Student Handbook
2019-2020
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Table of Contents
Vision Mission Leader In Me Core Behaviors
School Office Information Mountain Shadows Facts School Hours
Title 1
Closed Campus
Continued Campus Safety Cafeteria Information
Student Arrival/Dismissal Procedures Attendance/Signing Students Out of School
Court Unified Truancy Suppression Program (CUTS) Computer Usage and Responsibility
Parent Communication and Involvement Health Services
Parties and Events Personal Property Registration
Retention and Promotion Student Dress Code
Student Bicycle/Crossing Guard Student Safety
Safe School Information Student Insurance Visitors
Homework
Report Card/Grading Procedures Community Education Programs Discipline Policies
Bus Information/Discipline
Chain of Command/Communication Procedures Child Find
Crisis Invention
Request for Public Records
Mountain Shadows Campus Expectations Matrix
Court Unified Truancy Suppression Program (CUTS) Letter DVUSD 2016-2017 Calendar
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Mountain Shadows Elementary School
Vision
To become a culture where all leaders persevere and strive to reach their highest potential
Mission
Education, Inspire, Empower, and Lead
Leader in Me
An innovative school-wide model that develops the talents of the whole school, all staff and all students, by instilling in their core belief the 7 habits of highly effective people.
Habit 1: Be Proactive – Take responsibility for your choices and behaviors.
Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind – Plan ahead and do things that have meaning and make a difference.
Habit 3: Put First Things First – Set priorities and spend time on things that are most important.
Habit 4: Think Win-Win – Balance courage for getting what you want with consideration for what others want.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood – Listen to other people’s ideas and try to see their point of view.
Habit 6: Synergize – Value and learn from other people’s strengths and work together as a team.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw – Take time to find meaningful ways to help others and take care of yourself.
Core Behaviors
We believe the involvement of every administrator, teacher, student, and parent is necessary for our students to be prepared for the 21st Century with skills to progress and move forward successfully.
School Office Information
OFFICE HOURS: The school office is open Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
REGISTRATION HOURS: Registrations are accepted Monday-Friday from 8:30 PM - 3:30 PM
PRINCIPAL Mrs. Janet Gilbert
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL/TOA Mr. Chris Clute SECRETARY/ACCOUNTING Mrs. Andrea Rojas
REGISTRAR CLERK Mrs. Lisa Pack
SUPPLIES/DEPOSITS Mrs. Michelle Haworth
NURSE Mrs. Linda Creley
OFFICE PHONE NUMBER: (623) 445-4300 24 HOUR ATTENDANCE LINE: (623) 445-4390
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Mountain Shadows Facts
Student Enrollment - approximately 525 students Staff Members – approximately 80
School Colors - Royal Blue and Orange Mascot - Mountain Shadows Coyote
Motto - Home of the "Can Do" Coyotes Grade Levels – Pre K through Sixth Grade
Before/After School Child Care - Coyote Clubhouse After School Learning Program – 21st Century
School Hours
Mountain Shadows is a closed campus. Our campus opens at 8:30 AM for students arriving for school and NOT eating breakfast. Breakfast opens for students at 8:15 AM.
Kindergarten-6th Grade 8:40 AM - 3:30 PM
Pre K AM 9:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Pre K PM 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Title 1
Mountain Shadows is one of thirteen DVUSD Title I schools. Our school is identified to receive Title I funding based on free and reduced lunch percentages. Schools that have 40% or more of their students receiving free or reduced lunch receive Title I funding.
Being a Title I school means receiving federal funding (Title I dollars) to supplement the school’s existing programs. These dollars are used for…
Identifying students experiencing academic difficulties and providing timely assistance to help these student’s meet the State’s challenging content standards.
Purchasing supplemental staff/programs/materials/supplies Conducting parental Involvement meetings/trainings/activities Recruiting/Hiring/Retaining Highly Qualified Teachers
All Title I schools in Deer Valley are School wide Programs. This means the Title programs serve all children in a school. All staff, resources, and classes are part of the overall School wide program. The purpose is to generate high levels of academic achievement in core subject areas for all students, especially those students most in need. Deer Valley schools set aside 1% of the Title I for parental involvement. All Title I schools emphasize bringing in parents as academic partners and each school receives funding to further this partnership.
Closed Campus
Once students arrive on campus, they may not leave unless a parent or guardian signs them out. According to Arizona State Law, only a person listed on the emergency card may take a student from campus during school hours. All adult visitors and volunteers must sign in the main office, per the campus visitor/volunteer policy.
Visitors and volunteers leave their ID/driver’s license when they sign in and will be returned upon leaving the campus. Student visitors are not allowed on campus when school is in session. No adults may be on campus without signing in.
Continued Campus Safety
Any parents on campus prior to the start of school must sign in at the front office. Parents picking their children up after school must meet in the blue pick-up line, or in a designated location. We do not allow parents to meet their children outside of the classroom. Parents are encouraged to have lunch with their children but are NOT allowed on the playground during any lunch period.
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Pre-school children may accompany parents to lunch in the cafeteria and may attend school special events such as concerts, assemblies, PTSA events, etc. They must be under the direct supervision of a
parent/guardian during their entire visit. Pre-school children may not attend class parties and should not accompany parents while the parent is serving as a volunteer on campus.
Cafeteria Information
Breakfast is served Monday-Friday 8:15 - 8:40 AM in the cafeteria. Students arriving for breakfast should not be on campus prior to 8:15 AM. Lunch is served between 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM with each grade level eating at a designated time. A monthly menu is provided on line and a copy is sent home at the beginning of the month for your convenience.
Students who forget their lunch or lunch money should report this to the cafeteria manager during lunchtime.
The cafeteria will loan money to students for one lunch. If the student forgets lunch money on two
consecutive days, they will receive a sandwich and milk. Students who are running low on the lunch money on their account will have their hand stamped as a reminder to tell their parents.
There are two ways to pay for student meals. The cafeteria is open each morning before school to accept money for student’s lunch accounts. You can also pay on-line at EZSchoolPay.com or at Ezmealapp.com and use your credit card to put money on your student’s lunch account. Students are assigned a six digit Student Identification when they are enrolled and you will need to know this number in order to sign up. You can access this ID number by asking your student or coming into the school office. Identification will be required to provide you with this information and will only be given to parents/guardians with educational rights.
