Accident Insurance
The school will send home information concerning the purchase of accident insurance. The school is not acting as an agent, nor does it carry any accident insurance on students. Therefore, parents are encouraged to evaluate this coverage. The cost is low and there are several options available.
The school does not carry medical insurance coverage for accidents which occur on school grounds.
Attendance is Essential
Regular attendance is a key to academic success and is the responsibility of parents and students. Since much of the learning cannot be made up (i.e., discussions, participation, etc.) students should remain out of school only when absolutely neccessary. Excessive absences are a concern to us and should be to the child's family. A student whose absences total 24 days or more in a school year and whose absences have negatively affected his/her academic progress may be retained. Teachers will inform parents when absences are affecting grades.
District policy on attendance includes:
Whenever a student is not present in a classroom, he/she is marked absent;
Excused absences are those validated by parents by phone on the day of the absence of those prearranged by the parents;
Prearrange absences at least two school days in advance of the planned absence or as soon as possible;
Absences due to suspension are considered part of the total absence count;
All other absences are truancies and are subject to disciplinary action.
According to district policy, the student is responsible for obtaining make up assiments and for completing those assignments within prescribed time lines. A student returning from an absence will have an amount of time equivalent to the number of days absent to complete and turn in assignments. For prearranged absences, makeup tests and work should be completed before the absence begins, by the day of return or as individually arranged with the teacher.
When your child is going to be absent from school, the parent/guardian should call the attendance hotline before 10 a.m. to report the absence. It is for your child's protection that this policy exists, and we appreciate your cooperation and support. Homework, if requested, may be picked up in the school office after three o'clock (3 p.m.).
Students are considered tardy if they arrive at school after 9:00 a.m. The office should be contacted using the attendance hotline or in person by the child's parent or guardian when a child will be arriving late. A child is considered truant if the school is not contacted.
Bicycles
Students in fourth through sixth grades ONLY will be allowed to ride bicycles to school. This follows Phoenix Police Department and school district guidelines for safety of students. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made. Students riding to school will be expected to follow safety and traffic rules for good bicycling. All students will participate in a bike safety workshop.
Bicycles are to be walked when crossing the street at crosswalks and on school grounds. Helmets are recommended for your child's health and safety when riding. Crossing Bell Road is discouraged by school personnel unless by bus or other adult-driven motor vehicle due to safety concerns. Crossing Bell Road at any location other than 56th Street with the light signal is strictly forbidden. Other locations and intersections present a danger to both pedestrians and bicyclists. Students found to be crossing at any location other than 56th Street and Bell Road are taking a dangerous risk and may be subject to losing bicycle privileges and other disciplinary action.
Skateboards, in-line skates, motorized go-peds and scooters are not acceptable means of traveling to or from school.
Bus Services
Riding a district bus is a privilege offered to students who live designated distances from school. Students can make the bus experience an enjoyable one for everyone by being courteous and respectful. Students are expected to follow bus and school rules as they await, board, ride, or exit a bus. Drivers will share rules for safety with students. Misconduct by a student is reported to the school office through the Director of Transportation on a Bus Misconduct Report. The Principal will invesigate, take action, ,inform parents and child, notify the Director of Transportation of the action taken. Parents are expected to follow up any bus ticket by discussing it with their child, signing it and returning following day. Severe offenses are cause for removal from a bus. Repeated offenses are cause for loss of bus privileges.
Cafeteria/Food Services
Students are expected to follow rules of courtesy and proper manners while eating in our cafeteria. Adult supervisors will be available for assisting students. Students are expected to clean up after themselves by recycling appropriate materials, putting discards in the garbage receptacles, and wiping down their tables and bench areas. Students may purchase a school lunch or bring a lunch from home. A hot lunch is available for first for sixth grade students and kindergartners in our enrichment program. Regular kindergartners do not each lunch at school. Lunches may be purchased for $1.50 per day, which includes milk. Additional milk may be purchased for 25 cents per day. Daily ALA carte snack items will be available at 50 cents with a maximum of 2 purchases per day. These are sold on a cash basis only and must be purchased AFTER lunches are eaten.
Students may purchase a school breakfast before school hours for 75¢. School breakfasts are available to any student enrolled at Copper Canyon. Breakfasts are served Monday through Friday from 8:30 - 8:50 a.m.. Students will enter and exit through the southeast multipurpose room door when eating breakfast.
