Policies

The safety of everyone at Norwood Creek is a shared priority among families and staff. We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to following school procedures and to help keep our campus safe.

Student Supervision Hours

• Morning supervision begins at 8:30 a.m.
  Students may not arrive on campus before that time.
• Afternoon supervision ends at 3:15 p.m. on regular days and 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays.
  Students may not remain on campus after these times unless they are:
  • Accompanied by a parent/gaurdian
  • Under the direct supervision of a teacher
  • Participating in a school-approved activity

Students arriving on campus should go directly to their classrooms.

Attendance and Tardiness

The school days begins at 8:45 a.m.
Students should be seated and ready to learn by this time.

• Students arriving after 8:45 a.m. must report to the office for a late pass.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are critical to student success. Research shows that frequent tardiness or absences can negatively impact academic achievement

Attendance matters!

Dismissal Expectations

At the end of the school day, students must go directly home or to their childcare provider. Only students who are accompanied by an adult, under teacher supervision, or involved in a school-approved activity may remain on campus. Students may not return to campus until after 5:00 p.m. under the direct supervision of a parent or participating in an approved school activity.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures

General Safety Reminders

• Drop-off and pick-up should occur only during designated times.
• Students are not allowed on campus before 8:30 a.m. or after dismissal unless properly supervised.
• Fewer cars in the parking lot help create a safer environment for students and staff.

Crosswalk and Street Safety

We are fortunate to have crossing guards on Remington and Padilla Way. However, unsafe driving behaviors continue to happen. Centerwood has crosswalks without crossing guards, and making a U-turn in a crosswalk is illegal.

To help protect children, families, staff, and crossing guards, please follow these guidelines:

• Do not drop off or pick up students in the middle of the street.
• Do not drop off or pick up students in crosswalks.
• Yield to pedestrians in all crosswalks.
• Do not park in red zones or bus loading zones on Remington Way.
• Obey all traffic laws and drive cautiously around the school.
• Best practice: drop off students at least one block away and have them walk to the crosswalk to cross safely.

Staff Parking Lot and Passenger Loading Zone

For everyone’s safety, the staff parking lot is for staff and teachers only. Multiple near-collisions have occurred, and your cooperation is essential to prevent accidents.

Please follow these procedures:

• Enter the parking lot from Centerwood Drive heading east (right turn only).

• Do not cross oncoming traffic to make a left turn into the parking lot.

• Do not make a U-turn on Centerwood Court to enter the parking lot.

• Use the designated passenger loading zone only for drop-off and pick-up.

• Pull forward as far as possible to keep traffic moving.

• Remain in your vehicle at all times; do not leave it unattended.

• Students should exit from the passenger side with all belongings ready.

• Complete goodbyes and conversations before arriving at the loading zone.

Students being picked up should wait near the flagpole or main gate, where adult supervision is provided.

Planning for a Safe Arrival

Students are allowed on campus beginning at 8:30 a.m. Planning drop-off around this time helps reduce traffic congestion and improves safety for everyone. Time and space constraints during arrival can lead to unsafe decisions. Thank you for helping us avoid these situations.

Students are expected to be in school except in cases of illness or school approved absences (Ed Code 48205). When your child is absent, please follow the procedure below.

1. Parents should call the school before 9:00 a.m. (absence line: (408)270-6727) on the first day and al subsequent days the student is absent. All unverified absences will result in an unexcused absence.
2. A doctor’s statement is required for an extended illness of three (3) days or more.
3. If your child cannot go out for recess, he/she must bring a signed note stating the reason for being excused. Frequent or extended absences from recess or P.E. may require a doctor's statement.
4. If your student is out for two (2) or more days, parents may request homework. It is important that students rest at home and get well.
5. After ten (10) consecutive days of unexcused absences, a student is subject to being dropped.
6. Students who are absent on average more than two (2) days per month (excused or unexcused) will have to attend a monthly attendance meeting. If absences continue, an attendance contract will be put in place.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS)

PBIS is a schoolwide system that works to promote positive behaviors and redirect negative behaviors through teaching. Along with our high academic and behavioral expectations, we are a Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) school. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based three-tiered framework to improve and integrate the data, systems, and practices affecting student outcomes every day. PBIS creates schools where all students succeed. Rules for conduct are fair and reasonable; students are taught how to make wise choices about their behavior; students are taught conflict resolution skills; and adults model and reinforce appropriate behavior.  The result is a school that is safe, fosters learning, encourages appropriate behavior, and builds self-esteem. Discipline is administered with sensitivity to the dignity of the child. 

