areas as well as S's or better in the non-graded sections.

Honor Roll - a student will qualify for this list if he/she receives all A's and B's in the general subject area as well as S's or better in the non-graded sections.

Prohibited Items at School
Students are not allowed to bring any weapon to school, any toy weapon or any object that could be used as a weapon.  Possession of such could result in suspension or expulsion.  No skateboards or roller blades are allowed.  Items that are prohibited include:  toys, smoke bombs, poppers, stink bombs, jackknives (or other blades), radios or pagers, cell phones and all electronic devices.

Drugs and alcohol are not permitted on campus.  The discipline policy regarding possession, use and sale of drugs and alcohol is strictly applied.  Students who provide drugs and/or alcohol in school are recommended for expulsion on the first offense.  Students who are found in possession, or under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol on a first offense are suspended.  A second offense of use or possession will result in a motion for expulsion of the student.

Promotion/Retention
Students will normally progress from grade to grade.  When facts indicate that retention is in the best interest of the student's academic progress, there must be close cooperation between the parents and all personnel involved.  Each child will have individual consideration and decisions will be made only after a careful study of facts relating to all phases of the child's growth and development.

Parent/Teachers Organization
Our PTO is an active, vital part of Boulder Creek Elementary School.  They organize and sponsor many of our family centered programs and activities.  Boulder Creek PTO would warmly welcome your participation.  For more information, please contact the office.

Staff Development Days
On six separate dates, special teacher training will take place during the second half of the day.  Students will have an early dismissal time on the staff development days and the buses will run according to an early dismissal schedule.  Please check school newsletters and calendars for updates on these dates and times of dismissal.

Student Accident Insurance
At the beginning of the school year information concerning the purchase of student accident insurance is sent home with every student.  This insurance is available through an independent insurance company at a low cost and covers the child throughout the school year.  If you do not have accident or medical coverage for your child, you may want to consider this program.  Additional forms are available in the office if yours should be misplaced and you are interested in the program.

Student Progress Reports
Written grades and/or progress reports to parents of students in grades kindergarten through six shall be issued approximately every nine weeks.  Written reports for P.E., Art and Music are issued at the close of each semester (every eighteen weeks).

Suspension and Expulsion
The Paradise Valley School District places high priority on providing each student with the opportunity to learn within a safe and stimulating environment.  For this reason, the Governing Board accepts the responsibility for identifying those behaviors, which, if allowed to exist without restrictions or appropriate disciplinary action, would interfere with individual and group learning and would interfere with the orderly conduct of our public schools.  Furthermore, the Governing Board charges the professional staff with the responsibility for enforcing the rules on conduct, establishing consistency in their enforcement, and maintaining an appropriate learning and behavioral environment.

Telephone
We want all students to feel safe and secure at Boulder Creek.  If there is an emergency, students will be permitted to call home.  We discourage phone calls for forgotten homework, musical instruments or after school arrangements.

Textbooks
All books are on loan to students.  Students are expected to respect and care for them properly.  Students are responsible for replacement or damage costs.

Transportation
Students in grades one through six living more than one diagonal mile from school are eligible to ride the bus.  Kindergarten students living more than one-half diagonal mile are eligible for transportation.

Visitors
Visitors are welcomed to come visit our campus.  To maximize a visitor's time here, we suggest making prior arrangements with the classroom teacher or principal.  All visitors must check in with the office upon arrival to campus and wear a visitor's badge.  Picture I.D. will be required.

Children visiting our campus must be accompanied by an adult during their visit to ensure their safety.

Volunteer Program
Boulder Creek encourages you to become a volunteer at your child's school.  The staff enjoys the support they receive from the volunteer program and looks forward to working with you.

Your participation in the volunteer program means more individualized instruction can be given to each child.  In addition, it provides an enriching and rewarding experience for you the parent, grandparent and/or guardian.

You will be asked to complete a Volunteer Service Statement & Agreement, a conviction report and a Voluntary Emergency Information form when accompanying students on a field trip.

MAKE YOUR DAY CITIZENSHIP PROGRAM
Boulder Creek Elementary School is designed to be a center of high academic and personal achievement for every member, be it student, staff, parent or patron.  The foundation for such a goal must include a consistently safe and positive environment.

The following portion of this handbook outlines our Make Your Day Citizenship Program.  Please read and review this section carefully as a family during the first week of school.  Teachers will also review this section in class to be sure all students understand the procedures.

