SELLERS ELEMENTARY

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2009 - 2010 School Year

WELCOME TO SELLERS SCHOOL

On behalf of the entire staff of Sellers School, I would like to welcome you to the 2009 - 2010 school year, I look forward to working with you and your children as the entire staff of Sellers School provides your family with the best educational experience possible.  I am very proud of the educational program we are able to offer the children we serve as we work together to keep "Children First."

To keep abreast of current events at school, be sure to check you child's Wednesday folder every Wednesday and I encourage you to read the "Sellers Sez," our monthly PTA newsletter to take note of the important people, dates and different ways that you can become involved in the children's education at Sellers.

As the school year begins, please call me @ 626.852.4574 or e.mail me at sbishop@glendora.k12.ca.us if I can assist you or your child in
anyway possible or answer any questions that you may have. Lastly, be sure to visit our website at www.glendora.k12.ca.us.  Thanks for your anticipated support!

Have a fantastic school year!  Go Vikings!

Steve Bishop

HISTORY OF SELLERS SCHOOL

Sellers School is located at 500 North Loraine Avenue. The school opened on March 18, 1957, with 574 students occupying sixteen classrooms. The school was named for Margaret R. Sellers, a former teacher and principal in this district for many years. At one time Sellers was a junior high school.

Today the Sellers site serves elementary students in grades kindergarten through fifth and houses the Glendora Unified School District Office and Education Center. Students have available an extensive playground, library, cafeteria facilities, and a computer lab. Sellers is proud of it's history and continuing tradition of academic excellence. Sellers School's mascot is the Viking. The school colors are blue and white.

DAILY SCHEDULE

(Please Note, the lunch schedules have NOT been update.  Please check with the school)

PARENT CONFERENCE WEEK

Kindergarten:         8:15am - 11:35am

First - Fifth:             8:15am - 12:31pm 

(Students who choose to stay and buy lunch will be served at 12:31)

SHORTENED DAYS

Kindergarten                8:15am - 11:35am

First - Fifth                    8:15am - 12:31pm

Regular Lunch Schedule

EARLY OUT / STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS

Kindergarten               TBA

First - Fifth                  TBA

Regular Lunch Schedule

BREAKFAST PROGRAM

Nutritious breakfasts are now served daily from 7:50 AM until 8:10 AM in our Sellers cafeteria. Breakfast is $1.25, reduced price $0.25. Prepaid meal tickets are available.

LUNCH PROGRAM

Nutritious lunches are served daily. Student lunches are $3.00. ALL Glendora Elementary Schools are now on computerized point of sale systems for breakfast and lunch.  Money may be placed on student's account Monday thru Friday at Sellers' kitchen during breakfast (7:45 am to 8:45 am) or Food Service Office, Monday thry Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.   Please check the website for the current month's menu.

LUNCH LOAN POLICY

The school office does not loan lunch money. Children who do not have packed lunches or sufficient lunch money will be given special tickets which will entitle them to one sandwich and drink. We feel this will be adequate to hold a child until after school. No repayment is necessary as our Food Services Department has agreed to provide this assistance. PLEASE SUPPLY THE OFFICE WITH A DOCTOR'S NOTE IF YOUR CHILD HAS ANY TYPE OF FOOD ALLERGY. Thank you for your understanding and support in this matter.

PRINCIPAL'S REQUEST

Please try to remember to send a packed lunch or lunch money with your child each morning. Dropping off lunches in the office (regular and fast food) disrupts the educational process, as we must interrupt classes to notify teachers. Thank you!

Mr. Bishop

ATTENDANCE

The importance of regular school attendance cannot be stressed enough. It affects both the student's progress at school and our school funding, which is based on daily attendance figures. If your child will be absent from school, please call the school office on 852-4574 before 9:30 a.m. that day. If no call is received, the school will attempt to contact you. This procedure serves a dual purpose. It assures the child is accounted for and it expedites the bookkeeping process at school. In the event no contact is made with the school office, please send a dated note explaining the reason for the absence when your child returns to school. The reason for the absence is a legal requirement of the state of California. Homework arrangements can be made with your child's teacher.

