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Student-Parent Handbook
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MISSION
KLINE SCHOOL
Uniting Academic Tradition
With Today’s Technology
To Prepare Students For Tomorrow
GOALS
Kline School provides an individualized curriculum based on intellectual and technological advancement, aesthetic and cultural appreciation, as well as promotes the development of civic responsibility, personal and interpersonal growth.
Kline School offers the full benefit of learning to students with a wide range of academic abilities in a diverse ethnic, racial, linguistic and economic community.
ESLRs
Expected Schoolwide Learning Results
UPON GRADUATION FROM KLINE SCHOOL, EVERY STUDENT WILL BE:
An Effective Communicator who expresses ideas clearly and distinctively.
A Complex Innovative Thinker who analyzes and synthesizes information, linking ideas to personal experience and to the real world.
An Independent Resourceful Worker who is motivated, capable, and innovative in performance.
Technologically Literate using technology for practical and academic pursuits and to enhance communication.
Socially Responsible developing ethics that respect the needs of others.
General
Accreditation
Kline School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is licensed by the California State Department of Education. All credits are transferable and applicable toward the achievement of a high school diploma.
Kline School's memberships include the accrediting agencies, the Educational Records Bureau, the National and Orange County Associations for the Education of Young Children, and the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce.
Advisory Council
Kline School has an independent pool of advisors who counsel the Director from their respective fields of expertise. The council includes, but is not limited to, representatives from the fields of education, finance, law, psychology and business. Additionally, there is parent representation.
Educators
The educators of Kline School have earned degrees from colleges and universities across the country. The staff participates in workshops and conventions, as well as furthering their studies in pursuit of advanced degrees.
S.E.E.K.
S.E.E.K., an acronym for Supporting Excellence in Education for Kids, Inc., is an all-volunteer organization that raises funds and grants scholarships to children.
Academic Program
We at Kline School emphasize the acquisition of a strong foundation of basic skills: reading, writing, spelling and mathematics. To extend and to enhance these basic abilities we use phonics methods, literature based reading, mathematical manipulatives and learn fundamental computer techniques. In science and social studies, we use thematic teaching and whole-language methods, take frequent field trips, and invite community speakers into the classroom.
Technology is infused into the curriculum as students generate worldwide communications and access global resources. Also integrated into our core curriculum are physical education, health studies, art, poetry, music and drama. Day to day we emphasize the rich inter-relatedness between knowledge and skills.
In addition to knowledge, students develop an understanding of civic responsibility, cultural pluralism and democratic spirit. Students are encouraged to trust and honor their parents, teachers and peers, as well as develop and value lasting relationships. The staff reinforces the ethics common to all religions: integrity, honesty, responsibility, cooperation, compassion and respect for others.
Home Study
Home study is important because it reinforces what has been learned in class, prepares students for upcoming lessons, aids in extending and generalizing concepts, teaches responsibility and helps students develop positive study habits.
Homework is assigned regularly. It begins in the primary grades and ranges from 15 minutes to a half-hour. This does not include studying for tests and preparing long-range projects. As students are promoted in the program, independent work assignments become more challenging and demand more time.
Parents are expected to set a daily homework time, to provide a quiet environment and, if necessary, to help with the homework process. Students work on their own. If problems arise, contact the classroom teacher.
Occasionally students complete all assignments in school. In this case, it is suggested that parents encourage an activity that has educational value. Specific recommendations are provided upon request.
Grade Reporting
Progress Reports are sent home on noon dismissal days. These reports list all classwork, homework and testing assignments for the current term. In addition to assignments the report also identifies a student’s progress toward the achievement of their Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs).
Formal grade reports are issued three times each year. Each term is approximately 60 school days. Student academic achievement and social progress are measured, followed by a narrative section.
