2026-2027 Parent Student Handbook

Hillary Castillo, Assistant Principal

Noemi Badios, Administrative Secretary

Maribel Rocha, Clerk II

TBD, School Nurse

Iletha Chavez, Health Technician

Office Hours: Monday- Friday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3425 Eucalyptus Avenue, Chino Hills, CA 91709

Telephone: (909) 591-1336, Fax (909) 548-6072

Website: http://litel.chino.k12.ca.us

Follow us on Instagram: @litel_elementary

Welcome back to our returning students and families, and a special welcome to those joining the Litel community for the first time. We are proud to be a California Distinguished School and California Honor Roll School, and we look forward to another successful year of learning and growth.

At Litel, our dedicated staff, strong academic programs, supportive families, and outstanding PTA work together to ensure every student thrives. We remain committed to high expectations, quality instruction, and continuous improvement while partnering with families to help students reach their full potential.

Parent involvement is an important part of our success. We encourage you to become involved through PTA, volunteering, school events, or other opportunities to support our students and school community.

This Parent/Student Handbook serves as a helpful resource for school policies, procedures, and important information. Please review it carefully and keep it for future reference.

If you have any questions, please contact the school office at (909) 591-1336. Thank you for your partnership and for the important role you play in your child's education.

It's going to be a ROARING STRONG year!

The vision of Gerald F. Litel Elementary School is to ensure a high-quality education for all students. We believe every student can achieve their full potential through high expectations, a safe and positive learning environment, and strong partnerships with families and the school community. Our teachers are committed to providing high-quality instruction that fosters intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth. Students are encouraged to think critically, engage in meaningful academic discourse, respect diverse perspectives, and act with honesty and purpose as contributing members of society. Litel Elementary School is dedicated to providing equitable access to learning opportunities and preparing students for future success in college, career, and life.

The mission of Gerald F. Litel Elementary School is to educate all students in an inclusive environment that values diversity, collaboration, and continued growth. Our staff is committed to improving student learning through collaborative planning, data analysis, shared professional learning, and high-quality instruction. By working together, observing effective teaching practices, and refining instruction, we strive to ensure all students achieve academic success and make meaningful progress each year.

All students can learn more than they did last year.

Positive school climate supports student learning.

Collaboration, cooperation, and mutual respect are essential to enriching the lives of students.

High academic expectations can be met through excellent teaching and active learning. Parents/guardians are our partners in the educational system.

Every Monday is college shirt day. Every Friday all students are encouraged to wear our school shirt or wear red. PTA will provide treats on the 1st Friday of each month for those wearing Litel shirts or red.

Please use either visual to help you understand our traffic procedures.

Traffic is heavy during drop-off and pick-up times and can create safety hazards for our students. To ensure the safety of our children, we MUST adhere to the traffic safety procedures.

• Do NOT leave your vehicle unattended in the RED or GREEN driveway lanes at any time.
• If needed, park car in a designated parking space or street parking to get your student.
• Do NOT block the bus parking area.
• Pull all the way forward.
• Cooperate and follow traffic guidance by staff members on duty.
• All TK/Kindergarten students enter/exit from the same gates.
• All 1st-6th grade students ENTER from the Sanctuary gates. 3rd-6th graders will also EXIT from the Sanctuary gates.
• 1st/2nd grade students will EXIT from the TK/Kindergarten gates to reduce traffic/safety concerns.
• Your efforts help to make our parking lot and drop-off/pick-up times safe and orderly for ALL students and families. Please remember we serve as models for our children. SAFETY FIRST!!!

Litel Elementary School uses the district adopted curriculum at all grade levels. A copy of the California Content Standards is given to parents at the beginning of the school year. Information regarding Common Core State Standards can be found: http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/index.asp

Breakfast begins at 7:15 AM and ends at 7:45 AM. Breakfast is optional and free for all students. If students are planning to eat breakfast at school, plan to come early to have enough time to eat. Breakfast and lunch are free for students. Students having breakfast may enter the campus through the office.

All 1st-6th grade students must be dropped off for arrival at the Lion Sanctuary gates (with the paw prints). Please model respectful and responsible behavior such as waiting turns, using the crosswalk, and following traffic directions as our students are watching!

All TK and Kindergarten students must be dropped off/picked up at the gates near their classrooms (right side of the campus).

At dismissal times, all TK/Kindergarten and 1st/2nd grade students will be dismissed by the kindergarten area of campus. All 3rd-6th grade students will exit out of the Sanctuary gates. It is best to have the older siblings walk over to meet up with their younger siblings at a designated spot.