Students receive an excused absence for the following reasons: 1) Illness, 2) quarantine under the direction of a county or city health office, 3) for the purpose of attending the funeral services of a member of the immediate family, 4) medical, dental, optometric or chiropractic appointments. Students receive unexcused absences for reasons other than those listed above.

The Glendora Unified School District in conjunction with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will monitor attendance of students. Please be aware that students with frequent absences may be asked to participate in Student Attendance Review meetings.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

If your child will be out of school for an unexcused reason such as family vacation for five (5) 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 will help each student maintain his/her studies.

TARDIES

It is important that students come to school on time every day. School starts at 8:15 a.m. Students arriving after the 8:18 tardy bell will be considered tardy. Students arriving to school tardy need to report directly to class at which time it will be determined if they need to report to the office. Students without a valid tardy excuse may forfeit their morning recess after their third tardy. The number of tardies per quarter will be recorded on the child's report card. The principal will contact the parents of students with excessive tardies. Please make every effort to be in school on time.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXCUSES

Physical Education is required by state law. If a child is unable to participate in the program for one or two days, 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.

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 will be released to parents or guardian only through office personnel. When picking up your child during the school day, please report to the office and the office will call your child out of class. Your cooperation is much appreciated.

MEDICATIONS

The school may not administer medication 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. This includes nonprescription medication as well. Please contact the school office before sending any type of medication to school with your child.

EMERGENCY CARDS

 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 injury or illness, 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.

 Please remember the school will not release your child without your permission or to anyone not listed on the emergency card.

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE

 The Glendora Unified School District does not provide student accident or medical insurance coverage. Student accident insurance is available through a private carrier. The forms are available in the school office.

SCHOOL SAFETY

 At the beginning of each school year and at periodic intervals throughout the year, safety instructions are given to all Sellers School students. Parents should also help their children learn the proper and safe way to travel to and from school. A route should be planned by the parents and reviewed with their children. This route should be used daily, with full regard to sidewalks, street crossing, bike lanes, parking lot safety and the property of others.

Sellers students can be dropped off and picked-up behind the district building, behind the school, or in front of the school observing all safety and vehicle codes. Crosswalks must be used when crossing the street. Pedestrians must obey all directions of the crossing guards. Please do not call your child(ren) from across Loraine and have them run across the street to meet you. This is a serious safety hazard and poses an unnecessary danger to students and parents.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Sellers School has an emergency preparedness plan which will be implemented in the event of any disaster. Monthly safety drills are conducted to comply with state law and district policies. Although we hope the plan will never have to be utilized, it is designed to ensure the welfare and safety of all pupils 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. Children will be released only to those designated on the school emergency card. Each classroom is equipped with a box containing emergency supplies, consisting of first aid supplies, blankets, water, and food. In addition, a disaster bin that securely contains our supplies, has been purchased through PTA and school district funds to better help us serve the needs of our students during a disaster. Every effort will be made to keep the children as safe and comfortable as possible while detained at school. In the event of a disaster, students will be released from the east playground area. Please report directly to the child's teacher at the evacuation area for student release. Your patience and cooperation in such a disaster is much appreciated.

BIKE SAFETY

If a student is in the third grade or above, he/she may ride a bike to school. Bike riders must obey all safety rules and the California Vehicle Code. When a student arrives on the school grounds, the bike must be walked to the bike rack, parked and locked. Remember, bikes must be walked while in the hallways, and on all school property. The privilege of riding a bike may be withdrawn if the rules are not observed. For the safety of all bicycle riders, students must use protective bike helmets as per California law. Students in grades 3 and above may also ride skateboards, rollerblades and scooters to school. Storage of these items is the responsibility of the student. Helmets must also be worn when riding the above items. Sellers School and the Glendora Unified School District are not responsible for any theft or vandalism of any of the above items while on school grounds.

SMOG ALERT INFORMATION

In the event of a Health Advisory Episode or Smog Alert, everyone, including healthy adults and children, should avoid prolonged, vigorous outdoor exercise. Susceptible individuals, especially those with heart or lung disease, should avoid outdoor activity. If this should occur, our Sellers smog flag will be displayed in front of the school. All teachers will be notified and all physical activity will be curtailed. We are informed of smog alerts by the district.

