Family Handbook

Reporting an Absence

All students are expected to attend school on a consistent and on-time basis. If your child is going to be tardy, absent, or leave school early for any reason, please be sure to email OR call and notify the office. Absences, tardies, and early leaves due to illness, medical appointments, religious observances, and/or family emergencies are excused. Other absences are unexcused according to District policy.

RUSD Guidelines for Parent Communications to Teachers & Staff

The guidelines for communication serve as a general guide for ensuring effective communication from parents to teachers, staff and administrators. Communication refers to both the sending and receiving of information, such as email and notes, and verbal communications such as telephone conversations and face-to-face meetings. In order to ensure a successful exchange of information, it is important that all parties follow a few key principles.

Maintain Respectful and Open Communication

• Always use a respectful and polite tone
• Request, do not demand
• Be ready not just to provide information, but to listen to teacher/staff observations and perspectives
• Enter the exchange with an open mind and assume a shared best interest for your child
• Be prepared to work collaboratively to solve problems 

Confidentiality

• Recognize that confidentiality may limit the information that can be shared from school to parents, including consequences for other students’ behaviors 

Time to Respond to Communications 

• Teachers will make every effort to respond as soon as possible to parent communications,  with the understanding that the teaching day sometimes precludes immediate responses
• Teachers and staff may need some time to collect needed information before responding

Whom to Contact

• Most communications of classroom/playground concerns should be directed first to your child’s teacher. If you have a question or need please contact your child's teacher.
• If you have discussed with your child’s teacher and the issue has not been addressed to your satisfaction please contact the school secretary to schedule a time to speak with a school administrator. 

Please recognize that it is both the policy and the value of our district that we operate with openness, collaboration and the shared best interest for every student.

Student Messages
 

Please clarify arrangements with your child about after-school plans before school to avoid confusion later in the day.  A written note in his/her backpack or lunchbox can be a helpful reminder during the day.  If you have an unavoidable last minute change in plans, please call the office and they will attempt to deliver your message to your student. Please note however that the office is not always able to get messages to children before they leave, so please do not rely on this for regular communication.

More information on communication available at the RUSD website Communication Protocols. 

Student Dress Philosophy

We believe that appropriate dress and grooming contribute to a productive learning environment. We expect students to wear clothes that are suitable for the school activities in which they participate. The primary responsibility for a student’s attire resides with the student and their parent(s) or guardian(s). To ensure effective and equitable enforcement of these dress guidelines, school staff shall enforce the guidelines consistently and in a manner that does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size. Student dress guidelines should support equitable educational access and should not reinforce gender stereotypes.

Our values are:

• All students should be able to dress comfortably for school and engage in the educational environment without fear of or actual unnecessary discipline or body shaming.
   

Our student dress guidelines are designed to accomplish several goals:

• Maintain a safe learning environment in classes where protective or supportive clothing is needed, such as science (eye or body protection), or PE (athletic attire/shoes).
• Allow students to wear clothing of their choice that is comfortable.
• Allow students to wear clothing that expresses their self-identified gender.
• Allow students to wear religious attire without fear of discipline or discrimination.
• Prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories with offensive images or language, including profanity, hate speech, and pornography.
• Prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories that denote, suggest, display or reference alcohol, drugs or related paraphernalia or other illegal conduct or activities.
• Prevent students from wearing clothing or accessories that reasonably can be construed as being or including content that is racist, lewd, vulgar or obscene, or that reasonably can be construed as containing fighting words, speech that incites others to imminent lawless action, defamatory speech, or threats to others.
• Ensure that all students are treated equitably regardless of race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size.

The following guidelines shall apply to attendance at school and all school activities and events:
 

Basic Principle

• Clothing must fully cover private areas including buttocks and breasts with opaque fabric
• Clothing must allow students a full range of motion - sitting, bending, reaching, running - without requiring readjustment to cover up said private areas
• All items listed in the “must wear” and “may wear” categories below must meet this basic principle

Must Wear

• Shirt - must have fabric in the front, back, both sides under arms, and over the shoulder without requiring readjustment to cover private areas
• Shirt must touch the top of pants/shorts/skirt or the equivalent when both arms are down
• Pants/shorts/skirt or the equivalent - for example, a skirt, shorts, pants, jeans, leggings, dress
• Shoes must be worn at all times

May Wear - as long as the items do not violate the basic principle above

• Shorts - shorts of all types are allowed, including athletic shorts and cut-off shorts
• Shirts - Tank tops with spaghetti straps are allowed
• Religious headwear
   

May Not Wear

• Dress, accessories, and jewelry which contain obscene symbols, signs or slogans, and/or which slur or degrade on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, sex, disability or sexual orientation, contain language or symbols supporting sex, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, and impose a threat of imminent violence or disruption to the orderly operation of the school shall not be worn
• No swimwear

Cell Phones: Students may bring cell phones, but they must be kept in their backpacks. Students must turn phones off during the school day. If students need to call home, they must go to the office and use the office phone under the supervision of the staff.

