MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome, students and parents to Mesa Grande Elementary School.  I am anticipating another great year with you and the rest of the Mesa Grande Elementary community.  We are very proud of our team of outstanding teachers, instructional assistants, and support staff that are here to serve you and meet all of your educational needs.  Together, we will meet and exceed the standards that are placed before us.

In this handbook, you will find all the information you will need regarding school policies, procedures, and special programs.  Please read it over carefully, and keep it in a safe place so you can refer back to it as the year progresses.  If you have any questions regarding the information in this handbook, please feel free to contact the office and we would be happy to discuss it with you.  For any updates or information on campus happenings, I invite you to visit our school’s website at http://www.hesperia.k12.ca.us/Mesa. 

Thank you for taking the time to review this handbook with your family.  With your support, cooperation, and participation, Mesa Grande Elementary School will continue to be a community of safety, respect, and responsibility.  Working as a team, we can make wonderful things happen!

Have a great year!

Mrs. Seeger, Principal
 

VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS
All visitors and volunteers must sign in at the office before entering the campus.  No one may be on campus without a visitor’s pass.  Classroom volunteers must register with the office annually at the time of first volunteering, and must log in and out of the office daily. All potential volunteers need to complete an application form. This form needs to be renewed at the beginning of each year. Parents will not be allowed to accompany students on field trips unless this form is on file and the parent is Board approved. There are many ways to assist in your child’s educational program – ask your child’s teacher about helping in the classroom or at home.  Uninterrupted learning time is valued in our school; therefore, we ask that you leave other children at home when you volunteer.

ATTENDANCE
Children who attend school everyday are more successful. The have continuity academically, as well as socially. Regular attendance is essential for academic success. The California Education Code (Sec. 48200) requires that all children between the ages of six (6) and eighteen (18) attend school. Any student who is absent without a valid excuse for more than three days or who is similarly tardy beyond thirty minutes for more than two days, is truant. Truant students will be referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB).

ABSENCES
Please call the school office before 8:20 AM the day your child is absent or send a note signed by the parent stating the date and reason for the absence on the first day the student returns to school. (760-244-3709)
•    Perfect Attendance=No absences or tardies.

TARDIES
Responsible behavior includes being on time and ready to enter the classroom at 8:20.  All students arriving late must check in at the office and get a tardy slip before going to class.

ARRIVAL TIME
Students may not enter the school campus before 7:45 AM. Students may enter campus through the north or south gates. They are to go directly to the cafeteria if they arrive before 7:55 a.m.  After 7:55 a.m., they are to go directly to the playground area. Instruction begins at 8:20 a.m. and 8:10 a.m. for kindergarten. When dropping off students please do NOT use the bus lane or staff parking lots.

EARLY SIGN OUTS
All students leaving school during the school day for any reason must be signed out in the office by a parent or guardian before 2:15 PM.  Students returning to school later that same day must check in at the office before returning to class. Be aware that neighbors, relatives, babysitters, etc. may not take students from the school grounds unless they are listed on the student’s emergency card. This is for your child’s safety. No student will be released to anyone who is not on the Emergency Card. You will be required to provide picture identification when signing a child out from the office. This is in keeping with state requirements and recommendations of both the sheriff’s department and the FBI.

DISMISSAL
To ensure student safety at dismissal time, staff members supervise students through the bus gate to dismiss students to their buses, or to the walker pick-up/drive-up pick-up areas.  Parents may drive through to pick up students ONLY at the South Gate (blue) and Olive Gate (Green).  DO NOT drive through the bus lane or park along Olive St.  Dismissal time is at the close of the school’s instructional day at 2:37 p.m. (11:46 p.m. for Kindergarten) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Wednesday, students are dismissed earlier at 1:41 PM. (10:49 p.m. for Kindergarten)

BIKE RIDERS
All bike riders must have a lock for their bike and wear a helmet as required by law.  Traffic safety and respect for private property are to be observed at all times while riding to and from school.  For student safety, it is recommended that bike riders are 4th – 6th graders living within one mile of the school. Bikes are to be taken directly to the bike racks each morning. The school is not responsible for stolen or vandalized bikes.  In the afternoon, students wait for the buses to leave before riding home.  Bike riders ride at their own risk.

