Farmdale Elementary World School

Parent InformationHandbook

2012/2013

2660 Ruth Swiggett DriveLos Angeles, CA 90032

(323) 222-6659

Farmdale Five1. We RESPECTRESPECTRESPECTRESPECTRESPECT each other’s rights, property, culture,

ideas, and differences.

2. We ALWAYS THINKALWAYS THINKALWAYS THINKALWAYS THINKALWAYS THINK before we act and speak.

3. We TAKE PRIDETAKE PRIDETAKE PRIDETAKE PRIDETAKE PRIDE in everything we do; our work,our appearance and our school.

4. We SOLVESOLVESOLVESOLVESOLVE our PROBLEMSPROBLEMSPROBLEMSPROBLEMSPROBLEMS peacefully.

Fighting Fighting Fighting Fighting Fighting

5. We TAKE RESPONSIBILITYTAKE RESPONSIBILITYTAKE RESPONSIBILITYTAKE RESPONSIBILITYTAKE RESPONSIBILITY for what wedo and say.

Los Angeles Unified School District FARMDALE ELEMENTARY International Baccalaureate World School 2660 Ruth Swiggett Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90032 Telephone (323) 222-6659 Fax (323) 222-9693 www.farmdalehawks.org

John E. Deasy Superintendent of Schools

Roberto A. Martinez Superintendent, ESC - East

Teresita Saracho de Palma Principal

August 2012 Dear Parents: It is with great pride that I welcome you and your families to Farmdale Elementary International Baccalaureate World School for the 2012-2013 school year. We are privileged to offer your children the prestigious IB Primary Years Program (PYP).

Last December 2012, we earned IB authorization as the result of 3 years of very hard work by every member of this staff. We recognize that we have accomplished a major goal, but the real work now begins, and that is to maintain the high standards/rigor necessary to fully develop students who are intelligent inquirers with an international-minded understanding. We invite you to come on campus and see firsthand what this program entails. Instruction in the classrooms is now inquiry-based; students are leading the learning along with their teachers. The ten character traits of the learner profile inspire and motivate the work of teachers, students and the school, providing statements of the aims and values of the IB Program and a definition of what we mean by “international-mindedness”. Please remember that this challenging work is being done not only for the students attending Farmdale, but for the community of El Sereno. Both, El Sereno Middle School and Wilson High School also earned authorization last year. In all of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the community of EL Sereno is unique in offering a school feeder-pattern with 3 authorized IB world schools! El Sereno in on the world map!

Regardless of limited resources as a result of budget cuts, we still expect much of ourselves, of you, and of your children. We remain committed to excellence and ask you to enter into an active partnership with us by ensuring that your child does the following:

1) Attends school daily and arrives on time, ready for the day’s learning experiences 2) Completes all homework assignments given by the teachers 3) Reads daily for enjoyment and to develop literacy skills to the highest level 4) Shares daily experiences with you so that you are aware of his/her school life 5) Informs you if he/she needs additional support in any area or subject

I encourage you to join our school volunteer program so that our students can also benefit from the many talents and skills our parents can contribute. We seek volunteers to help us with the following:

1) Valet service to ensure safety when children are dropped off at school 2) Ensuring school routines are smooth at all times 3) Delivering breakfast to the classrooms 4) Reading with children who need extra help

Please read this handbook with your children. It is important that both you and your child be familiar and in support of the expectations that this school holds for each stakeholder. Once again, visit us or our website at www.farmdalehawks.org, volunteer in our classrooms, join our parent councils and committees, and help us to monitor the progress of our school. Your children are the leaders of tomorrow!

With Much Pride,

Teresita Saracho de Palma Principal

Los Angeles Unified School District FARMDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

2012-2013

Parent Information Handbook

The parent/guardian is the most important person to help plan and carry out the best possible program for his/her child. The following topics are included in this booklet to assist you. Staff Roster Master Calendar Bell Schedules School Mission School Vision School Beliefs School Day Information School Hours Gate Closures Instructional Program School Wide Discipline Standards After school Programs Intervention Programs Federal meal Program Classroom Visitations Conferences Releasing Children Field Trips Pupil Attendance and Absences Punctuality Homework Policy Classroom changes Safety and Well-Being Healthy Start Collaborative

Emergency Cards Health Services Rest and Sleep Food Cleanliness Tooth Care School Attire Parent Group Information Parent Workshops Parent Council PTA Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Loitering and Truancy Ordinance Bicycle Safety Agreement

FARMDALE ELEMENTARY 2012-2013 Teresita Saracho de Palma, Principal Rafael Ortiz, Assistant Principal-EIS

Renee Barron, Categorical Program Advisor Teachers Master Plan Grade Room Rosemary Hernandez SRLDP 30 Paul Desmarais PSM 40 Cindy Gonzalez D/HH (PK/K) 31 Laura Lopez K 29 Michiyo Kobayashi K 42 Angie Martinez Dual K 5 Nancy Delgado Dual K 7 ____________ D/HH (Primary) 39 Monique Ohashi 1 41 Christina Dominguez Dual 1 32 Yazmin Carretero Dual 1 33 Areli Martinez MDO (Span) 9 Mayra Cervantes 2 36 Imelda Solorzano 2 37 Elizabeth Felix Dual 2 23 Patty Astorga Dual 2 24 Maria Cendejas LD (Primary) 17 Wendy Van 3 10 Yorizma Delgado 3 11 Yesenia Francia Dual 3 12 Ann Eckert Dual 3 13 Mark Meer 4/5 20 Lydia Acosta 4 21 Juan Garcia Dual 4 34 Thomas Takeshita Dual 4 35 Susan Singh LD (Upper) 16 Vy Tran 5 18 Viviana Salvi Dual 5 25 Carmelo Zamora Dual 5 26 Rebecca Chua DHH (Upper) 15 Rebecca Santana RSP 9 Jennie Mordaunt ISC 2B Greg Gero ACC 2B

