Policies & Procedures

(Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, § 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973)

The Tustin Unified School District does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, medical condition, pregnancy and related conditions, retaliation, or political beliefs; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. The District will take steps to assure that the lack of English will not be a barrier to admission and participation in District programs.  A copy of the District’s nondiscrimination policy is available from the Tustin Unified School District Office.

The following position is designated Coordinator for Nondiscrimination at Orchard Hills School to handle complaints regarding discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, and to answer inquiries regarding the District’s nondiscrimination policies:

• Mindy Smith
• Principal
• 714-430-2078

Any student who feels that he/she has been subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying shouldimmediately contact the Coordinator, the principal, or any other staff member. In addition, any student who observes any such incident should report the incident to the Coordinator or principal, whether or not the victim files a complaint.

Any school employee who observes an incident of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying or to whom suchan incident is reported shall report the incident to the Coordinator or principal, whether or not the victim files a complaint.

The Constitution of the State of California requires that we provide a public education to students free of charge. A student’s right to a free education is for all school/educational activities, whether curricular or extracurricular, and whether a student gets a grade for the activity or class.  Subject to certain exceptions, a student’s right to a free public education means that we cannot require you or your students to purchase materials, supplies, equipment or uniforms for any school activity, nor can we require you or your student to pay security deposits for access, participation, materials, or equipment.  Your school may require students to attend a fundraising event; however, if they are unable to raise funds for the event, we cannot prevent students from participating in an educational activity. *For a list of exemptions, please contact the school office.

The California Common Core State Standards and Tustin Unified School District’s curriculum describe what scholars should know and be able to do.  Based on these documents, educational committees have compiled Grade Level Expectancies to assist scholars, teachers, and parents in fulfilling academic expectations. Use this link to access the California Common Core Standards as well as the California Frameworks and Instructional Materials:  http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/

Orchard Hills School is proud of its excellent curriculum and well-prepared teachers.  Each child will receive rigorous instruction in reading, writing, math, history/social science, science, physical education, and visual/performing arts, using engaging instructional strategies, supported by the use of technology.  All children have access to State and District adopted textbooks in addition to supplementary materials to help scholars reach grade level expectations. 

It is very important that you and your child review the rules for arriving and leaving the school safely.  Please note that the local police department does patrol our school area.  Be sure that you pick up your child promptly if they aren’t walking home.  Students not picked up 20 minutes after the dismissal bell will be directed to the office to call home. Please cooperate fully with the Orchard Hills Staff on parking lot patrol as they have your child’s safety as their highest priority. 

STUDENTS

• All students will cross the street in marked crosswalks only.
• Children need to exit on the right – curb side of the vehicle.
• Students are to follow the directions of the staff on duty
• Students riding bicycles are to ride in the same direction as traffic, walk bicycles in the crosswalks to cross streets, and walk their bicycles when on any part of the campus.
• Students who ride a bicycle must wear a helmet.

PARENTS

• The parking lot may NOT be used as a student drop off zone.  If parents park in the parking lot, parents must get out of the car and escort their child through the parking lot to the designated/marked crosswalks.
• Please arrange a meeting place with your child in case of rain.  
• Do not double park in front of the school or in the parking lot. Double parking is illegal.
• Comply with all signs and arrows in the parking lot.
• No parking in the drop off zones.  If you plan to leave your car, park in the designated parking places only.  Do not park in a marked stall.  Our parking lot is monitored by the Irvine Police Department.  Visitors parking in a staff space or parking illegally are subject to citation.
• NO PARKING, LOADING OR UNLOADING IN ANY RED ZONE.  Loading and unloading is permitted in the yellow zones only.

Communication with our families is extremely important. The Orchard Hills School Flyer is a weekly e-mail blast to keep you well informed. Emergency communication is done through phone or email Aeries Communications and is linked to the contact information you provide in the Aeries Parent Portal, so please make sure that your information is up to date at all times.

For information that cannot be sent via e-mail or needs to be sent in paper format, students have a weekly Friday folder. This folder will be sent home with your scholar each Friday and should be returned on Monday.  This folder will be used for the entire school year, so please do your best to keep it in good condition. 

Backpacks are strongly recommended for each scholar. This will provide your child a way to get homework, books, and other school materials to and from school safely. *Backpacks are kept outside, so please do not send any valuables to school.

Regular and punctual attendance in school is essential to a scholar’s success. Absence from school is one of the greatest contributing factors to lack of academic growth.  Pupils are required by law and Education Code 48260 to attend school punctually and regularly:  Any pupil subject to compulsory full-time education who is absent from school without valid excuse three days in one school year or tardy or absent for more than any 30-minute period during the school day without valid* excuse on three occasions in one school year is considered truant and may be reported to the attendance supervisor or to the superintendent of the school district.

Regular attendance at school is important for every scholar for the following reasons:

• Scholars need to be in class to learn.
• The teaching-learning process builds on lessons previously taught.
• Lessons often involve hands-on activities which cannot be easily replicated outside of class.
• Scholars develop the habits of good attendance and punctuality for future careers.
• School funding is dependent on scholar attendance.

The State of California has a compulsory education law.  This law states that scholars are required to attend school punctually and regularly.

