Cottonwood Elementary SchoolVail School District Wellness Policy

Federalandstatelawsexistthatdirectschooldistrictstodeveloplocalwellnesspolicy.Theintentofthelegislationistohelpcurbthetrendofchildhoodobesityandensureschoolsprovidestudentswithpropernutrition,regularphysicalactivity,andadequatenutritionaleducation.

Acommitteecomprisedofstaff,parentsandcommunitymembersmetlastspringtodeveloprecommendationsfortheVailSchoolDistrict’sWellnesspolicyandregulation.TheVailGoverningBoardapprovedtheWellnesspolicyandregulationinJune2001.

Theriseinchildhoodobesityisreal.A2001SurgeonGeneral’sReportconcludedthat13%ofschoolagechildrenareobeseandanother15%areoverweight.Werecognizethatschoolsplayanimportantroleincombatingthisproblem.However,thelawchangessometime-honoredpractices.Somechangeswewouldliketomakeyouawareofinclude:

• OnlyfoodthatmeetstheArizonaNutritionalStandardsshallbeserved.Thisrequirementappliestofoodandbeveragesofferedorsoldduringregularschoolhours,includingstudentincentives,rewardsandclassroomcelebrations.

• FundraisersmaynotfocusonfoodsandbeveragesthatdonotmeettheArizonaNutritionalStandards.

• Vendingmachinesthatareaccessibletostudents,mayonlyservefoodandbeveragesthatmeettheArizonaNutritionalStandards.

AsamplingofwhattheArizonaNutritionalStandardsrequireschoolstomakeavailabletostudentsinclude:foodthathas35%orlessofthetotalcaloriesfromfatandnomorethan35%totalsugarbyweight.Thestandardsalsoprohibitsodaandcaffeinateddrinksfrombeingserved.

AcompletecopyoftheArizonaNutritionalStandardscanbefoundatthefollowingwebsitehttp://www.azed.gov/health-nutrition/nutrition-standards/ oratanyoftheschooloffices.

Thenutritionalstandardsdonotapplytolunchesthatstudentsbringfromhome,butdoesapplytoanyfoodordrinkitemthatisbroughtfromhomewiththeintentionofsharingwiththeclass.

Inpractice,thismeansthatitemssuchascupcakescannolongerbebroughttoschoolforbirthdayparties.Youmaystillbringinhealthyfoodsuchasfruitandvegetablesorcelebratebirthdaysinwaysthatdonotinvolvefood.

Thispolicyonlyeffectstheregularschoolday.Middleandhighschoolconcessionstands,andspecialschooleventssuchasHalloweenHappening,SpringFling,andVailPrideDaycancontinuetooperateastheyhaveinthepast.Also,studentswithspecialdietaryrestrictionsmaybeexemptfromthispolicy.

Werecognizethatparentsaretheprimaryinfluenceinshapingthelivesofchildren.Workingtogether,wecanensurethatourchildrenarewellpreparedforasuccessfulandhealthyfuture.IfyouhaveanyquestionsorconcernsregardingtheWellnesspolicyoritsimplementation,pleasefeelfreetocontactmeat879-2604oryoumaycontactJohnCarruth,AssistantSuperintendentatcarruthj@vail.k12.az.usorbyphoneat879-2005.

CottonwoodElementary School

“Committed to Excellence”

Family Handbook2013-2014

Cottonwood Elementary School“Where education is heart work”

MottoBe ready to learn and ACT!

Mission Statement

The Cottonwood community is proud to provide aquality, nurturing environment where we strive tomotivate every student in developing their greatest

learning potential.

Vision Statement

At Cottonwood, our vision is to inspire a passion for learning and to create innovative thinkers who will be successful in their future endeavors.

volunteersAt Cottonwood, we welcome and appreciate parents, grandparents, and neighborhood volunteers. There are opportunities for volunteering in classrooms, on the playground, in the library, tutoring, on field trips, and with the PTSA. Please let us know of your special interests and talents so that we can best utilize them.

We also have opportunities for helping at home for those who are unable to come to school during regular school hours. We are committed to providing quality educational opportunities and your help is needed and appreciated. Please call our Volunteer Coordinator at 879-2619. You can also visit our website for directions on how to submit an application and apply on-line. We need you!

When you volunteer, please sign in at the front office and obtain a volunteer badge.

visitorsCottonwood encourages visitation by parents and other adults, however, Cottonwood does not allow children to bring friends or relatives to spend the day as a classroom participant. In all cases, visitors should contact teachers to make arrangements in advance for classroom visits. When you visit, please sign in at the front office and obtain a visitor’s badge.