Office Health Office Catalina Paredes, School Admin. Assistant Patricia Novak, Nurse Sonia Retana, Office Technician Rachel Reyes, HCA-Health Care Assistant Support Staff Custodial Celia Sanchez, Translation _____________, Plant Manager Fernando Rodriguez, Computer Tech. Jose Alvarez, Bldg. & Grounds Worker (PM) Ninnette Garcia, Computer Tech. Fernando Galvan, Bldg. & Grounds Worker (AM) Claudia Magaña, Community Liaison

Maya Aviles, Psychiatric Social Worker Ricardo Lopez, PSW-Healthy Start Coordinator

Cafeteria Molly Onstein, Psychologist Gloria Coke, Cafeteria Manager Tim Yamasaki, Audioligist Cecilia Acuna, Cafeteria Worker Jani Cade-Lopez, APE Francisca Bustillos, Cafeteria Worker Monica Gutierrez Roper, Speech Gamaliel Andrade, Cafeteria Worker Renee Polanco, Aud/Oral Therapist Diane Kawaguchi, AT Supervision Aides Erwin Barbieto, PT Lucy Rosales Sandy Mac, OT Marisela Contreras Sophia Ohlemann, Inclusion Facilitator L.A.’s Best Paraprofessionals Diana Ramirez, Site Coordinator Diana He Alma Bautista, Program Supervisor Marcia Rincon Carmen Lopez, PW Edgar Robles Maria Guzman, PW Maritza Andrade Aurelio Ruiz, PW Harssen Mejicanos Tiffany Umana, PW Connie Vega Regina Todd, PW Clementina Garnica, Pre-Kinder Valerie Ruiz, PW Ana Rivera, Special Education Assistant

Olga Garnica, Special Education Assistant Sandra Howe, Special Education Assistant

YS Afterschool Program Reyna Romero, Special Education Assistant Becky Renteria, Supervisor Virginia Romero, Special Education Assistant

Diane Contreras, Special Education Assistant Sonia Thompson, Special Education Assistant Lisa Robles, Special Education Assistant Ellie Burks, Special Education Assistant

FARMDALE ELEMENTARY Master Calendar

2012-2013

August 14 School Begins August 16 SRLDP Meet & Greet (9:00-10:00 & 12:00-1:00) August 20 SRLDP Classes Begins August 21 Banked Time Schedule Begins thru April 16, 2013 1:30 Dismissal Every Tuesday August 31 UNASSIGNED DAY-NO SCHOOL September 3 Labor Day-No School September 4 School Site Council (SSC) Meeting September 5-7 PARENT CONFERENCES September 5 MINIMUM DAY SCHEDULE-12:35 DISSMISAL September 6 MINIMUM DAY SCHEDULE-12:35 DISSMISAL September 7 MINIMUM DAY SCHEDULE-12:35 DISSMISAL International Baccalaureate 3 School Family Meeting September 10 Parent Action Committee (PAC) Orientation for Elections September 13 Parent Action Committee Meeting/ELAC Elections September 14 NORM DAY September 17 UNASSIGNED DAY-NO SCHOOL

September 26 UNASSIGNED DAY-NO SCHOOL

October 5 International Baccalaureate 3 School Family Meeting October 8 School Site Council (SSC) Meeting October 8-12 Parent Meeting Week (1st, 2nd , 3rd & 5th Grade ) October 11 Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting October 15-19 Parent Meeting Week (Kinder & 4th Grade) October 17 School Picture Day October 18 Great California Shake Out

October 22-26 Red Ribbon Week October 26 Literacy Parade & Carnival October 30 School Make-Up Picture Day

November 2 International Baccalaureate 3 School Family Meeting

Dia de Muertos Altar Exhibit Walk-Through November 4 Daylight Savings Time Ends (Move clocks back 1 hour) November 8 Parent Action Committee (PAC) November 12-16 Parent Meeting Week (1st, 2nd , 3rd , & 5th Grade) November 12 VETERAN’S DAY HOLIDAY – NO SCHOOL November 19-21 NO SCHOOL

November 22 THANKSGIVING DAY HOLIDAY – NO SCHOOL November 23 SCHOOL HOLIDAY – NO SCHOOL November 26-30 Parent Meeting Week (Kinder & 4th Grade) December 7 International Baccalaureate 3 School Family Meeting

Posada Nite - Dual Courtyard December 10 School Site Council (SSC) Meeting December 10-14 Parent Meeting Week (All grades) December 13 Winter Program December 17- WINTER BREAK – NO SCHOOL

January 4, 2013

January 7 Classes Resume on Regular Schedule SRLDP Parent Education Classes begin this week

(10 week course, day of week to be announced by teacher) January 14 School Site Council (SSC) Meeting

January 14-18 Parent Meeting Week (1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 5th Grade) January 17 Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting January 21 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY – NO SCHOOL January 21-25 Parent Meeting Week (Kinder & 4th Grade)

February 1 International Baccalaureate 3 School Family Meeting February6-8 PARENT CONFERENCES February 6 MINIMUM DAY SCHEDULE-12:35 DISSMISAL February 7 MINIMUM DAY SCHEDULE-12:35 DISSMISAL February 8 MINIMUM DAY SCHEDULE-12:35 DISSMISAL February 10 Lunar New Year – ‘Year of the Snake’ February 11-15 College Week Parent Meeting Week (1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 5th Grade) February 11 School Site Council (SSC) Meeting February 14 Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting February 18 PRESIDENT’S DAY HOLIDAY-NO SCHOOL February 18-22 Parent Meeting Week (Kinder & 4th Grade)