All parents must have an Aeries parent portal to receive important messages from our school and district. All data confirmation which includes emergency contacts is accessed through the portal and must be current with at least three emergency contacts. Parents are responsible for updating the information.

Dogs and other animals are not permitted on school grounds for safety and health reasons. We believe that it is in the best interest of safety that parents do not walk or bring their dogs or pets to the school when dropping off or picking up their children. Family pets should not be brought onto school grounds or into the school office except for registered service dogs.

Informal assessment of student progress occurs during every lesson. As teachers ask questions, answer student questions, monitor classwork and homework assignments, they constantly evaluate student understanding and progress during study. Lessons and activities/assignments are adjusted to meet the specific needs of the students.

There are several kinds of formal assessments. Publisher supplied and teacher made tests provide regular assessment of student progress in the instructional program. Portfolios of student work are another way of assessing progress. They provide evidence of growth over time.

All students in kindergarten through sixth grade participate in the district Essential Standards Assessment (ESA) in ELA (English Language Arts) and Math each trimester. Students in grades three through sixth participate in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) by taking the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) in ELA and Math each spring (April). The State of California requires that all fifth grade students receive physical fitness testing and also complete the California Science Test (CAST). All English Learner Students K-6th are assessed with the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) in February/March.

Our goal is to have 98% actual attendance to ensure the best education possible for all of our students. It is state law that all children attend school for the time that school is in session. All absences and tardies must be accounted for. 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 report the absence online at the school website. If your child is tardy, they must come to the office, be added to the tardy log, and take a tardy slip before going to class.

According to state law, the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of students are responsible for a student’s school attendance until he or she attains the age of 18 or graduates from high school. Any student absent from school without a valid excuse 3 days or tardy more than 30 minutes on each of 3 days in one school year shall be reported truant (Education Code 48260ff).

Students should be in school every day for the full instructional day. Please plan doctor and dentist appointments and family outings after the school day. Legally, students must be in school unless one of the four valid excuses (Illness, Doctor’s appointment, attending a funeral of a family member, quarantine by health officer) applies. All notes must be submitted within 5 business days.

When a child is absent:

· Try to make illness the only reason that students are absent.

· Notify the attendance desk by 9:00 a.m., either through parentsquare, email, or by phone (909-591-1336), to state the reason. If a call has not been made, a written note is required. Or you may email the Attendance Clerk, maribel_rocha@chino.k12.ca.us

· When a student is absent, makeup work will be available after school if a request is made prior to 9:00 a.m.

· Students are expected to make up work at a rate of one day grace for each day of being absent.

TEN (10) OR MORE EXCUSED ABSENCES ARE CONSIDERED EXCESSIVE, PARENT MAY BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND A SCHOOL ATTENDANCE REVIEW TEAM (SART) MEETING, AND A MEDICAL NOTE MAY BE REQUIRED.

Fever

· Stay home if a fever is 100.4 F or higher.

· Return when fever has gone away without fever-reducing medication for a full night.

Diarrhea

· Stay home if your student’s stool is likely to leak or if they are unlikely to make it to the toilet in time. If the stool looks bloody or black, seek medical attention.

· Return when improving.

Vomiting

· Stay home if vomiting has occurred two or more times in 24 hours.

· Return when vomiting has ended overnight, and your student can hold down liquids and food.

Early Sign-Outs

Litel 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!

Vacation or other trips

School board policy permits “short term” Independent Study for grades K12. Independent Study contracts must be for no less than 5 and no more than 20 consecutive school days. Parents must come into the school office and fill out a written request at least one week prior to the trip. Independent Study may only be requested through the end of March of the current school year. An Independent Study contract is intended to approximate the types of assignments and amount of time spent in classroom instruction. Therefore, it will require the student to work an average of 3 to 4 hours per day under parent supervision. All independent study work must be turned in the day the student returns to school.

We, at Litel, love to celebrate our students with recognition of their effort, behavior, and achievement. We know that verbal praise is a very important and immediate way to recognize student achievement. In addition, our school honors students in many other ways.

There are monthly award assemblies for each grade level. Each classroom teacher may select one student for the Principal's Award (academic recognition) and one Student of the Month (behavior recognition for following the ROAR). If your child is to receive an award, an invitation to parents will be sent home. The award assemblies are usually towards the end of each month. Our awards both recognize those individuals who have met or exceeded the school's high expectations but also set goals for those students striving to improve.

There are opportunities for students to earn trimester math awards to be presented at the November, February, and April month assemblies. Each grade level will determine the criteria students will need to meet for the trimester math awards and communicate to parents so that all students have the potential to receive them.

