Adkison School Vision and Mission

The staff at Adkison Elementary School will provide a quality, balanced education that promotes academic excellence in collaboration with

home and community.

Dear Adkison Students and Families,

On behalf of the Gator Family & Community, it is truly my pleasure to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to you as we begin the 2019-2020 school year

at Adkison Elementary School. August is the time of year to reconnect with old friends and welcome new ones. We at Adkison are very pleased to

welcome everyone to the new school year! To those students and parents who are new to the Gator family, we extend an especially warm welcome and best

wishes for an exciting and productive year in your new school. We hope that you will quickly feel at home and become involved in the activities of our

school through the PTC and your child’s classroom program.

As I begin my 1st year as principal of Adkison, I will continue to work diligently with parents and faculty to foster an atmosphere that promotes a learning

community characterized by child centered instruction and decisions, academic excellence, trust, respect, community involvement, excellent

communications, and recognition of both student and staff achievement. I am committed to working in collaboration with you to continue to develop and

implement this shared vision. Working together as a team we will move forward in our mission this new school year to create a nurturing, disciplined, and

challenging environment in which all students can learn at optimum levels and become responsible members of society. We have so much to be proud of as

a staff, family, and community and it feels good knowing “we are all in this together”! By working as a team with you, we will be able to offer the best to

our children. Our school success wouldn’t happen without you!

Volunteer Assistance Program–

In order for us to maintain safety on our campus and for our children, CUSD has instituted new requirements for those wishing to volunteer in school. In

order to be a “school volunteer”, we will now require a one-page application (located inside the office) be filled out and submitted to me for approval. The

application process includes checking the Megan’s Law website and a TB test to ensure health and safety guidelines are being met and that all students are

safe at all times. There is no cost to you– free TB tests are given monthly at the district office and we can work with you on signing up for a date. “School

volunteering” includes field trip chaperones, regular classroom helpers, mentors, PTC volunteers, etc. Please check the student handbook for more

information regarding this change, and feel free to ask our wonderful office staff if you have any further questions.

Recess Before Lunch – Play First & Then Eat:

We are excited to report that we are continuing our “Reverse Lunch” schedule. This allows lunch recess to occur before the children have lunch instead of

after lunch. There is much research that supports this switch including – health, academic, and social considerations. For more information on this

“Reverse Lunch”, and other important school topics, I invite you to join me for our monthly Principal’s Coffee Club, occurring the second Thursday of each

month at 8:30 am inside our cafeteria.

On behalf of the entire Gator community, we hope that you have an amazing school year full of hard work, fun, and academic and personal success!

Sincerely,

Stephanie Pimentel , Principal

Admin Teachers Stephanie Pimentel TK - Cynthia Starkweather

Roberto Gil K - Erica Tornquist

Jose Haro K - Katie Pifer

Classified Staff K - Leanna McConnell

Theresa Ayala K - Lita Ahrens

Enedelia Marquez 1 - Eliana Fiorini

Adriana Solorzano 1 - Kristin Brooks

Alicia Johnson 1 - Alejandra Campos

Amy Genereux 2 - Nora Martinez

Ana Prado 2 - Amber Zimmer

Angelica Lopez 2 - Nicole Sylvester

Antonio Saldana 2 - Taralynn Smith

Cindy Ramirez Rocha 3-5 Araceli Valdez

Daniella Jimenez 3-5 Angelica Sandoval

Diana Lourenco 3 - Donna Conway

Diane Bavaro 3 - Heather Dabney

Eddie Bravo 3 - Matisha Norenberg

Edie McCabe 3 - Sara Cruz

Esther Valadez 4 - Claudia Cabero

Felisia Coleman 4 - Hannah Menk

Francis Granados 4 - Erika Hudelson

Graciela Morales 5 - Hayley Rovito

Jannae Singh Moran 5 - Sareeka Prakash

Jose Urena 5 - Rechelle Van Huss

Justin Hawthorne 6 - Melissa Torres

Kerri Alonzo 6 - Ellen Howell

Leopoldina Luna 6 - Craig Tornquist

Louisa Diazdeleon Resource - Heidi Ruger

Lucia Tejeda Intervention - Lori Mariano

Luciana Hernandez

Margarita Tamayo

Paola Gomez

Preet Sani

Rachel Popovic

Roberta Riley

Robin Bridges

Ruben Sanchez

Sadie Sardia

Sandra Arita

Sheri Littleton

Shirley Gunzenhauser

Stephanie Lopez

Steven Berengue

Sue Ann Osborne

Susana Reyes

Vanessa Haro

Vaosa Leota

Vicki O'Brien

SCHOOL HOURS

Grades 1-6 8:10am - 2:25 Kindergarten 8:10am - 2:15

Students may not arrive at school prior to 7:30 a.m.

