Handbook

Orangevale Open K-8

Home of the Bobcats

Principal: Rick Boster

Invaluable Office Staff:

Secretary: Rosario Ferneau

Clerk: Stephanie Lathe

School Hours:

AM Kindergarten: 8:30 a.m. – 11:55 a.m. (11:35 on Thursdays)

PM Kindergarten: 11:35 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (1:45 on Thursdays)

Grades 1-8: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (1:45 on Thursdays)

School Address/Phone:

5630 Illinois Avenue, Fair Oaks, CA 95628

(916) 979-8067

Office hours 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Orangevale Open’s Philosophy

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” John Dewey

The philosophy of Orangevale Open recognizes that children are already immersed in their own learning and bring their individual strengths and interests to the school environment. The program structure and atmosphere encourages students to express their unique perspectives in collaborative projects so they may discover their roles as participants in society. These experiences engage students so that learning becomes meaningful and deep. At the center of the open program is the belief that the learning acquired within the process of doing is more important than the end product. Education is more than knowledge, and at Orangevale Open students are encouraged to develop their voice, confidence, interpersonal relationships, creative expression and problem solving skills with an emphasis on taking ownership of their learning. Lifelong learning extends beyond the walls of the classroom throughout our campus, into the local community and out into the world. Our community of teachers, staff, parents, and students works together to develop an inherent balance of freedom and responsibility so that children become experienced self-directed learners.

Orangevale Open’s Guiding Principles

At Orangevale Open K-8 School, learning is a child-centered, creative process involving students, staff and parents.

So that we may best educate all students to become responsible and life-long learners, we have established eight Guiding Principles for open education at Orangevale Open. As a learning community, we strive to:

Orangevale Open K-8 is a “choice” public school within the San Juan Unified School District. It draws children and their families from throughout the community. Our goal is to be representative of the local population. The program was planned and designed to offer an alternative education experience within the public school system. Current residents of San Juan Unified School District are eligible to attend. For more information, visit the San Juan Unified School District website (www.sanjuan.edu).

Interdisciplinary Curriculum

Learning is assumed to occur most rapidly, thoroughly, and enjoyably when based on interest. At times, academics are taught separately, while at other times subjects are integrated with a variety of activities. The interrelatedness of skills and concepts are stressed. A balanced curriculum, as it relates to the individual needs and interests of the child, is also stressed. Students participating in this program are encouraged to go above and beyond the areas of study required by state law. Sometimes, individual contracts are developed with the student in order to manage individual needs.

Day Field Trips and Overnight Field Trips

At Orangevale Open K-8, students attend many field trips during the year. These trips are an important opportunity for students to receive direct experiences beyond the text and classroom discussions. One or two overnight field trips taken by each class, Kindergarten through 8^th grade, are a highlight each year. These trips provided a rich, in-depth experience that cannot be provided by classroom activities, guest speakers, or daylong excursions. Each teacher works to develop a curriculum program which will be enhanced by the trips and has appropriate follow-through.

Kindergarten

Orangevale Open has both morning and afternoon half-day kindergartens. The programs use creative, hands-on activities to instill a love of learning in the students.

Grades 1-5

Normally, each grade has separate classes. In grades 1 and 2, classes are independent, but might share activities. There is some departmentalization in grades 3-5, where one teacher instructs all the grade level students in a particular subject. Students are grouped and taught by one of the grade level teachers in some grades for math or special projects.

Grade 6

Students have separate classes for Social Studies, Science, Math and ELA.  Students in the 6^th grade classes receive letter grades on their work products and progress reports.

Grades 7-8

Grades 7 and 8 have combined classes spanning the two-year program. The school day is divided into periods and students have different teachers for different subjects. Students in the 7/8 program receive letter grades on their work products and progress reports. There are four core courses (Language Arts, Science, History, and Math), and PE.  In addition, there is an exploratory course.

Behavior Policies

Student Rights

We expect school to be a safe, positive place for children and that they have a right to:

Student Responsibilities

In a democratic society, rights are accompanied by responsibilities. At our school, students are responsible for:

Playground Safety Rules

A copy of the Playground Rules is distributed at the beginning of the school year. Here is the text for your reference.

Orangevale Open K-8 Students will:

This is just a partial list of behavioral expectations. Common sense should be used at all times.

OVO’s Carpool Rules

ORANGEVALE OPEN K-8 SCHOOL has the following CARPOOL RULES for the safety of every member of our community. We share the responsibility for one another and our children during this most busy time of day. Thank you in advance for your respectful and considerate adherence to these rules.

At the end of the day, all students need to go straight to carpool unless they are walkers or parents are in the classroom to meet them at dismissal.

Students in grades K-2 with no siblings in grades 3-8 are to be dropped off and picked up at the Pershing Ave parking lot. PM Kinders and Discovery Club Kinders and their siblings may be picked up in this lot as well.

Students in grades 3-8 and their younger siblings may be dropped off and picked up at the Illinois Ave parking lot or if it is easier for the families, they can choose the Pershing lot.

Students in grades 3-8 with no younger siblings are to use the Illinois lot.

Dismissal time for the students in grades K-8 is 3:00.

Street Parking Reminders:

OVO Carpool Procedures for the Illinois Lot

We have three carpool lanes that will take priority in the Illinois lot from 2:45-3:15. There will be no bypass or pass through lane during that 30 minute period. We have learned that having cars in the fourth lane can create a bottleneck as vehicles are exiting.

Drivers who have parked near the 6^th grade portables wishing to exit must join one of the three carpool lanes. No vehicles are to cross through the three carpool lanes in order to get to the 4^th lane from the back parking lot. From 2:45-3:15, cars parked facing Illinois must remain parked so that teachers may focus on escorting students to their cars rather than assisting with maneuvering cars. Additionally, the traffic flow the three carpool lanes should then be uninterrupted.

The quickest exit is achieved by immediately lining up in the three carpool lanes when arrive at dismissal. If you’d like to help with carpool in the afternoon, please see Katie in the office.

OVO Independent Study Policy

Orangevale Open K-8 expects students to attend school every day that we are in session during the school year.  We encourage our families to take their vacations during the breaks. From time to time, we understand that family emergencies may require a student to miss the instruction that is planned for that week. Given the fact that this absence is inevitable, Independent Study is a positive option for attendance improvement goals and academic progress for the student who will miss out on the teacher’s direct instruction. However, Independent Study (IS) is a privilege and a variety of factors determine whether a contract will be granted. Below are factors taken into consideration when approving or denying an independent study contract:

For students in all types of independent study, the maximum length of time that may elapse between the time an assignment is made and the date by which the student must complete the assigned work shall be as follows:

The maximum length of time for independent study at OVO is two weeks within a given school year. The work must be returned or postmarked by the due date specified on the contract. Credit for the work and daily attendance is dependent upon the office receiving the completed contract in addition to the teacher’s evaluation of the work. Days absent, beyond the independent study contract, will be recorded as unexcused absences subject to the district’s attendance policy.  Students that are absent more than 20 consecutive school days will be dropped and they will have to re-enroll with San Juan Central upon their return.  Upon re-enrollment, San Juan Central will determine which school has openings.  During the student’s disenrollment period, the student’s spot at OVO, in their former teacher’s classroom, will not be reserved for their return.  Enrollment is filled on a first come, first served basis.

