Thank you for choosing Pinecrest School, Northridge.  From the day Pinecrest was founded in 1951, our mission has been clear, to provide a rich, educational experience for each child.  Today, our academic standards have evolved into a comprehensive and exciting curriculum that combines traditional principles with the latest technological advancements.

LEARNING AND WORKING TOGETHER

As a Pinecrest student, it is my responsibility to:

• attend school every day and be on time
• come to school prepared with books, paper, pencil, and any materials and assignments as directed by my teachers
• obey the directions of all Pinecrest School staff members
• maintain a positive attitude toward learning and believe in my ability to succeed
• respect the rights and property of others
  

The staff of Pinecrest School Northridge accepts the responsibility to:

• provide a quality instructional program for each student
• provide an orderly classroom and safe school environment
• develop programs and activities which will respond to the social, emotional, personal, and physical developmental needs of each student
• assist parents in helping their children develop self discipline, self respect, and confidence to participate in school as a responsible pupil

As the parents of a Pinecrest School student, it is my responsibility to:

• send my child to school each day on time
• check my child's homework/assignments on a daily basis
• provide my child with suitable study conditions at home
• communicate with my child's teacher when I am concerned about his/her work or health

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GENERAL INFORMATION

• The normal school day is 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• There is a study hall for 1st-5th grade from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday.
• Our campus is open 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. providing child care before and after classroom hours at no additional charge.
• A penalty of $2.50 per minute will be applied to your account if your child is left after 6:00 p.m.

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DRESS CODE

* Uniforms are MANDATORY!  The children have their choice of a navy, burgundy, white, or forest green polo shirt/blouse.  The polos MUST have the PINECREST LOGO. The boys have their choice of navy or khaki pants/shorts, and the girls have their choice of navy or khaki shorts, pants, skirts, shorts, or Pinecrest Plaid skirts.  Sweatshirts may be worn.  Any color socks, stockings, or tights may be worn. Closed toe or heeled shoes with a maximum height of 1 inch may be worn.  Sneakers must be worn for P.E.

* Hair must be well kept with a moderate, groomed style.  Neither boys nor girls may have hairstyles that are extreme.  Hair coloring must be a natural color.  Hoop and dangle earrings are not permitted for safety reasons.

* All students must wear the correct uniform unless it is a “Free Dress Day”, which will be the first and third Friday of each month.
On “Free Dress Days”, children may wear pants or shorts in good taste.  Girls may wear dresses, shorts, or skirts of any length, modesty permitting.  No excessive baggy clothing will be allowed.  Hats are not to be worn backwards.  Inappropriate sayings or pictures on clothing will not be allowed.

* Pinecrest recognizes that a person’s appearance is indicative of their positive self-image and ability to be self-disciplined. What is appropriate appearance, however, in recreational or leisure situations may not be appropriate in the school environment. The school requires that a student follow the school dress code when on campus, fieldtrips, or extra curricular activities.  All fieldtrips will require wearing a uniform unless otherwise stated.

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PINECREST SCHOOL PARKING LOT SAFETY!

To ensure the safety of all students as they enter and exit Pinecrest each day, the following guidelines need to be followed.  Let’s work together to make the safety of our children a top priority!

* Students should be dropped off at the Front gate in the parking lot located off Devonshire St.  If parents need to get out of their cars, please park in a designated parent parking spot so as not to interrupt the flow of traffic through the drop off area.

* Reserved and staff marked parking stalls are off-limits. Please do not park in these spots.

* Drivers are asked to drive slowly and carefully through the parking lot.  Safety at all times is crucial!

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MEDICATIONS

The health of your child is very important to a successful school year. Students may not carry medication of any kind on school grounds.  Pinecrest School is a Drug Free Campus. Medication (including over-the-counter medications) may be administered in the Nurse’s Office Only with a written Parent Permission Form. Prescription medication must be in a prescription container with the student’s name, date, type of medication and how often it is to be given. There are forms located at the front desk for this purpose.

