ABCs of Orion

A Glossary of Orion Terms

ATTENDANCE: Regular attendance is very important to a child's school success. Children must arrive on time on a daily basis. On the first day of a student's absence please call to inform the school. If you call after school hours, you may leave a message on the school's message recorder. Please keep your child at home until he/she is completely recovered from illness. If the school has not been notified of the absence, please send a note with your child upon return. In some cases, a doctor's note of release or SARB (School Attendance Review Board) follow-up on excessive absences may be required. Homework to complete during the absence may be requested from your child's teacher.

BICYCLES: Students may ride their bicycles to school. Bicycles may be parked in the locked storage area (Samson Street side) during the school day. Children riding bikes to school must wear a helmet and bicycles should be registered with the Redwood City Police Department.

CD PLAYER, WALKMAN and ELECTRONIC GAMES: By RCSD policy, staff is responsible for ensuring that media content in school is instructional and appropriate for a 'General Audience'. Please do not send your child to school with a CD Player, Walkman or personal electronic game.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ORION SCHOOL: Orion School is a partnership of parents, teachers and community serving children throughout Redwood City School District. The focus is on a curriculum that contributes to the maximum development of the 'whole' child. The goal is to instill in each child a love of learning, as well as the confidence and skills necessary to meet future challenges.

Our nine classrooms are configured this year as K, K, 1, 1, 2, 2 3-4, 3-4, and 4-5. Our small school size ensures that teachers share information so that all children receive personal understanding and a thoughtfully designed education. Each child is viewed as a unique individual with his/her own unique style and rate of growth. An integrated curriculum that is hands-on and experiential, incorporating a variety of off-site learning opportunities, while simultaneously adhering to mandatory California State Standards, helps children form real-life connections to classroom learning.

Parents are expected to participate in classroom or school activities, parent education and school leadership activities during the year. Parents may work in the classroom or help with activities outside the classroom a minimum of 2 hours a week (total of 72 hours for one child; 108 hours for two or more children).

CLASS MEETINGS There are two kinds of class meetings at Orion: Student class meetings and Parent & Teacher meetings. Similar in purpose, the class meetings are held to plan classroom activities, hold discussions, make class decisions, settle concerns and to celebrate progress.

CONFERENCES/PROGRESS REPORTS/PORTFOLIOS: Conferences are held three times a year. The Fall Conference is a Parent and Teacher Conference. The student's learning goals and portfolio are presented to parents. Parents and teachers discuss assessments, next steps, questions or concerns. The Winter Conference is a Student Facilitated Conference. The student presents his/her portfolio to parents as evidence of progress towards learning goals. At the Spring Conference, students review their learning portfolio with their parents. A parent teacher conference is optional.

For the fall, winter, and Spring Progress Report Period teachers will present checklists, rubrics, or progress reports appropriate to grade level. The criterion for learning is based on appropriate developmental levels, as well as district and state standards.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION: Students learn conflict resolution so they will become empowered to solve problems, build personal communication skills and learn to resolve differences. Teachers will provide time whenever appropriate for students to use conflict resolution to resolve classroom or playground problems.

DRESS CODE: Because individual choice is valued at Orion, the school does not have a uniform policy. However, students should use common sense and be dressed comfortably, but appropriately for school. Students may not wear spaghetti strap tops, tube tops or short shorts. For PE activities, we suggest shoes other than sandals. Clothing items must not promote the harassment of or violence towards another, or the use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol or weapons. Guidelines for appropriate and safe dress are specified in the RCSD Student Conduct Guidelines.

EARLY RELEASE DAY: Thursday is early release day. Students in all grades are dismissed at 1:30 p.m. Early release days are provided for teacher staff development and professional collaboration.

EMERGENCY CARDS: Completed and up to date emergency cards must be kept on file in the office for each student. The parent or guardian is responsible for informing the office of any changes in address, medical information, or other adults who may be contacted in case of accident or illness. Students may be released only to adults listed on the emergency card. The emergency card information is confidential and for the use of school personnel only.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: Every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of your child during normal school hours. Throughout the year, fire, earthquake, bus safety evacuation, and campus safety drills will take place. Orion School maintains a fully stocked earthquake emergency supply shed and each classroom has a stocked emergency bag with survival materials for 24 hours. Students will be released from the school ONLY to an authorized adult whose name is on the emergency form.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE TEACHER: The English Language Development Resource Teacher (ELDRT) provides support services to students whose primary language is other than English and who are working towards verbal fluency and academic levels in English. The ELDRT conducts assessments of language fluency levels, supports the parent Bilingual Advisory Committee, and consults with staff about instruction for students who are English Language Learners.