NO SKATEBOARDS, SKATES, BIKES, OR VEHICLES ARE ALLOWED ON THE SCHOOL GROUNDS AT ANY TIME, INCLUDING WEEKENDS.  (V.C. 21113)



BUS RIDERS
All students who ride a bus are to use the same bus stop every day.  If a temporary or permanent change of bus stop is necessary, the parent must send a note to the office, or come in and request the change, so that records can be changed and a bus pass can be issued for the teacher and driver.  We expect bus riders to follow all bus safety rules.  We also expect students to behave properly at their bus stop.  Bus riding is a privilege, not a right, and misconduct can result in a bus letter or loss of bus riding privileges, either temporarily or permanently. If no one is waiting at the bus stop for them, they will be returned to the school site (Kindergarten only). If this occurs 3 times, the child will lose their bus privileges. When you have a question or concern, please call the District Transportation Department at 244-4022.  They do their best to take care of your concerns, or they will refer you to someone who can.

PARENT TRANSPORTATION
All traffic safety laws are in effect for a school zone.  Parent cooperation is expected by picking up your child in the line on either Olive St. or the South Gate. DO NOT use the bus area or park in staff parking lots. There is only one gate you can walk up to receive your child. It is the “Yellow” gate located on the northwestern most corner of the campus. If you choose this exit for your child, you must park off campus. Students at this gate will not be released to a vehicle. If you park across the street, we ask that you walk your child to your car.  Students being picked up go to the parent pick-up gate upon dismissal. Parents MUST send a note when someone other than their parent is picking up students. (Please refer to the map at the back of this handbook)

WALKERS
Determine the safest route between your home and the school, using crosswalks.  Establish time limits for a direct walk to and from school.  Parents must send a note to the office if students are to walk to a different location.  For safety’s sake, check every now and then to be sure that your child is traveling directly home or to school.  Remind your child never to talk to or accept rides from strangers, and encourage your child to tell you if anything happens on the way to or from school that makes him/her uncomfortable.

TRANSPORTATION CHANGES
For the protection of our students and at the advice of the Police Department, phone messages are not acceptable for making a change in how a student gets home from school.  “Student word” is also unacceptable.  The only way for a student to be dismissed other than what is originally agreed upon is by written request or by the parent coming to school in person.  In order to avoid classroom and office interruptions, students may use the phone only in an emergency.  We ask that messages from home be kept to an absolute minimum, and limited to true emergencies.


EMERGENCY CARDS
Each student is given a new emergency card every year so that parents can provide the school with current information regarding address, home and work phone numbers, and emergency phone numbers.  The emergency numbers should be relatives or friends nearby who can care for the child in the event that a parent cannot be reached.  Students will be released ONLY to persons named on the emergency card.  In case of an emergency, students will remain at school until an authorized person arrives.  Any changes of address, phone number, etc. must be reported to the office as soon as possible.


MEDICATION AND INSURANCE
If your child has a medical condition which requires medication, please inform the school.  If at all possible, medications should be given at home.  STUDENTS MAY NOT CARRY MEDICATION TO SCHOOL.  The office cannot give any medication to a child without a permission slip signed by a parent and physician.  Permission slips may be obtained in the office. 


STUDENT INSURANCE DISCLAIMER FOR 2008-2009
Please be advised that the school does NOT provide medical insurance coverage for school accidents.  This means that parents are responsible for medical bills if your child gets hurt during school activities.  Please study the accompanying student accident/health insurance plans, which are offered as a courtesy to your family. We strongly suggest the Student Health Care or High Option 24-Hour Plans which are especially helpful for those students with no other insurance coverage. After reviewing the information, please sign and date the insurance notification and return it to school.

IMMUNIZATIONS
Parents of sixth grade students, please be aware that your children must be immunized for Hepatitis B before entering Junior High.  The Hepatitis B series involves three shots, and the entire process takes about six months.





BREAKFAST PROGRAM
Breakfast is served each morning from 7:45 to 8:15 AM.  There is a daily breakfast and lunch program available to all students. Breakfast is $1.50 Free and reduced meals are available to those who qualify under federal requirements. Applications are no longer available at the school site. They can be obtained at Nutrition Service Division 11176 “G” Ave. (760) 948-1051.