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ACADEMICS

The academic grades in use at Pinecrest School Northridge are:

A - Excellent Achievement
B - Above Average Achievement
C - Average Achievement
D - Below Average Achievement/ Need for Improvement
F - Unsatisfactory Achievement

Grades are based on class work, tests, class participation and homework.  Excessive absences and/or tardiness may seriously affect a student’s average.

The academic year is divided into four quarters.  At the end of each quarter a report card is sent home and is part of the student’s permanent record.  Every five weeks a progress report is sent home for student’s having difficulty, or doing below average work.  These five-week reports are not a part of a student’s permanent record.

Should you desire a conference with your child’s teacher or the principal, please call the office and a conference will gladly be arranged.

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CHARACTER

We have the BEST program as part of our character Education.  The school centers on one topic each month and does activities in each grade level.  The Pinecone, our monthly newsletter, lets parents know what we are working on.  We also send parent letters home that correspond with our program.

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LUNCHES

Hot lunches are optional for children in elementary grades and may be ordered and charged to your account on a monthly or yearly basis.  Students not on the regular hot lunch schedule may purchase their lunch on any given day.  Daily lunches must be paid for on the same day.  The cost is $5.25 for Kindergarten thru third grade, $5.50 for Fourth thru Fifth grade.  Fresh milk is available for all students free of charge.

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HOMEWORK

Homework is considered an integral part of a child’s academic career.  He or she is expected to complete the assignments as an extension of classroom instruction.  Regular homework assignments are given to all students from Kindergarten thru Fifth grade.  As a rule, homework is not assigned on Fridays.  Make-up homework may be requested by 10:00 a.m.   Work will be ready for pick-up by 3:30 p.m.

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LOST & FOUND

A receptacle labeled LOST & FOUND is used to receive all items left on the playground each evening.  We will try to find and return any lost item, but the school cannot be held responsible for any personal item that your child brings to school.  Personal property brought to school by your child should be clearly marked with your child’s name.  The school will make every effort to ensure that each child’s personal belongings are secure, but does not assume liability for those items.  Toys, radios, walkmans, video games, collector’s cards, gameboys, and cell phones are not allowed at school. 

We are not responsible for loss or theft of these items.  If a student is found with a cell phone it will be taken and given to the principal. If it happens more than once the student will face possible suspension.  Camera cell phones are never allowed on campus at anytime. 

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FIELD TRIPS & OFF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

During the year, class field trips are conducted to points of interest (museums, libraries, etc.).  In addition, members of our sports teams travel to other schools to compete in afternoon athletics.  In all instances where students leave campus under supervision of Pinecrest Schools, a signed Parent Consent Form (trip slip) is required for each child in order to release them from school.  Trip slips are distributed a few days prior to the activity and must be returned to the school before the child may leave campus.  Details of each trip are given on the trip slip.  A student must wear a Pinecrest uniform on all fieldtrip unless otherwise stated.

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EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

As an additional convenience and incentive, after school activities are offered, some require an additional fee.  Information and fees are available on our website.

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ABSENCES

Excused Absences include:

• Illness
• Medical appointments
• Attendance at the funeral of a family member
• Court appearance with verification
• Other special circumstances approved by the principal

Other Absences

Absences for any reason other than those listed above are NOT considered legal by the California Administrative Code and therefore are NOT justified absences. Teachers are not required to provide make-up work for “Personal” or “Truant” absences. Vacations or other personal business are NOT excused absences.

