GENERAL INFORMATION

SCHOOL HOURS

            A.M. Kindergarten                     7:40 -  11:02

            P.M. Kindergarten                    10:33 -    1:55

            Grades 1-6                                 7:40 -    1:55

            Restructured Days                      7:40 -  12:00

Yard supervision begins at 7:20 a.m.  Do not drop children off before this time.  Children who do not ride the bus must be picked up promptly at the end of the school day.  There is no yard supervision after school hours and we cannot be responsible for children who are left unattended.

Office hours are from 7:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.  The telephone number is 728-6366. Our FAX number is 728-6946.

GENERAL PROCEDURES

EMERGENCY CARDS

Emergency Cards must be completed by parents and updated each year.  It is important to fill out the card completely, including cell phone and pager numbers.  Please notify the school of any change in your home address, phone number, work phone, family doctor, babysitter or friends you have listed to be called in an emergency.  Your child can not be released to anyone not listed on this emergency card.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND BIRTH CERTIFICATES

State law and School Board policy require all students to be fully immunized against rubella, diphtheria, hepatitus B, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles and mumps.  Any person who fails to present to the school evidence of the required immunizations, or a signed waiver, will not be allowed to attend school until the required documentation is provided.  Children must have had a health exam (or parental waiver form) before beginning the first grade.

Birth certificates, baptismal record or hospital records are required to verify the age of a child when enrolling to school.

TRANSFERS

If you are moving outside of this attendance area, please notify the school office as soon as possible.   The school office will provide you with information that you will need to enroll your child in a new school.  The office can also provide you with Intra-District Transfer forms.  The PVUSD has an Open Enrollment Policy which allows Intra-District Transfers on a space available basis.

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is essential to a student’s success in school.  Most subjects are taught in sequence, requiring the understanding of each concept in the order of its presentation.  Persistent absenteeism creates a genuine hardship for a student and is regarded as a very serious problem.  When a student has been absent from school, (s)he is to bring a note containing the reason for the absence and a parent’s signature on the day that they return.  Absences are excused for the following reasons only:  illness, injury, medical/dental/eye appointment, or funeral for immediate family member.  All other absences are unexcused.

TARDINESS

Prompt arrival at school is expected of all students.  Late arrival disrupts class and causes loss of instructional time.  Any child who arrives at school after 7:40 A.M. is considered tardy and needs to come to the office to get a “Late Slip”.  If there is excessive tardiness, the teacher will contact the parent.  If the problem persists, the child will be referred to the District Child Welfare and Attendance Office.

EARLY RELEASE FROM SCHOOL

Bradley School is considered a closed campus.  All children must remain on the school grounds during school hours.  If it is necessary for you to pick your child up early for a doctors appointment or family emergency, you must sign them out in the school office.  Prior to the early release, please send a note or call the office stating that you intend to pick your child up at a certain time that day.

LUNCHES

Students may bring lunch from home or purchase a hot lunch or milk.  Hot lunch menus will be sent home monthly with the students.  Lunch tickets may be purchased and they do not have to be used consecutively.  We recommend purchasing tickets so that your children will not have to bring money each day.  Even if your child normally brings his/her lunch, we encourage you to purchase a 5-lunch ticket to have on hand for emergencies.  Free or reduced lunch forms are available in the office.  Prices are:

                                                            Daily                Weekly            Monthly

            Hot lunch with milk                   2.00                  10.00               40.00

            Milk only                                     .30                  1.50                   6.00

In case your child forgets his/her lunch or money, the cafeteria will provide one emergency lunch which consists of milk, cereal, or cheese and crackers.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips provide valuable learning opportunities outside of the classroom so that students may benefit from real life experiences in our central coast area. Field trips are considered to be an extension of the classroom curricular program and must be based on the state standards for each specific grade level. Trips may focus on science, math, language arts, performing arts, or social studies standards. All field trips and itineraries must be approved by the principal, and teachers plan carefully to avoid being off campus during other important school events.

Safety is of utmost importance when planning field trips. In order to ensure the safety of all students, teachers follow all of the district guidelines when planning trips and always take a first aide kit. Teachers are also encouraged to carry a cell phone.

Parent volunteers, who so generously give of their personal time to drive, must all file proof of insurance forms with the office before participating. A parent permission slip is required for each student before s/he may go on the trip. All students are required to wear a seatbelt.

