Parent Handbook

Welcome to Pinecrest Schools.  You’ve chosen a private school — an institution which has the freedom to determine its own direction and maintain its own standards. Your family is now part of Pinecrest’s tradition of passing on these high standards.

Who’s Who?

The Teachers not only work with your child in the classroom, they serve children’s best interests throughout the school. The teachers serve as your contact with the school — they are in the best position to help. Their ideal is to work with you as partners. In a private school, taking a concern to what parents may see as “the top” — the administration– actually slows down the response time: the matter is usually referred back to the teachers. Teachers want you to keep in touch; just phone in advance to set a convenient time.

The Principal serves the needs of children in the elementary or middle grades. He or she takes responsibility for daily operations and makes grade-level and classroom placements. Through their presence, knowledge and example, they bring the school’s mission to life and focus it upon the special needs of the age group they serve. The principal verifies that the students who are admitted fit into the curriculum and the overall program.

The Campus Director is also the individual responsible for the school’s overall welfare and the education of your child; for establishing a curriculum that carries out the school’s founding vision; for seeing that the plant and facilities support the program; for overseeing the school’s fund-raising activities; for working with the Board to plan for the future; and for serving as the school’s formal ambassador to the outside world.

Because you have selected a private school to meet the unique needs of your child, the final responsibility for seeing that your school stays on course, furthering the direction and mission originally set by the school’s founder rests with the Board of Directors. In private schools, educational principles, not popular opinion, dictate this direction. The Board members are responsible for keeping their eyes on the big picture; they leave the school’s daily operation to the campus head. They do not ordinarily hear complaints, sit as a court of appeals, or overturn the Principal’s decisions.

Our school community also includes many Support Staff members in the areas of Student Registration, Attendance and Accounting; Administrative Assistance; Health Care Services; Extended-care Programs; and other areas. For more help in “Who To Call”, see our September newsletter, The Pinecone, for a complete Staff Directory.

Part I – School Policies

Attendance Policy/ School Hours

The campus opens at 6:30 a.m. for childcare. (Opening and closing times vary by campus.)  Classes begin at 8:30 a.m. for Kindergarten – 8th grade. Any student arriving late to school must check in at the office upon arrival. As a general rule, Pinecrest students are expected to be on time each day.

Regular attendance at school is necessary for academic success and therefore absences should be kept to a minimum. Absences for personal illness are excusable. Medical, dental and optical appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours whenever possible. Frequent absences or tardies, for other than the above reasons, may adversely affect school grades. Students are responsible for making up all work missed while absent. Please send a note to school when your child returns after an absence.

After arrival at school, students must remain on campus until picked up by a parent or other authorized person. Students must be signed out in the office when leaving before 3:30 p.m. One of our yard supervisors will call your child for you after class is dismissed. Students are released only to authorized persons. Please send a request in writing to authorize your child’s release to a person other than a parent and have that person sign your child out in the office. The campus closes at 6:30 p.m. (Opening and closing times vary by campus.)  A fee of $1.00 per minute is charged after this time.

Bus Rules

1. Board the bus quietly and go to your seat.

2. Remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion. Sit facing forward with your back against the seat.

3. The following behaviors are not allowed:

• No shouting or boisterous behavior.
• No standing or walking around.
• No eating, drinking or gum chewing.
• Do not adjust the windows or extend ANYTHING out of the window.
• Do not throw objects inside the bus or in any way damage the bus or the property of others.

4. Promptly obey all directions of the driver. Our bus driver will conduct bus safety lessons at the beginning of the school year.

5. Riding the bus is a privilege. Failure to follow the bus rules may result in loss of that privilege.

Dress Code

“Pinecrest Attire” (uniform wear) is mandatory for Kindergarten through eighth grade students as follows:

The underlined items are available through our primary supplier, ABC Kids School Discount Uniforms, and may be purchased by mail, or phone at (800) 960-2468.

The only additional acceptable items will be purchases from the “school uniform collections” at stores such as Mervyn’s, Target, Kohls, or Wal-Mart that match our colors exactly. Polo shirts and sweatshirts may be purchased in our office. Please do not try to buy acceptable school clothes from department stores’ regular racks. “Free/special dress” days will usually be the first Friday of the month, unless otherwise scheduled.

