Edwin Rhodes School Handbook

6655 Schaefer Avenue

Chino, California 91710

(909) 364-0683

The Edwin Rhodes Elementary School Community believes that all students are unique and gifted individuals. We are committed to developing life-long learners in a safe and caring educational environment where students are challenged, scholarship is expected, and differences are valued.

Our high expectations include:

Student Goals

(Actual Scholars’ goals at Oxford University)

• High academic achievement
• Integrity of character (responsibility)
• A spirit of unselfishness
• Respect for others
• Potential for leadership
• Physical vigor

School-Wide Goals

• Emphasize high academic standards, respect, patriotism, and courtesy
• Provide a structured environment conducive to learning
• Expect active parent participation and support of school policies and programs
• Offer on-going Professor and parent training
• Maintain consistent communication between home, school, and community

The Rhodes Elementary logo was influenced by the namesake, the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Colossus was an immense lighthouse statue that guided the ships into safe harbor at the ancient city of Rhodes. This awe-inspiring statue was the inspiration for our own Statue of Liberty at New York City Harbor, a great symbol of freedom. The torch on the logo is the universal symbol of enlightenment and wisdom. The Rhodes torch, held by a shining Professor, parent or mentor, symbolizes the searching light of truth and knowledge. Inspiring others and encouraging high ambition of excellence and service, the gleaming light rays represent the different individual genius of every student. The Rhodes logo can be found on the front of the school’s administration building and on official school recognition materials. It was initiated and developed with the input from a logo design committee in 2003. A group of Professors and parents reviewed a variety of different school identities and design directions before this design evolved as our professional logo. The committee selected this final design by the talented and extremely involved Rhodes parent, Dennis San Vicente. Thank you, Dennis for the legacy you have left for generations to come.

A diploma has long been the goal for all those looking to achieve academic excellence and it remains the standard by which all scholars are measured. With that in mind, the concept of “Rhodie”, a pencil toting, grad-cap wearing, diploma-come-to-life, was a creative yet natural decision as a mascot choice for the “Scholars” of Rhodes Elementary.

Working in a collaborative effort with PEP Club and staff, graphic designer and cartoonist Keith Poletiek brought “Rhodie” to life in 2003 as the school’s officially recognized mascot. “Rhodie” is seen on all stationary, handouts, folders and yearbook covers.

In the mid 1980’s, Dr. Howard Gardner, a professor at Harvard University, began developing criteria related to how adults and children acquire knowledge. This led to his “Theory of Multiple Intelligences”. According to this theory, individuals possess seven “intelligences” which characterize the way we learn. The degree of how much each intelligence affects our learning varies from person to person. It is important that each student understands which “intelligence” allows them to absorb new knowledge.

Edwin Rhodes Elementary School was founded using the MI philosophy. We believe all students are intelligent. Our objective is to find which intelligence best serves each student and present the curriculum to them through that modality. Based on our performance record through the past this approach to instruction works very well.

Teachers consistently utilize a variety of instructional techniques and experiences to develop all seven of the students’ intelligences. Each student is screened to determine their individual areas of strength. The entire school facility and surrounding area, such as the park and lake are used as a learning environment. The G.R.A.D. program is tied directly to the MI focus.

GRAD – Generating Rhodes’ Academic Diversity Enrichment Program

This important component of our school-wide enrichment program is intended to tap into the wide variety of interests, abilities, and talents of our students and encourage all children to utilize several high-level thinking skills. This is a series of elective courses, focusing on a central theme, that all first through sixth grade students take once during the year.

The courses are designed allow students to explore different ways of thinking and learning. This academic course of study will include opportunities for children to: create, classify, imagine, infer, select, and appraise or evaluate in learning situations. It is our goal that the GRAD program will spark the children’s interest and enthusiasm in new and different ways. Each GRAD class includes three “Connector” components; 1) notable individuals, 2) career opportunities, and 3) global significance.

Lunch Time Activities

The playground is printed with the alphabet, mathematical shapes, the United States and world maps, and the Solar System. These help Professors promote learning utilizing movement. Music is frequently played during lunch time.

Classroom Approaches

Professors consistently utilize a variety of instructional techniques and experiences to develop student engagement and learning. Using interest surveys and other screening approaches, professors determine the best strategies and approaches to connect with each individual student.

As you step onto our beautiful campus, please make note of the following terms…

We wouldn’t want you to get lost! As you can see, our university theme is evident throughout the school – with many names coming from Oxford University – the home of all Rhodes Scholars!

Most importantly, each classroom is named after a prestigious university with a history of many Rhodes Scholars.