March 1 International Baccalaureate 3 School Family Meeting March 6-7 California Writing Assessment-Grade 4

March 10 Daylight Saving Time Begins (Move clocks forward 1 hour) March 11 School Site Council (SSC) Meeting

March 11-15 Parent Meeting Week (1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 5th Grade) March 12 Spring Picture Day/5th Grade Culmination Pictures

March 14 Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting March 15 Hawk Walk (Walk-a-Thon)

March 18-22 Parent Meeting Week (Kinder & 4th Grade) March 25-29 SPRING BREAK – NO SCHOOL

April 1 CESAR CHAVEZ BIRTHDAY HOLIDAY– NO SCHOOL April 4 5th Grade Panoramic Picture April 5 International Baccalaureate 3 School Family Meeting April 8-12 Parent Meeting Week (1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 5th Grade) April 11 Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting April 9-May 10 STS/CST /CMA/CAPA* Testing Period April 15 School Site Council (SSC) Meeting April 15-19 Parent Meeting Week (Kinder, 3rd & 4th Grade) April 16 Last Banked Time Tuesday (dismissal resumes next Tuesday to 2:30pm)

May 3 International Baccalaureate 3 School Family Meeting May 6-10 Parent Meeting Week (1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 5th Grade) May 9 Parent Action Committee (PAC) ,Meeting May 10 Last day of Testing May 13-17 Parent Meeting Week (Kinder, 4th & Grade) May 13 School Site Council (SSC) Meeting May 17 ‘Dia del Niño’ Dance & Song Celebration May 27 MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY – NO SCHOOL

May 31 Last Day of School – Minimum Day Schedule 5th Grade Culmination at El Sereno M.S. Report Cards Go Home Today

* STAR Tests: CST=California Standards Test (Gr. 2-5) STS=Standards Test in Spanish (Gr. 2-5) CMA=California Modified Assessment (Gr. 3-5) CAPA=California Alternate Performance Assessment (Grds. 2-5)

Revised 9/7/12

MISSION Farmdale Elementary is a school community dedicated to providing all students with a rigorous, standards-based education and the essential skills necessary to succeed as life long learners.

VISION

The Farmdale community of students, staff, and families is committed to providing the highest level of education with a

strong, inquiry-based academic program within a safe, friendly, technology-rich environment that prepares students to become

global learners and leaders.

BELIEFS

We, the stakeholders at Farmdale Elementary School, believe that: • All Children will learn in a safe and nurturing

environment • All students have equal access to a well-balanced,

rigorous curriculum committed to high expectations, empowering all students to reach their maximum potential

• All members of our school community can learn and improve their skills

• Every member of our school community can contribute in many ways to the education of our children

• Every member of our school community will practice mutual respect and appreciation of their differences and diversity

• By working together as a team, parents, students, staff and community, we can better strengthen our students’ future.

FARMDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

BELL SCHEDULE 2012-2013

REGULAR SCHEDULE INCLEMENT WEATHER SCHEDULE (Grades PK-5) (Grades PK-5) Prep Bell 8:04 a.m. Prep Bell 8:04 a.m. School Begins 8:06 a.m. School Begins 8:06 a.m. 1st Recess 10:00-10:20 1st Recess 10:00-10:20 2nd Recess 10:30-10:50 2nd Recess 10:30-10:50 1st Lunch 11:10-11:55 Kinder Lunch 11:50 2nd Lunch 11:55-12:40 1st Grade Lunch 11:35 3rd Lunch 12:15-1:00 2nd Grade Lunch 11:45 3rd Grade Lunch 11:55 Dismissal 2:30 p.m. 4th Grade Lunch 12:30 5th Grade Lunch 12:15 SRLDP/PSM (AM) 9:00 a.m.-11:20 p.m. SRLDP/PSM (PM) 12:00 p.m.-2:20 p.m. Dismissal 2:30 p.m. DHH (PK) 11:00 a.m.-2:20 p.m. SRLDP/PSM (AM) 9:00 a.m.-11:20 p.m. SRLDP/PSM (PM) 12:00 p.m.-2:20 p.m. DHH (PK) 11:00 a.m.-2:20 p.m. *Dismissal on Professional Development Tuesdays is 1:30 p.m. (August 21, 2012 until April 16, 2013)* * * * Some exceptions on specific Tuesdays-refer to monthly calendar MINIMUM DAY SCHEDULE SHORTENED DAY SCHEDULE

(Grades PK-5) (Grades PK-5) Prep Bell 8:04 a.m. Prep Bell 8:04 a.m. School Begins 8:06 a.m. School Begins 8:06 a.m. 1st Brunch 10:00-10:30 1st Recess 10:00-10:20 2nd Brunch 10:30-11:00 2nd Recess 10:30-10:50 3rd Brunch 11:00-11:30 1st Lunch 11:10-11:55 2nd Lunch 11:55-12:40 Dismissal 12:35 p.m. 3rd Lunch 12:15-1:00 SRLDP/PSM (AM) 9:00 a.m.-11:20 p.m. Dismissal 1:55 p.m. SRLDP/PSM (PM) 12:00 p.m.-2:20 p.m. DHH (PK) 11:00 a.m.-2:20 p.m. SRLDP/PSM (AM) 9:00 a.m.-11:20 p.m. SRLDP/PSM (PM) 12:00 p.m.-2:20 p.m. DHH (PK) 11:00 a.m.-2:20 p.m.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