For Boys and Girls: Elementary thru Middle School Polo Shirts –Elementary School Only-in white, forest green, burgundy and navy) with Pinecrest School Embroidery. Polo Shirts-Middle School Only-in white, navy, burgundy, forest green, light blue, black, gray with Pinecrest School Embroidery. Walking Shorts (khaki, navy) Fingertip length – knees visible. No “baggies or cargo style” shorts. Shorts must be worn at waist level. Long Pants – Twill or Corduroy (khaki, navy) No “baggies or cargo style” pants; length no longer than tops of shoes. Jackets-Children may wear their own or purchase a Pinecrest jacket with the logo. Sweatshirts- Pinecrest sweatshirts or solid “Pinecrest attire colors” without logo or advertisements. Sweaters- in solid “Pinecrest attire colors” without logos or advertisements. Long Sleeve Turtlenecks – (white, green, burgundy or navy) to be worn under Pinecrest uniform shirt. Plain Belts as needed. Socks/Tights-Shoes must be worn with socks or tights in “Pinecrest attire colors.”

Additional Items for Girls: Jumpers (Pinecrest Plaid, khaki and navy) – no more than 2″ above knee Pleated Skirts (Pinecrest Plaid, khaki and navy) – no more than 2″ above knee Walking Shorts (Pinecrest Plaid) – Fingertip length – No “baggies or cargo style” shorts. Peter Pan Collar Blouse (white) Middy Blouse (white) Capri Pants- Navy or Khaki

Additional Guidelines: No T-shirts of any kind, except Pinecrest camp shirts in hot weather. Socks or tights are required with all shoes, and closed-toe shoes must be worn at all times. Cowboy boots, “Jelly” shoes and slick-soled shoes, sandals and any shoes with wheels are unsafe on playgrounds and climbing equipment and are not allowed at school.

Tattoos of any kind, whether permanent or temporary, are not allowed on any part of the body. Body piercing is unacceptable except for one stud or small hoop (½ inch in diameter for safety) earring in each ear. Bracelets and necklaces (except for religious medallions) should not be worn at school. Extreme styles, including baggy, cargo style, oversized items; short, tight or revealing apparel; unbuttoned shirts; ragged edges; holes in clothing or visible underwear are never appropriate.

Baseball-type caps in solid “Pinecrest” colors (No Logos, Ads or Slogans) or Pinecrest sports caps may be worn outside only (wear with bill forward).

Hair should be cut in “reasonable lengths” – bangs above eyes for both boys and girls. Unnatural colors or extreme styles are not permitted.

On “Free Dress Days” and at all school-sponsored activities, the following items are not acceptable: Overly revealing clothes such as bare-midriff or spaghetti-strap tops, tube tops, sheer clothing, shorts or skirts above fingertip length, tights or spandex worn as outerwear, etc.; torn or frayed clothes or hems; visible underwear; clothing or personal items such as T-shirts with logos or ads, etc. that support alcohol, drugs, gangs, profanity, sexual conduct or violence; P.E. attire worn during the day; non-Pinecrest sweatshirts with logos; sandals or steel-toed shoes; heels over 1 inch high and shoes without socks, stockings or tights.

A student in violation of the dress code will not be permitted to attend class until properly attired. If there is a question on whether a particular garment or style is acceptable, do not wear the item until it has been approved by the administration.

Emergency Procedures

Our Emergency Preparedness Plan calls for the help of every staff member on campus and is designed to communicate plans to the staff and students; safely evacuate children and adults from buildings and playground areas; care for the physical, emotional and medical needs of the children and staff in the first hours after an emergency; and provide for extended care of students and staff if necessary. Both fire and earthquake drills are scheduled during the school year. Each student is required to purchase an earthquake kit upon enrollment and again when it expires, usually in 5 years.

In the event of a major earthquake, the following procedures will be followed:

Guidelines Concerning Sick Children

Students with a temperature one degree or more above normal should not attend school.

Temperature should be normal for 24 hours and there should be no vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours before the child returns to school.

Parents who are notified of a child’s illness should make every effort to come and pick up the child as soon as possible. If a child is too ill to be out with other children in a regular school program, the child should not be sent to school. There are no facilities for the care of sick children.

Physicians Release is required for any injury which requires medical attention (stitches, head injury, fracture, orthopedic appliance usage, etc.) and any communicable disease (rashes of any kind, measles, mumps, conjunctivitis, impetigo, etc.). Students will not be allowed to return to class without a release from their physician.