Edwin Rhodes was an Illinois farm boy who saw opportunity in the West. He arrived in Chino in 1890 as a printer for Editor John Wasson’s Chino Valley Champion. In 1896, Mr. Rhodes bought the paper and published it until 1906, then he sold it and helped establish Chino’s first bank. He served on the city incorporation committee, was elected city treasurer for many years, served as a member of the school board, helped form various local organizations, and later served as Justice of the Peace. He also helped create and headed the first board of Casa Colina Rehabilitation Center when it was founded near the present Boys’ Republic.

Mr. Rhodes was one of the first to be named to Chino’s Hall of Fame. An ardent historian, he published the book The Break of Day in 1951, a year before his death. This book is a history of Chino, covering the time of the mission days to the purchase of the Chino Ranch by Richard Gird. The book tells of Chino’s early settlers, and how they came to Chino. It is a story of the Old West, describing the part played by Native Americans, how the Chino Ranch became a resting place for tired overland travelers headed for the gold fields, and finally how the town of Chino came into being.

Edwin Rhodes was truly a prominent leader in Chino’s history. The city owes him a great deal for his many contributions to the development of the community.

Breakfast served daily 7:15-7:45

Edwin Rhodes Elementary recognizes that a student’s attendance record directly contributes to student academic success. It is state law that all children attend school for the time that school is in session. We must account for all absences and tardies. Should your child be absent or tardy for any reason, please do one of the following:

• Call the school on the day of the absence or write a note and send it with your child when he/she returns to school.
• Report student absences via our website: Go to “Popular Links” tab and click on “Report an Absence.”

Board Policy requires all absences to be “cleared” with an e-mail, phone call, or note within 5 days of the absence to keep the student from being considered truant. After 5 days, the “truant” status becomes permanent. See SART and SARB for additional information.

Here is a guide to help parent/guardian in deciding when to keep a child at home from school and when they can return (as of April 2024)

• Stay at home if a fever is 100.4 degrees or higher.
• Return when fever has gone away without fever-reducing medication for a full 24 hour period.

• Stay home if stool is likely to leak or if the child is unlikely to make it to the toilet in time.
• Return when improving.

• Stay home if vomiting has occurred two or more times in a 24 hour period.
• Return when vomiting has ended overnight, and your student is able to hold down liquids and food.

Ten (10) or more excused absences are considered excessive and further absences may require a medical note. See SART and SARB for additional information.

Short-Term Independent Study may be available for any student who anticipates being absent starting from 1-15 days. Completion of assigned work “clears” the absence. See Short-Term Independent Study for additional information.

It is essential that students arrive on time to begin the school day. Students coming late to the classroom create a disruption, as the Professor must stop instruction to correct the attendance roster and lunch count. Scholars arriving at 7:50 a.m. are required to report to the office to be signed in and get a Tardy Pass to give to the Professor. Traffic is not an excuse for being tardy. Parents should plan their arrival with the traffic in mind.

Students should be on campus when the 7:47 a.m. lineup bell rings to be in the classroom ready for instruction to begin at 7:50 a.m. All gates will be closed at 7:47 a.m. to allow Professors to pick-up their Scholars. There will still be access through the front of the school.

It is also important to pick up students on time after school. Even with our heavy traffic flow, the campus usually clears out within 15 minutes of dismissal. Students not picked up after traffic ceases will be asked to wait in the office. Parents will then need to sign out their children from the front office. Habitually tardy or late pick up patterns will result in a meeting with administration to work with families on strategies for improvement.

Students may be checked out of school for medical appointments. It is requested that medical appointments be scheduled outside school hours as much as possible. School is dismissed at 2:30 on regular schedule days, and at 11:20 on minimum days.

Rhodes Elementary School staff are always excited and poised to assist our families with inquiries and services. To better serve our community and ensure that students are ready to safely exit campus at the end of their academic day, we kindly request that parents/guardians not check out their student 30 minutes prior to school dismissal. Not only do students potentially miss out on important class reminders and announcements when they are checked out early, but it also impedes staff from finalizing the learning opportunities for the day and welcoming families to campus to complete school business. We appreciate your support and value your collaboration!

The California Education Code defines truant as a student who is absent from school without a valid excuse for 3 full days in one school year or tardy for more than 30-minute period during the school day without a valid excuse. Truancy letters are automatically generated by our district at the 3, 6, and 9 unexcused/unverified mark.

• A SART Meeting may be scheduled when a student has more than 3 unexcused/unverified absences. The meeting will be held at the school site with the goal of improving student attendance through a SART Contract.
• A SARB Meeting may be scheduled when a student accumulates 10 unexcused or excused absences. The meeting will be conducted by an administrator from our CVUSD district office.

An excused absence is given for the following reasons: illness, doctors’ appointments, family funeral services, or student’s court appearance. All other reasons are considered unexcused absences.