Students will have debit cards. This is a laminated card with a bar code which identifies each student account and the child's name. A child's debit card is credited when payments are made. Lunches must be paid for in advance. The card will be debited when the student uses it for either lunch or breakfast, Your child will receive a hand stamp or written notice to notify you when one lunch is left on the card.
When crediting your child's account, please make checks payable to P.V.U.S.D. #69 Food Services. The check should include the child's full name .If the check is for more than one student, the amount to be credited to each child's account needs to be indicated. Your phone number should also be on the check. Lunch payments must be made before school begins or as early as possible in the mornings on Mondays and Tuesdays. The cafeterias is open for payments from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. daily. Students will enter and exit through the southeast multipurpose room door when making payments.
Since no student will be without lunch, one will be provided. Please repay the following day.
Adults may also eat in the cafeteria with their child. Adult fee $1.75.
Cars/Student Drop-Off/Traffic
Traffic flow and student stop-off procedures help assure the safety of our students. The safety and well-being of all our children is extremely important. If we all work together, remembering that child safety is the purpose for these guidelines, Copper Canyon will be safe for everyone.
Speed limits are 5 mph in school parking lots and 15 mph in school zones.
Fallow the directions of our two crossing guards as they guide children safely across streets.
Stop for buses loading and unloading children.
Drive slowly and with caution in parking lots. They are dangerous areas for children.
Remind your child to stay on sidewalks and walk around, not through, parking lots.
Do not drop off children across the parking lot or street and expect them to walk across traffic.
Use only designated drop-off locations.
Please. teach your children to respect and follow instructions of our duty aides. Their job is student safety.
A traffic safety map is provided in the safety section for your traffic flow, bus lane, parent parking, and student drop-off information.
Change of Address/Phone Number/transferring
So our files may contain accurate information, parents are requested to submit to the office any change of address or telephone numbers as soon as they occur. All parents should have on file at the school a number where they may be reached during the school day. At times, we at school are unable to contact parents immediately when a problem develops. We need a phone number where we can reach someone in case of an emergency with your child. Please make sure your child's emergency card information is accurate.
Transferring: If your family moves out of our attendance area during the year, please try to notify your child's teacher and the office in advance so we may help make your child's transfer speedy and efficient. Library books and texts need to be returned before leaving.
Communications Between Home and School and Parent-Teacher Conferences
Good communication is important to the academic success of your child. Regular communications between parents and staff is encouraged. We will keep you informed of school, grade level and classroom programs and activities through monthly school newsletters, class newsletters, a monthly calendar, P.T.A. information and fliers will be send home with each child attending Copper Canyon. Individual parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for parents of students kindergarten though sixth grade, at the close of the first and second quarters. At these conferences the teachers will discuss the student’s progress report with you. See the school calendar for exact dates of conferences.
A conference may be requested at any time by a parent or teacher. Parents are encouraged to confer with their child’s teacher any time it seems necessary. For a conference, please contact the teacher to arrange an appointment.
Please arrange conferences in advance. Teachers use their time before and after school to make preparations for the day, clean up, meet with or telephone previously arranged appointments, or attend important staff meetings. Teachers want to give you their undivided attention and be prepared with records and documents when meeting about students. Their conferences with you will be more informative and productive if prearranged.
It is our hope that communication lines will be kept open all year, and if a problem arises, both parents and teacher will work together right away to find solutions and implement plans to help your child succeed.
Where parents are separated, both have the right to a conference with the child’s teacher. However, the school may require that both parties come to the same conference as the scheduling of two separate conferences is deemed to be inconvenient or otherwise impractical. Where parents are separated, both have the right to a conference with the child’s teacher. However, the school may require that both parties come to the same conference as the scheduling of two separate conferences is deemed to be inconvenient or otherwise impractical.
Conduct/Harassment/Drugs/Gangs
Please refer to the District’s Parent-Student Handbook or our Discipline Procedures Section for information about consequences for harassment, drugs and gang activity. We urge your cooperation in helping Copper Canyon be an exceptional place to learn.
Discipline- Student Conduct
Good student conduct is vital to a well run school where children achieve their highest potential. At Copper Canyon, the district’s guidelines for student conduct direct our discipline program. Students are given rules to follow, rewards for appropriate behavior and consequences for inappropriate behavior. We expect parents and staff to work together in maintaining a safe learning environment an in resolving any problems that may arise.
