Policies and Procedures

School Policies & Procedures and Student Handbook

Arrival / Dismissal

Arroyo has been an outstanding school since 1964, which is why so many families choose Arroyo as their home school! Our current enrollment is close to 600 students. As you can imagine, our school was certainly not designed to handle the amount of cars and traffic that currently exist in our community. If everyone abides by the following parking lot procedures we will certainly have the best chance of ensuring the safety of our students and families.

Morning Drop-off

Dropping off in the morning can be done in either parking lot and the easiest way to avoid the traffic crunch is to BE PUNCTUAL, arriving 5 or 10 minutes early to avoid the traffic. Please have your child be ready to exit the vehicle and then pull forward as far as you can, so we can fit as many cars into the parking lot as possible. School begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. for TK/K and 8:10 a.m. for 1st-5th. If your child arrives after their school start time, they must go to the office for a tardy slip before entering the classroom. Thank you.

Arrival

First through fifth grade students must arrive no earlier than 7:55 a.m. We do not have supervision before 7:55 a.m. Parents are encouraged to establish a “leaving-home” time with their children. Staff will supervise children from 7:55 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. Should a student arrive prior to 7:55 a.m., they will need to wait in the courtyard in front of the school office. At 7:55 a.m., students will be permitted to hang up their backpacks and line up in front of their classroom to socialize with friends. No field, grass or play structures will be open before (or after) school, as we do not have student supervision in these areas.

NOTE: Students who arrive after their school start time will be considered tardy, and will need to enter campus via the school office. Should a parent find themselves running late in the morning, please drop your student off in the front/top parking lot. All gates in the lower/YMCA lot will be locked promptly at 8:10 a.m. in our efforts to ensure student safety and remain in compliance with the TUSD policy of being a “closed campus” school.

Parents will not be permitted to walk their child to class unless you have checked in as a volunteer/visitor in the front office.

Bicycles

In order to prevent theft, bike locks are required. Arroyo is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged bikes. All students are required to wear a helmet when riding their bicycles to and from school. Bikes may NOT be ridden in the school parking lot at any time.

Afternoon Pick Up/Dismissal

Teachers and office staff are unable to assist parents/guardians with making or modifying after school pick-up plans for a student on behalf of their parent. We receive a very high number of calls/emails/texts each day, asking that we relay a message to a student, telling them where to go after school and with whom. Unless in the case of an absolute emergency, staff cannot be held responsible for ensuring that a student receives such a message or that the students follows through with the change in plans. If a student is unsure of their pick-up arrangements on a particular day, they may come to the front office to call home. Last minute pick-up arrangements often cause the office staff, the teacher, and the student unnecessary interruptions and stress.

DISMISSAL: Students must walk directly to their point of pick up immediately after school. If you will be picking your child up, please be on time, as we do not have the facilities or staff to watch or take care of children after they are dismissed. All children in grades one through five should be picked up no later than 3:00 p.m. Students are dismissed at 1:19 p.m. on Wednesdays ONLY. Unless your child is participating in an after school enrichment class, he/she must be picked up by 1:45 p.m. Parents may not wait next to a student’s classroom or in a hallway (with the exception of the first week of school) until dismissal. Instead, parents will wait outside of school gates at a designated area to meet your child after school. School gates will remain locked until the end of the school day.

Early Pick Up

When it is necessary to withdraw your child from class for an appointment, please notify the teacher by e-mail or a written note the day before (preferably) or the morning of the appointment. Unexpected classroom withdrawals cause the teachers to interrupt the lesson to stop and give your student homework directions, etc., thus interfering with the learning of classmates and disrupting the flow of the school day. Please check in at the office to sign your child out when leaving and sign them back in upon returning.

Late Pick Up

In the case of an emergency ONLY, please call the front office to let us know that you will be late in picking up your child. Circumstances that lead to students being picked up late on a somewhat regular basis are not considered emergencies. Should your child be picked up after 3:00 p.m. (or 1:45 on Wednesdays), they will need to be signed out of the office by an adult. The office staff is not able to send students out to a car or person upon receiving a phone call or a request to do so. Thank you in advance for your cooperation with avoiding late pick ups and ensuring student safety.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING PARENT SUPERVISION BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL: Parents on campus before and/or after school must supervise their children. The same orderly behaviors expected through the school day are expected of the children before and after school as well. We ask that parents please be cautious not to lose sight of their children while talking with other parents, so that together, we can be sure all students are safe and accounted for while on school grounds.