Free and reduced lunch applications are available on-line at EZMealApp.comor in the school office. To apply, an application must be completed and submitted to our cafeteria manager or through the Food Service
Department at District Office. If you qualify, you will be notified by mail. Students who were previously on the Free or Reduced Lunch Program will need to reapply by September 22nd.
If your child is on a special diet, the cafeteria can provide assistance to parents and students when needed for medical purposes. Please contact our Cafeteria Manager to discuss your child’s needs. If you have any questions, please contact our Cafeteria Manager, Renee Ebright between 7:00 AM to 1:30 PM or leave a message during non-business hours at (623) 445-4314.
Breakfast/Lunch Prices
Milk $.50
Student Breakfast $1.50
Student Lunch $2.80
Adult Breakfast $2.00 Adult Lunch $3.75
Recess Schedule Lunch Schedule
Kindergarten 10:00 AM -11:00 AM 11:00 AM -11:25 AM
1st Grade 11:15 AM - 11:40 AM 11:40 AM -12:00 AM
2nd Grade 11:30 AM - 11:55 AM 11:55 AM -12:15 PM
3rd Grade 11:45 AM - 12:10 PM 12:10 PM -12:30 PM
4th Grade 11:00 AM - 11:25 AM 11:25 AM -11:45 AM
6th Grade 12:00 PM - 12:25 PM 12:25 PM -12:45 PM
5th Grade 12:15 PM - 12:40 PM 12:40 PM -1:00 PM
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Safe and Healthy Eating
Please encourage your student/child/ or children to be seated upright when eating and not to be distracted.
Encourage them to eat slowly, take small bites, and fully chew and swallow their food before talking or laughing. If you pack a lunch and send it with your child, please avoid food items that could be difficult to chew or which could possibly cause choking. Encourage them not to eat while walking, running, or engaging in other activities. Encourage them to avoid children’s games that involve catching a food item in the mouth or putting large amounts of food into the mouth. Eating in the cafeteria should be fun and social, but eating in the cafeteria is a privilege. For those who misbehave or fail to follow these directions, cafeteria privileges may be revoked.
Student Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Arrival Procedures - School campus opens at 8:30 AM for students who are NOT eating breakfast. Please do not send students early as there is no adult supervision prior to 8:30 AM. Students may enter the campus and play on the playground or visit the school media center prior to school. Students should line up in their prearranged area marked by their classroom number by 8:40 AM when the bell rings.
Dismissal Procedures - School releases at 3:30 PM. Parents must remain outside of the building until 3:30 PM.
Students who meet their rides in the parking lot are to go to the “Blue Line” at the pick-up/drop off lane and wait patiently.
The “Blue Line” is the area along the front curb to the main gate next to the sidewalk and designated by blue paint. Students should enter and exit the vehicle on the curb side only; please do not allow your child to open car doors and get in or out of a vehicle in the path of oncoming cars. There are to be NO UNATTENDED VEHICLES in this area. Students are instructed to stand along the wrought iron fence until their ride drives up to them. If your child is not waiting for you on the ‘Blue Line’ when you drive up, please drive around again or park in the parking lot, do not wait at the curb because this will hold up traffic.
Students who are dropped off or picked up by school buses or day care vans meet south of the campus in the bus lane. Transportation will be provided to students who meet specific qualifications.
Students being picked up by parents or caregivers are NOT to wait on the playground or picked up in the small northern parking lot (also known as the “lollipop” lot) as these areas is not supervised. Students and parents are to cross in the designated crosswalk to the parking area. Children are not allowed to cross into the parking lot area unattended. Children should never, under any circumstances, be left alone in a car.
Attendance/Signing Students Out of School
It is critical for children to be prompt to school and in attendance daily. If your child is unable to attend school, please call the 24-hour automated attendance line by 9:00 AM. The attendance line number is (623) 445- 4390. Please state the child’s name, teacher, who is making the call, and a specific reason for absence; such as sore throat, flu/cold, asthma, fever, doctor or dentist appointment, personal day, etc. The automated phone system will call you if you have not reported your child’s absence by 9:00 AM. Calls begin at 9:50 AM. Please help us to keep your children safe by reporting their absence promptly. Unexcused or excessive absences may result in legal action (Arizona Revised Statute 15-803). If you have questions, please call the registrar at (623) 445-4306.
Students who arrive after 8:45 AM are late and need to come to the office for a pass before going to their classroom. A student is considered late after the 8:45 AM bell and will be documented with an “L” for late in
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PowerSchools for any arrival after that time. This policy is in compliance with school and district policy. An excused tardy is accepted only when the student has a medical appointment and presents a note from a medical office. Accompanying your child to the office alone does not excuse the child’s tardy. Your medical provider is familiar with this policy and can supply you with the required documentation or a payment receipt can also be accepted. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure their child arrives on time for the start of each school day. Consequences for excessive tardies are as follows: 5th tardy – letter home to parent, 10th tardy – parent meeting, 15th tardy or more will be reported to the Maricopa County Juvenile Court System and suspensions will be issued.
If it is necessary to pick your child up during school hours, please send a note to inform the teacher of your intentions. When you arrive to pick up your child, you must come to the school office to sign him/her out. We will not call your child out of class to come to the office until you arrive and we are able to verify that the child is allowed to be released to the correct individual.
For your child’s protection, we will not release him/her to anyone except those who are listed on the pink emergency sheet. Photo identification is required. A telephone call is NOT sufficient to have your child released from school.
If you have a court order that limits the rights of one parent in matters such as custody or visitation, a copy of that order MUST have a notarized note and be provided to the office. Hospitals require this information on a notarized note in the event of an emergency. In addition, please be sure the friend or relative is also listed as a responsible party on the child’s Emergency Medical Referral Card at school in the event that the
parent/guardian cannot be reached.