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HARASSMENT POLICY

Pinecrest Northridge is committed to provide a learning environment that is free from harassment in any form. Harassment of any student by any other student, is illegal according to Civil Code (California Educational Code 212.5) and is strictly prohibited. The school will treat allegations of harassment seriously and will review and investigate such allegations in a prompt, confidential, and thorough manner. A charge of harassment shall not, in and of itself, create the presumption of wrongdoing. However, substantiated acts of harassment will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Students found to have filed false or frivolous charges will also be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Harassment occurs when an individual is subjected to treatment or a school environment, which is hostile or intimidating because of the individual’s race, creed, color, national origin, physical disability, or sex. Harassment can occur any time during school or during school-related activities. It is the student’s responsibility to:

1. Conduct him or her self in a manner, which contributes to a positive school environment.
2. Avoid any activity that may be considered discriminatory, intimidating, or harassing.
3. Consider immediately informing anyone harassing him or her that the behavior is offensive and unwelcome.
4. Report all incidents of discrimination or harassment to the administration or teacher.
5. Immediately discontinue conduct when informed that it is discriminatory, intimidating, harassing, or unwelcome.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
Verbal Harassment
Derogatory comments and jokes; threatening words spoken to another person.
Physical Harassment
Unwanted physical touching, contact, assault, deliberate impeding or blocking movements, or any intimidating interference with normal work or movement.
Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

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DISCIPLINE

Pinecrest is a structured school and as such expects proper behavior from all students.  Any serious infraction of the basic rules may result in suspension or expulsion for cause.  We have a zero tolerance policy for any racism, bigotry, physical aggression, hitting, kicking, biting, drugs, or weapons.  A citizenship policy is in effect for students in First thru Fifth grade.  

DISCIPLINE POLICY

Classroom:

The classroom teacher will address minor offenses using such strategies as individual conferences, demerits and parent notification.

Immediate Referrals:

A student may be sent immediately to the Administration Office for the following reasons: Disrespect or Harassment to teachers, staff, or students; Fighting; Stealing; Cheating; Drug possession or use on campus; Destruction or Theft of school or student property; Gang-related activity; Truancy; Possession of a weapon or potentially dangerous objects. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken which could include: Parent conference, detention, suspension, or expulsion.

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CITIZENSHIP POLICY

Students are assumed to have excellent behavior and are given an A in citizenship at the beginning of each quarter.  Students may choose to keep that A or they may choose to have a lower grade by not following the directions as specified below.

Parents are encouraged to support the goal of outstanding citizenship at Pinecrest.  Please go over this thoroughly together.  Points lost may not be earned back that quarter.  They will start over again each quarter.

Standards of Student Conduct

Standards of conduct apply to student behavior on campus, in the classroom, and during any school related activity.

School Wide

• Students will follow directions the first time they are given.
• Students will not litter anywhere on campus.
• Students will not call each other names or use any vulgar language or signs.
• Students will not write on or damage the school's or another person's property.
• Students will not be in off limit areas during the day without permission. (Cafeteria, Teacher's Lounge, Maintenance Sheds, Preschool area, etc.)
• Students will have requested class materials when entering the classroom.
• Students will respect all staff.
• Students will not harass another student.

Lunch Area

• Students will follow directions of the lunch staff.
• Students will use food in a proper manner.
• Students will put all trash into the proper container.
• Students will not be allowed in the kitchen.

Tardiness and Truancy

• Students will be with their class and prepared to work upon entering the classroom at 8:30 a.m.
• Students will not leave school at any time without permission.
• Please schedule doctor appointments etc. after school.
• Consistent tardiness is not acceptable. It will count in absenteeism and will affect grades.

Possible Recognition for Complying with Standards of Conduct

• Positive notes or phone calls to parents
• Good citizen certificates
• High citizenship grades on report cards
• Participation in special activities
  

Possible Consequences for Violating Standards of Conduct

1. Loss of points
2. Detention
3. Parents contacted and/or conference
4. Daily progress report and/or contract
5. Office referral
6. Campus cleanup
7. Loss of extra-curricular activities
8. Suspension
9. Expulsion

Evaluation of Student Behavior

Administrators will evaluate students, and a log of campus citizenship will be kept in the office.  A campus citizenship grade will be given on the report card.  Citizenship grades will be calculated as follows:  Students will receive an A (36 points) at the beginning of each quarter.  Points shall reflect citizenship grades as follows:

36 - 33 points = A
32 - 25 points = B
24 - 13 points = C
12 - 5 points = D
4 - 0 points = F

Students with a D or F can be placed on restriction.  Restricted students may not participate in any extra-curricular activities during the time they are restricted.  In addition, any student, regardless of citizenship grades, may be eliminated from activities at administrative discretion because of serious inappropriate behavior.