To and From School

Please be sure to speak to your child about going straight to school in the morning and straight home after school. If you have established an off- campus pick-up location with your child, we encourage you to arrive no later than 3:00 p.m. to pick them up. Please encourage your child to let the office know immediately if there are problems with strangers, animals, friends, etc., on the way to and from school. Let them know that we are a community and are here to help.

TUSD Attendance and Tardy Procedures (Elementary)

The State of California has a compulsory education law. Pupils are required by law to attend school punctually and regularly every day. Truant students shall be reported to the attendance supervisor or to the superintendent of the school district. Regular attendance at school is important for every student for the following reasons:
Students need to be in class to learn.
The teaching-learning process builds on lessons previously taught.
Learning often involves hands-on activities, which cannot be duplicated with paper and pencil assignments outside of class.
Students who miss school suffer, because that day of active learning cannot be reproduced.
Students develop the habits of good attendance and punctuality for future careers.
School funding is dependent on student attendance.

Excused Absences

Absence for causes listed in State Educational Code for illness, medical, dental or optometry appointments or attendance at a funeral service for a family member ONLY.

Unexcused Absences

Absence for any reason other than those listed as an excused absence. The school will require a parent meeting to discuss excessive absences or tardies.

Unverified Absences

If a parent/guardian does not contact the school regarding their child’s absence within 3-5 days of a student’s return to school, the absence will be recorded as unexcused.

Truancy Procedures and Consequences:

3+ unexcused absences Letter home
6+ unexcused absences Letter home and 1st parent conference
8+ unexcused absences Letter home & Student Attendance Review Team parent conference
10+ unexcused absences DA Truancy Letter & Student Attendance Review Board parent meeting at the Tustin Police Department

Reporting an Absence

Parents must report/clear an absence within 3-5 days by reporting the child’s name, grade, reason for the absence and your relationship to the child, one of the following ways:

Send an email to: arroyoattendance@tustin.k12.ca.us stating your student’s name and reason for absence.
Call the school office attendance clerk, Lizeth Amezcua, at 714.730.7381 ext. 60101
Send a written note to school with your child.

Illness

To ensure the health of all students, please keep your child home from school under the following conditions:

Temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher (NOTE: Your child should be without fever for 24 hours before returning to school.)
Flu symptoms, nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or diarrhea.
Acute cold, sore throat, persistent cough, or constant runny nose.
Eyes that are red, inflamed, excessive tearing or crusting.
Any diagnosed skin rash. Any draining skin lesions, unless protected and diagnosed as non infections.
Swollen glands around the jaws, ears or neck.
Marked drowsiness or dizziness.

School Illness

It is a parent’s responsibility to pick up their student in a timely manner if they are being sent home from school due to illness. The student must be checked out / signed out of school by an authorized adult in the office (ID is required if adult other than parent). Students are not allowed to leave on their own under any circumstances. Students should never use a cell phone to contact parents to pick them up when they are not feeling well. This is the role of the office support staff.

Tardies

Students should be lined up in an orderly manner with their class when the morning bell rings. Any student who arrives on campus after their school start time must go to the office for a tardy slip before entering class. To prevent unnecessary stress and anxiety in children, it is critical that all students are in the habit of arriving to school on time, ready to learn. Thank you for your support with this.

Excused Tardies

• Medical or dental appointments for the student only. (Must return with note.)
• Sick/not feeling well
• Immediate family member funeral
• Court appearance

NOTE: All other reasons for tardiness are unexcused. Any unexcused tardies count against perfect attendance.

Early Release (30 minutes or more)

According to District policy, early release from school is monitored and reviewed. Students leaving school 30 minutes or more, must have an excusable reason or they will be marked Unexcused-Early Release. Any student who is tardy 30-minutes or more during the school day or who is pulled out of school 30-minutes or more at the end of the day, without an excusable reason, on three occasions in one school year is considered truant.

Excused – Early Release

Illness (sent home from health office)
Doctor Appointment (must return with a doctor’s note)
Court Appearance
Funeral
Students leaving 30 minutes or more will be marked – Excused Early Release.

