A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

 

Welcome to Sutherland Elementary School!  This Parent & Student Handbook was designed to provide helpful information about the school for both parents and students.  It is our intention that by providing this information, parents and school personnel can work together to ensure a rewarding educational experience for each child.

 

We set high expectations for each student in order to effectively foster an attitude of life-long learning within each student.  These high expectations set both at school and at home, are most important for a child’s success.  Concurrently, we also recognize that each child is an individual with individual abilities and needs.  It is the goal of the faculty and staff of Sutherland School to help each student appreciate his/her contributions and uniqueness while attaining high educational goals.

 

It is out belief that we best serve our students through working as a team.  By working together, we can achieve this important goal for all students.  I look forward to working along side staff, parents and students in this endeavor.

 

Please read this handbook very carefully, then review it with your child(ren).  If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to talk with your child’s teacher or call the school office.  For additional information please check out our website at www.sutherland-school.com.

 

Thank you,

 Jennifer Root

Principal

JRoot@glendora.k12.ca.us

 

 

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OUR MISSION

Sutherland is committed to creating and developing a caring community of learners.  Through a partnership among students, parents, staff and community, we strive to provide a positive learning environment that motivates all students to demonstrate academic and social growth.  Using standards-based curriculum with a variety of instruction strategies, our staff is dedicated to ensuring that each student is held to high expectations and reaches their full potential.

 

OUR VISION

Create a collaborative environment enabling the Sutherland community to design a comprehensive approach of developing the whole child by providing a rich educational experience for all students who will achieve the following:

·       Develop and maintain a life-long desire for learning

·       Learn to think critically; applying these skills to solve “real world” problems

·       Act responsibly; caring for others, being civically inspired, while respecting the diversity of individuals and opinions

·       Use technology in a creative and responsible manner

·       Establish an appreciation for literature, music, and the arts

·       Develop an affinity for effort and an understanding of the value of perseverance in obtaining their goals

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SCHOOL HISTORY

 

Sutherland School opened in 1962.  The school was named after Grace Sutherland, a charter member and president of the Glendora Historical Society.  She served as the curator of the society’s museum on Glendora Avenue for several years where she delighted in talking with students about life in Glendora. 

Mr. Wayne Buck was the first principal of Sutherland School.

Our mascot is “Cody” the cougar and school colors are blue and yellow.

In 2007-08 Sutherland School was modernized.  In March 2008 the school was rededicated to the Glendora community. 

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ATTENDANCE

“Everyone Counts”

 The significance of regular attendance cannot be over emphasized.  Consistent attendance affects both the individual’s progress at school as well as our school funding, which is based on daily attendance figures.  School districts no longer receive funding from the State of California for pupils who are absent from school.  This includes all absences, even those related to illness, medical or doctor appointments or for the purpose of attending funeral services of a member of the immediate family.  However, schools will continue to require notes and/or phone calls identifying the reason for the absence.  If you find it necessary to keep your child out of school for reasons other than an illness, we encourage you to send your child to school for at least a part of the day so that your child will not be counted absent and also will not miss out on important school assignments.

 

 If your child will be absent from school, please call the school office at 626/852-4614 before 9:30 a.m. that day, or send a note when your child returns to school providing the reason for the absence.  If no call or note is received, the school will contact you.  This procedure assures the child is safe and it streamlines the bookkeeping process at school.  Homework arrangements should be made when a student is absent for more than two days.

 Consult our school calendar and website for minimum days and school holidays.  Remember, “there is no good day to miss school.”

 

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 BEHAVIOR PLAN

 

In order to provide a productive and safe learning experience at Sutherland, we strive to create a climate in which optimal learning will occur.  This means we must all learn to appreciate and respect each other as well as follow certain rules. 

At Sutherland School we believe students should be held accountable for their own actions.  Parents and school staff play important roles in helping children develop responsibility.  Consequences for inappropriate behavior are necessary in any group if the goals of the group are to be realized.  Orderly conduct is both a necessary condition and an important goal of learning.  We encourage children to “stop and think” before they act.  While we are here to assist and encourage at all times, we want children to resolve their differences in a responsible, considerate manner.

Since all individuals are unique, no one procedure, method or response to a given situation is appropriate in every case.  In helping a child develop individual responsibility, the school has established rules and guidelines for students to follow.

 

Keys for Success!

1.      We will make good decisions

2.    We will solve our problems with kind words and actions

    3. We will respect everyone

 

GENERAL SCHOOL RULES

1.     Follow directions the first time given.

2.    Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.

