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Welcome to Delta Charter School

Dear Delta Charter School Families and Students,

This handbook is designed to help our students and their families acquaint themselves with Delta Charter School’s basic information and expectations.

Delta Charter K-8 was originally founded on the principals of Dynamic Visual Learning (DVL) an Integrated Visual Learning program developed by Dr. Steven J. Ingersoll, OD in Michigan.  We continue to be dedicated to finding ways to engage students in learning through multiple modalities. The majority of our teachers are certified in Whole Brain Teaching. Social Emotional Learning is another hallmark of our K-8 program with the principles of Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and Restorative Practices being major part of our program.

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EMERGENCY INFORMATION

An enrollment card asking for vital emergency information is sent home with each child for parents to complete. It requests the names and numbers of persons to contact if the parent cannot be reached. Also, the card requests any other information you think we should be aware of. You, as the parent or legal guardian, are responsible for providing this emergency information to the school, as well as keeping this information updated. In the event of a real emergency, the school will normally try to contact you first, and then those contacts you have listed. However, if none of the contacts are successful, it may be necessary to call 911

(emergency hotline). The family will be responsible for any costs incurred.  Please complete the card and return it promptly to notify us of any changes throughout the year. Your cooperation is necessary to make sure the school is able to provide the best possible protection for the health and welfare of your child.

EMERGENCY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Power Outage:

If the school has no electrical power before school begins in the morning, and if there is little or no reason to expect restoration of power, the buses will not run and school will not open that day.  If the same happens during the school day, students will be bused/sent home.

Earthquake, Fire, Explosion, Lockdown, and Chemical Accident:

When appropriate, children will take the best available cover within the school building and remain under cover until First Responders advise other action. Every precaution will be taken to minimize the possibility of injury from flying objects. Drills on this procedure are held each year. If specific instructions are received from First Responder officials, children may be sent home without prior notice to parents.  Delta Charter Schools staff have been trained in ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate).  In the event of a threat on campus, Delta Charter Schools staff will utilize techniques acquired through this training to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families who might be on campus.  Additional information on ALICE may be obtained through the ALICE training Institute, www.alicetraining.org.

Floods/Winds:

Children will be taken to a safe area or sent home depending on the circumstances, upon orders from First Responder officials.

If an emergency or disaster should occur that affects our school, please do not attempt to come to the school and pick up your child unless you are instructed to do so by a responsible school official or First Responder. This plan has been designed for one primary purpose, to provide the greatest possible safety for students during an emergency. Parents rushing to the school during an emergency will defeat this objective and impose serious obstacles to the entire Emergency Plan.

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ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE

In an on-going effort to improve the supervision of students and to provide a safe and secure campus, DCS uses video cameras to monitor specific open and public areas of the school campus and therefore students and others have no reasonable expectation of privacy in those areas. Signs posted on campus serve as reminders that electronic surveillance is used to augment campus supervision.

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Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a framework for supporting a positive school climate and culture to support student learning. PBIS practices are research based and data driven. Here are a few of the things you will see as part of our PBIS program at Delta K-8.

1. Clear Expectations
We set clear expectations that are consistent in all areas of the school. When students know and understand what is expected of them, they are more likely to meet expectations.
2. Teaching of Expectations
We teach all of our students what respect, responsibility, safety and problem solving look like in all areas of the building. We teach through lessons, modeling, practice and reinforcement.
3. Acknowledgment
When students meet expectations, we celebrate! We place our attention and energy on what students are doing right, rather than their mistakes. We use a variety of ways to positively reinforce student behavior.
4. Support for Students
We view mistakes as learning opportunities. We use research based, proactive, and restorative solutions to working with student misbehavior.
5. Teaching Social Skills
We believe in teaching the social skills necessary to succeed in school and life. When student needs are met socially and emotionally, they are better equipped to learn at high levels.
6. Home-School Partnership Together, we are your child’s support team. We believe in working with you to support your child’s learning and behavior. Your partnership is critical to ensuring all students grow and learn at high levels. Communication between school and home is a vital part of our shared success. Your questions, concerns and ideas are welcome any time by contacting your child’s teacher, the school counselor, the principal, or any member of our school team. We will be contacting you as well, to keep lines of communication open and to work together for your child’s success.

