School Links

WOOD CANYON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
23431 Knollwood Avenue, Aliso Viejo, California 92656
949-448-0012 / 949-448-0017 (Fax)
949-448-9867 (24 Hour Sick Line)

SCHOOL-WIDE BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT PLAN

Fair, Firm, Compassionate and Consistent

The teachers and staff members at Wood Canyon Elementary School have high expectations for all students, both academically and behaviorally. Students at Wood Canyon School are expected to contribute to a safe, orderly and productive learning environment. Parents play an important role in supporting the expectations and standards of the school. All students are expected to follow the clear standards of behavior outlined in this handbook. Wood Canyon’s School-Wide Behavior Management Plan has been designed to create a warm, friendly and positive school environment by encouraging all students to behave in a manner that will bring pride to themselves, their parents, their teachers and to Wood Canyon Elementary School. By working together, we will provide a safe and well-disciplined school environment.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS TOP

1. Students have the right and responsibility to be safe, kind, productive and respectful towards people and property.
2. Students should treat others as they would like to be treated.

ATTENDANCE TOP

To receive maximum benefit from classroom and instructional experiences, it is important that students report to school each day. If your child is ill or will be out for any reason, please call our 24 hour Sick Line at 448-9867. If you know that your child will miss school for a planned trip or family event, be sure to request an Independent Study Contract at least 3 days in advance.

Regular and prompt attendance is expected of all students.

1. Parents of students who accumulate 3 or more unexcused tardies during each reporting period (approximately 30 days) will receive an unexcused tardy letter.
2. Students arriving to school more than 30 minutes late (unexcused) on three or more occasions will be deemed an habitual truant and will be reported to the CUSD School Attendance and Review Board (SARB).
3. Parents of students who are frequently picked up tardy after school will receive a notice from the administration or front office.
4. Copies of these letters and notices may be placed in the student’s school cumulative file.
5. The administration will recommend transferring an Open Enrollment student back to his/her home school for continual tardiness.

Students who arrive to class after the 7:45 bell will be deemed tardy.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE TOP

Students who are present and punctual every day of the year will be recognized in June with a certificate.

STUDENT ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL TOP

Students should not be on campus prior to 7:30 a.m. Teachers begin supervising students throughout the school at 7:30 a.m. From 7:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., students in grades 1 through 5 should proceed through the Rainforest, hallway and courtyard areas to the blacktop. Playground equipment (handballs, tetherballs, big and small toys, etc.) are not permitted before school. Teachers will pick up students in grades 1 - 5 at their designated lineup locations on the blacktop at the 7:45 a.m. bell. Kindergarten students are to proceed directly to the Kindergarten playground.

SCHOOL BOUNDARIES TOP

Students are not permitted to:

• loiter or play in the restrooms, near the drinking fountains or between and behind classroom buildings.
• climb on walls, planters or classroom ramps.
• play on the field , except during physical education activities.
• run in the hallways.
• leave the playground to go to the office for any reason, except with a note from a Student Supervisor.
• leave school unattended for any reason.

CLASSROOM TOP

1. Show respect and dignity toward yourself and others.
2. Always follow the teacher's directions the first time they are given.
3. Arrive on time in the morning and after recess.
4. Stay seated unless you have the teacher’s permission to leave your desk.
5. Speak in class only with permission from the teacher.
6. Keep your hands, feet and comments to yourself.
7. Arrive to class with all necessary materials and homework.

LUNCH (Grades 1 - 5) TOP

Your child will have a forty minute lunch period. While one grade is eating, another grade level will be on the playground. Once lunch recess is over, the next grade will be dismissed to the playground. All students are supervised by the administration and Student Supervisors employed by CUSD.