If a parent does not wish for their child to participate on a field trip, they should notify the classroom teacher immediately. The classroom teacher will then provide appropriate classwork  for that student, and arrange for an alternative classroom setting during the day the class is gone.

HEALTH GUIDELINES

We know that sometimes keeping a sick child at home is a great inconvenience, but if that child exposes others, many families suffer.  We ask your cooperation in helping to protect the health of all children and staff by following these guidelines:

Keep children home when they have any of the following symptoms –

·        Fever

·        Runny nose with anything but a clear mucous discharge

·        The first 1-3 days of a cold

·        Cough with mucous secretion

·        Rash or skin ailment (such as impetigo, poison oak, lice, ringworm)

·        Recurring diarrhea

·        Vomiting

·        “Pink eye” (Conjunctivitis)

·        Sore throat

If any of these conditions arise at school, a child may be sent home.  Basic first aid is provided for minor injuries.  If serious injury occurs, parents will be contacted first, then appropriate emergency procedures will follow.  A nurse is present at school only one day per week.  Infectious diseases such as chicken pox, measles, mumps, and lice will be handled according to district policy.  You will receive a notice if your child comes into contact with a reported infectious disease.

MEDICATION

Medications are generally not necessary for students during the school day.  They are justified only in chronic health conditions or short-term acute health conditions.  If a child is required to take oral medication during school hours the following regulations must be followed:

·        Written orders on the required form (available in the office) from the student’s physician must be on file.

·        Medication must be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician.

·        A record will be kept of prescription medication administered by school personnel.

·        Medication will be stored in a locked cabinet in the nurse’s office.  Exceptions (such as asthma inhalers) must be specifically stated by the physician.

·        It is the responsibility of the parent/student to remember to take medication, not the school personnel’s.

·        The school can not administer Tylenol or any other over-the-counter medication unless the same rules as stated above are followed.

TELEPHONE USE

The use of the school telephone by students is limited to emergencies only. (See Telephone Policy pg. 9)

LOST AND FOUND

There is a lost and found box for unclaimed items in the multi-purpose room.  Children are encouraged to check for their lost items.  Small jewelry or money that is found on the playground should be turned in to the Yard Duty or office.  Parents are requested to help eliminate the problem of lost clothing by writing or sewing the name of their child inside coats, sweatshirts, backpacks, lunchboxes, etc.  Unclaimed items in the lost and found will be donated to charity at least two times a year.

PLAYGROUND USE AFTER SCHOOL HOURS

Outside of school hours the playgrounds and fields are used by various informal and formal groups.  It is requested that everyone help keep the school grounds free from litter and broken glass.  If you become aware of vandals damaging the school or grounds, please call the Sheriff’s office and report it immediately.

PUPIL PLACEMENT POLICY

Class formation is determined by a team effort with the principal and the teachers of the previous grade.  Placement will be made based on the following criteria:

·        Considering special needs of all students

·        Balancing boys and girls when possible

·        Balancing performance levels between classes

·        Addressing language ability levels of  second language learners

·        Balancing behavioral and social issues

·        Monitoring  and balancing class size;  keeping combination classes smaller if possible

Classes will be formed in August due to the number of new students who arrive, and those who leave during the summer.  In the best interest of all students, and in providing equal access, parent requests for  a specific learning environment will only be considered if all other criteria (above) are balanced.  Classroom Environmental Request forms are available in the office and must be completed by the Spring deadline.

RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SCHOOL RULES

The rules at Bradley School are made and enforced so that all persons may have safe and productive experiences at school and school events.  The following are the school-wide rules: 

1.      Keep hands, feet and objects to oneself.

2.      Use common sense and be honest.  If you think there’s a chance you might get hurt or hurt someone else either physically or verbally, don’t do it.

3.      Remain in assigned areas.  Stay inside of the yellow line so supervising adults can see you.

4.      Use equipment properly.

5.      Complete and turn in assigned work on time.

Remember:  No one has the right to interfere with others’ right to learn.

Additionally, specific rules for the Playground, Games and Equipment, and Hallway/Corridor are posted in each classroom.  Breaking school rules results in a “blue slip” citation being issued.  These may be given by any adult supervisor (principal, teacher, aide, yard duty, etc.)  Serious infractions (fighting, severe defiance) will result in immediate action by the teacher and principal. 