After-School RecreationYMCA will provide an after-school recreation program for grades K-5 at Cottonwood Elementary School. For more information, please call 885-2317

Community EducationThe Vail Children’s Center is dedicated to the fundamental needs of young children and their families. The program is designed to provide a wide variety of enriching experiences which will help children learn about themselves and the world in which they live. Services include the following features:

• Extended hours- 7AM to 6PM• Preschool enrichment program• Free speech/language and hearing screening• DES Approved• Free special education services for eligible 3 and 4 year olds• Kinder Plus (complements Kindergarten)

The primary goal of the Center’s program is to work hand-in-hand with parents to reinforce and extend the positive behaviors acquired by children in their total surroundings, both at school and at home.Community Education also coordinates the use of rooms, playing fields, and school facilities. For more information call 879-3931.

Welcome Cottonwood Families and Friends!

It is a tremendous honor for me to be the principal ofCottonwood Elementary School where all staff are “Committed to Excellence.” Cottonwood is truly a wonderful place to be! Our school community is successful due to our highly qualified staff, talented students and caring, involved families and community members.

I am committed to carrying out the Vail’s mission by providing a safe and nurturing school and ensuring that the children of Cottonwood obtain a quality education.

Cottonwood Elementary is located in the Rita Ranch area of southeast Tucson, in the Vail Unified School District. We are proud to be both an Arizona Department of Education Excelling School and one of twenty 2010 state recipients of the Arizona Educational Foundation’s prestigious A+ School of Excellence Award!

I am excited to have the opportunity to be your partnerin education and look forward to working closely together with you.

Your Partner In Education,

Bobbi Mayeux, M.A. MEdPrincipal

Vail School District Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Vail School District to provide parents with safe and nurturing school communities, where their children can obtain a quality education.

Vail School District Guiding Principles

OUR SCHOOLS ARE COMMUNITIES OF LEARNERS. We define a community as a place where each individual is important and has something valuable to contribute to others in the community. We believe that learning is a lifelong activity. We are all learners. We expect parents, staff members and volunteers to model this belief for students.

WE CARE ABOUT STUDENTS. We believe that each student should be given the opportunity to be educated in a physically and emotionally safe, personalized, and caring environment.

ONE OF OUR HIGHEST PRIORITIES IS KEEPING CLASS SIZES SMALL. Working with students in smaller groups increases opportunities for learning, personal attention, a sense of belonging and the development of a supportive classroom community.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY. We are entrusted with using public resources to provide a quality education for our students. We carefully develop priorities based on student needs, legal responsibilities and cost-effective methods.

WE ARE RESPONSIBLE TO OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY. Our schools are the centers of the community.We actively seek community involvement. And, we respond to community needs.

WE RESPECT PARENTS AND THEIR VALUES. We operate on the behalf of parents. It is our responsibility to assist parents in the education of their children. We value parental involvement, and make every reasonable effort to address and respond parental concerns.

SMALL SCHOOLS ARE THE BEST PLACES TO DEVELOP CARING COMMUNITIES OF LEARNERS. We like the atmosphere of a small school that has been developed into a positive, healthy community. We prefer small schools. We seek to create that small school atmosphere in all of our schools, regardless of the size that growth and economics may force them to become.

WE BELIEVE LEARNING EXTENDS WELL BEYOND THE CLASSROOM. Our educational program is enriched and extended with opportunities such as: field trips; recreational activities; academic competitions; and club activities.

WE UPHOLD TRADITIONAL VALUES SUCH AS RESPECT, PERSONAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, HONESTY, AND HARD WORK. We model socially responsible behavior, expect it from each student and make it part of our curriculum. We believe these traditional values have served our society well in the past, are cherished by our community, and are important to our future.

WE ARE CONTINUALLY IMPROVING. We are never content with the status quo in our operations or in our curriculum methods. We recognize that we live in a changing world and we respond to those changes. And, we are constantly looking for better and more efficient ways to accomplish our mission.

WE VALUE OUR EMPLOYEES. We specifically and carefully select our staff on the basis of their ability to carry out the mission and guiding principles described above. We hire the best people suited for the task. We respect their expertise and depend on them to work with parents to make our vision for a community of learners a reality.

Special servicesExtended Learning Program (E.L.P.) for the Gifted and TalentedThe ELP program in the Vail School District is a special education program designed to provide enrichment and extended activities to students who qualify. This program offers a variety of options based on the individual needs of each student and information gained from testing, teacher/parent referral, and the recommendation of a multi-disciplinary team.

Special EducationTo meet the needs of special education learners, a resource program will provide special services throughout the school year. Students who are experiencing learning or behavior difficulties are referred to the student solutions team for observation and a learning style inventory.

After testing is completed and if the referred child qualifies for the program, special education services are provided. Children are instructed utilizing the strengths of their own specific learning styles. Specific strategies are applied in the student’s regular classroom as much as possible.Screenings are available to children in the areas of speech & language, cognitive, adaptive, personal-social, and physical development. Parents who have concerns about their child’s progress should call 879-2054 to schedule an appointment. If a child is deemed eligible for special services, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) with written goals and objectives will be developed by a team of specialists, including the parents.