LUNCH PROGRAM
Students may bring their lunch from home or buy lunch from the cafeteria.  All students will be assigned a lunch number to enter into the cafeteria’s computer system which keeps track of each child’s account.  Free and reduced meals are available to those who qualify. 

TEXTBOOKS, LIBRARY BOOKS, AND PERSONAL PROPERTY
The School District is not responsible for stolen or lost items.  Personal items, such as toys, trading cards, games, and equipment, are not permitted on campus unless arrangements have been made with the teacher in advance.  Students are responsible for textbooks and library books issued to them during the year.  All lost or damaged books must be paid for by the student.
 
OFFICE HOURS AND MESSAGES
The Mesa Grande Elementary office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 3:30.  The office staff is prepared to assist with your questions during these hours.  Please speak to the office staff when you call.  They are able to handle most requests themselves, and can refer you to the teaching staff or administration as needed.

HOMEWORK
The purpose of homework is to apply, reinforce, and extend the skills and concepts learned during classroom instruction and to develop a sense of self-discipline, personal responsibility, and the ability to study independently.  In order to give students an opportunity to develop various kinds of skills, teachers will give many types of homework assignments, some of which may not be written work, and will emphasize independent research, reports, special reading and problem-solving activities relating to reading comprehension. Other assignments may include collecting information, conducting interviews, or doing research.  Homework is assigned on an average of four days per week. For each grade level, the average amount of daily time that students shall be expected to spend on homework is half an hour in grades K-3 and one hour (1) for grades 4-6. Your child’s teacher will inform you about homework expectations, how homework relates to the students’ grades, and how best you can best help your children at home. Parents should consult their child’s teacher whenever there is a question about homework.

MAKEUP WORK
No student may have his/her grade reduced or lose academic credit for any excused absence when missed assignments and tests are satisfactorily completed within a reasonable period of time. (Educational Code 48205, 48980)

INDEPENDENT STUDY CONTRACTS
On those occasions when a family emergency or vacation occurs during the regular school session, parents should request (In person) an Independent Study Contract (ISC) for those days so that attendance credit is earned.  Prior notice is necessary for this. Please see the school attendance clerk before the absence so that the study packet can be prepared for you. Please note that ISP’s require five (5) consecutive days to qualify.


DIVORCE/CHILD CUSTODY
If your (child)ren have special or unique custody or visitation arrangements, it is most important that you bring this to the attention of the office staff.  A copy of the “Order to Show Cause” document or final divorce papers should be given to the office.  California State Law allows both natural parents of a child to pick up that child from school unless court documents state otherwise.  Please understand that without specific court documents to the contrary, the non-custodial parent MAY sign out and remove the child from school.

REPORT CARDS AND
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Report cards are prepared three times per year.  In addition, teachers will meet with parents periodically to discuss student progress.  It is our intent to schedule a formal conference with each parent at least once a year.  These conferences can prove very valuable in helping us work with your child and in providing you with information concerning his or her school progress.  Please make every effort to attend these conferences.  Additionally, teachers are available in the morning from 7:50 to 8:10 for phone conferences or scheduled conferences with parents.  Due to staff committee meetings and classroom preparation, it is recommended that conferences be scheduled in advance.  Teachers are not able to meet with parents during teaching hours.

STAFF IN-SERVICE TRAINING
In order to better meet the needs of our students, all staff members participate in a variety of in-services, conferences, and training sessions to continue learning and to improve their professional skills.  Our challenge is to increase the number of students performing at or above grade level.  This year, our entire staff will increase the effectiveness of their teaching strategies in reading, language arts, and math, and continue the ExCEL model.  Staff members will train together during scheduled after-school and evening staff development sessions throughout the year.


COLLABORATIVE WEDNESDAYS
Every Wednesday, students are dismissed early 1:41. This is to provide time for our teachers and other staff members to work together to help increase the overall effectiveness of our educational programs.  Please remember that this occurs EVERY Wednesday, and that dismissal is almost an hour earlier.