ITEMS PROHIBITED AT SCHOOL

Any item that creates unnecessary disturbance is prohibited on campus.  Among those items prohibited are:

• Electronics such as radios, IPODS, Walkmen, CD players, tape recorders
• Skateboards, rollerblades
• Hardballs, baseball bats
• Firecrackers
• Knives, guns, or weapons of any kind, including toys or replicas

Students who bring any of these items to school will face disciplinary action.

TELEPHONE POLICY

Students may use the office phone in the case of an emergency with a note from their teacher.  Students may bring cell phones to school for the purposes of safety only. Use of cell phones during the school day may disrupt teaching and the learning environment. They are to remain turned off, and inside backpacks. Cell phones are not allowed to be used while the child is in the custody of the PVUSD unless given specific permission by a staff member. This time period starts at the beginning of the school day at 7:15 and extends to the time the student arrives home.  These guidelines will be followed during after school activities, field trips, and during bus time.

If a cell phone rings or if a student is using one without permission, PVUSD staff will follow this protocol: confiscate it, send it to the office, file a discipline referral. After the first infraction: the student may pick up item at the end of the school day; second infraction: a parent must pick up the item; third infraction: the item will be stored for pick-up after the last day of school in June.

The school will not be responsible for any lost, stolen, damaged, or confiscated phones, or for usage fees resulting from such confiscation.

STUDENT DRESS AND GROOMING GUIDELINES

Students are expected to dress appropriately, maintain personal hygiene, and be properly groomed for school.  Student dress and grooming does have an effect on behavior and attitude toward the learning environment.  Student dress and/or a distracting appearance cannot be allowed to disrupt the educational program of the school.

Inappropriate dress would include, but is not limited to, such items as midriff tops, sagging pants, mini shorts, mini skirts, muscle shirts, spaghetti straps, etc.  In addition, the following dress items are not allowed:  any garment with an alcohol or drug message or logo, any garment displaying profanity, any garment displaying gang numbers or symbols, steel-toed or any shoe which would be inappropriate for P.E./recess activities.  Head covers (hats, caps) may only be worn on the playground.

Grooming habits deemed inappropriate include, but are not limited to, make-up, nail polish (other than clear), hair color (other than natural shades), and hair cuts/styles that are distracting (e.g., mohawks), body piercing (except for ears), and tattoos.

Any attire or grooming habit deemed inappropriate will be called to the attention of the parents.  Parents may be asked to bring other clothes to school if their child is dressed inappropriately.  Students in violation of these guidelines will be warned and reminded to follow school regulations.  Students who still fail to comply with these guidelines will be suspended.  The Principal may make exceptions based on medical, religious or other considerations.

For further information regarding the dress code, please call or email your school office or administrator at 728-6366 or kathy_arola@pvusd.net

DISCIPLINE PLAN

Bradley has a tradition of fostering commendable student behavior.  The Discipline Plan has been developed to provide a clear statement of responsibilities for students, parents and school staff, which will ensure that the Bradley tradition will continue.

Discipline:  A Total School Approach

We believe that:

1.      Children have dignity and worth.

2.      Children can and should behave appropriately.

3.      Discipline is a shared responsibility between the home and the school.

4.      Both positive and negative behaviors should be acknowledged with appropriate responses.

5.      An effective, rational discipline program is a necessary element for a safe and productive learning environment.

Our program is designed to:

1.      Teach students to maintain self discipline and make appropriate choices.

2.      Clearly define school rules and behavioral expectations.

3.      Emphasize the advantages of effective communication.

4.      Provide positive reinforcement for desired behaviors.

Shared responsibilities enable the schoolwide program to be successful:

Students are responsible for:

1.      Following school/classroom rules and respecting the authority of the principal, teachers, and other school staff.

2.      Demonstrating classroom/school site behavior which enables them and other students to exercise their right to learn, play, etc. without disruptions.

Parents are responsible for:

1.      Acknowledging their children for demonstrating appropriate behavior.

2.      Reviewing school discipline rules/regulations with their children to ensure that they understand the standards of conduct expected at school or school related events.

3.      Consulting with appropriate school/district personnel and seeking out, when necessary, community resources which might assist their children in developing more positive behaviors.

Teachers are responsible for:

1.      Assisting in the development and consistent following of school rules.

2.      Clearly maintaining specific classroom behavioral limits that communicate to students and parents the necessary elements for an effective learning environment.

