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Section VI:  SCHOOL SERVICES

COUNSELING

         The school counselor is available to assist students in resolving any academic and/orpersonal problems which might arise.  We also offer the opportunity for students to meet in groups to discuss challenges, good decision-making, and social skills,It is important for parents to speak to counselors if there are home issues that may beaffecting your childıs performance at school.

ATTENDANCE

Should a student move during the school year, the school requires a verification of the new address. Call (714) 513-9890 for further information.

Please note that many Santa Ana addresses are inside the city of Santa Ana
but still outside the Santa Ana Unified School District boundaries.

           Part of the MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate School philosophy is that regular school attendance is critical to a studentıs academic success. Reasons for this include the following:

         Presentation and discussion of new material occurs during class time and therefore it cannot  easily be duplicated at home.  Research has revealed that students who miss school regularly find it difficult to be successful academically.

         If at all possible, please schedule all appointments outside the school day.   If an appointment must be made during school hours, the student is expected to be in school before and after the appointment.  Students who remain away from school for the entire day will be assigned Saturday School.

         In addition, vacations should be taken when school is not in session.  Vacations taken during the school year are considered to be unexcused absences.

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Students with an unexcused absence will be assigned Saturday School.

         Parents play an important role in developing sound attitudes about school attendance and good citizenship.  You are encouraged to work cooperatively with teachers to positively influence pupil attendance, citizenship, and achievement.

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES                                                           

         Students must be punctual and attend all classes. When a student is not at school, a telephonecall from the parent explaining the studentıs absence is required.  Students will be assigned Saturday School Program for unexcused absences and tardies.  Repeated unexcused absences or tardies will result in disciplinary action or transfer from school.  Illness, court appearance, or death of a family member are excused absences.

When a student is absent from school, please follow these procedures:

1.     Parents are asked to call the school on the morning a student is absent. Call 513-9888.   You are welcome to speak in English or Spanish when calling the message machine. Please make a note of this number!  Do not call the main office number for attendance issues.  If a phone call or personal contact has not been made, upon returning to school, students must have a note from the parent giving dates of andreasons for the absence. 

Readmit Slips:  Upon receipt of a valid note or phone contact from the parent, the student will be issued a Readmit Slip, before school, for presentation to each teacher whose class he/she missed. The student is required to be in class on time, at 7:57 a.m., with theReadmit Slip in hand for each teacher to sign. A tardy will be given to a student if the Slip is not picked up from the Attendance Office BEFORE class.

 

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EARLY RELEASE

         In emergencies, when a student must leave before the regular release time, a telephone call one hour in advance or a note in advance is requested.

ADDRESS CHANGES

         Should a student move during the school year, the school requires a verification of the new address. Call 714.513.9890 for further information.

Physical Education EXCUSES

         Students are expected to participate in P.E. every day. A student may be excused from an activity if a written excuse signed by the parent is given to the teacher. This excuse is valid for no more than three consecutive days. To be excused for a period longer than three days a written statement from the doctor is required.

MAKE-UP HOMEWORK POLICY

         Upon returning to school, students are expected to make up missed work, due to any type of absence, regardless of the reason.

         Parents may call 513-9890 to request homework assignments for students who will be absent three (3) days or more.  After asking for the homework, please allow twenty-four (24) hours for teachers to respond to requests. Parents may pick up the assignments at the Attendance Office.

         If the homework has not been issued during the absence, it is the studentıs responsibility to ask for the missed work from each teacher when they return to school. Any work not made up willcount against a studentıs grade.

CLOSED CAMPUS

         Students are required to remain on campus during the entire period of required attendance at school. Permission to leave campus during school hours will be granted only upon request of a parent or legal guardian, the school nurse, or administrator. To be excused during school hours, a note from a parent must be presented to the attendance technician before school. Students who eave campus without permission will be considered truant and will be assigned detention or Saturday School Program. Students leaving campus must be signed out by the parent picking them up at the designated time.

         Parents are asked to sign in at the Main Office before coming on campus at any time. Your cooperation is appreciated.


