WELCOME TO CLIFFORD SCHOOL!2018-2019

We are pleased to welcome all of you, both new and returning students, to Clifford School. As a Dolphin, you have the opportunity to become fully involved in our complete and varied curriculum and extra-curricular activities and programs. We at Clifford School look forward to an exciting, positive academic and fun filled year for you. The staff at Clifford School plans to work hard to make this the best year yet.We will always be here to lend guidance, answer questions, and assist you whenever the need arises. All you need to do is ask.

Our best wishes for a successful and enjoyable school year.

--The Clifford School Staff

Welcome to Clifford School. We are a Transitional Kindergarten through eighth grade school with a dedicated staff and active supportive parent community. We have a strong and rigorous, standards based curriculum. As evidenced by our test results we have shown continual improvement in student learning and student achievement. Because we believe in teaching the whole child we also incorporate programs such as Art-In-Action, Music for Minors, Legarza Elementary PE Program, instrumental music, and various examples of performing arts. We have a wide range of after school enrichment programs including Chess, Mad Science, music lessons, Spanish language, Lego Robotics and others. This year we are planning to implement STEAM activities in our instructional program so students will be able to apply what they have learned to solve real world problems and projects.All of this makes Clifford an exciting place to be. In addition, we are one of the most ethnically and economically diverse schools in the county. As one teacher said when she began teaching at Clifford several years ago - "Clifford is multicultural education in practice."

Bienvenidos a la escuela Clifford. Somos una escuela de Kínder de transición hasta el octavo grado con un personal dedicado y una comunidad activa de padres que brindan apoyo.Tenemos un plan de estudios fuerte y riguroso, basado en estándares. Como lo demuestran los resultados de nuestras pruebas, hemos demostrado una mejora continua en el aprendizaje de los alumnos y el rendimiento de los alumnos. Debido a que creemos en la enseñanza de todo el niño, también incorporamos programas como Arte en Acción, Música para Menores, Programa de Educación Física de la Escuela Primaria Legarza, música instrumental y varios ejemplos de artes escénicas. Tenemos una amplia gama de programas de enriquecimiento después de la escuela que incluyen ajedrez, ciencia loca, clases de música, idioma español, Lego Robótica y otros. Este año estamos planeando implementar actividades de STEAM en nuestro programa de instrucción para que los estudiantes puedan aplicar lo que han aprendido para resolver problemas y proyectos del mundo real.Todo esto hace que Clifford sea un lugar emocionante para estar. Además, somos una de las escuelas con mayor diversidad étnica y económica en el condado. Como dijo una maestra cuando comenzó a enseñar en Clifford hace varios años: "Clifford es una educación multicultural en la práctica". 

MISSIONStudents at Clifford will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, competency, and self-esteem to achieve fulfilling personal lives and careers. Empowered with a unique identity, they will possess confidence, discipline, leadership, and productivity that will enable them to become contributing citizens in a democratic society.

VISIONWe believe in three themes to carry out the true meaning of what Clifford is all about. We believe that all students, parents, and staff should have respect for themselves and others around them. We should show we are responsible to have a successful day. We want an environment that feels safe and a fun place to want to be.

ACADEMICSBooks/Textbooks/FinesStudents will be held completely responsible for all books, which have been checked out to them. If any book is damaged, lost, or stolen, the student will be required to pay for it. All fines or debts must be paid before a student receives new textbooks, participates in many school-sponsored activities or receives a yearbook. Debts must be paid to be eligible to graduate from the eighth grade.

PowerSchoolPowerSchool is our student information system. Information regarding your child’s grades, attendance, and homework assignments can be found here. PowerSchool can be accessed at the following web address http://powerschool.rcsdk8.net/public/ (middle school only) and by entering your user name and password.

ACADEMIC CODE OF CONDUCT

The faculty and administration of Clifford School expect the highest standards of honesty and fairness from all students. Student responsibility, ethical behavior, and self-discipline are essential to promote the ideals of education.

Parents will be notified by teachers or administrators of any infraction of the following:

● Dishonesty/aiding on examinations and assignments (including those electronically produced).

● Altering/falsifying records (for example: modifying progress reports, forging parent signatures, etc.)

● Plagiarism (the taking of someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own).

Specific actions to include: parent conference, no credit for that work and/or the loss of up to one full letter grade for the trimester, Saturday School, suspension. Repeated violations may result in suspension and a grade of “F” for the trimester.

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SCHEDULEREGULAR DAYS/Dias Regulares

Clifford Bell Schedule/ Horario 2018-2019Regular Days/ Días Regulares

Warning Bell/Primer Campana: 8:12Instruction Begins at 8:15/Las clases comienzan a las 8:15

PLEASE BE ON TIME TO SCHOOL EACH AND EVERY DAY. SUPERVISION BEGINS AT 8:00AM. THANK YOU!/POR FAVOR LLEGUE A LA ESCUELA A TIEMPO CADA DIA. SUPERVISIÓN DE LOS ALUMNOS COMIENZA A LAS 8:00 AM. ¡GRACIAS!Kindergarten1st two weeks all kinder students attend class from 8:15 am-12:30 pm.Orientation is August 20 from 8:30am-9:30am & first day of school for kinder is Tuesday, August 21. TKInstruction 8:30 AM ~ 9:30 AMRecess 9:30 AM ~ 9:45 AMInstruction 9:45 AM ~ 11:30 AMLunch 11:30 AM ~ 12:00 PMInstruction 12:00 PM ~ 12:30 PM