As part of our basic philosophy to encourage students to excel, a school-wide recognition system is used. Awards are distributed to deserving students who have met or exceeded the school’s high expectations. At Trimester Awards Assemblies, Scholars may be recognized with one of the following awards:

• ROC – Rhodes Outstanding Character
• Ed-Win Award – Exceptional academic performance
• Growth Award – Exceptional growth related to mastery of the Common Core State Standards
• Excellent Attendance Award – For minimizing absences and tardies

The behavior policy of Rhodes Elementary School is designed to ensure that each student can learn in a safe and secure environment. Our aim is to develop responsibility, citizenship, and respect for others. The school-wide behavior policy emphasizes positive campus behaviors and eliminates those behaviors that are unsafe and/or disruptive. To achieve these goals, the following School Statutes (“statutes” is the Oxford term for rules) have been established:

Each Professor has standards for classroom behavior and an appropriate reinforcement system. These standards are communicated to parents at the beginning of the year at Parent Collegiate Night. Professors will also explicitly teach these expectations using the First 20 Days of Scholars at the beginning of the school year and reinforce the expectations again after Winter Break.

The Chancellor and Dean will discuss and model these School Statutes during grade level assemblies at the beginning of the school year and as needed throughout the year. Students who consistently follow these rules will be rewarded on an individual and school-wide basis. “Scholarships” will be given to students who demonstrate integrity of character along with our schoolwide expectations. These “Scholarships” may be cashed in for rewards.

Failure to follow schoolwide expectations may result in the issuance of classroom consequences and/or an office discipline referral (see schoolwide discipline ladder). Failure to follow schoolwide expectations may have an effect on report card grades in the area of “Habits of Success.”

During recess times, Scholars are expected to follow schoolwide expectations. Only school-approved equipment may be used during recess; soccer balls, kickballs, basketballs, volleyballs and rubber “handballs” are accepted equipment. Football, softball, Frisbees and other sports equipment may only be used under the direct supervision of a Professor during PE or Noon Sports.

1. Use playground equipment properly.
2. All children are welcome to join all games – there are no closed games.
3. The designated judge for each game is the first person in line. A judge’s decision is final.
4. Keep-away, tackling, tag and wrestling are prohibited.
5. Bouncing balls against buildings is prohibited.
6. Handballs are for bouncing and throwing only; kicking damages the balls.

We understand that many families provide cell phones to their child for emergency situations, however we discourage electronic devices at school. Phones are to be kept in backpacks during the school day, or in a secure classroom location if provided by the Professor. Smart watches are to be used solely as watches during the school day. Cell phones and electronics are not to be out (visible) or used once on campus and/or during the school day without the prior permission of a Professor or administrator. The first violation will result in the item being taken away for the remainder of the day and the item picked up from the Admissions Office, requiring the parent/guardian to pick it up from the school. The second violation will result in the Scholar turning their cell phone into the Admissions Office daily before school and picking it up when the school day is over. Use of cell phones in the restroom is a violation of others’ privacy rights and may incur additional disciplinary action. The school does not take responsibility for lost, broken, or stolen items.

No electronic listening or recording device may be used in a classroom without the teacher and/or principal's permission. The District's policy regarding personal electronic devices extends to all AI-enabled wearables (e.g., AngelSense devices) and smart glasses (e.g., Meta Ray-Bans). Due to the potential for these devices to discreetly record audio or video, connect to cellular phones, and access the internet, they are prohibited on all school campuses. This policy applies regardless of whether the devices contain prescription lenses. Students who need corrective eyewear should use standard, non-electronic eyewear while on school premises.

Students in Grades 3 and above may ride bicycles to school with parent permission, and if they follow safety rules and wear protective helmets (CVUSD Board Policy 5142.3).

Bicycle riders are to follow bicycle safety rules on the way to and from school. They are to walk their bicycles in the crosswalk, on the sidewalk, and on campus at all times. Bicycles must be locked to the bicycle racks located on both sides of campus (east and west). Failure to follow safety and/or procedural rules, including failure to wear a protective helmet, will result in loss of bicycle riding privileges.

Birthdays can be an exciting time for students, and we want to recognize their special day. Therefore, our Professors will do their best to verbally recognize birthdays, however, in order to minimize loss of instructional time, we ask that you adhere to the following:

1. Please do not place a Professor in an awkward position by asking them if you can have a party or bring in cupcakes, cakes, etc. to celebrate your child’s birthday.
2. Please do not bring in cake’s, cupcakes, candy, etc. or any item that does not meet the State’s Nutritional Guidelines as we will not be able to consume these items during the school day.
3. If you would like to bring in a treat bag for each child in the class, you may do so, but it will not be given out until the end of the school day as the children are lined up to be dismissed.
4. Please do not bring flowers, balloons, or gifts of any kind to be delivered to your child as this has the potential to cause a distraction in the classroom. Any items that are received will be held in the school office and your child will be notified to pick them up after dismissal.
5. Please do not have your child pass out party invitations during the school day, as this can cause hurt feelings when a child does not get invited.
6. Please do not bring in pizza or other foods to share with other students at lunch time. You may feed your own child but no other students as some may have allergies. In addition, this excludes others and causes problems with hurt feelings.