Health Services

Except in an emergency, students coming to the Office must have a permission slip from their teacher.

As a courtesy to parents, medications being taken by our students on a short term or long-term basis will be given during school hours as time permits. NO GUARANTEE can be made, however, of timely administration. If it is crucial that a dose not be missed, or if time is not flexible, it is advisable to keep the child at home until the condition has stabilized. Medications will be dispensed only on the written permission of the parent and doctor and a daily supply MUST be brought to the health office in a pharmacy prescription container or it cannot be given. All medications should be picked up at the end of each week and at NO time is any kind of medication to be carried by the student or stored in a lunch box or desk.

Lunches

Pinecrest Schools uses Choicelunch as our lunch supplier for all campuses and grades.  Parents will pay Choicelunch directly and must register with the program on-line at www.choicelunch.com.  Choicelunch offers 16 daily selections of hot and cold lunches which may be ordered on-line no later than 9:00 a.m. the day before.

Of course, you may opt to send a sack lunch with your child, any day you choose.  (Please remember, we conitnue to discourage you from sending nuts or nut-butter in your child’s school meals or snacks.)  Please do not send glass contiainers or food items needing microwaving or heating.  Well-mannered eating behavior is expected at all times and students are required to clean up after themselves and discard all trash when finished eating.

Parking Lot

Parking is very limited in our small lot.

Please follow the parking lot TRAFFIC PATTERN:

Parking Entrance – Please pull as forward as possible. You may park in the traffic lanes only if you are Picking Up or Dropping Off your child. Do not park your car or leave it otherwise unattended in the aisles. Please do not block other people’s cars. If you choose to come inside, park in a marked space ONLY.

Thank you for your courtesy and help.

Playground Rules

• We WALK through the campus, playground and equipment areas.
• We never pick up or throw sand or rocks.
• We don’t climb the trees.

We obey the rules for using:

Student Conduct

Pinecrest is a structured school, and as such expects proper behavior from its students. The “Golden Rules” will be passed out in September and each student must read them with his or her parent and sign the bottom portion and return it to the school. The Golden Rules are incorporated herein. Among other things, a Pinecrest student is expected to:

Any serious infraction of the basic rules of acceptable behavior may result in detention and/or suspension or expulsion by the Principal. In addition, Pinecrest is committed to providing an environment free of discrimination. Actions, words, jokes or comments based on an individual’s sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion, etc. will not be tolerated. Our character development program helps students practice positive behavior patterns. At Pinecrest Canyon Country we respect individual differences which exist among us. Students are not to harass, abuse, bully, tease, threaten, torment, humiliate, or intimidate other students either physically, mentally, or emotionally. Actions such as name calling, unwelcome physical contact, and insults are detrimental to a positive school environment, and will not be tolerated. Students are expected to treat each other with courtesy and respect at all times. Sexual harassment or harassment of any kind as described above will not be tolerated and will be grounds for suspension or expulsion.

Gum chewing is not permitted on the school grounds at any time. Students may not bring to school baseballs, hardballs of any kind, bats, paddles, frisbees or weapon-type toys, nor such illegal items as knives, matches or cigarettes. Contraband items will be confiscated and returned only to parents.

Students are not to bring to school: skate shoes, portable radios, tape players, expensive jewelry or games, electronic games, beepers, or other similar personal items. Trading or game cards should be kept at home for weekend play. Toys brought for after-school play should be kept in a backpack or school bag during the day, and marked clearly with the child’s name. Pinecrest cannot be responsible for lost, stolen or broken items.

Superheroes and the imitation of superheroes are common events in the lives of children. When this play becomes too aggressive or out of control, we need to look for different ways to help children express themselves. Please – no Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, etc. at school. Take note of the attitude toward school and learning expressed on such programs as “The Simpsons” and “Southpark” and use your own judgment when considering the purchase of related items.

Earthquake Kit

Each student is required to purchase an Earthquake/Disaster kit, which will have a five (5) year shelf life. The kit will be owned by each student and will move with the student to the next classroom. When leaving the school the kit will be given to the student upon request of the parent. After five (5) years the student will be required to purchase a new kit. If a parent refuses to purchase the required kit, a written Notice of Acknowledgment must be signed and given to the Elementary Office before the enrollment period is over.