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Attendance

Maintaining high levels of student attendance is a top-level priority at Delta K-8.  Research shows that the number-one predictor of academic success is regular school attendance. By sixth grade chronic absence becomes the leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school. Students cannot learn the material being taught if they are not in class.   Additionally, students who are absent take instructional time away from other students when the teacher has to reteach material already covered in class. It is also important to note that to school loses vital state funds for absences.

Excused Absences

Parents can excuse up to three absences per school year with a note or a phone call.  After three excused-absences parents are required to provide written verification from a physician to excuse absences for illness.

Excused and unexcused absences are listed below:
Absences for the following reason are considered Excused Absences:
Illness
Quarantine
Medical Appointment
Funeral of Family Member
Obtain Immunizations (not more than 3 days)
The following are considered Unexcused:
Vacation
Personal Days
Family Days
Suspension
Disenrollment

As previously mentioned parents are able to excuse no more than three absences per school year with a note or phone call.  After that a doctor’s note or another form of verification is required for an absence to be considered excused.  A fourth absence—excused or not-- triggers a mandatory attendance meeting with the principal. After a fifth absence parents and students will be referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) at which time students may be disenrolled with their district of residence being notified of the pending SARB action.

If attendance does not improve, the district of residence may take parents to Municipal Court.  Fines ($250-500) and/or probation can be levied by the judge. The judge can also require that the parents personally transport their child to school and also attend classes.

SHORT TERM INDEPENDENT STUDY

On those rare occasions when absences cannot be avoided. Students may complete short-term independent study (STIS) for up to six days per year per school year.  STIS work must be requested prior to the beginning of school on the day of the absence and must be completed and turned in within two days of the last absence, students receive academic and attendance credit for days missed.  Accordingly, they may also retain eligibility for Perfect Attendance awards. Absences with completed STIS does not count toward SARB.  Please remember that independent study does not replace the rich and meaningful lessons presented by our teachers and accordingly should be used as a last resort.

Medical and Dental Appointments:

If a student must leave for a medical or dental appointment after arriving at school, please send them with a note stating the time and reason for leaving. Parents are encouraged to make appointments during non-school hours whenever possible.

HOSPITAL INSTRUCTION:

Home-hospital instruction may be arranged through the school when a child is unable to attend class due to a serious medical condition.

TARDINESS:

Students and families are encouraged to establish a habit of punctuality. Students are at a disadvantage when they enter late, as they frequently miss valuable instructional time. Late arrivals are also a disruption to the other students in the class.  Students arriving tardy are to report to the office to obtain a tardy slip to give to his/her teacher.  Generally, a parent note or phone call is needed to “excuse” a tardy. Excessive tardies result in students and parents being referred to SARB. Tardies in excess of 30 minutes are counted toward truancy.  Punctuality is a basic expectation at Delta Charter K-8.  After a third tardy in a trimester—or ninth for the year—parents will receive a reminder notice from the school. After a fourth (or tenth for the year) parents will be attend a meeting with the principal. Further late arrivals will result in a referral to SARB.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE REVIEW BOARD (SARB):

The District School Attendance Review board addresses students who are classified as truants, have excessive absences or tardies, or serious behavior problems. In situations where attempts have failed to improve a student’s attendance or disruptive behavior patterns, the matter will be turned over to SARB. Parents and the student will be involved in this process and will be required to appear before SARB.  Parents will be sent letters as appropriate when their child is unexcused from school. After an appropriate number of unexcused letters are sent home and parent conferences are held, the record will be sent to the District SARB Committee. If attendance does not improve, the parents can be taken to Municipal Court in Tracy. Fines ($250-500) and/or probation can be levied by the judge. The judge can also require that the parents personally transport their child to school and also attend classes.