At the end of the school year, there is a special Scholars Day Award Assemblies (end of April) to recognize students for excellence in Reading, Writing, and Math.

All bicycles brought to school should be securely locked. Students must always walk their bicycles on our school grounds. For safety factors, students should ride with the flow of traffic in a single file line. All students who ride bicycles to school must wear helmets. Students younger than 3rd grade may NOT ride bicycles to school. Continued offenses by bike riders will result in the loss of their riding privileges. The Chino Valley Unified School District is not responsible for damaged or stolen bicycles. Skateboards, scooters, roller blades, and tennis shoe skates are not allowed on school campus.

With teacher approval, a small, individual, factory packaged snack or goody bag that is easy to distribute may be brought to school (one per child) and shared with classmates for birthdays. Please consider non-food items for the safety of all students. Items will NOT be eaten during school hours. The goody bags will be given out at the end of the school day as the students are lined up to be dismissed. Gifts/balloons/flowers should not be sent to the school to minimize distractions from the learning environment.

If your child is having a birthday party and inviting everyone from the class, invitations may be passed out at school. Please make arrangements with the teacher when this can be done. However, if only a select number of students are being invited, please mail or deliver invitations outside of the school day as a courtesy to those not invited.

Litel parents and teachers recognize the harmful effects of bullying on student learning and school attendance and desire to provide safe school environments that protect students from physical and emotional harm. Student safety at Litel is a high priority. Bullying of any student will not be tolerated. No student or group of students shall, through physical, written, verbal, or other means, harass, sexually harass, threaten, intimidate, cyberbully, cause bodily injury to, or commit hate violence against any other student or school personnel.

Cyberbullying includes the transmission of harassing communications, direct threats, or other harmful texts, sounds, or images on the internet, social media, or other technologies using a telephone, computer, or any wireless communication device. Cyberbullying also includes breaking into another person’s electronic account and assuming that person’s identity in order to damage that person’s reputation.

Students are encouraged to immediately notify school staff or administration if they are being mistreated or suspect that another student is being victimized. They may do so confidentially. Complaints of bullying shall be investigated and resolved in accordance with site-level procedures specified in Administrative Regulations 5145.7.

It is the responsibility of each student to obey all behavior expectations. It is the responsibility of the Chino Valley Unified School District to ensure that any behavior which would in any way endanger the student or fellow students, not be permitted to occur. The district has the right and responsibility to enforce such rules and regulations as it deems necessary to establish a safe climate for students and property at each bus stop and on the bus. Continued violations of bus riding rules will result in the loss of bus riding privileges.

Students are not permitted to have or use unauthorized devices, including cell phones, smart watches, and smart glasses, during the school day.

If a student brings any of these items to school, the device must remain turned off and stored in their backpacks for the entire day. Student cell phones or other devices may be collected by the teacher and held in a safe location until the end of the day. Please note that the school will not be responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen devices.

The first violation of inappropriate use of a cell phone or other device will result in the item being taken away for the remainder of the day and parents being notified. Further violations will result in the item being taken away and requiring the parent/guardian to pick it up from the school.

The primary purpose of the placement process is to create equitable classroom environments that allow teachers to meet academic, social, and emotional needs of every student. The placement teams ensure a balance of variables in each classroom setting through careful consideration of each student’s individual needs and strengths. Requests for specific teachers are NOT accepted. It would be highly unlikely that the staff could successfully build the most productive, balanced class groups based on parent requests.

COMBINATION CLASSES

As most of our community is aware, combination/multi-age classrooms (serving two grade levels) are a fact of schooling in most public elementary schools in California. Because students do not come to us in neat groups of 27 or 31, Litel will most likely experience combination classes on an annual basis. When forming combination classes, we assign students based on the same variables used to form all other classrooms.

THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER

Occasionally, children are initially upset with their class placement at the beginning of school. It is not uncommon for a child to initially be perplexed if their new teacher is other than expected or unlike last year’s teacher. Also, it is not uncommon for someone to hear that “so and-so” is the only and best teacher to have in “such-and-such” grade. Sometimes, too, a student will initially feel his/her teacher is “too mean” or “too strict” or “too” something else. Fortunately, once given a chance to succeed at adapting to a new classroom and building a new student teacher relationship, most parents discover that their child’s placement is working well after all. Remember, placement was carefully selected for your child by the current teacher, Principal, and support personnel.

Finally, it is critically important for you to know that students’ attitudes towards their teachers and school are highly influenced by the attitudes and strategies of their parents. We can all provide our children with a successful beginning of the year experience by responding to their classroom assignments with positive enthusiasm. Through confidence in our children’s ability to deal with change, knowledge, cooperation, and trust, we can all work together to enhance personal development and the general school climate for all Litel students.