Smartwatches: Smartwatches should not come to school, or need to be turned off and kept in backpacks. 

Kindles, personal iPads, Nooks, etc.: At Bel Aire & Del Mar ONLY, students may bring personal mobile devices for reading only. They must follow teacher direction as to where the device is stored and when it is used. These devices cannot be shared or connected to the RUSD network. The school holds no responsibility for personal items that are brought to school. 

Electronic Toys: No electronic toys (or toys of any kind) are allowed on campus.

Emergency Cards

Please help support the RUSD by ensuring that Student Emergency Cards are up to date. In the event that both parents are out of town, we encourage you to appoint a temporary guardian and notify the school office. If you appoint someone while you are out of town, the office must receive this information in writing.

Preparedness
 

At Home

• You and your children should have a plan for how students will be picked up from school.
• Go to the following radio stations for news updates, do not call schools:  
  • BEARS: 840 AM
  • KCBS: 740 AM
  • KGO: 810 AM
     

At School

• Staff will be deployed to their appointed position to ensure the safety of our children.
• Students will be supervised and waiting in the pre-arranged assembly area on each campus.
   

Student Release

• In the unlikely event of a disaster release, a parent/guardian photo ID is required. 
• Upon arriving on campus, parents will be directed to the Student Request Tables at your child’s school. 
• ONLY authorized persons are allowed to pick up a student.
• Staff runners will bring each student to the Reunification Area where he/she will be released to the parent or authorized person.

Any student who enters an RUSD school with a primary or home language other than English (as indicated during the school registration process) will be assessed with the Initial English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, or "Initial ELPAC." Attached is a notification letter from our Superintendent, Dr. Kimberly McGrath. Please also see the Parent Guide to Understanding ELPAC.

The ELPAC is aligned with the 2012 California English Language Development Standards. It consists of two separate English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessments: one for the initial identification of students as English learners and the other for the annual summative assessment to identify students’ English language proficiency level and to measure their progress in learning English. 

All members of the Bel Aire School community model expected behaviors. These behaviors are taught to all students and are based on the MOSAIC values and the Vision of a Reed School Student. Students and adults are expected to uphold these behaviors in all areas of our school community, whether on the playground, at the lunch tables, in classrooms, and online.

MOSAIC

The MOSAIC program emphasizes building self-esteem, community, and empowerment to create a peaceful future using four themes:

• Celebration of diversity and awareness of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination
• Respect for, and appreciation of, self and others
• Teamwork and cooperation
• Communication and nonviolent conflict resolution

Each letter in the word “MOSAIC” represents a value that we follow at Bel Aire School:

• Mutual Respect: Be respectful, courteous, and polite to other people at all times. Take time to listen and get to know one another. Support one another to feel and be their best by being considerate, helpful and appreciative. Use kind words that are appropriate for school. Keep your hands, feet, and all objects to yourself.

• Open-Mindedness: Be open to perspectives, differences, and values of others. Use empathy by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and trying to understand how they feel. Make a new friend and try any new activity that Bel Aire presents to you.

• Self-Respect: Take responsibility for your own actions and learning.  Be aware of the consequences of your actions and accept your part in a mistake. Be your own self, at your very best, all of the time. Celebrate you!

• Attitude: Have a positive attitude and show your appreciation to others through compliments. Be an active member of the Bel Aire community to make it a positive environment for all.

• Individuality: Have the courage to be yourself! Contribute your own special gifts and be an ally for your friends and peers.

• Community: Be an engaged citizen! Build a school community that embraces diversity. Include everyone and use teamwork and cooperation. Give other people a chance and play by the rules. Be honest and a reliable student and friend. 

Rewards and Consequences

Consequences

Students who show unexpected behaviors are given a Behavior Form that must be signed by a parent or guardian. Bel Aire staff reviews these behaviors with all students at the beginning of the school year and any staff member can give a student a Behavior Form for unexpected behaviors. Unexpected behaviors, and their level of seriousness are as follows:

The Headline News and School FLASH are published every two weeks to keep parents and families informed of events and activities at the district and individual schools. It is posted as part of RUSD Headline News. It is emailed to the addresses we have on file. Please inform the office of any changes to your contact information.

Food Allergy Guidelines

We recognize that some children have severe food allergies and/or dietary needs that require special conditions.  It is our goal and responsibility to maintain a safe environment for all students during the school day.  The most effective way to accommodate a wide variety of food allergies is to implement grade-specific guidelines that recognize developmental awareness of our elementary ages students.  Kindergarten requires the most managed and restricted environment.  As our students mature, encourage them to take more responsibility for their food allergies and dietary needs.  