CLOSED CAMPUS

Delta Charter Schools has a closed campus policy. If you wish to have your child released from school you must personally pick him/her up at the office. If someone other than the parent is to pick up a student the person must be named on the emergency card or prior approval must have been given by a signed note.

Students on Independent Study are excluded from the aforementioned since they are on an appointment-based system.

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GRADING POLICY

TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN - GRADE 3:

Grades K through 3rd are on a trimester schedule for report cards.  Report cards in grades  K through 3rd are standards-based, directly connecting student learning to State Standards requirements.  These report cards are similar to the ones used in kindergarten, using a rubric that indicates your child’s proficiency in given standards such as:

•       X is "Not Yet Assessed"

•       1 is “Below the Grade Level Standard”

•       2 is “Approaching the Grade Level Standard”

•       3 is “For the 1st and 2nd trimester—on target for meeting the grade level standards;

For the end of the year—at Grade Level Standard”

•       4 is “Above Grade Level Standard”

All of these standards will be reported based on assessments your child’s teacher will be using in the classroom.  Children will still receive traditional grade reports using S for “Satisfactory”, N for “Needs Improvement”, and a X for "Not Yet Assessed"; these grades will reflect progress your child is making in regards to work habits, classroom behavior and general effort within the class.  Additionally, Science, Social Studies, Art, Health and PE will be reported using  S, N, or X.

GRADES 4 – 8:

Students in grades 4-8 receive letter grades, A through F, in each subject, on a trimester schedule. Grades are based upon percentages, attendance, classwork, homework, class participation and effort.   Students in grades 6-8 will receive a grade of Pass (P) or Fail (F) for elective classes.

Parent/teacher conferences for Grades TK-8 are held after the first grading period.

Grades are available online. Please see the office staff for login information if you have not set up an Aeries account. Once your account becomes active, you can access your child’s attendance, schedule, class assignments, and grades.

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LOST AND FOUND

Lost or unclaimed clothing and other articles are placed in the “Lost and Found” container in the office. “Lost and Found” is generally emptied of unclaimed items during December and June, shortly after school is out. Children should have their belongings labeled and accept responsibility for their care.

The school is not responsible for a student’s personal property left or lost at school. Articles of personal value or which are expensive should not be brought to school. Items found should be turned in to the school office to be placed in the Lost and Found. Students should inform their teachers and the school office of personal items lost, misplaced, or stolen. Please mark all articles (clothes, lunch pails, binders, etc.) with your child’s name. The school will not take responsibility for recovering lost personal items. Students must realize that valuable items are brought to school at the child’s own risk.

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AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

All Delta Elementary students are eligible to attend the After School Program, which will run Monday through Thursday from 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  This program is recreational in nature and will be supervised by Delta Elementary staff members.  An After School Program form must be submitted for each child attending.  Students are required to sign-in daily.  Students must follow all Delta Charter School rules while attending the program.  Failure to follow the school rules may result in your child not being allowed to attend the After School Program.  Students must be picked on time daily in order for your child to remain in the program.  Students may be picked up through the Delta Elementary office.
Students not enrolled in the after school program are to be picked up as soon as they are dismissed after school. Parents, please be on time. Do not instruct them to wait for their brothers or sisters after sporting events. The staff cannot accept responsibility for supervising them.

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A child is eligible for transitional kindergarten if his or her fifth birthday falls between September 2 and December 2.  Students must be 5 years of age on or before Sept 1 to attend kindergarten.  Birth certificate, proof of residence, and immunization records are required to register a child in school.

First Grade Physical Examination:  State law requires that all children must have a physical check-up within 18 months prior to, or 90 days after their first grade entry. The health checkup may be performed by your family physician, the Public Health Clinic, or by other CHDP Program providers. Forms and information are available in the school office.

Immunizations required by state law for school entry:

Vaccine: Minimum Doses Required
Polio : Only 3 doses meet requirements if 3rd dose was on or after 4th birthday for ages 4-6, or on or after 2nd birthday for ages 7-17 years.
DTP : Only 4 doses meet requirements if 4th dose was on or after 4th birthday for ages 4-6, or on or after 2nd birthday for ages 7-17.
Tdap Booster : 7th graders need one dose on or after 7th birthday
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)  | Two doses on or after 1st birthday.