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EMERGENCY DRILLS

         These monthly drills are required by law and are an important safety precaution. It is essential that when the first signal is given, students obey orders promptly and clear the building by the prescribed route as quickly as possible or, in the event of an earthquake, when safe to do so. Students are required to remain quiet and attentive in order to receive necessary instructions. Consequences will be assigned to students who do not follow the directions of any staff member.

FOOD SERVICES

         Students who wish to purchase lunch tickets for one or two weeks may do so before school in the cafeteria. Checks are accepted payable to ³Food Service.² You may call the school for food  prices. A choice of entrees is provided daily or students may order a la carte. Snack items (milk, chips, fruit, etc.) may be purchased separately from the snack line. All students are expected to demonstrate appropriate manners and clean up after themselves.

         The cafeteria is unable to make change for bills over $10.00. Please do not send large bills to school with your child for lunch money. The school is unable to give your child change for thesebills.

HEALTH SERVICES

         The school nurse, a member of the school faculty, serves as a health consultant. The health aide is an assistant to the nurse and is here everyday to render first aid and consult with the nurse. Vision screening is done for 6th grade students, and hearing screening tests are provided for 8th grade students. Recheck tests are done if the screening is questionable. Parents or guardians are informed when a student fails two screenings. Students may also be screened by parent/teacher request. Scoliosis screening is also conducted according to state requirements. This involves 7th grade girls and 8th grade boys. Information is sent home prior to screening. Parents are notified of problems noted during screening.

         California State law stipulates that each student enrolled in a public school must have on file in school office a record of immunization against polio, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps andrubella and Hepatitis B. The school should be notified or informed of any physical condition or defect that could have an effect upon the studentıs well being and/or general health. Modification of the regular school program because of physical limitations is sometimes indicated and recommendations are made by the nurse. Doctor notes are encouraged to validate health problems. Doctor notes are required for P.E. absences over three (3) days.

         The school health office provides emergency first aid to students for accidents or sudden illnesses which occur at school. Students must report to the health office with their agenda and a hall pass. Students are not to visit the health office between periods. Students must check in with their teacher and have a pass before going to the health office. Students are not to call parents when ill; health office personnel will notify parents. The student must be evaluated first in the health office before parents are called.

STUDENT MEDICATION

             If a student is required to receive medication (including ³over the counter² medicine) while at school, a written request from the parent/guardian as well as from the doctor must be on file with   the school office. Parents are to provide the required medication in the labeled pharmacy container with the studentıs full name clearly labeled on it. Any ³over the counter² medication must be in the original packaging labeled with the studentıs full name. All medications   must be turned in to the health office. Students are not to be in possession ofany medication while on campus. Medication forms are available from the health office and should be obtained prior to the doctor visit whenever possible.

             The school should also be notified if a student is on any regular medication regardless of whether it is administered at school.

ITEMS DELIVERED BY PARENTS

         Personal items (homework, P.E. Clothes, food, etc.) will not be delivered to students except in case of emergency.It is the policy of the school district that we cannot accept flowers and/or balloon bouquets sent to students.  Please make sure your family and friends are aware of this procedure.

LIBRARY

         The library will be open before school, during nutrition, during lunch, and after school for student use. The exception to this is Monday at lunch when the library is closed. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a quiet, orderly, and respectful manner at all times while in the library. Lunchtime is SILENT.

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LOCKERS

         Lockers are provided for students to use for storing schoolbooks and backpacks. Students who wish to use a locker must sign a locker contract at the beginning of each school year. Locker combinations MUST NOT be given out to ANY other student.

         Due to a locker shortage, siblings may be asked to share lockers. Otherwise, lockers cannotbe shared. If it is discovered that a student is sharing a locker, the student will lose the privilege of having a locker. This privilege may also be taken away in the event of misuse, opening another studentıs locker, or writing on or vandalizing a locker. These actions could also lead to a student being arrested.

 

The studentıs locker combination and contents are the studentıs responsibility. The school district or school is not responsible for items damaged, lost, or stolen, regardless of the cause, including weather. STUDENTS USE LOCKERS AT THEIR OWN RISK.

         Before leaving your locker, check to see that it is tightly closed and locked. Turn the dial to make sure it will not open. Careful planning of trips to your locker will help you save timebetween classes. No special locks are permitted. Use only the lock that is sold by the school.   Students are asked not to store food or valuables in lockers overnight. It is possible that water can enter a locker due to heavy rains.