1.     *Excused Absence:  Absence for causes listed in the State Educational Code are: illness, medical, dental, and optometry appointments.  For any type of doctor’s appointment, please bring a doctor’s note. Scholars that have a morning or afternoon doctor appointment are required to come to school for the portion of the day that the scholar is not at the doctor’s office.  (Example:  Scholars that have morning appointments must come to school after the appointment, and scholars having afternoon appointments, must come to school for the morning).

2.     Unexcused Absence:  Absences for any reason other than those listed above (includes family vacations and athletic events).  Truancy that is intentional is a violation of state attendance laws. These absences, regardless of advanced notice, will trigger attendance violation letters after the third unexcused absence. The purpose of the letters is to keep parents informed of the State of California compulsory education law.

3.     Emergency Trips:  Scholars may be placed on an “Independent Study” when it is necessary for them to be away from school because of emergency trips. In order to meet your child’s educational needs, contact the school office at least ten days prior to absence for approval.  This will allow for teachers time to adequately prepare lessons for your child’s Independent Study. Independent Study is valid for not less than 5 consecutive school days at time, and no more than 10 total days in a school year. Work is provided the last day of attendance and due the day the child returns to school. Actual attendance credit is determined once completed work is received by the school.

4.     Reporting Absences: Parents must report your child’s absence to the school office; please report absences immediately. You may report absences by filling out the Report an Absence form on the Orchard Hills School website, writing a note, or calling (714) 430-2078.  The note should include the child’s name, grade, date(s) of absence and reason for the absence.  Only the child’s parents and / or legal guardians may report an absence. 

5.     Tardies: Scholars arriving late to school or leaving school early 30 minutes and/or more will be considered truant if there is not a medical reason (see excused absences).   Scholars arriving late to school 30 minutes or more must be signed in by parent.  Students leaving school more than 30 minutes prior to dismissal time (if not a medical reason), qualifies as an unexcused tardy.

Consequences for Truancy or Unexcused Absence:  On the scholar’s first day back to school after an absence, the scholar must bring a signed written note from his/her parent/guardian which lists the date of absence and specific reason for the absence.  In lieu of a written note, a parent/guardian may call the school office or e-mail the attendance clerk.

• Truancy Letter #1 = 3+ Unexcused absences
• Truancy Letter #2 = 6+ Unexcused absences
• Truancy Letter #3 / DA Truancy meeting = 6+ Unexcused absences
• Truancy Letter #4 SART (School Attendance Review Team) = 8+ Unexcused absences
• Truancy Letter #5 SARB (School Attendance Review Board) = 10+ Unexcused absences

Scholars that have excessive absences may be referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB).

Please remember that consistent attendance (including being on time to school) is critically important.  Please refrain from scheduling vacations while school is in session. 

Please be sure to keep the office informed of any new home, work, or cell phone numbers or emails. You may also update your information on the Aeries Parent Portal, which can be found on the Quick Links section of the Tustin Unified School District website. If you have a new address, you will need to bring in proof of residence to the office. Please keep the office up to date in any changes to custody agreements, etc. As a reminder only the individuals listed on Aeries may sign out or pick up students.

In order for scholars to achieve both academically and socially, it is critical that Orchard Hills School has high expectations for student conduct.  Teachers communicate expectations necessary to promote an appropriate learning atmosphere.  Scholars are informed of and practice these behavior expectations throughout the school year.  Below, we have included the expectations that will be implemented in every classroom throughout the school.  We encourage all parents to review these expectations and to reinforce them with your child(ren) at home.  When school staff, parents, and scholars all work together as partners, we will be most successful.

Orchard Hills Hawks Have respect, Act responsibly, Work together, Know your strengths, and Stay safe

Orchard Hills School is a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) school. This school-wide discipline system includes proactive strategies for defining, teaching and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create a positive school environment. Students are expected to comply with behavioral guidelines in the classroom and on the playground. Posters outlining these expectations can be found throughout campus.

ACCEPTANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY

It is the responsibility of:

• the school to develop, teach, promote, and enforce codes of behavior.
• the teachers to organize and manage an environment that is conducive to learning and to teach and reinforce acceptable forms of behavior.
• the scholars to follow school rules and to accept and understand the logical consequences of their actions, if rules are not followed.
• the parents to assist in reviewing the rules with their child and promoting support of a safe, nurturing, and orderly environment.
• the school personnel and parents to recognize and respond appropriately to positive and negative behaviors.

 Teachers reinforce appropriate behavior through praise and other forms of positive recognition in the classroom.  Additionally, scholars may receive OH Tix and special recognition, which will be presented at our Flag Assemblies and Trimester Award Assemblies.  The OH Tix recognizes scholars for their positive contributions to our school. Scholars who earn OH tix may trade them in for items and special activities at our PBIS Store. 

Although we will focus primarily upon positive reinforcement of appropriate and exemplary behaviors, parents will be informed by phone, email, and/or in writing if the behaviors below are displayed:

• Fighting, profane or vulgar language/gestures
• Violence or aggression
• Defiance of authority
• Missing or late class work or homework assignments
• Repeated offenses on the playground
• Repeated interruption of learning in the classroom
• Technology/internet misuse

Severe Violation of school rules Please know that there are special, very serious situations, which may result in a child to be suspended from school 1-5 days, or possible recommendation for expulsion as defined in Education Code Section 48900. These include, but are not limited to fighting/deliberate injury to others, stealing, vandalism, repeated classroom interruptions or possession of dangerous objects (knives, explosives, firearms, drugs, or “look-alike” guns/knives).