Lunch times are as follows:
Times not yet confirmed for 2007-2008

11:10 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. 1st and 2nd Grades 11:30 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. 3rd Grade 11:45 p.m. - 12:25 p.m. 4th and 5th Grades

All students are expected to comply with the following behavioral guidelines during lunch:

1. Be quiet and orderly in the lunch line and at the lunch tables.
2. Always follow the instructions of Student Supervisors.
3. Practice good table manners.
4. Sit properly with legs and feet under the table.
5. Never throw food or other objects.
6. Pick up all trash at your seat and around your assigned table.
7. When you finish eating, raise your hand, remaining seated, and wait to be dismissed by a Student Supervisor.
8. Put all trash in lunch area trash cans.

RECESS (Grades 1 - 5) TOP

Each day, first through third graders will have two recesses, and fourth and fifth graders will have one recess. (Kindergartners will be on a different schedule for snacks and recesses. Kindergarten parents will be notified by their child’s teacher.) You may want to provide a snack for your child to eat during the morning recess.

Recess times are as follows:
Times not yet confirmed for 2007-2008

10:00 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grades 10:25 a.m. - 10:42 a.m. 4th and 5th Grades 12:40 p.m. - 12:55 p.m. 1st Grade 12:40 p.m. - 12:55 p.m. 2nd and 3rd Grades

All students are expected to comply with the following behavioral guidelines:

1. Food is not allowed on the playground and must be eaten at the snack/lunch tables.
2. Play only in designated areas and do not bounce balls against the buildings.
3. Always follow the instructions of Student Supervisors, teachers and administrators.
4. Play safely, without roughhousing or play fighting.  Fighting is not permitted.
5. Students are not permitted to run through other students’ games.
6. Use only playground equipment (handballs, basketballs, etc.) provided by the school or your teacher.
7. Use all equipment safely and for its intended purpose.
8. Kicking balls is not allowed on the blacktop.
9. School games, such as tetherball, handball and four square, will not be ‘closed’ to other students at any time.
10. Chase or tag games must be played in a contained area, such as a four square court.
11. Students must stay within the yellow line surrounding the playground at all times.
12. Freeze when the bell signals the end of recess. Hold all equipment. Walk quickly to line up locations after the Student Supervisors’ whistles are blown.

RESTROOMS TOP

Restrooms are to be used for their intended purpose only.  The following activities are not permitted:

• playing in or near the restrooms
• clogging the toilets/urinals with paper, wood chips, etc.
• writing on the walls or stalls
• kicking or hitting the walls or stall doors
• throwing paper wads on the walls or ceilings
• putting anything on the mirrors
• eating in the restrooms

TRAFFIC & PARKING TOP

Establishing a smooth traffic flow is imperative, especially during the first weeks of school.  Please remember the following:

Parking Off Campus: If you will be walking your child to or from school, you must park off campus. Children are not permitted in the parking lot. We suggest saying ‘good bye’ at the drop-off curb beginning on the first day of school to help instill confidence in your child. Parents are asked to pull as far forward as possible. Staff members will be available to ensure that all children arrive at their classes safely. The rear entrance (off Aliso Creek Road) is for bus loading only.

Staff Parking: Each staff member is assigned to a numbered parking space. Please do not park in numbered areas at any time. A limited number of spaces are available for parents and volunteers.

STUDENT DEPARTURE FROM SCHOOL TOP

After being dismissed by their teachers, all students are to walk directly to their destination: bus area, pick up location, home, etc. Playing on school grounds or using playground equipment (e.g. Big and Small Toys) is not permitted after school.

Parents picking up children in the afternoons are asked to adhere strictly to the following safety guidelines:

1. During regular schedule, children must be picked up at 2:05 p.m. and 12:50 p.m. on Early-out Thursdays. (11:07 for early-bird kindergarten and 12:50 p.m. for late bird kindergarten)
2. Use the right lane in front of the school for loading students.
3. Pull up as far as possible to allow for additional cars to enter from the street and remain in your car. This is a fire lane and parked cars will be ticketed.
4. Do not pull into a parking space to pick up students.  It is not safe for students to enter the parking area.
5. Park off campus on Knollwood if you wish to walk your child to your vehicle.
6. Exit along the one-way service road when the sign indicates it is ‘open,’ or turn right out of the parking lot onto Knollwood Avenue.
7. The pickup area will be supervised.  Please follow instructions from the Wood Canyon staff.