Court Unified Truancy Suppression Program (CUTS)
The CUTS program, administered by the Division of Community Services under the direction of the Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Department, is a diversion program designed for juveniles who commit a first or second truancy offense and are willing to take responsibility for their behavior. CUTS consists of a probation officer, school official, parent and student coming together to address truancy. The goal of the program is to increase school attendance. The philosophy of CUTS is that when a student’s truant behavior is confronted by a team, including parents, school officials and a representative of the Court, the student is less likely to continue the behavior. Please view the CUTS Informational Letter located at the end of this handbook. . Students will be referred to the CUTS program on their fifth (5th) unexcused absence or when the student has been absent ten percent (10%) of the school year (maximum 18 school days).
A probation officer, with the help of school officials and parents, decide the consequences for the truant student. Consequences may include, but are not limited to, community service, an educational class for
student and parent and/or counseling. The parent will be assessed a fee. All consequences must be completed within 30 days following the CUTS meeting. Failure to comply with these sanctions results in the case being set for a court hearing in Juvenile Court.
Computer/Technology Usage and Responsibility
Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks, just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communication apply. The following are not permitted:
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Sending, accessing or displaying offensive messages or pictures.
Using obscene language
Harassing, insulting or attacking others Damaging computers
Violating copyright laws Using passwords of others
Trespassing in others’ folders, work or files Employing the network for commercial purposes Accessing inappropriate areas
Using technology at times when not appropriate
Violations may result in a loss of access, may be subject to disciplinary action and/or when applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.
Parent Communication and Involvement
Monday Folders - Every Monday, students will bring home a folder containing correspondence from the teacher, important papers, and miscellaneous information.
Coyote Howls Newsletter - The Mountain Shadows newsletter is published on our website weekly to keep you informed of the celebrations, news, and important activities going on at school. It is also available for viewing at: https://mountainshadows.dvusd.org.
REMIND - Stay connected to the latest news and events that are occurring at Mountain Shadows Elementary school. Remind is a free, safe, easy-to-use communication tool that helps Mountain Shadows Elementary connect instantly with you. 1) Go to: https://www.remind.com/join/19602 2) Type in: 19602 3) Enter your phone or Email address 4) Hit “enter”
Social Media – Follow us and like us on FACEBOOK “Mountain Shadows Leaders” to get updated information about our school and upcoming events. You can also follow the principal on Twitter @mtnshadows19602.
Classroom Newsletters – A tool to discover the learning and activities that are happening in your child’s classroom.
Planners - Students in grades 2nd through 6th will receive a planner upon their first day. Each student is responsible to write assignments, tests, projects, in their planner. Please look at your child’s planner to keep up to date with assignments, tests, projects, etc. One free planner is provided. If an additional planner is needed, please provide your child with $5.00 to purchase a new one in the front office.
PowerSchool - PowerSchool is an information system that provides parents access to their child’s grades and attendance via the internet. This tool allows for increased communication between the school and home.
PowerSchool User ID and Passwords are available thought the school office and provided during the first parent/teacher conference. Please log-in through http://ps.dvusd.org/public. There is also a direct link on the front page of the Mountain Shadows’ website.
Student Deliveries and Messages – Students sometimes have forgotten items delivered for school. Parents may drop these items off in the office. We do not allow parents to go directly to your child’s classroom, and since we discourage instructional disruptions, students will be called to the office at a transitional time to retrieve the item as appropriate.
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All classrooms have telephones. Students are allowed to use classroom phones with teacher permission only.
Classroom telephones are blocked from incoming calls during school hours, however you may leave a voice message for the teacher. Teachers only check messages during the non-instructional times therefore an emergency telephone message may be left for a student by calling the front office at (623) 445-4300. Calls made with transportation changes within the last few minutes of class may not reach the student so please plan ahead.
Campus Improvement Team (C.I.T.) – This team is a representative body of staff, parents, community
members and the administrator. The C.I.T. is empowered to make recommendations and decisions focused on school improvement. If you are interested in being a part of the C.I.T., please call the front office at (623) 445- 4300.
Parent Teacher Student Association (P.T.S.A.) – Mountain Shadows has a very active association and parental involvement is highly encouraged at our school. Even the smallest amount can make a difference and could set a precedent in your child’s life for years to come. A membership form will be sent home with the P.T.S.A.
packet giving you the opportunity to join and help us make a difference in the lives of our students. Our P.T.S.A. provides funding that directly benefits your child. We believe that this is a perfect opportunity to teach our students how important it is to be involved in their community.
Volunteers – We are grateful to all of our volunteers who work in our classrooms, on campus, and in the school office. The major goal of our volunteer program is to assist in providing the best possible education for each student. The Deer Valley School District requires all volunteers to attend a one-time Volunteer Training.
Volunteer Trainings are offered both on and off our campus. If you would like to volunteer at school, you must attend training. That means if you would like to be a Homeroom Parent, chaperone a field trip, help in the copy center, nurse’s office, cafeteria, media center or in a classroom you cannot do so until you are trained. If you have been to a Volunteer Training in the past, you are not required to attend again. Adults who
chaperone out of valley overnight field trips or are not directly related to an attending Mountain Shadow’s student are required to be fingerprinted and cleared through the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Health Services
School is a Healthy environment - The nurse promotes a positive wellness environment to give each student the best possible opportunity to learn and reach their potential. The nurse is the consultant for students, parents and educational staff members concerning health issues and problems. He or she may, at times, recommend further medical follow up when a health problem is suspected.
The Health Center provides first aide and medical care primarily for illness or injuries that occur during the school day. It is not a primary care facility like a doctor’s office. The nurse is, however qualified to collaborate with you and your child’s physician to provide an educational environment in which your child can learn and thrive. While the nurse does not make a medical diagnosis or prescribe medication or treatment, medication and treatment prescribed by a physician may be given in the health office.
Disease Prevention/Immunizations - As a state requirement, proof of compliance of immunizations are required as part of the school’s registration process. State and Federal Law mandates that school-age children be immunized to prevent certain diseases. Students who are not in compliance will be contacted by the school nurse and may not be allowed to attend until requirement is fulfilled. If you are unsure of the requirements for immunization, please see your doctor, visit the school nurse, or call the Maricopa County Health
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Department (602) 506-6767 or (602) 263-8856. They will be able to provide information for locations of clinics and the hours of operation. Immunizations are free of charge for children under the age of 18. Exemption forms are available from the nurse.