KindergartenInstruction 8:15 AM Earlier 9:45 AMInstruction 9:00 AM Later 9:45 AMRecess 9:45 AM ~ 10:00 AMInstruction 10:00 AM ~ 11:00 AMLunch 11:00 AM ~ 11:35 AMInstruction 11:40 AM Earlier 1:05 PMInstruction 11:40 AM Later 1:50 PM

1st GradeInstruction 8:15 AM ~ 9:40 AMRecess 9:40 AM ~ 10:00 AMInstruction 10:00 AM ~ 11:35 AMLunch 11:35 AM ~ 12:15 PMInstruction 12:15 PM ~ 1:35 PMRecess 1:35 PM ~ 1:45 PMInstruction 1:45 PM ~ 2:25 PM

2nd GradeInstruction 8:15 AM ~ 9:40 AMRecess 9:40 AM ~ 10:00 AMInstruction 10:00 AM ~ 11:35 AMLunch 11:35 AM ~ 12:15 PMInstruction 12:15 PM ~ 1:35 PMRecess 1:35 PM ~ 1:45 PMInstruction 1:45 PM ~ 2:25 PM

Las primeras dos semanas todos los alumnos de kínder asisten clase de 8:15am-12:30pm. Orientación toma lugar el 20 de agosto de 8:30am-9:30am y el primer día escolar para los alumnos de kínder es el martes, 21 de agosto.3rd GradeInstruction 8:15 AM ~ 9:40 AMRecess 9:40 AM ~ 10:00 AMInstruction 10:00 AM ~ 11:35 AMLunch 11:35 AM ~ 12:15 PMInstruction 12:15 PM ~ 1:35 PMInstruction 1:35 PM ~ 2:25 PM

4th GradeInstruction 8:15 AM ~ 10:00 AMRecess 10:00 AM ~ 10:20 AMInstruction 10:20 AM ~ 11:50 AMLunch 11:50 AM ~ 12:30 PMInstruction 12:30 PM ~ 2:35 PM

5th GradeInstruction 8:15 AM ~ 10:00 AMRecess 10:00 AM ~ 10:20 AMInstruction 10:20 AM ~ 11:50 PMLunch 11:50 PM ~ 12:30 PMInstruction 12:30 PM ~ 2:35 PM

6th, 7th, & 8th GradesClass Begins  Class Ends

Period 1 8:15 AM 9:10 AMPeriod 2 9:10 AM 10:04 AMRecess 10:04AM 10:19AMPeriod 3 10:19 AM 11:14 AMPeriod 4 11:14 AM 12:07 PMLunch 12:07 PM 12:47 PMPeriod 5 12:47 PM 1:42 PMPeriod 6 1:42 PM 2:35 PM

SCHEDULETHURSDAYS-Minimum Days 1:30

JUEVES- Días Mínimos 1:30

Clifford Bell Schedule/ Horario 2018-2019Minimum Days/ Días Mínimos

TKInstruction 8:30 AM ~ 9:30 AMRecess 9:30 AM ~ 9:45 AMInstruction 9:45 AM ~ 11:30 AM

Lunch 11:30 AM ~ 12:00 PMInstruction 12:00 PM ~ 12:30 PM

PLEASE BE ON TIME TO SCHOOL EACH AND EVERY DAY. SUPERVISION BEGINS

AT 8:00AM. THANK YOU!/POR FAVOR LLEGUE A LA ESCUELA A TIEMPO CADA DIA. SUPERVISIÓN DE LOS ALUMNOS COMIENZA A LAS 8:00 AM. ¡GRACIAS!

Kindergarten – ALL STUDENTSInstruction 8:15 AM ~ 9: AMRecess 9:45 AM ~ 10:00 AMInstruction 10:00 AM ~ 11:00 AMLunch 11:00 AM ~ 11:35 AMInstruction 11:35 AM ~ 12:30 PM

1st GradeInstruction 8:15 AM ~ 9:40 AMRecess 9:40 AM ~ 10:00 AMInstruction 10:00 AM ~ 11:35 AMLunch 11:35 AM ~ 12:15 PMInstruction 12:15 PM ~ 1:30 PM

2nd GradeInstruction 8:15 AM ~ 9:40 AMRecess 9:40 AM ~ 10:00 AMInstruction 10:00 AM ~ 11:35 AMLunch 11:35 AM ~ 12:15 PMInstruction 12:15 PM ~ 1:30 PM

3rd GradeInstruction 8:15 AM ~ 9:40 AMRecess 9:40 AM ~ 10:00 AMInstruction 10:00 AM ~ 11:35 AMLunch 11:35 AM ~ 12:15 PMInstruction 12:15 PM ~ 1:30 PM

4th GradeInstruction 8:15 AM ~ 10:00 AMRecess 10:00 AM ~ 10:20 AMInstruction 10:20 AM ~ 11:50 AMLunch 11:50 AM ~ 12:30 PMInstruction 12:30 PM ~ 1:30 PM