The Make Your Day program is intended to be proactive and gives all students the opportunity to learn in a positive atmosphere, to make choices and to evaluate and self-correct.


We believe that…

No one has the right to interfere with the learning, safety and well being of others.

We are committed to the following:

We will do what is expected and do it the best we can.Ó
Introduction & Overview
During the 1996-1997 school year, the staff and parents of Boulder Creek voiced concern relative to citizenship awareness.  In response to these concerns, we have implemented the Make Your Day Citizenship Program.

The Make Your Day program is no more than the understanding that no one has the right to interfere with the learning or rights of others and that each student is to do what is expected and do it the best they can.

If a student is interfering with the learning or rights of others, they are permitted to take time away from the current activity in order to process the consequences of their current behavior, its effect on those around them and engage in problem solving to resolve the difficulty.  In a few minutes, the student is allowed to return to designated activities if they indicate a willingness to participate appropriately.  More time is allowed if a student needs additional time to reflect and/or to gather self-control.  On occasion, a three way conference between the staff member, the student and the parent(s) is structured to give the student an opportunity to assess and take responsibility for their behavior, provide alternate choices for future situations and indicate a readiness to return to the classroom.

Throughout the day, each student is aware that the consequences of their behavior, both positive and negative, result from their choices and not from decisions made by the staff.  Students who do not meet expectations are required, on a written form, to describe why they did not make their dayÓ  Students are expected to discuss their behaviors with their parents, ask their parents to sign the form and return it the next day.  Communication with parents is critical for changing negative behavior and an important strength of this program.

Make Your Day is positively motivated.  It constantly puts students in positions to succeed, not fail.  If a student does not "make their day", they are simply provided with an opportunity to learn from a mistake or to modify their behavior.  This is not a program about "good" or "bad"; this is a program about choice and taking responsibility for personal behavior.  It allows a student to make a mistake without feeling like he/she is a bad person.  Students are provided with the opportunity to develop lifelong skills in taking responsibility, in making choices and in effective communication.

Your teacher or the principal will be happy to answer any questions you may have about this program.  Thank you for your support and understanding of our efforts to create a safe and positive learning environment for your child at Boulder Creek Elementary School.



Program Purpose
The Make Your Day program provides a consistent total campus management system.  It demonstrates that teachers hold high expectations for all students and is a cooperative management system, not merely a discipline plan.  Students are held responsible for their own actions and for coming to school ready to learn.  The foundation of Make Your Day is threefold:

All students are capable of success

Parents must be directly involved in their student's academic process

Making appropriate choices at school, coupled with open communication between home and school will generate student success

Earning Points
Students earn points when they are doing what they are supposed to do, the best way they know how.  At the end of designated time periods, students are asked to review their performance by assigning themselves points.  Each student has the opportunity to earn bonus points on a daily basis to help them "make their day".

Once students have assigned their own points, fellow students and/or staff have an opportunity to give feedback to each other under teacher direction.  In other words, if students in the classroom feel that a fellow student has given themselves too many points, they may question or disagree with those points.  Student concerns will only include interfering with learning and/or safety.  Teachers make the final decision about the disagreements and point assignments.

Students are taken off concerns (or the option to challenge another student's points) when they use concerns irresponsibly.  For example, using concerns as a threat or a "get-back", pettiness or continuously monitoring others' behavior.  The purpose of a concern is to help others in their self-evaluation.

Students "make their day" by averaging 45 points per class period in intermediate grades and ten points in primary grades.

Incentives and Rewards
Each student is an active participant in the learning process.  Students are encouraged to accept responsibility for their learning and behavior.  Each classroom teacher at Boulder Creek establishes a reward system to develop self-confidence, high self-esteem and pride in one's accomplishments.  Your child's teacher will communicate to you regarding this aspect of Make Your Day.

Steps
Inappropriate behavior will be dealt with in steps.  The Make Your Day Program emphasizes student decision-making and responsibility.  It is important for the student, parent and teacher to realize that progression through steps is entirely the student's choice.  It must be noted that when the student is on steps, he or she is not allowed to talk, move around excessively or make noises.

Step 1:  When a problem occurs for a student in a class, the student will be asked to take a seat away from the academic setting and sit facing away from the class.  The student is to spend an appropriate time period, approximately 3 - 5 minutes, quietly thinking about the problem he/she had.  The student then may choose to return to the class activity.

