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La Student Handbook 2007-2008 Educating the Heart, Mind, and Body La As the school grew from an academy to a
junior college, and later into a four-year liberal arts college, it was
deemed necessary to separate the academy grades into a separate unit. This was done in 1940 when the La Sierra
College Preparatory School (now known as La Sierra University) was
organized. In 1955 the school was
moved from the college campus to its present location near the intersection
of In the 1962-63 school year a new
constitution was adopted and approved by the eight constituent churches, the
College, and the Conference wherein a Board of Trustees with equitable representation
assumed full responsibility for both operation and improvement expenditures. The 1962-63 constitution specified that
the La Sierra College Preparatory School and the La Sierra College
Demonstration School would be known as La Sierra Academy and Elementary
School. The constitution underwent
further revision in 1967-68. In
1973-74 the name of the school was changed to La Sierra Academy of
Seventh-day Adventists. The aim of Seventh-day Adventist
education at La Sierra Academy is Christ-centered instruction resulting in
the experience of redemption and transformation of character. This spiritual dimension permeates all
aspects of La Sierra Academy's program for mental, physical, and social
development of its students. Mental development occurs through an
academic program that enables students to acquire the knowledge and skills
necessary to function in modern society and also seeks to address the higher
intellectual processes of critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. Physical development occurs through a
program that builds strength, develops stamina and refines coordination. The values of healthful living and the
dignity of labor are also emphasized. Social development includes
opportunities for effective interpersonal skills, appropriate use of leisure
time, and unselfish service to God and man. La La Sierra Academy K-8 is accredited by
the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. La Sierra Academy of Seventh-day Adventists is accredited by the Board
of Regents of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The Academy is a member of and accredited by the
Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The Academy
is on the approved list of the The curriculum studied at La Sierra Academy
is in accordance with North American Division (NAD) and Pacific Union
standards. All courses are aligned to
national standards and No religious test is required of any
student upon entering the Academy, but it is expected that all who apply for
admission will assert respect and honor for the religious principles on which
the school is founded. La Meeting Students Needs
In a desire to meet the challenge of
providing education to all students, we the administration and teachers of La
Sierra Academy K-6 believe that guidelines need to be established that will
help us focus our resources on the "at risk" student. The "at risk" student is
defined as the student who is low achieving academically, behaviorally, or
socially. Determination is made by the
teacher's observation, the teacher evaluation on class assignments, and the
student's performance record. The "at risk" student has
needs that maximally tax the "regular" classroom teacher's
skills. As we work with students, we
may identify students that need to have a "resource" or
"special education" experience to have their needs met. We are looking forward to working with every
student we accept, recognizing that some may have challenges, or needs that
are beyond we can do to help the student. Students have been accepted that are
presently "at risk" and have made an effective adjustment to the
educational, social, and spiritual program at La Sierra Academy. We are anxious about accepting students who
will have a great experience while
they are at La Sierra Academy. We recognize that we are not equipped with
faculty or staff who are trained to handle "at risk" or
special needs students beyond what is usual for most students. However, we are committed to providing a
comprehensive elementary educational experience for children. We
anticipate that the student population at La Sierra Academy K-6 will be
composed of students with varying academic, social, spiritual, and cultural
differences. Our expectations for all
of our students are high. We believe
that students will rise to our highest standard, if we expect no less from
them. We are committed to working
cooperatively with our parents to reach the highest goals. Registration
Procedures -
(Procedure
sheet included in registration packet) 1. Registration
packet completely filled out 2. Proof
of Immunizations or copy of school health record 3. Proof of TB skin test within the last 12
months. (For students new to 4. Physical examination form completed by
physician (For those entering kindergarten and new first grade students who
have never been in school) 5. Copy
of Birth Certificate (For those entering kindergarten or first grade) 6. 7. Copy
of last report card (New students) 8. 9. Test
scores (SAT 9, Standford, or STAR for grades 2 to 6) **Note: La ***Note: The last day to enroll a student for the
current school year is the last day of third quarter. Counseling Services
La
Sierra has a K-12 certified school counselor who provides services to all
students and their parents. Student
Sexual Harassment Policy La Definition: Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual
advances or requests and other conduct of a sexual nature that is
offensive. It can be spoken, written,
or physical behavior. It includes
offensive pictures, graffiti, jokes and gestures. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated
when the offensive behavior or material creates a hostile school
environment. If submission to
offensive sexual conduct is made a condition of academic status, progress,
benefits, honors or activities, it is prohibited sexual harassment. Reporting Procedures: Students who have experienced sexual
harassment should report the incident to school authorities as soon as
possible. If the harassment is between
students, the student should report the incident to the classroom teacher. The student may also report to the
principal. If harassment comes from an adult, the student should report
directly to the principal. We
believe that-- 1. All
students have the right to learn. 2. All
teachers have the right to teach. 3. The
Christian finds existence more meaningful and rewarding when certain
practices harmful spiritually, physically, socially, or mentally are not
engaged in. Therefore,
all students will-- 1. Be
on time and prepared to work. 2. Show
courtesy and respect for everyone. 3. Not
disrupt the learning process. 4. Reflect the Christian principles and ideals taught and held by
this school. Students
should: 1. Keep
their hands to themselves. 2.