Behavior Violations and Consequences

Any office referral due to misconduct may result in a loss of points. Additional consequences for violating standards of conduct may be imposed by the office depending upon the severity of the violation. Repeated serious offences may be grounds for suspension or expulsion.

Violations Against Persons

1. Fighting/ Hands on: Bullying, threatening, physical injury: Office referral and possible suspension or expulsion.
2. Cutting in line: Send to end of line.
3. Horseplay/ Hands on: 5 points
4. Throwing rocks or other objects: 10 points plus possible suspension or expulsion
5. Disrupting class: 3-5 points

Violations Against Property

1. Defacing, damaging, destroying or abusing school, student, teacher or private property: Financial responsibility and/or 5 points, possible suspension or expulsion
2. Littering: Campus clean-up
3. Theft: Financial responsibility
4. Throwing rocks or other objects: 10 points plus possible suspension or expulsion

Violations Against Acceptable Social Standards

1. Foul language: 5 points
2. Eating candy at unauthorized times or chewing gum: 3 points; throw away the food
3. Disrespect to students and or staff: 5-10 points
4. Cheating: 5 points and lowered grade
5. Violations Against School Administrative Procedures
   • Restricted property: 3 points
   • Skateboards on campus: Loss of skateboard
   • Cutting classes/school: Office referral
   • Defying authority: 5 points & possible other consequences
   • Loss of school issued materials: Financial responsibility

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STUDENT REGULATIONS

• around the Kindergarten rooms (for 2nd grade and up)
• around the maintenance shed
• in the pathways on the north and west sides of the office
• in the lunch areas behind the kitchen
• ANYWHERE outside the school fence line
• in the cafeteria
• any out of bounds area, including the walkway behind the cafeteria near Rooms 14, 15 and 16

2. You are never to go to the PRESCHOOL without permission.
3. You are not allowed in the kitchen area at any time (except for helpers getting milks for the classroom).
4. Do not use the main office or health office as a place to socialize.
5. Any medication you must take during the day must be kept    for you in the health office.  It should be brought to the nurse in the morning.  (This includes Tylenol, cough drops, etc.)
6. If and when you are absent from school, your teacher will need a note from your parents explaining the reason for your absence. Excused absences include:

• Illness (3 days or more requires a doctor’s note to return)
• Medical Appointments
• Attendance at the funeral of a family member
• Court appearance with verification
• Other special circumstances approved by the principal

7. You are responsible for your own belongings, and it will help you keep track of your things to follow these guidelines

• Kindergarten – when you arrive at school, put your things in your cubby.
• After school, keep your books and belongings in your cubby until it is time to go.
• To all grades:  If you become careless, fail to mark your belongings as well as your books with your name, or leave your things strewn about the campus, the chances are excellent that they will be lost.

8. Please do not bring large amounts of money or other valuable items to school.  The main office staff will no longer give change.  If, for any reason, you must bring money to school, let your teacher take it for safekeeping until it is needed.  No radios, CD players, toys, Gameboys, etc. are allowed.  Trading cards may not be brought to school or traded.  Nothing may be sold on campus without the Principal’s permission.

9. Show pride in your campus.  Keep it looking neat and clean at all times.  Always put trash in containers.  Leave bathroom areas looking orderly. This is your home for five days a week.  Treat it with the same manners and respect you would the family’s home.  Each grade level is responsible for maintaining a designated area of the campus by planting flowers during the year.

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