SCHOOL VISITATION

If you have a need to visit your child during school hours, please check in with the office first and arrangements will be made for you to meet with your child. If you would like to have lunch with your child, the office will make the necessary arrangements for you to eat with your child in a private location. Please be sure to check in at the office when you arrive on campus. For student safety, parents are not allowed to play on the playground with their own or other children. Your cooperation is appreciated. 

CONTACTING YOUR CHILD AT SCHOOL

When your child forgets his/her lunch, or lunch money, please bring it to the school office and it will be taken to the classroom as soon as possible. Please come to the office first if you wish to talk to your child. We can then call your child from the classroom and avoid disrupting the learning situation for the entire class. Students will be allowed to make phone calls home for emergencies only. Any special arrangements, such as going to a friend's house after school, walking home, or calling home to see how long before someone will be arriving to pick them up, will have to be made prior to the school day.

HOMEWORK GUIDELINES

Because of the individual differences and needs of students, homework will 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 can help their children with homework by providing a quiet place to study, setting aside a specific time each day for homework, providing necessary materials, assisting with drills (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. If you have any questions, please see your child's teacher directly.

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

CONFERENCES AND REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued at each trimester. Parent conferences are scheduled in November and March. Parents or teachers may request additional conferences as necessary. These conferences provide an opportunity to discuss student progress, present test scores, when appropriate, and to discuss new goals. Report cards are given to parents during conferences and sent home at the end of the 3rd trimester. In the event a student is at risk of receiving a failing grade, the parent will receive a progress report from the teacher approximately halfway through the trimester.

HONOR ROLL/PRESIDENTS EDUCATION AWARD

Fourth and Fifth grade students are eligible for the Honor Roll if they achieve a 3.0 GPA during the first through third trimester. Honor Roll students receive a certificate and a bumper sticker for first time recipients.

Fifth grade students who have earned a 3.5 GPA for every grading period during their fourth grade and fifth grade years will be eligible for the President's Academic Education Award, which honors their academic excellence.

TESTING AND OTHER EVALUATIONS

Teachers evaluate the progress of their students in a variety of ways. Included may be diagnostic procedures, observation, record-keeping, teacher-made tests, portfolios, writing proficiencies and standardized tests. This year grades 2, 3, 4 & 5 will participate in a state-wide assessment.

VISION AND HEARING SCREENING

Vision screening is given to students in kindergarten, second, and fifth grades, or by parent or teacher recommendation. Results are maintained in each students' cumulative file. Parents will be notified of any negative results.

LIBRARY

Students visit the Sellers School 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 your child checks materials out of the library, he/she assumes all responsibility for them. Please help your child take proper care of the books and materials borrowed from the library. Reimbursement will be required for lost or severely damaged books and materials. Report cards can be held if matters of lost library materials or textbooks are not resolved by the last day of school.

TEXTBOOKS

Students are requested to cover their textbooks as soon as they are received. It is requested that parents help their children with this task. Protecting textbooks in this way helps insure that they may be used for many years. Most textbooks are used over a seven to eight year span. Your care of these materials is greatly appreciated.

LOST AND FOUND

Children who misplace an article of clothing, lunch box, etc. may check in the LOST AND FOUND located in front of the office. The school cannot assume responsibility for any personal property. Please mark your child(ren)'s belongings with their first and last name. At the end of each trimester, all items not claimed are donated to charity. Please check the lost and found cart periodically. Every year we end up with many articles of clothing or other personal items.

SITE COUNCIL

The School Site Council is a parent/staff advisory committee. The purpose of this committee is to assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the current programs at Sellers School. The committee consists of 5 elected parent representatives, 4 elected staff members, and the principal of the school. Elections are held in spring of the school year for the following year. 

STUDENT RECOGNITION

At Sellers, students are recognized in grade level assemblies called "Vikings Days." During these assemblies, students are recognized for their citizenship, achievement, improvement, and various other accomplishments. In addition, many teachers have self-esteem activities within their classrooms. New ideas and ways to recognize students will be a continuing program at Sellers. In addition, students and parents may share in the Sellers spirit by purchasing Sellers T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other Sellers items at our PTA operated "Viking Vendor".