Students know they are responsible for their own behavior and must accept consequences when they choose to disobey a rule. For the students who choose to behave in unacceptable ways a system of consequences will be used. Students who display sever discipline problems face consequences such as detention, in-school suspension, out of school suspension or expulsion.
Rules and Regulations – School Rules
1. Respect - Students will show proper respect to other students and all adults.
2. Verbal Students will use appropriate language.
3. Physical Students’ physical behavior will show proper consideration for others.
4. Equipment Students will use all equipment in the manner for which it was designed.
5. Movement Students will travel throughout the school in a safe and orderly manner.
School-Wide Guidelines
Safety and physical and emotional well-being of our students are our primary concern at
Copper Canyon. Each area outside the regular classroom has guidelines for student
conduct and safety. Students are instructed in proper conduct in all areas. Use of common sense and respect will result in appropriate behavior.Breaking of the rules may result in loss of recess time or revocation of a hall pass.
Repeated offenses may result in more severe consequences. Students who break rules will follow the usual discipline referral system. Parent cooperation is expected when problems arise
Walk instead of run when in the building, on sidewalks, crossing bus lanes and on the
play court.
Carry a hall pass issued by the teacher to be inside the building before or after school or
away from the classroom and a teacher’s direct supervision
Wear your hats outside of the building only. Hats are not to be worn inside the building.
Leave all gum at home. Gum is not allowed on campus.
Bring toys for play during recess as long as they are safe and do not interfere with the
learning environment. (The school is not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings brought to the school)
Play fairly and use good sportsmanship at all times.
Respect the other person in both your words and actions
Play only tag or flag football. No tackle football allowed
Play soccer without sliding tackles, tripping or body blocks
Play basketball without body blocks or body contact.
No baseballs or softballs for playing catch. (Tennis balls or rag balls only)
Fighting is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate referral to the Principal. Inappropriate language is offensive to others and will result in immediate referral to the Principal Harassment of any kind is demeaning to others, will not be tolerated and will result in immediate referral to the Principal. Gang activity or gang like behavior will result in immediate referral to the Principal.
Outside the classroom Inappropriate Behavior Tickets will be issued to children if their actions have earned both a warning and time-out or for repeated offenses. Your child will bring this ticket home as your notification of the inappropriate behavior. Please sign the ticket and have your child return it to your child’s teacher. Repeated or severe offenses will result in a conference with the teacher.
Compliment Cards will be issued to students by Copper Canyon staff when caught being good, performing a kind act, etc., at the discretion of the issuer. This card is placed in the Compliment Card Box in the office for our Friday drawings.
The Discipline Referral System comes into effect when a child consistently chooses to break a rule, repeatedly demonstrates inappropriate behavior or performs a severe offense. After the classroom teacher of the student who has been involved has exhausted al avenues of assisting the student to change their behavior especially including parent communication and conferences, a referral form is completed by the person making the referral. A referral form is completed by the person making the referral. The child is then referred to the Principal. When a child is referred to the Principal’s office, the matter is investigated thoroughly. The child has an opportunity to make a statement on the referral form as well as personally with the administrator. The Principal will render a decision, inform the child, complete the form to be sent home as parent notification and for parent signature. The Principal will attempt to contact a parent regarding the matter as soon as possible. The signed referral form is due in the Principal’s office the following day. The principal contact may include telephone calls, letters, pager or whatever is logically possible.
The Copper Canyon staff appreciates your support in our efforts to maintain a safe learning environment for all children and urges you to support them as they work to teach children the skills of good citizenship.
There is zero tolerance for fighting of any form on the Copper Canyon campus. Both students will immediately be restricted from school pending an immediate parent conference and resolution.
Harassment
Harassment will not be tolerated at Copper Canyon. Harassment takes many forms. It might include inappropriate language, gestures, or physical contact (sexual harassment) or repeated name calling, teasing, intimidations or threatening (victimizing).Students are expected to respect others at all times. Students will be taught guidelines for respectful behavior. Those who choose to behave otherwise will visit the principal and be given a consequence according to district policy.
Respect
We at Copper Canyon recognize and appreciate the rich diversity of our school population. It is our goal to instill in our students the appreciation for that diversity, resulting in interest and respect for others, their cultural backgrounds, their traditions and practices and their families. The school community will participate in lessons, activities and programs centered around the acceptance of and appreciation for our diversity. Students will be expected to display behaviors that are appropriate of students who respect others.