BUSSING TOP

Students who take a bus to or from school are expected to comply with the following guidelines:

1. Playing is not permitted at the bus stops.
2. Remain seated, facing the front, when the bus is moving.
3. Always talk quietly and keep your head and hands inside the bus.
4. Eating, drinking, chewing gum and/or littering on the bus are not permitted.
5. After school, student bus riders are to proceed to the lunch area and wait to be escorted to their buses.

RELEASING CHILDREN TO ADULTS TOP

If you are picking up a child before the end of the school day, please send the teacher a note. This should be done only in case of emergencies, when the child is sick or has a doctor’s appointment. A parent or guardian must come to the office and sign the student out. Children will only be released to those individuals listed on the emergency card. If special pick up arrangements are made with persons not listed on the card, please send a note to the school office. Do not go to the classroom to seek dismissal of your child. The teacher will not release your child without a call from the office. Any pertinent custody information should be brought to the attention of the teacher and principal immediately.

BICYCLES (Grades 3 - 5) TOP

Parents are discouraged from sending their child to school on a bicycle due to the heavy traffic around campus. If your child must ride a bike, please adhere to the following guidelines:

1. California law requires children to wear helmets while riding bicycles.
2. Bicycles must be walked in crosswalks and on the school grounds.
3. Double or tandem riding is prohibited.
4. Backpacks are encouraged to ensure two-handed riding.

USE OF SCHOOL TELEPHONES TOP

Please be sure to clear all after school plans with your child prior to leaving for school in the morning. The office staff appreciates your assistance in keeping messages to students to a minimum. We understand that emergencies can arise and are happy to help out in such cases. Daily requests for messages about lunch, homework, keys, transportation, etc. are time consuming and disruptive to the children in the classroom. Students will not be permitted to use the telephone unless it is an emergency. Forgotten school supplies or homework will not be considered an emergency. Students will not be permitted to use the phone to make plans for after-school activities. Students must have a note from their teacher to use the telephone.

REPORT CARDS TOP

Report cards will be sent home three times per year in accordance with CUSD’s trimester system. Any student enrolled for at least 20 days of any one grading period is entitled to a report card. Progress reports will be issued during midterms and individual notes will be sent home on an as needed basis. Report cards will be sent home according to the schedule on the school calendar.

ASSEMBLIES TOP

Throughout the year, students have an opportunity to attend assemblies in Wood Canyon’s Performing Arts Center (PAC), such as PTA Sponsored performances or grade level shows, and Super Star Awards assemblies.

All students are expected to comply with the following guidelines:

1. Enter the PAC in a quiet and orderly manner.
2. Listen for information and instructions given by teachers, presenters and staff members.
3. Demonstrate courtesy and respect toward presenters and members of the audience.
4. Show approval and appreciation by appropriate applause. Whistling, booing and/or rude comments are not permitted.
5. Leave the PAC in a quiet and orderly manner.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES TOP

A conference with your child's teacher is your best way of learning how your child is performing in school. Teachers will schedule parent conferences twice per year. However, you may request a conference at any time during the year by writing a note to your child’s teacher or by calling the school.

DELIVERIES TO STUDENTS TOP

Deliveries of packages, flowers, balloons, cards, etc. may not be made to students during class hours. Party invitations are not to be distributed at school unless the entire class is invited.

VOLUNTEERS AND VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL TOP

We encourage all parents to visit and take an active part in their child’s education. To ensure student safety and provide uninterrupted instructional time, we ask that everyone comply with the following regulations:

1. All visitors and volunteers must report to the school office upon arrival. You will be issued a name tag, which identifies you as a legitimate visitor on campus.
2. The presence of unauthorized persons in and about the schools in our district is prohibited. Persons whose presence is unauthorized may be instructed to leave the school. Failure to comply will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. This policy exists for the protection of our students.
3. If your child forgets something needed at school, please bring it to the office, not the classroom. We will see that your child receives the item.
4. If you need to pick up your child early, come to the office and we will call for him/her.
5. Your child’s teacher will be informing parents of any classroom volunteer needs within the first few weeks of school or during Back-to-School Night.