School staff shall ensure interruptions are kept to a minimum to allow students to take full advantage of learning opportunities while in the classroom as delineated by Board Policy and Administrative Regulations 6116. Therefore, we make every effort to minimize classroom interruptions.

Teacher conferences must be prearranged with the teacher. The office will be notified in advance if a conference is scheduled. Please do not go directly to the classroom. Teachers can be reached by email, phone message, or by another teacher preferred platform.

Litel places a high priority on open communication between the home and school.

• Weekly information and news are sent out by the principal through Parent Square in the Paw Press Newsletter.
• The school website is updated regularly with events and information www.chino.k12.ca.us/litel
• In order to receive text and/or email updates from the principal regarding school events and information, access to student information, and confirm/access student data, ALL parents must register and use the AERIES Parent Portal. Instructions for access are on the CVUSD and school website.
• Be sure to follow on Instagram/Facebook @litel_elementary and @litel_elementary_pta to stay in the loop with what's happening around campus.
• Parents who need to contact a teacher should do so by email or telephone or another platform used by the teacher. The teacher will respond back at a time that does not interfere with instruction.
• Teachers may also use the Google Classroom platform to share information about class assignments and meetings.
• If a parent has a question or concern, the first point of contact is the teacher. Please allow 24-48 hours for the teacher to respond either by email or phone. If communication is needed with administration, please call or email at Samantha_Han@chino.k12.ca.us or Hillary_Castillo@chino.k12.ca.us. Appointments with administration need to be scheduled at a mutually convenient time for all parties.

Curriculum is consistent with the California Common Core State Standards and the Chino Valley Unified School District’s adopted core curriculum for each grade level. Students receive instruction in Language Arts reading and writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and physical education. Emphasis is placed on 21st century skills for students.

The following is a summary of the general curriculum studied in the elementary school grades:

Reading and Language Arts

Students use, district adopted, English Language Arts (McGraw-Hill; Wonders) and other adopted supplemental programs. These programs provide a developmental reading curriculum for teaching and practicing phonics, comprehension strategies and skills, writing, and critical thinking skills. Accessing content, locating evidence, understanding informational texts and vocabulary development are also an integral part of the program.

Mathematics

Students use, the district adopted, Pearson-Envision (K-5) and the Big Ideas (6th) programs. Instruction is designed to develop students’ understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving strategies. Students in grades 1st through 4th participate in the Math + Music program designed to exercise students’ higher order thinking skills and increase spatial temporal reasoning.

Science

Science instruction is provided at each grade level using Twig, the District’s adopted curriculum. Twig aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards, a hands-on inquiry-based approach that allows for active engagement. Twig Science is the district adopted curriculum for students grades K-6.

Social Studies

The Social Studies curriculum integrates the study of history and geography with humanities and other social science fields. Harcourt Reflections is the District-adopted publisher for the social science texts in K-5th and Holt Ancient Civilizations for 6th grade.

Technology

Technology is incorporated into classroom instruction through use of Chromebooks, ViewSonic ViewBoards, listening posts, digital document cameras, and LCD projectors. Litel is up to date with one-to-one devices provided to each classroom. The computers contain software in all core curricular areas in order to assist students with academic success utilizing 21st century learning skills.

Physical Education, Health, Music and Art

Physical Education, Health, Music and Art are integrated throughout the curriculum. Music classes are provided for students in grades 1-6. Fourth grade students receive instruction on recorders by a certificated teacher. Band and Choir are offered to students in fifth and sixth grade.

English Learners

When students are registered in CVUSD schools, parents complete a Home Language Survey. If any language other than English is listed on the survey, the student is tested at the District’s Language Assessment Center. The results from the testing designate the student’s language acquisition level. English Learner (EL) students will receive Designated English Language Development (DELD) instruction on a daily basis.

Gifted and Talented Education (G.A.T.E)

Typically, in the fall, all 2nd grade students participate in a universal screening for the GATE designation. GATE students receive differentiated instruction for each student’s area of strength. Similarly, high-achieving students (not GATE identified) may also receive enrichment instruction as deemed appropriate by the classroom teacher. Students in grades 3-6 may also be screened for GATE designation. Please discuss with your child’s teacher to receive further information. Students may not be screened in consecutive years; one academic year must elapse before taking the qualifying assessment again.

Specialized Academic Instruction

Students who have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) in place are supported by a SAI teacher. The Resource Specialist Program (RSP) support model includes additional support in the general education classroom and/or small group or individual instruction. Litel also has SDC (Special Day Class) for those that benefit from the additional supports in a smaller class setting.

