School Handbook

Checking In and Out: Students must be checked in and out through the school office when coming in late or leaving early. Students may ONLY be released to those persons designated on their emergency cards. We are unable to make any exceptions. Parents must insure they have listed the names of any individual who may pick up their child on the student's emergency card.

Tardies for students grade K through 6: Students are required to attend school and classes on time each day. Punctuality is a measure of responsibility and the Governing Board of Solana Beach School District deems it important that all students learn the value of being punctual.

Students tardy to school must sign in at the school office before going to their class. Students are considered to be tardy if they are not in their seat prepared to work when the bell rings for school to begin.

Justification for tardiness is very limited. Tardies will be excused only for health reasons, family emergencies and justifiable personal reasons, as permitted by law, Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5113, and Education Code 48205. Class participation is an integral part of students’ learning experiences. Parents/guardians and students are strongly encouraged to schedule medical appointments during non-school hours.

Tardies will accumulate during the school year. For each tardy that occurs within a school year, the following consequence(s) will apply.

1-3rd Tardy — Teacher Conference with student
5th Tardy — Principal Conference with student and telephone call to parent
6th Tardy — First Truancy letter and Soft Truancy Booklet sent home
8th Tardy — Second Truancy letter Parent Conference Scheduled
10th Tardy — Referral to school Attendance Review Team (SARB) through the San Diego County Office of Education

School Attendance Review Board (SARB): Attendance and tardies are monitored closely throughout the school year. Truancy letters are sent out to students each time they receive three unexcused absences or three tardies. After nine unexcused absences or nine tardies, a referral may be made to the county Student Attendance Review Board (SARB). SARB is composed of educators and county officials who will review the student's attendance history, interview the parents and student, and make various recommendations to which the parents and student must adhere. If these recommendations are not followed and the student continues to accrue unexcused absences and tardies, SARB can turn the case over to the district attorney's office for legal action. Students may also be referred to SARB for chronic discipline problems.

Prompt Afterschool Pickup: Staff supervision ends at 3:00 pm. Students not picked up by 3:00 pm will be directed to a classroom for supervision. Students will sign their name on a clipboard when they arrive and parents will be required to sign the children out when they are picked up . Repetitive late pick-ups will be reported to the principal. A letter may be sent home reminding you that prompt pick-up is important to ensure your child's safety.

Medical Appointments: We urge parents to schedule medical and dental appointments so they do not conflict with class time. If a student needs to be checked out of class, parents must come to the office to sign them out (and back in when they return). We will call the classroom to have your child come to the office.

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT AND OPEN HOUSE

Back to School Night is scheduled during the first 2 weeks of school and parents are encouraged to attend this special event. The purpose of the evening is to give teachers an opportunity to share with parents the curriculum, class expectations, and learning opportunities available for each child. This night is for parents only, so parents will need to make child care arrangements. Discussion is intended to be general. Conferences for individual concerns should be scheduled for a later time.

Open House is scheduled in the spring. This is an opportunity for students to share with their parents some of the projects and other classroom activities they have worked on throughout the year.

BEFORE SCHOOL/MORNING ARRIVAL

Students are not permitted to be on campus before 8:10 a.m. unless they are enrolled in a before school intervention or enrichment class.  After 8:10 a.m. students are to go to the black top area of the playground until the bell rings at 8:30 a.m.  Kindergarten students stay on the Kindergarten Playground.

BIKE AND SKATEBOARD RIDING POLICY

Students may ride bicycles/skateboards to school if they abide by the following safety rules:

• Riders must be in grades 3 - 6.

Emergency procedures are in place to insure the safety of the students during various emergency situations: earthquake, evacuation, bomb threats or intruder on campus. During an emergency, children will be dismissed by the Superintendent to go home only if there is time to return students safely to their homes, and parents can be notified. If a student's parents cannot be contacted and/or the parent is unable to pick up their child, the school will maintain responsibility for the student until the parent or authorized individual can pick up the student. At no time will a student be excused except to the care of a parent or other adult designated on the emergency card.