CONSEQUENCES

The consequence for inappropriate behavior will vary, depending on the incident.  Teachers will provide parents with their classroom rules and expectations. Teachers will inform parents of situations that arise at school via email, phone, or through the use of a referral.  A referral is simply our way of informing you of an incident that occurred at school and how it was resolved. We ask that you follow up with your child by asking two simple questions. 1) What happened? 2) What will you do differently next time? This helps your child process what occurred and stay focused on developing the tools to handle the situation more successfully in the future.

It is our goal to make our playground a safe and fun place for scholars to exercise through games and activities.  We will work with scholars in a positive manner while instilling attitudes of respect, responsibility, and appropriate decision-making skills. 

ITEMS FROM HOME

Toys should not be brought to school without permission from your child’s teacher.  This includes balls, games, electronic toys, trading cards, etc.  Toys or electronic devices brought to school may be held by a teacher until the scholar’s parent comes to pick up the item.  We ask that parents help monitor and enforce this expectation.

SAFETY & RESPECT

In any situation, scholars are expected to not engage in any activity that will endanger your safety or the safety of others.  

CONDUCT

• Bodily contact on the playground should be avoided at all times.  There will be no piling on top of others or “ganging up” for any purpose.
• Fighting is NOT allowed.  Do not push, trip, or shove any person at any time, not even if you are just “playing.”  Fighting or threatening others will result in disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion.
• Teasing and name-calling is not allowed.
• During recess time, games are open to all scholars unless restricted to specific grade level. *Scholars are not allowed to “exclude” another child from joining a game.
• Scholars are expected to show respect for ALL adults as well as other scholars.  They are to follow directions the first time they are given.  All staff members maintain the responsibility for the safety and welfare of scholars on school grounds, and our scholars have the responsibility to behave in a safe, orderly, and respectful manner.
• Teachers will review specific playground and equipment rules/expectations with scholars periodically throughout the school year.

DESIGNATED AREAS

Scholars should not be any unsupervised area.  When grassy areas get wet or muddy, scholars are required to stay on the blacktop play area.  Scholars are not to go to their classroom or other teacher’s classroom during recess or lunch without adult permission and direct supervision.

BIKES AND SCOOTERS (RAZORS)

For safety reasons there is to be no riding of these vehicles on school grounds. Once on school grounds, scholars must walk their vehicle. Helmets must be worn and clasped. Students must provide their own lock and lock their vehicles in the designated racks on campus.

RESTROOMS

Restrooms are to be used appropriately at all times.  No playing or loitering in the restrooms.  Students are encouraged to use the restroom during recess.  Scholars are encouraged to use the restroom prior to playing. Teachers will go over specific class restroom procedures/expectations with scholars at the start of the school year.

HALLWAYS AND WALKWAYS

Scholars are required to use walkways and walk, unless playing on the field or in a supervised game.  Under no circumstances are scholars to climb fences or walls, or walk through parking areas or planters.

EQUIPMENT

Swings, slides, bars, etc. are to be used safely and properly.  Scholars should not jump from swings or attempt to skip bars while crossing monkey bar apparatus.

SNACKS

Snacks are to be eaten in the Quad.  Gum is not allowed at any time on school grounds, and candy is highly discouraged.  Trash is to be thrown away in trash containers. *Only non-edible items should be brought to school to celebrate a scholar’s birthday. To arrange a small/simple celebration for your child’s birthday with classmates, please contact your child’s teacher. Typical celebrations include singing to a child and sharing of a non-edible item (stickers, book, pencil, etc.) or donating a birthday book to the school library.

INJURIES

Scholars are expected to report all injuries to the supervisor/teacher on duty. The health clerk or office staff will determine if parent contact is needed.

Education Law does allow public schools to establish a dress code. 

Student Dress Codes are established to:

• Promote a climate and culture where scholar focus is on learning
• Promote a productive safe instructional environment

While society reflects a wide range of personal expression in clothing, grooming, and accessories, the quality of scholar work and behavior is affected by personal appearance.  Scholars are expected to wear clothing that is clean, neat, appropriate, and safe.

TUSD Dress Code:

To eliminate misinterpretations of the dress code, the following dress standards shall be enforced:

Shirts/Tops

• No tight/revealing shirts (workout tops, undergarments showing, see-through, low-cut, etc.)
• Undergarments must not be visible (including sports bras)
• No bare midriff/crop tops 
• No spaghetti straps, or shirts with less than one inch straps
• No halter or swimwear tops
• No tube tops
• No “underwear” style tank tops
• No shirts with oversize armholes showing torso area

Pants/Shorts/Skirts

• No short-shorts or micro-mini skirts 
• No excessively loose or baggy pants/shorts 
• Pants/shorts must be worn at the waistline
• Pants/shorts may not allow undergarments to be exposed
• No excessively long, untied, or dangling belts
• Overall straps must be worn over the shoulders and buttoned

Footwear

• Footwear which is safe for school activities must be worn at all times
• Footwear must be closed toe and closed back

Dangerous Jewelry/Objects

• No chains, or sharp dangly earrings 
• No dagger style ear plugs
• No riveted dog collars or raised rings
• No chains for wallets 
• No laser light pens 

Other Inappropriate Attire

Clothing, apparel, and jewelry shall be free of writing, pictures, or any other insignia that is crude, vulgar, profane, demeaning, sexually suggestive, or which advocates or promotes racial, ethnic, religious, sexual prejudice or strife, or which relates to the use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol.