Unexcused – Early Release

Unexcused – Early Release are absences for any reason other than those listed as an excused absence. Examples:

Personal
Trip
Vacation
Birthday

Independent Study

Trips, Vacations, Family Business: Independent Study contracts may be requested when it is necessary for the family to be away from school. The contract is valid for not less than three (3) school days, but not more than fourteen (14) school days per year. Independent Study contract must be approved by the school at least 5 days prior to the trip. How it works:
Parent to notify school office and teacher.
Office staff will prepare the independent study contract which must be signed by the parent, student, and teacher PRIOR to the student’s absences.
Classroom teacher will provide the work to the student on the last day the student is present at school.
The student must return to school with the completed work and give to the teacher on the first day of their return. No partially completed work will be accepted for credit.
Independent Studies will not be authorized the last two (2) weeks of school.

Notification of Move

Emergency Information / Medication

Please be sure to keep the office informed of any new home, work or cell phone numbers and update changes in the AERIES Parent Portal right away. If you have a new address, you will need to bring in proof of residency to the office. Acceptable documents: Rental agreement, lease, mortgage, escrow paperwork and utility bill (gas, water, electric).

Medication

Medication that is to be taken at school will be administered by the health clerk or other designated personnel. For the safety of all students (prescription and non-prescription) must be delivered to the Health Office by an adult in the current prescribed bottle, container or package. A medication permit form needs to be completed and signed by your physician to allow us to administer the medication. All medication including aspirin, inhalers, or Tylenol must be under the supervision of school personnel. STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE ANY MEDICATION IN HIS/HER POSSESSION ON CAMPUS. THIS INCLUDES ASPIRIN, COUGH DROPS, ETC.

Lunch

Purchasing Lunch: School breakfasts and lunches will be offered daily for free at this time.

NEW Lunch Drop-Off: If you are bringing in lunch during school hours for your 1st - 5th grade student(s), you may place it on the cart right outside of the office anytime from 8:10 – 11:45 am. There are name tags, pens and tape for you to attach your child’s name to their lunch. During the lunch hours, the cart will be rolled into campus next to the front office. Students know to come to the office if they forget their lunch. We honor students’ learning time, therefore, the office staff will not interrupt classroom instruction to notify students that their lunch is in the office. Students will not be called up to the office during a lunch period to receive his/her lunch or for parents to be able to say, “hi” to or eat lunch with their child. Additionally, parents may not sign-in as a visitor for the purpose of taking a lunch to a backpack or classroom. Students may NOT receive lunches through campus gates or other points of access. Thank you for your understanding and support with this policy.

Suggested lunch drop off times: Grades 1, 2 & 3 - before 11:45 a.m.; Grade 4 & 5 - before 12:30 p.m.

Special Occasion Lunches: To maintain a safe, respectful and calm lunch experience for our students, parents/guardians/visitors may not set up birthday lunches or special occasion lunches for their child and a friend(s) here at school. When certain students are invited to enjoy a special meal on school campus, such as McDonald’s, for example, those left out can feel excluded and hurt. Thank you.

Dress Code

Students are expected to arrive to school dressed in clothing and footwear that is conducive to learning and allows for active participation in games and activities.

TUSD Dress Code Guidelines

Students SHOULD NOT wear:
Baggy trousers, shorts or skirts
Low riding pants or shorts
Any item of clothing that advertises drugs, alcohol, violence, or offensive language
Makeup or tattoos
Clothing that exposes their midriffs
Halter tops, spaghetti straps, or bare shoulders. Width of strap should be at least one inch.
Tight or revealing clothes, see-through blouses or tops
Hats (unless permission has been granted by teacher or special spirit day)
Clothes which allow undergarments to be exposed
Open-toed shoes, rubber crocs, sandals, high heels, boots or wedges
Short-shorts

Parent support encourages students to dress appropriately. Parents may call the school office at any time for clarification of the TUSD dress code. If student attends school dressed inappropriately, parent will be called to bring a change of clothes to school for their child. Repeat violations will result in disciplinary action. Site administrators may set dress standards for special school occasions or activities with prior notice to students.

Lost and Found

Please make sure your children label all removable clothing, water bottles, lunch bags, etc., with their name. The lost and found cart is kept outside near the Front Office. All unclaimed items are donated to charity in November, December, March, and May. It is amazing to see how quickly items collect in the lost and found and how few items are actually returned to their owner due to lack of identification on clothing etc. We appreciate your help with this!