A comprehensive computerized grade book serves as a well-defined medium for teachers, parents, and students to clearly review scholastic achievement and behavioral growth. Each subject is divided into measurable classwork, homework, and testing categories. They are, generally, as follows:
Reading: word structure, vocabulary, comprehension, and independent reading
Math: computation, application, and problem solving
Spelling/Vocabulary: use of regular and challenge words
Language Arts: creative and research writing assignments, content, and mechanics
Penmanship: neatness, line quality, letter formation, and word spacing
Keyboarding: correct technique and accuracy
Science/Social Studies/Health: participation, understanding of concepts, and special projects
Mandarin/Spanish: oral and written language, practice and application
Fine Arts: effort and participation
Physical Education: follows directions, motor skills, and sportsmanship
Citizenship: effective communicator, complex innovative thinker, independent resourceful worker, technologically literate, and socially responsible
Letter grade values are as follows:
A+ 97-100 A 93-96 A- 90-92
B+ 87-89 B 83-86 B- 80-82
C+ 77-79 C 73-76 C- 70-72
D+ 67-69 D 63-66 D- 60-62 F 0-59
There is no formal reporting at the close of the summer session.
A pupil absent from school for 15 or more days during a 12-week term usually cannot accomplish enough work to permit comprehensive grading for their performance. Once the work is made-up, an independent report may be issued.
Student evaluation is an on-going process. Frequent contact by telephone or a brief note keeps parents abreast of their child's progress. Additionally, students receive continual feedback, an integral part to their success.
Testing/Year End Evaluation
National standard achievement and basic skills tests are administered at the end of every school year. This objective assessment of the students' strengths and weaknesses helps us better understand learning styles and progress.
The annual year-end evaluation identifies individual grade level achievement and national percentile ranking. Parents can see quantitative results of both their child's performance and teachers' competencies. This summary facilitates program planning and recommendation for the next school year.
Visiting
Parents are welcome to visit classes. Arrangements should be made with your child's teacher and the office, preferably a day in advance.
Communication Systems
At the commencement of each school year, Kline School invites new and returning families to attend a September Social. It is a time for students and their parents to get acquainted.
Approximately five to six weeks into the school year, formal Parent-Teacher Conferences are arranged. All families and both parents are encouraged to participate. This meeting gives the school and the family time to freely discuss any aspect of their child's program.
Kline School welcomes parents and students to schedule a conference with the teacher and/or director as needed.
If a question should arise that warrants urgent attention, we ask, as a courtesy to the staff, that you leave a voice or e-mail message outlining your concern and need to conference. Advance notice is an efficient precursor to thoughtful resolution.
All staff use electronic mail and the Internet as communication and instructional tools. E-mail and the school’s Website are used to post important changes and program updates for families.
Under special circumstances the school may call a Mandatory Parent Conference. Both parents are required to attend the emergency conference within 72 hours from the initial notice. Noncompliance may result in temporarily refusing the student admission to school and/or permanent dismissal.
Periodically, Parent Surveys are distributed concerning major policy changes, such as adopting a uniform or modifying the school calendar. These findings impact the decision making process and subsequent course of action. If needed, an Ad Hoc Committee comprised of parents, students, and staff is formed to help establish policy and ensure mutual understanding and support.
Transportation
Transportation is not offered between home and school. Carpooling is recommended. Once carpool arrangements have been designated, any change requires written notice. No child is permitted to make a transportation change without parental approval.
Use the clipboard found on the credenza by the school’s rear entrance to temporarily change a child's transportation. A child will not be released to the custody of another driver without prior parent authorization. Log-in your approval as soon as you know there is a change.
Field Trips
Periodic field trips are an important adjunct to the curriculum. A student is expected to complete assignments satisfactorily, as well as demonstrate good citizenship, to be included on field experiences. Students with excessive absences and/or tardies may be ineligible. Students not earning the privilege remain at school and use the time to maintain and/or improve their grades.
Students are required to wear the Kline School special event and field trip uniform (white polo, red sweatshirt, and navy walking shorts) and have a signed permission slip to accompany the class.
Parent volunteers are assigned a group of students and delegated to ensure proper behavior.
Transportation is provided by private cars. All parents are expected to drive for at least one field trip each year to support student enrichment. Parents must present for the school files a certificate of auto liability insurance and proof of a valid driver's license.
Drivers transport students directly to the field trip destination and return straight-away to the school. To maintain uniformity, please do not distribute treats to passengers on field trips.
Room 6 students may earn the privilege of going on a long distance field trip. Students maintaining satisfactory grades and attendance, as well as practicing exemplary citizenship throughout the school year, may be rewarded by their parents who provide the means to travel to unique educational destinations with their teacher(s).