3.      Establishing a classroom/program atmosphere which encourages appropriate behavior and provides every student with the opportunity to pursue learning in a safe, supportive environment.

Administration is responsible for:

1.      Fostering a school climate which promotes high expectations for appropriate behavior.

2.      Acknowledging students who demonstrate appropriate behaviors.

3.      Clarifying rules, responsibilities and expectations.

4.      Supporting teachers, students and parents in maintaining a learning environment which maximizes everyone’s opportunity to teach/learn.

5.      Enforcing the discipline plan within existing district, state and federal laws.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

A strong, positive discipline program seeks to involve students in resolving their own conflicts (in the classroom and other parts of the school) at the earliest possible stage.  Based on this goal, Bradley students and staff are encouraged to follow these basic yet powerfully effective conflict resolution steps:

1.      In solving problems utilize the following rules:

·        No interrupting

·        No name-calling

·        Tell the truth

·        Try to solve the problem

2.     When you don’t like what someone is doing start out with a “I” statement (e.g. “I didn’t like it when you…).

3.     When resolving conflicts, attempt to answer these three questions:

·        What’s the problem?

·        What can you do to solve the problem?

·        Is the problem solved?  (Be specific about who will do what and when)

4.   If the problem is solved, both students should make eye contact and shake hands.

SAFETY AND TRANSPORTATION

BUS TRANSPORTATION

Bus transportation is provided for children living within the transportation zone of this school.

A bus pass is required for all students who ride the bus.  Passes may be purchased in the school office for $10.00 a year.  If a student wishes to ride one time, the cost is $1.00.

The bus driver is responsible for the safety of all passengers and cooperation is needed.   The following rules must be observed:

• The driver is in charge and passengers must obey him/her promptly.

• Passengers must never stand or play in the roadway while waiting for the bus.
• Students who are not regular passengers on a bus are not allowed to enter the bus unless they have a pass issued by the office.
• Classroom conduct must be observed while on the bus; normal conversation is allowed.
• Passengers must not litter, mark, deface or damage any part of the bus.
• Passengers must not attempt to get on or off the bus, or move about within the bus while it is in motion.
• The emergency exit must not be tampered with.

Parents are encouraged to go over these rules with their children.  Misbehavior on the bus will result in a bus citation and possible loss of bus riding privileges.

If your child misses the bus at the end of the school day, s/he should go directly to the office.  Staff will contact the parent or another person designated on the emergency card.  The student should wait in the office until a person arrives to pick them up.

Children will only be allowed to ride a different bus if they have a written note from their parent.  The note should include the following information (or similar):

(Your child’s name) has my permission to go home with (friend’s name) on the bus (bus # if known) to (bus stop/street address or name).  Signed (parent’s name)

DELIVERING/PICKING UP STUDENTS BY CAR

It is important that students arriving/departing in cars are dropped off/picked up quickly and safely. Our parking lots are often very hectic before and after school.  You can contribute to the safety of all students by following these simple rules: 

·        Drop your child off only in the drive-through circular drive in front of the office  the designated areas

·        Follow the directions of traffic supervisors

·        Do not block the bus lanes

·        Yield to the buses as they depart

·        Follow the flow of traffic and enter/exit the parking areas following the arrows

·        Do not leave your car unattended

·        Do not block the parking lot or the street

·        Parking is allowed only in designated spaces, mostly along the portables and in the back of school.

·        Help  keep the traffic moving

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS/STUDENT EMERGENCY KITS

Bradley School has a Safety Committee composed of staff representatives which monitors  the current Disaster Plan and practice drills. Our School Safety Plan is up-dated each Spring. We want to be assured that our school will be adequately prepared to care for your children in the event of an earthquake or other disaster.  Our staff has been trained to handle emergencies. In the event of a disaster, students will be released one by one from the classroom teacher who has a copy of all  the emergency cards  and list of persons authorized to pick up each child. Parents should report to the classroom teacher to sign their student out.

It could be possible that your child will need to remain at the school overnight if we suffer a major disaster and you are unable to pick him/her up.  We recommend that you provide the following for each of your children at Bradley:  an Emergency Kit consisting of a substantial snack, a canned drink, and a card with emergency telephone numbers,  stored in a plastic bag with your child’s name on it.  These items should be non-perishable food items which do not require any preparation or utensils, such as cheese and cracker snacks, dried fruit and nuts, granola bars, etc.  Please do not send anything in glass or paper containers.  You may also include a family picture, small flashlight, space blanket, necessary medications, small comfort items, providing they fit in a gallon-size zipper-style plastic bag.   The items will be stored in large plastic containers in each classroom. This procedure is voluntary, but highly recommended.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

GENERAL CURRICULUM

Bradley Elementary School is a K-6^th grade school with approximately 550 students.  We have 24 regular classes and 2 special day classes. All instruction is aligned with the State and District standards.  The basic program consists of:  Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, P.E. and Health, and Visual and Performing Arts.