If evacuation of the school is necessary, students will be transported to a predetermined location. Parents will be advised of the evacuation site by radio announcements and/or information posted at the school site. Evacuation of the school will not be attempted unless there is no alternative.

In the event of an emergency, school personnel need to be involved in caring for the students, and telephone lines need to be kept open for communications with proper authorities. As a result, we ask that you call the message hot line, (858) 794-4451, which will be updated with specific information and instructions for parents.


 

To help prepare for emergency situations, once a month all students and staff perform an Emergency Drill which will consist of one or more of the following:

• Fire/Evacuation Drill
  The fire alarm sounds. The teacher walks the students to their designated area a safe distance from the building. The teacher then takes attendance and waits for further instructions from the principal.
  
  Earthquake Drill
  
   
• The teacher has students "Drop and Cover" which is getting to their knees away from dangerous windows or other areas covering their heads. They get under tables, desks, or other sturdy furniture. They remain in this position until the office indicates it is time to evacuate or for the drill to end. If an evacuation is called, all classes walk outside the building to the backfield. Everyone meets at the assembly area where there are supply sheds and emergency equipment in case of an actual emergency.
• Lockdown Drill
  This drill is in case of an intruder, stray dog, or any other threat on campus. The principal announces the situation on the intercom and rings the bell if students are outside. Teachers lock the doors and close windows. The students move together to a safe spot in the classroom. Teachers take attendance and remain with students. The class waits for further instructions.

  
  

  FLAG SALUTE

  Every Friday at 8:30 a.m. (weather permitting), all classes remain on the blacktop for a short assembly. The principal makes announcements, gives awards, recognizes students, etc. Classes recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing a song together. Parents are always invited to stay for our weekly assemblies.

  
  

  HEALTH INFORMATION

  Illnesses

  • Each year school children have an average of five to seven common infections such as colds and intestinal upset. For the protection of your child and his/her classmates, please keep your child at home when ill. and please notify the school (absence line 858-794-4751). The following symptoms may mean that an illness is contagious:
  • Fever, diarrhea, vomiting within the last 24 hours. Children need to be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to school.
  • Thick mucous or pus draining from eyes.
  • Sore throat, especially if combined with fever or swollen neck glands.
  • Rashes with fever or rashes of unknown origin.
  • Upper respiratory infection and/or severe cold, especially if accompanied with green or yellow nasal discharge and/or ear pain.  Coughs spread germs, and a cough that keeps a child up at night means they will be too tired to learn the next day.
  • Stiff neck.
  • Unusual fatigue, paleness, loss of appetite, confusion and irritability. 

  Immunizations

  The California School Immunization law requires that all children entering school receive proper immunizations to protect them from serious illness and to prevent the spread of communicable diseases: polio, measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), diphtheria, tetanus, haemophilus influenza type b (Hib meningitis), and whooping cough.
  Guide to Immunizations for School Entry (pdf, 212 kb)
  
  Medication at School
  If your child is required to take daily or occasional medication during school hours, state law requires a parent/guardian MUST complete a medical form signed by the doctor before the medication can be administered. ALL medication must be stored in the health office. Children should not have medication with them at any time - please do not put medication in your child's backpack. The nurse will be on duty to administer first aid and medications.
  
  Medical/Student Insurance
  
  
  
  
   

  This is to inform you that the Solana Beach School District does not provide student and athletic accident insurance coverage for students, however, it does make available several insurance coverage plans through Student Insurance, an independent insurance company. The Solana Beach School District takes appropriate steps to protect your child from injury; however, accidents can and do occur, even in safe environments.
  