ELAC: ELAC is the committee to ensure that parents of limited English proficient children have the opportunity to participate in decisions regarding their children's education. The bilingual resource teacher facilitates ELAC.

EXEMPTION PROCEDURES: Sometimes special circumstances make it difficult for families to fulfill their parent commitment. Families may request exemptions for any period of time deemed necessary. Exemption forms can be obtained from the school office or from a Parent Participation Coordinator. Completed forms should be returned to the Principal. A committee appointed by School Site Council, which meets on an as needed basis, will review requests.

FIELD TRIPS: Planned and supervised educational field trips are an important part of the instructional program. A parent or guardian signed permission slip is required for all field trips. Children may walk to local destinations, parents may provide transportation, or students may take public transportation. Parents who wish to provide transportation for a field trip must complete in advance a 'Car Check', which includes the car safety check, proof of insurance and safe driving record. Bag lunches are always available through the cafeteria for students, but need to be ordered in advance of the day of the trip.

FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION: Family Life Education is offered to students in Grades 4, and 5. Parents have the opportunity to preview instructional materials prior to any classes for students. Classroom teachers and the school nurses collaborate to provide Family Life education.

FUNDRAISING: Starship Orion is the non-profit parent foundation that conducts school wide fund-raising activities to support classroom programs. Annual fund-raising activities include the on-going Scrip Sale, the Fall Gift-Wrap Sale, the Winter Non-Event Donation Fundraiser, the Spring Social, and the End of the Year Silent Auction.

GARDENS: Our school has several classroom and school garden areas. Gardens offer dynamic, beautiful settings in which to integrate every discipline, including science, math, reading, environmental studies, nutrition, and health. The idea to have school or classroom gardens was to help children more fully develop their potential through participation in real-life educational experiences. School or classroom garden projects nurture community spirit, common purpose, and cultural appreciation by building bridges among students, teachers, families and community. Classroom and school gardens need parent and community help to create and maintain opportunities for children to learn using a growing classroom.

HOME/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION: Through the efforts of parents and teachers working together, children will have a meaningful and enjoyable education. Communication is the key to successful collaboration. Your child's teacher will send home classroom notes and communication each week in the Take Home Folder. A principal's bulletin will usually be sent every other Friday. Notices of meetings, minutes, class news, and activities are posted on the school bulletin board located in the school hallway near the entrance and will also be posted on the school's web site.

HOMEWORK: A child's learning extends beyond the classroom. For example, developing readers benefit from at-home reading practice or being read to for at least 20 minutes a day. Assigned homework is appropriate to the age group of learners. Students may be required to complete work that reinforces classroom learning, that which is offered for remediation or enrichment, unfinished class assignments, or they may engage in individual student or family learning projects.

IEP: An IEP is the Individual Education Plan for a special education student. The IEP is written at the IEP Team Meeting and updated each year of eligibility following a review of progress. The IEP specifies the child's learning goals, which are based on the need identified as a result of a thorough assessment, and the services that will be provided by special education staff to meet those goals.

INDEPENDENT STUDIES: Independent studies may be arranged for purposes of educational travel. Independent studies contracts must be developed in advance of the trip and may be requested in the office. Independent Studies may be arranged only for periods from 5 days to a maximum of 20 days. All work is to be completed and presented to the child's teacher upon return from the Independent Studies.

INTERNET/COMPUTER USE: Students and parents must read and sign the Internet-Use and Computer Use agreement prior to using technology resources at Orion. Students may not bring from home games or programs on disks or download to disks for personal use any information or programs from the school computers. Staff and volunteers must also sign the RCSD Internet and Computer Use Agreement.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC: Instrumental music instruction is offered to students in grade 5 by Redwood City School District as part of the Music for Learning program. Limited wind, string, and brass instruments are available for loan to students.

LANGUAGE/SPEECH SERVICES (LS): Language/Speech services are available through the special education referral and assessment process. Children who are identified as having developmental language processing, language learning delays or mild articulation problems may receive limited Language Speech services in the school setting. Services are provided in a small group setting apart from the classroom.

LOOPING: Looping is one way to implement a multi-age, multi-year classroom to accommodate the varying rates of development of young learners. A teacher moves up with a single group of learners, then returns to the beginning of the 'loop' and starts over with a new group of learners. In the primary grades, children can move from easier to more difficult learning at their own pace, making continuous progress over two years with the same teacher. Curriculum and teaching practices in the multi-year classroom are consistent with those of the multi-age classroom.