Hepatitis B :Series of 3 doses.   Varicella :One dose for Kindergarten (or physician-documented proof of disease).

Oral Health Assessment:  California law now requires that children have an oral health assessment (dental check-up) by May 31 in either kindergarten or first grade, whichever is his or her first year in public school. The law specifies that the assessment must be done by a licensed dentist or other licensed or registered dental health professional.  Forms are available in the school office.

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A safe and disciplined learning environment is essential to a quality educational program. District-wide standards on student attire are intended to encourage school pride and unity, and thereby help students concentrate on schoolwork, reduce discipline problems, and improve school order and safety. We recognize that students have a right to express themselves through dress and personal appearance; however, students shall not wear apparel that is deemed disruptive or potentially disruptive to the classroom, to the educational process, to the environment or to the maintenance of a safe and orderly school, that presents health or safety concerns, or that contains lettering or symbols that are obscene or profane.  Any student deemed in violation of the student dress code shall be required to change into appropriate clothing or make arrangements to have appropriate clothing brought to school immediately.
As we lack locker facilities and because we encourage physical activity it is important that students dress in comfortable clothing appropriate for both classroom learning and physical education.  Accordingly, backless, high-heeled, steel-toed footwear; shoes with wheels or flip-flops are not allowed.

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FACILITY USE

By law the School Board must approve any and all uses of district facilities. Any group that uses the facilities for an activity must obtain a certificate of insurance naming the New Jerusalem School District, its agents and officers, harmless in the event of any injury or accident of any kind and naming the New Jerusalem School District as additional insured. Coverage amounts are determined by the nature of the event. All participants in such events must sign waivers releasing the New Jerusalem School District of any kind of legal or financial responsibility whatsoever.  Organizations must comply with the posted occupancy restrictions.

FIELD TRIPS

Students attending field trips must have a parent/guardian-signed permission slip on file with the teacher, designated faculty advisor, or chaperone. Though siblings are allowed to attend in certain situations, for insurance reasons they are not allowed to ride the bus. Also, parents who bring siblings, or other younger children, will not be allowed to be chaperones, as they will be distracted by the additional children.  Please note that students are not allowed to attend field trips with classes or groups that they are not a part of.  Field trips may be cancelled without notice if there are not sufficient chaperones to maintain student safety.  Chaperones must be a minimum of 21 years old.  Students who attend the field trip must ride to and from the trip on the bus.  Students will not be allowed to be “signed out” to a parent without prior arrangement.

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MAKE-UP WORK/LATE WORK POLICY (Grades 6-8)

When a student has been absent on the day prior to a test, and misses a review period, he/she may be given an additional day to study for the test.  If the student has been absent only on the day of the test, he/she shall be expected to take the test immediately upon returning to class at the discretion of the teacher.

The general late work policy for grades 6-8  is provided to promote student responsibility and consistency. All assignments that are turned in late may have 10% deducted everyday up to 3 days (30% maximum deduction). Late work will be accepted for 1 week past the assigned due date for a maximum of 50%. After the 1 week deadline, point values for late work are at the discretion of the teacher.  Teachers will assign lunch or after school detentions and contact parents when a student has multiple missing assignments. Parents are encouraged to monitor their child’s grades via AERIES.

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BASIC SCHOOL RULES

Delta Charter Schools has a responsibility to parents and their children from the time that the they leave home until the time they return home again in the afternoon. Therefore, these rules are enforced during the whole day.    Any staff member may issue citations to students who violate school rules.  These rules apply to all school activities whether they occur before, during or after school hours.

Additionally students who engage in behavior outside of school that effects other students while at school may receive school consequences for there actions. This includes but is not limited to the use of electronic devices or media to threaten or insult another student.