CURRENT SCHOOL-WIDE GOALS

·        Continue to provide and refine a balanced, integrated, “meaning centered” and literature rich curriculum to which all students have equal access and possibilities for success. 

·        Maintain a positive learning environment which recognizes student achievement, promotes self esteem and encourage students and adults to respect themselves and one another.

·        Develop a variety of methods for providing effective instruction and evaluating program effectiveness.

·        Support Second Language Learners so that they may become proficient in English.

SUPPORT OF  SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNERS

Bradley offers a structured English Immersion program for students who have limited English language skills.  Both English Language Development (ELD) and Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) are utilized to support our EL students.  A complete description of the Bradley program Services to English Language Learners is a part of the school Site Plan.  The Bilingual Resource Teacher (BRT) monitors the progress of each student, and is responsible for administering state mandated assessments and reporting assessment data to staff and parents.  Student progress will be reviewed twice each year by the Language Review Team and reported to parents through report cards, portfolios, conferences, etc. as outlined in the school Site Plan.

The Migrant Educational Resource Teacher (MEST) serves our migrant students in a variety of ways and facilitates meetings each month for  the parents of migrant students.

GATE

GATE students are identified in the fall by a school team  to determine their specific gifted learning needs. A high percentage of students at Bradley School demonstrate exceptional gifts and talents. To identify these students at gifted, multiple measures are used including staff recommendations, parent recommendations, CST, CAT 6, SABE, and Ravens or OLSAT Ability Test scores, student work, and performance.  Students may qualify by intellectual ability, specific academic ability, or creative and critical thinking ability. Students are served in the regular classroom by differentiated curriculum including depth, complexity, acceleration and novelty.  Students may be grouped in flexible part time or cluster groups for optimal use of instructional strategies. Staff is given support through inservice training, resource materials and individual coaching.  All teachers are trained to differentiate and accelerate instruction in the classroom setting to challenge GATE students in all curricular areas.

TECHNOLOGY

Students at Bradley Elementary School  have access to computer technology in a centralized computer lab, in a media center located in the library, and in all classrooms.  Portables for grades 1 and 2 have stand-alone systems and are connected to the internet through a wireless connection .  Students have access on a daily basis to use computers as productivity tools and to enhance learning in all curricular areas. Financial support from the Home and School Club  and corporate sponsorships have enabled  Technology Committee members to buy hardware and software continuing to upgrade  our site collection. The Technology Committee  meets on a monthly basis to monitor the site technology plan and oversee spending on technology funds. The Website Committee has  designed  the website  www.bradley.pvusd.net and  up-dates it each month.

The entire campus is now hooked up to the internet, with wireless connectivity  to the portables on Corralitos Road. This provides our LAN to the district office’s WAN and provides high speed internet service. 

We will continue to provide training to all students and staff on the use of computers, current software applications, and accessing student performance data on-line. A current Acceptable Internet Use Agreement with parent signature is required for all students who  access the internet at school (Policy #4040).

Current objectives of the school technology plan are: 

·        Using technology to promote the development of students’ higher order thinking skills.

·        Providing technology as a viable educational resource for staff, including training for staff so that they can successfully integrate technology into their classrooms.

·        Utilizing technology to facilitate increased communication both within and outside the school site, including networking all of the schools computers, integrating the LAN and WAN, and access to the internet for staff and students.

·        Continue to maintain and up-grade our website.

VIDEO/DVD POLICY

The following guidelines are intended to provide direction for staff in the use of videos/DVDs within the education program:

1.      Any video/DVD shown in school should meet the guidelines as outlined in district policy #6161.1.  All videos must be previewed by the teacher.

2.       Selected videos/DVDs should be “G” rated.  If there is a “PG” film which has been selected as an integral part of the instructional program, all parents must be contacted with an “opt-out” choice for their child.  When parents decline to allow their child to see a film, an alternative educational setting will be provided during that time.