COMMUNICATION
At Mesa Grande Elementary, we do our very best to inform the home about schedule changes and calendars.  Please look out for messages brought home by your child that may inform you about upcoming school activities, special events, and calendar changes. Our school newsletter, The Mustang Messenger, is published and sent home once every 3 months.  It contains many helpful and informative articles, as well as, calendars of events.  Most classrooms provide weekly or monthly updates for parents about classroom activities and student progress.  Do not hesitate to call whenever you’re wondering about a meeting or other activity.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
The Mesa Grande Elementary staff works throughout the year preparing themselves and the students to be ready in the event of an earthquake or other emergency.  Fire, lockdown, and earthquake drills are scheduled throughout the year to practice procedures.  We update food, water, and first aid supplies periodically.  Parents are kept informed of specifics through the newsletter and PTSC meetings.  Please be sure to let the office know whenever there is a change in your home, work, and/or emergency phone numbers.
Some suggestions for home safety are:

•    Prepare your family for an earthquake or other emergency by talking about what to do, what not to do, and where to meet in an emergency situation.
•    Prepare an “Earthquake Kit” for your family.  The school or the Red Cross can help you obtain information.


TRANSFER POLICY
The purpose of an intradistrict attendance agreement (transfer) is to provide parents with choices in selecting the schools that their children may attend within the district’s boundaries.  The site administrator of the school of choice must approve the agreement.  Requests for intradistrict transfers will be accepted unless they would cause the school to exceed the class size average limits established by the California Education Code.  Transportation to and from school shall be the sole responsibility of the parent.  Parents wishing to submit applications for admission to their school of choice must do so during an open enrollment period. Should the number of applications received exceed the space available at the school; a lottery drawing will be held to determine priority for open enrollment.

STUDENT DRESS CODE
Students should be dressed and groomed in a manner which will not interfere with or detract from the academic process nor create a health or safety risk for any student.  Students must observe the District’s K-12 Dress Code Policy which prohibits the following unacceptable dress:

•    Clothing, jewelry, and personal items that a student has including notebooks, book covers, magazines, drawings, pictures, fanny packs, gym bags, water bottles, backpacks, clothing, or any other item that disrupts the instructional process
•    Hats other than unaltered school approved hats, plain blue or white caps properly worn. Winter beanies (solid color only) and without wording are allowed during cold weather.
•    Oversized clothing such as shorts, pants, coats, etc.  Pants or shorts must fit at the waist
•    Items that promote hate, intolerance or violence
•    Unsafe jewelry and accessories, including wallet chains and belts hanging from the waist
•    Visible undergarments
•    Clothing with profanity, that is too tight, revealing or sexually provocative
•    Clothing with pictures, insignia or brand names for controlled substances, tobacco or alcohol 
•    Bandannas
•    Unsafe footwear including flip flops or slippers
•    Raiders and Kings clothing, “LA” and “Skin” labels, and any additional articles of clothing or accessories identified by the HUSD School Police Department as being gang or hate group related will be forbidden on campus or any other school function
•        No Spaghetti straps less than 1” in width.

* Interpretation of dress that is inappropriate and distracting is left to the discretion of the school administration

    *   Special events do not supercede the dress code unless approved by school administration.

When students violate the dress code, a parent will be contacted and may be asked to bring appropriate clothing to school.  If we are unable to reach a parent, the student will be loaned a suitable garment or be asked to turn the article of clothing inside out for the day (if appropriate) and the student will take a note of explanation home to the parent.  Thank you for your support in following our dress code and for helping us provide a suitable learning environment.

SCHOOL RULES

NO WEAPONS OF ANY TYPE ARE ALLOWED ON CAMPUS AT ANY TIME, OR WHILE GOING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

NO ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, OR ANY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ARE ALLOWED ON CAMPUS AT ANY TIME, OR WHILE GOING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

All members of the Mesa Grande Elementary School Community are expected to “Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible” at all times.