Speech/Language Services

Students who have an IEP in place for Speech and Language services are supported by a Speech and Language Pathologist. The support model includes small group or individual instruction.

See Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and the resources following (Behavior Flow Chart, Intervention Log, and Office Referral Form).

Students should wear comfortable, casual clothing that permits running, freedom of movement, and is washable so as not to be ruined by participation in P.E. or Art. Comfort and good taste are the guiding principles in clothing selection.

Student grooming that interferes with or detracts from an environment conducive to academic learning or study, disrupts or threatens to disrupt the educational or instructional process, or creates an unnecessary or unreasonable risk of injury to any student is prohibited.

AR 5132 of the CVUSD Board Policy addresses Student Dress Code. This policy information is on the District web site. Please note that the above are minimum guidelines. For clarification, please note the following:

1. Backless or strapless shoes, open-toed sandals or sandal-type footwear, roller shoes, Crocs, and shoes above 2-inch heels are not permitted. For safety purposes, shoes must always be worn.

2. Clothes shall be sufficient to conceal undergarments. See-through fabrics, torn ripped jeans, halter tops, off-the-shoulder or low-cut tops, bare midriffs, and skirts or shorts shorter than midthigh are prohibited. Pajamas are not allowed except for specified spirit days.

3. Hats, caps, and other head coverings shall not be worn indoors unless they are worn for religious or medical reasons.

4. Clothing, jewelry, and personal items (backpacks, fanny packs, gym bags, water bottles, etc.) shall be free of writing, pictures or any other insignia which are crude, vulgar, profane or sexually suggestive, which bare drug, alcohol or tobacco company advertising, promotions and likeness, or which advocate violence, racial, ethnic, or religious prejudice.

5. Make-up is not permitted.

6. Jewelry that creates a health or safety hazard is not permitted.

7. Clothes and belts must be the appropriate size, length, and not torn when worn.

8. Hair shall be clean and neatly groomed. Hair style/color may not be disruptive to the learning environment.

9. Students may wear sun protective clothing, including sun protective hats and/or sunglasses, while outdoors.

These dress code restrictions will be enforced. In cases of inappropriate student dress (i.e., wearing makeup, coloring hair, etc.), parents will be contacted and may be asked to bring a change of clothing to school. Repeated infractions will result in further discipline.

Please feel free to contact us with questions. In accordance with District policy, "In cases of questionable dress, the Principal will make the final decision."

The staff at Litel is trained to provide care for all students in an emergency. Both the district and the school site have a comprehensive emergency plan. Each staff member is assigned specific duties. Our primary responsibility is to account for all students and ensure their safety.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Please make sure data confirmation is completed and up to date (including emergency contact). These documents must be on file for each student. This information is used for day-to-day student release and for emergency contact in the event of injury or illness. The documents also list 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 contain the full (first and last) name of each

person authorized to pick up the student. This includes the names of parents, any stepparents, older siblings, relatives, friends, baby-sitters, and neighbors who have your permission to pick up your child. Someone should be available to pick up your child within 15 minutes of a call from school. We cannot accept telephone calls to release students to individuals not on the emergency information.

It is imperative that we be notified immediately if any information changes. Please do not jeopardize the health and safety of your child by forgetting to update his/her emergency information or by failing to provide complete information.

Field trips are an extension of the classroom and should provide experiences related to the

curriculum. Dress for field trips should be appropriate to the activity and must still adhere to the district and school dress code guidelines. Chaperones are arranged and will be confirmed by teachers. Chaperones must be checked into the visitor management system at the school's front office. Students are required to ride the bus to and from all field trips.

Teachers grade students against objective standards. The district curriculum standards are written for average or grade level students. In measuring achievement of grade level standards, all students in grades K-6th will be graded on a growth-minded 1- 4 performance level scale indicating their progress towards mastery of the California Common Core State Standards.

• BEGINNING/NOT MET: “The student is not yet meeting grade level performance standards expected at this point of the school year.”

• PROGRESSING: “The student is partially meeting the grade level performance expected at this point of the school year.”

• ACHIEVING: “The student shows adequate understanding of and ability to apply skills to meet grade level standards.”

• EXCELLING: “The student consistently performs at grade level, demonstrates independence, and extends grade level standards, when applicable.”