Tobacco, Alcohol and other Drugs
The Paradise Valley Unified School District and Copper Canyon prevention program takes a thorough and comprehensive approach to prevention. Through the support of its community and the guidance of the District Governing Board, policies, programs and curriculum have been put into place to fight the battle against substance abuse. A key program has been D.A.R.E.
Smoking is not allowed on any school district property. Drinking alcoholic beverages anywhere in or one the premises is prohibited.
An educational and informational basis for positive decision making is provided for all students through the curriculum. "Here’s Looking At You 2000" is the curriculum provided in the elementary school. The curriculum teaches the effects and the harm of various substances so that students are alert to the harm of drug and alcohol use.
Compliance with Standards is Mandatory
The discipline policy regarding possession, use and sale of drugs and alcohol is strictly applied. Students who provide drugs and/or alcohol in the schools 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 for nine days with an option for a reduction of suspension if the student and parent receive counseling. A second offense of use or possession of drugs and/or alcohol will result in a motion for expulsion of the student.
Important Resources for Intervention
Emergency…………………………….911
Information and Referral ……………..602-234-0053
Crisis Hotline…………………………480-784-1500
Crime Stop……………………………602-262-6151
DES-Child Protective Services……….1-888-767-2445
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE COPPER CANYON A GREAT PLACE TO BE.
Dress Code Policy
The Site Council of Copper Canyon Elementary School, in partnership with the faculty and PTA, emphasizes the importance of a positive learning environment, which focuses on the proper work attitude in the classroom, reducing distractions and improving performance. Both the Site Council members and the PTA have reviewed this policy and support the policy implementation for the school year. We believe that the educational missions of our school will be enhanced if students dress appropriately to maintain an environment conductive to learning.
Shorts and skirts must pass the "thumb rule" which means they may be no shorter than where the student’s thumb touches the leg when the arm in hanging down. Slits in skirts and shorts must also pass the "thumb rule."Shirts must cover the waistline of shorts, slacks and skirts with no midriff or back skin showing at any time. Any attire that is sexually suggestive, or extremely brief, is prohibited.
Tank tops, double tank tops, backless blouses, tube tops, halter-tops, sheer garments or torn or cut garments are not permitted. Top or dresses with thin (spaghetti) straps are inappropriate unless worn over another T-shirt or under a jacket. Any garment allowing undergarments to show is inappropriate.
Garments promoting alcohol, illegal substances, tobacco, sexual connotations and violence are not permitted.
Baggy pants should not be more than one size larger and worn with a belt. Undergarments should not be exposed and pant length should not be dragging.
Belts should be appropriate size and not hang down below the waistline. Hats are not allowed in the building and shoes must be worn at all time (with medical exceptions).
Clothes should fit appropriately.State law mandates shoes must be worn at all times. Sandals may not be worn to Physical Education classes.Sandals may be worn, but with a strap around the back and no higher than 2". Tennis shoes must be worn on P.E. days
Hairstyles or hair colors, which draw undue attention and cause disruption in the school, are not acceptable.
Decisions as the appropriateness of dress rest with the school administration.
Emergency Cards
At the beginning of the school year, your child will receive an “Emergency Card” complete with information. If there are any changes, please note them in appropriate places on the card, sign and return it to the school office right away. If no changes are needed, please sign to verify and return it to the school office. Emergency cards serve as a record of any medical problem, allergies, and doctor’s name and telephone number in the event of an accident or illness. It is imperative we have an emergency telephone number for each child in case we are unable to reach parents at their numbers. Please update this information throughout the year when your situations change by sending a note to the office or calling the records secretary.
Field Trips
Field trips are part of the regular school program. A written permission slip signed by a parent or legal guardian is required before a student may attend a field trip. Supervision by school personnel will be provided on all trips. Parents are encouraged to attend as chaperones. A ratio of one adult per ten students is required by district procedures on all field trips.
Gift Giving
The exchange of gifts between students as a class function or social even is prohibited. Students are discouraged in their desire to give gifts to school personnel.
Grading System
Individual Teachers will send home of a copy of grade requirements.
Performance Key
Grades 1 and 2
I=Introduced Concept/skill has been introduced and practiced or no application has been observed.