SCHOOL DAY INFORMATION

SCHOOL HOURS – (Please refer to the attached school schedule). Students Regular (August to June) 8:06 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Banked Time Schedule 8:06 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Tuesday) (August 21, 2012 thru April 16, 2013) Teacher Hours 7:46 a.m.- 2:40 p.m. Office Hours 7:30 a.m - 4:30 p.m. After School: Youth Services 2:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. L.A.’s BEST 2:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. The playground gates open at 7:30 a.m. (there is no supervision prior to that time). No students should enter the yard before 7:30 a.m. Breakfast is served in the classroom. GATE CLOSURES – Farmdale is a closed campus. The Los Angeles Unified School District has a policy to require schools to close their gates during the school day in an effort to increase the safety of children and staff. Entrances will be open to admit and dismiss children accordingly. All gates will be locked during school hours. You may enter school through the front gate on Ruth Swiggett Drive and proceed to the office for a visitor’s pass. *Pre-K A.M. students will be dismissed at the front gate at their dismissal time. Pre-K P.M. will be received at the gate. (Please remember that anyone picking up a Preschool or Kindergarten student must be on the emergency card and at least 18 years of age.) INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM – All teachers are held accountable to provide a well-balanced Standards Based Program to every student in their classroom. Grade level standards include: Language arts, Mathematics, Science, History/social science, Health, Arts and Physical Education, and English Language Development for English Learners. This year with the full implementation of the International Baccalaureate (IB) - Primary Years Program (PYP), the instructional program has changed. The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world around us. The written curriculum will be delivered via a progam of inquiry. The most significant and distinctive feature of the IB program is the six interdisciplinary themes. These themes are about issues that have meaning for, and are important to, all of us. The program offers a balance between learning about or through the subject areas, and learning beyond them. The six themes of global significance create a transdisciplinary framework that allows students to “step up” beyond the confines of learning within subject areas:

• Who we are • Where we are in place and time • How we express ourselves • How the world works • How we organize ourselves • Sharing the planet

The State of California and Farmdale Elementary’s expectations are that every student will achieve mastery of grade level standards annually. We need parents to assist in making this goal a reality. Daily and punctual attendance, by physically and mentally healthy children will ensure that learning is taking place at maximum levels.

Parents you are a vital component of the equation. Child + Parents + School = Student Success.

SCHOOL-WIDE POSITIVE ACTION/BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS – Farmdale’s expectation is for every student to become a independent Life-Long Learner responsible for their learning and behavior. To achieve this goal the following attributes and programs are in place: INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) LEARNER PROFILE An intrigal component of the instructional program is the student development of the IB Learner Profile. Teachers integrate the instruction of the Learner Profile within all units of inquiry. IB learners strive to be:

Inquirers Knowledgeable Thinkers Communicators Principled Open-Minded Caring Risk-Takers Balanced

Reflective FARMDALE FIVE Farmdale’s code of behavior is the FARMDALE FIVE. The rules were developed by the Farmdale Governance Council which is composed of parents and staff. The Farmdale Five are posted in every classroom, office, restroom, and throughout the school. Please review them with your children. The Farmdale Five are:

1. We RESPECT each others rights, property, culture, ideas, and differences. 2. We ALWAYS THINK before we act and speak. 3. We TAKE PRIDE in everything we do; our work, or appearance and our school. 4. We SOLVE our PROBLEMS peacefully. 5. We TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for what we do and say.

*A full page copy is included in packet. POSITIVE ACTION® Farmdale uses the Positive Action® program school-wide. Positive Action® is a nationally recognized, evidence‐based program that improves academics, behavior, and character. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education What Works Clearinghouse as the only “character education” program in the nation to have “positive effects” in both academic and behavioral outcomes. Our goal is to offer a program that is effective, efficient, empowering, and easy to use. It works by teaching and reinforcing the intuitive philosophy that you feel good about yourself when you do positive actions and there is a positive way to do everything. The program teaches the positive actions for the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional areas of the self.

The philosophy is illustrated by the Thoughts-Actions-Feelings Circle where positive thoughts lead to positive actions, positive actions lead to positive feelings about yourself and positive feelings lead to more positive thoughts. We offer parenting classes on Wednesdays from 8:30-10:00 am in the parent center. In the classes families learn how to use the Family Kit and do positive actions in the home. Positive Action’s Community/Coalition Kit is used to organize our Annual Family Community Learning Faire offered once a year in the spring. AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS –

Farmdale Elementary offers two types of formal after-school programs.

1. The Youth Services (YS) Program offers supervision on the playground from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. daily. It is a recreational program with emphasis on team sports. The YS program is a permissive program which allows students to come and go independently. For this reason, it only provides services for students in 2nd through 5th grade. A light supper is provided shortly after school is dismissed. If you wish your children to participate in the YS program, it is highly recommended you come to the program and meet the personnel. The program is under the direction of Ms. Becky Renteria. Please inform the coordinator of the schedule for your children and if your children are allowed to exit the program by themselves. The administration strongly discourages the students from exiting and re-entering the yard during the YS program hours. We are trying to provide a safe and structured program and request parental assistance in making this possible. Should a school day schedule change due to minimum or banked time days, the supervision begins immediately after school is always provided till 6:00 p.m.

2. The LA’BEST’s Afterschool Enrichment program provides safe and supervised

afterschool education, enrichment and recreational activities for children 5 to 12 years of age. This program offers a light supper and 3 ‘beats’ which include assistance with homework, clubs, enriched academics, sports activities, as well as, opportunities for field trips. It is the intent of the program that every student will experience every component of the program daily. Hours of operation begin when school is dismissed and end at 6:00 pm, Monday thru Friday. Due to the budgetary restraints, it is now required that students participate in the full program. Any student picked-up prior to 6pm will require the completion of an early dismissal form. Students leaving early on an on-going basis could be excluded from the program. We do not want to lose seats in the program therefore we ask your support in meeting the program expectations. Please remember that children must be signed-out daily by an authorized adult. No child is allowed to leave the premises without an adult.