Classes are self-contained with one Professor responsible for the students. Some exchange of students and/or team teaching may occur between Professors to meet individual student needs and to utilize the special strengths of Professors. Combination classes are formed when there is an excess of students at more than one grade level to have the maximum number of students remain at Edwin Rhodes Elementary. Our Professors work as a team and with our Instructional Coach in these instances to provide the highest level of standards-driven instruction to all Scholars.

Your child’s classroom placement is considered temporary during the first two weeks of school due fluctuating enrollment at the beginning of the year. We do not accept parent requests for specific Professors.

We believe that communication between home and school is necessary to guarantee the best possible education for our Scholars. We make every effort to inform parents of matters relating to district and school wide policies, procedures, and events through our website (https://rhodes.chino.k12.ca.us/). Information is communicated through this Parent Handbook, weekly messages from the Chancellor through ParentSquare, Parent Collegiate (Back-to-School) Night, Open House, and special notices visible on the school website and marquee.

Information regarding your child is communicated through progress reports, report cards, parent conferences, behavior or homework notices, citations, awards, letters, or phone calls. Many Professors send regular messages home outlining classroom events. You may contact your child’s Professor through email or ParentSquare. Basic classroom policies on homework, discipline and curriculum are sent home the first week of school by the individual teachers and/or given out at Parent Collegiate (Back-to-School) Night.

To ensure concerns are addressed efficiently and collaboratively, parents/guardians are asked to first communicate directly with the Professor regarding any classroom or student concerns; if the issue cannot be resolved, parents/guardians may then contact the Office Manager to schedule an appointment with administration.

Emphasize to your child the importance of bringing home all communication from school, and of remembering to show it to you. Be certain to read all notices from school and to follow up appropriately. Monitor progress on projects or reports, look over homework or test papers, discuss school events and activities, and attend conferences and events that involve your child.

We also strongly encourage parents to consistently communicate with Professors and other school personnel. Inform teachers of specific interests, strengths or needs of your child. Let your child’s teacher know if/when your child has difficulty with an assignment or finds one especially interesting or meaningful. When you have concerns about classroom incidents, assignments, workload (too little, too much, or no homework), please talk with and address this with your child’s Professor. Of course, if something is going well, please be sure to let them know that too!

Parents should feel free to call Admissions with questions regarding their children or the school. The telephone number is (909) 364-0683 and our Fax number is (909) 548-6083.

All students in grades K-6 will be taught lessons (with parent/guardian consent) through Second Step Curriculum that is rooted in social-emotional learning (SEL). Lessons focus on behavioral skills which include problem solving, emotion management, and empathy.

Short term (6-8 weeks) small group intervention classes for specific skill development in support of School Wide Expectations are offered to students by our MTSS-B Counselor. These classes are data-driven and evidence-based and aligned with PBIS through our Tier I resources.

Students at Rhodes have access to counseling through Chino Human Services through the city of Chino, Behavioral Health Center, and Behavior Intervention through CVUSD. This is a one-on-one service. This free on-site program provides treatment and support services for students with a variety of needs. Permission slips are available in the office.

Curriculum is consistent with the adopted Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the Chino Valley Unified School District’s grade level expectations. Understanding students’ areas of strength and the development of the total child are emphasized at Edwin Rhodes Elementary. Scholars receive instruction in reading and writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and physical education. Emphasis is also placed on 21st century skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Scholars in grades 3-6 will take the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) developed by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC). This annual assessment is a computer-based assessment and is administered in the spring. Scholars in grade 5 will also participate in the CAST (Science) and PFT (Physical Fitness Test).

Differentiated instruction during the school day is provided to all Scholars. Differentiated instruction means that the standards are addressed and are presented to students in a way to meet their learning needs.

Rhodes provides general musical and visual arts instruction and facilitate the development of appreciation and understanding of concepts. Under the direction of a music specialist for concentrated music studies, students in grades 1-3 are instructed in music essentials, 4th grade in recorders, and all 5th and 6th graders may participate in choir. Beginning and advanced band are offered to students in grades 5-6.

Art lessons are designed to help students understand the nature of art with emphasis on color, design, art principles, and art appreciation. Creative expression is encouraged throughout instruction. On a monthly basis, the Art Masters Program is provided by parent volunteers.