Being safe includes:
•    Move safely
•    Keep hands and feet to yourself
•    Use equipment and materials properly

Being respectful includes:
•    Touch property with permission only
•    Using positive language
•    Speak in a conversational tone

Being responsible includes:
•    Follow adult directions
•    Be Honest
•    Leave your space clean

DISCIPLINE PLAN
In order to maintain a safe, effective learning environment, a progressive discipline plan is utilized by all staff at Mesa Grande Elementary.  When a student chooses not to follow our school or classroom rules, one or more of the following consequences will occur:

•    Warning and clarification of expectations
•    Conference with students
•    Time-outs
•    Loss of privilege time
•    Home contact (notes/phone calls/conferences)
•    Referral to principal/assistant principal
•    In-school suspension
•    Suspension
•    Recommendation for expulsion

GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION
California Education Code specifically identifies student behaviors that can lead to a suspension.  It also identifies the maximum number of days that a student may be suspended as well as the prior interventions that must, in some subsections, be employed before suspension can occur.  It is important to be aware that suspension is seen as a tool of last resort and not a first option.  Suspension will be undertaken only when prior interventions have failed to bring about the designated change in student behavior and/or when the actions of the child pose a threat to his/her safety or the safety of others.  A pupil may be suspended or expelled for acts which are enumerated in this section and related to school activity or attendance that occur at any time including, but not limited to, any of the following: while on school grounds, while going to or coming from school, during the lunch period, during or while going to or coming from a school-sponsored activity.  Outlined below are Education Codes 48900, 48900.2, 48900.3, 48900.4, and 48915 including the enumerated causes for suspension and expulsion.

A pupil shall not be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion unless the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determine that the pupil has:

GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION
California Education Code 48900:          (Grades K - 12)   
a.     (1) Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person; or (2) Willfully used force or violence upon     the person of another, except in self-defense.
b.    Possessed, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object ,unless, in the case of possession of     any object of this     type, the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, which is concurred in by the principal or the designee of the principal.
c.    Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished or been under the influence of any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, an alcoholic beverage,  or an intoxicant of any kind.
d.    Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code, an alcoholic beverage or an intoxicant of any kind, and then either sold, delivered, or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance, or material and represented the liquid,  substance,  or material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage,  or intoxicant.
e.    Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.
f.    Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.
g.    Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property.
h.    Possessed or used tobacco, or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets, and betel.  However, this section does not prohibit use or possession by a pupil of his or her own prescription products.
i.    Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
j.    Unlawfully possessed, or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia, as defined in Section 11014.5 of the Health and Safety Code.
k.    Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.
l.    Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.
m.    Possessed an imitation firearm.  As used in this section, “imitation firearm” means a replica of a firearm that is so substantially similar in physical properties to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to conclude that the replica is a firearm.
n.    Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault as defined in Section 261, 266c, 286, 288, 288a, or 289 of the Penal Code or committed a sexual battery as defined in Section 243.4 of the Penal Code.
o.    Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a pupil who is a complaining witness or witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of either preventing that pupil from being a witness or retaliating against that pupil for being a witness, or both.
p.    Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold the prescription drug Soma.
q.    Engaged in, or attempted to engage in, hazing as defined in Section 245.6 of the Penal Code.
s.    A pupil aids or abets as defined in Section 31 of the Penal Code, the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury to another person.   
California Education Code 48900.2     (Grades 4 - 12)
    Committed sexual harassment as defined in Section 212.5.
California Education Code 48900.3    (Grades 4 - 12)
    Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in, an act of hate violence, as defined in subdivision (e) of  Section  233.
California Education Code 48900.4    (Grades 4 - 12)
Intentionally engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation, directed against school district personnel or pupils, that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to have the actual and reasonably expected effect of materially disrupting classwork, creating substantial disorder, and invading the rights of either pupil or school personnel  by creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment.
California Education Code 48900.7
    Has made terroristic threats against school officials or school property, or both.  For the purposes of this section, “terroristic threat” shall include any statement, whether written or oral, by a person who willfully threatens to commit a crime which will result in death, great bodily injury to another person, or property damage in excess of one thousand dollars, with the specific intent that the statement is to be taken as a threat, even if there is no intent of actually carrying it out, which, on its face and under the circumstances in which it is made, is so unequivocal, unconditional, immediate, and specific as to convey to the person threatened, a gravity of purpose and an immediate prospect of execution of the threat, and thereby causes that person reasonably to be in sustained fear for his or her own safety or for his or her immediate family’s safety, or for the protection of school district property, or the personal property of the person threatened or his or her immediate family.