Parent and Emergency Contacts/Health History - Parents are required to complete and or update an Emergency Contact and Health History Form for each child every year. This form contains vital information should your child becomes ill or injured at school. Students will be released to ONLY those persons indicated on the form. A photo ID is required to pick up any child during the day at school. Please update the information through the school office as needed throughout the school year.
Student Illness - If a student feels ill during the school day, they should report their complaint to the classroom teacher for referral to the nurse. Students are not to contact their parents directly via cell phone regarding illness unless prior arrangements have been made with the nurse. Please keep your child home if they have fever, diarrhea, vomiting, deep cough, or a potentially communicable disease. Children with a fever of 100 degrees or more must be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications before returning to school. If your child has been diagnosed with contagious illness, please contact the Health Center so parents of other students in the class can be notified. Please call your child’s doctor for advice on an ill child. Do not send ill students to school to be evaluated by the nurse as the nurse may not make any diagnosis or recommend specific treatment.
Medication - In compliance with ARS 15-344 and ARS 32-1901, over-the-counter medications are not available in the Health Center. Tylenol, Ibuprophen, Calamine, Neosporin, topical or oral Benadryl, cough drops,
antacids or any like remedies are not stocked. Students are not permitted to have medication in their possession at any time without a specific prior written arrangement with the nurse.
Prescription medications must be in an original prescription container labeled for the student with a current date. The label must state directions that coincide with the request being made by the parent.
Over-the-counter medications needed by students during the school day must be checked in to the Health Center by a parent/guardian. Requests must be in agreement with the manufacturer’s directions or have a superseding physician’s order. Herbal preparations must have a doctor’s order. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to pick up any unused or discontinued medications promptly from the health center. At the end of the school year, any medication remaining in the Health Center will be discarded.
PE Excuses - Students requesting to be excused from a physical education class must bring a note signed by their parent to the Nurse. The Nurse will then write an “excused from P.E.” pass for the student to take to P.E.
Any request for an excuse for three or more PE classes must be accompanied by a Physician’s written order.
All injuries requiring any type of orthopedic support or devise on campus must be reported with a medical excuse and cleared through the Health Center.
Chronic Health Conditions - If your child has been diagnosed with a chronic health condition please contact the nurse immediately. The nurse will inform you of the DVUSD protocols/procedures necessary to ensure a healthy and safe environment for your child during the school day.
The nurse is available at any time during the school day to discuss any health related issues concerning your child. You may stop by the health office or contact the nurse at (623) 445-4310.
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Parties and Events
To optimize instructional time, classroom parties are limited to a maximum of four times per year. Teachers limit classroom time for birthday celebrations to the last five minutes of class. Please do not bring balloons on campus as they cannot be delivered to the classroom during the school day. Please check with your child’s teacher for specific information.
Personal Property
DVUSD assumes no responsibility for student personal items that are lost or stolen. Students are discouraged from bringing costly, fragile or irreplaceable items to school. Students are discouraged from bringing large sums of money to school.
Lost and Found – Students are encouraged to place their name on all personal belongings such as coats, lunch boxes, backpacks etc. Lost items will be kept in the “Lost and Found” located in the cafeteria. Items not claimed will be donated to charity.
Electronic Devices – Many students want to have the privilege of carrying electronic devices (for example, mobile phones or smart watches) on campus for use before or after being on school grounds. With that privilege come responsibilities of ensuring that those items are not used on campus or on a bus. If they are on and make a noise, vibrate, or otherwise cause distraction, the device is creating a disruption and could be a safety concern. These items must be in the off position and be kept out of sight. Misuse of electronic devices will result in discipline procedures in addition to the confiscation of the device as follows: 1st offense – Student Pick-Up, 2nd offense – Parent Pick-Up, 3rd offense – Suspension and student may no longer bring device on campus. This is intended to promote the responsible use of all personally owned electronic devices in the Deer Valley Unified School District. Students are solely responsible for the proper use and security of any personally owned electronic devices that they bring onto the DVUSD property or to DVUSD sponsored activities. Students should not share or loan electronic devices. If they do, they may be held responsible for any misuse of that device by another just as though it had remained in their possession.
Students should understand that they bring an electronic device on campus at their own risk. DVUSD assumes no liability for the loss, theft, or damage of any personally owned electronic devices on campus will not be allowed to interfere with the learning process of any student or with the instructional process of a teacher while in the classroom or on campus. Any such interference will be considered a disruptive activity and will be issued consequences per the DVUSD Student Rights & Responsibility handbook. This document can be found on-line at DVUSD.org under the Handbooks/Forms section or through the Mountain Shadows website.
Registration
Children entering kindergarten for the first time must be five (5) years old by August 31st. An original copy of the child’s birth certificate is required at the time of registration.
The district has a procedure for early entrance to first grade for students who have attended a “kindergarten”
program outside the district. For more information, contact the school office at (623) 445-4300 or the district office at (623) 445-5000.
Arizona law requires that all children entering school must be immunized. Deer Valley Unified School District requires current immunization records for all students upon registration. In addition, West Wing requires proof of residency upon registration (such as a current electric/water bill).
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Retention and Promotion
If the classroom teacher or parents feel a student will benefit by remaining in his or her current grade, you will be involved in this decision. Arizona law indicates the teacher is responsible for the promotion or retention of students. Parents may appeal the retention to the administration within five (5) days of receipt of the
retention letter by filling out a form in the school office. Only the Governing Board may overrule the teacher’s decision and its decision is final. The decision to promote or retain special education students will be made by the multidisciplinary team.
Student Dress Code
Any attire that detracts from the learning environment is not acceptable. Students should dress in a manner that, in addition to the following guidelines, takes into consideration the educational environment, safety, health and welfare of self and others.
Clothing must cover the entire buttocks. Shirts and tops may not expose bare midriffs, bare shoulders, nor be deeply or narrowly cut in the front, back, or under the arms. Halter tops, spaghetti straps, and strapless tops are not acceptable. Clothing that exposes undergarments will not be tolerated for males or females.
Bare feet are never acceptable. In the interest of safety, shoes must be worn at all times. Closed shoes are to be worn for any type of physical activity, such as physical education, cheer practice, weight lifting, etc.
Jewelry or ornamentation shall not be worn if it presents a safety hazard to self and/or others.