It is important to note that each school is an open campus during after school hours, weekends, and holidays.  As a result, we cannot guarantee that our students may not be exposed to nuts or other food residue left on the school grounds.  We strongly encourage parents to prepare for the possibility of exposure when their children are at school.

RUSD families are encouraged to share in the responsibility of educating their child(ren) about food allergies and recommended safety precautions, including frequent hand washing, hand wipes, and/or use of individual lunch mats, etc. Due to the viscosity and unique nature of nut products, RUSD has implemented specific safety measures to meet the needs of students with nut allergies. 

Kindergarten-Fifth Grades: Nut Restricted classroom and lunch table(s)

• Classrooms will be designated as nut-restricted as needed to accommodate allergies.
• All students will sit at lunch tables with their homeroom class. 
• Specific lunch tables will be designated as Nut Restricted to accommodate allergies.
• ​Students are not allowed to share food with one another.

We want to encourage students to use our libraries and check-out books, but it is important that students honor due dates. Families will need to pay a replacement fee for any lost or unreturned books. Please note that schools will not distribute yearbooks to students with outstanding library fees at the end of the school year.

Lost and Found

The Lost & Found is located outside the front office at Bel Aire. Unclaimed articles are donated to charity the last day of each month. Please clearly label lunch boxes, reusable food containers, jackets, sweaters and backpacks with your child’s name.

Forgotten Items

Being prepared for school daily is an evolving skill we ask you to encourage. On the rare occasion that there is a forgotten lunch, book, homework, etc., items may be dropped off in the school office. Please label all items with your child’s full name and classroom teacher. If your child is missing a lunch, he/she should first check the office during non-instructional times (i.e., recess). The office will not interrupt class regarding forgotten items. 

RUSD is partnering with The LunchMaster as our school lunch vendor. Breakfast and lunch is free for every student and you do not need to place an order. Breakfast at Bel Aire begins at 7:30 am. The monthly menu will usually be published the week before the month begins so that families can look at the options and decide if they would like to pack a lunch or ask for the LunchMaster meal.

​Students should pack a snack from home to eat at morning recess.

Parties and Birthday Celebrations
 

Parties

Typically, there are four classroom parties per year (Halloween, Winter Holidays, Valentine’s Day, and End-of-Year celebration). Parents may be solicited to donate paper goods, food, and other party items. RUSD policy prohibits goody bags, hired entertainment, and collecting money for parties. Classroom parties must adhere to the RUSD wellness policy. The Wellness Committee strongly recommends limiting sugary treats. For healthy party snack and activity ideas, visit our Health & Wellness page.

Birthday Celebrations

Birthday celebrations follow the RUSD Healthy Snacks & Rewards Policy. Your classroom teacher will honor your child on his/her special day in the classroom.  Birthdays are also recognized during school-wide assemblies. Please do not send in balloons, flower bouquets, birthday cakes, sweets, foods or goody bags. Birthday or any other invitations may not be distributed at school. 

The activities and lessons presented in physical education are driven by and aligned with the California State Standards. While students play games and have fun, they are also expected to learn. 

Students Should Come to PE Prepared 

Dressing properly on PE days is required. Please make sure your children wear appropriate clothing and athletic shoes on PE days or ask them to put a pair into their backpack they can change into for PE. *The first 2 times your child comes to PE unprepared, he/she will be warned. The 3rd time your child will receive a STOP.

Student Participation

Students are expected to participate to the best of their ability. Students are also challenged to improve. Please help by talking to your child about facing challenges, not avoiding them. Encourage them to set goals, reach them, and set new goals.

Health Issues and Concerns

If your child has a minor injury or health concern, please send a note with your child so that staff is aware of the issue. Your note should describe the health issue, what your child can and cannot do, and for how long. Health concerns lasting longer than a week require a note from the doctor. The doctor’s note should also specifically describe the health concern and specifically describe the limitations to be observed in PE and recess. Any physical limitations will also be considered at recesses as well. * Students who cannot participate in PE may be asked to stay inside during recess and may be asked to sit out from school-hosted after-school activities like dance practice.

PE & Recess Game Rules

You can review game rules.

Progress Reports & Parent-Teacher Conferences
 

Progress Reports

Progress Reports are available and can be accessed through ALMA at the end of each trimester. 

At Bel Aire, students not performing to expectations will also receive a Mid-Tri report detailing concerns. Parents are expected to sign and return Mid-Tris.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

We strongly encourage every parent to attend scheduled conferences. Additional conferences can be arranged by contacting your child's teacher(s). 

Conferences for the 2022-2023 school year will be held the week of November 4th - November 10th. Teachers will reach out with detailed conference information. 

* Due to limited time during conference week, only one conference per child can be accommodated. 