MANDATORY RECOMMENDATION FOR EXPULSION    (Grades K - 12)
California Education Code 48915
(A)    1.    Causing serious physical injury to another person, except in self-defense.                     2.    Possession of any knife, or other dangerous object of no reasonable use to the pupil.                 3.     Unlawful possession of any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health     and Safety Code, except for the first offense for the possession of not more than one avoirdupois ounce of marijuana, other than concentrated cannabis.                                         
    4.    Robbery or extortion.
    5.    Assault or battery, as defined in Sections 240 and 242 of the Penal Code, upon any school employee.
(C)    1.    Possessing, selling, or otherwise furnishing a firearm.
    2.    Brandishing a knife at another person.   
       3.    Unlawfully selling a controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 11053) of Division 10 of the Health and                 Safety Code.
    4.    Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault as defined in subdivision (n) of Section 48900 or committing a sexual                 battery as defined in subdivision (n) of Section 48900.
        5.      Possession of an explosive.

CELL PHONE POLICY
Except for prior consent for health reasons, the following policy will be strictly enforced:
•    No student may possess or use a personal electronic signaling device, including but not limited to photo enabled cell phones, internet enabled devices, digital cameras, or any device containing a digital camera, two-way radios, instant messaging, text messaging devices, pagers, or beepers.  These types of devices are prohibited from all school sites, busses, and school activities (on campus during the school day).  Students found in violation of this policy may be disciplined on a first offense and will have their device confiscated and returned to parents.  If there is a second/subsequent offense, the device will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school year.
•    Non-photo enabled, non-internet enabled basic cell phones that are powered off may be in the possession of students for life-threatening emergency use only during the school day.  These devices must remain powered off and stored out of sight while on the bus, or on campus during the school day.  If seen by school or bus personnel, the device will be confiscated and returned to parents on a first offense and kept to the end of the year on a second/subsequent offense and the student may be disciplined.  For a first offense, the student will lose the privilege of possessing a basic cell phone for emergency purposes for the remainder of the school year.  For a second offense, anytime thereafter, the student will lose the privilege permanently.
•    Permissible uses for a non-photo enabled, non-internet enabled basic cell phone are limited to:
- Life threatening emergency situations anytime
- On campus before and after the official school day
- At the conclusion of field trips after return to campus if                after the school day
- At sporting or other events on campus after the school day
- Anytime with the specific limited permission and supervision of a site administrator

MESA GRANDE DIRECTIONS FOR SAFETY
Playground Directions
•    No food on the playground.  Snacks must be eaten in the designated snack area.
•    All games are open to anyone wishing to play.
•    Follow all game rules, and use good sportsmanship at all times.
•    Freeze at the bell until dismissed by the adult(s) in charge.
•    Walk to line up as soon as you are dismissed.
•    No playing, drinks, or using the restroom after the bell.

Lunch Directions
•    Use quiet voices at all times.  If your voice can be heard at the next table, it is too loud.
•    Use courteous table manners.
•    No food exchanges.
•    Sit at assigned table until dismissed by an adult in charge.
•    Finish eating, clean up your area, and sit quietly until dismissed to the playground.

Dismissal Directions
•    All students, under teacher supervision, are to walk to the bus gate or the walker/pickup area.
•    Cross streets at crosswalks only.
•    Respect private property and follow all traffic and safety rules going to and from school.

STUDENT RECOGNITION
There are many ongoing programs in the classrooms, the school, and the District to recognize and encourage student accomplishment.  Positive achievement in both academics and citizenship is expected of all students.  Students are encouraged to find their strengths and use these strengths to the best of their ability.  Recognition occurs both spontaneously and formally – notes and calls home, announcements of positive behavior, perfect attendance awards, academic recognition, and special activities, among others.



STUDENT OF THE DAY
The Mesa Grande “Student of the Day” program recognizes one student each day who has exemplified Safe, Respectful, and Responsible behavior.  Each of these students participates in the morning Pledge of Allegiance, and is recognized by their teacher for their outstanding behavior. At the end of each month, two former “Students of the Day,” a boy and a girl, are selected as the Mesa Grande Students of the Month, and are recognized by having their names placed on the school’s marquee.  The purpose of all student recognition is to reinforce positive choices and actions, build confidence and independence, and enhance self-esteem.