5th GradeInstruction 8:15 AM ~ 10:00 AMRecess 10:00 AM ~ 10:20 AMInstruction 10:20 AM ~ 11:50 PMLunch 11:50 AM ~ 12:30 PMInstruction 12:30 PM ~ 1:30 PM

6th, 7th, & 8th GradesClass Begins Class Ends

Period 1 8:15 AM 9:00 AMPeriod 2 9:00 AM 9:43 AMRecess 9:43 AM 9:58 AMPeriod 3 9:58 AM 10:41 AMPeriod 4 10:41 AM 11:24 PMLunch 11:24 PM 12:04 PMPeriod 5 12:04 PM 12:47 PMPeriod 6 12:47 PM 1:30 PM

Parent Partnership

To help every child at Clifford School work towards reaching his or her potential, it is important that parents, teachers, and school staff work together and communicate to achieve this goal. The tone of these interactions, from the casual setting of the playground to the formal parent-teacher conference, all work together to create a positive atmosphere at our school.

1. Assume Good Intentions

● What motivates both parents and teachers is their love of children. We all want to create a positive,

supportive learning environment.

2. Build Positive Relationships

● At Clifford School, we are proud to have thoughtful and dedicated teachers. We are equally as proud

of our supportive and caring parent community. We all benefit from building positive relationships. In your discussions with other parents and the community, share good news, and appreciation as often as possible, for this will help build relationships. Sharing the positive will lay the foundation for productive and thoughtful interactions throughout the year, especially when issues do arise. We welcome all of our parents to share successes, questions, and concerns with the classroom teacher and school staff. There are a number of ways to do this: note to the teacher, phone message, email, visit to the classroom, or contact any of our instructional specialists, support staff, and Principal.

3. Be Respectful When Communicating

● Drop-off and pick-up times are rarely good times for teachers to hold a thoughtful conversation with

parents. E-mail is often an effective tool. However, you should avoid using e-mail if the situation is very complex. When you talk to your child’s teacher:

o Allow time for dialogue and response. Some problems cannot be addressed immediately. Schedule a time that is mutually convenient. Let the teacher know what day(s) and times are convenient for you.

o Discuss your child – not others. Parent should frame their concerns and question in terms of the effect they are having on their child only.

o Use “I” messages that frame your concerns from your perspective. For example, you could say, “I am concerned that Amy has more homework than she can handle” rather than, “Why are you assigning so much homework?”

o Follow up with the teacher. If the teacher resolves the problem to your satisfaction, take the time to thank him/her. If the problem is unresolved or resurfaces, communicate clearly and promptly.

4. Be a Role Model

● Help model positive behavior for other parents. If another parent or group of parents is sharing

rumors or unproductive information about a teacher or staff member, encourage them to approach the teacher individually with their concerns. Be a champion and play to your child’s strengths. Take a moment to reflect with your child on the best part of their day, and help them focus on the positive. You can ask them questions like, “What made you feel the most proud today?” “What was the most fun part of your day?” “What was the most interesting thing you learned today?” “How did you make a difference today?”

5. Solve Problems Effectively

● Even in the best circumstances, questions and concerns will arise. The first step you should take is to

talk to your child’s teacher. Classroom teachers want to work with you to resolve any concerns. Some examples of common concerns:

o “My child tells me he/she has no friends.”o “My child tells me he/she is being teased on the playground”o “My child tells me someone in the class is being mean to him/her.”o “The homework is too hard or too easy for my child.”

6. Guide For Parents● If your child is experiencing academic difficulties we encourage you to follow the following steps:

FIRST: ASK YOUR STUDENTGet as much information from your student as possible about the problem. Check your student’s homework assignment sheets and/or student planner. Help your student organize his/her materials and develop a plan to make up missed assignments by the teacher’s established deadlines. You can reasonably expect that academic subjects have homework assigned nightly. Please refer to each teacher’s individual course outline and classroom expectations for specifics.SECOND: ASK THE TEACHERSend an email or leave a message on the teacher’s voicemail asking for more information. The student and teacher’s understanding of the problem may be quite different. The teacher’s email/voicemail numbers are published on our website. It is our policy not to interrupt the classroom during the instructional day. Phone calls and all messages should be left on voicemail.THIRD: MEET WITH THE TEACHERA meeting with the teacher should be arranged when the issue cannot be resolved with a phone call. It is valuable for the student to be present at this meeting. If there is a problem in more than one class, follow the same procedure with each teacher. Because of other obligations it is not possible to meet with teachers on a drop-in basis. Please call in advance for an appointment (teachers make their own appointments)FOURTH: REQUEST A MEETING WITH ALL TEACHERS TOGETHERA meeting with all teachers together is appropriate if your student is failing most classes and you have met with teachers or there is some outside issue that affects his/her school wide performance. Contact the school office to schedule a meeting with all of your student’s teachers together. This meeting should not be scheduled until the first three options have been exhausted.

If you have an issue that needs immediate attention, please contact an administrator.

● If you do not feel that your concerns are adequately addressed, make an appointment with the

principal or ask the teacher to include the principal or vice principal in your next discussion.