Clubs
Showtimers meet after school every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. The club is managed by the cooperative effort of volunteers and staff. To remain in good standing, Showtimers must follow the general policies established by the leadership of the club.
Each year a series of after-school enrichment activities are offered to students. Typically the group meets for an hour, once a week, over a six-week period. Program topics cover an assortment of high interest areas such as babysitting, chess, and hands-on-science.
Important Procedures
Emergency Information
Parents are required to keep current the student's school emergency information including the parent's home and business addresses and telephone numbers, as well as provide the name, address and telephone number of a relative or friend authorized to care for the child in an emergency.
To safeguard your child, please carefully complete the emergency data card and update it as necessary.
School Bulletins
Kline School relies on students and parents to regularly visit the school’s Website to read announcements, news, calendars, and general information.
Lunches
Students remain at school for the lunch break. Children bring their lunch and, if desired, a mid-morning snack. Pack nutritional foods. No glass containers, sodas or ‘fast-food’ restaurant deliveries, please.
Menus for a catered lunch program are distributed each term and are paid for in advance. To process and prepare for food service, all sign-up forms must be received by the deadline date. Sorry, no exceptions.
Lost and Found
Please clearly label all personal items, especially uniform sweatshirts and sweaters. See your child's teacher for lost and/or found articles.
Class Parties
Customarily there are holiday parties arranged by the classroom teacher. Teachers call upon parents to contribute refreshments and may ask for assistance. These parties are typically held near the close of the school day and are for students only.
Birthday Parties
Kline School students may celebrate their birthday at school by giving a favorite book to the library. Traditionally classmates sing Happy Birthday following the morning exercises and the birthday student opens their gift to the school's library.
Please do not send in birthday treats or hand out party invitations at school unless the entire class is invited.
Parties immediately following the regular school day are discouraged.
Special Items
Please leave ALL toys and videotapes at home.
Skateboards, scooters, radios or CD players are not allowed on campus.
No gum is allowed at school.
Students are not permitted to wear make-up.
Students are not permitted to use the staff microwave to heat their lunches.
Library Policies
With a standard Web browser you can search our libary catalog from any location on the Internet. Visit www.libraryworld.com and follow these simple steps.
Library Name: Kline School
Username: Student’s Name
Password: Student’s Date of Birth (use six consecutive digits)
Any lost library book is assessed a twenty-five dollar $25.00 fine. All lost books are replaced with hard bound editions. (It takes a minimum of one man hour to replace a lost book.)
All library books and other materials belonging to the school must be returned prior to the closing of school for each extended recess.
Technology & Learning
Computers
Computer literacy is essential for optimal learning and communication at Kline. It is necessary that each home be equipped with a computer that has access to the Internet for information and research material, as well as having an active electronic (e-mail) address.
Computer use crosses all disciplines and is expected of all ages, from the primary classroom up through the middle school.
Accelerated Reader
The Accelerated Reader program is a computer-based reading motivation program.
The program is simple: The student either reads or has read to him or her, a book from the Accelerated Reader book list. The student then takes a computerized test on the book, answering multiple-choice questions that check their recall of basic facts and events in the book.
After finishing the test, the student gets a point score based on the difficulty level of the book and the number of questions answered correctly. In turn, students earn prizes.
Please spend at least 15-30 minutes every day reading a book aloud to your child or provide time in the daily evening routine for independent reading.
Attendance
Absences/Tardiness
Please send an e-mail to your child’s classroom teacher by 7:30 a.m. on the first day your child is absent. A child absent for more than three consecutive school days must submit a written explanation in order to be readmitted to class.
The first school bell rings at 8:00 a.m. Students arriving after the 8:05 bell are tardy. Please make every effort to be punctual.
It is difficult when a student misses school time. Therefore, appointments should be scheduled after regular school hours whenever possible. Written permission is necessary for an irregular dismissal.
Excessive absences and/or tardies are reported to the School Attendance Review Board.
Travel Policy
Students missing school time due to extended educational family excursions are required to see their classroom teacher for work to be completed. Parents are expected to help and/or secure a tutor to help students learn material covered in their absence.