Access to Student Records

Hardcover textbooks and some reference materials are supplied for the students’ use during the school year. Students are required to return them in good condition at the end of the term. A charge will be made for lost or damaged books. Textbooks must be covered at all times and covers should be replaced when they become worn. Students may make their own covers from sturdy paper or may purchase book covers. PLEASE, NO CONTACT OR OTHER STICKY PAPER.

It is Pinecrest policy that school textbooks not be used at home during the school year or over the summer for review or extra practice. Supplemental materials that reinforce concepts being taught in class are available at educational materials stores. Your child’s teacher or Principal can help you choose appropriate books.

Pinecrest students are also supplied with consumable workbooks and activity books, teacher-prepared lessons and arts and crafts supplies. You will receive a letter from your child’s teacher indicating supplies that should be brought from home.

Book Bags

Books may be carried inside book bags or back packs only if the pack is small enough to fit completely under a classroom seat, can hang from the back of the chair and (for 6th, 7th and 8th grade) fit into a locker. Duffel bags and sports bags (except Tae Kwon Do sparring bags) are too large to bring to school and present a safety hazard.

Homework

Homework is considered an important part of Pinecrest’s academic curriculum and grade evaluation and its completion is expected as an extension of classroom instruction. Regular homework assignments are given to all students, beginning in Kindergarten. The length of time necessary to complete the assignments will vary with the individual student, and increases with grade level. The following guidelines will usually apply:

Kindergarten: 10 – 15 minutes (Mon. – Thurs.) 1st Grade: 10 – 20 minutes (Mon. – Thurs.) 2nd Grade: 20 – 30 minutes (Mon. – Thurs.) 3rd/4th Grade: 30 – 45 minutes (Mon. – Thurs.) 5th Grade: 45 – 60 minutes (Mon. – Thurs.) 6th-8th Grade: 60 minutes – 2 hours (Mon. – Thurs.)

Grade-point averages are used for grades 3rd through 8th. In computing grade-point average, the following scale is used:

Students with a grade point average of 3.3 or higher without a “D”, “F”, “N”, “U” or “I” on the report card earn “Honor Roll” status. Students with a grade point average of 4.0 or higher receive Principal’s Award Status. Students with a grade-point average below 2.0 are placed on academic probation.

Progress Reports and Report Cards

Detailed report cards indicating scholastic progress are issued four times a year at approximately 10-week intervals. Each quarter is graded separately. Interim progress reports are sent home at least five weeks prior to the end of each quarter, and at other times as necessary, so that there is opportunity for improvement before final grades are recorded. Parent conferences with teachers are scheduled as needed or requested by the parent or teacher. Parents are advised of incomplete class and homework assignments or unsatisfactory conduct. Tests and quizzes with grades lower than “C” will also be sent home for parent signature. Stanford Achievement Tests (Stanford Early School Achievement Test in the Kindergarten classes) are administered to all students in May and the results are usually included with the student’s final report in June.

We expect all of our students to do well. If your student is having trouble in school, the teachers welcome your calls and conference request.

Birthdays, Holidays, etc.

Aspecial way for your child to remember this special day is by making a hardcover book donation to our Library. We will affix a bookplate with your child’s name and date of donation. Your child’s teacher will be happy to help you select an appropriate book.

Field Trips

Class field trips to points of interest such as museums, libraries, etc. are conducted during the school year. Members of sports teams also travel to other schools to compete in after-school athletics. In all instances where students leave campus under the auspices of Pinecrest School, a signed parent consent form (Trip Slip) is required. Trip slips are distributed a few days prior to the activity and must be returned to the teacher prior to the scheduled outing. Details of each trip are given on the form. See the “Special Events Calendar” in the Pinecone each month for upcoming trips. If questions should arise, please phone the school office. Blank field trips slips are also available on the web site if you have lost one.

Library

Our Library is located inside the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR). There is a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction titles, as well as encyclopedias and other reference materials. Fundraisers, including Book Fairs, help maintain and expand our Library. Donations of books and assistance are always welcome!

Lockers

Students in grades 6-8 are issued one locker for the storage of books and P.E. clothes. Watches and jewelry which will not be worn during P.E. Class, should be left in a locked locker. Lock combinations should not be shared with friends, nor should a student ever enter the locker of another student. To do so may result in the suspension of locker privileges. Only combination locks may be used on the lockers and each student must provide their locker combination and locker number to their teacher. Lockers may be periodically inspected. Any Pinecrest textbooks, workbooks or other school supplies found unattended will be held by the office and a “Good Deed” may be required for their return to the student.