LOST & FOUND: Please check the Lost & Found Box near the Parent Room for any missing belongings of your child. Unclaimed Lost & Found items are donated to charity twice a year. To prevent lost belongings, please clearly mark with your child's name backpacks, lunch containers, jackets, sweatshirts, etc. that regularly come to school.

MEDICATION: Prior to administering any medication to a child while at school, the school must receive (1) written instructions from the child's physician, and (2) a written request from the parent or guardian. Parents may pick up an 'Administration of Medication to a Student' form from the school office. Medicines must be in their original pharmacy packaging. Do not send medicines to school without the completed form. The school nurse or other school personnel will be available to assist a child who is required to take medication during the regular school day. All medication will be kept in the nurse's office.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS: Please inform the school nurse of any health condition that your child may have, including such things as food allergies. If your child is required to carry an inhaler for asthma, you must inform the nurse, and have your doctor note it on the completed and signed the 'Administration of Medication to a Student' form. To ensure your child's health and well being at school, the school nurse reviews with staff all medical conditions of students that may need special consideration or emergency attention.

MINIMUM DAYS: A minimum day is a shorter school day that meets a minimum number of instructional minutes. These days are scheduled for parent teacher conferences, site staff development and prior to school breaks. The regular minimum day schedule is 8:10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for all students, including kindergarten. On pre-holiday minimum days, students will also be dismissed at 1:30p.m. These are the days before Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break and Summer Break. There is no supervision for students after school on minimum days. Please plan accordingly for on-time pickup.

MULTIAGE CLASSROOM: In a multi-age classroom students of two or more age groups are grouped together to accommodate the varying rates of development of the learners. Children can move from easier to more difficult material at their own readiness, making continuous progress with the same teacher over a period of two years. Each year half the class is new, which allows opportunities for younger students to learn from older students. The curriculum is thematic, project based and inquiry driven.

MUSIC FOR MINORS: Music for Minors provides once weekly music experiences to students in K, K-1 and, 1. Music for Minors is a non-profit program staffed by trained volunteers. Docent training is offered by the organization each year and interested parents are welcome to participate.

'MUSIC IN THE SCHOOLS': Classroom music instruction is provided to all students in grades 2 through 5 once a week by a Redwood School District provided teacher. Fund raising by the Redwood City Education Foundation supports this program.

NURSE: The school nurse monitors medications administered to children, as well as other individual student health issues. The school nurse is on call in the event that a child becomes seriously ill or injured and when there is a public health concern at the school. The school nurse is responsible for maintaining the student health records and conducting mandated health screenings.

Required health screenings include the following: 1) Hearing tests for all Kindergartners; and, 2) Vision screenings for students in grades K and 3 Parents are advised of the results ONLY when the nurse determines that further consultation with a child's physician is necessary.

ORION SCHOOL'S MISSION: Orion School will provide an emotionally and physically safe environment where children are the most important people and the individual needs of the whole child can be met.

PARENT PARTICIPATION CONTRACT:

The active, cooperative participation of all families is essential to our school program. Parents and staff share the responsibility for each child's success. Parents bring unique and important resources to the programs that enhance the learning of all children. Family involvement provides a quality of personalized learning and enrichment activities that encourages children's self-esteem, cooperative problem solving, and respect for each other. The Parent Participation contract is required of parents who choose Orion School for their child. In the event that the parent commitment can not be met, the family will be asked to return to their home school or seek another magnet school option within the district.

PARENT PARTICIPATION: The Parent Commitment per school year is 72 hours (one child enrolled) or 108 hours (two or more children enrolled) of participation consisting of involvement or support in these areas: Student Learning, Classroom Activities &Projects, Classroom Communication & Preparation, School wide Support, Governance & Leadership. In lieu of involvement hours, parents may offer to support the school through voluntary contributions equal to a maximum of 49% of required hours. A donation hour is equal to $5.

Parents log hours in the Parent Binder located in each classroom. Fulfillment of the Parent Participation Commitment is a requirement for continued enrollment at Orion.

PARENT PARTICIPATION ROOM COORDINATOR: Each classroom has a 'Room Coordinator' who works with the teacher and parents to assure support for classroom needs. A school-wide Parent Participation Coordinator works with the Principal, School Site Council and Room Coordinators to support the school as a whole.