If you follow the processes outlined in the partnership and still feel you have unresolved issues please refer to the following Web site for Redwood City School District guidelines and procedures: http://www.rcsd.k12.ca.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=5612

Attendance Procedures

Attendance: Regular attendance and arrival on time are crucial to your child’s success at school. We request that you do all that is possible to arrange vacations around the school calendar. Letters will go home to parents for excessive absences, three or more unexcused absences, or excessive tardiness. We strongly encourage daily attendance for your child’s optimal education. School starts at 8:15 each day and your child will be considered late if entering class after 8:15.

Absence: Parents are requested to call the school office (482-2402) before 9:00 a.m. on the day of a child’s absence. The phones are answered by 7:15 a.m., but an answering machine is on for messages when the school office is closed or the office assistant is busy.

Please state your name, the name of the child, room number, and reason for the absence. Please keep your child at home until he or she is completely recovered from an illness and able to participate in school activities. Child must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. Please do not send your child to school if they are vomiting or have diarrhea. Students should be free of these conditions for 24 hours before returning to school.

Excused/Unexcused Absence: Absences are excused for illness, doctor/dental appointments, or funeral of an immediate relative. Absences for other reasons (including vacations) and unreported absences are considered unexcused. We lose state funds if students do not attend school whether it’s excused or unexcused!

Prior Knowledge of Absences: Whenever students are away from school, they miss valuable instruction. If you know in advance that your child will have to miss some days of school for any reason, please be sure to notify both your child’s teacher and the school office of the anticipated absence. Parents are encouraged to put their child on independent studies of the child is going to be out for 5 days or more.

Late and Tardy: Students are considered late if they are not in their classroom when the bell rings at 8:15 a.m. Any student arriving after 8:15 a.m. must first go to the office for a tardy slip before entering their classrooms. Since they will have been marked “absent” when attendance was taken, this procedure changes that “absent” to a “late”. If students arrive after 30 minutes from the time school begins, or later, they will be considered “tardy”. Each student will be given a warning the first tardy, but will receive consequences on the second tardy and each tardy thereafter (see tardy consequences for middle school students, which are listed within this handbook).

Independent Study:

The school sites report Independent Study (“IS”) Average Daily Attendance (“ADA”) for students taking vacation and other days off away from the regular classroom. Education Code 46300(e) (1) states that ADA can only be generated for independent study for 5 or more consecutive school days. The IS contract must be completely filled out and signed by the student, parent and the administrator in charge, at least 2 weeks in advance of absence. All rules concerning the contract, including the days returned, the materials to be kept, and the date of return apply to independent study. Please notify the office within two weeks of planned student absence.

Additionally, the IS contract must be turned into the office and not the teacher, in order for credit to be received.

Did you know?

● The district receives no Average Daily Attendance (“ADA”) funding when a child is not present in

school

● Independent Study is an acceptable means of generating ADA for students who are absent from the

regular classroom

● Independent Study must be purely voluntary

● Independent Study contracts must be signed by the student, parent, and teacher with beginning and

ending dates completed before the work begins

● A certificated teacher must review a student’s Independent Study work when he/she returns. The

teacher, in some reasonable manner, must document: the assignments made, the manner, time and due date of the work, and the time value of academic work performed

Leaving School: If your child must leave school before the regular dismissal time, she/he should bring a note to the classroom teacher specifying the purpose of the absence, the departure time, and who will be picking up your student. Upon leaving or returning to school for any reason and at any time, the parent must check the student out or in at the school office. The office staff will call the child down from his/her classroom to be dismissed. During school hours, CHILDREN WILL ONLY BE RELEASED TO PARENTS OR OTHER ADULTS WHO ARE LISTED ON THAT CHILD’S EMERGENCY CARD. Therefore, it is extremely important that you remember to inform the office when these adults (e.g., babysitter) change so the office can update the emergency cards. It is helpful to also call the office just prior to arriving, so the child may wait for you in the office to be signed out.

After School Plans: Please make plans ahead of time. Children are not allowed to make phone calls from school in order to arrange to go home with a friend after school, and we do not have enough staff to take messages for students regarding such plans. When primary grade children (K–2) have made advance plans that differ from usual practice, please send a note to the teacher indicating with whom they will be going after school.

Kindergarten Dismissal Procedures: Kindergarten students must wait with their teacher until a parent, childcare provider, or other designated adult picks them up. If the parent is unavoidably detained, the child will be escorted to the office to wait safely.

Dismissal Procedures: All students must be picked no later than 30 minutes after school. There is no after-school supervision on the playground or in front of the classroom. Students must wait to be picked up in front of the school, where a staff member will supervise them until 3:00. Any child who is not picked up on time will be taken to the office to call a parent or guardian. Please call the office as soon as you realize you will be unavoidably detained. For safety reasons any child who is picked up late MUST be signed out in the office by the responsible adult who picks them up. If this happens more than three times, the staff may call the police to make sure your child is picked up.

Safety

Emergency Procedures: In a case where our school has an emergency, we will have procedures to follow to make sure that your child is safe. Each classroom is equipped with a supply of emergency food and water and medical first aids. Each staff member has been trained in CPR and has practiced the procedures for each disaster.