Student Pick Up and Drop Off

Students are to be dropped off at the Designated Drop-off drive through on the southwest side of the school on Durham Ferry Rd (in front of gate near the playground).To maximize safety and prevent traffic back-ups please pull as far forward as possible when dropping off and encourage students to exit quickly.  Do not use the parking lot for drop-off as it creates a dangerous situation with cars pulling in and out while students are crossing with limited supervision.  If you need to come in to the office, please drop your student off at the Designated Drop-off zone before parking.

K-4 students who are being picked-up will be walked by the teacher or designee to the pick-up zone in front of the District Office on Koster Rd.  Cars will line up in three rows to create as efficient a pick-up procedure as possible.  5-8 students can be picked up at the bus loading/Designated Drop-off zone on Durham Ferry Rd. *5-8 grade siblings of K-4 students should also be picked up at the District Office on Koster Road.

Fighting

Fighting will not be tolerated at school. In the event of a dispute, any child who strikes another person will be suspended. It makes no difference who “started” the dispute or who was “simply fighting back.” The rule is simply stated: If a student hits another person he/she will be suspended. (California State Education Code 48900)

CELL PHONE POLICY

Cell phones are to be turned to silent/vibrate and put away once a student enters school grounds.  The device must be kept out of sight during the school day.  Cell phone use resulting in a disruption of the school environment may result in confiscation, parent contact, and further disciplinary action.

RESTITUTION FOR DEFACED, DESTROYED, DAMAGED, OR LOST SCHOOL PROPERTY

Any student who defaces, destroys, damages, or loses equipment or instructional materials entrusted to him/her is responsible for those items. This includes, but is not limited to, books, science equipment, physical education equipment, computers and computer software. Legal procedures may be taken for restitution.

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When problems arise, our goal is to establish accountability, repair harm, and provide space for learning and growth. Restorative practices in our school allow our students to learn skills, recognize the impact of their actions, and to be held accountable. This may take on a variety of forms, and is individualized for each unique student and situation.  Some restorative practices you may see in our school are:

A school climate where are students and adults are held accountable

A commitment to building and maintaining positive relationships

Dialogue that brings those directly impacted and those responsible together to repair harm

Community service opportunities

One on one conversations to understand impact and take responsibility

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Students and teachers have a right to a safe campus in which mutual respect exists and learning is the primary objective. New Jerusalem School is committed to sustaining this climate through a system of positive recognition, student assistance interventions, and a variety of disciplinary consequences.

The following general guidelines apply to all students:

1. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if a student’s behavior is disruptive to the  instructional process or causes a danger to persons or property, even though the offense is not specifically defined in the Parent Handbook/Student Conduct Code.

2.   Students and parents have a right to appeal disciplinary action taken against a student. A meeting must be requested with the Principal/designee prior to any further appeal.

3. Students accumulating twenty (20) days of in-school and/or home suspension are subject to recommendation for expulsion.

Please note the following administrative latitude under California State law:

·           When suspension is indicated, the Principal/designee will determine whether the consequence should include at-home suspension or in-school suspension.

·           Students may be suspended on the first offense depending on the severity of the misbehavior and/or if it is determined that the pupil’s presence causes a danger to persons or property or threatens to disrupt the instructional process.

·           Depending on the seriousness of the act, students may be suspended for five (5) days and recommended for expulsion on the first or succeeding offense.

·           Law enforcement agencies may be notified at the discretion of the Principal/designee.

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MEDICATION FROM HOME

If your child has been prescribed medication by a physician either on a continuing or episodic basis, or needs to take "over the counter" medications while in school, he/she may be assisted by school personnel if a medication administration form is filled out and signed both by the physician and the parent, and brought to the school office, with the medication, at the beginning of the school day.

No student may have any form of medication on his/her person or in his/her personal belongings at any time during the school day without specific permission from the office. Any such medication found in a student's possession will be confiscated and the situation will be dealt with by the school administration. Medication administration forms are available in the school office.

Please note that parents may not send bottles of aspirin, Tylenol, decongestants, etc. to the office with a note for the student to use them on an "as needed" basis - medication may only be administered in accordance with the appropriately completed and signed form discussed above.