• No sex/sexual comments/innuendoes
• No drugs or references to drugs (blunt, 13, hemp, marijuana leaf, 4:20, huff, etc.)
• No tobacco product names or trademarks
• No liquor products or bar names or trademarks/logos
• No depicting a person engaged in illegal activities (tagging, weapons, etc.)
• No hats/caps indoors, and must follow the guidelines above.
• No visible tattoos

*Please label all water bottles, lunch boxes, jackets, and removable clothing items with your child’s name. These items are commonly left on the playground, and as we do our best to return labeled items to the proper owner, unlabeled items will be placed in the Lost & Found located outside the cafeteria.  Any unclaimed Lost & Found items will be donated to charity.

The staff of Orchard Hills School believes that the assignment of meaningful, appropriate homework is an important part of learning.  Homework provides the opportunity for scholars to practice and apply concepts learned during class instruction.  An additional and often overlooked aspect of homework is its impact on the development of responsibility in scholars. Your child should be able to complete homework assignments will minimal assistance.

Homework assignments may include some of the following:

• Long-term projects
• Enrichment activities
• Basic math facts practice
• Spelling

All homework assignments will meaningfully reinforce the curriculum and the District standards. Teachers will provide techniques that will help scholars allocate their time wisely, meet their deadlines, and develop good personal study habits.  Teachers shall coordinate assignments so that scholars receive a balance of homework assignments across the week/ month.

Parental Involvement in Homework

Homework provides opportunities to combine “school learning” with real life situations and to encourage scholars to use what they have learned in the classroom.  Your involvement with your child’s homework keeps you informed about what is being learned so that you can provide opportunities to apply learning as you travel, read, plan, and shop together.  You can help make homework periods more effective for your child in a variety of ways:

• Establish a quiet study area and regular time for homework.
• Provide the “tools” of study (dictionary, pencils, crayons, rulers, calculator, etc.).
• Provide the opportunity to consult outside resources when needed for research.
• Show an interest in your child’s homework and help to plan how it will be done.
• Offer to help with instructions and answer questions.
• Check that assignments are complete and neatly done.
• Praise your child for their hard work.
• Monitor the amount of television/electronic device time.
•  Keep in close contact with your child’s teacher.

We ask for parents help in monitoring and guiding scholars in developing strong homework habits, however we also ask that parents refrain from providing so much help that the child misses out on the practice of the skill or the intended learning opportunity. It is important for children to feel a true sense of accomplishment for work that they have generated, and for working through what we call the “productive struggle.”

Your support of your child’s homework program can be a key factor in your child’s success in school.  We are looking forward to a very positive and successful school year.  As always, we appreciate your support.

Our school office is open daily from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You are welcome to stop by the school office or phone the office (714-430-2078) should you need assistance.  Our Administration team are available to speak with parents and help with any questions, concerns, and situations that you feel need to be addressed. We request that you contact the front office staff to schedule an appointment when needing to meet with Administration. 

If you have an appointment with any staff member we ask that that you arrive on time or you call to let the staff member know that you will be running late or cannot keep the appointment. Staff members often have several meetings scheduled one after another and if you are not on time for your appointment the staff member will not have the appropriate amount of time to devote to you and your child. 

Please note that District, State, and Federal Education Policies govern our school. The office staff /teachers are mandated to follow all rules, regulations, and policies set forth by these governing bodies. We will try to work with families to help provide the most positive experience possible, but we must do so while still adhering to the law.

We understand that emergencies sometimes occur during the day that makes it necessary for you to contact your child.  However, due to the volume of calls in the office, it is difficult for us to deliver messages to scholars in the classroom.  Whenever possible, please make arrangements for your child prior to the school day.  Children will be allowed to use the telephone ONLY in emergencies and very special circumstances. Phone calls, which interrupt the classroom instructional program, will not be put through.

CELL PHONES/SMART DEVICES: To ensure student safety and exposure to unmonitored internet contact directly, or through friends, cell/smart phone use is not allowed on school campus by students (including field trips and CDC).  Cell phones and smart phones that have access to the internet without logging on to our secure network must be stored in the owner’s backpack and powered “off” during the entire school day. Students are not permitted to keep their cell/smart phone in their pockets or desks, or otherwise “on their person” while at school. Smart watches are not to be used during school to communicate with others. Use as a watch or activity tracker is permissible. 

Orchard Hills is a closed campus during school hours.  Scholars may not leave campus during school hours without a parent/guardian signing them out in the office.  All visitors on campus must check in at the office and receive a visitor’s badge.  For the safety and privacy of all students, parent volunteers are not permitted to ‘visit’ with their students during recess and lunch or on the playground.