Applications are available in the school office. Opening for the program are on-going. For more information please see Ms. Diane Ramirez, Program Site Coordinator.

INTERVENTION PROGRAMS – Farmdale is committed to providing academic assistance as needed to ensure that all students will succeed. We implement the Response to Intevention and Instruction Model (RTI2). The focus of the RTI2 model is to monitor student progress within three levels. Tier 1 focuses on the core program, that which is the first teaching in the classroom, and strengthening this component with modifications to meet the student’s needs. Tier 2 is assistance beyond the classroom, and could be provided by the Learning Center staff through out the day, or after school. Tier 3 which would involve a more targeted intervention could involve a specialized teacher or program. The goal is that all students demonstrate growth throughout the year. Whenever students are identified to receive additional services parents are notified by letter and invited to a special parent meeting. Formal referral to the Student Success Team (SST) is a step in the process of identifying which types of intervention best meets your child’s need. Your participation is very important in achieving the goals identified at all levels. Remember that intervention programs are designed to meet the needs of students throughout the school year. In past years these programs may have included learning center, homework club, tutorials, Soaring Hawks, and afterschool programs. Farmdale will continue to implement a local design intervention program. A team composed of teachers and paraprofessionals have been hired who will be providing small group instruction to at-risk students during the school day. Please take advantage of these services and support these programs when they are offered to your children. Attendance is critical. Please do not wait to request assistance – see your classroom teacher or administration immediately if you feel your child is not demonstrating adequate progress. Additionally, as a Program Improvement School, Farmdale students are provided an opportunity to participate in the Supplementary Educational Services (SES) provided by the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Beyond the Bell Division. Applications will be sent home to eligible students on September 30th. The deadline for submitting the applications is October 25, 2012. These services are provided by private agencies off campus or to the home. Should you be interested please call or visit the school office.

FEDERAL MEAL PROGRAM – Farmdale has a federally funded school breakfast and lunch program. This year every student at Farmdale is eligible for free breakfast and lunch. This is the result of the strong parent collaboration in submitting all lunch applications last year. This also means - no lunch applications this year… Thank you Parents! Please remember that Senate Bill 12 and 965 were established to prevent childhood obesity and maintain nutrition standards for school children. They went into effect July 2007. Please refer to the Los Angeles Unified School District Food Services website www.cafela.com for a more complete list of healthy snacks lunch items. Be sure that your children are bringing healthy food and snacks to school. We strongly recommend that all parents encourage their children to eat their meals at school. Some students decline the meal, or eat very little. Brain research has demonstrated that in order for a student to learn at optimum levels, he/she must have solid meals. The school meal schedule is:

Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) 8:06 a.m. – 8:25 a.m. Lunch periods 11:30-12:40 p.m.

Last April, 2012, Farmdale implemented the “Breakfast in the Classroom” (BIC) program. Breakfast is delivered to every classroom by volunteers and offered to each student at their desk. This program promotes ‘family style’ eating and provides opportunity to develop language and

social skills. Many positives outcomes have resulted to date: students eating breakfast has doubled in participation, the number of students who are tardy to school has diminished substantially, students are transitioning quicker to their first learning engagement and there is better attention to the subject matter. Overall, a very positive move for our students! If you are interested in helping with the BIC program please talk to your classroom teacher or to the Cafetria Manager, Gloria Coke. We always need more volunteers!

CLASSROOM VISITATIONS – Parent visitations are strongly encouraged! Please do not wait for an invitation. This is your school and your responsibility is to monitor the education of your child. To maximize your visit, and in order to limit interruptions to the instructional program, please follow these guidelines for classroom visitations:

• come to the front office for authorization and a visitor’s pass • in the classroom please find a seat or stand in the rear of the room without

distracting the children • support staff is available to accompany you to explain the program/activities you

are observing • should you wish to conference with the teacher directly, please schedule an

appointment during a non-instructional time Formal visitations to the classrooms can be scheduled upon request. If parents wish to observe a specific activity, we recommend contacting the school/teacher to schedule the visit. Remember, we welcome your presence and your children will be very appreciative of your visit.

CONFERENCES – Teachers are generally available for conferences before and after school. To ensure availability, it is recommended that an advanced appointment be made with the teacher. Farmdale schedules two formal parent teacher conferences throughout the year. 100% attention is expected by parents and students. The first parent conference will take place the first week in September. The purpose of this conference is to review the results of the initial assessments conducted by each teacher. At the culmination of this conference every student will have identified specific goals to guide their learning this year. Parents will be also be asked to develop a goal for support. Working together will make the difference! The second conference is schedule for the first week in February, a month before the 2nd reporting period. Please check the Master Calendar for these dates. However, please remember that staff is always available to meet with you regarding your child’s progress.

FIELD TRIPS – Students may participate during the school year on educational field trips, including community-walking trips. A field trip permission form must be completed, signed by the parent and returned to the teacher before the field trip. A parent/guardian signature is required on the form in two different places. No student can leave campus unless there is a signed release form. Teachers rely on parents as volunteer helpers for fieldtrips. Should you be interested in accompanying the class, please speak with your teacher early in the year. Also, if you have access to information regarding free field trips please share with your teachers.We love being resourceful!