In the event of a major disaster:1. No student will be dismissed from school unless a parent, or individual previously designated by a parent on the emergency card, comes for him/her.

2. No student will be allowed to leave with another person, even a relative or baby-sitter, unless that particular person is listed on the student’s emergency card. With this in mind, please keep these cards up-to-date.

3. On arriving at school in the aftermath of an earthquake or other disaster, proceed to the office or table outside the office to sign out your child.

*Please remember keep your emergency card information in the school office up-to-date.

CAMPUS PROCEDURES:Clifford’s procedures are designed to maintain a safe campus where every student feels valued and where students treat each other, adults on campus, and educational activities with respect. We will hold students accountable to reasonable standards of behavior, understanding that in so doing, we are providing the best possible learning environment.

ARRIVAL: Playground supervision starts at 8:00AM. Students should arrive no earlier than 8:00AM. Please remain with your child until the yard duty supervisor arrives at 8:00AM.

VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS: For the safety of Clifford students, all visitors and volunteers must report to the office and sign in upon arrival at school, you will be asked to wear a nametag for identification purposes. We love when our Clifford graduates visit, but we ask that they do so after school hours. While some school staff may recognize former students, many may not be able to distinguish between a former student and a stranger on campus. When they leave, they are required to sign out in the office. If you are picking up your child or dropping your child off, this procedure does not need to be followed.

MEDICATION: Students may not take or carry any medication, including over-the-counter medication on school grounds. All medications administered during school hours must be taken in the office and given by school personnel, including but not limited to over-the-counter medicine such as cough syrup, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, and so on. These medications must be registered by parents and kept in the school office, and accompanied by a doctor’s notice indicating dosage and instructions. Inhalers and Epipens that need to be carried by the student at all times must be registered with the district nurse in the Clifford office. No students may give out any medication to other students, including over-the-counter medications (Tylenol, aspirin, etc.).

Illness or other medical concerns: If your child exhibits signs of illness such as cough, runny nose, nausea, headache, or fever, please do not send him/her to school. Any child who arrives at school ill or becomes ill while at school will be kept in the office until the parents come for pick up. Please keep your child home during the first few days of a cold or similar

illness to avoid spreading it. If a child shows signs of lice, the parents will be notified and should not return to school until all lice has been removed from your child. A notice from you child’s classroom will also go home to inform all parents that there was a case of lice within the classroom. When the child returns to school, the child needs to check in with the office to get a final check before the student can return back to class.

Transportation/Traffic Procedures

BUS RIDING: The bus, whether a Samtrans bus, the yellow school bus, or a field trip bus, is an extension of our school environment. This means every passenger will treat fellow passengers and the driver with respect. While on the bus to or from school, students will refrain from any behavior that might distract the driver from safely delivering students to their destinations. The bus driver reserves the right to remove a student from the bus; any reports that come to the attention of the school administration may result in suspension of riding privileges and/or additional consequences.

If your child will be taking a bus to school, please review the following information with her/him:

● Student must arrive 5 minutes before their bus pick up time.

● Wait safely in the designated area at the bus stop.

● Be calm and orderly while getting on and off the bus.

● Stay in your seat, facing forward.

● Keep head, hands, and feet inside the bus.

● Follow the bus driver’s directions.

Drop-Off/Pick-Up, Driveway Safety: Please observe the following procedures when dropping off and picking up your child:

● Please observe the 25 mph speed limit near the school, and watch for children walking or biking to

school.

● Between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM each day, there are two lanes in the parking lot. The right lane is for cars

dropping off or picking up. The left lane is for cars driving through.

● Watch out for pedestrians in the school crosswalk. Please stop just before the crosswalk, and when it is

clear pull all the way through to the front of the area marked by orange cones. Do not stop, park, or wait in the crosswalk.

● Drive slowly when entering the campus and keep in a single file line as you proceed to the yellow curb

drop-off/pick-up zones

● Please pull all the way forward if you are first in line. Do not stop part way as this blocks other cars from

accessing the driveway and creates additional congestion on the street.

● Only load and unload children in the drop-off/pick-up area next to the curb. Have them exit through the

right-hand doors next to the sidewalk.

● NEVER let children in/out of your car while on the street or in the second lane of the driveway.

● Encourage your child to exit or enter quickly. One slow car can impact the entire flow and safety of the

driveway.

● If your child needs extra assistance, please park in a regular space and accompany and/or help them.

● If you or your child needs to walk across the parking lot, please do so only at the marked pedestrian

crosswalk.

● Leave the Bus Zone clear for buses; do not park or drop off in the signed area directly in front of the

school (red zone)

● Do not park in the staff-designated parking spaces

● Please wait for the car in front of you and then exit the lot in the same order as you entered. Do not ever

leave your car unattended in the drop-off/pick-up lane!

Please share this information with all drivers who may pick up your child. If you do not pick up or drop off your children, then please inform your driver of our traffic safety rules.

School Discipline/Procedures

NORMS & EXPECTATIONSAt Clifford Elementary School, we want to make sure that we have a community based on caring and respect for all of Clifford, which includes students, staff, and parents. In order for this to happen, we have come together to develop ways to encourage positive behavior that fosters a safe environment both inside and outside the classroom.