Only the student’s parent(s) and persons listed on the student’s emergency card may sign the student out of school and/or pick the student up from school.  Please keep your child’s emergency card up to date.  *Photo ID may be requested at any time by school office personnel, as your child’s safety is our top priority.

Parent visits/observations of classrooms are limited to two 30 minute visits/month and must be scheduled in advance through the office to ensure limited interruptions to lessons and/or learning.  All visitors are required to sign-in the front office, wear a visitor’s badge, and will be escorted by school administration.  Parents wishing to speak privately to a teacher may do so outside of instructional time. 

We welcome and encourage parents and community member to volunteer in our classrooms and throughout the school.  All volunteers must schedule volunteer time in advance with teachers and /or staff members.  Please make sure to sign-in at the office and wear a visitor’s name tag.  

To help ensure our volunteer’s focus and for safety reasons, volunteers may not bring young children with them during their volunteer time.  We thank you in advance for your understanding and support in this matter.

The school has a responsibility for first aid   In case of illness, the child will be cared for until the parent arrives or he/she is returned to his/her classroom.  In case of minor injuries, first aid will be administered to the child and he/she will return to class.  In case of major injuries, first aid will be administered and the parent will be immediately notified. If necessary, the school will call 911 for emergency services. BE SURE THAT CURRENT HOME AND WORK PHONE NUMBERS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE SCHOOL.

*Please make sure the school office and your child’s teacher is aware of any health conditions and/or allergies that may be a factor in your child’s daily routine.

Medication to be taken at school will be administered by the Health Clerk or other designated personnel.  For the safety of all students, all medications (prescription and non-prescription) must be delivered to the Health Office by an adult in the current, originally prescribed bottle or container.  A medication permit form needs to be completed and signed by the parent and physician to allow the school to administer the medication.  No medication is to be brought to school by the student, nor will it be sent home with the student.  Students are not to have any medication in their possession on campus; this includes aspirin, cough drops, etc.

In order to provide as healthy a school environment as possible for all children and staff, the following guidelines have been prepared to assist you in decisions relating to your child’s health and school attendance. If your child is not feeling well and you are uncertain about sending him/her to school, it is best to keep your child home and observe him/her for worsening symptoms.  If your child is too ill to attend school in the morning, it is recommend the child stay home all day.

When you make the decision to keep your child home, please notify the school secretary or attendance line that your child will be absent and state the nature of your child's illness.

The library media center is an important part of your child’s reading program and we request your assistance in maintaining our outstanding library at Orchard Hills School.

As part of our reading, research, and library program, scholars will have the opportunity to check out library books on a weekly basis.  Any scholar who checks out a book is responsible for keeping it in good condition and returning it to the library when it is due.  We do not charge fines for overdue books, but we ask for the replacement cost of any book that has been lost or damaged. The Library Media Technician will notify the parent(s) of the lost book title and the replacement cost. 

Scholars are provided textbooks and workbooks at no cost. Scholars will be required to have these textbooks in class and available for use with lessons each day. Any lost or damaged textbook will need to be replaced at a charge to the scholar/parent. Specific prices for each book are determined by the actual replacement cost.

iPad Use in the Elementary Classroom

• Kindergarten through 4th grade students - iPads are available for instructional use in the classroom and remain in the classroom.
• 5th grade students - Students in 5th grade are issued an iPad that is to be used for their coursework both in class and at home.  Students are expected to arrive to school each day with a fully charged iPad.

Insurance for Elementary iPads

It is highly recommended that insurance be purchased for 5th grade student iPads.  Information for purchasing insurance can be found at this TUSD Technology Community link (http://bit.ly/2DDqamt).  If insurance is not purchased, and the device is damaged, fines associated with the repair will be assessed to the student’s library account.

Accident Insurance for your child may be obtained by completing the Scholar Accident Insurance form.  This form will be sent home by the school office the first week of school.  If you desire this insurance coverage, please mail the form directly to the insurance company to ensure coverage for the year.  PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THE APPLICATION TO THE SCHOOL.

Each child should assume responsibility for the care of his/her belongings.  To assist each child and the school staff, be sure to label all personal belongings such as coats, sweaters, jackets, books, back packs, lunch boxes, etc. with your child’s name.  If an item is misplaced, encourage your child to check in his/her classroom, the school office or the lost and found located outside the multi-purpose room.  Items not claimed will be donated to charity at winter break and at the end of the school year.

Orchard Hills School has an active PTO. This organization raises money to support and supplement the education of each scholar at this school. Recent ways in which PTO has/is supporting the school include: Literacy Aides, Meet the Masters Art instruction, primary grades music appreciation, playground sunshade, assemblies, programs, family nights, Welcome Back to School event, Staff Appreciation, the Annual Jogathon, technology, field trips, and many more wonderful contributions to our school. We encourage you to join PTO!

Catalyst Kids is an onsite childcare facility that provides quality childcare to scholars both before and after school.  If you are interested in this program, please contact Catalyst Kids at 714-731-1779 for specific details.

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is essential to school success. Students are not allowed to participate in after school activities if they have been absent on the same day.

SCHOOL DAY Please see the Bell Schedule in this handbook for the beginning and ending times for the school day. Students are to arrive no earlier than 7:30 a.m. on regular and minimum days. Students are to vacate no later than 2:55 p.m. unless participating in supervised activities.