RECOGNITION FOR APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

Appropriate behavior will be recognized in the following ways:

1. Verbal praise

2. Good conduct rewards

3. Monthly recognition program with certificates

4. Special classroom recognition

5. Recognition by the Principal

6. Recognition by Student Council

7. Spirit Luncheons

DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY AND POLICY

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

At Sellers School, we believe students are responsible for their own actions at school, as well as on their way to and from school. Parents and school staff play important roles in helping children develop responsibility, if the goals of the group are to be realized. Consequences for inappropriate behavior are necessary. Orderly conduct is both a required 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 an appropriate manner. In helping a child develop individual responsibility, the school has established rules and guidelines.

Student Responsibilities:

1. Respect the rights and privileges of others.

2. Accept responsibility for his/her own actions and consequences of behavior.

3. Abide by the authority of staff, teachers, and other adults.

4. Make an effort to do his/her best in school.

5. Be prompt in meeting all school responsibilities.

6. Help maintain school and personal property free from damage and vandalism.

SPECIFIC SCHOOL RULES

1. Students are not to arrive at Sellers before 8:00 am, when supervision begins (unless they are participating in the Breakfast Program).

2. Students arriving before this time must wait in front of the school.

3. Primary students waiting for an upper elementary student must wait at the front of the school from 1:59 to 2:20 p.m.

4. Inappropriate or abrasive speech will not be tolerated.

5. Students need to observe all classroom, playground, cafeteria, and safety rules at all times.

6. Stay in assigned areas. Students are not to play/loiter near classrooms/portables.

7. Walk in the hallways and on the black top.

8. Keep our campus clean.

9. Students are to use recess primarily for getting drinks, using the restroom, and safe play.

10. Inappropriate or rough play will not be permitted.

PLAYGROUND RULES

1. All playground play stops when the bell rings and students are to "freeze" from all activities. When a whistle blows, kids are to walk to their assigned line up location.

2. Balls should not be kicked while playing on the blacktop.

3. Students are requested to stay out of the hallways and away from the buildings during recess except to use the restrooms.

4. Students will not loiter in the restrooms at any time.

5. All games remain open until they exceed the maximum size for safe play as determined by the supervisors.

6. Unsafe activities such as tackle football, wipe out, keep away, red rover, crack the whip, or riding on another's back are not allowed.

7. Students are not permitted to take food from the cafeteria to eat on the playground.

8. Jump ropes are allowed when used appropriately.

9. Students must not throw rocks, sticks, or other dangerous projectiles.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

The school must be a place where studying and learning can occur in a safe and secure environment. In order to ensure the safety of all who enter Sellers, the following items are prohibited at school:

1. Knives and other sharp objects

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

3. Guns of any type, toy guns, replicas, or "look-a-likes"

4. Glass bottles or other glass containers

5. Handcuffs

6. Tobacco in any form, matches, drugs and alcohol or "look-a-likes"

OTHER INAPPROPRIATE ITEMS AT SCHOOL

1. Toys or collectibles (ie. sport cards, hacky sacks, yo-yos)

2. Chewing gum

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

4. Wallet chains

OFFENSES AND CONSEQUENCES

Consequences for infraction of school or class rules will correspond with progressive discipline and the severity of the offense. The specific consequences for offenses will be left to the discretion of school personnel taking into consideration the individual child and the particular offense. Consequences for infractions may include, but are not limited to the following:

Counseling

Benched at Recess

Verbal Warning

Time Out

School Service

Recess Detention

After School Detention

Parent-School Conference

*** Suspension From School

*** Expulsion

 *** NOTE: 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 educational environment.

DRESS CODE

STANDARDS OF DRESS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

In accordance with the California Administrative Code, Title 5, Section 302, students shall be neat, clean, and properly attired for school.

It is the parents' responsibility to see that their children are dressed for school in a safe, appropriate manner for learning. Please use this information as you plan your children's school wardrobe.

 The following are the standards of dress for students:

1. Students need to wear shoes that fit securely with non-skid soles. Tennis shoes are ideal. Shoes with wheels attached are not acceptable for school.