3.      The use of videos as part of an incentive/reward system is allowed but needs to be done in a careful, reasoned fashion. Guidelines for choice of appropriate films are addressed in #1 and #2 above.

4.      Bradley videos/DVDs are housed in the Library video cabinet and must be checked out in the approved fashion.  The Library Media Tech is in charge of the check out procedures.

LIBRARY

With the assistance of the Library Media Tech, classes visit the library once a week for story-telling, library skills and book check-out.  The library is also used for reference work by students and as a resource for staff.  Students should follow check-out procedures and correctly use library materials.  Students (and their parents) are responsible for lost or damaged books.

The library is open every Wednesday afternoon for family visitations.

ACADEMIC TESTING

During the spring of every year, students are given a battery of test to compare their progress with students all around the state and country.  The standardized STAR  testing is required  by the State Department of Education for use in all schools in California, grades 2 through 6.  STAR tests students on the California State Standards in reading, spelling, language arts, and math.  Students in grade 4 take a writing test and students in grade 5 take a science component.

When notified of testing dates, you as parents can help prepare your child for this important testing by:

1.      Stressing appropriate behavior and attitudes.

2.      Encouraging your child to do his/her best.

3.      Making certain your child comes to school rested and having had a nutritious breakfast.

STUDENT STUDY TEAM

The purpose of the Student Study Team is to address regular education needs of students.  A child may be referred to the team because of academic, behavioral, or social/emotional issues.  The goal is to provide a support system to the classroom teacher, student and parents.  An SST meeting may be requested by a teacher or a parent.  Parents are encouraged to attend and participate in this process because their role is so vital in the child’s progress.

The Student Study Team is made up of classroom teachers, principal, and any appropriate support staff.  Based on the needs of each case, a school psychologist, resource specialist, speech therapist, nurse or other support person may be included.  Strategies and interventions to address individual needs are developed by the team, such as:  remediation techniques, strategies for behavioral change, referral to tutoring, counseling or testing to determine the most positive learning environment for the child.  Follow-up meetings are conducted to monitor progress.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Students with special needs may receive special instruction from various support personnel (Resource Specialist, Speech Therapists, Adaptive P.E. Specialists, etc.).  Each case is looked at individually in our Student Study Team.  If necessary, there is testing and possible placement in Special Education.  Parental approval is required for all testing and placement of students in Special Education.  The goal of special education services is to ensure that students with disabilities are educated with other pupils, within the general education program, to the maximum extent appropriate to their individual needs. 

KIDS KORNER / AYUDA

Kids Korner  and AYUDA provide a safe, nurturing and confidential place for children to talk and explore their feelings with a supervised counselor.  Therapeutic play activities are used to promote self-awareness, the improvement of coping skills and the exploration and appropriate expression of feelings.  The goal is the development of positive self-esteem to enhance social and academic development.  Children need parental permission to participate in this pull-out program.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

SCHOOL PICTURES AND YEARBOOKS

Individual and class pictures are taken in the fall by professional photographers.  The company offers an attractive package for purchase by our school families.  Notices of the specific dates are sent home with each student in advance of the photo dates.  The Home and School Club offers for sale an annual yearbook containing photos and documentation of memorable events by class.  The yearbooks are presold in the spring and delivered at the end of the school year. 

SHIRT SALES/SPIRIT DAYS

Once each year the Home and School Club sells shirts and sweatshirts in the school colors (royal blue), printed with the Bradley Bear logo.  Children and adults may order the shirts, and are encouraged to wear them on Fridays each week to show their Bradley School Spirit!

ACADEMIC/CITIZENSHIP AWARDS

The Honor Roll has been established to promote and encourage academic excellence by students in grades 4-6 and augment other school-wide recognition programs.  Those students who earn all a 3.5-4.0 GPA in academic areas qualify for Gold Honors, while students earning a 3.0-3.4 GPA receive Silver Honors.  Honor Roll is published each trimester, and an  assembly to honor these students will be held at the end of the school year. 

POSITIVE RECOGNITION PROGRAMS

·        TOPS (TERRIFIC, OUTSTANDING, PERSEVERING STUDENTS)

Every month, a few students are nominated from each class in grades 1 through 6.   They are invited to a ceremony with the principal where positive comments written by their teacher are read in front of the other TOPS students.  The comments are posted in the Multipurpose Room for two weeks.  Prizes are awarded to all TOPS students.  A different theme (e.g. responsibility, integrity, etc.) is emphasized each month.