EARLY DISMISSAL Students who will be leaving early need to be signed out on the Early Release Log in the office by their parent/guardian. Students will be called to the office by a staff member when the parent arrives in the office and signs out the student. Only adults on the contact list in Aeries will be allowed to sign the student out. Please update your Aeries contact list regularly. *Please note, an early release greater than 30 minutes is considered a truancy by education code unless it is for a medical reason.

STUDENT RELEASE PROCEDURE Students may be released only to those adults that are listed in the Aeries contact list. The parent must keep this up to date. This is for the protection of all students – no exceptions.

PROCEDURE TO REPORT AN ABSENCE The parent/guardian MUST call, e-mail, or write a note to the attendance office (not the teacher) to report an absence for a student prior to the readmission to class. Absences need to be reported within three days. Please include the student’s name (first and last), grade, reason, date of the absence, the person reporting the absence and relationship to the student. Parents will receive a phone call at the end of the school day notifying them that their student was absent and the attendance office was not notified. Parents can access attendance for their student on their Aeries Parent Portal. If the parent receives a call and feels it is not correct, the student should contact the teacher who marked them absent and the teacher will notify the attendance office.

EXCUSED/UNEXCUSED ABSENCES AND TARDIES The only excused absences/tardies are for illness, medical appointments, death in the immediate family, quarantine under the direction of the county or city health officer, to spend time with an immediate family member who is an active duty member and has been called to duty, participation in religious instruction or exercises in accordance with district policy, or for the purpose of attending the pupil’s naturalization ceremony to become a US citizen. If your student has a medical appointment, they MUST bring in notification from the medical office. Every unexcused absence can jeopardize a student’s grades and impact student learning.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE REVIEW BOARD (S.A.R.B.) In 1974, the Legislature enacted Education Code (EC) Section 48320 to enhance the enforcement of compulsory education laws and to divert students with school attendance or behavior problems from the juvenile justice system until all available resources have been exhausted. Although the goal is to keep students in school and provide them with a meaningful educational experience, SARBs do have the power to refer students & their parents or guardians to court.

TARDINESS A student is considered tardy when he or she is not in his or her seat when the class bell rings. Students arriving at school after the school bell has rung must report to the Attendance Window at the office prior to reporting to class. Excessive tardiness will result in a School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting between parents, student, and administration to address attendance issues and find solutions to improve student attendance. Tardies are calculated for disciplinary purposes per semester and totaled by class. Students who exceed a total of five tardies in a semester and who do not have recurring tardies in individual classes, may meet with an administrator or counselor and receive detention. Students who have multiple tardies in a class may receive consequences as outlined:

Academic Honesty Policy

Orchard Hills believes that a sound educational program must insist upon academic honesty. We expect Orchard Hills students to display personal integrity and self-respect. Students should understand that learning to prepare for an exam is as important as the material being covered. The final value of one’s education is what is learned and not what grade a student receives. Grades mean little when cheating is accepted. Assisting someone else to cheat is no different than cheating yourself.

The following actions, but not limited to, are in violation of Orchard Hills School’s Academic Honesty Policy:

• Copying from another student’s assignment or test.
• Using a “cheat” sheet or other external assistance.
• Stealing or borrowing without expressed teacher permission of a test, quiz, and/or other confidential document.
• Making a copy, in part or in whole, of a confidential document, including but not limited to, taking a picture of a test or quiz.
• Using a paper one has written for one class in another class without teacher permission.
• Creating false data for a bibliography.
• Watching a video or reading “Cliff Notes” of a literary work in place of reading the piece.
• Borrowing a study sheet or object with answers and copying them as one’s own work.
• Plagiarism: Copying word for word in part or in whole from a source without giving proper credit to the author. This includes electronic sources and/or services found on the internet.
• Turning in someone else’s work, in part or in whole, including but not limited to, erasing/deleting someone else’s name and substituting it for your own.
• Forgery of a parent or guardian signature on a school document.
• Unauthorized collaboration: Working with another student on a project, assignment, homework, test, etc. without expressed permission from the teacher. This also includes but is not limited to lending or showing your paper and/or assignment to another student for any reason without the expressed permission from the teacher.
• Successfully or unsuccessfully attempting to solicit another in the process of violating Orchard Hills’s Academic Honesty Policy.
• In any way attempting to or planning to engage in the process of violating Orchard Hills School’s Academic Honesty Policy.
• In any way assisting another student with the process of Orchard Hills School’s Academic Honesty Policy.

Consequences for violating the Orchard Hills Academic Honesty Policy may include:

First Offense: Student receives a zero grade on the assignment. Teacher calls the parent(s)/guardian(s) and informs them that the student will be referred to the Assistant Principal. Referral to Assistant Principal. Administrative lunch detention assigned. Documented in Aeries discipline record.

Second Offense: Student receives a zero grade on the assignment. Teacher calls the parent(s)/guardian(s) and informs them that the student will be referred to the Assistant Principal. Administrative after school detention assigned. Parent conference. 