When any pupil or student fails to complete three independent study assignments during any period of 15 school days, the superintendent or designee shall conduct an evaluation to determine whether the pupil or student should be allowed to continue in independent study. A written record of the findings of any evaluation conducted pursuant to this policy shall be treated as a mandatory interim pupil record. The record shall be maintained for a period of three years from the date of the evaluation and, if the pupil transfers to another California public school, the record shall be forwarded to that school.

 

OVO K-8 Mobile Communication Devices Policy 

OVO K-8 recognizes that the use of smartphones and other mobile communication devices on campus may be beneficial to student learning and well-being, but could be disruptive of the instructional program in some circumstances.  Our school permits limited use of mobile communication devices on campus in accordance with law and the following policy.

Students may use mobile communication devices (cell phones, smart watches, pagers, wireless earbuds, or other mobile communication devices) on campus before and after school as long as the device is utilized in accordance with law.  School activities, field trips, and overnighters will have additional regulations for the duration of the trip that will be determined by the grade level or activity director while meeting the requirements of Education Code listed below.

Mobile communication devices shall be turned off and placed in backpacks from the first bell in the morning through the final bell for dismissal and during school functions (plays, practices, clubs, dances, etc).  However, a student shall not be prohibited from possessing or using a mobile communication device under any of the following circumstances:  (Education Code 48901.5, 48901.7)

 

Smartphones and other mobile communication devices shall not be used in any manner which infringes on the privacy rights of any other person.

When a school official reasonably suspects that a search of a student's mobile communication device will turn up evidence of the student's violation of the law or school rules, such a search shall be conducted in accordance with BP/AR 5145.12 - Search and Seizure.

When a student uses a mobile communication device in an unauthorized manner, the student may be disciplined and a district employee may confiscate the device.  The employee shall store the device securely until it is returned to the student or turned over to the principal or designee, as appropriate. 

A student may also be subject to discipline, in accordance with law, Board policy, or administrative regulation, for off-campus use of a mobile communication device which poses a threat or danger to the safety of students, staff, or district property or substantially disrupts school activities.

The Principal or designee shall inform students that the school will not be responsible for a student's mobile communication device which is brought on campus or to a school activity and is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Governing Structure

District Framework

The Orangevale Open program conforms to existing state law and educational code, and operates within the framework of the San Juan Unified School District policies and procedures.

Site-Based Management

The Site-Based Management Team (SBMT) is the primary leadership and decision-making body for Orangevale Open. The SBMT acts as a clearinghouse for school-wide policy decisions that have their foundation in student and community learning. All community groups have access to the SBMT through their corresponding community representatives.

At the beginning of each school year, every family received via email a copy of Orangevale Open’s Site-Based Guidelines. These Guidelines are also available in each classroom, in the office, and on the school’s website. It is recommended that parents review these to best understand the program and how it operates, and refer to them when questions arise.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee is a vehicle for parents and teachers to voice new ideas or concerns regarding the total Program. The Steering Committee assists in problem solving, disseminating information and publicity, and periodically generating in-house reviews of the Open Program. The Steering Committee is a place where concerns, controversial topics, and ideas can be presented and discussed.

Class Structure

Each class at Orangevale Open has an independent parent booster group consisting of adult representation for each child. This group meets once a month with the teacher to discuss curriculum, students’ developmental needs, field trip plans, and all school activities in order to ensure that the budget is meeting the targeted expenditures.

Parent volunteers hold the following positions in each class. In-service training is required for some positions.

Position	Description
Booster Group Class Coordinator (elected)	Represents the class at Steering Committee meetings and provides an important communication link to the greater Orangevale Open community. The Class Coordinator runs the monthly class meeting and acts as a liaison for parents and teacher.
Booster Group  Class Treasurer (elected)	Handles all class finances. This includes preparing the class budget and providing a Treasury report at the monthly meetings. Communicates with the Booster Head Treasurer for class status updates, budget concerns, and any treasurer-related questions.
Booster Group  Class Secretary (elected)	Takes notes at monthly meetings, distributes them, and maintains them in the classroom.
Booster Group Field Trip Coordinator	Assists the teacher in scheduling and confirming field trips. Once the field trips are scheduled the coordinator finds drivers, ensures all permission slips and insurance forms are turned in, assigns students to cars (with teacher input), and ensures copies of car assignments, permission slips and insurance forms are left in office.
Booster Group Parent Volunteer Coordinator	Schedules parent-volunteer hours for classroom work. The coordinator also ensures that parent-volunteers are signed up for special classroom needs and school events such as the carnival.
Art Docent	Uses the district Art Docent materials to help students learn about art.
Yearbook	Establishes a process for collecting class photos for the master yearbook and makes the master yearbook ready for class distribution. An individual or a small committee may do this. The Yearbook rep also manages the budget and schedule and arranges for printing, assembly and distribution of the yearbook.
Book Orders	Distributes and collects book orders, and distributes books once the orders are filled.
PTSO Representative	Attends PTSO meetings and reports back to the class.

PTSO

The Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) is a statewide organization with branches at most public schools. At the state level, the PTSO lobbies for legislation and educational policies. At the local level, PTSO provides a forum for parent involvement. The Orangevale Open PTSO is very active and organizes many special school activities including OVO’s Carnival, the Holiday Boutique, and the Spring Fundraiser to name a few.

PTSO Committees are a great way to get involved. Choose a committee and become an integral part of Orangevale Open. For the current PTSO President and contact information, please see the office. For more information about each committee, please see the Glossary in this document. See the Volunteer Opportunities for a list of all PTSO Committees.

Parent Participation

Parent involvement is an integral part of the Orangevale Open program. In addition to supporting special school activities you are expected to play an active role in your child’s curriculum.

Classroom Participation

Parent participation in the classroom allows teachers to develop programs that are rich in interdisciplinary activities. To ensure adequate assistance for these programs parent participation in the classroom is highly expected at Orangevale Open. When you have multiple children enrolled you will be encouraged to participate in each child’s class. In higher grades parent participation may be performed outside the classroom through assistance in class-related experiences. For example, 7/8 parents may assist in running a club. For ideas, see the Volunteer Opportunities section.

# of Children Enrolled	Hours to Volunteer Per Child
1	2 hours per week
2	1-1/2 hours per week
3 or more	1 hour per week

Monthly Meetings

Monthly class meetings are a critical means of communication regarding school activities and classroom programs. One adult from each family should attend each meeting. Monthly meetings are held from September through May (December meetings are at the option of the class). For the specific day and time, check with your teacher or Class Coordinator.

Field Trips

Every field trip relies on parent drivers for transportation and supervision. Your participation on at least one field trip each year is encouraged. If you participate on more than one field trip you may receive a Driver’s Credit that will be applied to the cost of your child’s field trip.

Child Safety at OVO

Our school is committed to the families who attend our school.  We strive to foster a community in which respect and safety exist.  Our community includes staff, teachers, students, parents and other volunteers.  This community also extends off campus at all OVO events, day and overnight field trips.

Child Safety is our priority at all times, and parent education on this topic is our responsibility.  This includes setting expectations for Appropriate Boundaries for all adult/child relationships (including physical boundaries and conduct), Guidelines for Social Media Use, Communication Skills for Building Strong Relationships and Creating a Safe Environment.  These are among topics which are covered in each class's monthly Parent Meetings.

At OVO we are proud of our adult leadership and our volunteers.  It is a privilege to be a volunteer for our school; it is not a right.  The quality of our program and the safety of all our children require that selection of our volunteers be taken seriously and that OVO work to recruit and manage the best possible volunteers.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering in the classroom and outside of the classroom are valued and are a critical component of the Orangevale Open program. Following is a list of opportunities, though it is not comprehensive.