LOST AND FOUND

         Parents should be sure to have proper identification on articles of clothing and all personal property.  Students are expected to write their names as well as the teacherıs name IN INK in textbooks and other school materials.  The school is not responsible for lost or damaged articles. All lost items my be claimed before school, at lunch, nutrition or after school.  Clothing items arekept in the Student Activities Room.  At the end of each month, all clothing items that have notbeen claimed are donated to charity.  Lost items, other than clothing, are kept in the library.  Lost textbooks are placed in the appropriate teachersı mailboxes. 

OFFICE PROCEDURES AND MANNERS

         Students must have a pass to enter the office. Students who are in the office are expected to conduct their business courteously, promptly, and quietly. Students will have a pass time-stamped when they leave the office. Students do not exit the campus through the office at the end of the school day.

PASSES

         Students must have a pass any time they are outside of the classroom during regular instruction time. Failure to do so may result in a consequence.

PERSONAL OBJECTS ON CAMPUS

         Students should not bring personal objects onto the campus unless they are related to the instructional program. The following personal objects cannot be brought to school:

         Pupils bringing personal objects on campus will have them confiscated. Parents may claim the studentıs property through the school office. The school is not responsible if the student loses personal objects that are brought on campus.

         Cell phones are to be used for emergency purposes only.  They must be turned offcompletely during school hours.  This includes having the cell phone on vibrate.  Cell phonesmay no be visible.  They must remain in the studentıs backpack while the student is at school.  If these requirements are violated, the phone will be confiscated.  Students may not turn their phones on until they reach the park or the street.

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PFO

         The MacArthur PFO (Parent Faculty Organization) is the official MacArthur parent organization. The goal of the PFO is to support the school in its efforts to provide a quality education for all students. This supports MacArthur Fundamental through:

         All parents are welcome and encouraged to participate. The membership drive takes place in September but parents can join at any time.  Meetings are held in the evenings in order to involvemore parents actively in the life of the school.  Meetings are informal, last about an hour, and aredevoted to information about the school and its programs, information about upcoming events, and decision making for future activities.  Please joint the PFO.

SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS

         All information sent home is three-hole punched and students are instructed and expected to place parent information in the 1st Period section of their notebook. Monthly calendars of events are sent home.

         PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CHECK FOR ANY HANDOUTS ON A REGULAR BASIS. Look in your studentıs binder in the 1st Period section for handouts each week.

SPECIAL SERVICES

         The school has the services of a speech/language therapist and a school psychologist for students who require these services. Students experiencing academic or behavioral difficulties may be referred to the Student Success Team. This team will meet with the student, parents, teachers, and counselor to discuss strategies and design an improvement plan that will help the student become more successful.  Teachers, parents, and the counselor may refer a student tothe team at any time.

STUDENT SERVICES CENTER

         The Student Services Center is equipped to handle all student business. Should you have any scheduling, counseling, attendance problems or discipline referrals, you are to report to the Student Services Center. The Student Services Center is located in the middle of the curved administration building next to the attendance window.

         Parents are encouraged to come in for conferences, information, and assistance for their student. The assistant principals and counselors are responsible for scheduling, counseling, and discipline and will make every attempt to assist you with your concerns.  We encourage you tomake an appointment ahead of time, with the person you want to see.


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STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARDS

All students will be issued a Student Identification Card with the studentıs picture on the card. Students are required to carry this I.D. card at all times while on campus and are obligated to present this card to any school teacher, administrator, or staff member upon request. Students are also required to present their I.D. card for admittance to after school activities and the computer lab Should a student lose their I.D. card, a new one can be made for $3.00.

STUDENT USE OF TECHNOLOGY

Text Box:

Students use the Computer Lab/Mac Lab during their language arts, science, and social science classes. In addition, students in journalism and yearbook classes use computers to produce campus publications. Students may also use the Mac Lab outside of the school day or specified time. All computers in the Mac Lab are linked to the Internet.

         At the beginning of the school year students receive permission slips for parents to sign to allow students to use computers at MacArthur. Students desiring access to the internet must pass a test and have written parental permission. Students receive a sticker that is placed on their I.D. card, indicating that they may use the internet. 