Bicycles, Skateboards, Scooters & Skates

Students may ride bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, or skates to school as long as they do so in a responsible manner. To prevent theft, bicycles and skateboards must be locked to the racks in the designated bike racks. Every precaution is made to ensure the safety of bicycles and skateboards parked at Orchard Hills during the school day. However, Orchard Hills School cannot be held financially liable should a bicycle or skateboard be stolen or damaged. Bicycles, skateboards, rollerblade/skates are never to be ridden inside the gates of Orchard Hills School or in the parking lot. They must always be walked along the outer perimeter of the parking lot while on campus, and on the sidewalk, and across the crosswalks going to and from school. In addition, all students should register their bicycle with the Irvine Police Department. The bicycle and skateboard safety law requires that all persons under 18 years of age wear a helmet. Students who do not wear a helmet run the risk of having their bicycles or skateboards impounded until a parent can pick up the item or provide the student with a helmet.

BICYCLE RIDER’S RULES

It is against the law to ride a motorized scooter unless you are at least 16 years of age. If you have additional questions regarding traffic safety laws you are encouraged to visit the Irvine Police Department Web Site at www.cityofirvine.org/ipd

DRESS STANDARDS

Orchard Hills School’s students are expected to wear clothing that is comfortable, clean, safe, and APPROPRIATE. What a student wears to school must not disrupt the educational process at Orchard Hills. Orchard Hills School strictly enforces the Tustin Unified School District dress code policy.

Students MAY NOT WEAR:

1. Clothing/Apparel that causes undue attention or distraction from the educational process. Examples include: 
   • See-through Blouses/Shirts
   • Bare Midriff Tops (if skin shows when arms are raised above head, the top is too short)
   • Bare Back Tops
   • Low cut or hip-hugger pants/jeans
   • Exposed Undergarments
   • Halter Tops/Tank Tops/Spaghetti Straps/Off shoulder tops (straps must be at least 4 fingers wide)
   • White cotton-ribbed underwear tank tops
   • Shorts or skirts must not go above mid thigh
   • No tube skirts or dresses
   • Pajamas 
   • Slippers
   • Tattoos
   • Hats/Head Coverings, including hoods of sweatshirts (unless medically or religiously required) inside a building (i.e. classroom, MPR, office, etc.) Hats may be worn outside.
   • No holes in pants/shorts above mid-thigh. Pockets cannot be exposed.
2. Clothing/Apparel which may be considered dangerous or a health hazard:
   • Excessively Baggy or Loose Clothes
   • Pants Worn Below the Hips
   • Barefoot – APPROPRIATE SCHOOL SHOES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES
3.  Clothing/Apparel that is associated with gangs or illegal activities.
4. Clothing/Apparel containing symbols and or slogans oriented toward degrading or glorifying cultures, ethnicity, gender, religion, and ethnic values.
5. Clothing/Apparel containing symbols, or slogans glorifying sex, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and violence. Any type of clothing that the administration deems to be inappropriate at school may be brought to a parent’s attention.

As fashion trends change, there may be a need to modify dress standards. When this occurs, students and parents will be notified. Students may be notified through the bulletin, discussions with teachers, and/or announcements. Please call the school at any time for clarification prior to purchase of school clothing. Parent support in encouraging students to dress appropriately is greatly appreciated.

• First Offense – Warning; change into school-issued or appropriate garments
• Second Offense – Referral and lunch detention; change into school-issued or appropriate garments; inappropriate clothing released to student at end of school day
• Third Offense – Referral and after school detention; change into school-issued or appropriate garments; inappropriate clothing released to students at the end of school day. Parents are informed of ramifications of the fourth offense.
• Fourth Offense – ATS; conference with parent and student.

Tustin Unified School District - Orchard Hills School

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

(Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, § 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973)

The Tustin Unified School District (Tustin USD) is committed to ensuring equal, fair, and meaningful access to employment and education services. The District prohibits, in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity, unlawful discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, intimidation, and bullying, based on actual or perceived race or ethnicity, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, medical condition, pregnancy and related conditions, retaliation, or political beliefs; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. The District will take steps to assure that the lack of English will not be a barrier to admission and participation in District programs. A copy of the District’s nondiscrimination policy is available from the Tustin Unified School District Office.

The following position is designated Coordinator for Nondiscrimination at Orchard Hills School to handle complaints regarding discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, and to answer inquiries regarding the District’s nondiscrimination policies:

• Mindy Smith - Principal
• Office: 714-430-2078

Any student who feels that he/she has been subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying should immediately contact the Coordinator, the principal, or any other staff member. In addition, any student who observes any such incident should report the incident to the Coordinator or principal, whether or not the victim files a complaint.

Any school employee who observes an incident of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying or to whom such an incident is reported shall report the incident to the Coordinator or principal, whether or not the victim files a complaint.

THE TITLE IX/BULLYING COMPLAINT MANAGERS FOR OUR SCHOOL ARE:

• Mindy Smith / Principal's Office
• Mai Huynh / Assistant Principal's Office
• Jaclyn Spangler / Assistant Principal's Office

REPORT DISCRIMINATION, HARRASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING TO ANY OF THE PEOPLE LISTED HERE OR TO ANY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR. THEY CAN HELP!