3.    Use appropriate language at all times.

4.    Respect school property and the property of others.

5.    Keep the campus clean by putting all trash in trash cans.

6.    Do not bring dangerous objects, electronics, gum, candy or toys to school.

7.    Never leave the school grounds without permission.

8.    Always walk on school campus

     9.   Walk quietly past working classrooms

 

PLAYGROUND RULES

1.     Follow directions of school staff.

2.    Playground play will be safe and considerate of others.

3.    Keep hands, feet and impolite comments to yourself.

4.    Eat all snacks in designated areas.

5.    Use equipment properly.  Use only your room’s equipment.

6.    For your safety, run only on playground grass unless participating in an approved blacktop game.

7.    Students MUST be on the playground or working at blue tables.

8.    Correct restroom behavior is expected at all times.

9.    In case of injury, see a playground supervisor immediately.

   10. When the first bell rings, walk to the restroom, get drinks and report to designated lines.

   11. When second bell rings, stand in line quietly and hold all play equipment.

 

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROCEDURES

1.      Students MUST wait by the flagpole until the 8:00 a.m. bell.

2.    Keep all personal belongings with you until the 8:00 a.m. bell.

3.    At the end of the day report to the front of the school for pick up.

4.    On rainy days please report to the cafeteria before school.

 

RESTROOM PROCEDURES

1.      Students in all grades must be accompanied by a “buddy” when using the restroom during class time.

2.     Keep all food and play equipment out of the restroom.

3.    Toilet paper in toilets only, not in urinals

4.    Flush toilets after each use

5.    Wash hands before leaving restroom

6.    Dispose of paper towels and other trash in waste basket only

 

CAFETERIA PROCEDURES

1.      Remember you pin number when purchasing lunches

2.    Walk at all times

3.    Remain quietly in your assigned seat and use good manners

4.    Raise you hand if you need a supervisor

5.    Clean up all your trash and belongings

6.    Raise your hand and wait patiently to be dismissed

7.    Use indoor voices and do not shout

8.    Keep your hands, feet and food to yourself

9.    Leave all playground equipment outside in designated bin

10.      Lunch buyers should remember to pick up all supplies and condiments in buying area before being seated.

11.  Do not overload trashcans

12.  All food items must be eaten in the cafeteria

 

ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES

1.      Enter and exit quietly and stay in line

2.    Follow directions

3.    Sit quietly and appropriately

4.    Keep your hands and feet to yourself

5.    Leave all items in classroom

6.    Be polite and pay attention to the speaker

7.    Never leave an assembly without permission

8.    Look at your teacher for dismissal

 

Appropriate behavior will be recognized in the following ways:

1.      Verbal praise

2.    Special principal recognition

3.    Monthly “Student of the Month”

4.    S.T.A.R. Award Program

    5. Classroom recognition

 

Consequences for inappropriate behavior:

Violation of any school standard or rule will result in one or more of the following consequences:

1.      Poor conduct on the playground will result in immediate “benching” or “time out”. 

2.    A writing assignment consisting of either a letter of apology or an essay on the need for school rules.

3.    A conference with the principal and a phone call to the parent. 

4.    “Time out” in the office.

5.    Lunch or after school detention.

6.    Exclusion from school activities, assemblies or field trips.

7.    Parents may be asked to spend the day in class.

8.    Suspension*

9 .  Expulsion*

 *District suspension and expulsion policies are included in the summer information packet.

 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

 Sexual harassment at school or at school activities is prohibited.  Sexual harassment includes verbal, visual or physical conduct on the basis of sex that has the effect of creating an intimidating or hostile environment.

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BIKE SAFETY 

Students in third through fifth grades may ride bicycles to school.  Bike riders must obey all safety rules and the California Vehicle Code.  For the safety of all bicycle riders, state law requires the use of safety helmets.  When a student arrives on the school grounds, the bike should be walked to the bike rack, parked and locked.  Remember, bikes must be walked while in the hallways.  The school is not responsible for theft or damage.  The privilege of riding a bike may be withdrawn if the rules are not observed. 

 

CHILD ABUSE

School district personnel are required, by law, to report any suspected cases of child abuse to the appropriate agencies.

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CLASSROOM VISITATIONS DURING

SCHOOL HOURS

 Parents may request to visit their child’s classroom.  Please call the school office to schedule a visit at least one day in advance. All visitors must check in at the office when they arrive.

 

CONFERENCES AND REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued at the end of each trimester.  Parent conferences are scheduled after the end of the first and second trimesters.  Parents or teachers may request other conferences as necessary (usually November and March).  These conferences provide an opportunity to discuss student progress, present test scores and to discuss assistive strategies.  Report cards are given to parents during conferences and sent home on the last day of school.  In the event a student is at risk of falling below grade level standards, the parent will receive a progress report from the teacher approximately halfway through the trimester.