Committee Type	Committee	What it is	Contact
Site Base Team	Site Base Rep	Primary leadership and decision-making body for OVO.	Principal
Parent Booster Group Positions	Class Coordinator	Acts as a liaison between teachers, staff, and parents.	Office
Class Treasurer	Handles all class finances.
Field Trip Coordinator	Assists the teacher in scheduling and confirming field trips.
Parent Volunteer Coord.	Schedules parent volunteer hours.
Secretary	Takes notes at monthly meetings and manages them.	Individual teachers
Class PTSO Rep	Attends PTSO meetings and reports back to the class.	Class Coordinator
Class Support	7-8 Celebration Comm.	7/8 parents coordinate the 8th Grade Celebration	7/8 Teacher
7-8 Social Club	Hours earned for 7/8 parents who shop for or make food, chaperone, set up, and more	7/8 Teacher
Art Docent	Uses district materials to help students learn about art.	Teacher
Book Orders	Distributes and collects book orders, and fulfilled orders.	Class Coordinator
Field Trip Driver	Drive students from your class or grade on field trips.	Field Trip Coordinator
Friday Centers	Groups of students rotate through several themed activities.	Parent Vol. Coord
Misc.	Check with your teacher for other opportunities and hours	Individual teachers
Round Robin	School-wide event four times/year.	Parent Vol. Coord.
Weekly Class Help	As needed by the teacher.	Individual teachers
Yearbook	Manages the class yearbook from start to finish.	Class Coordinator
School Support	Carpool Duty	Assist students to their parent’s cars in the afternoon	School Secretary
Noon Duty Aide	Adults who monitor the playground during lunchtime.
Library assistants	Assist students in the library
Lunch time clubs	Manage/Coordinator lunch-time club (reading, crafts, sports)
PTSO  Board	Executive Board	Oversees all PTSO committees and efforts.	PTSO
Class PTSO Reps	Attend monthly PTSO meeting and reports back to the class.
General Members	Attend monthly meeting and vote on issues when needed.
PTSO Committees	Art Docent	Support Docents and order art supplies	PTSO
Babysitting	Schedule/organize babysitters for monthly parent meetings
Book Fairs	Organization, Volunteering during open hours
Box Tops/Labels for Education	Collect, count and submit labels and box tops
Carnival	Chairperson, Treasurer, Booth coordinators, Facilities coordinator, Booth volunteers
Spring Fundraiser	Chairperson, Committee heads, Event volunteers, Auction Donations, Class Creations, and more
Drama program	Production, Direction, Committee chairs, and support
Fall Fundraiser	Manage the fundraiser or help distribute fulfilled orders.
Holiday Boutique	Organizers and volunteer escorts (week before Holiday Break)
Hospitality	Welcome Back Java, Teacher appreciation luncheons
Lego Club	Organize and support club registration and activities
Nature Docent	Hosting nature explorations, Seasonal maintenance, Habitat monitoring, Work day crews, coordinators
Orange Pages	Market, create, and distribute
School Beautification/Gardening	Gardening, Seasonal planting, Weekly maintenance
Scrip	Order, distribute and stock
Store Cards	Distribute grocery cards and order new cards
After School Student Enrichment	Lego	Help manage students in the club.	Office
Homework Clubs	After-school club to help students with homework.
Fundraising Committees	Grant seeking	Search for applicable grants.	PTSO
Grant writing	Help write grant responses.
Fall fundraiser	See above.
Scrip	Help manage gift card sales and orders.
Community Funding	Intel	For Intel employees.	Principal
PG&E	For PG&E employees.
Store cards	See Scrip.	PTSO
Orange Pages	See above.
Box Tops	Advertise for, collect, and send in labels for cash.
Labels for Education	Advertise for, collect, and send in labels for cash.
Recycling	Work with PE or a class to collect and cash in recyclables.	PE Teacher

Donations

Orangevale Open provides an alternative to the typical program offered by your neighborhood school. Many of the activities incorporated into the Open curriculum require resources and supplies that are not covered in the normal operating budget of a public school. To provide such high-quality programs, parents are asked for donations.

Under no circumstance should the requested fees prohibit any child from participating fully in the Orangevale Open program. If this is a concern, please discuss the issue with the Principal.

Monthly Donation

For each class, a donation of $7 per child per month (payable to the class) is requested to maintain the program. In addition, a Technology donation to support our school technology is $10 per month per family or $8 per month per family if you have only one child at OVO.

Fundraising Guidelines for Orangevale Open

Detailed Fundraising Guidelines can be found in the OVO Site-Based Guidelines.

Additional Costs

In addition to the monthly donations listed above, each class may incur expenses for activities that exceed the typical class funds. Examples are field trips and special classroom activities. The class may vote to ask for additional donations for field trips rather than assess the actual cost as each field trip occurs.

Overnight field trips can be expensive. Each family is responsible for their own child’s overnight field trip expenses. Fundraising activities may be held to reduce this cost and scholarships are available for those who require assistance. Families may contact the principal to request scholarships.

The Orangevale Open Program does not discriminate because the parent/guardian does not volunteer or donate. No student will be denied an education because he/she does not donate toward supplies, lab expenses, PE clothes, and the like. District Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 3260 state “A student enrolled in a school shall not be required to pay any fee, deposit, or other charge not specifically authorized by law,” and “The District shall charge only those fees specifically authorized by law. Schools and school employees will handle all requests for an inability to pay due to lack of funds in a confidential and respectful manner.”

 

Orangevale Open Glossary

Accelerated Reader (AR)	Individualized goals for each student set either by the teacher, books and passing questions in quizzes on those books. The higher book levels usually equal more points they are worth. There are 2 goal periods per trimester. Parents can look up their children’s goals and words/books read
Act One	After school drama program for 1st and 2nd grades, usually in the Fall. A different theatrical production is produced each year.
Adjusted Day	Shortened instructional-minute days for parent conferences at the end of the 1st and 2nd trimesters.
After School Clubs	Clubs that meet after school; includes Band, Chess, Homework, KidzArt, Lego, and MusIQ and more.
Amphitheater	Area at the northeast part of the school property with log benches.
Aquatic Center	End-of-year all-school field trip on the last day of school.
AR (Accelerated Reader) Goals	Individualized goals for each student set either by the teacher, student, or both depending on the grade level and teacher. They are points that are earned by reading books and passing questions in quizzes on those books. The higher book levels usually equal more points they are worth. There are 2 goal periods per trimester.
Art Docent	A parent volunteer from each class teaches prescribed monthly lessons from the District-wide Art Docent program.
Author Day	Assembly during which PTSO arranges for an author of a new or beloved book to come to school and discuss and sign books for students. Usually the book has to pre-ordered and paid for prior to the visit.
Auto Usage Form	A form that MUST be on file in the office for any parent wanting to drive on any given field trip. It includes a copy of your insurance and driver’s license and must be updated each time your insurance policy is renewed.
Babysitting (for class and PTSO meetings)	A PTSO service to parents, on-site babysitting during parent and PTSO meetings for $5 per family for kids 4 and older. Babysitters are 7/8 students who have passed the Red Cross babysitting class. This helps parents by making it easier to attend meetings, and it helps the 7/8 students gain experience and earn money. (Available when a parent volunteers to manage this.)
Back to School Picnic	Held one evening during the last week of summer break; all parents and children are invited to come and meet teachers and mingle.
Band	Outside of school activity for any interested students. Age restrictions might apply.