Tustin Unified School District - Orchard Hills School

Student Fees - Revised 10-3-14

Dear Parents and Guardian: The Constitution of the State of California requires that we provide a public education to students free of charge. A student’s right to a free education is for all school/educational activities, whether curricular or extracurricular, and whether a student gets a grade for the activity or class. Subject to certain exceptions, a student’s right to a free public education means that we cannot require you or your students to purchase materials, supplies, equipment or uniforms for any school activity, nor can we require you or your student to pay security deposits for access, participation, materials, or equipment. Your school may require students to attend a fundraising event; however, if they are unable to raise funds for the event, we cannot prevent students from participating in an educational activity. 

These exceptions are: 

• Charges for optional attendance as a spectator at a school or District sponsored activity. 

• Charges for food served to students, subject to free and reduced price meal program eligibility and other restrictions specified in law. 

• Paying the replacement cost for District books or supplies loaned to a student that the student fails to return, or that is willfully cut, defaced or otherwise injured, up to an amount not to exceed $10,000. 

• Fees for field trips and excursions in connection with courses of instruction or school related social, educational, cultural, athletic, or school band activities, as long as no student is prevented from making the field trip or excursion because of lack of sufficient funds. 

• Medical or hospital insurance for field trips that is made available by the school district. 

• Charges for required medical and accident insurance for athletic team members, so long as there is a waiver for financial hardship. 

• Charges for standardized physical education attire of a particular color and design, but the school may not mandate that the attire be purchased from the school and no physical education grade of a student may be impacted based on the failure to wear standardized apparel “arising from circumstances beyond the control” of the student. 

• Charging for the parking of vehicles on school grounds. 

• Fees for school camp programs, so long as no student is denied the opportunity to participate because of nonpayment of the fee. 

• Reimbursement for the direct cost of materials provided to a student for property the student has fabricated from such materials for his/her own possession and use, such as wood shop, art, or sewing projects kept by the student. 

• Reimbursement for the actual cost of duplicating public records, student records, or a prospectus of the school curriculum. 

• Fees for transportation to and from school, and transportation between school and regional occupational centers, programs or classes, as long as the fee does not exceed the statewide average nonsubsidized cost per student and provided there is a waiver provision based on financial need. 

• Fees for transportation of pupils to places of summer employment. 

• Tuition fees charged to pupils whose parents are actual and legal residents of an adjacent foreign country or an adjacent state. 

• Tuition fees collected from foreign students attending a District school pursuant to an F-1 visa, equal to the full unsubsidized per capita cost of providing education during the period of attendance. 

• Fees for an optional fingerprinting program for kindergarten or other newly enrolled students, if the fee does not exceed the actual costs associated with the program. 

• Fees for community classes in civic, vocational, literacy, health, homemaking, and technical and general education, not to exceed the cost of maintaining the community classes. 

• Deposits for band instruments, music, uniforms and other regalia which school band members take on excursions to foreign countries. 

• Charges for eye safety devices, at a price not to exceed the district's actual costs, in specified courses or activities in which students are engaged in, or are observing, an activity or the use of hazardous substances likely to cause injury to the eyes. 

Wellness Policy

Tustin Unified School District

Undocumented Students and Families

The Tustin Unified School District values all students regardless of their race, ethnicity, or country of origin and we are committed to providing a safe, secure and productive learning environment for all students. The District will take all legal measures to ensure that students’ rights to a public education are maintained. In light of recent political discussions, the District wants to share some facts about how it enrolls students and who has access to students and their school records.

Student Enrollment

All students who reside within the District not only have a right to attend public schools in California, but are mandated to attend (Ed Code 48200). The US Supreme Court has held that no state may deny access to a basic public education to any child residing within the state, whether residing in the US legally or not. (Plyler v Doe 1982). Further, all students have a right to be in a school learning environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, violence, and intimidation (Ed Code 220, 234)

Enrollment documents

The District does not collect information or documentation about a student’s immigration status or Social Security number (Ed Code 48204.1). New students must present proof of residence within the District in order to enroll. Proof of residence may include lease/purchase agreements, escrow papers, mortgage statement, property tax bill, grant deed or a Residence Verification form. The District also requires one current utility bill dated within the last 90 days. In addition to proof of residency within the District, the State of California requires the District to collect students’ country of birth in order to calculate the number of immigrant and English Learner students in the state and to ensure compliance with Title III provisions of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (Ed Code 60900).

Student Privacy Rights

The District is required by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to maintain the confidentiality of all personally identifiable information in education records related to students. (20 U.S.C. 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) Access to student records are only allowed if the requesting agency has a valid court order or subpoena in compliance with FERPA or immigration laws or regulations.

Releasing students to Immigration Enforcement Officials

The District does not release students to ICE officials, unless the officials have a valid court order. If a parent is in custody as the result of an immigration enforcement action, the school will only release students to adults listed on the emergency information card submitted to schools. Parents may update the emergency information on-line at any time of the year to include trusted extended family or non-family members.

Sources: The Association of California School Administrators | Fagen, Friedman & Fulfrost LLP

If a student witnesses or is a victim of bullying/cyberbullying, they must report it to the office. Orchard Hills School has a responsibility to investigate and intervene. Students will be held accountable for their actions and will receive consequences. The goal is to solve the issue; however, if severe or pervasive, a student may be suspended or recommended for expulsion depending on the severity of the incident.