Visit district website for more information: http://www.vail.k12.az.us/

The Coyote CallThe Coyote Call is our monthly newsletter. It provides students and parents with information about upcoming events and important dates. You can view it on our home page at http://cwe.vail.k12.az.us The homepage is updated monthly. Watch for it!

Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA)Cottonwood is grateful for its supportive Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA). Members of the PTSA are actively involved in our school. They help organize school-wide projects, organize family and community functions, and raise funds for additional items needed by the school. They bring in activities to supplement our regular curriculum and offer programs of interest to families. They are a most welcome and appreciated part of our community!

Some projects the Cottonwood PTSA may sponsor include: book fairs, fine arts projects, and family activities and programs.

Belonging to the Cottonwood PTSA allows you to vote on issues and grants and to attend seminars and classes sponsored by PTSA. Everyone is welcome to attend the monthly PTSA Board meetings. Notifications of meetings are found in the Coyote Call.

Cottonwood Site CouncilThe School Site Council serves in an advisory capacity to the principal at each school site. The principal will seek formal advice from the Council on a variety of issues. The Council consists of four parents, two teachers, one support staff member, and the principal.

Vail School District #20Cottonwood Elementary School

9950 E. Rees LoopTucson, AZ 85747

Front Office: (520) 879-2602

School HoursOur school day begins at 7:35 AM and ends at 2:05 PM.

Kindergarten AM session begins at 7:35 AM and ends at 10:25 AM. Kindergarten PM session begins at 11:15 AM and ends at 2:05 PM.

Dismissal on half days is at 11:35 AM.The school office is open each day from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Please feel free to call or come to the office if you

have any questions or concerns.

Unless students are involved in a before or after school program, they should not arrive at school before 7:15 AM, and are

expected to leave campus at 2:05 PM. Supervision on the campus begins at 7:15 AM and ends at 2:15 PM.

The breakfast program and library are available at 7:00 AM.

Internet information:Cottonwood Home Page: http://cwe.vail.k12.az.us

PowerSchool Parent Connection: http://powerschool.vail.k12.az.us/public

5/11/10

VAIL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 20 “Where Education is a Community Effort”

RAISING EXPECTATIONS

The following policies were enacted to focus attention on the value of academic achievement and

to increase accountability.

REWARDS

1. Students who “meet” the reading, writing or

math sections of the AIMS test will receive a

ribbon.

2. Students who pass all sections of the AIMS

tests, reading, math, and writing (when the

writing section is required*) and “exceed” the

standard on one or more tests will receive a

plaque.

3. Students who “exceed” all sections of the

AIMS tests, reading, math, and writing (when

the writing section is required*) will receive a

trophy.

REQUIRED INTERVENTIONS

1. A District Assessment will be given to all

students for math and reading prior to the end

of the first three quarters.

• Any 3rd - 5th grade student who does not

meet the district assessment standard will

be required to complete 12 hours of

remediation for each deficient area.

• Any 6th - 8th grade student who falls far

below the district assessment standard will

be required to complete 12 hours of

remediation for each deficient area.

2. If at the end of the1st, 2nd, or the 3rd grading

period a student has an F in a core course

(math, language arts, reading, science or

social studies), the student will be required to

successfully complete a minimum of 12 hours

of remediation for each failing grade.

3. If at the end of the 4th grading period a student

has an F in a core course, the student will be

Remediation may include one or more of

the following:

1. Tutoring

2. Intersession courses

3. Summer school

4. Saturday school

5. Additional academic courses in lieu

of Specials or Electives

6. Private or Commercial Tutoring pre-

approved by the principal

CONSEQUENCES

Students who fail to successfully

complete required remediation will be

retained.

High School AIMS results will be posted on

studentʼs permanent transcripts.

NOTES

• Individual schools may choose to implement

complementary positive and negative

consequences for all testing programs.

• Special Education students requiring

interventions will be referred to the IEP team.

• Students will be treated as individuals and

principals will have the authority to make

exceptions.

• Any retention decision may be appealed to the

Governing Board, as per board policy.

GRADES 3 THROUGH 8

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES

Regular school attendance promotes learning

and achievement; therefore, students who

have nine or more days of excused or

unexcused absences in a semester will be

required to complete 12 hours of remediation.

required to successfully complete12

hours of remediation for each failing

grade during the summer break. Eighth

grade students who fail a core course in

the 4th quarter will not be permitted to

participate in promotion ceremonies.

*Currently, writing is required in grades five, six

and seven.

o Resource homework should not go over 30 minutes, which replaces classroom work in that subject area.

Study Time May Include:• A reading assignment• Studying for tests and evaluations• A research assignment or project• Preparation for classroom activities• Extra credit and/or enrichment

Home and school CommunicationReport Cards & Progress ReportsReport cards are issued four times a year at the end of a 9-week grading period. All students will be issued a standard-based report card in reading and math. In addition, mid-term progress reports are prepared half-way between each quarter and can be accessed on PowerSchool.