No hats may be worn inside any campus buildings at any time, except for properly approved occupational safety headgear required for special classes, or during a school-sponsored event.
Defamatory writing, obscene language or symbols, or symbols of drugs, sex, or alcohol on clothing or jewelry are expressly prohibited.
Tattoos displaying defamatory writing, obscene language or symbols, or symbols of drugs, sex, or alcohol must be covered.
Student Bicycles/Crossing Guard
Students are permitted to ride bicycles to school. Children who ride bicycles must assume all responsibility for risks involved. Bike racks are available for students. Student-provided chains/locks must be used. We do not accept the responsibility for the safety of bikes through-out the school day, although we do keep the bike racks locked during school hours. While on campus, students are to walk their bicycles. Students must walk their bicycles across crosswalks and at intersections. When riding a bicycle, the child is considered by law to be a moving vehicle and needs to behave accordingly and should wear appropriate safety gear.
The following rules also apply:
Students who arrive on bicycles or scooters must use one of the two bike racks
Bikes/scooters are to be locked individually
Bring at your own risk
BIKE RIDING, SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS, MOTORIZED SCOOTERS AND ROLLERBLADES, WHEELIES (SHOES WITH WHEELS) ARE NOT ALLOWED ON CAMPUS
We have two Crossing Guards to help our students cross the street safely:
45th Ave. and Oraibi 47th Ave. and Oraibi
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The following safety rules for the crosswalk:
Stand behind the blue line at curb until crossing guard signals it is okay to cross
Bikers get off bikes and walk their bikes across the street
Walkers have the “right of way”
Always use the cross walk. Do not cross in the middle of the street
Student Safety
Mountain Shadows has an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) that would be put into operation in the event of a serious situation on the campus. Parents are encouraged to review our plan, specifically highlighting the responsibility of parents and possible student pick-up location in the event of an emergency. Copies of the ERP are available in the front office, in the classrooms, cafeteria, and Media Center. Our students practice
emergency procedures with fire drills, lockdowns, and evacuation drills.
In the event that we would need to evacuate campus, parents would be notified and information provided regarding our relocation center at the
Deer Valley High School 18242 N. 51st Avenue Glendale, AZ 85308
Safe School Information
DVUSD has a special phone line set up for after hour emergencies when the campus is closed. Please call 623-376-3262 to report suspected vandalism or to provide information on criminal activities.
In the event of an emergency at school during the school day, our phone system, Blackboard Connect, will send out a call and/or email to our community informing them of the emergency.
There is a growing concern nationally for the need to deal with unauthorized visitors and potentially dangerous situations on school campuses. Although it is our sincere hope that no situation like this occurs at Mountain Shadows, we want to be ready to provide for the safety of our students. As a precaution, we practice monthly fire drills and quarterly lockdowns. We teach our students the safest and quickest route in emergency
situations. Any visitors coming to the school during a fire drill or lockdown drill will be asked to wait outside until the drill is over.
As a safety precaution, all visitors and volunteers must sign in/out through the school office. It is important to obtain a badge while visiting so that staff members are aware that you have signed in the office.
Animals On Campus – As a safety precaution, animals are not allowed on campus. This includes pets of any kind, especially including dismissal times. For the safety of our students, stray dogs that find their way on campus will be turned over to the Maricopa County Animal Control if the owner cannot be located. Please caution your children not to encourage any animals to follow them to school. Exceptions must be approved for therapy and service dogs through the administration.
Smoke Free Environment - It is a Deer Valley Unified School District policy that our building and the campus remain “smoke free” in the interest of promoting good health standards for all. This applies to all after school and evening events as well.
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Student Insurance
The school district has selected the Student Insurance Plan from United Healthcare to make reliable coverage available to parents. If you don’t have other insurance, this plan may be a resource to consider. Additionally, even if you have other coverage, this plan can help fill expensive “gaps” caused by deductibles and co-pays.
Coverage may be purchased at any time during the school year by visiting www.K12StudentInsurance.com.
Visitors
We welcome adult visitors at any time. To ensure the security of our students and staff, all visitors must sign in at the front office before any visit on campus, leave a photo ID, and wear a visitor’s badge at all times.
This includes the cafeteria and playground areas. Parents are not permitted on the playground area or while students are outside unless participating in a special event.
We encourage parents to visit frequently and take an active part in the education of their children. Please do not bring any children with you to classroom visitations or to a volunteer assignment. You may arrange to visit during class time by contacting either the teacher or the office. Visitors are expected to follow dress code guidelines. Please arrange any conferences to be held before or after school hours.
Students from other schools are not permitted to visit campus during school hours because of liability and supervision considerations.
Homework
Homework can be requested after the student has been absent for two (2) consecutive days. Please leave the request on the Attendance Line when you call to report your child absent. You may arrange to pick up
homework in the office until 4:30pm or the Coyote Clubhouse till 6:00pm. If you request homework, we appreciate that you make every effort to pick it up on the day you make the request.
Report Cards/Grading Procedures
Report cards are issued at the end of each quarter. Parents are invited to attend conferences in October and February or request a conference at any time to discuss their child’s academic progress. Progress reports are issued halfway through each grading quarter for students in grades 1st through 6th.
Special Areas: Two separate grades will be used for grading in the special areas (Art, Music, Physical Education, and Band): an individual achievement grade and a conduct grade.
The following grading scale will be used for Special Area achievement and citizenship (conduct) grades:
90-100 E Exceeds the Standards 70-89 S Standards Met
60-69 N Needs Improvement 59 & below U Unsatisfactory
Kindergarten: The following grading system for will be used on the report card in all academic subjects including: Science, Social Studies, Mathematics, English Language Arts Reading, and English Language Arts Writing. A performance level indicator of one through four will be assigned based in the student’s proficiency according to the Arizona College and Career Ready Standards. A blank box indicates that the standard was not assessed during the grading period.
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Performance Level Indicator
4 = Demonstrates above grade level proficiency independently
3 = Demonstrates grade level proficiency independently
2 = Demonstrates grade level proficiency with support
1 = Demonstrates below grade level proficiency with support
1st and 2nd Grade: The following grading system will be used on the report card in all academic subjects:
Mathematics, English Language Arts Reading, English Language Arts Writing, Science and Social Studies. A performance level indicator of one through four will be assigned based in the student’s proficiency according to the Arizona College and Career Ready Standards. A blank box indicates that the standard was not assessed during the grading period.