Students in grades 1-6 are provided at least 200 minutes of P.E. instruction for every 10 school days (Ed Code 51210). In the primary grades, physical education programs include basic movement skills, performed with and without the use of equipment. At the elementary level, a variety of activities are used to improve physical strength, health, and endurance. Some clubs and afterschool programs also support physical education, including the Track Team, Color Guard, and our Spirit Team, the “Rhodettes.”

The staff at Rhodes Elementary is committed to providing Scholars who have been identified as GATE with unique learning experiences that focus on both academic rigor and the social-emotional needs of the gifted student. These students are clustered into classes, where a small group of GATE students are clustered together in a regular classroom. All GATE students have access to a differentiated, standards-based curriculum, which is taught with depth, complexity, and novelty. Appropriate extension activities are used to challenge each Scholar to reach his/her maximum potential.

It is the intent of Edwin Rhodes Elementary School that students be dressed and groomed in an appropriate manner that will not interfere with, or detract from, the school environment or disrupt the educational process. (AR 5132, EC 35183.5)

The expectation for student dress and grooming is based on a desire for self-expression, safety, and respect for other students’ right to learn. Dress should be suitable and comfortable for normal school activities and reflect pride and attention to personal cleanliness.

The complete District Student Dress and Grooming Policy are included in the student packet that is sent home on the first day of school. Edwin Rhodes adheres to the specific Dress and Grooming Standards for Grades K-6. Please take note of the following highlights/additions:

• All clothing should reflect only positive, non-verbal statements;
• Shoes and sandals must have restraining back straps; closed toe shoes are strongly encouraged;
• College/University logo shirts or tops are encouraged on Mondays;
• Clothes and belts must be the appropriate size and length when worn;
• Caps, hats and other head coverings shall not be worn indoors. Caps must be worn straight forward at all times.

The following items are considered inappropriate and are not permitted:

• Negative symbols or graphics such as skulls or crossbones on clothing;
• Midriffs, tube or strapless tops;
• Clothing which allows undergarments to be seen;
• Tattered clothes;
• Clothing containing emblems, printing, lettering or pictures pertaining to or suggestive of drugs, gangs, alcohol, smoking, sex, or profanity;
• Plain white t-shirts designed to be worn as undergarments;
• Roller shoes/Heelys.

We know that fads and fashions come and go. In accordance with District policy, “In cases of questionable dress, the Principal will make the final decision.”

All costumes must be appropriate for school attendance (costumes must not include any type of weapon/look alike or full face mask).

Costumes that might create hatred or poke fun at ANY ethnic group or beliefs are strictly prohibited. Any questions regarding your student’s costumes should be directed to their Professor. Non-medical masks and full-face makeup are not allowed.

Mondays are Collegiate Day. Students and staff are encouraged to dress in their collegiate colors from their specific university. Bi-weekly there are Monday Morning PEP Rallies where students sing our school spirit songs and are given announcements for the week.

Every Friday is Spirit Day! Be sure to wear Rhodes Spirit wear. Show your school pride! The classroom that demonstrates the most spirit will be recognized during the Monday Pep Rally.

To register a child, please visit the District website to complete the online portion first. A record of birth (such as birth certificate or baptismal certificate), immunization record from a medical professional, and one document to prove your residency (in the form of utility bills or lease agreement) are needed. Each child is required to have a series of Polio and DPT vaccinations, plus one booster each for Polio and DPT. Also, the child will need two MMR shots and Hepatitis B shots (series of 3).

Scholars who attended Rhodes the prior year do NOT need to re-register.

The staff at Edwin Rhodes Elementary School are trained to provide care for all students in the event of an emergency. Both the District and the school site have comprehensive emergency plans with each staff member assigned specific duties. Our primary responsibility is to ensure all Scholars are safe and accounted for.

Our school conducts routine fire drills, earthquake drills, and lockdown drills throughout the school year. Each Professor reviews these procedures with their Scholars to ensure they are well prepared. The school is equipped with first aid kits that include all necessary supplies for emergencies, along with water and emergency rations.

In the event of an actual disaster, children will be kept in protective custody of the school until they can be released to parents or guardians. Location of Scholars and pick-up procedures will be communicated through ParentSquare. Parents are to avoid congestion near the emergency vehicle gates on both sides of the school.

In addition to the information found in Aeries, we maintain an emergency card for each student. The emergency card is used for emergency contact in the event of injury or illness, and release in case of emergency. This card also lists allergies, pre-existing medical conditions, authorizes first aid, and in an extreme emergency, treatment by emergency medical personnel and/or transport to a medical facility.

It is extremely important that this information provided by you in Aeries contains the full (first and last) name of each person authorized to pick up the student. This includes the names of both parents, any stepparents, older siblings, relatives, friends, baby-sitters, and neighbors who have your permission to pick up your child in case of illness or emergency. This information can also be updated by parents/guardians via Aeries Parent Portal.