         IF A STUDENT DOES NOT HAVE HIS/HER I.D. CARD, HE/SHE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO USE A COMPUTER.  Students who abuse the computers or who do not follow the directions of the teacher supervising the lab lose the privilege of using the computers and may have additional consequences.

TELEPHONE

         The pay telephone at the front of the school may be used before and after school. During nutrition and lunch, students must check out the phone pass that is located in the Attendance Office. Students are allowed a maximum of 5 minutes at the phone. If the maximum time is exceeded, students will be given 2 days campus clean up. The pass must be returned to the Attendance Office and not passed to another student‹otherwise a detention will be given.

Students who do not have money to make a call are to use the pay telephone by calling their party collect. USE OF THE PAY PHONE IS PROHIBITED DURING CLASS TIME.

The office telephone is not to be used by students except in the case of emergencies.  Leaving P.E. clothes, assignments, or other items at home is not considered an emergency.


Text Box: TEXTBOOKS AND LIBRARY BOOKS

         Textbooks and library books are provided for each student. Students are responsible for returning the books in good condition. Students assume responsibility for all books issued to them and must pay for lost or damaged books and overdue fines, regardless of the cause.  Each student must clear his/her textbook or library record before grades will be issued or school functions can be attended. ALL TEXTBOOKS MUST BE COVERED WITH APPROPRIATE PROTECTIVE MATERIAL. No Sticky Covers

         Library books may be checked out for a period of two weeks and may be renewed if brought in before the due date has passed. Reference material may be checked out overnight, only. Overdue fines are 10 cents per day for the first 5 days, 25 cents per day for the next 5 days, and 50 cents per day thereafter. Reference books are 25 cents per day. Full replacement price will be charged for all lost books.

TRANSPORTATION

         MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate School is an alternative school-of-choice and its boundaries are the Santa Ana Unified School District attendance boundaries. Students throughout the District may enter a lottery from which the student body is randomly selected. Transportation is the responsibility of the parents.

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

The safety of our students is very important to us. To help ensure studentıs safety,   crossing guards are on duty before and after school. Please respect the difficult job theyhave. To provide for the safety of our students and to alleviate traffic congestion in front of the school, we also request that you comply with the following:

1.     Please be careful when dropping off and picking up your students. Illegal stopping, parking, or improper U-turns can be cited by the Santa Ana Police Department.

2.     Our MacArthur security officer will issue parking tickets to illegally parked cars within our parking lot. Parents may park only in the spots labeled ³Visitor Parking.²

3.     Students are not to cross the street directly in front of the school. They must cross only at an intersection or a marked crosswalk. There are two crosswalks: one atFlower Street and one at Bradford Place.

4.     Students are to be picked up promptly at dismissal at 2:30 p.m. on regularSchool days, or at 1:10 p.m. on Modified Days.

5.     Students waiting for rides after 3:00 p.m. will receive a warning notice to parents. Consequences will be assigned if a pattern of late pick-ups continues.  Staff will not be responsible for those students who leave campus.

6.     For any after-school programs or events, the parking lot will be open after 3:00 p.m.

7.     The school office closes at 4:30 p.m.

CAR POOLS

   Parents are encouraged to form their own car pools. Check with the school office; there may be a listing of parents interested in car-pooling.

OCTD

    The Orange County Transit District has several routes which bring students to and from school. Information regarding prices and routes can be obtained by calling OCTD at 636-RIDE.

BICYCLES

    At the beginning of the year students must register their bicycles with Mrs. Weaver, the assistant principal. The school provides a locked bicycle compound. Students are required to lock their own bicycles to the bike rack (never to another personıs bicycle.) Bicycles are not to be ridden anywhere on campus:  they must be walked to the bicycle compound.  Repeated violators can be referred to the office.

    Bicyclists are reminded they are responsible for obeying all traffic regulations. Because of the heavy, fast flow of traffic on Flower Street, students should not ride their bicycles on the school side of Flower Street. Students must wear safety bicycle helmets. Please use caution while riding to and from school.

SPECIAL NOTE:  The Santa Ana Unified School District is NOT responsible for property that is damaged, lost, or stolen as a result of parking bicycles and other property in the bicycle compound.

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