One way is each classroom develops their own set of norms (rules) to show the accepted way in which we should all behave and treat each other and to be responsible in the classroom. Teachers will inform parents about their set of norms at back to school night, so parents can be supportive and act in partnership with the teacher with the classroom behavior. Parents are expected to know these norms, go over them with their child, and encourage the child to follow them. In addition to classroom norms there are school norms as well that helps all students show respect and safety. The following are the three forms of norms school wide.

Be safe

● I will play in a safe way and use my best judgment.

● I will follow school rules on the playground, in the classroom, throughout the school, and on school field

trips.

Be responsible

● I will always be prepared to learn by coming to school on time with all my materials.

● I will leave toys and any items that interfere with learning at home

Be respectful

● I will act in a kind, courteous, and inclusive way to other children and adults.

● I will peacefully resolve conflicts by talking and listening to the other person.

● I will treat materials, the school building, and the outdoor environment with respect and care.

● I will listen to all adults and follow their directions.

● I will do my best to help others feel that they belong to our community.

ASSEMBLY EXPECTATIONS: Assemblies are opportunities for the Clifford community to recognize the talents of our fellow students, show our spirit, or learn something from a presenter. Parents will always be welcomed in attending an assembly that showcases your child. Being a responsible audience member means showing your polite attention, applauding and laughing at appropriate times, and taking care of your restroom needs before or after the performance. Students who are unable to follow assembly guidelines will lose the privilege to attend the next assembly or logical consequence (detention, or removed) and a call home.

PERSONAL PROPERTY: Valuable personal property is NOT permitted on campus.

CELL PHONES:

Cell phones are not allowed to be used during the instructional day. Cell phones may only be used before and after school in the front of the campus to communicate with parents. Cell phones MUST be turned off and stored in backpacks during the instructional day, including passing periods, recess, and lunch. Text messaging and other online forms of cell phone communication are forbidden during the instructional day.

● 1st Violation: Warning and reminder regarding permitted use. Device will be confiscated for the

remainder of the day.

● 2nd Violation: Device will be confiscated for the remainder of the day. Parent must pick up.

● 3rd Violation: Student not permitted to bring the device on campus for the next 30 days. Parent must

pick up.

● 4th Violation: Student not permitted to bring the device on campus for the next 30 days. Parent must

pick up.

● 5th Violation: Device not allowed at school for reminder of the school year.

The school assumes NO liability for the disappearance of/or the damage to such items.

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DELIVERIES TO STUDENTS:

Deliveries to students will be dropped off in the main office; students may pick them up during non-class time. Items should be labeled with the student’s first/last names and the date. If a student is expecting a lunch from home, he or she may pick it up in the office at lunchtime. Staff are not available to make deliveries to classes, and we do not wish to disrupt class for phone reminders; for this reason, we expect students to check the office for deliveries during break, lunch, or between classes. If a student is expecting a food delivery from an outside source, i.e. Door Dash, UberEats… etc… we must have parent permission before allowing the student to accept the delivery. Additionally, the delivery must be accepted in the office with staff present. We do this for the safety of your child(ren). If the food is delivered and we are unable to verify your permission, we will not allow your child to accept the food delivery and they will be offered a school lunch.

DETENTIONS:

Detentions will occur during lunch or after school on a Friday, from 2:40-3:40. Detentions will be given for minor infractions and violating basic classroom/school rules.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS/CONSEQUENCES:

The following policies and consequences are intended to maintain an environment that is conducive to learning and to preserve and protect the rights of all Clifford students. According to State Education Code, any student may be suspended for, among other things:

● Causing, attempting to cause or threatening to cause physical injury to another person

● Possessing, selling or otherwise furnishing any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object

● Possessing, using, selling or arranging to sell a controlled substance

● Robbery, extortion, theft, vandalism, habitual profanity or vulgarity

● Harassment, sexual or otherwise, committing an act of hate violence

An expulsion hearing is also a possible consequence for the above infractions. The principal or assistant principal will make a judgment as to the severity of a fight or other disruptive behavior. The following are possible consequences:

● Principal or assistant principal will notify parents

● Behavioral contract

● The child may be suspended from school for up to 5 days

● The police will be contacted

● Teacher, Administrator conference

If a student chooses to break a school standard, the following consequences may occur:

o Phone call to parents o Teacher, Administrator conference o Behavior contract established o Assigned a detention o Time out ---sometimes in an alternative setting

FIELD AND BLACKTOP EXPECTATIONS: We encourage students to run and play various games on the blacktop and field, but roughhousing is not allowed. In addition, tackle football and other contact sports that may result in injury are prohibited. Students must be aware of their surroundings, and not play games or throw footballs, for example, in the vicinity of crowds of students who may not be paying attention to the activity. Basketball games are limited to eight students per half court. No balls or other items may be brought from home to school.

HALL EXPECTATIONS: Expected hallway behavior includes walking and speaking at an appropriate level at all times. When leaving the classroom to use the restroom or go elsewhere on campus during class, students must ask permission before leaving and take a hall pass. Adults will expect any student in the hall to have a pass. Students must return the pass to the teacher upon re-entering the classroom. Students are not allowed to go to the office without a signed pass from an adult unless it is an emergency.