PUPIL ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES All persons between the ages of 6 and 16 years of age are required by law to attend school regularly. California State Law requires that every school age child attend school unless ill. If your child is absent from school please call the office to inform them of the reason and length of absence and send a written note upon your child’s return to school. In some instances the school may require a note from a physician. School attendance is the best insurance that a child will master state standards by the end of the school year. They can not learn when they are not present, and because the curriculum is very fast paced, catching-up is very difficult. Please motivate your child to attend school everyday. Our goal is 100% attendance. Perfect attendance assemblies will be held monthly where students are publically recognized for their effort. Help your child reach this goal. Let’s work together to establish strong routines in our children. Coming to school each day is as important as going to work everyday for an adult. Please remember that school funding is based on in-seat attendance. The more absences a school reports, the less money is allocated the following year. Every day a child is absent from school, approximately $38.00 is lost on subsequent school budgets. This negatively impacts our school resources. Last year the Los Angeles Unified School District lost approximately $150 million dollars due to student absences. In these dire economic times, we can not afford these preventable loses. The district goal is for every school to have 71% of students attending 96% or above. Currently, Farmdale is at 61.9%. OUR GOAL IS TO MEET OR EXCEED THE TARGET! Should you need help in this area please know that counselors are available assist you. Schedule an appointment to meet with Ms. Diane Cliff, our Attendance Improvement Counselor here at Farmdale. She is on campus every Thursday and Friday. *Students who are absent from school for more than 10 consecutive days (unable to contact) will be dropped from the school attendance roster. Remember 100% attendance!

PUNCTUALLY – Prompt attendance at school is a requisite for good citizenship, responsibility, and academic achievement. A child who is tardy must report directly to the office to check in and receive a tardy slip before being admitted to class. Students who are tardy to school begin the day at a disadvantage in the instructional program. Leaving early also impacts the learning. Please make any appointments for your children after the school day or on non-school days. Tardies/leaving early are recorded on the attendance roster. Please note that 3 tardies/leaving early counts as an absence. Farmdale acknowledges perfect attendance at various award ceremonies throughout the year. Oftentimes students have not been eligible for the awards due to excessive tardies. Let’s teach our children responsibility to get to school on time every day. RELEASING CHILDREN – Children may not be released to relatives or adults unless they are listed on the emergency card or there is a signed note from the parent. To release a child from school at any time other that regular dismissal time, the parent or guardian must make the request in person in the school office. A photo ID is required for adults picking up students. Please note that no student will be released to anyone less than 18 years of age and who have no photo ID. Parents are encouraged to make doctor/dental appointments after the child’s school day allowing them to complete all their schoolwork each day. Please note that early dismissals is considered time lost to the instructional program and registered as ‘tardy’ minutes in computing perfect attendance for awards.

HOMEWORK POLICY – Homework is a contract between the child and the teacher and an opportunity for parentsto become further involved in their child’s education. Assignments are an integral part of our educational program and are specifically designed to reinforce skills taught

during the regular program. It also serves as a vehicle for the research related to the Unit of Inquiry developing at the grade level. This may include hand-on projects and/or written assignments which could require internet access. Remember that there are many community agencies such as the public library which have computers accessible for public use. Should this be a challenge for you, please speak to your classroom teacher. Farmdale’s Parent Center as well as our technology/media centers could be available for your child and yourself. Teachers will be assigning home/study work Mondays through Thursdays. LAUSD policy dictates a minimum of minutes per grade level, on average, they are as follows:

• Kinder 15 to 20 min. per day • 1st and 2nd 30 to 35 min. per day • 3rd and 4th 35 to 45 min. per day • 5th 50 to 60 min. per day

Work will not usually be assigned on Friday evenings. Parent support is requested in accessing an appropriate area in the home for study as well as encouragement to complete all tasks accurately and completely. Parent concerns in this area should be referred to the classroom teacher or administrator. Should parents need assistance with homework strategies or materials, please visit our Parent Center. CLASSROOM CHANGES – There is a possibility that some students will have their classroom reassigned after norm day (September 14). These changes occur when student numbers are lower than numbers estimated and a teacher position is cut, or student numbers come in high and teacher positions increase. Additionally, changes are made periodically throughout the year if this will better service the academic needs of child. Parents will be notified in writing when reassignments are necessary. Please be assured that if this happens, student reassignments are kept to a minimum and changes are planned according to student needs. You have our commitment that changes are planned with the student academic and mental well-being as the priority.

SAFETY AND WELL-BEING

HEALTHY START COLLABORATIVE – Farmdale has been a member of the Wilson High, El Sereno Middle and Farmdale Schools Healthy Start Collaborative for over 15 years. The purpose of this collaborative is to bring services to all three schools which will support our students’ educational needs. We are very proud of sponsoring a Healthy Start Medical Clinic on the campus of Wilson High School and a Dental Clinic on the campus of El Sereno Middle School. These clinics are open to service our families. Take advantage of the services provided. At no time should a child be absent from school because they needed a vaccination, a TB test, or visit to a dentist and have no access. That is the reason for this partnership. The Collaborative meets monthly and has over 40 agencies working together to service the three schools. If you have any questions regarding any social or health services, please give us a call. Our Healthy Start Collaborative Coordinator is Ricardo Lopez, and he is here to help make your child’s school experience a positive one from Pre-School till 12th grade.

EMERGENCY CARDS – District emergency cards are of vital importance for your child’s safety. Please complete them out carefully. We need at least three different phone numbers to contact parents at home or work and friends or family members in the event of an emergency. Please note that this year changes can be made via the intenet to remain up-to-date. When your telephone number or address changes please call the school office, send a note, or stop in the office to update your child’s emergency card. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT ALL INFORMATION ON CARD BE CURRENT. Please help us with this.