Be honest in all they do. 3. Show
respect for all teachers and their assistants. 4. Keep
language pure. 5. Not
distribute or chew gum on school campus at any time. 6. Take good care of school property avoiding
any damage to anything belonging to the school or to things belonging to
fellow students. 7. Always
walk--not run--on the sidewalks. 8. Follow
proper safety rules when playing on playground equipment. 9. Not
possess or use tobacco, alcohol, or any other dangerous drugs. 10. Cooperate with the yard supervisor's
directions, while under their care. Specific
examples of practices that are harmful include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Use of profane language; indulging in
suggestive or lewd conduct; possessing and displaying obscene literature or
pictures. 2. Gambling,
betting, or possessing gambling devices. 3. Advocating
atheistic ideas or undermining the religious ideals of the school. 4. Acts
of dishonesty, deception, or stealing; protecting violators of school rules. 5. Improper conduct involving persons of the
opposite sex; excessive displaying of affection by couples in public. 6. Any
activity that may be injurious to life, person, or property. 7. Being
insubordinate by continual, willful disrespect or disobedience to any member
of the school staff, or by persistent violation of any school regulation. Because
enrollment in this school is a matter of mutual satisfaction, not an inherent
right, cooperation and adherence to the school standards are required. A student whose conduct or progress is
unsatisfactory, or whose spirit is manifestly out of harmony with the
standards of the school, or whose influence is found to be detrimental, may
be dismissed at any time, although there may have been no violation of any
specific regulation. RATIONALE: A. To facilitate consistent
mutual consequences for specific inappropriate behaviors. B. To
guard the reputation of the school faculty and administration. C. Teachers have their own discipline procedures in the classroom. However, sometimes a students’ behavior is such
that greater consequences need to be followed. The following is a description of these
consequences 1. Use
of profane or inappropriate language, indulging in suggestive or lewd
conduct, possessing and displaying obscene literature or pictures. A. 1st Offense -- A Discipline
Referral is issued. The student is
counseled. B. 2nd Offense -- A second referral is
issued requesting teacher/parent follow-up. (i.e.-phone
conference). C. 3rd
Offense -- A third referral is issued. Student is sent to administration. A letter from the principal is sent to the
family requesting a conference. The
student may be suspended for a minimum of one day. A. 1st Offense—A Discipline Referral
is issued. The student(s) may be suspended for a minimum of one day. B. 2nd Offense—A Discipline Referral
is issued. The student(s) may be
suspended for a minimum of three (3) days and a referral made for counseling. C. 3rd Offense—A Discipline Referral
is issued. The student is recommended
to withdraw from the school. Any object or look-alike that could be considered a weapon is not
allowed on campus. This includes
knives, guns, sticks, clubs, or other devices that possibly might be used as
a weapon. Each case will be evaluated
on its own merit. Consequences will
then be determined, up to and including withdrawal from the school. 3. Use of alcoholic beverages, or tobacco in any form, possessing or
furnishing them to others. A. 1st Offense -- A Discipline Referral
is issued. The student will be
suspended for a minimum of two days. B. 2nd
Offense -- A Discipline Referral is issued. The student will be suspended for a minimum
of two days. The student must show
proof of attendance at a minimum of one A.A. meeting, or some other
recognized rehabilitation program. C. 3rd
Offense -- A Discipline Referral is issued. The student is suspended for a minimum of
two days. A letter from administration
is issued to request the student withdraw from school. 5. Use of a narcotic in any form,
possessing, or furnishing them to others requires the involvement of the
police. 6. Gambling, betting, or
possessing gambling devices. (Refer to protocol for item #1.) 7. Advocating atheistic ideas or undermining the
religious ideals of the school. A. 1st Offense -- A Discipline Referral
is issued. The student is sent to
administration. A letter of concern is
issued that requests a conference. The
Personnel Committee is notified
of the concern. The student may
be suspended. B. 2nd Offense -- A Discipline Referral
is issued. The student is suspended
for a minimum of two days. The
Personnel Committee is notified of the request to have the student withdrawn
from school. 8. Acts of
dishonesty, deception, or stealing; protecting violators of school
rules. (Refer to protocol for item