Academic Subject Grade 90-100 E Exceeds 70-89 S Standards Met 60-69 N Needs Improvement 59 & below U Unsatisfactory
Performance Level Indicator
4 = Demonstrates above grade level proficiency independently
3 = Demonstrates grade level proficiency independently
2 = Demonstrates grade level proficiency with support
1 = Demonstrates below grade level proficiency with support
3 - 6 Grade: The following grading system will be used on the report card in all academic subjects:
Mathematics, English Language Arts Reading, English Language Arts Writing, Science and Social Studies. A performance level indicator of one through four will be assigned based in the student’s proficiency according to the Arizona College and Career Ready Standards. A blank box indicates that the standard was not assessed during the grading period.
Performance Level Indicator
4=Demonstrates above grade level proficiency independently 3=Demonstrates grade level proficiency independently 2=Demonstrates grade level proficiency with support 1=Demonstrates below grade level proficiency with support
Exceeds the Standards Standards Met Needs Improvement Unsatisfactory 100 – 98 = A+
93 – 97 = A 90 – 92 = A-
89 – 88 = B+
83 – 87 = B 80 – 82 = B- 79 – 78 = C+
77 – 73 = C 72 – 70 = C
69 – 68 = D+
63 – 67 = D 60 – 62 + D-
59/below = F
3-6 Grade Academic Recognition
Principal’s List Honor Roll
All A’s All A’s & B’s (No C’s, D’s or F’s)
No N’s or U’s in Special Area Achievement Grades (Art, Music, P.E., Band) No N’s or U’s n Special Area Achievement Grades
No Incompletes No Incompletes
Citizenship (Conduct): Teachers will assign one conduct grade E, S, N, U for each subject which will reflect the student’s attitude, level of learning, enthusiasm, responsibility, and participation in learning. Citizenship (conduct) grades do not affect inclusion on Honor Roll or Principal’s List.
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Principal’s List awards are present quarterly at the end of each grading period. Students receive a gold
‘Principal’s List” pin, certificate of achievement, and recognition at the quarterly Honors Assembly. Students who receive all “A’s” for all four quarter will receive a special award.
Honor Roll awards are presented quarterly at the end of each grading Period. Students receive a gold “Honor Roll” pin, certificate of achievement, and recognition at the quarterly Honor Assembly.
Families are invited to attend our quarterly Academic/Leadership Recognition Assemblies. Please check our web site for dates and times. This information can be found in the Coyote Howls Newsletter under the Parent Resource tab at https://mountainshadows.dvusd.org Visitors to campus must sign in at the office in order to attend.
Community Education Programs
The mission of the Community Education Department is to deliver high quality, educational, cultural, and recreational enrichment programs and services to our community using aligned resources beyond the school.
Please contact them at (623) 445-5018 or through www.dvusd.org/communityed.
21st Century - Mountain Shadows is proud to support a federally-funded program supports afterschool community learning centers. This after school program is offered to at-risk students who demonstrate a need for additional academic support based on assessment data. Included in this program are enrichment and summer classes that complement the student’s regular school day program and support their individual learning needs. Additionally, other educational services are offered to family members of students
participating in the program in order to further engage parents in their student’s learning and achievement goals.
Coyote Club House Before and After School Day Care - We offer families the opportunity to extend their children’s learning and development beyond the school day in a safe and supervised environment. We offer a diverse set of enrichment activities such as homework assistance, Scholastic reading program, organized play indoors and out, and access to optional after school enrichment classes ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Information regarding registration and fees can be found on the Community Education website at http://dvusd.schoolwires.net/Page/219.
Enrichment Classes - The Community Education Department is committed to fostering greater engagement in learning and higher academic performance within a community of lifelong learners through the delivery of high quality enrichment classes & activities beyond the bell. A variety of after school classes are offered.
Informational fliers will be sent home regarding the different activities being offered on our campus and surrounding campuses or through the DVUSD.org website.
Discipline Policies
Administration will exercise discretion when determining consequences and may assign a more or less severe consequence than outlined in the guidelines listed in the Student Rights and Responsibility Handbook. We utilize Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Please reference the Mountain Shadows’ Campus Expectations Matrix located at the end of this handbook.
The 2017-2018 Student Rights and Responsibility Handbook is available on our website, in both English and Spanish. To view, go to DVUSD.org and click on “Parents & Students” on the top menu bar. The General School
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Information page will have a link to the Student Rights & Responsibilities document. If you don’t have access to the internet, please contact the school office to request a printed copy of the handbook.
On the first day of school your student will bring home a Student Rights & Responsibilities Acknowledgment and Verification form. You need to sign the form and return it to school right away. By signing this form, you are acknowledging and verifying that you have read and reviewed with your child/children the Student Rights
& Responsibilities handbook (dvusd.org). As a parent in the Deer Valley Unified School District, you have the right to a quality education for your child/children. To make sure that every student enjoys that right, the District has established procedures regarding disruptive behavior. The procedures for student responsibility are designed to create an orderly environment that is safe for all students and staff. The rules are reasonable and fair and they are the same at each school. We ask that you read carefully the infractions and disciplinary actions for conduct with your child. By signing this form, you also acknowledge that the Deer Valley Unified School District will not tolerate students threatening the life of another person or threatening to cause
disruption or damage to a Deer Valley educational facility. This behavior could lead to an automatic suspension and/or a comprehensive psychological evaluation before the student is readmitted to school.
Bus Information/Discipline
Transportation is extended to students in the District as determined by District Policy EEAA. It is not a legal requirement except for transportation of special needs students as required by their individual education program. The Governing Board requires that students conduct themselves appropriately on the bus, prior to boarding the bus, and leaving the bus, in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior. Bus misconduct may result in suspension from the bus, and/or school, and/or discipline
consequences for behavior on any other school property as defined in this Student Handbook. Students who have their bus privileges suspended are expected to be in attendance as per the Arizona State's compulsory attendance law.
While students are riding the school bus or waiting at a bus stop, they are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of the children.