ConferencesParent-Teacher Conferences are the time for parents to discuss with the teachers their child’s performance and special needs. Cottonwood Elementary School hopes that both parents will take the opportunity to attend these conferences. Conferences are the time to build mutual understanding of the child and to further the home/school partnership.

While parents and teachers are encouraged to initiate a conference at any time there appears to be a need, formal conferences are scheduled twice a year.

For specific dates for Parent-Teacher conferences, please refer to the student calendar.

libraryCottonwood’s library is open for student use from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. If attending after school, a parent of another adult must accompany the student. Students will visit the library weekly to check out books and are held responsible to return any book checked out in a timely fashion.

Accelerated Reader (AR) ProgramStudents in grades 1-5th will participate in the AR program. This program is designed to set attainable goals individualized to fit students needs. Students may take AR tests (comprehension quizzes on books student’s read independently) at school in the library during hours stated above, or in their classrooms.

HomeworkCottonwood recognizes the value of homework as a key component of instruction and as a meaningful part of a total school program. In addition, homework is intended to reinforce and extend classroom instruction, help develop good study habits, and teach personal responsibility and time-management skills.

Forms of HomeworkReinforcement and completion of classwork

• Finishing daily assignments• Drill activities, including practice on skill/concepts taught in

class• Homework Frequency:

o Kindergarten: Minimum of 2 times/week for 10 minuteso 1st Grade: 15 minutes of reading nightlyo 2nd Grade: 20 minutes nightlyo 3rd Grade: 20 to 30 minutes nightlyo 4th Grade: 30 to 45 minutes nightlyo 5th Grade: 45 to 60 minutes nightly

Are Respectful and Trustworthy

Care About Each Other

Take Responsibility

eteach and Enrich• occurs daily school-wide

nsure every minute counts• engage all students

chieve success only when students learn

• assess standards regularly

ome together as a team• actively collaborate

ave high expectations• encourage students to excel

every student!

R

ACH

Music and Physical EducationThese programs are essential to our total curriculum. All students are involved in music and physical education programs taught by special area teachers.

ComputersCottonwood has a fully equipped computer lab and several computers available for student use in each pod area and in the library. Students have an individual login account, which enables them to access their files from any computer at Cottonwood. All computers are networked which allows students and teachers to access data for specific learning projects. The computer lab has the latest equipment to enhance student learning (i.e. electronic white boards, document camera and projector). Students may also perform Internet research on topics being studied in class. Cottonwood students use the computer lab as an extension of the classroom. Computer usage is a privilege and may be revoked if improperly used.

If a computer program is going to be used to teach or practice a skill (i.e. long division, beginning letters, or report writing), the students will be taken to the computer lab, taught the lesson using the lab’s resources and then have the opportunity to practice the skill using appropriately leveled computer programs. In this way, students are continuously learning while building their computer skills. Basic keyboarding is offered as one of the software packages students can use.

They may also use the wide range of available software including Accelerated Reader and STAR Reading that is on each computer.

CurriculumThe Vail School District has a core curriculum that is used in all schools. It is aligned to the Arizona Academic Standards. The curriculum stresses that students actively engage in the learning process with a focus on varied opportunities for functional use of the materials covered. A full copy of the curriculum can be found on the Vail website.

Vail’s staff stays current with the research on teaching techniques. They are skilled at helping all students reach their potential by finding the teaching strategies that best fit each learner.

assessmentArizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) measures student mastery of Arizona Academic Standards adopted by the State Board of Education in four subject areas: Math, Science, Reading, and Writing for grades 3-5. Students in 2nd grade are administered the Stanford 10 test. District Formative and Benchmark Testing measures students’ mastery of Essential Grade Level Standards.

STEEP (System to Enhance Educational Performance) Assessments are done 3 times a year. STEEP is a problem-solving model of assessment that has been developed to bridge the gap between research and practice. STEEP consists of 4 stages: universal or school-wide screening, class-wide intervention, can’t do/won’t do assessment, and individual intervention. The goal is to identify children who might need assistance to master important academic skills. This allows teachers and staff to use resources more efficiently to help more children. The school psychologist is able to proactively identify children who should be considered for special services.

Cottonwood Elementary SchoolStaff Directory

2013-2014

KindergartenAmi Bunch 879-2644 buncha@vail.k12.az.usJackie Malm 879-2643 malmj@vail.k12.az.usAnabelle Pearson 879-2671 pearsona@vail.k12.az.us

First GradeLinda Aguirre 879-2650 aguirrel@vail.k12.az.usAndrea Brobeck 879-2667 brobecka@vail.k12.az.usKrista Hooper 879-2621 hooperk@vail.k12.az.usMonica Jones 879-2647 jonesm@vail.k12.az.usJill VanAsdlan 879-2649 vanasdlanj@vail.k12.az.us

Second GradeKelly Campbell 879-2665 campbellk@vail.k12.az.usSonja Kampelman 879-2636 kampelmans@vail.k12.az.usPam Maguire 879-2632 maguirep@vail.k12.az.usLexi Monroy 879-2630 monroya@vail.k12.az.usSarah Stoner 879-2652 stoners@vail.k12.az.us