• Develop a love of learning.
• Extend the learning environment beyond the classroom and link instruction to real life through field trips and other community resources.
• Promote personal best rather than competition and involve students in establishing their own goals.
• Create an environment that strengthens self-confidence and allows students to learn from mistakes and take risks.
• Appreciate and celebrate uniqueness and develop respect for self and others.
• Learn through hands-on activities and experiences and emphasize process rather than product.
• Foster developmentally appropriate learning environments that encourage responsible choices and provide opportunities for all learning styles.
• We are a family. We work to create a caring community.
• Respect from adults and peers.
• Fair treatment.
• The freedom to express opinions and beliefs in an appropriate manner.
• The opportunity to progress at their own rate.
• Competent teachers, adequate materials and facilities.
• A safe environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of the rules.
• Freedom from slurs which are racial, ethnic, religious, or sexually demeaning.
• Privacy (including restrooms).
• Knowing and following the school rules, e.g. walk in halls, go to the playground during recess and before school.
• The good care and use of all school and private property.
• Coming to school on time and returning to class on time (from recess, media center, etc.).
• Completing school work.
• Respecting the rights of others.
• Play and use playground equipment for my safety and the safety of others
• Not sit on top of the bars or jump out of the swings
• Not roughhouse or fight, including play fighting
• Throw only balls and Frisbees
• Climb on climbing equipment only
• Play all running games on grass except four square, basketball, wall ball or prisoner
• Not tackle, block, wrestle or carry students piggyback
• Respect the boundaries and stay in areas that are visible to yard duties
• Not use name-calling or teasing to hurt others
• Eat and drink all lunch items and snacks only in areas designated by staff
• Keep hands and feet to one’s self, refraining from inappropriate displays of affection (kissing, handholding, etc.)
• Stop playing and return to the classroom, walking in the halls, when the bell rings
• Students are not to play on the playground or equipment at dismissal time, but rather go straight to carpool of their after school activity
• No rough housing, chasing or playing in the carpool area. We expect students to be watching for their ride
• All students must be escorted by a supervising adult to their car and not walk across carpool lanes by themselves
• Parents need to remain in their cars at all times
• Drivers need to stay in their lane at all times
• Parents need to pull to the front of the carpool lanes as directed
• Drivers are prohibited from using their cell phones in carpool
• There is a right turn only when exiting from the carpool lanes in both the Illinois Ave and the Pershing Ave parking lots
• No parking on crosshatched areas in school parking lot
• Parents may park in our parking lots if they are going to walk students on campus or pick them up at the end of the day. However, at the end of the day, the parking lots are extremely crowded and it may be necessary to park on the street. These street parking reminders will help ensure everyone is safe at our busiest time of day, dismissal

1. Please be respectful of others and aware of our neighbors. Parking across driveways and in red curb areas is prohibited
2. A broken white line on the right side of the lane as you approach an intersection indicates the lane must be open for turning, not parking
3. If you park in the bike lane, you must be far enough over to the curb that a bike rider can pass safely within the bike lane

• First, is it in the academic best interest of the child? Factors include, but are not limited to, the level of student academic achievement, ability of student to work independently, as well as successful completion of past IS Contracts.
• Second, are there attendance or behavioral issues that make IS inappropriate? If a student is excessively absent or having other behavioral issues, additional time from school may be counterproductive to academic success.
• Third, was the request for IS made ten business days before the contract is to begin? Sufficient time must be allowed for teachers to gather the materials.
• Fourth, does the timeframe requested conflict with testing, IEP’s, SST’s or other important educational activities? Testing and other important activities might make IS unreasonable, especially with the difficulty to reschedule staff or make up tests.
• Last, does the school have the capacity to supervise the contract as required by law? For short-term IS contracts the classroom teacher is well qualified to serve as a teacher in CA; therefore, in an elementary setting they assign the work then evaluate it.
• For pupils in kindergarten through eighth grade, two weeks

1. In the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger 
2. When a teacher or administrator grants permission to the student to possess or use a mobile communication device, subject to any reasonable limitation imposed by that teacher or administrator
3. When a licensed physician or surgeon determines that the possession or use is necessary for the student's health and well-being
4. When the possession or use is required by the student's individualized education program

• How do I meet my hours? There are many ways to meet your obligation in terms of hours in and out of the classroom. Depending on the grade level, it can include time in the classroom assisting with lessons, making copies for teachers, filing paperwork etc. Other ways to earn hours include some of the Class Officer positions, working on the Crab Feed fundraiser, the annual Carnival, and other annual fundraisers and projects that benefit the school.
• What are the Parent Booster Group Officers? Parent Booster Group Officers are parents in each class who have designated positions to ensure the year runs smoothly. These include:
• Booster Group Class Coordinator: supports the teacher and the OVO Program. Acts as a liaison between teachers, officers, and parents.
• Booster Group Class Treasurer: collects and disburses class funds.
• Booster Group Field Trip Coordinator: Sets up field trips with the teacher, works with the treasurer for funding, organizes parent volunteer drivers.
• Booster Group Parent Volunteer Coordinator: schedules parents into classroom volunteer activities.
• Booster Group Class Secretary: takes minutes at all meetings and assists the Class Coordinator in communication of class activities and news items.
• What is the Site-Based Team and what is their purpose? This committee is comprised of teachers/staff, the principal, and elected parents. They vote on the school’s yearly plan and oversee how resources are allocated to ensure all students learn. The team also oversees the open program by assuring the philosophy is at the heart of what we do. This team also sets the agenda for monthly Steering meetings to foster dialogue among the OVO community.
• What is the Steering Committee and what is their purpose? This committee is an open forum where parents and teachers discuss issues and concerns. See “Steering Committee” in the glossary.
• How does OVO’s carpool work? We have two carpools; parent volunteers help teachers escort children:
• Illinois Avenue: For students in grades 4-8 and their younger siblings.
• Pershing Parking: For students in Discovery Club and Kindergarten through 3rd grade with no siblings in grades 4-8.
• Why do we have early dismissal every Thursday? This allows teachers time to collaborate.
• How do Site and Steering work together? See the definitions for Site Based Management Team and for Steering Committee in this document.
• Why is it important for my child to attend field trips? Field Trips are an integral part of the OVO curriculum. For any given grade level, they support and solidify the lessons being taught in the classroom in an experiential manner. It is very important for children to attend the field trips to experience that method of learning as well as to learn how to function outside of the school in public settings with the same expectations of a classroom. Every grade has day field trips and overnight field trips (from 1-4 nights).
• What are Buddies? Buddies are children from one class paired with children from another class. For example, fourth graders may be assigned “little” buddies in second or first grade and they become the “big” buddies. This assists children in socialization with children of other ages, as well as helping the younger children navigate the campus and on days we have Round Robin, the older buddies take their little buddies to their scheduled activities. They also may have a buddy reading day, or pizza party – whatever the teachers deem appropriate for a given grade level.
• How do I make my suggestions heard? There are many opportunities and venues to make your suggestions heard, depending on the topic. Usually you can go to your class coordinator who may be able to help you or direct you to the proper person. You can always ask a teacher for direction as well, or a seasoned parent. If you are struggling with an issue that you feel might be broader, you can bring it to the principal or any Site Base Team member. Site Base will resolve or solve the issue for you, or they will include it on the agenda for the next Steering meeting.
• What services for my child are available at OVO?
• SST (Student Study Team): A team (classroom teacher, special ed teacher, administrator, and parent) that meets when teachers have found that the strategies they have used in their instruction are not providing the support that a student needs to master the curriculum. If there are concerns related to a particular area, an educator with that expertise may join the meeting.
• Special Education: For students who qualify for specialized instruction so that they can master the curriculum.
• 504: Students who have a disability may qualify for accommodations under this Civil Rights Act to ensure that they have access to the curriculum equivalent to the access that students without the disability have.
• Why do I have to attend the monthly parent meetings? If I can’t attend, what should I do? Parent meetings are also an essential part of the Orangevale Open K-8 Curriculum. In order to support the wide range of classroom and outside activities that are offered to our children, parent participation in both meetings and volunteer hours is of utmost importance. By attending parent meetings, you will be updated monthly on the current academic processes the classes are going through, upcoming activities and field trips, fundraising opportunities and general opportunities to volunteer and participate as well as feeling a part of the parental community.
• What do my donations pay for? Donations pay for day field trips, overnight field trips, technology donations, some school supplies and general budget items such as yearbooks, gifts for teachers, pizza party for yearbook signing etc. depending on the classroom and grade level. All budgets are presented and voted on at the beginning of school year so a line item “Suggested Budget” will be presented to all parents.
• What does OVO have that other schools do not have? At OVO, parents have an opportunity to be active in their child’s classroom, and to engage in learning and teaching on field trips and in the classroom. For students, OVO provides a unique educational experience for students to feel excited about their education, to be prepared to meet new challenges positively, to interact with caring adults (teachers and parents), to know that they are capable, caring members of society, and to base their behavior on that knowledge.
• Where does PTSO money go? The money earned by the OVO PTSO from its Spring Fundraiser goes entirely to the operating budget. We rely on this money for AR books and other things that benefit our students, teachers, and school.