·        BRADLEY BONUS SLIPS

Students may receive these from any staff member by doing something which helps other students, supports the school or is for some reason deemed worthy of immediate positive reinforcement.  A special drawing is held monthly in each class (grades 1-6) and prizes are distributed.

·        NO BLUE SLIP AWARDS/ACTIVITIES

Each quarter there will be schoolwide rewards (extra recess period, popsicles, etc.) for those students who have followed school rules and not been issued a blue slip during that quarter.  Students who do receive Blue slips are not eligible for the monthly Bradley Bonus prizes.

BRADLEY ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Bradley Enrichment Council is a working group of volunteer parents and staff dedicated to bringing a broad range of extra-curricular tuition-based opportunities to Bradley students.  Any member of the Bradley community is welcome to actively participate.  They are motivated by a belief that through exposure to diverse and enriching learning experiences all children can be inspired to achieve a love of learning. They seek courses that supplement and extend the curricular opportunities already available in class to Bradley students.  In past years, courses have included: theatre/performing arts, visual arts, science, robotics/computer technology, and physical education. 

An attempt is made to find interesting and affordable courses with enthusiastic instructors who share Bradley core values, most especially, a passion for working with children.  Class size and tuition rates are strictly up to individual instructors/organizations and often reflect length of course, materials, and instructor expertise.  Scholarships are available through the Principal’s office for those in need.  In addition, any instructor offering an after school enrichment opportunity will be asked to consider providing a sibling discount for families.  The Council also seeks to find external sources of funding with the hopes of reducing tuition for all students.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

BRADLEY SCHOOL ALLIANCE:

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL

The Bradley School Site Council is a group of parents and staff who work together to develop and evaluate the School Plan.  This plan was developed in conjunction with staff, parent and student input to meet the special needs of our school.  The School Plan is updated annually by the Site Council which monitors progress through an on-going evaluation process.  The Site Council is also responsible for making budget decisions consistent with the goals of the School Plan.  The Site Council is made up of six staff members, and six parent members elected annually to serve staggered two-year terms.  Meetings are held monthly and agendas are posted in advance.  The Site Council is mandated by State law and follows district guidelines in conducting it’s business.  Meetings are open to the public and parents are welcome to attend and contribute.

HOME AND SCHOOL CLUB

The Home and School Club is a joint parent-staff group which works to bring the best educational experience possible to students at Bradley School.    Activities include spirit events, fundraising, special interest programming and coordinating volunteers for the school. 

Over the past few years the Home and School Club has typically fundraised over $20,000 each year, and also participates in the Monte Foundation fundraising activities.  The funds have been used to support the teachers and classrooms, to purchase computer equipment and TV/VCR’s, for assemblies, science and arts programs, and field/playground improvements.  In general, our fundraising enriches the curriculum and programs offered to our students at Bradley School.  The Home and School Club also provides a social environment for staff and parents to work (and play!) together and strengthens our sense of community.

Alliance Meetings of the School Site Council and the Home and School Club are held monthly  AGENDAS and notices are posted in the office window. Minutes from each meeting are also posted on our website www.bradley.pvusd.net . All parents and staff are invited to attend.

ELAC/MIGRANT PARENT MEETINGS

Meeting are held once each month to discuss and monitor services to Second Language Learners as outlined in the school plan, and to monitor services to our Migrant Students.  The meetings are facilitated by the Bilingual Resource Teacher (BRT) and the Migrant Education Support Teacher. (MEST).  AGENDAS are posted in the office window and minutes will be posted each month on our website www.bradley.pvusd.net

VOLUNTEERS

Bradley School welcomes the help of members of our school community.   Bradley students benefit greatly from the invaluable assistance of our volunteers.   The following is a partial list of ways in which you can volunteer:

·        working in the library / library league

·        room parent volunteer coordinator

·        classroom help

·        yearbook design

·        assisting in the office

·        assisting classroom teachers with projects done at home

·        accompanying on field trips

·        demonstrating arts/crafts or sharing special talents with a class

·        assisting with the computer lab

·        working on school committees such as the technology or enrichment committees

·        yard duty

·        Paw Print Press

·        fundraisers and spirit events

·        tutoring individual or small groups of students in reading or math

Each year a Volunteer Information Card is sent home for you to complete and return.  This information is collected and distributed to the teachers and coordinators of special projects.  Thank you for all that you can do to help out at Bradley School!