Field trips are an extension of the classroom and provide experiences that are standards-based and related to the curriculum. Dress for field trips should be appropriate to the activity but must still adhere to the District and school dress code. Our Professors and their grade level teams are responsible for planning field trips and collecting donations from families.

Field trips or other activities away from school will be by school or charter bus service.

Parent volunteers must have completed our Rhodes volunteer training program prior to attending a field trip as a chaperone. All chaperones must check into the Admissions Office (prior to the field trip) to receive a tag via our Visitor Aware system.

Report cards reflect Scholars’ progress toward mastery of the grade-level standards for each subject area of the curriculum. Student progress will be communicated using trimester report cards given to each student. In addition, Progress Reports will be issued for every student who is at risk of not achieving grade level standards midway through each trimester.

Grades serve a valuable instructional purpose by helping Scholar’s and parents/guardians identify the student’s areas of strength and those needing improvement. Professors shall evaluate a student’s work in relation to established district standards. Grades shall be based on impartial, consistent observation of the quality of the student’s work, and his/her mastery of course content and objectives. Students shall have the opportunity to demonstrate this mastery through formative and summative assessments.

CVUSD schools utilize standards-based report cards that indicate a child’s performance toward the California State Standards on a trimester basis. Each subject area is divided into a list of skills and knowledge that students are responsible for learning. The three areas of Habits of Success (Work Habits, Responsibility for Academic Success, and 21st Century Skills) reported on the back of the report card will also use these performance levels.

Performance Level Marks describe the students’ progress toward mastery of year-end standards:

4: Advanced – Students at the Advanced level of performance are consistently performing at grade level, can demonstrate independence, and can extend the grade level standards, when applicable, expected at this point of the school year.

3: Proficient – Students at the Proficient level of performance demonstrate an adequate understanding of and ability to apply skills needed to meet grade level standards expected at this point of the school year.

2: Developing – Students at the Developing level of performance are partially meeting the grade level performance standards expected at this point of the school year.

1: Minimal – Students at the Minimal are not yet meeting the grade level performance standards expected at this point of the school year.

The Board of Education recognizes that homework contributes toward building responsibility, self-discipline, and lifelong learning habits. Time spent on homework reinforces classroom learning objectives, content standards, and addresses individual student needs and abilities.

Homework is a Professor-planned assignment which takes place largely outside of the student’s regular school hours. It is designed to reinforce classroom learning, develop skills, expand on the student’s school experience, and encourage family participation. Homework will consist of activities that reinforce, review, and extend learning. It will not be new material, but it will be based on skills and concepts that were taught and explained in class. Student agendas are made available by our PEP Club at the beginning of the year to use to write down nightly assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to record the homework assignments, make sure they understand the work before leaving class, take any necessary materials with them when they are dismissed for the day, and return the assignments when they are due. Parents may assist with homework assignments and are encouraged to check their child’s work for quality, accuracy, and completeness. Scholars are encouraged to read (or be read to) for 20 minutes every day; research shows that children with this extra reading time are more likely to be successful in high school and college!

Our homework policy is intended to align with the District’s policy (BP 6154). Long-term projects will be counted in the homework minutes outlined below. The following minutes are guidelines and may vary with each student’s ability and effort.

• 1st Grade: 10-20 minutes
• 2nd Grade: 20-30 minutes
• 3rd Grade: 30-45 minutes
• 4th, 5th, & 6th Grade: 60-90 minutes

Please remember the above minutes are for the specific homework assignments and do not include assignments which must be completed at home due to inefficient use of classroom work time.

If homework becomes too much to accomplish on a particular day and everyone involved becomes frustrated – STOP. The parent/guardian can write a note to the teacher in their Scholar’s agenda, and the Scholar shall not receive any consequences. This applies to daily homework assignments, not long-term projects.

If a Scholar is struggling either academically or socially, the classroom Professor will try intervention strategies to remediate the problem. In addition, Professors may collaborate with their grade level team to identify strategies or tools to support the student. When further measures are required, the Professor or parent may request a STEP meeting. The STEP team includes the parents, classroom Professor, an administrator or designee, and may also include the Resource Specialist, Nurse or Psychologist. The team identifies the Scholar’s strengths and needs and then develops a plan of support. Often, the plan includes a follow-up meeting.

We offer our Scholars many experiences which celebrate their individual strengths and interests. These special opportunities motivate students to excel while expanding their learning potential. Students are strongly encouraged to participate and become actively involved in many activities.