Students missing school, especially Fridays for travel must be sure to take all tests before embarking on their trip. Make-up exams are permitted with excused absences only.
School Calendar
Kline School has a 200-day calendar. The school year begins after Labor Day and ends late July. Attendance in the four-week summer leg of the program is mandatory. It is important that all students enrolled for the upcoming school year attend the summer session on a full-time basis. In other words, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This facilitates curriculum planning.
The summer enrichment is critical to Kline School’s educational continuum. Younger students enjoy activities that center on a theme. In addition to math, reading, and phonics practice, there are computer and Internet activities, as well as field trips.
In the upper grades, the performing arts is the focus in the summer. Because of the challenge of reading and interpreting a Shakespearean play, and the limited number of roles available, students in Rooms 4 and 6 are given priority in the selection process. However, to qualify, students must have performed satisfactorily in all core subjects for the three prior academic terms. Students whose performance has fallen below average devote the summer to remedial activities in preparation for the new academic year.
Referencing our annual online calendar, please be certain to make a special notation of events, holidays, vacations and dismissal times. There are approximately fifteen Friday noon dismissal days dedicated to teacher planning and professional development. We strongly urge vacation plans be arranged in conjunction with the school calendar.
School Hour
The first bell rings at 8:00 a.m. The tardy bell rings at 8:05. Classroom instruction begins at 8:00 a.m. We recommend that children arrive by 7:50 so they have ample time to ready themselves for the day.
The extended day care program ends at 5:00 p.m. A student not retrieved by 5:00 p.m. sharp, is designated late. After two late infractions, the student receives a warning of dismissal. After a total of three late infractions, the student is dismissed from the extended day care program.
Daily Arrivals and Dismissals
IN THE MORNING
Enter the rear parking lot just north of the school building. Keep to the right. Pull up toward the food court area. Stop momentarily and have your child(ren) exit the right side of the vehicle and step onto the sidewalk. At no time should your child exit the left side because it is a traffic lane.
IN THE AFTERNOON
Like the morning, enter the rear parking lot just north of the school building. Keep to the right and begin to form to lanes. The lanes are divided by orange cones. Follow the Traffic Directors signals. Staff will escort children to their designated cars. Once students are seat belted and car doors are closed, drivers will be instructed to proceed. This pattern repeats until all students are dismissed.
AFTER SCHOOL
Parents of students participating in the after school program may temporarily park in the loading zone to receive their child(ren) between 3:30 and 5:00 p.m.
For our students safety, every driver must comply with the drop-off and pick-up procedure.
VISITING THE SCHOOL
When you have school business, please park in the lot adjacent to the school or either the enclosed lot north of the school or the large common parking area. Please do not park in the lot in front of the Dance Studio.
We request your cooperation in helping our teachers maximize their planning and preparation time. Rather than attempting to meet on a “drop-in” basis during busy early morning and afternoon hours, please use e-mail. This is the best way to stay in touch and arrange for a conference if necessary. Listed below are individual e-mail addresses:
STAFF DIRECTORY
School 714.421.4700
Susan Kline kline@klineschool.com
Sean Butler butler@klineschool.com
Todd Stuart stuart@klineschool.com
Renee Nelson nelson@klineschool.com
Shylda Odell odell@klineschool.com
Health and Medical
If your child shows symptoms of illness, please keep him/her home. This helps keep the incidence of illness throughout the school to a minimum. Your cooperation is appreciated.
If there are any special physical conditions to be brought to the school's attention, please specify with written instructions from the physician or parent. The State of California requires a physical examination form be completed before a new student enters the first grade.
The Health and Safety Code requires immunization against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles, and poliomyelitis. Records with dates must be on file in the office before a student may be admitted to class.
Students are required to present evidence of having received a Mantoux (PPD) tuberculin skin test within the eighteen months prior to, or ninety days after, school entry. Effective July 1, 1999 the State of California requires Hepatitis B Immunization for students entering the 7th grade.
Illness and Contagious Diseases
Symptoms such as a fever, runny nose, stomach aches, coughs, headache or vomiting during the night or previous evening may indicate a contagious condition. If your child has a contagious disease, please notify the school immediately so that steps can be taken to prevent epidemics.