There is no supervision before that time. Bus riders are supervised on the yard until their busses leave. All other students not involved in school activities, are to leave at 2:40 or check-in with ASES. If your child is late arriving home on the bus, please call the school or the district transportation office at 556-1595.

MINIMUM DAYS

Please be sure to note the minimum days throughout the school year. 1st – 6th grade students will be dismissed at 12:25 on minimum days. Kindergarten classes will be dismissed at 12:15 on minimum days.

DAILY SCHEDULE

(Lunch times are on page 7)

CAFETERIA

Students may purchase hot meals in the cafeteria. Students must pay for lunch in the cafeteria before school in the morning. Parents are encouraged to pay for lunches a week or a month in advance. Students are notified when their paid lunches expire and may charge up to five lunches. Please put money in an envelope and clearly label with: Name(s) of student(s), teacher name, date(s) being paid, and amount enclosed.

If a child does not pay for lunch five days, on the sixth unpaid day he/she will receive an alternate meal. The student will continue to receive this meal until charges are paid in full. Please help us avoid this difficult situation by sending money for lunch each day, week, or month. If you think you may qualify for the free or reduced lunch program, please complete the form which is available in the school office or the cafeteria.

Ceres Unified School District will continue implementing a “universally free” breakfast program for the 2019-2020 school year. All students will receive a free breakfast before the school day begins. All students will enter the school site through the cafeteria in the morning. For more information on the “Breakfast First” campaign, please visit www.breakfastfirst.org.

Kindergarten Lunch 11:20-11:45

1st Grade Lunch 12:15-12:45

2nd Grade Lunch 12:05-12:30

3rd Grade Lunch 11:50-12:15

4th Grade Lunch 11:40-12:05

5th Grade Lunch 11:30-11:55

6th Grade Lunch 11:20-11:45

Daily Student Breakfast Free Daily Student Lunch Free Reduced Daily Lunch

If you need help with the Free and Reduced Priced Meals application, just stop by our cafeteria or office and our staff would be happy to help you!

ATTENDANCE

Office Hours Monday-Friday

7:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

The Ceres School District uses a computerized attendance system. This enables the district to keep up-to-date, accurate records.

What Can You Do? 1. As a parent, you have the most influence on your child arriving at school each day, on time. 2. Contact the school by telephone before 9:00 a.m. if your child will be absent. If you are unable to reach the

school, be sure to leave a message on the school answering machine. 3. If your child is going to be absent for 5 or more days for reasons other than illness (family emergency, trip,

etc.), contact the office 3 days in advance to arrange for an independent study contract. 4. Be sure to notify the school of a change of address and/or telephone number. 5. Be sure your emergency contact numbers are correct and current.

Only those people specified as emergency contact numbers will be allowed to pick up students. They must have an ID.

TARDY POLICY

Class instruction begins at 8:10 a.m. Students who enter class after this time disrupt the educational program and establish poor work habits. Since regular attendance is required by the law, we will inform you of your child's attendance so that you can remedy the situation.

The Adkison extended tardy policy for each trimester is: 1st tardy: verbal warning given by teacher 3rd tardy: student may be expected to make up work and class time by serving a time out during recess. 4th & thereafter: Time out during recess. 14th tardy: Truancy notice sent home.

Tardies are cumulative throughout the school year. Statistics show that for every 20 minutes late a child comes to class, he or she will take 40 minutes to catch up. Getting to school on time helps your child start the day in a positive, unhurried frame of mind!

STUDENT SECURITY PROCEDURES

Parents must check students out through the office. No child will be released directly from the classroom without the office form. Any person picking up a child must have a picture ID and his/her name must be on the student's enrollment card to be released by the office. If you send someone to pick up your child and his/her name is not on the card, the office will not release your child to that person.

INDEPENDENT STUDY (IS) When your child must be absent for reasons other than illness (such as family emergencies, trips, etc.), arrangements can be made to continue studies through assigned work. An Independent Study contract must be written in order to ensure that your child has an opportunity to receive academic credit for work completed during time he/she is away from the school site. The office or teacher must be notified in writing at least three (3) days in advance. Listed below are guidelines regarding Independent Study Contracts.