Rhodes provides many opportunities that encourage participation by our students, depending on their grade level. Clubs and activities may include:

• Student Council
• Choir
• Green Team
• Rhodettes
• Color Guard
• Drama Club
• Mileage Club
• Band
• Odyssey of the Mind
• Track Team
• Robotics Club
• Debate Club
• Art Club
• Basketball Club
• Soccer Club
• Volleyball Club

In addition, each Scholar may be given the opportunity to participate in a school performance.

Please mark your child’s possessions, including clothing, backpacks, and lunch boxes, with their name. If an item is lost, check our lost and found throughout the school year. Unclaimed items will be donated at regular intervals throughout the year. The school is NOT responsible for personal items brought to school. This includes cell phones and electronic devices.

Please do not send children to school if they are really sick. Students who become ill at school are sent to the Health Center. If they are too ill to return to class, you will be notified. Please let children know to inform an adult if they are ill or injured. In the event of a serious injury or illness, EMS will be called.

Remember to include all names and numbers of adults you authorize to pick up your child in the event of an emergency. We can only release students to those listed on the emergency card. If your information changes, please log in to your Aeries Parent Portal to update your information.

When medications are to be taken at school, a Request for Administration of Medicine form must be completed by the physician. The form is provided upon request at the beginning of the school year and must accompany all medications sent to school. All medications must be sent in their original pharmacy container and be marked with the student’s name and room number. Non-prescription medications such as vitamins and cough drops may not be dispensed by school personnel. Please contact the Rhodes Health Center with any questions.

The doors open for breakfast at 7:15 a.m. Scholars who arrive for breakfast will be supervised. There is no supervision for students who are not eating breakfast before the gates open at 7:40 a.m. We highly recommend that Scholars should not be dropped off before 7:35 a.m. if they are not eating breakfast.

Children in Grades 1–6 are given a 40-minute lunch period, except on minimum days when there is a 30-minute lunch period. Cafeteria lunches are available daily. The monthly menu is available on the Nutrition Services website and the Chancellor’s weekly newsletter.

We encourage all students to eat lunch every day. Children learn better and have more energy if they eat regular meals and maintain a constant level of nourishment. Be sure to send a nourishing lunch/snack or plan to have your child eat a school lunch daily. With dismissal on minimum day at 11:20, we recognize that students may not be hungry enough during their lunch break for a complete meal. Students are encouraged to bring nutritious snacks from home to be eaten during the lunch break.

If your child forgets their lunch, it may be dropped off at the office prior to 9:30 a.m. Please do not bring/order outside restaurant meals unless it is your child’s birthday. The Rhodes Office will not accept delivery lunches for students. Children who expect a parent to bring a packed lunch are instructed to check in the office at morning recess. To preserve the instructional time for all students, we do not interrupt classrooms for forgotten lunches.

We love to celebrate at Edwin Rhodes Elementary School! We schedule four classroom parties during the year: Fall Parties, Winter Parties, Friendship’s Day, and End-of-the-Year. All food items for class celebrations will follow the nutritional guidelines and portion size noted in the District Student Wellness Policy.

Rhodes is a closed campus. This means that no parents or visitors are allowed on campus unless they have an appointment and/or are volunteering in the classroom. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate parents who wish to eat meals with their child on campus. To ensure the safety of everyone on campus throughout the day, all parents and/or visitors must sign in and sign out through the office. Our Visitor Aware check-in system compares IDs to the Megan’s Law database. You must have a photo ID; passports and IDs from out of state are acceptable forms of identification. Only Scholars and staff will be allowed to enter/exit through the front doors (when open) and side gates on San Antonio Avenue.

Please make sure your child knows the plan for dismissal before you drop him/her off for school. Each student should know whether they are walking home, getting picked up, or meeting someone. Please set a designated meeting place if you pick up your child so that they know where to go on a consistent basis. If there is a change in pickup, please send a note to the Professor or call the Admissions Office.

When dropping off or picking up your child from school, please help us keep each child safe by remembering the following:

• Supervision in the morning begins at 7:35 a.m.
• To ensure student safety, students should never wait unsupervised at the park. Parents of unattended children will be contacted.

You may stop on Schaefer Avenue if you remain in your vehicle waiting for your child. Scholars may only cross the school driveway directly in front of the school with a crossing guard. Between the hours of 7:00-9:00 a.m. and 2:00-4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Tuesday; you may be ticketed if you are parked.

The best, safest way to drop off your child is to make the loop through the school parking area on Shaefer and drop them off directly in front of the school. Please pull all the way forward before your child exits your vehicle.

You may park in the Cypress Trails Park parking lot and wait for your Scholar to walk through the park to meet you. However, when you leave, please drive past the front of the school and exit out of the eastern driveway (near San Antonio Street). Students should not be left waiting at the park to be picked up. If you are going to be late, please have your child wait on campus as there is no supervision at the park.