  In accordance with Education Code Section 49472, the Solana Beach School District has made available for purchase, voluntary student and athletic accident insurance through the Student Insurance Company. The insurance program offered is optional and complies with the State Education Code. The Student Accident Insurance may be purchased for school-time, 24-hour, and dental coverage. Although you may already have medical insurance for your family, the purchase of this additional coverage could assist you by paying deductibles and balances left after your primary carrier has paid.
  
  To enroll in the insurance program, please have your student pick up an enrollment brochure and application from the school office. (If you would prefer, you may download a brochure and application at www.studentinsuranceusa.com. ) Complete the application and return with your premium to Student Insurance in the envelope provided. All premium checks/money orders should be payable to Student Insurance. Please do not send cash! Please retain the brochure attached to the application for your records.
  
  If you have any questions, please call Student Insurance directly for assistance with this program. They may be reached at 1-800-367-5830.
  
  
  
  
   

  
  

  HOMEWORK POLICY

  Rationale

  The purpose of homework is to strengthen academic skills, reinforce concepts taught by teachers, develop student responsibility and accountability, and promote parent awareness. Positive results of homework include better retention of factual knowledge, increased understanding of material, improve critical thinking, concept formation and information processing skills, as well as enrichment of the core curriculum. Our gal is to create assignments that promote one or more of these outcomes. We recognize that homework is not the only circumstance under which after-school learning takes place. Many leisure-time activities teach important academic and life skills. We believe in the importance of balancing leisure, learning and family time.

  
  Amount of Homework
  The amount of homework assigned shall be related to the maturity and ability level of the students in a given class. The following chart suggests these homework schedules as guides for students. These schedules can be used as guidelines for parents and teachers in monitoring student time devoted to homework.
  
  Grades K-2 10 – 30 minutes up to 4 days per week
  Grades 3-6 30 – 60 minutes up to 4 days per week
  
  Be advised that students on occasion may spend more than one hour and/or more than four days a week completing schoolwork, as time at home may be spent doing assigned homework, long-term projects, and completing unfinished classroom assignments. Students have varying abilities to use class time efficiently, and the amount of time spent on homework varies from one child to another.
  
  Student’s Responsibility
  It is the responsibility of the student to record and understand the homework assignment, complete it, and return it to school on the required day.
  
  Parent’s Responsibility
  It is the responsibility of the parent to set a specific time and place for doing homework and to monitor the student’s homework. Parents who have concerns about homework should contact their child’s teacher. Parents should provide guidance to students, not answers.
  
  Homework Requests
  Requests for homework should be called in on the Absence Line (858-794-4751) before 10:00 a.m., and can be picked up between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. that day.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   

  
  

  LOST AND FOUND

  Found items are kept on the coat rack by the FAB; small or valuable items are kept in a drawer in the school office. After a period of time, items are donated to charity, so please encourage your children to check the lost and found periodically.  We make every effort to return items if names are on them so be sure to label all personal belongings.

  
  

  LUNCH INFORMATION

  The Solana Beach School District takes part in the National Lunch Program. Meals are served every school day. Students may buy lunch for $3.75. A student lunch includes an entrée, choice of 1% low-fat milk or fat free chocolate milk, 100% fruit juice and assortment of fresh and canned fruits and vegetables from our salad bar.  In order to receive a free or reduced lunch, parents must complete an application (available in the school office) on a yearly basis. Parents can pay for lunch online through Nutri-Kids.com.

  Parents are encouraged to prepay for their children's lunches.  Prepaid students will be issued an electronic card which keeps track of the balance in the student's lunch account. When a student's account drops below a predetermined amount, the student will be given a note to take home and/or the parent will receive an email from Food Service.  We cannot guarantee that all students will be assured their lunch selections o the menu.  When in doubt, pack your child's lunch.

  Lunch Rules:  Eat first; Clean up your area; Talk quietly; Be polite and remember your manners; Raise your hand to use the restroom and get a drink.