D=Developing Student has been applying concept/skill with guidance. It is not used regularly or smoothly.
MT=Most of the Time Student has been applying the concept/skill more often than not. It may not be used automatically.
CN=Consistent Student has been consistently applying the concept/skill. It is used easily and automatically.
Grades 3-6
A = 90% – 100%
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
F = 0% - 59%
Honor Roll
All effort and achievement grades in all areas (including chorus, band, orchestra and special area classes) will be part of the criteria for honor roll. Students in grade 3 through 6 may qualify for honor roll. Students in grades 4 through 6 may also qualify for the principal’s list, “Top of the Canyon.”
Progress Reports
Report cards are sent home at the end of each quarter. Parents must sign the envelope and return it to school as soon as possible.
Mid-quarter progress reports are distributed at the discretion of each grade level. Your child’s teacher will provide you information on grade requirements, mid-quarter reports and quarterly report cards at the beginning of the year.
Questions about grades should be directed to your child’s teacher.
Homework
The Paradise Valley Governing Board recognizes the need for practice at home to improve academic skills. As such, students in all grades will be required to do homework. The homework assignments will vary in length and content from preparation of show and tell materials in kindergarten to preparation of research reports in sixth grade. For specific guidelines about minutes allowed per evening, contact your child’s classroom teacher. Please refer to the Study Skills Handbook for your child’s grade level about our school’s homework policy, tips to help your child succeed and additional information.
Lost and Found
Many students items become misplaced while at school. We cannot assume responsibility for losses. However, we will help locate items and will maintain a Lost and Found area of items turned in to the school office. The Lost and Found area is located in the multipurpose room. Valuable items turned in to the office will be kept there. See the records secretary for these items. Any items left at the end of each quarter will be donated to a local charity, so please check Lost and Found regularly.
Mark your child’s name on all items your child brings or wears to school.
Non-School Activities
Fliers from non-school programs, i.e. Community Education, Scouts, Phoenix Parks and Recreation, etc. will be distributed to every child in your family the first and third Friday of each month. Extra fliers are available in the office for students or parents to select. These are located in a rotating display rack at the office entry.
Non-School Items
Items which are disruptive or dangerous to the school program are not allowed at school (i.e. stereos, headphones, electronic devices, explosives, weapons, pagers, etc.)
The school assumes no liability for loss or damage to personal items and toys brought to school.
Roller blades, skateboards, and motorized scooters are prohibited on school grounds. Students are not allowed to bring or ride them to school.
Parent Concerns/Problems
Please speak to your child’s teacher with your concerns, questions or problems. The teacher is the first line in resolving any concerns you might have. Our goal is to provide an effective learning environment for your child and want to know if a problem arises. If problems persist, please contact the school office for an appointment with the Principal. Information on the parental complaint procedure is available in the District’s Parent-Student Handbook distributed at the beginning of the year or at enrollment.
Parent Orientation
Parent Orientation is a time for teachers to speak to parents about their programs, homework, expectations, discipline procedures, and schedules. Child care is not provided as all staff will be working with parents. We look forward to meeting with you on this evening to get to know you, answer your questions and begin a solid foundation of parent/school collaboration. Please check the calendar for times and dates of this event.
Parental Rights and Responsibilities
Parents or legal guardians of a student being considered for an evaluation for possible placement in special education must be fully aware of their legal rights under Public Law 94-142 Education of the Handicapped Act and Arizona State Board of Education Rules and Regulations, R7-3-401 Special Education Standards for Public Schools and State Supported Institutions. Paradise Valley Unified School District No. 69 assumes the responsibility of informing parents of their due process rights pertaining to evaluation and placement procedures for special education programs and services. As a participating parent, you must be made aware that informed consent is required. This information is available through your school office or the Special Education Department.
Parent Teacher Association
Copper Canyon has an excellent parent group, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). PTA provides funds and volunteers for special programs and unique, exciting family events that make Copper Canyon a special place to be. Elected officers guide the organization in performing tasks that help make our school a better part of your family’s life. PTA meetings are held at the school and notices are sent to parents in a monthly PTA newsletter.
Parents are encouraged to join and participate in your school through PTA. Your time and effort will show your children you really care about their education.
A homeroom parent will be assigned to each class by the classroom teacher. Homeroom parents and teachers cooperate to plan and carry out parties. If you are interested in being a homeroom parent, please contact your child’s teacher.