The driveway on the East side of the school (San Antonio Ave.) is reserved for school buses, official daycare vehicles only. DO NOT block the driveway at any time. When walking on the San Antonio side of the school, please use good judgment and only cross the street at the light with the crossing guard. Do not cross the driveway when picking up your child; Please follow the sidewalk instead.

Bus service is provided based on a student’s residence. All students riding the bus must comply with the Chino Valley Unified School District Bus Riding Rules. School bus stops will be distributed prior to the beginning of school. Only those students who live in areas for which bus service is provided, and who are approved through the Transportation Department, may ride the bus to and from school. Applications for transportation are available on the Transportation website.

A complaint involves an alleged violation of federal or state statutes in one of the following areas:

1. Adult Basic Education
2. Consolidated Categorical Programs
3. Child Care and Development Programs
4. Migrant Education
5. Child Nutrition Programs
6. Vocational Education
7. Special Education Programs
8. School Federal Safety Planning Requirements, and
9. Unlawful Discrimination.

Edwin Rhodes Elementary recognizes that parents and family members are their children’s first and most influential teachers and that continued parental engagement in the education of children contributes greatly to student achievement and conduct. Rhodes shall jointly develop with and distribute Parent School Compacts during Parent Professor Conference Week. This policy shall be an addendum component of the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) that promotes a meaningful partnership between the school, the home, and the community.

The Chancellor regularly utilizes the talents of the staff and parents in formal groups such as the Edwin Rhodes School Site Council and English Learner Advisory Council, or as individual members of the school community. The school maintains a shared decision-making approach using various groups of staff, parents, and community members which address identified needs.

The School Site Council and English Learner Advisory Committee are made up jointly of elected parents and staff members whose primary function is to monitor the implementation of our School Plan for Student Achievement. The parents and staff on the committee provide valuable feedback to guide school personnel in developing programs and meeting the needs of students and parents.

Parents are encouraged to volunteer, become involved in school functions, and attend parent workshops. Professors will notify parents/guardians regarding opportunities to volunteer in the classroom. This has a positive effect on your child’s academic success and shows support and interest in the educational program.

The Rhodes school staff is committed to partnering with parents in the following ways:

• assist parents in understanding academic content and achievement standards and assessment and how to monitor and improve the achievement of their children
• provide materials and training to help parents work with their children to improve their children’s academic achievement
• educate staff, with the assistance of parents, in the value of parent contributions and how to work with parents as equal partners
• coordinate and integrate parental engagement with other programs and activities in our school and support parents in more fully participating in the education of their children
• distribute information related to school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities to the parents of participating students in a format and, to the extent practicable, in a language the parents understand
• provide such other reasonable support for parental engagement activities under this section as parents may request

The P.E.P. Club plays an essential role in our school’s program. Each parent/guardian and staff person is a member. Our P.E.P. Club serves as school volunteers in a variety of areas. One of these is coordinating fundraising activities to support student field trips, awards, supplemental instructional materials, and major school enhancements. Our P.E.P. Club coordinates University Parents to support each classroom, and the Art Masters program which provides our Scholars with access to high-quality art instruction.

We’re Rhodes Scholars, Awesome Scholars,

Look how we can shine!

We work hard to master learning,

striving all the time.

(Rah, Rah, Rah!)

With our Chancellor, Dean, Professors,

positive and true,

Together, we take pride in Our Rhodes School!

We are leaders of tomorrow

Every Scholar here today,

Yes, we’re learning and achieving,

Working smart in many ways.

We are proud to be a family,

Every boy and girl believes

In using our gifts, finding our strengths,

Being the best that we can be.

We are Rhodes Scholars

On the road to success.

We’re college-bound, reaching high, giving our best.

Professors and Chancellor,

Dean and students strong;

We’re proud to be Scholars

All our lives long!

Every Tuesday is a minimum day, as well as the dates listed below. Minimum day dismissal is 11:10 a.m. for kindergarten, and 11:20 a.m. for students in grades 1-6.

The following are additional Minimum Days:

• September 21 - 25, 2026 – Parent/Professor Conferences
• October 30, 2026
• February 19, 2027
• March 19, 2027
• May 21, 2027
• May 27, 2027 – Last Day of School

Labor Day

• September 7, 2026

Veteran's Day

• November 11, 2026

Thanksgiving Break

• November 23 - 27, 2026

Winter Break

• December 18 - January 5, 2027

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• January 18, 2027

Lincoln’s Birthday

• February 8, 2027

• February 15, 2027

Spring Break

• March 22 – 29, 2027

1st Trimester – November 10, 2026

2nd Trimester – March 2, 2027

3rd Trimester – May 27, 2027

Fall Pictures – September 9, 2026

6th Grade Panoramic Picture – January 13, 2027

Spring Pictures – February 17, 2027