 

DETENTION

By law, teachers may keep students up to one hour after class dismissal.  As a courtesy to parents, when a student will be detained after school for longer than 10 minutes, we will contact the parent.  The reason for the disciplinary action will be communicated to the parent.

 

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Sutherland School has an emergency preparedness plan that will be implemented in the event of any disaster.  The school will work with the Glendora Unified School District and the City of Glendora to ensure your child’s safety.  Drills are conducted on a regular basis in compliance with state laws and school district policies.  Although we hope the plan will never be needed, it is designed to ensure the welfare and safety of students during school hours.  The plan is reviewed annually and updated as needed.

Your child may be required to remain in the care of the school in the event of a major disaster until it is considered safe for the child to be released to an adult.  Children will be released only to those adults designated on the school emergency card.

With the assistance of parents, the PTA and the school district, classrooms are equipped with emergency supplies and equipment. 

In the event of a disaster, all students will be evacuated to the south baseball field. 

In order to ensure the continued safety of all students, please follow the procedures listed below when picking up your child in the event of a disaster:

     1.     Come to school as soon as it is safe to do so.  If possible, walk to leave room for emergency vehicles. 

2.    Go to the gate at the south end of the parking lot. 

3.    Form a line.

4.    Give your child’s name and room number or teacher’s name to an adult at the gate.  Remember, only a parent or persons designated on the emergency card can pick up children.

5.    You will be given a student release form and directed to a waiting area.

6.    Wait there and your child will be brought to you.  If your child is injured, you will be escorted to him/her.

Your cooperation is mandatory in order to ensure a safe and orderly pick up. 

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EXTENDED DAY CARE

Through the Glendora Unified School District, Sutherland School operates an extended day care center for students from kindergarten through the fifth grade.  Hours are from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  Fees, which are payable monthly and are subject to change, are $15.00 per day for the first child and $14.00 for each additional child from the same family.  Part-time enrollment is not available.

 

Parents who wish to reserve a place for their children may complete a form, available at the district office, and return it immediately to the district office with a deposit per child.  A letter will be sent to confirm receipt of the deposit.  Parents not receiving the letter within two weeks of submitting the deposit should call the district office.  Additional information may be obtained by calling 626/963-1611, extension 319 or 330. 

 

 

G.A.T.E. PROGRAM

 Each spring, students in the second grade through fifth grade may be referred by teachers or parents for testing for the Gifted and Talented Education Program.  To qualify for the GATE Program, a student must demonstrate achievement superior to that of his/her chronological peers.  The GATE program is for students in grades 3, 4 and 5.  GATE students are clustered in grade level classrooms and receive enriched instruction.  This instruction takes place within the regular classroom.

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HOMEWORK GUIDELINES

Due to the individual differences and abilities of students, purposeful homework may vary from day to day with each child. 

The teacher will assign appropriate homework in order to foster the development of good study habits.  Assigned homework may be an extension of the school day or involve special reports or projects. 

Parents may help their children with homework by providing a quiet place to study, setting aside a specific time each day for homework, assisting with drill (math facts, spelling words) and listening to oral reading.  Although a goal of homework is to help the child develop self-responsibility, the child may initially need help in making sure the work is returned on time.   

ABOVE ALL, READ TO AND/OR HAVE YOUR CHILD READ TO YOU ON A DAILY BASIS.

 

HONORS: ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Students in grades 4 and 5 who are graded proficient or higher in each academic category and maintain satisfactory citizenship will qualify for the Sutherland School Academic Achievement Award.  Certificates are awarded each trimester of the school year.  Fifth grade students who have two years of high academic achievement may qualify for the Presidential Academic fitness Award.   These programs are designed to motivate academic achievement by recognizing students for their consistent performance.

 

INDEPENDENT STUDY

If your child will be out of school for five school days or more, please notify the school office at least three school days in advance so arrangements can be made for independent study.  This program credits the district with funding and helps the student maintain a consistent course of study.

 

INJURY AND ILLNESS

An up-to-date emergency card is required for each student.  This is IMPERATIVE because in an emergency the parent or a designee must be contacted.  Every effort must be made to keep the school office informed of changes of address or telephone number. 

 

In the event of illness or injury, these procedures will be followed:

1.     Basic first aid is given for minor injuries.  The child is allowed to rest in the office if complaining of a minor illness.

2.    If there is any question as to the seriousness of an injury or illness, the parent is asked to come for the child.

3.    If the parent is unavailable, the persons designated on the emergency card are contacted.  Please remember the school will not release your child without your permission.

4.    In the event of a serious accident, the paramedics will be called and the parent will be contacted immediately.

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LEAVING SCHOOL DURING SCHOOL HOURS

No student is to leave the school grounds at any time during the school day without permission from the school office.  Students shall be released to parents only through the office.  Parents are not to go directly to the classroom.  When picking up your child during the school day, please report to the office.  Parents must sign the student release sheet and be prepared to present proper identification.