PARKING: Limited street parking is available to visitors on Alden Street, Samson Street, Allerton Street and Warren Street. As a safety consideration and courtesy to our neighbors, please do not block driveways or handicapped spaces.

PIZZA DAY: One day a week the school lunch menu will offer Pizza Day. Pizza by the slice is also available for $1.25 per slice. PROMOTION/RETENTION: California Law (Ed Code ) and RCSD Board Policy specify minimum performance levels, which must be met by a student for promotion to the next grade level. Students achieving below the 25%-ile on the SAT-9 in the areas of Reading, Math and Language will be considered at risk. A Promotion Review Team (PRT) consisting of teacher, principal and parent will consider strategies of intervention and support for a student considered at risk of retention. This review will occur in conjunction with the fall parent conference. Remedial support will be offered to students and students may be required to attend summer school.

RAINY DAYS: On a rainy day, students will participate in quiet games and activities in the classrooms during recess and lunch times. Extra supervision will be needed and helpful on these days. We would appreciate parent volunteers for recess supervision for their child's classroom on rainy days. Your assistance will also help provide teachers a lunch break on rainy days, too!

RCSD BUS TRANSPORTAION: RCSD is currently not providing bus transportation to students choosing to attend Orion School.

RECYCLING: Students are encouraged to recycle all aluminum cans as well as plastic or cardboard containers. Appropriate containers for recycling are available in the lunchroom and on the playground. Paper is recycled at our school. You will find recycling boxes in the office, classrooms, library-media center and parent room. Please reuse and recycle, too!

RSP: The Resource Specialist Program (RSP) provides support to children with learning disabilities in the areas of reading, writing or mathematics that are identified through the Special Education Referral and Assessment process. Services are provided through collaboration with the classroom teacher, as well as on a limited pullout basis.

SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH: Breakfast and lunch are offered each day. Meals may be purchased in advance for the week or for the month. Please send your check or money in a sealed envelope marked with your child's name to the cafeteria on Monday morning. Balances will be kept for each child's lunch card. Three charges only will be permitted during the year. Meal prices will be $.75 for breakfast and $1.75 for lunch. Extra milk is $.25. Free and reduced lunch prices are available to students who qualify. Reduced prices are $.30 for breakfast and $.40 for lunch. Bag lunches are available for students on early release days. 'Pizza Day' will be scheduled once a week. Individual pizza slices or additional entrČe items are available for $1.25 each. A selection of items for Recess Morning Snack will be available for $.25 to $.75 each. Adults may purchase breakfast for $ 1.00 and lunches for $ 2.00 If your child brings a lunch from home, please do not send glass containers or items that require heating.

SCHOOL HOURS: School hours for grades 1-5 are from 8:10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Kindergarten hours are from 8:10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Please have your child at school no later than 8:10 a.m. Children must not arrive earlier than 8:00 a.m. or remain on the campus after school, unless they are participating in a supervised activity. There is no supervision provided for students before 8:00 a.m. or following dismissal at 2:30 p.m. Minimum Day dismissal time is 1:30 p.m. Please arrange to pick-up children promptly on minimum days.

SCHOOL LUNCH CHARGES: As a courtesy, three lunch charges will be permitted per school year. Please pay lunch charges promptly.

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST: The school psychologist is a member of the IEP team and conducts a portion of the required assessment to determine eligibility for Special Education Services. Direct services to students are not provided by the school psychologist, however, the psychologist may assist parents with referrals to outside agencies as appropriate.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL: The School Site Council is responsible for developing a program that is responsive to the need of every student in the school and for schoolwide improvement. The SSC, consisting of 4 elected parents and 4 staff members, is responsible for implementing the School Improvement Plan.. School Site Council meets the first Wednesday of each month.

SKATEBOARDS AND ROLLERBLADES: A student may ride a skateboard or rollerblades to school. However, students will not be permitted to use skateboards or rollerblades at Orion School. For obvious reasons of safety and courtesy to pedestrians, students may not use skateboards or rollerblades on the sidewalks surrounding the school. Skateboards or rollerblades used on school grounds during school or after school, or without regard for others, will be taken to the office for safekeeping until a parent or guardian picks it up.

SNACKS : Regular recess times and a morning snack time are provided for students each day in addition to the lunch break. Parents are encouraged to send food appropriate to school for your child during the day. Snacks should be consumed during morning snack time or recess time rather than during classroom learning time. Snacks and milk or juice are available in the lunchroom during morning recess. Snacks vary in price from $ .25 to $ .50.