Excelling (4) Achieving (3) Progressing (2) Beginning/Not Met (1) No Mark (X)

Kindergarten and Grades 1-2 Achievement:

Excelling (4) Achieving (3) Progressing (2) Beginning/Not Met (1) No Mark (X)

Kindergarten and Grades 1-6 Habits of Success:

Work Habits (1-4) Responsibility and Integrity (1-4) 21st Century Skills (1-4)

Grades 3-6 Achievement:

Excelling (4) Achieving (3) Progressing (2) Beginning/Not Met (1) No Mark (X)

Our school has the part-time services of a nurse and a health technician. While on duty, it is their role to see to the physical well being of our students. Our nurse is on campus Tuesday and Fridays weekly; the health technician is on campus from 7:30-1:30 PM each day. These are the most desirable times to communicate with them concerning medical/health information. The office staff provides coverage for student health needs at other times during the school day when the nurse or health technician is not on duty.

Medications of any kind (including over the counter items prescribed by a physician) must be brought to the Health Office for dispensing. They must be in the original container and must be accompanied by a Parent/Physician Medication Permission Form. These forms are available from the Health Office. No medication can be administered at school without proper authorization. Students may not have any medication, including aspirin or cough drops, on their person.

Routine screenings for hearing and vision acuity are provided for all new students and at certain grade levels.

Homework is assigned to improve the skills that have been taught and to help the student to work independently.

• It is the student's responsibility to keep an accurate record of assignments, have necessary materials, demonstrate their best quality of work, and complete assignments on time.
• Homework is daily and posted in the classroom and/or other online platform.
• Parents should check homework assignments each night for accuracy, neatness, and completeness.
• Students are not allowed back in their classroom at the end of the day to retrieve forgotten items including homework, books, etc., unless their teacher is available to let them in.

• Homework is to be ready for review or turned in at the start of the school day.
• No homework will be assigned on Fridays or on schoolwide family nights including: Back to School Night, Open House, and schoolwide night performances.

Homework assignments in grades 1-6 shall be designed to be completed within:

1st Grade

2nd Grade

If your child must be absent from school for 5 days or more, you may request a Short- Term Independent Study Contract. This request must be made at least two weeks before the absences and should be directed to the Office Staff as well as the teacher. The teacher will provide 4 hours of work for each school day of the absence. All work must be completed and turned in on the date stated on the contract (normally the first day back) otherwise no credit will be given. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Based upon the quality and amount of work, the Independent Study Coordinator will apportion credit. Remember, it requires 4 hours a day of work. Independent Study is not offered throughout the entire school year, so please check with the office staff prior to making any plans in order to see if Independent Study is available for your child's absence.

Independent Study does not provide the full educational opportunity your child has in school. Independent Study Contracts can help keep your child from getting behind and may prevent him/her from being declared truant. Please use this option judiciously and make every effort to plan vacations and out of town trips during school holidays.

The purpose of the Academic Intervention Program is to help reduce the potential for retention. District criteria for student participation in any/all Intervention Programs will be based on:

· Below grade level expectations on district and/or state assessments

· Universal FAST Screening

· Standards not being met

· Poor classroom performance

· Teacher recommendation

All textbooks and Chromebooks are barcoded and are checked out to each individual student through our Library system as well as all student workbooks. Students are responsible for school property they use or checkout. If a student loses, damages, or misplaces school property, parents will be notified and expected to reimburse the school. Damage to books includes ripped or torn pages, water damage, graffiti, missing pages, damaged covers, etc. We highly recommend that all textbook be covered to avoid damage and excessive wear. Parents will be expected to reimburse the school for damage to Chromebooks that cannot be repaired by our Technology Department.

*During your data confirmation, you have an option to purchase Technology Insurance that will cover expenses in the event your Chromebook is damaged.

Please label all your child's belongings to help prevent loss. Found items of clothing are placed on the lost and found rack located near the library. Small items of value such as watches, glasses, jewelry, etc. are brought to the office where they are kept in a safe place until claimed by their owner. Please encourage your child to periodically check the Lost and Found rack to claim items. Several times a year (Winter Break, Spring Break, end of year), unclaimed items are

donated to local charities.

Breakfast

• Breakfast is optional and available daily for free for ALL students.
• Only students who are eating the school breakfast may enter the cafeteria in the morning starting at 7:15 a.m. Once finished eating, students must leave the cafeteria area.

• Students in grades 1-6 are provided a lunch period.
• Each child MUST eat lunch daily.
• School lunches are available for free daily including minimum days.
• Students must bring a lunch or eat a school lunch.
• In order to preserve the instructional time and to minimize distractions during eating time for all students, we will not interrupt classrooms for forgotten lunches therefore parents may NOT drop off lunches to their students in the front office once school has started. A school lunch will be provided if lunch is forgotten.
• IMPORTANT - All students are expected to eat lunch - even on minimum days. Parents must write a note before we can allow any child to skip lunch- including for religious reasons. Students must follow the same procedures as if they had eaten. Please remember that children learn better when they have sufficient fuel and water for their brains.