Step 2:  If the student fails to sit appropriately on Step 1, he/she forfeits his/her chair and stands facing away from the class for an appropriate time period before returning to Step 1.

Step 3:  If the student fails to stand appropriately on Step 2, the student will focus on a sign with the Make Your Day principle written on it.  The purpose of this is to assist concentration on appropriate behaviors.  After an appropriate time period, the student may return to Step 2.

Please note that Steps 1 - 3 allow the student to remain in the classroom and receive instruction as they attempt to correct their behavior.

Step 4:  Inappropriate behavior on Step 3 will lead to a Step 4 conference.  The student will be sent to the office to phone a parent, with an adult present, to request a time to meet.  Parents will be requested by the student to come in for an immediate conference to facilitate the student's returning to class.  The student will remain out of class activities until a parent, student and teacher/administrator conference can be held.  This is to determine if the student is ready to return to class for the purpose of learning.  If the parents are not able to meet on the day of the Step 4 violation, the student will be kept in an alternate classroom for the remainder of the time until the parents are able to conference regarding their child's behavior.  Upon completion of a successful conference, the student then returns to Step 3.

Step 5:  This step is used only when a child is out of control or has violated district policy that warrants suspension.  At this point, the principal or designee will contact the parent and indicate that the child needs to be picked up at school immediately.  If this is not possible, the principal or designee will transport the student to the parent at home or at work.  The alternative classroom may be used for the remainder of the day if a parent contact is unable to be made.  The student will remain at home the following day or until they have satisfied the sanction requirements appropriate for their infraction as outlined in the Paradise Valley School District discipline policy and a successful conference has occurred.  The Step 5 conference will be scheduled by the administrator.  Please note that Step 5 sanctions may involve short and long term suspension from Boulder Creek.

Step 4/5 Conference
When the parent comes to school for a conference, the purpose is to help the student understand the behavior choices expected to occur at school.  At Step 4 and Step 5, the student has requested his parent to be present for the conference about his/her choice of behavior.  The student will conduct the conference.  At this time the student will:

State the problem

Express that it was his/her responsibility to manage his/her behavior

Offer alternative methods of managing his/her problem

Exhibit a willingness to accept responsibility

Express a desire to return to class

Both parent and teacher/administrator must find the outcome of the conference acceptable and make the determination that the student is indeed ready to appropriately rejoin his/her class.  Please note that even with a successful conference the student will be expected to fulfill the sanction his/her behavior brought about.

Please note:  Step 4 and 5 will result in zero points for that class period and the child will not make their day.

NOTICE Ð Some behaviors require a circumventing of all or a portion of the steps system.

Steps may be adjusted for students who chronically misbehave.  When an administrator evaluates which disciplinary action is appropriate for the behavior of a student, the individual case is reviewed in the context of the students past behavior and disciplinary record.

Exceptions
Shadowing:  When another student responds to or interacts in any manner with a student on steps, he/she has chosen to "shadow" or follow his/her fellow student through the steps.  Choosing steps is only the business of the student making the choice.  No other student should be allowed to become involved.

Requesting Steps:  Occasionally a student, for any number of reasons, may choose to go to steps so he/she may earn his/her points away from the learning environment.  This student should be accommodated by the teacher and recognized for taking responsibility for behavioral management.

Automatic Step 4:  Immediate Step 4 placement will occur should the student participate in any of the following behaviors:

Defiance of school authority (willful disobedience).  Refusal to obey reasonable directions for requests of any staff member, including, volunteers, aides, substitutes, secretaries, custodians, food service workers, bus drivers, etc.

Willful abuse or destruction of property

Chronic cheating

Stealing

Extreme disrespect

Threatening others

Profanity directed at others

Automatic Step 5:  If a student's behavior is such that it surpasses the parameters of the Make Your Day Program and violates the Paradise Valley District's discipline policy, the student will not participate in steps but will be immediately referred to the Boulder Creek school administration for disciplinary measures.  Those infractions are outlined under the Paradise Valley policy section of the Parent Handbook.  An automatic Step 5 placement will occur should the student participate in any of the following behaviors:

Possession and/or use of tobacco, lighters or matches

Possession and/or use of alcohol

Possession and/or use of illegal drugs or related paraphernalia

Possession and/or use of illegal weapons, knives, Chinese stars, firecrackers or other objects of danger to others.