The medication shall be in a properly labeled pharmacy bottle containing the name and telephone number of the pharmacy, the student’s identification, name of the physician, and dosage of the medication to be given. The designated employee shall be responsible for the medication at school and shall administer it in accordance with the physician’s indicated dosage schedule. Student self-administration of medication is only allowed if the child has specific written permission from the office. Medication for DCS K-8 students will be administered by Lisa Cosme in the K-8 office. Medication for students in grade 9-12 will be administered by a designated staff member in the DCS 9-12 office.

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Head lice can be a big nuisance in schools. Head lice do not transmit disease but  can be very hard to get rid of and easily passed from person to person via direct contact. While we do not do random class-wide checks for lice we check any student that is suspected of having lice. If a student is found to have lice, the student will be sent home with a parent and will need to be treated with an appropriate lice-killing shampoo. Before being admitted back to school, the student will need to be rechecked by the school nurse or other designated staff member. The student must have no live lice and no visible nits/eggs present before they may return to school.

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SCIENCE CAMP

The San Joaquin County Office of Education operates a resident outdoor school that is open to fifth and sixth grade classes in San Joaquin and surrounding counties. The camp is academically oriented and designed to enrich and reinforce learning that takes place in the regular classroom. The outdoor setting near La Honda in the Santa Cruz Mountains provides for first-hand learning through direct observation and experience. Delta Charter's sixth grade students who attend science camp experience many kinds of outdoor areas, including: ocean beaches and tide pools, redwood forests, a unique grove of buckeye, chaparral, wooded mountains and a gorgeous camp setting.

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SPORTS

Our District’s teams play against other rural schools. We field both “A” (7th and 8th graders)

and “B” (5th and 6th graders) teams in soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Students from grades five through eight are encouraged to participate. Team members must maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. (C average) in core subjects. A student athlete who has an F grade in any subject, but is still 2.0 eligible will be placed on probation and will not be able to practice or play until their grade is no longer an F or at the principal’s discretion.

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GRADUATION GUIDELINES

Academic:  If any 8th grade student has an “F” on their 1st Trimester report card, he/she will be placed on academic probation.  The “F” must be brought up to a “D” or higher by the end of the 2nd Trimester.  If an 8th grade student has an “F” at the end of the 2nd Trimester, he/she will be place on academic probation and must raise the grade(s) by the time the 3rd Trimester progress report comes out.  Probation includes a meeting with the parents, student, teacher and principal, and a contract that commits the student to improving his/her grade.  If the tenants of the contract are not met by the student, he/she will miss out on 8th grade graduation activities.

Behavior:  8th grade is a very exciting time for students and parents.  For students in particular, there can be a tendency to start looking forward to high school and a future soon approaching.  It’s important for students to maintain positive attitude and behavior.  If behavioral issues arise during the school-year, especially after the Winter Break, students will be placed on a behavior contract signed by the student, parent and principal.  If a student breaks the contract, making poor decisions, he/she may lose their privileges of participating in any 8th grade graduation activities.

Ceremony:  The program is under the direction of the assigned teacher and must be approved by the principal. We are to remember that this is the graduation for the 8th grade class and not a program where everyone from the community is a part of. The purpose of graduation is to honor the class as a whole for scholastic achievement and to highlight other achievements. There will be a period of input for both class members and parents. Suggestions will be considered and appropriate ideas will be included. Remember, this is a District program of graduation to be centered around all 8th grade students. Students failing the eighth grade or receiving a Certificate of Attendance, will not be able to participate in or attend the program, party, trip or related activities.

Gowns and Dress:  The School Board requires that all students wear an assigned green gown for the graduation ceremony. Students are not to adorn the gown with anything. The reason is uniformity in looks. Boys should wear slacks, a dress shirt and a tie. Girls should wear dresses appropriate to their age and the occasion, shoes that are easy to walk in and heels that are safe with a recommended 1” heel maximum. Gowns are not to be taken home after graduation.

Great America Trip: This is a privilege, not a right.