The Intervention teacher works in collaboration with teachers to identify students who need support in academics and the MTSS-B counselor will support with socio-emotional areas regarding the school setting. The counselor leads small groups of students as they learn strategies to be successful in school. The teacher supports in small groups with academic intervention. A Student Excellence Plan (STEP) meeting is held with administrator, teachers, and parents prior to enrollment in intervention .

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is designed to teach acceptable/appropriate behaviors and not merely punish unacceptable behavior. It must be firm, fair, and consistent. It is essential that every student feel accountable to all school employees for behavior. Any time a staff member notices a student's behavior, they may take the appropriate action (reward/intervention) whether or not the student is assigned to their classroom and regardless of their position. Fair, consistent student discipline enhances the learning process and environment for all students and ensures a safe learning environment. It is expected that all students will abide by the school's PBIS system.

The PBIS system has as its foundation the following premises:

1. No student shall keep a teacher from teaching or another student from learning.

2. Students shall not be permitted to harm themselves or others.

3. Students shall mature emotionally by learning to take responsibility for their actions.

4. Students shall treat others how they, themselves, would like to be treated.

From the following commitments based on the parameters of PBIS, the following schoolwide expectations were developed and created to revolve around the four School-Wide Expectations of Responsibility, Optimism, Accountability, and Respect (ROAR)! The pride of the Litel Lions.

1. Be RESPONSIBLE: Think-Pause-Problem Solve.

2. Be OPTIMISTIC: Collaborate with others and always try your best.

3. Be ACCOUNTABLE: Be prepared, be ready to learn, and learn from your mistakes.

4. Be RESPECTFUL: Thoughtful actions lead to always treating others with kindness and respect.

All of these positive actions transfer to a daily common language and applications of treating all adults and students with respect, by respecting school and private property, following directions, exhibiting safety at all times including the demonstration of excellent "sportsmanship", and lining up prepared and ready to learn.

THIS IS WHAT LITEL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS WILL DO EACH AND EVERY DAY TO MAKE ALL OF THE LIONS AND CUBS FEEL GOOD ABOUT LEARNING AND DOING THEIR BEST.

Rewards

We believe that students who choose to follow these rules should be recognized for demonstrating responsible behavior, thoughtful actions, courtesy toward others, and perseverance. This is enacted through our awards program. Please refer to the Awards Program section. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in the bi-weekly PBIS Store for earning their Pride tickets or points as well as being selected to walk the red carpet to claim their Leader of the Pride treat.

Consequences

Student discipline is approached in a positive, proactive, and consistent manner that emphasizes fairness, accountability, and growth. Our approach to progressive discipline is designed to help students reflect on their choices, learn from their experiences, understand the impact of their actions, and make better decisions in the future. Through the use of a common language and clear behavioral expectations, we encourage students to develop responsibility and self-awareness.

The Litel staff is committed to recognizing and reinforcing positive behavior through encouragement, positive relationships, and consistent use of affirming language and actions. When a student's behavior does align with the school's expectations, appropriate interventions and disciplinary consequences will be implemented in accordance with our progressive discipline policy. Our goal is

always to support students in learning from their mistakes and growing as responsible members of the school community.

Teachers work closely with students and families to address concerns and support positive behavior. If a student's behavior persists despite classroom interventions, an office referral may be made. In cases involving serious misconduct or behaviors that pose a safety concern, an immediate office referral may be necessary.

Please refer to the resources below:

Class Parties are limited to four per year: Halloween, Winter Holiday, Valentine’s Day, and End of Year.

• These parties may not exceed an hour and a half in duration.

• For safety reasons, non-school aged children and students not enrolled at Litel cannot attend parties.

When it's raining BEFORE school, students in TK/Kindergarten will directly enter through their gates to class. Students in grades 1-3 will enter the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) to wait until 7:50 a.m. Students in grades 4-6 will wait in the cafeteria area until 7:50 a.m. Students arriving after 7:50 a.m. must sign in at the office. Umbrellas must be closed in hallways and classrooms.

On rainy days, the staff works especially hard to guard the health and safety of students. On these days, recess is spent in the classroom. Students are given a restroom break and usually play quiet games in the classroom during recess time.

1. The principal or designee will call rainy day schedule whenever the weather appears to be too inclement for the health and safety of children.

2. The rainy-day lunch schedule will be in effect on days when it is too wet and/or unsafe for students to be on the blacktop.