1. Contracts will not be written for less than 5 school days or more than 10 school days. 2. All student work must be completed during the time of the contract and returned the day the student returns to school. 3. Contracts must be signed in advance by the parent, teacher, student and principal. Retroactive contracts are not

allowed. 4. School issued textbooks/library books may not be taken on vacation. 5. The amount of work that the student accomplishes may vary from day to day, but he/she must average at least four hours

of productive work per school day in order to earn full credit. This work must be verified by the teacher. If the work is not completed, the 10 days are counted as absences.

Students will be dropped if they have not returned after 15 days. For example, if a student leaves on an independent study contract, he/she should return after 10 days with completed work. If the student does not return after 5 additional days (15 total days), then he/she will be dropped from the class and will have to be enrolled as a new student when they return. Research shows that school attendance strongly impacts student achievement.

FOGGY DAY BUS PROCEDURES

From time to time, fog may prevent our buses from making the regular pickup. When in doubt, listen to radio stations KFIV (1360 AM), SUNNY 102 (102 FM) and KAT (103 FM) for bus information or call 556-1595. If the buses are late, the initial delay will be for one hour.

FIELD TRIPS Students are only allowed to participate in field trips if properly signed permission forms are returned to school within the designated time frame. Siblings are not allowed to accompany parents on field trips. Chaperones must be 18 years or older. Most of the funds for field trips come from fundraisers. Please see the discipline section of this handbook for more information regarding disqualifying behaviors.

PARENT CONNECTION

Parents Are Very Important People Your attitude toward the school is an important ingredient to your child’s school success. Children will adjust quickly and happily if they are prepared to enter school with an attitude of anticipation and pleasure. Be interested in your child’s reaction to school and encourage him/her to share new experiences with the family. You can help your child by:

Asking about your child’s school work & classroom activities

Monitoring homework assignments

Scheduling a regular time for your child to read or to be-read-to-each day

Looking for notices and newsletters coming home from school

Making every effort to have your child at school on time

Notifying the school of changes in your address and telephone number

Volunteering in your child’s classroom, and/or chaperoning field trips

Becoming a member of the School Site Council and Parent Teacher Club (PTC)

Parent Volunteers Our School District continues to strive to improve student success and safety. Beginning next school year the district will have a new volunteer process that will increase the safety of all of our students. Whether you have volunteered in the past or would like to start volunteering or attend a fieldtrip you MUST submit a Volunteer Assistance Program (VAP) application to the front office. This application will be available in the front office starting in August as well as on the school and district websites. Once a VAP application is submitted all approved applications will be forwarded to the Personnel Department. A TB authorization is a requirement. Please note that if you would like to volunteer in the classroom or participate in any of your child’s fieldtrips you must complete this form and have a TB clearance. We thank you for all of your help and hope that you will continue to share your time with our students. Please check our school website for free TB clinics.

Reporting to Parents Report cards go home three times a year. The first one is given at a parent conference. The mid-year report card has no scheduled conference, but parents with questions or concerns are encouraged to call the school and schedule a meeting with your child's teacher at any time during the year. Teachers in upper grades send home periodic computer printouts which let parents know how their children are doing academically. Teachers often phone home or send notes with good news as well as during times when parental support is needed to solve a problem. We believe effective schools provide regular and frequent communication with the home. Our goal is to be the most effective school possible. To stay updated, parents should read the school's newsletter, which is sent home monthly.

DISTRICT HOMEWORK POLICY

Teachers assign regular homework that is appropriate to the subject area, objectives and the achievement levels of the students. (CUSD Board Policy #6154)

ADKISON HOMEWORK PHILOSOPHY At our school, we believe homework is an important part of the learning process. Homework is an extension of learning that has taken place in the classroom. It gives students a chance to practice independently what has been previously learned. Equally important to the practice, is the fact that homework is an exercise in developing responsibility and good study habits.

The purpose of homework is to accomplish the following:

Assist in the development of sound study habits, skills, and a sense of responsibility in the child

Reinforce skills taught in school and extend concepts or new ideas

Allow the child to practice age-appropriate skills

Develop a love of literature and broaden vocabulary

Prepare the child for upcoming lessons

Teach the child to complete work independently and to become an independent learner.

Give the child and parent an opportunity for positive interaction while keeping parents informed of their child’s progress.

As part of the Ceres Unified School District’s emphasis on the importance of homework, staff has developed clear homework expectations for each grade level, K-6. Each teacher will be sharing their own classroom homework policy with parents at Back- to-School Night. We hope you will pay special attention to the homework expectations, discuss them with your child, and work with him/her to make sure homework is completed and returned promptly.