 

LIBRARY

Students visit the Sutherland Library on a regular basis to check out books for pleasure and for use with classroom assignments.  The school library is also used as a reference center under teacher direction during class time.  When checking materials out of the library, the student assumes all responsibility for them.  Please help your child take proper care of the books as we will require reimbursement for lost or severely damaged books and materials.  Check out our website for AR book listings and web collection resources.

 

LOST AND FOUND

Children who misplace an article of clothing, lunch box, etc., may check at the Lost and Found located in the cafeteria.  Students and parents are urged to check this area frequently for missing items.  The school does not assume responsibility for any personal property.  Jackets, sweaters, lunch boxes, backpacks, etc., should be marked with the student’s first and last name.  If an item is marked, it will be returned to the owner.  At the end of each trimester, all items not claimed are donated to charity.

 

LUNCH PROGRAM

Nutritious lunches are served daily.  Student lunches are $3.00.  Sutherland is on a computerized meal system.  Each student is assigned a four digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).  This ID # will stay with the student until he/she graduates.  Parents can deposit money into their student’s account in any increments they choose.  The student simply keys in their ID # for breakfast or lunch and the money is subtracted from their account.  Students may also pay with cash; however, it is strongly recommended that parents or guardians deposit money into the student’s account. 

Money may be deposited into your child(ren)’s account in several ways:

1.     An adult or student may bring cash/check to the Sutherland breakfast cashier Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. 

2.    At the Food Service Office located at 500 N. Loraine, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

3.    Checks may be mailed to the Food Service Office, 500 N. Loraine Ave., Glendora, CA  91741.  Please indicate child’s name and school on check.

4.    Money may be deposited online at www.MyNutrikids.com.   

 

If the student account gets low, the food services staff will remind them.  If the student forgets his/her money, the system will allow a negative balance of up to two meals, or $5.00.  Money in the student’s account at the end of the school year will be carried over to the next school year.

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MEDICATION

The school may not administer any type of medication, prescription or over-the-counter, without a form completed and signed by both the parent and the prescribing physician.  These forms are available at the school office.  Medication should be kept in the original containers and must be checked in at the office.  It will only be dispensed by office personnel.

 

MINIMUM AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS

 

Kindergarten:         8:15 – 11:35

Grades 1-5:         8:15 – 12:31

 

Students may stay to eat lunch; however, they must go home directly after eating as there is no supervision provided; or they may go directly home after dismissal.

The first Tuesday of each month will be an early release day to be utilized for staff development. In addition, other days will be designated minimum days throughout the year as needed.  Please look for updated announcements coming home.

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PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION

The membership of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) of Sutherland School consists of parents, teachers, staff, students and interested adults of this community.  The requirements are simply a willingness to help the school and to pay annual dues. 

The overall objectives of the PTA are:

1.     To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, places of worship and community.

2.    To raise the standards of home life.

3.    To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of the students.

4.    To bring the home and school into a closer relationship; that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the training of the child.

5.    To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for every child the highest advantages in physical, mental, social and spiritual education.

 

PTA board meetings are held on a monthly basis.  Comments or questions may be addressed to the PTA through the school office.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXCUSES

Physical education is required by state law.  If a student is unable to participate in the program for one day, a written excuse must be sent by the parent or guardian.  If a student is unable to participate for more than three days, a written statement from a physician is required.  The school office cannot excuse students from Physical Education classes.

PROGRESS REPORTS 

Parents may be notified of student progress in different ways by various teachers.  Some teachers send weekly reports, others may telephone, and some arrange special communications for students having difficulties.  However, all parents whose children are in danger of receiving a mark below proficient or unsatisfactory citizenship will receive an official progress report at mid-point of each grading period.

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PROHIBITED ITEMS

The school should be a place where study and learning can occur in a safe and secure environment.  In order to ensure the safety of all personnel, the following items are prohibited at school:

1.     Knives and other sharp objects.

2.    Explosives (gunpowder, caps, firecrackers, etc.).

3.    Guns of any type, including toys that look like guns.

4.    Glass bottles or other glass containers.

5.    Handcuffs.

6.    Tobacco in any form, matches, lighters, drugs and alcohol.

 

OTHER INAPPROPRIATE ITEMS AT SCHOOL:

1.     Any personal P.E. equipment including baseballs, tennis balls, and bats.

2.    Chewing gum.

3.    Cosmetics (make-up, lipstick, eye shadow, mascara and hairspray).

4.    Skateboards, skates, or in-line skates (any shoe with wheels).

5.    Large amounts of money.

6.    Card collections.

7.    Ipods, MP3 players, electronic games.

8.    Toys.

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