Student Management/Behavior Guidelines
Positive Celebrations

Assemblies will be held near the end of each grading quarter to honor students who achieve the Principal's List, Honor Roll, "Attitude is Everything" or Perfect Attendance.  This will involve grades K - 6.  Parents of students who will be honored will be invited to attend the assembly to participate in the celebration.

Principal's Luncheon
Students on the Principal's List and Honor Roll each grading quarter will be treated to pizza at the end of each quarter, courtesy of our PTO.

Morning Broadcasts
Daily morning broadcasts by the principal will update students and staff on Boulder Creek events, student achievements and expectations.

Compliment Cards
Compliment cards will be issued to students who are observed demonstrating positive, polite or helpful behavior.  A copy of this card will be placed in the grade level compliment card box.  Students' names will be drawn each quarter from the box.  Special recognition will be given to those students whose card is drawn.

Boulder Creek's Bobcat Country News Newsletter
Student achievements and curriculum updates will be highlighted in the school newsletter published each month.

Positive Behavior Reinforcement
Classroom teachers will develop additional positive reinforcements specific to their classroom.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL PRACTICES
Each member of our community is required to behave in a manner that enhances the learning process and recognizes and protects the rights of others.  Recognizing that these are priorities and that each of us responds best when communication and problem solving are conducted with dignity and cooperation, we expect that each member accept their responsibility and commitment to these standards.  With this attitude and atmosphere we can maintain high quality educational programs, promote positive growth and celebrate productive successes.  Thus the following six basic guidelines represent the building foundation of our behavioral expectations throughout our campus community:

Respect yourself and others

Respect school and personal property

Work and play safely

Listen attentively

Follow directions

Work quietly, not disturbing others

Bicycle Safety Practices
Students who are eligible to ride their bicycles to school are responsible for practicing the following safety practices:

Obey all traffic rules, coming and going to school.

Walk bicycle from edge of school property and across crosswalks when coming and leaving school.

One rider per bike.

Park in racks provided.

Lock your bike.

Wear a helmet.

No scooters, roller blades or skateboards are allowed on campus.

Bus Rider Practices
The safety and welfare of students and possibly the community at large is of primary concern.  Bus riders should practice the following safety practices and conduct themselves in a socially acceptable manner.  Misbehavior/vandalism on the bus or at the bus stop will be dealt with appropriately.

Arrive at your bus stop on time or 10 minutes before

Wait at a safe distance from the road

Form a line when you see the bus coming

Board carefully

Remain in your seat

Protect your head and arms by keeping them inside the bus

Respect others around you by never throwing anything inside or outside the bus

Follow the directions of the driver; assist him/her by not being or causing distractions

Treat the bus respectfully, keep it clean

Remember to ride your assigned bus

Bus tickets will be issued for students who violate bus safety practices.  The first ticket will constitute a warning.  The second ticket will result in a phone call home and/or a step 4 conference with the principal.  The third ticket will be automatic suspension from the bus for three days.  The fourth ticket will be suspension from the bus for three weeks.  The fifth and final ticket will result in permanent removal from the bus.

Bus Riders Procedures for Changes
To make any changes in the normal bus assignment of a student, parents must inform the office in writing.  To verify that change in bus assignment, the principal or designee must sign the permission for the change request.  This procedure is necessary for the child's safety whether the change is for a single day or a more extensive time line.

Cafeteria Practices
In order to establish an appropriate atmosphere while eating, the following practices are the responsibility of students when in the cafeteria.

Remember to always walk

Demonstrate control of your hands

Use good table manners

Sit at your assigned table

Talk at an appropriate voice level

Food, beverages and candy are to remain in the cafeteria

Sharing of food is not allowed.  We will provide lunch if a child forgets their money or sack lunch

When finished, place all trash in the containers provided

Remain seated until dismissed by Campus Assistant

Playground Practices
In order to maintain a safe and stimulating environment the following practices are the responsibility of the students when out on the playground.

Treat each other with respect and kindness in words and actions

Use equipment property, carefully and cooperatively

Remain within the safety of the playground boundaries.

Student-to-Student Harassment or Misconduct Policy
Policy Statement:  The students at Boulder Creek Elementary School shall have the right to attend school without fear of harm, threat, intimidation or harassment and that right shall be protected.

Definitions

Harm:  Students shall not hit, kick, strike or otherwise be physically abusive to any other person during school time or while on school property.