TIPS FOR HELPING WITH HOMEWORK As a parent you are your child's first teacher. Research shows that when schools and parents work together, students achieve more. Here are some ways you can help your child with homework.

1. Set up a comfortable workplace for your child. 2. Set a consistent homework time. 3. Reinforce that homework is a student's responsibility, but that you are there to help. 4. When your child asks for help, make sure you both understand the assignment. 5. Think of yourself as a consultant, not as a proofreader or editor. 6. Make sure the television and radios are off.

If your child is not bringing assignments home, please contact his/her teacher to find out how much homework has been assigned, and if your child is successfully completing the work on a regular basis. Incomplete assignments cause students to do poorly, affect their grades, and interrupt the learning flow in the classroom.

LIBRARY

We are proud of our library! All students visit the library on a weekly basis. Students check out books for a variety of purposes. Students who check out books are responsible for keeping the books in good shape and returning them to the library. Students who damage or lose books will be charged for repairs or replacement of their book. Parents may also check out books for their children. Please visit our librarian for details. Reading is an asset to all children. Please encourage reading as a leisure activity at home. Talk with your children about the books they read. Kids like to share a good story with someone else, especially a parent. Help your child to find the joy of reading!

ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Adkison Elementary School, in conjunction with the Educational Options Department, offers academic and other student support services beyond the regular school day.

The Academic Intervention Program (AIP): After School Program (ASP) and Summer School -We are pleased to offer Ceres Unified School District’s Academic Intervention Program. The goal of the Academic Intervention Program is to give students who are “at-risk” of not passing the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) the extra academic support needed for promotion to the next grade level. Students who are at risk of retention, or in need of some extra help in reading, writing, or math are encouraged to take advantage of the program. Classes are offered for 1 ½ hours per day after school, three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Your child’s teacher will be contacting you about these programs if they believe your child is in need of the service. Feel free to discuss your child’s inclusion with his/her teacher.

After School Education and Safety Program (ASES) is open to all students in grades K through 6th. The ASES program runs Monday through Friday beginning right after school and ends at 6:00 PM. Students may be signed out before 6:00 PM. Students receive a snack and the program is supervised by recreational leaders who provide homework support and recreational enrichment activities.

For more information on these programs, contact the Educational Options Department at 556-1560 in the Ceres Unified District Office or Adkison ASES at 556-1606.

ADKISON POSITIVE CONSEQUENCES

To reward students and classes at Adkison School who consistently show appropriate behavior and exemplary academic progress, many awards are given. Among them are:

1. HONOR ROLL: This certificate is awarded to 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th grade students who have maintained a grade point average of 3.0-4.0. The student also must have all satisfactory or outstanding marks in non-graded areas. (No Needs Improvement)

2. PERFECT ATTENDANCE BRACELET/PENCIL: Students receive this award with the excellent attendance award if they have perfect attendance for the trimester.

3. PERSONAL SUCCESS AND EFFORT AWARD: This is awarded to TKt-2nd grade students for person accomplishments and triumphs.

4. AWESOME ALLIGATORS: Once a month, teachers nominate students who have displayed characteristics taken from our Lifeskills. Students will receive a certificate at the assembly each month and will be invited to a principal’s lunch the following week.

5. CAUGHT BEING GOOD AWARD: Issued by noon duty staff to students who are being helpful and respectful towards others.

6. ACCELERATED READER “DOG TAGS”: Students will receive one dog tag for each goal met. Please ask your child’s teacher for specific goals in their particular grade level. These awards will be presented by the principal at the character award assembly each month.

CUSD Life Skills Work Ethic - did one's best Common Sense - used good judgment Integrity - did what was right Respect - showed regard for others Responsibility - followed through on task Effort - gave 100% Honesty - was truthful and fair Cooperation - worked together with others Perseverance - showed determination Organization - work in an orderly way Commitment -Showed devotion to completing a task Promptness - Continuously on time

SUSPENSIONS

The following behaviors may result in suspension from school and could lead to expulsion: AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION LAW (State Law 48900)

1. Physical injury to another person - actual or threatened 6. Possession or sale of weapons 2. Disruption of school activities or defiance of school authorities 7. Possession or use of tobacco 3. Commission of obscene acts or engagement in habitual profanity or vulgarity 8. Sexual Harassment 4. Damage to or theft of school or private property 9. Hate Violence 5. Possession or sale of drugs, alcoholic beverages, or intoxicants 10. Intimidation

TOBACCO FREE SCHOOL

Ample evidence has demonstrated the health hazards associated with the use of tobacco products, including smoking and the breathing of second-hand smoke. Therefore, in accordance with state and federal law, as well as Ceres Unified School District Policy, Adkison School prohibits the use of tobacco anywhere and anytime on district property.