HEALTH SERVICES – Farmdale is staffed by a School Nurse 2 day per week and a Health Care Assistant daily. We are very fortunate. Should your child have specialized health needs such as asthma, diabetes, restrictions of physical activity, etc., please contact the health office. At no time are children allowed to carry on their person any type of medication. Please remember that all immunizations need to be up-to-date. See the school nurse or Principal for any health issues. REST AND SLEEP – Most students need a minimum eight hours of sleep at night. Each child should have his/her own bed whenever possible, as children sleep better alone. An early bedtime is best. Please remember that your children need to come to school ready to learn. Lethargic or tired students are not good learners. It is very difficult to maximize instruction when one’s brain and/or body are tired. FOOD – An adequate daily diet usually consist of 3 or 4 glasses a milk, one egg, meat, poultry, fish or legumes (peas, beans, lentils, etc.); citrus fruit or tomatoes; three vegetables, one of which is leafy, or dark yellow or green, and on starch; one additional fruit or vegetable; whole grain cereals and bread; butter or margarine. Breakfast is a highly important meal because of the 12-hour fast preceding it. This should contain a generous amount of protein (meat, milk, egg, poultry, and cheese) and provide one third of the day’s calories. Please remember that the school serves breakfast everyday. Ensure that your child arrives to school before the bell rings so that he may part take of the “Breakfast in the Classroom” Program. CLEANLINESS – Overall hygiene is important in working directly with students. Keeping clean is essential, therefore:

• Hands should be washed before eating and after toileting to prevent the spread of diseases. (Some students need help in keeping fingernails clean and trimmed).

• Teeth should be brushed immediately after eating, whenever possible. • A daily bath or shower, using mild soap is advisable. • Hair should be brushed daily and washed at least once a week. • Clothing should be clean and comfortable, with daily change of socks and

underwear. • Your child should be provided with tissue

Should you have any questions regarding hygiene, please see our school nurse. DENTAL CARE - Dental health affects the total health, appearance, and social adjustment of your child throughout his/her lifetime, therefore:

• Help your child establish good eating habits. Excessive use of sugar and other refined sweets is a major factor is causing tooth decay.

• Help your child develop a regular habit of brushing teeth after meals, whenever possible.

• Take your child to visit the dentist regularly. If small cavities are filled, extensive dental decay will be prevented and resultant large dental bill eliminated. Near the age of six, the sixth-year molars appear. These are permanent teeth; they are not replaced by other teeth. Watch for them! The Local District is able to provide referrals for medical, dental and vision checkups. If needed please speak to the school administrator or nurse.

• Remember that as part of the Healthy Start Collaborative, your child can attend the Hild Solis Dental Clinic located on the El Sereno Middle School Campus.

SCHOOL ATTIRE – SCHOOL UNIFORMS ARE MANDATORY. Farmdale has instituted school uniforms to promote school pride and safety. A uniform is a clear message that we are students here to do our job - learning, learning, learning! The polo collar t-shirts are white with navy pants, shorts, or skirts/jumpers. Embroidered school attire are available in our front office. As an incentive to promote college and university awareness and make it a part of our students’ vision, Friday is “College Day” and we strongly encourage students to wear attire promoting colleges. Parents, please supervise your children when they dress in the morning. Ensure that your child wears clothing that is age appropriate and safe for school activities. For example, open toe sandals can be unsafe on the playground. Inappropriate clothing (i.e. graphic t-shirts with disrespectful slogans, obscene or questionable printing or advertisment of alcohol, drugs, gang insignia) is not allowed. Additionally, please label your child’s sweaters, jackets, etc. Every year hundreds of lost items are turned in to the office and never claimed. . All lost and found items are hung on the fench adjacent to the office. Please look through the clothes hung there and reclaim any items lost by your children. Items not claimed after a 2 week period is donated to a charity.

PARENT ENGAGEMENT Farmdale has committed a dedicated room for parents. Visit our Parent Center located in Room 43 and meet our Parent Liaison, Mrs. Claudia Magana. Stop by and get to know the parents, become informed as to what’s happening in the school and give ideas on how we can make Farmdale a more productive school community. Monthly parent meetings are offered by grade level to inform and assist you in supporting your child’s program. Please make it a priority to attend. They are scheduled as follows: 2nd week of the month: Grade 1 - Wednesdays, Grade 2- Thursdays

Grade 3 - Wednesdays Grade 5 - Tuesdays 3rd week of the month: Kindergarten – Thursdays Grade 4 - Thursdays *Please check your child’s monthly calendar for specific times and possible changes should a holiday/unassigned day fall on the regularly scheduled day* PARENT WORKSHOPS – Parent workshops are planned on a continuous basis to address the identified needs of parents and community members. These trainings provide strategies that can be used at home with your children to make them more successful learners and perhaps take the ‘pain’ out of homework. Additional classes in supporting reading and math, as well as topics such as health, discipline, drug and gang awareness, and safety are scheduled as requested by parents. Should you be interested in a specific topic, please inform our community representative. Farmdale has an extensive resource network that we can contact as needed. Check your school monthly calendar for upcoming parent training work

PARENT GROUPS – Farmdale has a number of formal school committees. They are:

• ELAC – English Learner Advisory Committee. This committee advises on the English Learner school wide program.

• SSC – School Site Council. This is the decision making body which oversees the School Improvement Program as well as oversees all categorical monies. This council is composed of parity among staff and parents.

• Governance Council - This is a LEARN decision making council which oversees instructional programs at Farmdale. This council is composed parity among staff and parents and works in conjunction with the SSC.