Please work with your child’s homeroom parent regarding arrangements for these parties. It is permissible for children o their birthdays, to bring light refreshments to share with their classmates. Contact the teacher in advance to make arrangements.
P.E. Excuses
Physical Education is required for all students unless excused by a physician for valid health reasons. Temporary excuses will be issued by the school nurse upon written request from the parent for a period up to three (3) days. P.E. excuses are written in the mornings. Please have your child see the nurse at the opening of the school day for P.E. excuses. Following a serious injury or surgical procedure, a release to return to activities will be required for a student to participate in P.E. Please be aware of this and ask your physician for a written release.
Personal Health and Hygiene
Students learn ways to maintain personal health through hygiene. The school nurse coordinates health and hygiene lessons with classroom teachers through presentations and the CHAMPS program. Parents will be given more information about programs, which include HIV/AIDS education at appropriate grade levels, before the lessons are presented.
Playground/Building Rules and Regulations
Please find guidelines for student conduct on the playground and in the building in the Discipline Procedure section of this site.
Retention/Promotion Decisions
Decisions concerning promotion or retention are always made in the best interest of the child. We prefer to never retain a child, but we fully realize that to promote a child to a level for which he or she is not prepared could result in an unproductive year with many frustrations for the student, parent and staff of the school.
1. Final decision for retention or promotion is made by the teacher in conjunction with the parents and Principal during the final full month of school. Parents will be notified of retention decisions.
2. Parents disagreeing with the decision must make arrangements to discuss their concern with the teacher involved in the decision.
3. According to the state law ARS 15-442.B 14, the only way to change a retention or promotion decision is to appeal, in writing, to the Governing Board. Parents are required to sign Form 40-201 releasing the teacher of any liability for actions done in good faith pertaining to the child’s promotion or retention. Forms for appeal are available in the school office. Signing the form does not change the teacher’s decision.
4. The parent will then submit both ADE Form 40-201 and a letter of appeal to the Principal as soon as possible, and no later than the date given on the retention letter. The Principal will forward the letter and ADE Form 40-201 to the Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Educational Services.
5. The letter of appeal must provide relevant background information, parent assessment of the student’s progress during the term in question, and a clear statement as to why the Governing Board should overturn the teacher’s decision. The appeal letter must also clarify how a reversal of the original decision will benefit the child.
6. The Principal will prepare the following packet of information for the hearing
a. The student’s report card and a record of parent contacts during the year.
b. Relevant testing data, such as A.S.A.P., standardized and teacher made tests.
c. Description of procedures used in determining promotions and retentions at the school.
d. The essential facts and concerns involved in making the decision in each case appeal
7. At the direction of the Governing Board, the Superintendent or his designee will convene an EducationalSubcommittee to hear each appeal and to make a recommendation to the Board.
a. Membership of the Subcommittee shall consist of:
i. A Board Member
ii. A K-8 Principal (not involved in the appeal)
iii. A K-8 Teacher (not involved in the appeal
b. The hearing shall be conducted by the Superintendent or his designee.
c. The hearing shall be conducted as follows:
i. Each subcommittee member shall receive a sealed copy of the parent’s letter of appeal, ADE Form 40-201, and the Principal’s packet one week prior to the hearing date. This information is to be studied during in advance while kept in the strictest confidence.
ii. At the established hearing date, the parent and Principal appear to answer questions to the subcommittee. The teacher has the right to be present during the appeal hearing and is encouraged to do so.
iii. The parent may make a short verbal presentation to the committee, approximately five (5) minutes in length.
iv. Following questions from the subcommittee, the parent and school personnel will be excused while the committee deliberates and makes a recommendation to the Board.
v. The hearing will be audio taped. The tapes will be available for Governing Board members. The committee’s written recommendation will be forwarded to the Board for its formal decision at a subsequent meeting.
vi. The decision of the Board will be final.
Room Guidelines
Teachers will describe to their students the classroom rules and regulations that will be consistently enforced, the reward for appropriate behavior and the consequences for inappropriate behavior. These guidelines will be posted in the room and discussed with you during Parent Orientation in the fall. A copy is sent home in the introductory newsletter.