#1.) 9. Improper
conduct involving persons of the opposite sex. Excessive displaying of affection by
couples in public. (Refer to protocol
for item #1.) 10. Any
activity that may be injurious to property (Refer to protocol for item #1.) 11. Being
insubordinate by continual, willful disrespect or disobedience to any member
of the school staff, or by persistent violation of any school
regulation. (Refer to protocol for
item #1.) It is realized that the discipline of
students is a complex challenging proposition with many variables. Therefore,
we reserve the right to suspend these guidelines if it is determined that the
student's behavior is flagrant and the influence of the student is
detrimental or destructive to the continual operation of the program. Under such circumstance the student will be
suspended, a request for withdrawal made and the Personnel Committee notified
and apprised of the situation. The
parents would be told they might appeal to the Personnel Committee for
redress. Definition
of Academic and Citizenship Probation When a teacher recommends that a student
be placed on academic probation, the teacher has already tried strategies to
address the concerns observed. The
teacher will have requested that the family
participate in a Student Study Team (SST).
The SST is the vehicle for determining whether a student needs further
examination by the school psychologist.
At the SST meeting, goals and objectives may be identified that will
provide direction for the family and the teacher. The follow-up report will provide recommendations
for further family and/or teacher action.
If the parent declines the SST, the student will be placed on
citizenship or academic probation. When a teacher recommends or the
administration places a student on citizenship probation the student will
have had received three (3) or more discipline referrals. The teacher will have tried strategies to
address the concerns observed. The
administration may also have had conferences with the student and the parent. The terms of the student's probation
will be reflected in the correspondence generated from the office. The terms of probation can include: 1. a future suspension as a consequence to any
further infraction. 2. a future request for withdrawal, if the
problem persists. 3. the outlining of some specific terms that
must be met for attendance to
continue. 4. the recommendation or mandate that the
student receive counseling. 5. the recommendation or mandate of a limited
school day, as outlined by the
administration in conjunction with the teacher and parent. 6. some other consequence as deemed necessary,
given the concern being addressed. By registering at La Sierra Academy, the
student and his or her parents or guardians agree to comply with the rules
and regulations as published by the school.
All regulations adopted by the
faculty and announced to the student body have the same force as those
published and remain in force throughout the year; both on and off the
campus. La La Grades
K-2 Monday-Thursday…………………..…8:00
a.m. - 2:20. Friday……………………………….…8:00
a.m. - 12:00 Grades
3-4 Monday-Thursday………………….….8:00
a.m. - 2:50. Friday………………………………….8:00
a.m. - 12:15 Grades
5-6 Monday-Thursday…………………… ..8:00
a.m. - 3::05
Friday…………………………………..8:00 a.m. - 12:15 La Monday-Thursday………………..7:00
a.m. - 7:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday…………………………….7:00
a.m. - 7:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Students are supervised on the
playground until extended day care begins.
Any child remaining on the playground at 3:30 p.m. will
automatically be placed in extended day care. Parents must sign out their child when they
are taken out of extended day care.
There is a charge for extended day care of $3.00 per hour and an
additional charge of $15.00 per hour past 6:00 p.m. We expect families who need child care
after 6:00 p.m. to make other arrangements. Parents of students and members of the
Board of Trustees are welcome to visit the school at any time. Guests are expected to register with the
school office upon arrival and obtain a visitor's pass. The school is anxious to make the stay on
campus as profitable and pleasant for the visitor as possible. Non-students
are not to be on campus at any time unless prior arrangements have been made
with the office and the visitor has a pass obtained from the office. Because of the personal value placed
upon items like trading cards, pens, etc., students are not permitted to be
involved in the selling or trading of any item on campus. Electronic
Devices and Cell Phones Electronic devices are defined as
TV’s, CD players, walkmans, game boys, and beepers. Because we want to provide the best
learning environment for your child, these electronic devices detract from a
quality-learning environment.