HARASSMENT/BULLY BEHAVIOR: Harassment/bully behavior is any kind of continuing behavior that is unwelcome and makes you feel uncomfortable.

● Don’t ignore or rationalize the incident

● Report the incident to a teacher, yard duty person, administrator, or your parent immediately

● Tell the harasser how you feel and that you want the harassment to stop

If you have witnessed somebody being harassed or bullied, please support the person. You can do this by talking to the victim privately and encouraging the victim to report the incident, report the incident yourself, or by including the victim in your activities. The Redwood City School District will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any student. A student shall not intimidate or harass another student through words or actions. Such behavior includes but is not limited to: direct physical contact--such as hitting or shoving; verbal assaults--such as teasing or name-calling; and social isolation or manipulation.

The Student Code of Conduct includes, but is not limited to:

● Any student who engages in bullying may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion

● Students are expected to immediately report incidents of bullying to the principal, assistant principal,

teacher, or any staff member.

● Students can rely on staff to promptly investigate each complaint of bullying in a thorough and confidential manner

● If the reporting student or the parent of the student feels that appropriate resolution of the investigation

or complaint has not been reached, the student or the parent of the student should contact the principal

OFFICE: The office is a place where you can expect to be warmly welcomed, and there are many adults who can help you with any number of things. The office is also a place of business where people are working very hard so you can have the best experience possible. For this reason, the office needs to be a reasonably quiet place.

● When you enter the office, speak immediately to office staff, explaining your reason for being there.

Please remain outside of the office staff desk area. Our office staff treats everyone with respect and courtesy, and we expect the same from you.

● Please don’t bring your “entourage” when you come to the office; friends can wait for you outside. If you

wish to make an appointment with the principal, assistant principal, or counselor, this appointment must be made before school or after school, unless it is an emergency. Once your request is received, and the person with whom you wish to meet is available, you will be called to the office.

PROHIBITED ITEMS/CONTRABAND: Laser pointers, matches, lighters, shaving cream, water balloons, water pistols, spray deodorant containers, perfume or cologne bottles, and any other item(s) that may be considered dangerous or disruptive to the learning environment, shall be considered contraband.

● Weapons are strictly forbidden. Knives, BB guns, sling shots, etc. are not allowed. The consequence is an

automatic referral to the office and a possible expulsion hearing.

● Contraband list is subject to change should the administration decide to add anything that becomes

dangerous or disruptive.

● All contraband will be confiscated and returned to the student at the discretion of the Administration.

The Administration reserves the right to exercise discretion regarding disciplinary measures. Parents or guardians will be notified and a detention or suspension will be given depending on the item.

SKATEBOARDS, INLINE SKATES, AND SCOOTERS: Skateboards (including longboards), inline skates, and scooters are not allowed on campus. Students who do not follow these guidelines will have their items confiscated and parents will be contacted.

SCHOOL TELEPHONES: School telephones are for school business and emergency purposes. If a student needs to contact a parent, he or she can come to the office during non-instructional time and ask permission to use the student phone for emergencies only. Students may also use classroom phones with teacher/staff member permission. Students are expected to demonstrate responsibility by bringing their belongings, schoolwork, and lunches to school. Calling home because of not being responsible is not allowed.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS: Substitute teachers are Clifford guests, and we expect students to go above and beyond in making their visit to Clifford a positive one. A student whose name is written down by a substitute teacher will automatically receive a phone call home, in addition to a possible disciplinary consequence.

TECHNOLOGY USE: Did you know that each year you sign a “Technology Acceptable Use Agreement”? When you do so, you agree to follow certain guidelines. The main idea is that technology must be used for educational purposes. Here are a few main points you should understand:

• Activities such as playing games, chatting, or surfing the Internet for recreational purposes are not educational.• Students must use their personal accounts when accessing servers, the Internet, etc. Furthermore, students must keep their personal information private. • Students may not look at or send material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or may be considered verbal bullying.• Vandalism, which includes transmitting viruses and attempting to access unauthorized accounts or others’ documents, will at the very least result in loss of computer or device privileges.• Students may not download or transfer to district computers or devices programs, graphics, or other files without prior permission.

UPSTAIRS/DOWNSTAIRS EXPECTATIONS: At Clifford, we have to be safe when we’re up on the second story, as well as when traveling up and down stairs. Our expectations for students “upstairs” and on the stairs are as follows:

● Move up and down staircases slowly and carefully; stay on the right-hand side on your way up and on

your way down

● Students cannot linger in the stairway

● Never throw items off the top of the staircase or from any windows

● “Horseplay” is dangerous on the stairs and is not allowed at anytime.

Our purpose is to make Clifford School a positive place to be.

Research shows that learning occurs most successfully in an atmosphere of respect, common sense, and order. Our goal is to establish this atmosphere at Clifford School.