STARSHIP ORION: Starship Orion is the non-profit parent foundation that leads school-wide fund-raising efforts providing extra support for classroom programs.

STUDENT ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: Although Orion students do not receive bus transportation, buses for other schools load and unload on Warren Street. The white curb marks the bus zone. Please do not park there between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. By Motor Vehicle Code cars may not pass in either direction a stopped school bus that has its red lights flashing. The white curb on Allerton Street in front of the school is the student-loading zone. Double parking is not legal and creates a safety hazard. If cars are backed up, please go around the block once more or park and walk to the school to pick up your child. Children must use the crosswalks at each corner of the campus. Please teach your child to use the crosswalk!

Parking for childcare providers such as Red Morton, YMCA, and PCC, and reserved handicap parking is on Alden Street. Limited on-site parking is available to visitors on Alden Street, Samson Street, Allerton Street and Warren Street. Your cooperation to ensure safe student arrival and departure will be greatly appreciated.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE & GUILDELINES: Teachers and students together agree upon classroom behavior guidelines. Courtesy and respect for others, as well as for the property of others and the school, is expected at all times. Rules of common sense and safety prevail. Students will be encouraged to make choices and take responsibility for those choices. Logical consequences will follow unacceptable behavior. Students will be provided time to use conflict resolution skills to resolve problems whenever appropriate. Parents will be notified immediately of repeated behavior problems that interfere with learning or appropriate behavior.

Recurring problems may be referred to SARB. Violation of RCSD Guidelines of Discipline (CEC 35291) may result in suspension, or in extreme cases, recommendation for expulsion.

STUDENT GOAL SETTING: With guidance from their teacher and parents, students set goals for academic, social, and physical improvement based on need and/or interest. Goals are set at the beginning of the year and will be evaluated on an on-going basis. The evidence in the student portfolio and the Teacher Narrative Report describes progress towards goals.

STUDENT SUPPORT: The Student Study Team (SST) is the process for parents and teachers to problem-solve academic, social, emotional, physical or other concerns regarding their child. A parent may request the SST meeting by notifying the child's teacher, principal or outreach specialist. A child's unique learning needs may be met through Special Education Services, School Nurse Services, English Language Development Resources, Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) or other District support services.

STUDENT SIGN-IN AND SIGN-OUT: When your child arrives late to school (after 8:10 a.m.) , please bring your child to the office first so that attendance may be updated and you may sign in your child in the 'Student Sign-in Binder'. Please indicate the reason for the late arrival, such as medical appointment or other. If you need to pick-up your child for an appointment during the school day, you must sign-out your child in the office in the 'Student Sign-out Binder'. Students will be permitted to leave school only when signed out by a parent or other adult designated on the student's emergency card.

SUPERVISION: Supervision is provided for students by staff during all regular school hours from ten minutes before the start of school. Supervision is not provided after school. In the interest of your child's safety, students may not remain on campus after school hours unless they are involved in a school activity and under the direct supervision of staff. Please do not allow your child to arrive at school before 8:00 a.m., nor remain on campus after 2:30 p.m.

SUPERVISION VOLUNTEERS AND PAID POSITIONS: Wouldn't you want the opportunity to interact with Orion's students and keep an eye on your own child at the same time? Here is some good news for you! You may volunteer to supervise during lunch recess times as your parent participation commitment. Please ask for details in the office.

TESTING: Each spring, students in Grade 2 and above are given the California SAT-9, a nationally normed standardized test. First grade students are given another form of the SAT-9, a district measure of progress. On-going teacher assessments, performance based assessments and benchmark test measure students' individual academic development throughout the year.

Under certain circumstances, waivers from testing may be requested for individual students.

TOYS AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Toys from home should not be brought to school. Exceptions can be made with your teacher for a special class activity. If your child does bring something to share, please make sure it is clearly marked with your child's name.

VISITORS: For campus safety and security, by law and district policy, all visitors must first sign in at the office prior to their visit and sign out when they leave. Because we are such a small school, we may assume that everyone knows everyone. But that isn't always so, especially when there are new parents and new staff. Please take the time to say hello and introduce yourself to other adults on campus. Nametags will be provided so that parents and visitors may easily introduce themselves. Parent volunteers 'sign in' and 'sign out' in the classroom parent participation binder when they log their hours.

WALKING FIELD TRIPS: Classrooms may take part in regular excursions to Mezes Park, or occasional trips to the Redwood City Public Library, the Historical Society Museum, or to other 'walking destinations'. A signed walking field trip form from parents must be on file before a child may participate in a Walking Field Trip.