Third GradeCorinne Beebe 879-2634 beebec@vail.k12.az.usSandra Cornejo 879-2622 cornejos@vail.k12.az.usBailey Frahm 879-2638 frahmb@vail.k12.az.usKathleen Hood 879-2635 hoodk@vail.k12.az.us

Fourth GradeRachel Baker 879-2645 bakerr@vail.k112.az.usLeesa Irwin 879-2626 irwinl@vail.k12.az.usKim Stevens 879-2623 stevensk@vail.k12.az.usLorena Sutton 879-2628 suttonl@vail.k12.az.us

Fifth GradeJennifer Hauth 879-2625 hauthj@vail.k12.az.usEmily Irwin 879-2633 irwine@vail.k12.az.usMichelle Jeffries 879-2624 jeffriesm@vail.k12.az.usJavare Phillips 879-2627 phillipsj@vail.k12.az.us

SpecialistsElizabeth Chesebrough (P.E.) 879-2668 chesebroughe@vail.k12.az.usAshley Curtis (Title 1 Reading) 879-2651 curtisa@vail.k12.az.usChrissy DeBono (Advanced Math) 879-2637 debonoc@vail.k12.az.usAlyssa Grace (Music) 879-2616 gracea@vail.k12.az.usDebby Gunderson (Media) 879-2607 gundersond@vail.k12.az.us Tracie Livingston (Title1Reading) 879-2651 livingstont@vail.k12.az.us

Support ServicesKari Baltes 879-2642 baltesk@vail.k12.az.usMakana Busher 879-2677 busherm@vail.k12.az.usSharon Dobbin 879-2658 dobbins@vail.k12.az.usRachel Goldstein 879-2641 goldsteinr@vail.k12.az.usJennifer Kirkpatrick 879-2440 kirkpatrickj@vail.k12.az.usLoreen Kleinberg 879-2656 kleinbergl@vail.k12.az.usStephanie Magnuson 879-2609 magnusons@vail.k12.az.usSam Morriss 879-2656 morrisss@vail.k12.az.usJean Peglow 879-2664 peglowj@vail.k12.az.usVonda Tainatongo 879-2648 tainatongov@vail.k12.az.us

Vail School District Elementary Dress Code-Cottonwood Elementary

The Vail School District encourages students to take pride in their attire as it relates to the school setting. Students should dress

in a manner that, in addition to the following guidelines, takes into consideration the educational environment, safety, health, and welfare of self and others.

FOOTWEAR:

• Because of safety concerns , heelys and

backless shoes (for example - flip-flops and

other sandals without heel straps) are not

allowed. Low heeled shoes must be worn at

all times. Tennis shoes must be worn in

order to participate in P.E. class.

PANTS:

• Must be anchored or fitted at the waist, and

hemmed or tailored.

• No rips, tears, excessive bagging, sagging, or

ill fitting (must be size appropriate).

• May not be worn with vulgar and/or violent

messages or pictures, gang oriented insignias,

or satanic/negative symbols, illegal

substances, beer/alcohol, cigarettes, or

otherwise inappropriate design.

• Underwear and boxer shorts should not be

visible.

SHORTS/SKIRTS:

• Must be anchored or fitted at the waist and

hemmed or tailored.

• No shorter than mid-thigh/finger tip length

when arms are rested at the students’ sides.

• No rips, tears, excessive bagging, sagging, or

ill fitting (must be size appropriate).

• Must be visible and not completely covered

by a shirt/jacket.

• Spandex/leggings are not allowed unless

worn underneath shorts/skirts.

• Underwear and boxer shorts should not be

visible.

TOPS/SHIRTS/SWEATSHIRTS:

• Must be no longer than finger tip length (with arms and fingers extended).

• No spaghetti straps, midriffs, half shirts, fishnet,

see-through, strapless, halter tops, muscle

(undershirt) shirts, or other bare, skimpy and

distracting clothing.

• Sleeveless tops must have straps that are at least

two inches in width.

• Jerseys must be worn with a tee-shirt underneath.

• May not be worn with vulgar and/or violent

messages or pictures, gang oriented insignias, or

satanic/negative, illegal substances, beer/alcohol,

cigarettes, or otherwise inappropriate design.

ACCESSORIES:

• Hats are not allowed to be worn indoors, must be

worn with brim facing forward, and may not be

worn with vulgar and/or violent messages or

pictures, gang oriented insignias, or

satanic/negative symbols, illegal substances,

beer/alcohol, cigarettes, or otherwise

inappropriate design.

• Belts must be entirely looped (no part of belt may

dangle).

• No wallet chains are allowed.

• Sunglasses may not be worn indoors (must be

stored away).

• Make-up may not be worn or brought to school.

(Exception: Sixth graders may wear make-up in

moderation.).