Therefore, we ask that these devices be kept at home. If they are found on campus, they will be
confiscated for a period of time. We also request that cell phones be kept
at home. We do understand that some
parents need to be able to contact their child immediately and like the
convenience of the cell phone.
Therefore; all teachers will request that students have their phones
turned off when in the classroom. All
of this will continue to provide a quality learning environment for all
students. Students who bring musical instruments
to school must take personal responsibility for them. They should be left unattended only in a
classroom. The school cannot bear the
cost or take responsibility for repairs of a broken instrument. For the benefit of anyone who has
inadvertently misplaced articles that they value, a lost and found is
provided. It is suggested that
clothing and items of value be marked with the student's name. Excessive amounts of money and expensive
items should not be brought to school.
Small items can be picked up in the elementary office. Clothing items are hung on a portable rack
that will be displayed before and after school every day in the hallway near
the Extended Day Care Room #32. A
standard dress has been adopted.
Information on standard dress items is available in the office. These guidelines apply. 1. Clothing should be neat and clean. 2. Shoes
should be worn at all times. Wear
shoes with non-skid soles. No open-toed shoes, sandals, thongs,
jelly shoes, boots, or heels. 3. Watches
and pins are the only jewelry allowed. Please, no earrings, necklaces, or
bracelets. 4. Shorts
and skirts must be modest. They should be no shorter than the child’s middle
finger of the hand when the hand is straight down the child’s side. 5. Pants may not sag or show
underwear. 6. Hair, makeup, and fingernail polish should
be natural and inconspicuous. 7. Hats are not to be worn inside the
classrooms. The school library is a learning center,
a resource for all students and teachers to use as an aid in study, research
or reading interest. Students are
encouraged to spend time in studying and casual reading in this
facility. A quiet atmosphere is to
prevail at all times so that students may study uninterrupted. The librarian has the same authority to
discipline a student, as does a classroom teacher. Food, drink, and gum are not permitted in
the library at any time. There will be two regularly scheduled
parent-teacher conferences each school year.
Teachers will schedule any extra conferences at a time outside of
school hours that is convenient for both the parent and teacher. Any parent desiring a conference with the
teacher should also make an appointment outside of school hours. Meal tickets are available in the
business office, at the cafeteria after 9:00 a m, and at the Oasis Café at
the La Sierra Natural Foods Market.
The cost for meal tickets is $3.00, $3.25, and $3.50 depending on your
child’s grade. Tickets in larger
amounts are also available. Please
ensure your child’s name and classroom teacher’s name is clearly marked on
the meal ticket. If the ticket is
lost, it can easily be returned to your child. The elementary office does not have meal
tickets for sale. Should a student become ill during the
school hours, he or she should report to the teacher or school nurse. If the illness appears to be serious,
efforts will be made to contact the parents; and if necessary to contact
medical authorities A. Student Retention Procedure For the safety and security of staff and
students, the school grounds will be closed following a major emergency
(airplane crash), or disaster (earthquake).
Students will be kept at school until a parent, or authorized
individual listed on the Student
Release Form, can assume custody.
Should a student not be picked up they will be maintained on campus. 1. Students will be retained by their teachers
at school. They will be kept together
and not permitted to wander away from the group. Efforts will be made to communicate with
older siblings to provide reassurance to the younger sibling. 2. Teachers will take roll and give names of
missing or injured children to the principal.
The principal will pass the names to an emergency coordinator, who
will dispatch the appropriate help. B. Student
Release Procedure The goal is to reunite children with parents or
guardians as quickly as possible. To
avoid illicit pick-up of children, a procedure must be followed. a. The student release form should indicate a
person other than the parent who is authorized to pick up the child. b. Parents will be directed to the Command Center [Adjacent directly to
the South of the A secondary, limited coverage, student
accident insurance policy is provided for each student by Christian Educators
Insurance Trust. Secondary limited
coverage will pay costs of accidents after
other family insurance plans have contributed. Information is available from the Business
Office. Students are covered 1. While on school premises during school
hours. 2. While traveling directly and
uninterruptedly between school and home within one hour before school begins
and one hour after school is dismissed.
(Coverage is extended for any additional time required when traveling
in school-furnished transportation.) 3. While
engaged in any activity sponsored exclusively by the school, including travel
to and from such activity in a vehicle authorized by the school. Self-administration of drugs, whether
prescription or not, is not permitted on the school premises. Any student who is required to take
medicine prescribed by a physician, during the regular school day, may be
assigned by the school nurse or other designated school personnel if the
school receives: |