  Personal Transport Devices at School

  Schools in the Solana Beach School District support Safe Routes to Schools for both pedestrians and riders. Promoting bike and other wheeled safety for students is essential as they commute to and from school on school days. For the safety of all students, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and other wheeled vehicles should be walked—not ridden—while using crosswalks or crossing streets on the way to and from school. Students are expected to follow all traffic and pedestrian safety rules, including obeying crossing guards and all posted traffic signals.

  We appreciate our parents/guardians for their ongoing support and partnership in modeling safe riding practices. Students not following guidelines are subject to discipline consequences outlined in the school’s Effective Schoolwide Environment Plans (ESEP), which may include a verbal reminder/warning and/or a phone call home to notify parents. 

  Safety - Students must walk their bicycles upon entering campus, and at all times while on campus, including parking lots and pathways, unless permission from a school official has been granted otherwise. No bikes, scooters, skateboards, eBikes, or other wheeled vehicles may be ridden on campus.

  Helmets - Students under 18 years of age riding a wheeled vehicle must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards described in CVC 21212a, 21235. This law also covers minors who are using or riding on non-motorized scooters, skateboards, inline, or roller skates. 

   

  More Safety Guidance is available in Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5142 Safety.

  • Storage - Bicycles and other wheeled vehicles should be parked in their designated area(s) on campus. Bicycles and other wheeled vehicles should never block ingress or egress or be placed in any location that would compromise safety and access.

  • Charging - SBSD does not currently provide charging capability for personal electric vehicles (e.g., eBikes, electric scooters). 

  • Security - It is the responsibility of the student to lock and secure their wheeled equipment. The District is not responsible for damage or theft of wheeled equipment on campus or en route to and from school and school-sponsored events.

  • eBikes

    • Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes - Students under 16 years of age are permitted to bring onto campus.  are Pedal Bicycles, Class 1 electric bicycles, and Class 2 electric bicycles. 

    • Class 3 eBike - Students must be 16 years of age to operate a Class 3 eBike. 

  • Motorized Scooters - Motorized scooters require the rider to be 16 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit (CVC § 21235 (d)).  

   

   

  PETS/ANIMALS ON CAMPUS

  Children are asked not to bring pets from home. In special cases, pets may be brought only with the prior permission of the teacher and should be in a cage or under some other form of restraint.

  
  

  PHYSICAL EDUCATION

  California Education Code 51210(g) requires that students in grades 1 through 6 receive not less than 200 minutes of physical education every 10 school days, excluding lunch and recess. Teachers in Solana Beach School District post schedules for P.E. in their classrooms. The schedules are also available in the school’s office.

  
  

  PICK UP AND DROP OFF

  OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE A SAFE, EFFICIENT METHOD OF DROPPING OFF AND PICKING UP YOUR/OUR CHILDREN AT SOLANA SANTA FE - With that in mind, PLEASE remember these rules:
  
  Drop off/Pick up in front of school
   

  • The parking lot is a NO CELL PHONE ZONE!
  • Enter the parking lot and follow the single-file lane along the side parking lot.
  • Continue moving forward to the FRONT of the school and pull as far forward as you can. 
  • Children exit/enter the car FROM THE CURB SIDE ONLY. Please adhere to signs that indicate where the pick-up/drop-off zone begins.
  • You must stay in your car at all times. Do not park and leave your car in any red zones.
  • The parking lot exit is a RIGHT TURN ONLY. This is much safer and helps the traffic flow immensely.
  • Remember that it is extremely dangerous to cross El Apajo. If you need to park and walk your child to school – always use the crosswalk.
  • Pick up is from 2:38 – 3:00 pm. The traffic is VERY congested at 2:38 pm! So arrive early (2:15 pm) or preferably, arrive after 2:45 pm. The traffic flow is much better at this time and it is easier to access the parking lot.
  • We will supervise the children until 3:00 pm. 
  • Be careful, cooperative and patient! Watch out for kids and other vehicles.