Within a safe and nurturing environment, staff use consistent goals and simple language/terms, while understanding where each student is in the learning process. Besides our focus on kindness, our three main Norwood Creek rules are to be safe, be respectful, and be responsible. We are continuing our implementation of PBIS focused on the following outcomes:

1. Increase instructional time and systematic supports
2. Reduce use of exclusionary & punitive (ineffective) strategies
3. Explicitly teach and acknowledge expected behavior
4. Provide consistent, instructional strategies for behavioral errors

School and classroom rules are based on these general principles of behavior:

• Be respectful: Treat others the way you want to be treated
• Be responsible: Being dependable, keeping promises, and honoring our commitments. Don't make excuses for their actions or blame others when things go wrong.
• Be safe: Free from hurt, injury, danger, or risk
• Be kind: The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate; doing nice things without expecting nice things in return

Norwood Creek Elementary Behavior Expectations

Students will:

1. Show courtesy and respect to others: Racial slurs, inappropriate touching, sexual harassment, name calling, verbal bullying, physical bullying, vulgar language or vulgar gestures are not appropriate nor allowed.
2. Solve problems through discussion rather than force.
3. Respect school property and the property of others.
4. Any item that distracts from the learning environment should be left at home.  This includes but is not limited to toys, radios, skateboards, toy guns, toy knives, poppers, yo-yos, electronic games, sports equipment, wheelies, trading cards, etc.
5. Report injuries or problems to a teacher, supervisor, or the office immediately.
6. Bring only the money needed for school. Do not bring extra money to school.
7. Contribute to a safe, healthy environment: Guns, knives, explosives, matches and dangerous objects are not permitted. Smoking or the possession of tobacco is not permitted. (See section “Expulsion Laws”).

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to be prepared to learn and have the following responsibilities:

• Arrive at school every day on time.
• Be prepared every day with completed homework assignments.
• Take home all letters, messages, and notes.
• Discuss with parents what they have learned in school. Ask parents and teachers for help when needed.
• Respect themselves and the rights and property of others. Obey all school rules.

All students are required to be in the cafeteria/patio during their scheduled lunch period, observe all cafeteria rules, and remain in their seats until excused by supervisors. Students are expected to leave their lunch tables clean and orderly.  Food and beverages are not permitted outside the cafeteria/patio during lunch.  On rainy days, students eat in the cafeteria, and then have recess in their classrooms.

At Norwood Creek, we believe that appropriate attire supports a positive learning environment. To help students focus on their education, we ask that all students dress appropriately for school.

Tops and Shirts

• Shirts must have sleeves and cover the midriff
• Tank tops are not allowed
• Backless or low-cut tops are not permitted

Footwear

• Closed-toe shoes are required for safety
• Athletic shoes, dress shoes, and boots are appropriate
• Slippers, flip flops, and sandals without back straps are not permitted

Bottoms

• Shorts and skirts must reach fingertip length when arms are at your sides
• Pants should be worn at the waist with a properly fitted belt if needed
• Clothing should not be excessively tight or loose

Accessories

• Hats and hoodies may be worn outdoors, but must be removed when entering the building
• Clothing with inappropriate language, images, or messages is not permitted

Dress Code Enforcement

School administration and staff will use their professional judgment to determine if clothing is appropriate for the school environment. Fashion trends change frequently, so we reserve the right to address new concerns as they arise.

If a student's attire does not meet these guidelines:

• Parents/guardians will be contacted to bring appropriate clothing
• If no contact can be made, the student will remain in the main office during non-instructional time until the issue is resolved

We appreciate your cooperation in helping maintain a focused learning environment for all students.

Children may use playground equipment during school hours only when supervised. Equipment areas are closed when wet, dangerous, or when there is not adequate supervision. Students are to wait outside of the play area until permission to use is given. Students are responsible for proper and safe use of the playground equipment. Students may not run, play tag or chase each other in the playground area. Likewise unsafe play such as standing on bars, climbing up the slide, and jumping from equipment and swings is not allowed.