Learning good citizenship is an ongoing process. Copper Canyon staff will endeavor to turn infractions into learning situations for the child. This learning may include age-appropriate consequences such as time-out or detention, student contracts, teacher/student conferences, phone calls to parents, or parent/teacher conferences. If a pupil does not comply with the guidelines, the teacher will discipline the child and notify parents according to the discipline procedure established for that classroom. Severe or repeated offenses will result in a referral to the principal.
Safety/Security
The safety of our students is of utmost importance to the staff of Copper Canyon. Your support and cooperation is needed in procedures developed to insure student safety. Please review and abide by the following procedures which deal with safety of our children.
1. Attendance – absence notification procedures
2. Bicycles
3. Bus Service
4. Car/Student drop-off/Traffic (see school safety/traffic map)
5. Discipline Procedures
6. Emergency Cards
7. Playground/Building Rules and Regulations
8. School Hours
9. School Nurse
10. Student Dress/Conduct/Harassment/Drugs/Gangs
11. Visitors
12. Volunteers
In addition, the school holds fire/emergency exiting drills and lock-down drills on a regular basis. Please participate in and cooperate with staff if you are on campus during any drill or emergency situation. You are the eyes and ears for safety in the community. Please report suspicious persons or behavior that occurs in or around the school to our office. Unusual situations in your neighborhoods should be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Sale of Goods
School and PTA sponsored fund raisers will be held throughout the year to provide unique programs and activities for students not funded through the school district.
School Hours
School is in session from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with the exceptions of days off or early dismissal days. See the school calendar for these days. Students should not arrive at school before 8:30 a.m., as there is no supervision for them until then. Students are expected to leave campus as soon as they are dismissed in the afternoon, as there is no supervision for them after school. Children are not to be inside the building before school starts or after dismissal without a hall pass provided by a staff member. This is for their own safety as there is no supervision for them inside the building.
The Principal has jurisdiction over students from the time they leave home in the morning until the time they arrive home in the afternoon. School rules apply during these times.
School Nurse/Medication
A registered nurse is assigned to Copper Canyon on a full time basis. The nurse is prohibited by law from treating an illness or injury that take place other than when the student is under school supervision. Please do not send injured or ill students to school for diagnosis or treatment.
State Law rigidly controls dispensing medication to children by school nurses. Paradise Valley School District, in order to comply with the law, provides forms that must be completed prior to dispensing any medication.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications cannot be dispensed without written parent permission. ALL medication must be received in the original container or it cannot be dispensed.
Emergency First-Aid/Illness
When a student becomes ill at school, he/she will be evaluated and/or treated by the school nurse. If it is necessary for the student to be sent home or to a doctor, the parents will be contacted and requested to pick up the child. No child will be sent home alone or released without an adult to accompany him or her. See the Health Center Handbook for more specific information.
Site Council
Copper Canyon has a site council, made up of parents, staff (certified and classified), a non-parent community member and the Principal. The purpose of the council is to advise the principal on problems occurring at Copper Canyon, research the topics or problems and provide possible solutions. The council meets four times during the school year. You are invited and encouraged to attend open forums of the council. Your input is desired and necessary in the successful functioning of our site council. Contact the school office for information on input procedures as well as meeting dates and times.
Special Area Classes
Students in our school attend special area classes taught by specialists. These classes include, Art, Computer/Media, Music and Physical Education. The classes your child attends are determined by a special area schedule developed by the entire school. Please review the Special Area schedule to know when your child(ren) attends class.
Special Extracurricular Programs
Adopt-a-Street – Through the efforts of Copper Canyon’s Student Council, our school participates in the adopt-a-street program on 54th Street from Bell Road to our school. Classes and school organizations will be called upon during the year to keep our one-mile zone litter free.
Coyote Club Extended Day Program (before and after school care) –Through the District’s Community Education Department, Copper Canyon provides before and after school care for our students. Care is also provided during the afternoons on staff development days. Contact the Community Education department (602) 867-5258 for information and registration.
Student Council – Students in grades 4 – 6 participate in Student Council. Student Council is designed to develop leadership skills and provide a leadership forum for our school. Officers are elected to their positions through a campaign and voting process held near the beginning of the year.
Urban Survival – Thanks to the effort of our school nurse, a parent in our community and PTA, our students receive training in urban survival. Training includes fire, water, electrical, desert safety and more.
Individual classrooms and grade levels have unique and exciting learning activities going on throughout the school year. Teachers and grade levels throughout the year send information about their programs home.