• Body piercing is not allowed with the exception

of pierced ears (dangling earrings are not allowed

for safety reasons).

• Tattoos are not allowed.

• Chains and pet collars may not be worn as

jewelry.

• Distracting hair colors are not allowed (i.e. blue,

green, orange, etc.).

• Hair should be styled in such a way as to not create a disruption.

Student attire should not present health or safety concerns and should not disrupt the educational process. We rely upon your good

judgment and discretion as to what your child should wear to school. However, faculty and administration of Cottonwood

Elementary School reserve the right to make the final decision as to the suitability of any attire and to decide when attire violates

the school dress code.

Consequences:

Parents will be notified by a school staff person. Students will change into appropriate clothing provided by the parents or school

personnel.

We all share the responsibility of assuring that the school atmosphere is conducive to learning and fosters an environment of

respect. Revised 10/23/07

COTTONWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - CODE OF CONDUCT

NON-COMPLIANCE TO STANDARDS

• Redirection - warning

• Think time - time out

• Loss of privileges - loss of recess

• Note/phone call to parents

• Referral to Administration

SEVERE BEHAVIORSREFERRAL TO ADMINISTRATION

In the case of disrespect/irresponsibility,

including:

• Destruction of property

• Verbal abuse

• Defiance

• Loss of self-control

• Profanity

• Dishonesty

The following minimum disciplinary actions will

occur:

1. Warning or reprimand

2. Parents notified

3. Community service

Suspension may be given.

In the case of intentional acts of violence and

endangerment, including:

• Aggressive, bullying, intimidating, harassing

and threatening behavior (written, verbal or

physical)

• Physical Violence (fighting and throwing

punches)

• Hazing

• Possession of drugs, tobacco, alcohol or

synthetic substances

• Possession of weapons, explosives, or other

dangerous objects (real or simulated)

• Theft of personal or school property

The following minimum disciplinary actions will occur:

1. Parents notified

2. Automatic suspension by principal; Parent

conference is required before student returns

to school

3. Tucson Police Department School Resource

Officer may be notified

Expulsion, according to Board Policy may be given.Cottonwood Site Base Council

2/28/06

COTTONWOOD

COTTONWOOD PROMISE

I am proud to belong to a ...

Caring community

Where I respect others and help them learn

Everyday, I will do my best!

SCHOOL SCHOOL

STANDARDSSTANDARDS

Respect Others

with Language

and Actions

Be Prepared to

LearnListen and Follow

Directions

Work and

Play SafelyBe Honest

Work Quietly

without

Disrupting

Others.

Do Your Best!To avoid

disturbances at

school, toys, cell -

phones, and

electronic devices

belong at home.

Be part of our Caring

Community. We are a

Bully Free School.

(Bullying is repetitive,

intentional & hurtful

behavior.)

Cottonwood’s Attendance policyRegular attendance for each child is necessary for maximum growth and essential for school success. Therefore, parents and the school assume the responsibility for regular attendance. In addition, regular school attendance is required by state law. State law mandates that we record a reason for all student absences.

When a student is absent, parents must notify the school office at 879-2603 by 7:35 am and in the event that your child is late to school, we must be notified before 8:20 am. A message may be left on the office voicemail at any time prior to the time of absence or lateness. If you notify the school by phone, a note is not required upon the child’s return. For absences greater than (1) day in length, the school should be notified each day of the absence.

In the event of an absence not being phoned in, we are obligated to place a call to ensure that the child is safely at home. When many absences are not phoned in on any given day, this process can take up a lot of time away from our busy schedules and therefore, it is greatly appreciated when absences are phoned in! Please plan vacations around school breaks as they will result in an unexcused absence and will follow the truancy policy.

Tardy PolicyStudents must report to the office for a late pass when arriving to school after the second bell, 7:35 AM. This late pass ensures the student’s name will be removed from the daily absentee report.

TruancyCottonwood participates in the ACT Now (Abolish Chronic Truancy Now) Truancy Program. This program is designed to monitor those students who have chronic unexcused absences or tardiness. The process is as follows:

1. Office staff will contact parents for each absence that is not reported.

2. After the 5th unexcused absence, office staff will notify the Principal of the habitual truancies. Habitual tardies will be treated in the same manner (3 unexcused tardies = 1 unexcused absence).

3. The Principal will then attempt to notify the parent or legal guardian by phone. In addition, a letter will be mailed explaining the ACT Now Program.

We are obligated to proceed with other serious measures when a student is habitually truant, however, it is our hope that by following the steps mentioned, we will never need to resort to them.

Coyotes Caught ACTing

! The Coyotes Caught ACTing program provides positive behavior support for all of our students. The program provides a foundation for essential character education in conjunction with the ACT statement which is at the heart of the Vail School District guiding principles.