LOST AND FOUND TOP

Each year, the Wood Canyon staff finds numerous lost jackets, sweatshirts and lunch boxes. In order to return lost items to their rightful owners, please write your child’s name in permanent ink on all personal items that are brought to school. (Toys and games should not be brought to school, unless requested by your child’s teacher.) Clothing and lunch boxes found on the school grounds can be claimed at the lost and found cart, located in the lunch area. Parents are welcome to examine this area at any time. Twice a year, unclaimed items are donated to charity. Small items, such as keys or sunglasses, are kept in the school office.

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY AND TEXTBOOKS TOP

Students are responsible for the proper care of all books, supplies and furniture supplied by the school. Students who disfigure property, break windows or do other damage to school property or equipment will be required to pay for the damage done or replace the equipment. Textbooks are furnished to all students by the school. If textbooks are damaged or lost, students are required to pay for the loss or damage.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS TOP

Students who owe money for lost or damaged books or school equipment must clear this obligation by the end of the school year. Any child with an outstanding obligation will not be allowed to participate in ‘year end’ activities or receive a report card.

FIELD TRIPS TOP

Teachers may schedule field trips to enrich the curriculum. CUSD does not provide funds for field trips. To attend, a student must have written permission from the parent or legal guardian at least one day prior to the trip. A parent committee may also request a donation to help cover the cost, however, no student will be excluded from a field trip for financial reasons. Field trips may be canceled if sufficient funds are not collected. Students may not be permitted to attend a field trip due to inappropriate behavior(s) at school.

WEEKLY PACKETS/THURSDAY FOLDERS TOP

Every Thursday, school flyers and information will be sent home in a folder. Parents should sign the front of the folder and return it to school with their child on Friday.

HOMEWORK POLICY TOP

Homework is given on a regular basis. It may be assigned as written work, projects that need to be completed from that day or studying for an upcoming test. Except for projects, homework is usually not assigned on weekends.

Responsibility for Completing Homework: Students are responsible for writing down their assignments, completing them and turning the work in on the date due. Teachers will notify parents when students do not turn in assignments on a regular basis.

Time on Homework: The length of time a child should spend on homework is 30-45 minutes per day. If your child regularly requires a great deal more time than this to complete assignments, you should contact your child’s teacher. If your child does not have homework or finishes early, it is always a good idea to spend time reading or reviewing math facts.

Grading Homework: Homework is taken into account in each child’s evaluation. Failure to complete homework assignments on a regular basis could lower your child’s grades.

MAKE UP ASSIGNMENTS TOP

If your child is absent from school for just one day, he/she may complete all assignments upon return; please do not call for make-up work. If your child is absent more than one day, you may request assignments. Please contact the school early in the day and the teacher will make a list of assignments and gather all necessary materials. You may then pick up the work in the office after 3:00 p.m. Our policy is that children have the same number of days they were out plus one to turn in all make-up work.

TOYS AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT TOP

Toys, trading cards, tape players, electronic devices, skateboards, rollerblades, razors/scooters, etc. are not to be brought to school for any reason as they create a safety hazard and/or are distracting to students. No student-owned toys or sports equipment, including all balls and superballs, are permitted on school grounds without special permission from the teacher for a P.E. activity.

CLASS PARTIES AND DEVIATIONS FROM THE NORMAL SCHOOL ROUTINE TOP

CUSD Board Policy permits only two class parties each year; the Friday prior to Winter Break and the last day of school. In addition, culminating activities that require parental assistance are permitted at the discretion of the classroom teacher. Parents requesting to bring treats for special occasions may do so with the teacher’s permission. No unique celebrations are allowed, including limousine rides, clowns in the classroom, catered lunches, etc. If you are not sure if your plans would fall into this category, you must contact your child’s teacher before proceeding. Any deviations from the normal school routine should be cleared by your child’s teacher.