CERES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENT DRESS CODE

1. All clothing, including jackets, shoes, and head coverings that may be determined to be gang related are not allowed.

2. Accessories, such as jewelry, belts, bandannas, purses, and sunglasses which have logos, insignias, color, or writings depicting gang

related activities are not allowed.

3. Attire that is worn or altered in such a way as to identify students with gangs is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to:

sagging/baggy pants, shorts with knee-high socks, hanging belts, canvas belts (military style), or gang related initials on belt buckles.

4. Pants must fit at the waist and not be more than one size too large or one size too small. If belts are worn, they must not be more than

one size too large

5. Attire which is sexually suggestive or extremely brief is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: low-cut garments, strapless or

off the shoulder tops, straps less than two inches in width, bare midriffs, tank tops/racer-back tops or muscle shirts, undershirts, tops that

expose undergarments, shorts which are shorter than mid-thigh or fingertip length, and skirts shorter than fingertip length.

6. Attire that advocates, advertises or symbolizes any type of alcohol, drugs, tobacco or acts which are illegal, violent, obscene, or

hazardous to one’s health is not allowed.

7. Shoes must be worn at all times. Flip-flops, socks or sock-like footwear, slippers, backless shoes, or shoes with over a one inch heel are

not safe or appropriate for school.

8. Clothing, jewelry, and other accessories that present a safety hazard to the wearer or others are not allowed. Facial piercings other than

ear lobes are not allowed.

9. Facial makeup is not allowed, nor is non-natural hair color that creates a distraction.

10. No caps, hats, or head coverings may be worn at school except those that are school approved. Caps, hats, or head coverings may not be

altered. Exceptions may be made for hoodies and beanies worn outdoors.

11. Sunglasses may not be worn in school buildings.

CONSEQUENCES FOR DISTRICT DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS ARE:

First Offense Warning - and/or parent may need to bring alternate clothes. Second Offense Referral to the Principal and parent will need to bring alternate clothes. Third Offense Additional consequences, which may include a suspension.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION

Participation in special activities sponsored by Adkison School is a privilege. Therefore, it is limited to students who are well- behaved, follow school rules, and cooperate with one another and their teachers. Students may be excluded from participation in any special activity, for one or more of the following reasons:

1. Consistent disregard of the school or classroom rules. This includes students who have received an excessive number of citations from the playground and/or cafeteria, or students who have been sent to the office for discipline reasons during the three weeks before any special activity.

2. Severe disruptions or behaviors which result in suspension from school and/or classroom. Students suspended from the classroom, or sent home within the period of two weeks before any special activity will not be allowed to participate.

3. Demonstrated inability to cooperate and respond appropriately during previous special activities. In some cases, students who are under suspension from bus riding privileges may also be ineligible for activities involving transportation.

Students who are excluded from participation in a special event for any of the above mentioned reasons may participate if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian AND if the principal and teacher have given prior approval.

LASER POINTERS All hand held laser pointers are not allowed at school (pens, key chains, bullet types, etc.) Doctors have reported that lasers pointed at the eye, can cause serious damage to the retina. If you or your child has one of these pointers, please make sure it is not brought to school. Education code 8901-5

GUM/CANDY No gum or candy is allowed at Adkison Elementary School. Appropriate consequences, including citations, will be given if a student has gum or candy at school.

INSURANCE

An insurance policy is available to parents who wish to voluntarily enroll in this coverage for their children. The fee is nominal and there are several plans from which to choose. Information will be sent home the first week of school. The district does not provide paid insurance for students.

NONDISCRIMINATION IN DISTRICT PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES The governing board is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination based on gender, sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation or the perception of one or more of such characteristics. The Board shall promote programs which ensure that discriminatory practices are eliminated in all district activities. The office responsible for equity and compliance with Title IX is the Coordinator of Child Welfare and Attendance, 2503 Lawrence Street, Ceres, Ca. 95307, (209)556-1500.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

WAIVER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY The Ceres Unified School district, its officers, agents or employees shall not be responsible, in any manner, for the loss, theft, damage, or destruction of any personal property brought onto District premises by students, for any reason whatsoever, including, but not limited to, a request by a staff member. Students who bring personal property onto school premises assume all risk of loss, theft, damage or destruction of personal property which may occur. To prevent lost items, label them with your child's name.