! At Cottonwood, we praise our students for meeting positive expectations. Students have daily opportunities to be a “Coyote Caught ACTing.” All staff members carry Comet Cards and ACT stickers to give to students when they witness someone demonstrating good citizenship on the Cottonwood campus. Students develop strong character by being respectful and trustworthy, caring about each other, and taking responsibility. With the help of the Coyotes Caught ACTing program, students are given opportunities to become intrinsically motivated to do the right thing. Students have the added bonus of being recognized for their good citizenship when they least expect it.

! Students are able to share their positive experiences when they are “Caught ACTing.” The stickers serve as a reminder for families to ask their children how they were caught ACTing. Families are able to celebrate their positive choices together. At school, students then deposit their Comet Card in a special box located in the MPR. The cards are entered into a quarterly prize drawing which takes place during a school-wide assembly.

! Students will carry the citizenship skills they develop through this program into the community which they live. The skills and values that are taught, modeled, and practiced through the Coyotes Caught ACTing program will foster a community of caring citizens in Vail and beyond.

COMET Caught me in the ACT at Cottonwood!

COMET CARDCoyotes Caught ACTing

Are respectful and trustworthy

Care about each other

Take responsibility

Reason Given ____________________________________________________

Name _____________________ Teacher ___________________

Health OfficeCottonwood’s Health Aide is trained in First Aid and CPR. While the Health Aide is there to manage minor mishaps and ailments, she cannot diagnose or treat any illness. Please keep your child home if he or she has a fever, rash of undetermined cause, vomiting or diarrhea, conjunctivitis (pink eye), chicken pox, impetigo, ringworm, or head lice unless they have been treated medically and are symptom free.

A child who has vomited, has had diarrhea, or a temperature of 100 degrees F or greater will be sent home. Additionally, your child should remain fever free for a period of 24 hours prior to returning to school.

Student emergency information is kept in the office. If you are called to pick up a sick child, please come to the health office located within the school office. It is imperative that the school office be informed of any changes in address, phone number, parent’s employment, guardianship, and emergency numbers.

MedicationsIf your child needs to take medication at school, a consent form must be signed by a parent. Prescription medication must be in the original, labeled container as prepared by a pharmacist and include: patient name, name of medication, dosage, and time to be given. Over-the counter medications must be in original packaging with all directions, dosages, compound contents, and proportions clearly marked. A signed physician’s statement indicating the necessity must accompany any request for administration of over-the-counter medication. In addition, a parent or guardian must personally deliver medications to the health office.

Cell phone & electronic devices policyTo avoid disturbances at school, cell phones and all other electronic devices are not permitted at Cottonwood.

Lost and foundLost and Found items are located just outside of the cafeteria. Found items are kept for one week, after which they are donated to the Clothing Bank. To assist us, please write your child’s name in clothing and on lunch boxes, and keep valuable items at home.

Lunch program & policy regarding moneyLunch is available to purchase daily or on a weekly basis. Each child may pay for his/her lunch using check, cash, or online payment. Milk may be purchased separately. A menu will be published on the school website.

Bringing money for amounts other than for lunch is strongly discouraged. There may be occasions approved by your child’s teacher, however, all un-approved transactions are prohibited.

Dismissal expectations & proceduresDismissal ProceduresCottonwood is committed to your child’s safety. Children will be walked to the bus-loading zone. All students are required to bring a note to the office if their mode of transportation leaving school is different than the usual designated mode.

For the safety and protection of your child, the school does not allow him/her to be picked up directly from the classroom/school grounds before the regular dismissal time.

Although we highly discourage leaving before regular dismissal, when necessary, parents must come to the front office to sign the

J-3632 © 2009 Arizona School Boards Association JII-EB

EXHIBIT EXHIBIT

Complaintsbymiddleorhighschoolstudentsmaybemadeonlybethestudentsontheirownbehalf.Aparentorguardianmayinitiatethecomplaintprocessonbehalfofanelementaryschoolstudent.AparentofguardianwhowishestocomplainshoulddosobycompletingtheformsfollowingpolicyKEonPublicConcernsandComplaints.

Acomplaint/grievancemaybewithdrawnatanytime.Oncewithdrawn,theprocesscannotbereopenediftheresubmissionislongerthanthirty(30)calendardaysfromthedateoftheoccurrenceoftheallegedincident.Falseorunprovencomplaintdocumentationshallnotbemaintained.

Retaliatory of intimidating acts against any student who has made a complaint under this policy and its corresponding regulations,or against a studentwhohas testified, assistedorparticipated inanymanner inaninvestigationrelatingtoacomplaintorgrievance,arespecificallyprohibitedandconstitutegroundsforaseparatecomplaint.

Knowinglysubmittingafalsereportunderthispolicyshallsubjectthestudenttodisciplineuptoandincludingsuspensionorexpulsion.Wheredisciplinaryactionisnecessarypursuanttoanyofthispolicy,relevantDistrictpoliciesshallbefollowed.

When District officials have a reasonable belief or an investigation reveals that a reported incident mayconstituteanunlawfulact,lawenforcementauthoritieswillbeinformed.