Blacktop and Grass Area Procedures

• Recess is a time for fun and relaxation. However, all students are reminded to be courteous, respectful and safe. The following rules have been established to ensure student safety.
• Follow yard supervisors directions promptly and with courtesy.
• Pushing, fighting (including play-fighting), chasing, name calling, or threatening, are not allowed.
• Play safe. No playing or running between buildings, or in bathrooms. Students must stay on the playground side of the yellow lines. Students should not climb on fences, trees, or picnic tables.
• Tackling, throwing rocks or sticks, and taking equipment from others is not allowed.
• Throwing, catching, tag, and kickball games are permitted only on the grass or in a defined court, i.e., handball court, basketball court, volleyball court, and race lines.
• Kicking a ball is allowed only on grass.
• Soccer ballsand kickballs are the only balls that may be kicked. Sports equipment from home may not be used at recess or lunch. Hard balls are not allowed at any time. Students may not play football at recess time.
• Eat snacks at picnic tables only. Food is not allowed on blacktop, play area or grass.
• Students cannot bring play equipment from home to use at recess.

Norwood Creek Elementary School’s discipline plan is designed to assist students in making responsible choices concerning appropriate behavior. It is our fundamental belief that students are responsible for their own behavior. Adults, parents, and educators, are responsible for providing children with guidance and practice in choosing appropriate behavior. The effectiveness of the discipline policy is dependent upon the active commitment of all adults, administrators, staff, and parents.

Students who violate the school rules are subject to disciplinary action. In most cases the following procedure is followed by teachers/supervisors:

1. Teacher/supervisor cautions and/or redirects the child as privately as possible.
2. Teacher/supervisor and child discuss the inappropriate behavior and agree upon alternate, appropriate behavior to use in the future.
3. Teacher/ Principal assigns an appropriate consequence as needed. This will be documented on a Citation. A copy will be sent home for signature, one copy is for the teacher, and one copy is for the principal.
4. Teacher/Principal informs parent if situation warrants it.

A trained health clerk is on duty during the day for emergencies. By law, the school staff is allowed to render first aid only. School staff may not diagnose or prescribe in case of illness or accident.

• You, or your emergency designee, will be notified whenever a significant accident or illness occurs. Immediate arrangements must be made to take the child home.
• It is vital that we have accurate, current information on the emergency card.
• Children may take necessary PRESCRIBED medication at school under the supervision of the health clerk or secretary. Parents must have the doctor fill out the proper form and leave any medication (in the original container with the complete instructions) and form in the health office.
• The school cannot administer aspirin or other medication that can be purchased over the counter. NON-PRESCRIBED MEDICATION IS NOT ALLOWED AT SCHOOL FOR STUDENT SAFETY REASONS.
• Students may not bring medication to school without authorization.

Food on Campus

To help maintain a safe, healthy, and organized school environment, Norwood Creek has established the following guidelines regarding food on campus.

Food Sharing & Allergies

Due to the high number of food allergies on campus (including peanut, gluten, egg, and other allergies), students are not permitted to bring food to share. This includes birthday treats, such as cupcakes, cookies, or similar items.

Lunch Expectations

Families are encouraged to provide students with a healthy lunch from home or have students participate in the school hot lunch program.

• Fast food items are not considered a healthy lunch option and should not be sent to school.
• Soda is not allowed. Students may bring water or juice only.

Food Delivery & Drop-Offs

• Food may not be delivered to students during the school day by food delivery services, including but not limited to Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub.
• Dropping off lunches during the school day is discouraged. Families are asked to help students take responsibility for bringing their lunch to school each day.

Forgotten Lunches

Students who arrive at school without a lunch will report to the office at their designated lunch time to check if a lunch was dropped off for them.

• Classrooms will not be called or emailed regarding forgotten lunches or items.
• With approximately 550 students on campus, staff are unable to accommodate individual communication for forgotten items.

Norwood Creek recognizes the importance of celebrating students’ birthdays while also maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment for all students.

Food & Treats

Due to food allergies and nutrition guidelines, food is not permitted for birthday celebrations. This includes, but is not limited to cupcakes, ice cream, candy, and any food items intended to be shared with the class.

Parents may bring a special lunch for their own child only. This lunch may not be shared with other students.

Non-Food Celebrations

Parents are welcome to send small, non-food treat bags for their child to share with classmates. Appropriate items include stickers, pencils, notepads, and other small, non-food trinkets.

In accordance with the District Wellness Policy (BP 5030) and the Evergreen Nutrition and Food Guidelines, non-food rewards are encouraged to support healthy habits.

Decorations

Balloons and classroom decorations are not permitted for birthday celebrations.

Birthday Book Club

Looking for an alternative way to celebrate? Families are invited to participate in the Birthday Book Club. A $15 donation allows the school to purchase a book for the library in your child’s honor. If interested, please visit the front office to complete a Birthday Book Club form. For additional information, families may contact Child Nutrition Services (CNS) or speak with the school office or their child’s teacher.