LIFESKILLSCaring To feel and show concern for others.Common Sense To use good judgment.Cooperation To work together toward a common goal or purpose.Courage To act according to one’s beliefs.Curiosity A desire to investigate and seek understanding of one’s world.Effort To do your best.Flexibility To be willing to alter plans when necessary.Friendship To make and keep a friend through mutual trust and caring.Initiative To do something, of one’s own free will, because it needs to be done.Integrity To act according to a sense of what’s right and wrong.Organization To plan, arrange and implement in an orderly way; to keep things orderly.Patience To wait calmly for someone or something.Perseverance To keep at it.Pride To feel good about one’s accomplishments.Problem Solving To create solutions to difficult situations and everyday problems.Responsibility To respond when appropriate; to be accountable for your actions.Sense of Humor To laugh and be playful without harming others.

Other Items Not Permitted On Campus

Aerosol ContainersBaseball Bats (from home)Balls (from home)- must be held in office during school day if brought. Cameras/no use of cell phone cameras permitted. Energy DrinksGambling Cards/DiceGang Paraphernalia Glass Drink ContainersLaser PointersMarking Pens (except highlighters for class use)Shaving Cream/Spray BottlesSquirt GunsSunflower SeedsSunglassesTennis Shoe Rollerblades (Wheelies)Water BalloonsWhite OutToys from homeVaping Items…and other items or activities that adversely affect learning and/or the safety at Clifford School will be prohibited.

Searches – The Clifford School administrators have the right to search students when there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated either the law or the rules of the school. Students refusing to be searched will be suspended (CA Ed Code 48900 k)

Misbehavior While Coming to or Going Home From School:California Education Code 48900 states that students may be suspended or expelled for inappropriate behavior while coming to or going home from school.

CLIFFORD SCHOOLANTI-BULLYING PLEDGE

Everyone at Clifford School is committed to making our school a safe and caring place for all students and staff. We will treat each other with respect, and we will refuse to tolerate bullying in any form at our school.

By signing this pledge, we the students agree to:

● Be informed of the school bullying policies.

● Be positive role models, and value the differences in others.

● Treat all others respectfully and inclusively.

● Resolve peer conflicts peacefully.

● Refuse to bully others.

● Refuse to let others be bullied.

● Use anti-bullying strategies when appropriate.

● Report all incidents of bullying to an adult.

By signing this pledge, we the staff agree to:

● Supervise students in all areas of the school.

● Watch for, and intervene in, bullying.

● Teach students to value differences in others.

● Teach students the skills for dealing with bullying.

● Respond quickly and sensitively to bullying reports.

● Investigate all reported incidences of bullying.

● Assign consequences for bullying as per school guidelines.

By signing this pledge, we the parents agree to:

● Work in partnership with the school to encourage positive behavior, valuing differences and promoting

sensitivity to others.

● Keep us and our children informed of the school bullying policy.

● Alert the staff if any bullying has occurred.

The Dolphin ChargeI am a Dolphin

I am a Scholar

I am a Teacher

I am a Friend

I have a Voice

I will Lead, not Follow

I will Believe, not Doubt

I will Create, not Destroy

I am a Force for Good

I will Defy the Odds

I will set a new Standard

I am a Dolphin

Ready to Conquer the World

Uniform Complaint Procedure 

Williams Complaint Procedure  Both Federal and State law establish a procedure, called a Uniform Complaint, parents can use for particular types of concerns about their child’s education. Staff may also use these forms.  The paragraphs below describe the procedures adopted by the Redwood City School District to address parental and staff concerns. A Uniform Complaint is a written statement that alleges discrimination, harassment, intimidation and/or bullying against students or staff.  It also is the way to report a violation of federal or state laws or regulations, including inappropriate pupil fees. A Williams complaint is a type of Uniform complaint.  The Williams Complaint procedure requires a school district to use its uniform complaint process to help identify and resolve any deficiencies related to:   ·      Instructional materials ·      Teacher vacancy or misassignment ·     Emergency or urgent facilities conditions that pose a threat to the health and safety of students and staff   Williams Complaints may be filed anonymously.  However, if you wish a response to the complaint, a name and contact information must be included in the form.  The Redwood City School District uses a single form for both Uniform Complaints and Williams Complaints.  Please go to the District Web Page at http://www.rcsdk8.net/site/Default.aspx?PageID=5612 or come by the school office for the form.These forms may be submitted to your local school or to Human Resources.  The address for Human Resources is: 750 Bradford Street, Redwood City, CA 94063.  Clifford School and The local educational agency (LEA) adopted a policy that prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN TO YOUR FIRST PERIOD TEACHER

CLIFFORD SCHOOL225 Clifford Avenue

Redwood City, CA 94062(650) 482-2402

After you have read and discussed the Clifford School Handbook with your parent(s), initial each item and sign below. Return this page to your first period teacher.

Initials

________ Our family has read and discussed the Clifford School Handbook

________ We have read and understand the Academic Code of Conduct

________ We have read and understand the Clifford plagiarism/cheating policy

________ We have read and understand the cell phone and electronic devices policy

________ We have read and understand the Clifford School Anti-Bullying Pledge

________ We have read and understand the Clifford School Tardy Policy

________ We understand all books and materials must be returned in good conditionor we will be responsible for their replacement

_________________________ _______________________ ___________ Student Name (Please Print) Student Signature Date

_________________________ _______________________ _________ Parent Name (Please Print) Parent Signature Date