  FOR SAFETY REASONS, the “left over” children will be escorted to a supervised classroom to wait for their parents. If you arrive after 3:00 pm and the children are not waiting out front, you will need to get out of your car, check in at the office and then go to the supervised classroom where your child will be waiting. We are sorry for the inconvenience, but we have no other way to supervise the students after 3:00 pm, and waiting in the lobby is not a safe option.
  
  Drop off/Pick up at Circa del Norte (Fairbanks residents only)
   

  • • The pick up/drop off line is a NO CELL PHONE ZONE!
    • Pick up/drop off is only on the West side of Circa del Norte.
    • Pull up as far forward as possible.
    • Children need to exit/enter the car from the passenger side.
    • Parents then continue along in the pick up/drop off zone, merging onto Circa del Norte and exiting through Gate 1.
    • Please stay in your cars – congregating in groups adds to the congestion and creates a safety concern.
    • DO NOT make a U-turn on Circa del Norte prior to or after picking up or dropping off your child. This is extremely unsafe!!
    • The back gates are only open from 8:10 - 8:27 a.m. and from 2:38 – 2:55 p.m.. At all other times, you must access the school from El Apajo. Please note – the gate is not open when it’s raining.
    • Students are not allowed to wait at the horse stables.

      
      

      PTO

      The Solana Santa Fe Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is an integral part of the school. the PTO is dedicated to supporting the children and community of Solana Santa Fe School. To reach these goals, our PTO members volunteer many hours and raise funds to support classrooms, encourage communication, and develop community spirit. PTO donations support our science, art, PE, media center, and computer specialists, as well as various enrichment and cultural projects throughout the year. Please refer to our PTO webpage for additional details and information.

      
      

      REGISTRATION

      We welcome all new families to Solana Santa Fe School. Please come in to the school office to get a registration packet or download one online from the District website:  www.sbsd.k12.ca.us.  Requirements for new students include:

      1. Verification of Age:
            One (1) of the following:
      • Certified copy of a birth record
      • Statement by a local registrar or a county recorder certifying the date of birth
      • Baptismal Certificate
      • Passport
      • If none of the above is obtainable, an affidavit of the parent, guardian, custodian, or any other appropriate means of proving the child’s age is acceptable
      2. Proof of Residence:
             One (1) of the following:
      • Grant Deed or Property Tax Statement
      • Valid and current Rental/Lease Agreement with Property Management Company or Real Estate Agency (PRIVATE PARTY LEASES require a notarized affidavit from property owner's.  Form available at school office upon request.)

      
      

      REPORT CARDS

      Students are issued Report Cards three times a year. Report cards are reviewed with parents during the fall and spring parent-teacher conferences. A final report card is sent home with the students on the last day of school. The school will hold report cards if students have not paid for a lost book.

      
      

      SCHOOL PHOTOS

      School photos are taken in the early fall and the finished photos come home in early December. Class group photos will be taken. Individual photos are optional. You will be notified beforehand of the various options for the purchase of prints. You are not required to purchase photographs.

      
      

      STUDENT COUNCIL

      In the 1970's, the State of California passed a law that set up the School Improvement Program (SIP), which enabled schools to receive supplemental funding from the state. The new law also required that schools establish School Site Councils (SSC) in order to receive and spend the extra funding provided by SIP (if and when any monies are made available by the State). Our Site Council is made up of  five parents, five teachers/staff, and the principal. The Site Council assists in long-range planning and monitoring of the site strategic school plan and if funds are available, the overseeing of the expenditure of SIP funds. Meetings are held three to four times a year and are open to the public.

      
      

      SEXUAL HARASSMENT

      Solana Beach School District has adopted board policy and administrative regulation (BP/AR) 5145.7 containing rules and procedures for reporting sexual harassment. “The Board prohibits sexual harassment of students by other students, employees or other persons, at school or at school-sponsored or school-related activities. Prohibited sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, unwanted requests for sexual favors or other unwanted verbal, visual or physical conduct of sexual nature made against another person of the same or opposite gender, in the education setting.”