 
     BLUE AND WHITE FRIDAYS
Classes with the most students wearing Blue and White, or school spirit t-shirts will receive a
pencil!  Wear those t-shirts with pride!


SPECIAL EVENTS
In order for our students to participate in making decisions that affect others in positive ways, special events and service opportunities are planned and scheduled throughout the year.  These events include: Red Ribbon Week, Science Fair, Field Day, Clue-Me-In, Spell-a-thon, Book Buddies, Hoe Down, ELAC Winter Festival, Winter Program, Reading Night, Math Night, holiday food drives, and many others.

YEARBOOK
Throughout the year, the staff records special events around the school with their cameras.  These photos become part of the yearbook.  The yearbook is available for purchase, so that students can remember their days at Mesa Grande Elementary.  You will receive information when yearbooks become available.

MESA GRANDE WEBSITE
The Mesa Grande Elementary website, at http://www.hesperia.k12.ca.mesa, is a valuable resource for school events, staff information, educational information, and many other interesting features.  Visit often, and feel free to e-mail the school with your thoughts and suggestions.

ASSEMBLIES AND FIELD TRIPS
With the support of the Mesa Grande P.T.S.C., school-wide fundraisers and selected assemblies will be provided to enhance the learning program. If a field trip is scheduled, your child’s teacher will inform you of the destination, day, and approximate time of departure and return.  Teachers will contact parent volunteers to assist with the field trip by supervising students on the bus and in small groups during the trip.  For safety and insurance reasons, private vehicles and additional children are not allowed on field trips.  All chaperones must have an approved volunteer form on file with the office.

PARTIES
Classes may observe Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and End-of-the-Year with a class party during the last hour of the school day.  Teachers will contact volunteers to arrange needed assistance.  For student safety, only “store bought” healthy snacks are permitted.

LOST AND FOUND
Students are responsible for the safe and appropriate use of their school materials.  Personal items, such as toys, trading cards, equipment, etc. are not permitted at school unless arrangement has been made with the teacher in advance.  Please make sure that your child’s name is on his/her jacket and lunch pail/bag Articles found on school property are usually placed in the lost and found box located in the cafeteria.  Labeling personal items can make it easier to return them if misplaced.  The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.  Unclaimed articles will be donated to charitable organizations at the end of the school year.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT
It is our belief at Mesa Grande Elementary School that parental support and involvement in a child’s education is an essential element for improving academic achievement.  Studies have shown that parental direction, interest, and participation in the student’s educational development affect performance, attitudes and school success.  We at Mesa Grande recognize that we can provide many opportunities for learning, but the crucial element that is needed is assistance from parents and families.  There is no replacement for the support, encouragement, approval, and love that parents can give to their children.



GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS (ADULTS)
•    Volunteers must adhere to the Mesa Grande  Dress Code.
•    Volunteers must sign in and out in the front office.
•    We ask that volunteers leave “non-student” children at home.  It can create too many distractions in the classroom.

GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS (STUDENTS/MINORS)
•    All student volunteers must sign in and out in the front office.
•    All student volunteers must have a completed and approved volunteer form.
•    All student volunteers must have a prearranged, supervised place to work and eat.
•    Staff children must be under direct supervision of their parent or an identified staff member at all times, including before and after school.
•    Parents will be notified on an individual basis if their child (student volunteer) is disruptive or engages in behavior that is detrimental to the normal functioning of the school.
•    If complaints or problems regarding a student volunteer are not resolved, the privilege of volunteering may be revoked at the discretion of an administrator.
•    Student volunteers must adhere to the Mesa Grande Dress Code.
•    The request to volunteer must be initiated by staff members, not by student volunteers.  Student volunteers will be utilized based on the needs of the school.
•    Children of staff members must not interfere with the staff member’s duties and responsibilities.
•    The staff lounge is off-limits to students of all ages during the hours of 8:00-4:00.
•    Student volunteers must be HUSD students or staff family members (for insurance purposes).
•    Student volunteers must be 5 years older than the students they are assisting.



OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT

School Site Council
The Mesa Grande Site Council is the elected body of parents and staff who oversee the planning, implementing, and monitoring of Mesa Grande’s School Based Plan.  The SSC meets quarterly, usually at 3 PM. Specific dates will be announced early in the school year.  All meetings are open to everyone.  Your questions can be answered and your suggestions are welcome!

Mesa Grande P.T.S.C. (Parent-Teacher-Student-Committee)
The Mesa Grande PTSC fundraisers support student programs such as assemblies, awards, recognition, and purchase of equipment.  PTSC meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at 3:00 by the Executive Board.

Mesa Grande English Language
Advisory Committee (ELAC)
The ELAC meets on the third Tuesday of every other month beginning in October at 3:00 PM in the staff lounge.  The District ELAC “DELAC” meets on the third Thursday of every other month, beginning in October. (Meeting times and locations TBA)

Annual Title I Parent Meeting
At these meetings, school-wide programs are discussed, programs are identified for students, and further strategies are developed to help students in all academic areas and with homework.


SPECIAL PROGRAMS

After School Program (ASES)
ASES is held at Mesa Grande School from the end of the school day until 6:00 PM, in cooperation with the Hesperia Parks and Recreation District.  The program is designed to provide a safe, fun, and supervised environment for students in grades 1-6.  Registration packets may be obtained from the school office. 


Title I
The School-wide Title I program is designed to provide remediation in reading, language, and math.  Some of the remediation strategies provided by this program include the ExCEL Model, Computer Assisted Learning, Instructional Aide Assistance, Intensive Reading Tutoring and additional learning materials available to students for use at home or at school.

There is also federal legislation that affects our school district and a parental option as a result of the legislation.  In January, 2002, President Bush signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act, now commonly referred to as NCLB.  The act is the most sweeping educational reform since 1965.  NCLB redefines and greatly expands the federal role in K-12 education.  It enacts changes at the state and local district levels, and it specifically targets the achievement gap between non-performing students and their peers.  NCLB is based on three basic standards:

•    Emphasis on effective teaching
•    Stronger accountability for results
•    Expanded options for parents

NCLB specifically requires school districts to notify parents about the emphasis on effective teaching.  Any district that receives federal funds must inform parents of their right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher.  Parents may request the following information:

•    State credential criteria for grade level and subject matter taught by the teacher
•    Emergency or other provisional status of the teacher
•    The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher
•    Services provided by paraprofessionals and their qualifications

The district must also notify parents when a teacher that is not “highly qualified” teaches their children for four consecutive weeks.  This section of the handbook serves as notification that you have the option to request information about your child’s teacher.  If you desire to request this information, please contact the district office at 244-4411, ext. 235.

ELL
English Language Learners, students whose primary language is other than English, are provided with comprehensible learning opportunities in English while they develop their English proficiency.  Some of the strategies provided include scaffolded classrooms, differentiated instruction, and the availability of bilingual staff to provide individual and small group support and the use of supportive learning materials in both English and the child’s native language, if possible.

Student Study Team
The goal of the Student Study Team is to screen referrals of children thought to have special learning needs and to develop strategies to help the child be more successful in school and to meet proficiency standards.  When you have a concern about your child, please discuss it with your child’s teacher first. An SST meeting can be scheduled through the team if additional assistance is needed.  The Student Study Team meets weekly with parents.  When a meeting is scheduled to discuss your child, you will receive a letter in the mail informing you of the date and time.

SPECIAL EDUCATION
Students who require extra help for specific learning disabilities are served through the ExCEL Model with support from the special education teachers.  The students are usually referred by the Student Study Team for assessment and when a learning disability is confirmed, a meeting is scheduled to discuss possible special program placement.  Parents are involved and informed throughout the process by participating in all Student Study Team and Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) meetings.  An IEP is developed for each student who is admitted to the Special Education program.

GATE
The Gifted and Talented Program is designed to provide challenging, enriched learning opportunities for students who have been identified for the program.


Speech Therapy
The Speech Therapy Program is designed to identify and assist students with speech or language problems. Children suspected of having a problem are referred to the speech therapist for evaluation through the Student Study Team process. Parents are invited to be involved throughout this process. Our speech therapist is on campus two days a week.