ANIMALS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS TOP

Pets are not allowed on school grounds. Preventing pets from following students to school will reduce hazards for both the animal and children. Animals loose on school grounds will be turned over to the proper authorities. With the teacher’s permission, pets may come for a short visit for Show-and-Tell if accompanied by a parent at all times.

LIBRARY TOP

The Library is open to all students during assigned times each day. The library consists of newly selected books and a computerized catalog information retrieval system. We encourage you to take advantage of our PTA ‘Birthday Book’ program; it provides opportunities for parents to add a book to our library collection in honor of your child’s special day. A ‘Birthday Book’ bookplate is placed in each book to acknowledge the donor and child.

CLINIC/NURSE’S OFFICE TOP

Teacher discretion is used in sending students to the clinic. Please remember that we do not have a nurse on campus. Our office staff will assess the situation, administer simple first aid, take temperatures, etc. If a child is sick or injured, we will call home. It is very important that all parents have arrangements in place for picking up their sick or injured child midday when the need arises.

It is CUSD’s policy not to administer aspirin, commercial drugs and/or prescription medications to students while at school. If it becomes imperative that medication of any kind be given during the school day, the parent must complete a form for dispensing medicine at school. All medication will be kept by the office staff and given only with prior approval from a parent or guardian.

FOOD SERVICE TOP

Information is sent home early in the school year regarding free or reduced meals. Parents may also request an application for free or reduced meals at any time during the school year by contacting the school office. The regular price is $1.75 for lunch. Prepaid lunches may be purchased for 10 or more lunches. Students receive a 4-digit ID number to access their accounts.

Children are encouraged to eat lunch from our cafeteria. The school meals are both delicious and nutritious. Parents may visit the school cafeteria and have lunch with their child. The adult lunch price is $2.25. Please let your child’s teacher know the day you plan to come so the cafeteria manager will be notified. Be sure to check in at the office when you arrive.

CIVILITY POLICY TOP

Members of the CUSD staff will treat parents, students and other members of the public with respect and expect the same in return. CUSD encourages positive communication and discourages hostile or aggressive actions.

TOBACCO TOP

No tobacco is allowed on campus by anyone, including adults. We thank you for your compliance with this state policy which ensures a ‘smoke free’ environment for all children.

WEAPONS TOP

CUSD Board Policy prohibits students from possessing weapons, replicas of weapons or dangerous instruments of any kind in school buildings, on school grounds or buses or at any school-related or school-sponsored activity away from school. Infractions may result in suspension or expulsion from school.

DRESS CODE TOP

Our district has a dress code (‘Dress and Grooming Standards for Elementary School Students’), approved by the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Education, to help promote student safety. All students are expected to be neat, clean and appropriately dressed for all school activities. Students are encouraged to wear Wood Canyon’s ‘Comet Clothing’ items, which consist of T-shirts, polo shirts and sweatshirts, especially on Friday Spirit Days. Clothing and appearance should not distract from the instructional program. Please use good judgment.

Note the following guidelines:

1. Shoes must be worn at all times. Sandals, clogs, etc. are not permitted.
2. Hats or other headgear, other than bicycle safety helmets, are not permitted.
3. Revealing clothing is not permitted.
4. Culottes, jams and walking shorts are acceptable, provided they fit properly.
5. Jogging shorts, lycra/spandex cycling shorts, halter-tops and swimwear are not permitted.
6. Articles of clothing which advertise or display symbols of drugs, tobacco products or alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
7. Clothing which displays obscene language or symbols is not permitted.
8. Emblems, insignia, badges or other symbols which unreasonably distract students or disrupt the operations of the school are prohibited.
9. Students should avoid extreme hairstyles and colors which may distract from learning.
10. Visible tattoos, temporary or permanent are not permitted.
11. In accordance with CUSD dress code policy, any combination of clothing which law enforcement agencies currently consider gang-related (this may change) and loose, baggy ‘skater’ clothing is not permitted. Such clothing glorifies gangs, intimidates other children and is not conducive to a positive learning environment.