Anti-Bullying Pledge

Each student will be challenged and inspired to reach her or his fullest intellectual, social-emotional and creative potential to positively impact the world.

Mission for the Reed Union Student

Each RUSD student will receive the support and opportunity to develop the skills to be a:

Motivated Learner Committed to Academic Excellence

• Demonstrate responsibility, self-direction, and independence
• Take risks, are not afraid to make mistakes and learn from them
• Take pride in accomplishments
• Understand learning is a lifelong process

 Creative Problem Solver

• Apply critical thinking
• Integrate curiosity, imagination and insight
• Apply knowledge across disciplines, projects and in real life situations
• Generate ideas and best possible solutions

 Effective Communicator

• Actively listen and acknowledge different points of view and cultural context
• Express and support positions considering multiple perspectives
• Use appropriate tools and language to inform, persuade, and convey ideas to diverse audiences
• Collaborate with others

 Engaged Citizen

• Demonstrate empathy, ethical behavior, and respect for self, others, and the environment
• Actively contribute to school, local, and global communities
• Advocate for self and others
• Understand and appreciate cultures, histories, and contributions of people of the world

 Balanced Individual / Best Self

• Demonstrate self-knowledge, integrity, good judgment, and honor
• Exhibit self-assurance, confidence, and social competence
• Persevere and are resilient amidst adversity, stress, disappointment, and conflict
• Make positive choices for personal and physical well being
• Believe in the power of the individual to make a difference

The Reed Union School District community is committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment in which each person has a sense of belonging and is provided the support to thrive.

The Reed Union School District community believes that valuing visible and invisible diversity is essential for an inclusive teaching and learning environment that fosters educational excellence for all.

State Testing Notification

California students take several mandated statewide tests. These tests provide parents/guardians, teachers, and educators with information about how well students are learning and becoming college and career ready. The test results may be used for local, state, and federal accountability purposes.

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)

• Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Assessments: The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) computer adaptive assessments are aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics tests are administered in grades three through eight and grade eleven to measure whether students are on track to college and career readiness. In grade eleven, results from the ELA and math assessments can be used as an indicator of college readiness.
• California Science Tests (CAST): The new, computer-based CAST measures student acquisition of the California Next Generation Science Standards. It is administered in grades five and eight, and once in high school. The new computer-based CAST replaces the California Standards Tests (CST) for Science.
• California Alternate Assessments (CAA): The computer-based CAA for ELA and CAA for mathematics is administered to students with the most significant cognitive disabilities in grades three through eight and grade eleven. Test items are aligned with the CCSS and are based on the Core Content Connectors. The instructionally embedded CAA for Science is administered in grades five and eight, and once in high school.
• Standards-based Tests in Spanish (STS): for Reading/Language Arts, California offers the optional STS for Reading/Language Arts, which are multiple-choice tests that allow Spanish-speaking English learners to demonstrate their knowledge of the California content standards. The California Spanish Assessment (CSA) will replace the optional STS. The CSA will be a computer-based assessment that is aligned with the California CCSS en Español.
   

English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)

The ELPAC is aligned with the 2012 California English Language Development Standards. It consists of two separate English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessments: one for the initial identification of students as English learners and the other for the annual summative assessment to identify students’ English language proficiency level and to measure their progress in learning English. For more information, visit the ELPAC page in this handbook. 

Physical Fitness Test

The physical fitness test (PFT) for students in California schools is the FitnessGram®. The main goal of the test is to help students in starting lifelong habits of regular physical activity. Students in grades five, seven, and nine take the fitness test.
 

Source: California Department of Education | January 2018

 Review the Reed Union School District's Student Use of Technology Agreement. 

• AR 3513.3 Tobacco Free Schools RUSD
• BP 3513.3 Tobacco Free Schools RUSD

RUSD Board policies and administrative regulations are available at GAMUT Policy Plus, a service of the California School Boards Association (CSBA). Select "Policies" from the menu in the upper right area and then choose or search for the policy or regulation you are interested in.

Toys/Balls from Home

Unless part of a classroom assignment, students are required to leave all toys, balls, yo-yos, and other playground equipment at home. Items brought from home are not allowed on the playground before school, during recess, during lunch, or immediately after school. Therefore, if an item must be brought to school for an after-school activity, it needs to stay in a backpack or tote for the length of the entire school day.

Fidget Toys

We will honor a doctor's note for a child's need for a fidget during class. If however, the fidget becomes distracting to the student or his or her classmates, we will ask the student to put the fidget away. 

Wheels on Campus

Skateboards, Heelys, roller blades, razor scooters, bicycles, and similar wheeled devices may be ridden to school but may not be ridden on campus. Students must keep them locked in designated areas during school hours. All wheels must be walked on campus and students must not ride or coast up or down the hill at Bel Aire, or across Tiburon Blvd. at Reed.