The functions of the Parent Groups are to evaluate needs and programs, and to advise the Principal. Parent input and participation are important. The Farmdale Parent Group meetings are held the second Thursday of selected months at 8:30 a.m, (please refer to the Master Calendar for dates). Parents are invited to participate in all school wide committees. Standing school-wide committees are safety/discipline, intervention, student-wide activities, instructional leadership, personnel selection, and parent action. Ad hoc committees are created throughout the year to address specific needs. Your participation is essential if we as stakeholders are to represent all the interest and needs of our students. Join us! PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION – This year the PTA is seeking to increase its membership to encompass more avenues of school life then simply fundraising. This year PTA has established partnerships with private sector donating to education. Some of the agencies collaborating this year are: Sub-Way, Fresh n Easy, Direct-TV, as well as collecting box-tops. Stay-tuned, you will be receiving more information on these partnerships throughout the year. Always remember that via PTA we have access to their health, dental and vision clinics and other services. Speak to school nurse or administration if you need any of these services. If you are available and wish to become a part of this viable committee, please join us. Remember this is a parent-teacher organization working together for the benefit of our children. VOLUNTEERS – Please consider volunteering in your child’s classroom. Nothing re-enforces the instructional program and its importance and value than having parents visibly engaged in the classroom. This is a great opportunity to see firsthand how your child learns and for you to learn some of the teaching strategies that may be very effective at home. Talk to your child’s classroom teacher or see the Parent Community Liaison for suggestions. All parent volunteers must have a volunteer form on file in the office. Volunteers must sign in at the office. For applications, see the School Administrative Assistant Please remember that you are invited to participate in any or all school activities. However, do not consider this invitation optional; a school will only improve if parents are an active component of the school formula. Remember that no ones care more about your child than you. Join us in . . . problem solving, making decisions, doing the work, cooking pancakes, reading to the students. . . whatever you feel comfortable with. We are here to work together. Hope to see you at all school functions! We are proud to say that many of our staff members are bilingual in many languages. Never let language be an obstacle. Call ahead if you are unsure if translation will be available or if you need translation in a specific language. We are here to serve!

TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY Traffic safety has been an issue of concern at Farmdale for many years. To address this area a committee composed of parents, staff, LAPD traffic officers, and community members have worked diligently to establish safety patterns which will ensure that our students and their families arrive and leave school safely. First of all, please give yourself sufficient time to drop-off your children at school. The traffic at Farmdale is not conducive to a quick drop-off. Remember that Farmdale is located in a cul-de-sac and traffic moves slowly. Following the established patterns have alleviated that wait time considerably. All Farmdale drivers and pedestrians are required to observe the following traffic rules while driving in the Farmdale vicinity when students are present: TRAFFIC PATTERN*

• Ruth Swiggett Drive converts to a one-way route during the arrival and dismissal of students. Traffic cones are placed to assist drivers in following the flow of traffic. Once you pass the front of the school, the streets opens up to a two lane thorough-way.

• If you are parking your vehicle and walking your child onto the campus please stay towards the left and drive into the parking lot at the end of the drop-off zone/valet area during the morning hours from 7:45-8:00 a.m. Posted signs read loading and unloading only.

• The cul-de-sac is not to be used as U-turn area. Not following the traffic patterns endangers on-coming traffic.

• There is no stopping or parking directly in front of the school. This is a high ticket area.

• Never park or drop-off you children off Eastern Avenue. This area is very dangerous and is reserved for school busses only.

PEDESTRIAN PATTERN

• Always cross at cross walks. Jay walking or crossing in the center of the street is not safe. Please do not encourage your children to cross unsupervised.

• If the crossing guard is assisting pedestrians in crossing to the campus, please follow their instructions. Patience and respect are important values to practice.

Please help us in making Farmdale safe for every one. Remember that the persons helping us with traffic are parents who are volunteering to make your child safe. If you are interested in joining our traffic committee or would like to volunteer with traffic, please come to the office. We need your ideas and support. Thank You!

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FARMDALE ELEMENTARY 2660 Ruth Swiggett Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90032 (323) 222-6659 Dear Parent(s)/Guardian: On May 23, 1995, the Los Angeles City Council passes a Loitering/Truancy Ordinance In essence, the ordinance prohibits any person under the age of 18 and subject to compulsory school attendance from loitering in or upon the public streets, Highways, roads, alleys, parks, playgrounds, or other public grounds between the hours the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on days when the student’s school is in session. The exceptions to this are as follows:

• A student is accompanied by a parent or guardian • A student is on an emergency errand directed by a parent or guardian • A student is going or coming directly from their place of gainful employment • A student has permission to leave campus for lunch and has in his/her possession a

school-issued permit • A student is going to or returning from a public meeting

If a student is found to be in violation of this ordinance, he/she will receive a citation. This will require you, as a parent to appear in court with your youngster and may include a fine of $250 or community service. This fine and community service may be suspended only if the student returns to court at the end of 60 days with proof of no unexcused absences for that period. Failure to appear or repeated offenses may result in suspension of, or inability to obtain a driver’s license. The effective date of this ordinance is October 1, 1995, and it will be enforced through Los Angeles City Traffic Ordinance Citation Program. It is our hope that every student becomes aware of this ordinance and ensures that all students attend school. If you have any questions regarding the Loitering/ Truancy Ordinance you may call Farmdale Elementary at (323) 222-6659. Sincerely, Teresita Saracho de Palma, Farmale Principal

BICYCLE SAFETY AGREEMENT

We, at Farmdale School, agree that keeping our students safe while riding their bicycles to school is shared responsibility between the school, the parents and the student. This agreement outlines each of our responsibilities. We, the school agree to …

• Teach bicycle safety rules • Have periodic bicycle safety instruction • Enforce bicycle safety rules and the California Bicycle Helmet Law

I, the Student agree to …

• Follow all bicycle safety rules • Always wear my bicycle helmet when riding a bicycle • Keep my bicycle in good repair • Always lock my bicycle in a bicycle rack while at school

We, the parents agree to …

• Reinforce bicycle safety rules at home • Provide a bicycle helmet for my child • Make certain that my child’s bicycle is in good repair • Support the school in reinforcing the rule requiring the wearing of a bicycle helmet.

We, the undersigned agree to …

• Work together to ensure safety when riding bicycles to and from school.

___________________________ _________________________ Student’s Signature Date ___________________________ _________________________ Parent’s Signature Date ___________________________ _________________________ Principal’s Signature Date