Thank you for helping us create a safe, inclusive, and healthy celebration environment for all students.

Phones need to be secured in backpacks and turned off during the school day. Students may come to the office to use the phone if they need to place a call. Students may use their phones outside the classroom after school is dismissed. The school is not responsible for phones that are stolen, lost, or damaged. If a student has a phone out during the day it may be confiscated and brought to the office and must be picked up after school or by an adult.

Expulsion from the Evergreen School District removes a child in grades K-8 from enrolling in any Evergreen School for the period of expulsion. Laws that became effective January 1, 1996, require a recommendation for expulsion for possessing a firearm (including pellet or BB guns), brandishing a knife at another person, and selling drugs. Additionally, the Board of Trustees may expel for possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia, damage to property, theft, tobacco, disruption/defiance of authority, imitation firearm possession, sexual harassment, hate violence, and possession of dangerous objects.

Also, please note that if these violations occur when a student is walking to or from school, the student may be referred for expulsion. Parents should seriously review with their child at all ages the consequences of what they carry in their pockets, bags, or backpacks to and from school. Evergreen

School District endorses a Zero Tolerance policy for any action of a student that endangers others.

The following Evergreen School District policies are provided to you to increase your awareness of what is and is not tolerated at any Evergreen School District campus. Policies can be accessed online or requested from the school office.

Student Use of Technology - B.P. 6163.4

The Governing Board recognizes that technology provides ways to access the most current and extensive sources of information. Technology enables students to practice skills and to develop reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Every effort shall be made to provide equal access to technology throughout the district’s schools and classes. Students are responsible for adhering to Evergreen School District’s Acceptable Use Agreement.

Non-Discrimination - B.P. 5145.3

District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination, including harassment, with respect to the actual or perceived ethnic group, religion, gender, color, race, ancestry, national origin, and physical or mental disability, age or sexual orientation. The Governing Board shall ensure equal opportunities for all students in admission and access to the educational program, guidance, and counseling programs, athletic programs, testing procedures, and other activities.

Sexual Harassment - B.P. 5145.7

The Governing Board is committed to maintaining a school environment that is free from harassment. The Board prohibits sexual harassment of any student by another student, an employee or other person, at school or at a school-sponsored or school-related activity. The Board also prohibits retaliatory behavior or action against any person who complains, testifies, assists or otherwise participates in the complaint process established in accordance with this policy. Any student who engages in sexual harassment of anyone at school or at a school-sponsored or school-related activity is in violation of this policy and shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Uniform Complaint Procedure - B.P. 1312.4

The Board recognizes that the district has primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations governing education. The district shall investigate and seek to resolve complaints at the local level. The district shall follow uniform procedures when addressing civil rights guarantees, complaints alleging unlawful discrimination or gender equity issues, or failure to comply with state or federal law in programs for consolidated categorical aid, Indian education, migrant education, child nutrition, special education, adult education, career/vocation education, and child development. The Board prohibits retaliation in any form for the filing of a complaint, the reporting of instances of discrimination, or for participation in complaint procedures. Such participation shall not in any way affect the status, grades, or work assignments of the complainant. The Board acknowledges and respects employee rights to privacy. Discrimination complaints shall be investigated in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties and the facts. This includes keeping the identity of the complainant confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the investigation or proceedings, as determined by the Superintendent or designee on a case-by-case basis. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that employees designated to investigate complaints are knowledgeable about the laws and programs for which they are responsible.

Tobacco-Free Environment - B.P. 4016.1 and 5131.62

Documentation and research has demonstrated the health hazards associated with the use of tobacco products and the breathing of second-hand smoke. Further, a legislative mandate requires the district to alleviate the presence and use of tobacco products in the educational environment. The Governing Board intends to maintain tobacco and smoke-free school facilities, grounds, offices, work areas, and district vehicles for all of its students, employees, parents, volunteers, and visitors.

Williams Uniform Complaint Procedures - B.P. 3212.4 W

The Board recognizes that the district has primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations governing education. The district shall investigate and seek to resolve complaints at the local level. The district shall follow uniform procedures when addressing complaints regarding Instructional Materials, Teacher Vacancy/Mis-assignment and Facilities conditions which pose an emergency or urgent threat to the health or safety of students and/or staff.

Protection of Pupil Rights

The district has adopted policies, in consultation with parents, regarding student and parent rights as well as arrangements to protect the privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution purposes. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act gives parents certain rights with respect to their child’s educational records. More information is available in the school office.