Illness or Injury
When a child becomes ill or is injured at school the parents are notified and a course of action is planned.
Drugs and Medication
Any medication, including aspirin and cough drops, must be turned into the office. A parent authorization to dispense medication form must be completed to administer the medication. The medication must be in a marked container with written instructions from a physician and delivered to the office. At no time should medication be sent with your child to school.
Disaster Preparedness
Kline School is prepared to protect and care for students in the event of a disaster. The school has search and rescue tools, first aid supplies, fire fighting equipment, and 72-hour supplies of food and water, sanitation and blankets.
Conduct
Discipline Policy
Classroom management is founded on positive and consistent reinforcement of appropriate behavior. Students are expected to act in a manner conducive to a healthy learning environment: respect and appreciate the dignity of each individual, his or her rights and property.
Intervention strategies include, but are not limited to; restating expected behavior, presenting choices, logical consequences, charts, tangible and intangible rewards, time-out, loss of privileges, behavioral contracts, parent conferences, suspension and dismissal. Any serious disciplinary problems are resolved on an individual basis. Parents are expected to support this policy.
Academic Probation
A student demonstrating poor schoolwork effort is placed on academic probation. The student, teacher and parents design an intervention program. If there is no improvement, the student is dismissed.
Dismissals/Withdrawals
The following offenses are serious obstacles to the educational goals of Kline School. Repeated offenses or a single occurrence in special circumstances can lead to immediate dismissal. They are:
Refusing and/or ignoring the school's request for a Mandatory Parent Conference; dishonesty or theft; defacing real or personal property; assault, battery or threat of force or violence directed toward any student, school personnel, or their property; extreme insubordination; use, sales, distribution, or possession of any alcoholic beverage, dangerous drug, or other harmful substance; the possession, use, or sale of any weapon deemed dangerous or life-threatening; habitual truancy; failure to comply with the minimum standards for attendance, either unexcused absence or tardiness.
Parents of a child who is dismissed, or who elects to withdraw from Kline School are liable for payment-in-full of the tuition.
Dress Code
All students are expected to comply with the school’s uniform policy. Available through Land’s End, a catalog based supplier are the following:
Khaki and navy shorts and pants for both boys and girls
Navy and khaki skorts for girls
Navy jumper and white blouse for girls
Navy cardigan sweater for boys and girls
(See the next section schoolpop.com to learn how your Lands’ End purchases can benefit our school.)
Uniform shirts and sweatshirts may be purchased through the school. Upperwear items include:
Red, white and navy polo shirts with an embroidered school logo
Red and navy logo sweatshirts
Red logo T-shirts
Purchase of Upperwear is made possible by S.E.E.K. Fifty percent of each purchase benefits our students’ scholarship fund.
Kline School’s mandatory special event and field trip uniform is: Navy twill walking shorts or pants, a white short-sleeve polo shirt and a red Kline School crew neck sweatshirt. This attire is required for designated school events and field experiences. When announced, a red Kline School T-shirt is required for safety on special outings.
Athletic shoes in red, white, or navy are preferred. Shirts must be tucked in and worn with a belt. Baseball caps may be worn outdoors and in the conventional, bill forward, manner. Hats must be removed upon entering all buildings.
Friday noon dismissal days are designated as free dress for students.
Boys: Hair shall be clean, well groomed, and out of the eyes. Hair must be trimmed just above the eyebrows, the ears, and to the top of a standard shirt collar in the back.
OneCause.com
Shopping online through onecause.com benefits our students. Up to 20% of the price of your purchases from popular merchants such as: Lands’ End * Tower Records * Dell * FTD.com * Toysrus.com * Barnes and Noble * Officemax.com * and hundreds more * are rebated to Kline school—at no additional cost. www.schoolpop.com is simple to use and totally secure. All you have to do is select Kline School and register.
Just 3 easy steps!
1. Go to www.onecause.com/
2. Select Kline School and register
3. Click on any merchant icon and start shopping.
You register just once, and your information is kept completely secure and confidential. OneCause does all the administrative work. Every three months, Kline School and S.E.E.K. receive a check to contribute to its fundraising goal.
Tell your friends to register and shop through onecause.com. If you and your friends are going to shop online, why not make it count.
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