Barnes & Noble Book Fair

Sponsored by the PTSO and held at Barnes & Noble usually in December.  Various OVO groups provide a variety of performances and games/activities. All book sales earn OVO a percentage to spend on AR or library books.

Benched

Time-out during recess where a student is removed from activities for a designated period. Typically, the student sits on one of the benches along the perimeter of the playground for the duration of this action.

Bobcat

School mascot.

Booster Groups

Also called Class Parent Groups, related specifically to funding at a class or grade level.

Box Tops

Manufacturers’ labels that earn OVO money. Managed by a volunteer parent who collects donated Box Top labels from designated envelopes in each classroom.

Buddies

Students from one class paired up with children from a younger class. For example, fourth graders may be assigned “little” buddies in second or first grade and the fourth graders are the “big” buddies. This assists children in socialization with children of other ages, as well as helping the younger children navigate the campus. During Round Robins, the big buddies take their little buddies to their scheduled activities. They also may have a buddy reading day, pizza party, or coordinated field trips for the two grades, depending on what the teachers deem appropriate.

Butterfly Garden

Located in the Nature Area.

By Laws

See Site Based Guidelines.

Carnival

Sponsored by the PTSO, an all-school event in the fall (usually) managed by parent volunteers. All proceeds are applied to scholarships for overnight field trips in every grade.

Carpool

In the morning, drop off for K-8 students is in the Illinois Avenue lot and for Kinders and Discovery Club students it’s in the Pershing Parking Lot. In the afternoon, there are two carpools: the Pershing lot is for K-3rd graders, and Illinois lot is for 4th-8th graders. Parent volunteers and teachers escort kids to and from their cars in the afternoons.

Carpool Dads/Moms

Volunteer adults who help kids move safely from their cars to the school every morning.

Centers

Groups of students rotate through several themed activities; each activity is called a “center”. This often takes place on Friday afternoons.

Chess Club

An after school club offered once a week to learn and play chess, managed by a third party.

Class Budget

Every class has funds from parent and fundraising donations. From these monies, the class determines what can be spent on various supplies and field trips.

Class Creation

Project done by each class to be donated to for auction. A volunteer parent coordinates this effort within their class; the children help create the project.

Class Fundraisers

Fundraisers vary in theme and are designed to assist class levels in being able to afford budgeted items each year and cover any potential scholarships that may be needed in a certain grade level.

Class Officers

Parent volunteers in each class who have been voted in by that class for designated positions to ensure the year runs smoothly. These include Treasurer, Class Coordinator, Field Trip Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Yearbook, and Secretary. Serving in this capacity may or may not satisfy volunteer work hours; the teacher of each class makes that decision.

Classroom Expenses

Expenses incurred in any classroom necessary to successfully implement the curriculum, including supplies needed for certain projects; varies by class.

Cocooned

Prohibition from participating in social times during the day: this includes the ‘passing’ time that students have when they move from class to class, break and lunch-recess. This typically is meted out for serious misconduct by students in grades 7/8.

Common Core

National educational standards for K-12 in English and Math. California is one of 46 states that have adopted them. They provide clarity and consistency in what is expected of student learning across the country. The Common Core State Standards enable collaboration between states on a range of tools and policies. For more info, visit www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/tl/whatareccss.asp.

Connection

OVO’s weekly school newsletter available via email or in the office.

Day Field Trips

Field trips that are scheduled without an overnight stay needed.

Detention

Removal of a student from the regularly scheduled program for a short period of time.

Dine-and-Dash

Food Court during Open House in the spring.  Each class has the option to participate and sell food (hot dogs, snacks, drinks, pizza, and more).  Money raised goes to that grade’s budget for their overnighter or for day field trips or other line items on their budget.

Discovery Club

Before and after school program run through SJUSD.

Drama

After school on-campus activity, usually in the Fall for grades 3-5 and in the Spring for grades 6-8.

Driver’s Credit

Accrued by parent volunteers who drive on field trips throughout the school year and the credit can then either be applied to that family’s student’s end-of-year overnight field trip or it can be donated back to the class. For details, see the Site Base Management/Open Program Guidelines.

Energi Fitness Stations

Set of outdoor exercise stations that create a par course in the Nature Area purchased through grants and OVO PTSO in 2011. Some classes may use this as a supplement for PE.

Fall Fundraiser

Fundraisers for families to help their individual student’s overnight field trip account. About 50% of what each family sells is credited back to their own student’s account. Some families rely on this fundraiser to cover their student’s overnight field trip costs. Usually in September-October and consists of selling wrapping paper, chocolates, and gift items.

Families to Families

OVO account that helps families in need by donating Scrip for groceries and gas. Funds are raised from Holiday Boutique and individual families who want to donate to this worthy cause.

Field Day

A recreational day in the last week of school in which each grade level has outside activities (water activities, races, games, and more) that they host for the entire school population.

Firefly Art

After-school program run by a third-party organization (not SJUSD).

Friday Centers

See “Centers”.

Gardening Committee

A PTSO committee of volunteer parents who tend the gardens on the school grounds.

Grants

Method of funding which we (teachers/parents) apply for and must use as stipulated.

Grocery Cards

Cards issued from some local grocery stores in which they donate a percentage of your purchases back to OVO.

Harvest Parade

K-6 students parade through the school with their classmates in costume. Scary costumes and masks are not allowed.

Holiday Boutique

Annual event for students to do their holiday shopping inexpensively and without their parents. All items are donated by OVO parents and all proceeds are donated to Families to Families that are experiencing financial difficulties during the holiday season (via grocery store and gas scrip).

Hospitality Committee

A PTSO committee responsible for arranging the Teacher Luncheon (in August), Back to School Java (on the first day of school), Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, and lunch during Author Day.