3. The cafeteria supervisors, administrators, and support staff will monitor students to maintain order and safety.

Students must avoid running, pushing, loitering, or playing in or near the restrooms. Students should use the restrooms at recess and only use the restroom during instructional time if it is an emergency. If there is a medical issue that requires your child to use the restroom frequently, please let the teacher know.

CVUSD Board Policy and California Legislation (AB 1626) stipulates that all students being promoted to the next grade level must meet minimum grade level standards. Using multiple measures, student progress will be carefully monitored throughout the school year. Parents of students who are at risk of retention will be notified by their child’s teacher by the eighth week of school. A Student Teacher Excellence Plan (STEP) meeting will be held to share data, set goals, and determine interventions to be put in place. Subsequent STEP meetings will help to monitor progress. The final decision regarding retention/promotion will be made in May. The teacher, parents, and administration work together in finalizing this decision.

Traffic is heavy during drop-off and pick-up times. Please adhere to the following traffic safety rules and follow the directions of parking lot staff.

1. Students should not be dropped off early or picked up late. There is no student supervision before 7:15 a.m. or after 2:40 p.m.

2. Students may be dropped off from the right lane only. There is no stopping, waiting, or passenger loading or unloading in the left lane. For your child's safety in the parking lot -Do Not Drop students off anywhere except for the designated curbside area in front of the

school or as guided by staff.

3. If you leave your vehicle, it must be parked in a parking space (in the parking lot) or along the curb on the street. All children must be escorted to and from the curb.

4. During heavy traffic times, parents may wait in their vehicles along the curb in the right hand drop off lane. Do not leave a car unattended in the drop off lane. There is no double-parking or waiting in the left-hand (no stopping passing) lane.

5. The drop-off lane is for quick loading and unloading of passengers only. Please park in a space to avoid impeding traffic flow if your child needs more time.

6. Please pull as far forward as possible in the drop-off lane.

7. Do not go around waiting for cars to fill an opening in the drop-off lane. The other vehicles will move up. Please stay in line and wait your turn.

8. Always have children enter vehicles on the curbside. Do not allow them to go into the traffic lane to enter the car.

9. Do not drive into or block the handicap parking areas to drop off children. These spaces are legally reserved for cars with handicap placards or license plates.

10. Please use the sidewalks around the parking lot. Students should not walk unescorted through the the parking lot or exit areas.

11. Double parking, jaywalking, U-turns, and impeding the flow of traffic all create extreme and unnecessary hazards for our children. Please refrain from these unsafe (and illegal) practices.

12. Never ask your child to run or walk across the street (Eucalyptus). Cross streets at crosswalks ONLY.

There is no left turn to exit out of the parking lot during arrival and dismissal times.

The purpose of Saturday School is to recoup Average Daily Attendance (ADA) that is lost due student absences. Invitations to Saturday School are sent home with eligible students several times throughout the school year. Please check with the Office Staff for any questions.

Healthy snacks are permitted during first recess but must be in a carefully sealed package in order to prevent a reoccurring ant problem. Sharing of snacks is prohibited due to health concerns.

The purpose of a STEP meeting is to address any academic and/or behavior concerns from either the teacher or the parent. The student study team will usually be made up of the current teacher(s), the parent(s), an administrator and the student, when appropriate. Any concerns should be directed first to the classroom teacher.

TK-6 students are issued a district computer device to be used throughout the school year. All students are expected to complete and return a CVUSD Device Protection Plan & Agreement form. Students are expected to care for and use the device appropriately. Certain grade levels may be able to take their device home. Please wait for further information and directions from the teacher or school.

The State of California and the Board of Education of the Chino Valley Unified School District have passed laws and Board Policies that require that any visitor on campus must sign-in at the school office using the Visitor Aware System. You will need to have a picture ID to scan into the system the first time. In addition, it is required that a picture be taken of each visitor using the Visitor Aware system. This ensures the safety of our staff and students. To avoid long lines for special events, it is advisable to have your visitor badge completed early. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Parents are always welcome to assist at our school. Volunteers need to remember to sign-in at the office and wear a visitor’s badge that is clearly visible, prior to going to the classrooms. Teachers will notify you regarding opportunities to volunteer. The PTA also offers numerous Parent Volunteer programs to assist our school in academic and social programs. Unfortunately, due to liability, we are unable to accommodate younger siblings in classrooms, field trips, or on the playground during class time and recess. Please make prior arrangements and/or coordinate assistance with teachers during non-instructional time (during recess, before or after school). Additionally, per Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 1240, any person that volunteers 10 days or more per month during the instructional day must be cleared through the district.