Lost and Found

All items found on the yards or in the classrooms are placed in the bins marked “Lost and Found”. These items are sorted as soon as possible. Every effort is made to return items to their owners, but Pinecrest is not responsible for lost items. All jackets, sweaters, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc. should be clearly marked with the student’s name. All unclaimed items will be donated to charity at the end of each quarter.

Communication

Parents and students are kept informed of upcoming events and deadlines through our monthly newsletter, THE PINECONE, as well as reminders in the monthly statements, on our bulletin boards, and through occasional flyers. A yearly calendar is also available in the office.

Parent Involvement

Success in school is often the result of close teamwork between parent and teacher. You can help your child by asking to see homework each night, providing a quiet time and place to work, reading with or to your child, and letting your child know that doing his or her best in school is very important to you.

We welcome our Pinecrest parents to become involved with their child’s learning experience. Teachers need parents who can help plan and carry out class parties, chaperone field trips, make costumes and props for class plays, or act as guest speakers or resource persons on topics of their special interest and expertise. Please let your child’s teacher know how you can help.

Snacks

Snacks such as crackers, chips, pretzels, cookies and fruit rolls, as well as fruit juices, may be purchased from our student stores. The student store is open daily during Recess/Nutrition and after school from 3:30 – 4:00 pm (Snack).

Special Interest Opportunities

Pinecrest students have many opportunities to pursue special interests. Our after school schedule provides a balance of active and quiet activities. Our sports program (After school teams = 4th – 8th grade) is open to everyone, regardless of ability level. In addition, other “fee” classes are offered such as Dance and Tae Kwon Do.

Physical Education

Every student is expected to participate in physical education class each day. Grades are given based on participation, effort, attitude and skills. To be excused from participation in P.E. activities for one to three days requires a written note signed and dated by a parent. After three days, a doctor’s note is required. All P.E. excuses should be delivered to the P.E. teacher on the first excused day. If a permanent excuse from P.E. activities is given, or if more than 50% of P.E. days are missed, no P.E. grade will appear on the report card. Sixth through Eighth graders need a P.E. uniform consisting of green Pinecrest shorts, a gray Pinecrest shirt, white socks and athletic shoes. Sixth through Eighth graders will be expected to dress in complete P.E. uniform daily. P.E. uniforms are optional for Fourth and Fifth Graders. Pinecrest shirts and shorts are available in the P.E. office.

Team Sports

Pinecrest belongs to the San Fernando Valley Private School League and participates in football, basketball, softball, soccer and volleyball, plus other sports selected by the League. Students in grade 4 and up may take part in the sports program upon verification of eligibility. Eligibility includes maintaining at least a “C+” average in academic work, and having no unsatisfactory citizenship marks. Students falling below eligibility level are suspended from the team for a minimum of three weeks to allow more time for study and improvement. Re-evaluation will take place after that time. Practices are held daily prior to the first game of each season. Our winning Bulldog teams depend on players attending every practice and game. Game schedules and permission slips are sent home at the beginning of each sport season.

Telephone

The telephones in the school offices are for school business only. Students may not use the phones without permission from office personnel, and then only in an emergency situation. Students may only receive emergency calls.

Student Council

Fourth through Eighth grade students have the opportunity to participate in Student Council. This group emphasizes service to the school and the community. Our Student Council recognizes Pinecrest students who have pride in themselves and in their school. Members will be allowed to help the administration, teachers, coaches and other Pinecrest faculty members with special activities and events, as well as with specific duties during Open Houses and other events. They also perform special community service projects and will take part in fundraisers.

To be considered for Student Council, a student must maintain a “C” or better grade point average. Teacher recommendations, taking into consideration a student’s academic performance as well as citizenship, are required for each student.

Traditions

Pinecrest students are justifiably proud of their school and are well known for their good sportsmanship, friendliness and manners. Character Education is an integral part of our curriculum.

The Pinecrest Song

Pinecrest is the school for us. We will be victorious! We will always do our share, Playing fair and square. For no matter what we do, We will always see it through, As we learn the golden rule, At Pinecrest Schools!