      The Solana Beach School District prohibits unlawful sexual harassment of any student or employee by any other student or employee. Teachers shall discuss this policy with their students in age-appropriate ways and should assure them that they need not endure any form of sexual harassment. Any student who engages in sexual harassment of anyone in or from the District may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Any employee who permits or engages in sexual harassment of any student may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Students and staff shall immediately report incidents of sexual harassment to the principal/designee or to another District administrator. Any student who feels that he/she is being sexually harassed should immediately contact the principal/designee or another District administrator in order to obtain a copy of AR 1312.2 - Uniform Complaint Procedures. Complaints of sexual harassment can be filed in accordance with these procedures. The District prohibits retaliatory behavior against any complainant or any participant in the process. Each complaint of sexual harassment shall be promptly investigated in a way that respects the privacy of all parties concerned.

       

      SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS

      The Board of Education believes that reasonable use of surveillance cameras will help the District support its goals for campus security. Cameras are not placed in areas where students, staff, or community members have a reasonable expectation for privacy. The District’s audio capability on the surveillance equipment is disabled so sounds are not recorded.

      
      

      TOBACCO FREE SITE

      Solana Santa Fe School and the Solana Beach School District is a tobacco-free site. Use of all tobacco products shall be prohibited within any district building, facility, or vehicle. In addition, the use of all tobacco products is prohibited on school grounds or premises. This prohibition shall also apply to all individuals attending or representing the school district at school-sponsored activities held off district property.

      
      

      TOYS AND PERSONAL ITEMS

      Students may not use toys, pagers, cell phones, or other personal electronic equipment during school hours. If students need to call a parent during school hours, they may use a school phone. The school phone should not be used to schedule after-school play dates. These dates should be arranged in advance.

      
      

      VISITORS

      All persons visiting our campus must follow these rules:

      1. Please sign in at the office first and get a visitor's badge which must be visibly worn.
      2. Visitors may observe classroom instruction, but will need to schedule an appointment with the office. In order to not disrupt the learning process and to ensure minimum interruption of the instructional program, visitors will be escorted through classrooms. If a conference is desired, please make an appointment with the teacher during non-instructional time. (BP 1250)
      3. Visitors are asked to check back in with the office before leaving campus to sign out and return their badge.

      The following resources are available to any parent who wishes to know how his/her child is doing i school: parent/teacher conferences, Back to School Night, meetings with the guidance counselor, meetings with the principal, report cards, progress reports, homework samples, work samples and standardized test data.

      
      

      VOLUNTEERS

      Solana Santa Fe has a strong tradition of parent involvement. Under the teacher’s direction, parents work with children individually or in small groups, giving students immediate feedback on their work and helping them through problems. Volunteers provide additional support for classroom learning activities. Others can help out on field trips, by sharing special talents or helping to prepare materials at school. All volunteers are asked to sign in daily in the office.

      Because volunteers are such an integral part of our school, it is important to keep our standards high. All volunteers will be required to sign the Volunteer Code of Conduct. It is important for all volunteers to remember the following:

      • Be responsible and safe -- always put children first. 
      • Respect confidentiality. Students and staff have a right to privacy. 
      • Be professional. 
      • Communicate. 
      • When things come up and you can’t fulfill a promise, let someone know. 
      • Ask for help -- don’t suffer in silence! 
      • Share your experience with others and encourage new volunteers. Commitment - Once you become a volunteer others depend on you. 
      • Try to pick what is manageable and interesting to you. 
      • Be prepared. Communicate with teachers and other staff members ahead of time. 
      • Be on time. If you can’t make it, let someone know. 

      Each volunteer working with children must have the report of a negative tuberculin test (injection) or X-ray on file in the health office. The tuberculin test and X-ray are good for four years.

      We so appreciate all that you do for our school!