2. No half shirts, crop tops, tube tops, see-through shirts, shirts/tops that expose underwear or short-shorts are allowed.

3. No shirts or blouses that advertise items illegal for minors (such as alcohol or tobacco), contain profanity, or contain suggestive double meanings are allowed.

4. Attire or grooming worn or displayed in such a way as to identify students with gangs/hate groups is not allowed.

Hats or visors may be worn on campus when participating in outdoor activities. They may be any color, however, school colors are recommended. No logos other than school logos will be permitted.

The District takes a strong stance against gang-affiliated clothing and/or styles of dress or grooming affiliated with gangs/hate groups, due to safety concerns for students while at school, or going to and coming from school. Because of changing trends in such attire, specific clothing, jewelry, accessories and/or grooming style restrictions may change during the school year. Notice will be given to students and parents or guardians as soon as it is reasonable possible after these trends have been identified with the assistance of local law enforcement authorities. 

We hope this list will help you determine those clothes that will positively influence your child's school experience. When in doubt, parents are urged to contact the school prior to purchasing school clothing or accessories that might be restricted from school wear as a gang--affiliated item.

Teachers may use their discretion in deciding if a student's dress is appropriate. Any time a member of the staff believes that a student is disrupting the educational process by his/her appearance, or when the student's safety is concerned, the teacher may send the student to the office. Students whose dress is inappropriate will be removed from the class until the dress is corrected.

AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION

When a student must stay after school for disciplinary reasons for longer than 15 minutes, the parent will be contacted through the school office or directly by the teacher. The reason for the disciplinary action will be communicated to the parent. Students may be detained up to one hour after school with parental permission.

D.A.R.E. RESISTANCE EDUCATION

The heart of the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program focuses on fifth grade children. The main objective is to teach various self--management skills and techniques for resisting peer pressure. Students learn that real friends will not push them into trying alcohol and drugs. They learn and practice specific strategies for responding to peers who offer them substances. The 17 classroom sessions will be conducted during the semester by an officer of the Glendora Police Department. At Sellers, the D.A.R.E. Officer schedules visitations in all classrooms and grade levels where age-appropriate safety instruction is given. A graduation ceremony will be conducted at the end of the semester.

SPECIAL SERVICES

A library technician, vocal and instrumental music specialists, and a 4th/5th grade physical education specialist are available to assist staff and students. Identified students may participate in the district's Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program. Sellers has the services of a district psychologist for testing, case studies, and intervention. A district nurse is available for student health needs, and a speech/language specialist is also available to students who qualify for the program.

EXTENDED DAY-CARE

Through the Glendora Unified School District, Sellers School operates an extended day-care center for students from kindergarten through the fifth grade. Hours are from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Fees, which are payable monthly and are subject to change, are $16.00 per day for the first child and $15.00 per day for each additional child in the same family. Parents who wish to reserve a place for their children may complete a form available at the District Office and return it immediately with a $100.00 deposit per child to the District Office. 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 at the number given below. Additional information may be obtained by calling 963-1611, extension 330 or 319.

VOLUNTEERS

Sellers School welcomes and appreciates volunteers. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please contact your child's teacher, or a PTA representative. All volunteers are required to check in and sign in at the school office upon arrival and are asked to wear a parent volunteer identification badge provided by the office.

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION

The membership of the Parent Teacher Association of Sellers School is comprised 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 of physical, mental, social, and spiritual education.

PTA board meetings are held the second Thursday of each month. Please call PTA President Terri Gammariello, for further information. Comments or questions may be addressed to PTA c/o PTA Box, Sellers School Office.

PARKING LOT SAFETY

PARKING ENFORCEMENT ON SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPERTY

Board policy 3513.2 provides a code of traffic and parking regulations that will be enforced by the Glendora Police Department at all of our sites. Please remember the following while in the Sellers School parking lot:

Park only in designated spaces.

Do not park in striped spaces, on the red curbs, or unmarked spaces.

Do not leave vehicles unattended in the loading/unloading zones, even "Just for a minute!"

Follow the directional arrows throughout the parking lot.

These rules are necessary to keep emergency lanes clear for ambulances and fire trucks, for the safety of our students, as well as to keep traffic flowing.