Staff Development
Thanks to the support of our school community, Copper Canyon has an exceptional ongoing staff development program. Six days throughout the school year are set-aside as staff development days. Students are dismissed at 12:30 on these days to allow staff members’ attendance at workshops and meetings designed to enhance your child’s educational program. Staff development dates are listed on the calendar.
Teacher Planning and Preparation Time
Preparation time is a valuable and limited commodity in a school setting. Teachers use their time before and after school and during their brief 40-minute preparation period to write lesson plans, assess student work, make preparations for the day, clean up after activities, contact and meet with parents or students and attend important staff meetings. Please respect their planning and preparation times by setting appointments with them for your questions or concerns. Teachers want to give you their undivided attention and be prepared with records and documents when meeting about students. Their meetings with you will be more informative and productive if prearranged.
Telephone
The school telephone is primarily for business use. It is not to be used by students to make arrangements to go home with a friend or to change plans. These arrangements should be made at home the day before. However, when emergencies arise, students will be allowed to use the phone to solve these problems. Homework or lunches left at home are not considered an emergency.
Parents are encouraged to prearrange after-school transportation instructions with their children. Interrupting classroom instruction for last minute transportation information for last minute transportation information interferes in the learning day and is discouraged.
Textbooks/Supplies
All textbooks and library books are loaned to students free of charge. However, students are responsible for lost and damaged books and will be expected to pay for them. Students are urged to take good care of books to avoid an assessment at the end of the year. The school also provides, calculators, globes, manipulatives, dictionaries and other learning tools that might be needed at school. Students are urged to take good care of school property to guarantee many years of use. Students will be requested to bring certain supplies to school for their learning needs. Your child’s teacher will provide a list of these school supplies. A list for each grade can also be found in this site.
Visitors
All visitors must wear an identifying nametag.
Safety in schools is becoming an increasing concern for parents and school staff. For the safety of all children, State Law mandates regulations for visitors and volunteers to school campuses in the state. Please follow these simple instructions to assure a safe learning environment for our children at Copper Canyon.
1. All non-employee visitors to the campus must first sign in at the office before proceeding to any other part of the campus. A visitor’s pass (as a form of identification) must be worn by the visitor to help assure the staff that the adult is authorized to be on campus. This helps staff to identify strangers who may come to campus and create an unsafe situation or present a danger in some way to students or staff.
2. Arrangements for visiting classes must be made in advance through the office.
3. Teachers are notified of visits so they may arrange for seating or materials as necessary.
4. A parent who comes to campus without prior notice to visit classes must get permission from the Principal before visiting the class.
5. Visitors may not in any way become involved in the class activity unless it is done in cooperation with the teacher. Private conferences with the teacher are not appropriate during class visits, but conferences with the teacher may be scheduled by calling the teacher in advance for an appointment.
6. While parents have opportunities to provide information to principals in the teacher selection process, visiting classes to shop for teachers are not acceptable and if allowed would present a disruptive learning environment. Copper Canyon has procedures for placement of students and parent input is handled through the Principal.
7. Any parent may visit with the student on campus unless the Principal has been made aware of a court order, which specifically forbids visitation by one parent.
8. Any visitor who fails to abide by the directions of the administrator in charge and who become disruptive in any way will be asked to leave the campus. Failure to abide by this or any other lawful directive of the administrator may result in assistance through the local law enforcement agency. (A person who knowingly abuses a teacher or other school employee on school grounds or while the teacher or employee is engaged in the performance of his or her duties is guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor)
9. Please use the office doors only to gain entrance to the building. All other doors are locked for student and staff safety during the day, and visitors entering other doors will be asked to report immediately to the office. HELP US HELP YOUR CHILDREN BE SAFE AT SCHOOL.
Volunteers
Please sign in at the office and wear your volunteer identification nametag.
Through the help and efforts of PTA, Copper Canyon is developing a Volunteer Corps. This group of dedicated parents and members of the community volunteer their time and talents to the school. They will be assigned a variety of tasks and trained in using school equipment or working with students. Please consider joining this group. This is a great way to meet your neighbors, visit with friends, participate in a worthwhile project and be involved firsthand in the school and your child’s education. Contact the office or PTA if you are interested in volunteering your time or talents.
Volunteers must abide by the same guidelines as other non-school visitors.