Kinder Playground

The small playground strictly for kindergartners directly accessible from Room 1 (on the corner of Pershing and Illinois).

Labels for Education

Manufacturer’s labels that earn OVO money. Managed by a volunteer parent who collects donated Labels for Education from designated envelopes in each classroom.

Lego Club

A weekly after-school club for children to build Lego’s and learn about robotics.

Lost and Found

Contains items found around school grounds; located in the MP Room.  Items are tagged when received and will remain in lost and found for 1-month.  Donations go to the San Juan Clothes Closet.

Minimum Day

Shortened instructional-minute days for conferences, open house, and the last day of school.

Nature Area

Located at the northeast area of the school grounds.

Nature Trail

Circles the Nature Area.

Noon Duty Aides

Volunteer and some paid adults who monitor the playground during lunchtime.

Open House

An opportunity for parents to visit their child’s classroom and teachers and to mingle and observe what their children have been working on over the past few months. Usually held in the Spring and often coincides with the Book Fair.

Open Philosophy

The foundation for the OVO program. For more information, see the “Orangevale Open’s Philosophy” earlier in this document.

Orange Day

See Spirit Day.

Orange Pages

A catalog of OVO parents who own businesses or are “certifying” a business to be worthy so that OVO families can find services, contractors, and more. Ads are available at a nominal fee and the directory is distributed to all families free.

Overnight Fieldtrips

Field Trips for each grade that include spending from one to four nights at the field trip location.

Parent Appreciation

Each class celebrates their parents (usually in June) with an activity, snack, or other event.

Parent Groups

See “Booster Groups”.

Parent Meetings

An integral part of what makes the OVO program work. Monthly class meetings in which teachers review curriculum and instruction and class officers review parent-related topics. Provides parent education and keeps parents in touch with the school.

Parent Workroom

A room off the office with copy machines and other supplies for parents to use for school-related activities. Also contains mail boxes for many school-wide parent roles (PTSO, Connection, Drama, and more).

PC Pals

A controlled email exchange between 6/7/8 grade students and Intel employees. OVO earns money from Intel.

Piazza

Area between the MP Room and the 7/8 classrooms with tables and umbrellas where children have lunch.

Picture Day

Pictures of all students and grade levels are taken; parents can purchase the pictures.

Portables

The classrooms for middle school grades at the southwest part of the school, rooms 20, 21, and 22.

PTSO

Parent Teacher Student Organization; represents parents, teachers, and students and works closely with the students, teachers, students, and administrators. Orangevale PTSO operates according to their PTSO Bylaws. All parents, teachers, staff and students are automatically members of the PTSO. PTSO runs two main fundraisers that benefit the entire school: Carnival and Spring Fundraiser.

PTSO Committees

Committees that are run by PTSO volunteers include Babysitting, Box Tops, Carnival, Drama, Fall Fundraiser, Gardening/School Beautification, Grocery Cards, Holiday Boutique, Hospitality, Labels for Education, Lego Club, Nature Area, Orange Pages, Scholastic Book Fair, and Scrip.

PTSO Funding

PTSO generates funds to distribute to school-related functions and supplies. Funding Request forms are available in the Parent Workroom; all requests must comply with PTSO Funding Guidelines as stated on the forms (see the Site-Based Guidelines for the Fundraising Guidelines.

PTSO Fundraisers

Fundraisers in which proceeds go to the PTSO to distribute as necessary. Includes the Fall Fundraiser (profit goes to participating individual student accounts), the Crab Feed (profit goes to general PTSO budget), and Scrip (profit goes to participating individual student accounts).

PTSO Meetings

Monthly meetings for the PTSO. Usually held in the evenings.

Round Robin

School-wide event usually 3-4 times per year. Each class hosts 2 theme activities to be done 2 times each (up to 25 K-8 students in each session). Each class must supply 2 activities or those students in that class will not participate in the Round Robin.

Scholarships

Available to assist families who are unable to contribute monetarily to support the activities of their student and/or class.

Scholastic Book Fair

Held twice a year to raise money for books for our classrooms and library.

Scrip

Gift cards from hundreds of local retail stores, restaurants, and services that families can purchase. Families earn all but 1% of the kickback from merchants for online Scrip purchases that can be applied to their student’s overnight fieldtrip fund (1% helps run the program). Also available through the Scrip box in the office, but these purchases provide only a 50-50 split.

Sibling Policy

Siblings of students currently attending OVO and who will continue to attend OVO through the next school year are given first priority during Open Enrollment.

Site-Based Guidelines

A set of governing guidelines adopted when the OVO program began, prepared by a committee of teachers and parents.

Site-Based Management Team (SBMT)

The Site-Based Management Team (SBMT) is the primary leadership and decision-making body for Orangevale Open. The SBMT acts as a clearinghouse for school-wide policy decisions that have their foundation in student and community learning. All community groups have access to the SBMT through their corresponding community representatives.

Social Club

A group of 7/8 parents and students who meet weekly at lunchtime to define and arrange social events for 7/8 students; includes dances, bowling, skating, and more.

Spirit Day

Also called Orange Day, to enhance school spirit weekly. Every Thursday, students are asked to wear orange or Spirit Wear. The class with the most participating students wins the Bobcat (stuffed animal) for the week.

Spring Fundraiser

Sponsored by the PTSO, an all-school event in the spring managed by parent volunteers. This is our largest fundraiser of the year. All proceeds become part of the PTSO operating budget. All parents are asked to help in some way, and of course everyone is invited to attend!

State Float Parade

On the day of Open House. 5^th grade students show off their state float which was an assignment to help them learn about the 50 states. Each student creates a float that represents a state they have chosen or were assigned. Parade is through the school in the morning; floats are on display during Open House in the evening.

Steering Meeting

Provides a forum for any issues concerning Orangevale Open. Defines and assesses the purpose and direction of the philosophical base for Open education at OVO. Responsibilities of this committee include initiating and interpreting policies for OVO. This committee promotes a team effort among the classes and provides continuity from year to year.  It is a locale for dialogue between parents and teachers from classes other than their child’s. Steering Committee is a vehicle for voicing ideas or concerns regarding the total Program, but it also generates new ideas from parents and teachers. Teachers are welcome to present their calendar of plans at Committee meetings, promoting communication of activities among classes and providing a vehicle for teachers to communicate with parents about new ideas. The Steering Committee serves as a vehicle through which issues discussed at the classroom level may ultimately reach the SBMT for discussion, and also as a vehicle through which issues discussed at the SBMT are funneled back to the classrooms. (from Site Base Management/Open Program Guidelines).

Strategic Planning

The process that allows a school community to engage in a thoughtful, rigorous and collaborative analysis of their mission and their current status, where they want to go, and how they will get there. As a result of Strategic Planning, there is a commitment of resources toward a clearly identified goal and an increase in dedication to the program. OVO’s Strategic Plan will guide us for the years to come.

Student Council

A representative body composed chiefly of students chosen by their classmates to organize social and extracurricular activities and to participate in the government of our school.

Teacher Appreciation

Celebration to thank our teachers and extended staff for their many contributions to our school. Included is a catered luncheon. Usually in late May/June.

Teacher Gifts

Gifts that are presented to teachers by the class, typically during the Holidays, the teachers’ birthdays, and at the end of the year. These funds are voted on by the class.

Tech Donations

Donations made by to help fund OVO’s Technology equipment and supplies.