The administration reserves the right to determine if items of clothing or a student’s appearance are too revealing, distracting, etc. In the event of an infringement of the dress code, parents will be called to bring appropriate clothing.

REWARDS AND CONSEQUENCES TOP

All students are expected to comply with the behavioral guidelines outlined in this handbook. To assist in meeting Wood CanyonÕs high standards, the following system of rewards and consequences will be implemented.

REWARDS TOP

Student Recognition Assemblies: Teachers select students from their classes approximately three times per year to be honored at Wood Canyon’s Super Star Award Assemblies.  Parents are invited to join us ding these special recognition ceremonies.

Shining Star Awards: Certificates will be distributed by staff members to students who exhibit good citizenship and/or responsible behavior. Students receiving Shining Star Awards may also win a variety of prizes in the Shining Star Raffle conducted over WCC Live Radio.

Lunch Table Awards: Classes having the best behavior and the cleanest lunch tables will receive special recognition.

Miscellaneous Rewards: Students can also receive a variety of other awards from their teachers and the administration for appropriate behavior and academic achievement throughout the school year.

CONSEQUENCES TOP

For those students unable to follow Wood Canyon’s behavioral guidelines, one or more of the following consequences may be implemented:

Incident Reports: will be given to students who use poor judgment at any time during the school day. Students will be restricted to a designated area for one or more recess periods.

Behavior Report Forms: will be given to students for infractions such as abusive or foul language, disrespect towards adults and unsafe behavior. Parents may be contacted.

In House or Out of School Student Suspensions: will be administered to students who have been fighting, stealing or for other severe behavioral infractions. The loss of school privileges will be determined on an individual basis. Parents/guardians will be notified.

Student Expulsions: may be administered to students who bring any type of weapon to school, including pocketknives, fingernail clippers with a blade, knives, guns, toy guns, etc. This ‘zero tolerance’ stance is outlined in the District’s Board Policy on student suspensions and expulsions.

STUDENT STUDY TEAM MEETINGS TOP

The Student Study Team Meeting is supported by a resource group, and it is comprised of trained staff members.  These meetings are available to teachers and parents who would like input to assist them with strategies for working with students who exhibit academic or behavioral concerns.

THE ROLE OF THE PTA TOP

The Wood Canyon Elementary School PTA supports classroom instruction and promotes student development and family involvement. Fundraisers such as gift-wrap sales and the Jog-A-Thon go toward classroom supplies, enrichment assemblies, the Art Masters art program, family nights and many other school projects.  The PTA meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are held according to local and national PTA by-laws. All parents are encouraged to join and take an active role.

THE ROLE OF THE WOOD CANYON SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC) TOP

The School Site Council carries out the responsibility of planning, implementing, and evaluating the school program, and acts in an advisory capacity to the school principal. The SSC is comprised of an equal number of certificated and classified staff members and parents. Members serve one or two year terms. This group discusses future goals for Wood Canyon and makes decisions about how to spend state allocated funds. Parents who are interested in serving on this committee should send back the SSC nomination form, which will be sent home during the first week of school.

CLASS ASSIGNMENTS/CHANGES TOP

Our professional staff as a team works together to make class assignments. Therefore, any changes would cause a disruption to the balance at each grade level, especially due to class size reduction legislation and ongoing enrollment growth.  If you would like a change in class placement to be considered, please submit a request in writing to the administrative staff stating the specific reason for the request. A Student Study meeting will take place with all personnel having interaction with the student.  All information will be considered in order to make an appropriate decision.

Copyright © 2007, Wood Canyon Elementary School. ® All rights reserved.
Contact our Web Manager for questions or comments regarding this site.
Web Manager