CELLULAR PHONESA student may have a cellular phone on campus if they carry them responsibly. The phone must be kept in a backpack or pocket and turned off at all times. Any phones that are left on, or are taken out, will be taken away. Parents can

pick up their child’s cellular phone in the office if this happens.

HEALTH A letter from our Nurses… Dear Parents, Welcome to a new school year! Healthy children learn best and your school nurse is here to help each child reach and maintain optimal health. We would like to share some information with you to help insure a safe, healthy year for your student.

Emergency Information: Please keep the office informed of changes in home and work phone numbers. It is also important that you have local emergency numbers for when you cannot be reached. We will always attempt to notify parents first but we need the emergency number so an ill or injured child can receive prompt care. Children left after 6:00 P.M. will be turned over to the Ceres Police Department.

Medications: California Education Code 11753.1 allows the school to assist in the administration of medication if requested to do so by the physician and parent. An authorization form, available from the school office, must be completed by the physician and parent. Medications must be brought to school by an adult in the original pharmacy labeled bottle. Medication requests must be renewed each year and any changes in the medication should be reported to the school by the parent. Inhalers and auto-injectable epinephrine Epipen) may be carried by the student, as long as the student’s parents and doctor give permission and the notes are on file in the nurse’s office. As a way to safeguard against students losing or using up their inhalers, the American Lung Association of California recommends that all students with asthma have an inhaler in the health care office, even when that inhaler is in addition to the one the student carries. Be aware that the school may take disciplinary action if a student misuses an inhaler or Epipen in any way, including sharing it with anyone, using it inappropriately, or spraying it at anyone. In these circumstances, the question of a student’s maturity may be also raised with the physician and your child may lose the privilege to carry their own inhaler.

First Grade Physicals: The California Health and Safety code requires that every child entering first grade in a California school have a health check-up. A certificate signed by a doctor, must be presented to the school by December 1st to verify that the child has received the health check- up.

TB testing: Parent volunteers, as well as staff members, must have a current clearance for tuberculosis. The PPD or Mantoux Skin Test is acceptable and may be obtained from your physician, the County Health Department or Ceres School District. Clinics are held once a month, call your school nurse or staff for information about the next clinic. The skin test is good for four years. If you have had a positive skin test in the past a chest x-ray is required.

Illness: Your child will be in close contact with many other children in the school setting which allows illnesses to spread easily. Please be alert to signs of illness and keep your child home if you suspect he/she is still not well. If you think your child might have a communicable disease such as chicken pox, ringworm, impetigo, strep throat, hepatitis or head lice please notify your school nurse right away.

Chronic health problems: If your child has a chronic health problem such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, allergic reactions, etc., please notify your school nurse and child's teacher. This allows them to plan for any special needs your child might have.

Lice Could your child come home with head lice? Understand the problem before it becomes one. A lice infestation can happen to anyone. Socioeconomic background or lack of cleanliness has nothing to do with determining who gets lice. Lice are insects. They are an easily treatable condition that can be eliminated once they are discovered. Know the symptoms of a lice infestation. If your child is constantly itching, check the scalp for lice or eggs. The eggs will appear as white specks stuck to the hair near the scalp. Ceres Unified School District has a NO NIT policy, which means all eggs (dead or alive) must be removed before returning to the classroom. You must accompany your child to be checked by school personnel to determine if your child is ready to return to school.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Board of Education meetings are held at 7:00 PM on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Ceres Unified School District Offices located at 2503 Lawrence Street in Ceres. The public is welcome to attend. To access meeting agendas and schedules, visit our website www.ceres.k12.ca.us and click on Board of Trustees.

DISTRICT PERSONNEL

DISTRICT OFFICE NUMBERS

Superintendent 556-1500 Ceres Parks & Recreation 538-5782 Business Office 556-1560 Ceres Youth Baseball 538-8326 Personnel 556-1510 Ceres Youth Football 537-7523 Ed. Services 556-1520 Ceres Youth Soccer 538-4717 Attendance 556-1540 Young Olympians/Karate 538-5782 Student Support 556-1530 Ceres Library 537-8938 Transportation 556-1595 Stanislaus Library 558-7814 Ed. Options 556-1550 Adult Education 538-0150