Technology Committee Meetings

A committee of the principal, teachers, and parents to manage OVO’s technology plans and resources. Check the OVO Calendar for dates, times, and locations. All parents are welcome.

Testing

MAP Testing - Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) is a test that measures how well a student can apply their skills to questions aligned to the Common Core Standards in Reading and Mathematics.

In San Juan Unified, all students in grades 3-9 will take the MAP assessments in Reading and Mathematics three times during the year.  The results help teachers, students and parents assess progress and next steps for learning.

More information is available here:  http://www.sanjuan.edu/Page/5962

CAASSP - The California Assessment of Student Progress and Performance replaces California’s STAR Testing Program.  Students in grades 3-9 will be tested in English Language Arts and Math.  The test is based upon the California Common Core State Standards which were adopted in 2010.   More information is available here:  CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Progress and Performance http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/)

Additionally, a Science Assessment will be given to students in grades 5 and 8.

Two Touch

A 2-player ball game student’s play on the blacktop. There’s a ball and a wall, each player gets up to two touches to hit the wall with the ball. The challenge is the opponent can kick the ball away.

Variety Shows

Shows one day during the last week of school where children can showcase their talents. Usually three performances during the day/evening.

Volunteer Hours

Parent time volunteered to help in the classroom or as otherwise agreed upon. Suggested hours are: 2 hours per child, per week if 1 child is enrolled in the program, 1.5 hours per child per week if 2 children are enrolled in the program, or 1 hour per child per week if 3 or more children are enrolled.

Welcome Back Java

Hosted by PTSO’s Hospitality Committee for parents and non-school aged children to meet one another and mingle. After dropping students off on the first day of school, coffee and snacks are served near the office.

Work Day

(Per teacher’s contract) A day at school without students present for teachers to work on grades/planning.

Yearbook

A separate book for each class or grade with photos of students and activities during the year.

Yearbook Party

During the last week of school each grade level can opt to have a Yearbook Party in which children can mingle and sign each other’s yearbooks.

Zangle / Q

Access your child’s daily attendance, assignment grades, report cards, transcripts, and more by going to the website (http://www.sanjuan.edu/Orangevale.cfm) and clicking on SJUSD Parent Portal on the left or top. If you don’t have your PIN or password, contact the school office.

 

Major Orangevale Open Events

Event	Schedule	Description	What parents do
Back-to-School Picnic	August (A few days before school starts)	Meet-and-greet for families; meet your children’s teacher and mingle with other OVO families.	Only 6th grade sells food. PTSO arranges the event.
Fall Fundraiser	Fall: Catalog Fundraiser All year: Online Orders	Fundraiser to help families reduce the cost of overnight field trips (each family profits from their sales; this is the best way to offset field trip costs).	All parents need to pick up their packet at the 1st parent meeting and turn it in by the deadline.
Jog-A- Walk-A-Thon	Fall and maybe Spring	School fundraiser.  PE teacher provide sign-up list.	Volunteer to help.
Book Fair	Fall and maybe Spring	PTSO fundraiser. Chair provides sign up list.	Volunteer to help.
Carnival	Fall	PTSO fundraiser for school and public. Each class provides a booth. Requests will be made for volunteers.	School-wide Carnival chair will request a class representative and convey info. Parents need to plan/manage booth.
Round Robins	3-4 times a year	School-wide event. Each class hosts 2 theme activities to participate. Each activity done twice (up to 25 in each for all K-8).	Two parents from each class create/ manage activities.
Harvest Parade	October	School-wide event (K-6). Students parade through the school with their classmates in (not scary) costume.	Nothing
Holiday Boutique	December	Sponsored by the PTSO but not a PTSO fundraiser. Students can purchase gifts for friends/ family at token prices with chaperones (so the gifts are a secret to their families). Proceeds aide OVO’s Families for Families.	Each class is responsible for donating cash or items to be sold. Sign-up lists will be distributed to each class for donations and volunteers. Might assist the Parent Volunteer Coordinator in getting volunteers.
Crab Feed	February/March	Sponsored by the PTSO; largest fundraiser for OVO.	Help with a class creation that will be auctioned off at the Crab feed; attend! Parents are asked to work the event and get donations from local business. Of course everyone is invited to attend!
Science Night	Feb-April	PTSO-hosted evening event for all families.	Attend and participate.
Open House	April	Evening event for all families; see children’s school work, mingle.	Support Dine-n-Dash, which is a food court sponsored by each class (optional).
Variety Shows	February	Children perform their choice.	Nothing
Field Day	One entire morning the last week of school	School-wide. Classes rotate through fun physical activities supervised by parents and our PE teacher.	Volunteers from every class are needed. The PE teacher provides ideas for centers and organization.
Teacher Appreciation and Luncheon	May or June	Celebrate and thank teachers and staff for their contributions to our school. Includes a catered lunch.	Help with whatever your class chooses to do for your teacher (can be every day or one big thing). Help serve food at the lunch.
Parent Appreciation	June	Each class celebrates their parents with activity, snack, and maybe an event.	Attend if possible
8th Grade Celebration	June	8th grade students leaving for high school are celebrated with their families	7/8 parents coordinate
Aquatic Center/ All-School Picnic	Last day of school (usually)	Sponsored by the PTSO. Parents and siblings are welcome.	Each class decides on their food menu.

 

Orangevale Open Meetings and Events

OVO School-Wide Events
August Back-to-School Picnic	September Fall Fundraiser starts Monthly Parent Mtg SBMT Mtg (3rd Tuesday) Steering Meeting (last Tuesday) Tech Committee Mtg (2nd Wed) PTSO Meeting (3rd Thursday) Carnival (Sept or Oct)	October Carnival (Sept or Oct) Round Robin Harvest Parade (K-6) Jog-a-Walk-a-Thon (tentative) Monthly Parent Mtg SBMT Mtg (3rd Tuesday) Steering Meeting (last Tuesday) Tech Committee Mtg (2nd Tuesday) PTSO Meeting (3rd Thursday)
November Monthly Parent Mtg SMBT Mtg. (3rd Tuesday) Steering Meeting (last Tuesday) Tech Committee Mtg (2nd Tuesday) PTSO Meeting (3rd Thursday)	December Holiday Boutique Monthly Parent Mtg (tentative) SBMT Mtg (3rd Tuesday) Steering Meeting (last Tuesday) Tech Committee Mtg (2nd Tues) PTSO Meeting (3rd Thursday)	January Monthly Parent Mtg (tentative) SBMT Mtg (3rd Tuesday) Steering Meeting (last Tuesday) Tech Committee Mtg (2nd Tue) PTSO Meeting (3rd Thursday)
February PTSO’s Crab Feed (adults only) Monthly Parent Mtg SBMT Mtg (3rd Tuesday) Steering Meeting (last Tuesday) Tech Committee Mtg (2nd Tues) PTSO Meeting (3rd Thursday) Variety Show	March Monthly Parent Mtg SBMT Mtg (3rd Tuesday) Steering Meeting (last Tuesday) Tech Committee Mtg (2nd Tue) PTSO Meeting (3rd Thursday)	April Open House (evening) Scholastic Book Fair Jog-a-Walk-a-Thon (tentative) Science Assessments, 5th & 8th gr. CAASP Testing grades 3-8 Monthly Parent Mtg SBMT Mtg (3rd Tuesday) Steering Meeting (last Tuesday) Tech Committee Mtg (2nd Tue) PTSO Meeting (3rd Thursday)
May Monthly Parent Mtg SBMT Mtg (3rd Tuesday) Steering Meeting (last Tuesday) Tech Committee Mtg (2nd Tue) PTSO Meeting (3rd Thursday)	June Field Day Teacher Appreciation Luncheon Parent Appreciation 8th Grade Celebration Aquatic Center or Beach Day

Important Information for Orangevale Open Families

Keep this on your fridge or bulletin board!

