Parent and Student Handbook

Grant Academy Pledge
At morning opening assembly, students recite the following pledge:
“I am proud to be a Grant Eagle. I come to school to learn and I will do my best. I plan to go to college. I will show pride in myself by the way I act and the way I treat others.”

Lost and Found
Lost items are kept in the cafeteria.

Homework Policy
Students are assigned daily homework of 20 minutes of reading for Success for All.  A Read and Response Log must be completed daily and requires a parent signature. Failure to complete the log and/or have it signed will result in the student being assigned to the Eagle Eye Reading Club during lunch recess.  In addition to nightly reading, students are assigned math homework aligned with the Harcourt Math Program.

Absence Procedure
Regular and punctual school attendance is important. Students who are ill should stay home. If your child is absent, please telephone the school on the day of the absence. Of your child is absent more than 10% of the school days, it is considered excessive and your child will be dropped from the school roster. The State of California provides by law for compulsory school attendance by all children between the ages of six and sixteen. Parents are responsible for compliance, and the school is obligated to keep accurate records of daily attendance for each student.

Tardiness
It is the responsibility of parents to ensure their children arrive at school on time every day. Children who are tardy must report to the office for a pass before going to class.

Release of Children From School
Parents are expected to report in person to the school office to sign children out who need to leave school before regular dismissal time. Students may not be dismissed during school unless they are picked up by an adult listed on the student’s emergency card.

Emergency and Accident Information
The school must be able to reach you in an emergency. PLEASE keep school records up to date with current phone numbers, addresses, and places you may be reached.

Behavior and Discipline
All students are expected to adhere to the following school rules:
1) Active Listening
2) Follow Directions
3) Work Quietly. Do not disturb others who are working
4) Respect Others. Be kind with your words and actions
5) Respect school and personal property.
6) Work and play safety
Students who demonstrate good behavior will be awarded with an “Eagle Ticket” which they can exchange for prizes.

Suspension from School for Disciplinary Reasons
At Grant, we try to apply other means of disciplinary action in place of suspension. However, as indicated in the SJUSD Student/Parent Information Handbook, certain behaviors may require suspension. These include but are not limited to: fighting, hurting another student, bringing a weapon to school, theft, and severe disrespect towards staff/student.

Zero Tolerance Policy
The Board of Education has adopted a Zero Tolerance Policy towards weapons on the school campus. Any school related possession of a weapon will result in suspension and/or notification of law enforcement, as determined by the site administrator.

Toys, Equipment, Electronics, Cell Phones
Children should leave all toys, skateboards, radios, tape players, iPods, etc. at home. The only exception to this rule is with the teachers permission for a special school activity.  Cell phones are to be on mute and may only be used after school.

Medication
No student may be given medication at school without written permission from a doctor. You must notify the school if your child is taking medication for allergies or other health problems. Any medication authorized by the physician will be administered through the health office. Please pick up a permission form from the office to have your child’s medication administered by the health aide.

Appointments with Teacher and Principal
Please feel free to discuss scholastic or behavioral concerns with your child’s teacher. All issues should be discussed with the teacher before talking to the principal.

Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled each November. The teacher will discuss your child’s progress and needs. A second conference may be scheduled in the spring for students who are being considered for retention or who are not progressing satisfactorily. Your child’s teacher will contact you in writing to set a time for your conference.

Wednesday White Envelopes
Each Wednesday, your child will bring home a “White Envelope”. Inside you will find information from the office and from your child’s teacher, reminders about school happenings and meetings. Once a month, our school newsletter, “The Eagle’s Nest”, will be sent home. Please take time go through the contents of the White Envelope, as this is the primary means of communicating with the families of our students.

Visitors and Classroom Observations
Parents are welcome to visit the classrooms and school grounds. Upon your arrival, please report to the office and obtain a visitors pass. This policy helps keep our school safe for our students. As a courtesy to staff, please inform teachers 24 hours ahead of time if you plan to observe in the classroom.

Volunteers
A child’s success in school is best assured when the home and school work together in partnership. With this in mind,  we ask all parents volunteer at least 10 hours during the school year.  Please contact James Landa, Commuity Outreach Consultant at 408-535-6277 for more information.

Free and Reduced Breakfasts and Lunches
Hot lunch and breakfast is available to all students at Grant Academy. Full price lunch is $2.75, breakfast is $1.75. At the start of the school year, a lunch form will be sent home to determine those children who qualify for free and reduced meals. Menus are sent home at the beginning of each month. We ask food brought from home be healthy; please keep sweets to a minimum!

Crosswalks, Traffic and Student Safety
Please always use the crosswalks when walking your child onto campus. Also, although school parking is limited, we ask you please avoid double parking in front of the school.