Threat:  Students shall not threaten to harm any person for any reason during school time or while on school property.  This includes direct or indirect suggestion of harm for any reason.

Extortion:  Defined as demanding something of value in exchange for protection from harm.  This will not be tolerated at school.

Intimidation:  Students shall not engage in any activity that frightens another student or makes that student unhappy or uncomfortable in the school setting.

Harassment:  Students shall not annoy, antagonize or bother another person physically, verbally or visually.  This includes the use of offensive language, symbols, gestures, touching, unfounded rumors, etc. or any unwanted sexual advances.

Consequences:  These will be consistent with existing consequences present in the School and District Discipline Policy.  In the case of sexual misconduct, a referral shall be forwarded to the school nurse and psychologist to determine if counseling or related services are indicated.  If so determined, appropriate services will be recommended for parent consideration.

Procedures:  Any student who feels he has been a victim of any of the above should immediately contact the Principal, a teacher, nurse or other trusted adult.

Non-Discrimination
No person connected with the Paradise Valley Schools, whether a student, employee or volunteer shall, on the basis of sex, creed, or color, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity.

Internet Policy
Computers are used to support learning and to enhance instruction.  Computer networks allow people to interact with many computers.  The internet, telecommunications and networked information resources allow people to interact with hundreds of thousands of libraries, databases and bulletin boards with the potential to exchange messages with people throughout the world.  Families should be warned that some material accessible via the internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people.  While our intent is to make internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well.  We believe that the benefits to students from access to the internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration and communication, exceed disadvantages.  Ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources.  To that end, the Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for access.

Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway.  Communications on the network are often public in nature.  General school rules for behavior and communications apply.

The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others.  Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner.  Parent permission is required.  Access is a privilege - not a right.  Access entails responsibility.

Individual users of the district computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks.  It is presumed that users will comply with district standards and will honor the agreements they have signed.  Beyond the clarification of such standards, the district is not responsible for restricting, monitoring or controlling the communications of individuals utilizing the network.

Acceptable uses of the Paradise Valley Unified School District electronic information resources include:

Being responsible, courteous and polite

Using appropriate language

Honoring all rules and laws of copyright and personal property.

Accepting full responsibility for the use of personal accounts

Researching assigned classroom projects

Sending and receiving electronic mail (email)

Exploring other authorized computer systems, libraries, databases and bulletin boards

Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers.  Network administrators may review files and communication to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly.  Users should not expect that files stored on district servers would be private.

Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored.  During school, teachers of younger students will guide them toward appropriate materials.  Outside of school, families bear the same responsibility for guidance as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio and other potentially offensive media.

As outlined in Board policy and procedures on students' rights and responsibilities, copies of which are available in school offices, the following are not permitted:

Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures

Using obscene language

Harassing, insulting or attacking others

Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks

Sending or receiving copyrighted materials without permission

Using another's password

Trespassing in another's folders, work or files

Intentionally wasting limited resources

Employing the network for commercial purposes

Advertising or promoting events that are illegal or against school policy

Violations may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action.

NOTICE

It is the Paradise Valley Unified School District No. 69 responsibility to inform the general public and all parents within our boundaries of our responsibility to make available special education services for students with disabilities aged 3 through 21 years and how to access those services.  In addition we have a responsibility to provide information regarding early intervention services for children birth through 2 years.

We are responsible for identifying, locating and evaluating all children with disabilities including children aged 3 through 21 and for referring children from birth through 2 years of age to Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) for evaluation and appropriate services.

We are also responsible for providing a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), which includes special education and related services to children with disabilities at public expense, under public supervision and direction and without charge to the parents.

For all new students to the district, the classroom teacher will complete screening activities within 45 days of enrollment.  The teacher will look at the child's ability in the areas of academics, vision, hearing, communication, social/emotional, adaptive development and motor skills.  If any concerns are noted the child may be referred for additional help.

Children birth through 2 years of age who are receiving early intervention services and will be participating in preschool programs for children with disabilities will be assured of a smooth transition into that program.  We will ensure that:

Transition conferences for children aged 2 years 6 months to 2 years, 9 months will be held

By the child's 3^rd birthday an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) will be developed and implemented and

For the child who turns 3 during the summer, the IEP team will determine the date for services to begin including eligibility for Extended School Year (ESY) services.

If you have concerns about a child you know please contact Laura Bistrow, Director of Special Education at 602.867.5115 for more information.

Last Updated 10/24/08