The driver of a school bus is legally responsible for the orderly conduct and safety of all passengers being transported. All passengers are under the authority of the school bus driver (ADOT R17-9-104). If there is a serious violation or safety concern on the bus, the driver may bring the bus to the school or the Transportation Facility where there is adult supervision. Student(s) may be removed from the bus and the parents will be notified to pick up their child. Bus suspensions that occur at the end of the school year may carry over into the next school year.
Suspension from the bus may also result in other disciplinary consequences. All suspensions start only after parent contact. Every attempt will be made to contact the parent by phone. If unsuccessful, written notice will be mailed and/or sent home with the student. Transportation suspensions are progressive. Schools are notified of bus suspensions.
Students are afforded due process/appeals of disciplinary action. Contact the Transportation Department for details. Glass, animals, insects, balloons, and motorized scooters are not allowed on the bus. Electronic devices may not be used on the bus or at school.
Students are required to ride their assigned bus. If a student needs to ride another bus due to an emergency, parents must write a note to take to the school office. The school will then complete the appropriate form that allows the student to board the bus. Notes to the driver are unacceptable.
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Video cameras may be on the buses and are used by the district primarily for aiding student disciplinary issues.
Bus Suspensions/Expulsions Due Process:
In disciplinary cases, each student is entitled to due process. This means students:
Must be informed of accusations against them
Must have the opportunity to accept or deny the accusations
Must have explained to them the factual basis of the accusations
Must have an opportunity to present an alternative factual position if the accusation is denied Step 1:
If the regional supervisor decides that the alleged misconduct warrants a consequence of a bus suspension, notice shall be provided to the parent/guardian that the student is being suspended from the bus. A suspension cannot be imposed unless the infraction was seen by the driver, the student confessed, or an investigation by the regional supervisor/campus administrator has been performed to verify the facts. All parents/guardians are entitled to a meeting at their request.
Step 2:
If the regional supervisor decides that the alleged misconduct is sufficiently serious so that the consequence should be a bus suspension in excess of ten (10) days, the parents/guardians may request a hearing within 48 hours to appeal the decision to the Director of Transportation. The Director of Transportation will conduct a hearing at which a reasonable amount of time will be given to allow all parties to present written and verbal information relating to the decision. After the appeal, the Director of Transportation will make the final decision.
All Bus Discipline Guidelines can be accessed in the Student Rights and Responsibility Handbook on line at dvusd.org and click on “Parents & Students” on the top menu bar. From there, click on “General School Information”, and scroll down to “Student Rights & Responsibilities.” If you don’t have access to the internet, please contact your child’s school to request that a printed copy of this important handbook be sent home with your child.
Chain of Command/Communication Procedures
The purpose of establishing chain of command guidelines is to facilitate communication within our Mountain Shadows community. We feel it is important for parents to communicate their concerns, questions, and desires about the educational process and our school. By using the steps outlined below, we can work together to address any concerns that may arise. The parent meets with the teacher to explain the concern and reach a resolution. A plan of action may be needed. Please schedule a follow-up meeting either by phone, note or in person, to check on progress.
If the concern is not resolved, then it is appropriate to contact a building administrator. The administrator will schedule a meeting with the parent and teacher. The concern and action taken will be reviewed. A new plan of action will be developed and carried out. Another meeting will be scheduled to check on progress.
If the concern persists after the administrator and teacher have attempted resolution, then parents may contact the appropriate administrator at the district office.
As always, we ask that you address faculty and staff with courtesy. This includes using non-abusive
language with faculty and staff. If you use profanity or other abusive language with faculty/staff, you will be asked to leave school grounds until such time that you can use appropriate language.
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Child Find
Do you know a child who needs help? DVUSD #97 wants to make sure that every child in our district gets the help they need to learn and grow appropriately.
Do you know a child who:
1. Is between the ages of birth and 22 years, and
2. Is growing or learning slower than other kids the same age, or 3. Has a hard time learning, or
4. May have been diagnosed with a disability?
If so, call the DVUSD Special Education office at 623.445.4943 and give us the child’s name and address.
DVUSD, in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, does not discriminate on the basis of disability and provides special
education and Section 504 services to all eligible students enrolled in the District.
Special education can help kids learn and grow in every way. The sooner we know about a child, the sooner we can help. Call today!
Web Sites
Deer Valley Unified School District http://dvusd.org
Mountain Shadows http://mountainshadows.dvusd.org
Cafeteria Payments www.EZSchoopay.com or www.EZmealapp.com
P.T.S.A. [email protected]
PowerSchool http://ps.dvusd.org/public
Community Education Department http://dvusd.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=219 Student Rights & Responsibility Handbook http://dvusd.org
Student Insurance www.K12StudentInsurance.com
Crisis Invention
Crisis Intervention Phone Numbers
Suicide/Crisis Hotline (Maricopa County) 480.784.1500 Toll-Free Crisis Hotline (Arizona) 866.205.5229 Sexual Assault Hotline (Maricopa
County) 480.736.4949
RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline (National) 800.656.HOPE (4673) HopeLine Suicide Hotline (National) 800.SUICIDE (784.2433) Crisis Intervention Website Links
Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence
An advocate representing the needs of domestic violence service providers and the victims they serve throughout Arizona.
Arizona Teen Crisis Solutions
Arizona Teen Crisis Solutions, formerly Arizona Teen Help, is local referral fee-free service for parents seeking behavior modification, residential treatment or military schools for their struggling teen.
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Center Against Sexual Abuse
Based in Phoenix the center is the leading provider of prevention, counseling and treatment, and crisis intervention programs for sexual abuse and sexual assault in the State of Arizona.
Child Crisis Center- East Valley, Inc.
Provides temporary shelter in a nurturing environment for children, whose well-being is in jeopardy, empowering and strengthening families, and creating change through community education.
Child Protective Services
The Arizona Department of Economic Security responds to reports of abuse and neglect received from family members, friends, neighbors, educational and health professionals and other
community members. CPS provides services to families to remedy problems and allow children to remain safely in their homes.
Children With AIDS Project
Offers a variety of services for children infected/affected by AIDS or drug exposed infants who will require foster or adoptive families.
EMPACT Suicide Prevention
Provides 24 hour telephone intervention to people experiencing suicidal crisis. 24 hour Crisis Hotline: 480-784-1500.
Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona
A nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the healing effects of the arts to abused, neglected and homeless children.
Home Base Youth Services
Outreach and transitional living to homeless and runaway youth, with a safe environment to learn essential life skills that will lead to healthy, independent living. The ultimate goal is to end
homelessness among youth.
PREHAB of Arizona
Service areas include domestic violence and homeless family shelter, youth residential treatment centers, transitional group homes and school, outpatient counseling, and training and
employment.
Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development
Serving abused, troubled and abandoned youths between the ages of 9 and 22.
Request for Public Records
What is a public record? Any recorded information that is made, maintained or kept, or is in the possession of, the district, DVUSD Governing Board Policy KDB-R, is a public record.
What in a file is not considered a public record? Personal notes, evaluation notes, meeting notes if used only as a memory aid for the writer, are not public record.
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What is not a public record?
Teacher Employment Evaluation
Social Security Numbers
Date of Birth
Student Records
Personally Identifiable Information
Minutes of Executive Sessions
Records Relating to an Ongoing Investigation
Communications & Community Engagement Office 623.445.5018
www.dvusd.org
How is a public record requested? A public record is requested in writing and directed the Public Relations Office by using the ‘Request for Public Records of Deer Valley Unified School District”
form. This form must be an original available from the receptionist at schools, district office, or the Communications & Community Engagement Office and can be turned in at those same locations.
What is the charge for public records? The charge for a public record is 10 cents per copy, 2.5 cents per printed label.
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Mountain Shadows Campus Expectations Matrix There’s something to H.O.W.L. about!
Locations:
H
onorableO bservant W illing L eaders
Classroom
Listen while others are speaking
Raise your hand to be called on
Value other’s talents and opinions
Chairs flat Walk
Use classroom materials appropriately
S.N.A.P.
Take care and organize materials
Have all supplies ready for the day
Clean up after yourself
Positive attitude Don’t need reminders Set goals: Begin with the End in Mind Seek First to Understand Then to Be Understood
Playground
Use kind words Respond to the whistle immediately
Take turns Listen to adults
Use equipment as intended
Walk on sidewalks Hands and feet to yourself
Stay in assigned areas
Take care of equipment Be inclusive to everyone: Synergize Be proactive by assisting others:
Sharpen the Saw Get adults when necessary
Restrooms
Quiet voice Maintain privacy
Keep to yourself Wash hands
Use facilities correctly
Clean Orderly Flush
Wait quietly and patiently for your turn
Be Proactive: model correct behavior Report issues
Walkways/
Hallways
Walk quietly
Listen to any adult who gives directions Greet others quietly and politely
Walk
Hands to yourself Hold door open properly F.L.A.S.H. Line
Stay in line Go directly to your destination
Pick up trash if you see it or drop it
Stay on sidewalk
Be Proactive: set a good example Gently remind others of rules
Cafeteria
Use please and thank you
Stand quietly and patiently in line Listen to adult directions
Speak softly with kind words
Walk
Eat your own food slowly, take small bites, chew fully and swallow your food before talking or laughing Report issues to adults Use two hands to hold the tray
Clean up after yourself Take only the food you will eat
Know your lunch number
Proactive by modeling good table manners Put First Things First by saying no to things they know they should not do
Think Win-Win by leaving the cafeteria clean, even when it’s not their mess
Assembly
Courteous to all speakers and guests
Sit on your bottom Use “Coyote Howl” quiet symbol
Enter quietly and orderly
Walk
Hands and feet to yourself
Keep focused on the speaker the entire time S.N.A.P.
Participate when appropriate
Sit on your seat and not your feet
Follow teacher direction when exiting
Be an active participant
Support and encourage others: Think Win-Win Clap when appropriate
Arrival and Departure
Enter campus at 8:30 AM Be in the classroom and prepared and ready to learning at 8:45 AM
Follow adult directions Hands and feet to yourself
Go directly to your destination Walking in line Waiting patiently for the gates to open
Start your day with a positive attitude Set priorities, make a plan, and follow your plan: Put First Things First
End your day with a positive attitude
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August 7, 2018 Dear Parents/Guardian;
School attendance is not only a good habit, state law requires it. Arizona State Law (15-802.A, 15-803.E) requires every person who has custody of a child between the ages of six and sixteen years shall make sure the child attends school for the full time school is in session unless unable to attend due to illness or another legitimate reason.
To encourage and improve school attendance, Mountain Shadows has implemented a truancy program in partnership with Maricopa County Juvenile Court. This truancy program is called C.U.T.S. (Court Unified Truancy Suppression). We will be tracking attendance very closely. Your child is expected to be at school every day, unless there is an excused reason not to be. An absence is defined as a minimum of one missed class period per day. An unexcused absence will count as a truant day as defined by law. A student is “habitually truant” if he/she has five or more unexcused absences from school. A student that is absent more than ten percent (18 days) of the required number of school days per year is considered to have “excessive absences” whether the absence is excused or unexcused.
When a student has five or more unexcused absences or 19 excessive absences (excused OR unexcused), the student can be cited to the CUTS Program through the Court. The hearing will be held on the school campus with representatives from Mountain Shadows and the Juvenile Court. A parent or legal guardian must be present with the student at the time of the hearing. Consequences at the hearing may include the following: required attendance of the parent and the child at an education class (may be held on Saturdays), work hours assigned to the child, counseling, etc. The parent will be assessed a $50 Diversion fee. Failure to complete these consequences may result in suspension of your child’s driver’s license, or inability to get a driver’s license until their 18th birthday and/or formal court proceedings. It is the parents/guardians responsibility to ensure their child’s attendance in an approved academic setting. If you fail to take the necessary steps to provide your child with appropriate education you may receive a citation. If convicted, it is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by jail time and/or fine.
The education of your child is extremely important to us. This program is another way that Mountain Shadows is working with the community to ensure a quality education for all students. Please note that school also reserves the right to have a CUTS Officer speak at Orientations and Assemblies, as well as to individual groups of students regarding the importance of school. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Mountain Shadows at 623-445-4300.
Thank you for your support regarding this program.
Sincerely,
Janet Gilbert
Janet Gilbert Principal
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