PARENT EDUCATION

Special workshops will be provided periodically during the school year to address relevant issues such as, testing, curriculum, discipline, etc. in order to increase communication between parents and the school. 

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

All parents are encouraged to attend an evening presented by your child’s teacher, to get acquainted with the curriculum and classroom expectations.  Back-to-School Night is usually held within the first month of school.  This is an evening for parents only, so please make appropriate childcare arrangements.  This is an opportunity for parents and teachers to meet as partners in our children’s education.  Teachers generally present their class curriculum for the year, daily schedule, class rules and procedures, discipline plan, homework policy and other important items.  This is also a good time for parents to ask questions, but keep in mind that it is not a private conference time.

OPEN HOUSE

Late in the spring we celebrate all that we have learned throughout the year.  The children are encouraged to share with their families all that they have accomplished.  This is a time of great pride and fun for the entire school community, so don’t miss it!

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework contributes toward building responsibility, self-discipline and life-long learning habits.  Time spent on homework directly influences students’ ability to meet the district’s academic standards.  Bradley teachers expect students and parents to view homework as a routine and important part of students’ daily lives.  Although it is the student’s responsibility to do most homework assignments independently, teachers expect all students to use parents and other family members as contributing resources.  

Parents should provide a time and space for the child to complete homework assignments.  A special place in the house, away from most distractions, and a consistent homework time have  proven to be the most beneficial for academic success.  Parents should show interest in their child’s work by checking over assignments daily, reinforcing the child’s efforts.  Children are expected to complete their assignments on time and put their best effort into the work.

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND HOME

REPORT CARDS AND PARENT CONFERENCES

Report cards are one of the best tools which teachers have to report a student’s progress and achievement to the students and their parents.  It is important for parents to pay close attention to report cards so that they are aware of their own child’s strengths and needs.  Parents can do a great deal to insure their child’s success in school by recognizing and rewarding a child’s progress, and providing assistance to a child who is having difficulty.

Report cards are issued  at the end of each trimester.  Letter grades are issued in grades 4-6 only.   Parents attend a conference with the teacher at the end of the first trimester to discuss their child’s first report card, student’s progress, and behavior.  Other conferences may be requested by the teacher or parent whenever necessary. Please call or write a note to arrange for an appointment.

NEWS FROM SCHOOL

Each month a calendar of upcoming school events along with the BUGLE or Parent to Parent  Newsletter is sent home with students.  These provide an important source of information for parents, please look for these notices.  Teachers keep parents informed about classroom activities with their own bulletins and/or newsletters published at least once each trimester.

CLASSROOM INTERRUPTIONS

We always try to keep classroom interruptions to a minimum.  Only emergency messages to students or staff will be delivered during class time.  Plan ahead, send notes and make sure your child understands any special directions for the day.  Please, no drop-in mini conferences during class time.  If you need to talk to the teacher, send a note with your child or call and make arrangements to speak to the teacher.

FAMILY VACATION DURING SCHOOL TIME

The district discourages this type of absence because the student misses out on the classroom experience.  If it is necessary to be gone during school time, please make arrangements with the teacher in advance so that student’s can complete all the necessary assignments in a timely fashion.

REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Questions or complaints about the suitability of particular textbooks, library materials or other instructional material may be made by any student, parent/guardian, citizen, staff or public official within the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.  These concerns should be in writing and directed to the school principal.

RESOLVING PROBLEMS AND/OR COMPLAINTS

The parents’ first contact in the event of a problem is always the child’s teacher.  Teachers are available for phone calls before and after school.  Parent conferences may be set up at any time during the school year (please do not ask to conference with the teacher during class time).  The principal will enter into the problem-solving process only if the teacher and parent cannot develop a mutually agreeable solution.

Per district policy (#1306) the normal channel for complaints concerning school personnel shall be from complainant (student/parent/guardian) to employee (teacher/staff), to the principal, to the Assistant Superintendent, to the Superintendent, to the Governing Board.  Every effort will be made to satisfy the complaint at the earliest possible stage.  Complaints not resolved at the point of origin must be submitted in writing before further processing.   

IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS

If you have any ideas or suggestions, we would like to hear from you.  There is a suggestion box in the office for your convenience.  We can all profit from your knowledge, insight and expertise.  We welcome your suggestions!