VAIL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 20 Page 2 of 26/2/10

J-3632 © 2009 Arizona School Boards Association JII-EB

EXHIBIT EXHIBITSTUDENT CONCERNS, COMPLAINTS, AND GRIEVANCES

(To be displayed in school buildings and in student handbooks)

Students may present a complaint or grievance regarding one (1) or more of the following:

• Violationofthestudent’sconstitutionalrights.

• Denialofanequalopportunitytoparticipateinanyprogramoractivityforwhichthestudentqualifiesnotrelatedtothestudent’sindividualcapabilities.

• Discriminatorytreatmentonthebasisofrace,color,religion,sex,age,nationalorigin,ordisability.

• Harassmentofthestudentbyanotherperson.

• Intimidationbyanotherstudent.

• Bullyingbyanotherstudent.

• Concernforthestudent’spersonalsafety.

Provided that:

• ThetopicisnotthesubjectofdisciplinaryorotherproceedingsunderotherpoliciesandregulationsofthisDistrict,and

• Theprocedureshallnotapplytoanymatterforwhichthemethodofreviewisprescribedbylaw,ortheGoverningBoardiswithoutauthoritytoact.

Theguidelinestobefollowedare:

• Theaccusationmustbemadewithinthirty(30)calendardaysofthetimethestudentkneworshouldhaveknownthatthereweregroundsforthecomplaint/grievance.

• Thecomplaint/grievanceshallbemadeonlytoaschooladministratororprofessionalstaffmember.

• Thepersonreceivingthecomplaintwillgatherinformationforthecomplaintform.

• All allegations shall be reported on forms with the necessary particulars as determined by theSuperintendent.Formsareavailableintheschooloffice.

• Theperson receiving the complaint shall preserve the confidentialityof the subject, disclosing itonlytotheappropriateschooladministratorornexthigheradministrativesupervisororasotherwiserequiredbylaw.

Anyquestionsconcerningwhetherthecomplain/grievancefallswithinthispolicyshallbedeterminedbytheSuperintendent.

VAIL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 20 Page 1 of 26/2/10

Student concerns, complaints, and GrievancesBelow is the Vail Unified School District Governing Board approved policy on student concerns, complaints, and grievances. Forms are available in the front office.

student out. Each child who is excused early must be released through the office.

If your child is returning to school from an appointment before the school day ends, parents must escort him/her to the office to sign him/her in.

Dismissal Expectations1. Students are to leave school grounds promptly unless

afterschool activities are pre-arranged.2. Bus riders will be escorted to buses by their teachers.3. Students who will be picked up by parents are to wait in

designated pick up areas.4. There is no skate-boarding, bike/scooter riding or

rollerblading within the campus, or in the bus bay area. 5. Kinder AM, 1st, & 3rd grade will use the office exit. Kinder PM

will dismiss from east parking lot. 2nd, 4th, & 5th grade will use the playground exit (unless student has a sibling in K-1st, then they may use the office or east parking lot exit).

Parking & Drop Off PolicyFor everyone’s safety, we ask for your cooperation in consistently observing these procedures:

1. Cars are not allowed where buses are loading and unloading.2. The front parking lot near the office and alongside the

basketball court is for pick-up and drop-off only. Please do not leave your car unattended in the pick-up/drop-off loops. Students must enter and exit vehicle on the passenger side and are not permitted to cross into the parking lot unless escorted by a parent and must use designated crosswalks.

3. Cars are not allowed to park, pick up or drop off along the red curb area outside the front office.

4. The east entrance is for preschool, and before and aftercare.

5. Under no circumstances are vehicles allowed to park or wait in fire lanes, crosswalks, or along the street curb within the school zone!

6. Students will not be permitted to cross the street near the bus bay to enter a vehicle. They will be required to use the designated crosswalk.

Bus rulesTo ensure safe and orderly transportation for all students, these rules must be consistently followed:

• Students will comply with directions from the driver or any adult assisting the driver.

• Students will conduct themselves in a manner in which will not distract the driver’s concentration or endanger the safety of anyone riding the bus. This means that all students will be facing forward, all body parts will remain inside the bus, and aisles will be kept clear.

Items & behaviors prohibited on the busProhibited items:

• Large or glass objects• Knives, sharp objects, or anything used as a weapon• Animals, insects, or reptiles (Dead or alive)• Drugs, alcohol, tobacco products

Prohibited behaviors:• Obscene language and gestures• Loud talking/yelling• Hitting/fighting• Eating, drinking, or chewing gum• Switching seats or throwing objects

Violations of the above will result in consequences. Transportation related questions, can be answered at 879-2475.

BullyingBullying is repetitive, intentional, and hurtful behavior. Bullying will not be tolerated at school or school sponsored events. Bullying takes place over time and in many forms, and may include but is not limited to:

• Physical intimidation and attacks• Verbal taunts, name-calling, and put-downs• Threats and intimidation• Social exclusion• Gossip and spreading rumors• Extortion or stealing money and possessions