Useful Information
SJUSD Website	www.sanjuan.edu
SJUSD Menus	https://nutrition.sanjuan.edu/
OVO Website	www.sanjuan.edu/orangevale
OVO Address	5630 Illinois Ave, Fair Oaks 95628
OVO Phone	(916) 979-8067
OVO Principal’s Email	rick.boster@sanjuan.edu
OVO Absence Phone	(916) 979-8067
OVO Absence Email	stephanie.Lathe@sanjuan.edu

Grade	Teacher	Oct – May Mtgs	Location
K	Karen/Vickie	2nd Wed @ 6pm	Classrooms
1st	Cindy/Christine/Hannah	1st Tue @5:30pm	Classrooms
2nd	Julie/Jody/Gerilyn	1st Mon @ 5:30pm	Classrooms
3rd	Heidi/Tina	1st Thu @ 5:30pm	MP Room
4th	Annie/Lynne/Christina	2nd Mon @ 6pm	Classrooms
5th	Kim/Rachel	1st Wed @ 6pm	Classrooms
6th	Anna/Juleah	1st Tue @ 6:30pm	Classrooms
7-8	David/Annalee/Loni/Maria/Barb	2nd Thu @ 6pm	MP Room

 Check with your class for any meeting date/time changes.

  

School Hours
AM Kindergarten: 8:30am – 11:55am	Grades 1-8: 8:30am – 3:00pm (1:45 on Thursdays)
PM Kindergarten: 11:35am – 3pm (1:45 on Thursdays)

 

OVO Middle School Core Beliefs

The term “we” refers to the students, parents/guardians, teachers, staff and administration.

OVO Middle School Explanation of Policies

Lunch and break times are part of the school day and behavior will be monitored accordingly.

Follow these simple rules to ensure maximum freedom during lunchtime.

Candy, and other food items may not be eaten in class unless allowed by the teacher for a special occasion.

Water is the only beverage allowed during class.

Food may not be ordered in from outside vendors or brought in for groups of friends at lunch. This includes birthdays, please.

Gum is not allowed AT SCHOOL. That includes before and after school, break, lunch, and special activities. Dispose of your gum before you arrive on campus. Students will receive progressive consequences if they choose to chew gum which could include detention.

 

Detention Policy for behavior issues 7/8:

Detention will be served for infractions that cannot be resolved within the classroom.

Per trimester:

Detentions: 1st and 2nd detentions are held during the school day.  Students must have a parent sign the referral form and return it to school.

Students receiving a third detention may be required to serve an after school detention.

Students receiving a fourth detention will be on social probation for six weeks. This means a student will not be allowed to attend on campus social activities or dances during that six week period.

Infractions that go immediately to the principal for action will also count as a detention and be recorded as such.

Suspension/Expulsion for certain behaviors is enforced by the San Juan Unified School District.  An updated version of the suspension /expulsion guidelines is sent home every year and is also available in the office.  These guidelines are discussed in class and enforced as necessary during the school year.  

The issue of “harassment” is an important one in middle schools.  Every student has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and every student has the right to feel safe.  Students who make fun of other students, threaten or intimidate other students, or harass students in any other way will be dealt with through the San Juan discipline code outlined above. Any student either participating in group harassment or watching (and by their presence being a part of) group harassment will be dealt with accordingly.

The Dress Code 

Orangevale Open K-8 complies with the district dress code. Refer to the diagram below as a guideline:

 

Shoes must be worn at all times. They must have a heel strap.

For student safety, PE has additional dress code requirements - please review their handout as well for additional requirements during PE classes.

Personal Electronic Signaling Devices

The use of personal electronic signaling devices is prohibited during school hours and school related functions, including field trips. They are to be turned off and put away unless a teacher has given specific permission related to a class activity. If a student fails to follow the rules, the electronic device may be kept in the office during the school day or left at home, and the student will receive a detention. Parents may be required to pick the device up from the office. Detailed information regarding cell phone use is contained in the permission form sent home at the beginning of the year.

 

Homework

It is a necessary part of school. Each teacher weighs homework differently, but all teachers consider homework an integral part of the final grade.  Students who habitually fail to do their work may be asked to finish during their break or lunchtime.

 

Plagiarism

Plagiarism, the ‘act of taking someone else’s ideas and / or writing and passing them off as their own’ (Webster’s dictionary) has become common with the advent of the Internet. Plagiarized papers and projects will receive a failing grade, and parents may be notified. Learn how to use your own words and to cite sources.

1. We believe that every attempt should be made to maintain the dignity of both the adult and the student.
2. We believe that students should know that misbehavior results in loss of privileges.
3. We believe that students should be given the opportunity to make decisions and live with the results, whether the consequences be good or bad.
4. We believe that misbehavior should be viewed as an opportunity for individual problem solving and preparation for the real world as opposed to a personal attack by the school or staff.
5. We believe prescribed punishments for rule infractions are an important part of maintaining discipline.

• Listen to the lunchtime aides.
• Follow the lunchtime rules.
• Clean up after yourself.

District Policy on Use of Students in Photos and Video

Photos and video footage of students add significantly to the communication value of district and school publications, television productions, and websites. It is the district's desire to share the achievements and recognition earned by students with the broader community. This effort can be aided by the use of photos or video footage showing students involved in the classroom and school-related activities.
 

Photos & Video

Unless notified in writing of an objection by a parent, legal guardian, or student of age 18, photographs and video footage of students and/or names may be posted in district-produced materials including printed publications, television productions, and websites.
 

If parents do not wish photographs or videos of their students to be used in these materials, they should complete a Photo/Video Opt-Out form available at school offices or via the link below. Please be aware that opt-out requests are valid for the current school year and must be renewed at the start of the next school year.

Photo Opt-Out 2022-2023 English

Photo Opt-Out 2022-2023 Spanish

Photo Opt-Out 2022-2023 Russian

Photo Opt-Out 2022-2023 Ukrainian

Photo Opt-Out 2022-2023 Arabic

Photo-Opt Out 2022-2023 Persian

If an opt-out form is filed, district and school staff members will ALSO request news media not interview your student or film/photograph your student. While local news media typically honor such requests, the district does not have legal authority to prevent your student from talking with media or restricting who media outlets film or photograph. You are encouraged to have a discussion with your student about your wishes should members of the news media request to interview them.  If photos or videos of students or staff are going to be created, maintained or displayed by a third party where the district or school will not have direct control of the materials, then a written release form is required. Contact the Community Relations Office at (916) 979-8281 to discuss options. 

Photos & Video - Special Education Students and Homeless Students

School and district staff will always seek parent/guardian permission before using a photo that identifies a student receiving special education or homeless services. Permission forms for these situations can also be obtained from school offices or via the link below.

Parent Consent for Special Education 2022-2023 English

Parent Consent for Special Education 2022-2023 Spanish

Parent Consent for Special Education 2022-2023 Russian

Parent Consent for Special Education 2022-2023 Arabic

Parent Consent for Special Education 2022-2023 Persian

Please contact your school office or the Community Relations Office at (916) 979-8281 if you have any questions about this policy.