Birthday Celebrations

Students love to celebrate birthdays at school, as it is a memorable time to share with teachers and friends. Teachers will do something special for their students on their birthdays. Please do not send your child to school with gift bags or any food items on their special day. In our effort to abide by the TUSD Wellness Policy and to maximize student instruction and learning time, we are asking all parents to follow these guidelines should you wish to do something special at school in honor of your child’s birthday:
Contribute a book to the Arroyo library through the Birthday Book Program.
Donate an educational game or book for your child’s classroom.
Donate a book to your child’s classroom in honor of them.
Wish your student Happy Birthday on our school marquee for $50 (proceeds go to our PTA).

Students/parents are not allowed to bring food items for birthday celebrations, as many of the items brought to school do not follow the TUSD Wellness Policy guidelines and/or cause problems in regards to student food allergies. Additionally, students will not be able to pass out birthday invitations to students here at school. As you might imagine, this can cause very hurt feelings for the students who do not get invited or cannot attend the birthday event, and serve as a distraction to learning. The Arroyo staff feels strongly that by following these guidelines, we are promoting a healthy lifestyle and maximizing student learning! Thank you for your support.

Classroom Celebrations

These celebrations are typically handled by the PTA Room Parent(s) in collaboration with the classroom teacher. As celebrations are being considered, we ask that parents remain mindful of the cost, duration and purpose of the celebration. Our goals are to ensure student learning, promote healthy living and foster strong social-emotional wellness. Excessively extravagant celebrations at school, while fun, can be distracting to teachers and students. As a school, we celebrate seasons and some national/federal holidays while acknowledging and learning about cultural similarities and differences, but we do not celebrate or emphasize religious holidays or beliefs.

Prohibited Items

Personal items (electronic or otherwise) may not be brought to school without prior permission from a teacher. Any item which causes a distraction to the learning process will be taken from the student and returned to the parent/guardian. The school/staff assumes no responsibility for any personal item which is brought on campus. Articles such as jackets, sweaters, lunch boxes should be clearly marked with the student’s name. Specific items prohibited are: skateboards, roller skates, and roller blades. Toys, sports equipment, trading cards, and chewing gum are not allowed at school - unless special permission has been granted by the teacher.

Cell Phones / Tablets / Smart Watches

Students are prohibited from using cell phones on campus unless the student has received permission from his/her teacher or other authorized school employee and he/she has completed the TUSD Bring Your Own Device agreement. If a student is found using his/her device on campus without permission, the device will be taken and locked in the office or classroom by the teacher, until the parent comes to pick it up. TUSD cannot guarantee students’ cyber safety on some personal smart devices.

Website / email Communication

We encourage you to refer to the Arroyo PTA website for up-to-date information. The Arroyo News e-blast is sent via email each Sunday to communicate all important activities. Review the Arroyo News for important dates and events. If you are not receiving the Arroyo News every Sunday, please visit the Arroyo PTA website to “sign up for the Arroyo News” and update your profile.

Social Media

Digital Citizenship

All students are required to read and abide by the TUSD Acceptable Use Policy Agreement. Digital media and technology are evolving at a dizzying pace, unlocking extraordinary opportunities for our students. Students are using the immense power of the Internet and mobile technology to explore, connect, create, and learn in incredible ways, both in and out of the classroom. As such, Arroyo believes that teaching digital citizenship skills is essential for students in the 21st century, especially in schools like ours that are using technology to transform learning. That's why we are committed to teaching our students how to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly.

In 2017-18, Arroyo was approved as a Common Sense School, an honor that recognizes our efforts in teaching digital citizenship to young people and engaging the entire school community in this important discussion. The recognition acknowledges our school’s commitment to creating a culture of digital learning and citizenship.

Parents and Visitors

According to District policy, all parents, volunteers and visitors MUST sign in at the school office before going into any classroom or onto the school grounds (before school included). This policy applies to both frequent and less frequent guests. Visitor badges/stickers are to be worn while on campus. Please use the front office door to enter and exit the school and avoid using a side gate as an entry/exit point. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as it is necessary for us to be accountable at all times for all individuals on our campus.

NOTE: For the safety of our students, all perimeter gates are locked after the start of school. Please exit through the front office when you leave campus.

Parent Volunteers

We Appreciate our AWESOME Arroyo Parent Volunteers!

“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, what sort of house I lived in, or what kind of car I drove, but the world may be different, because I was important in the life of a child.” -Kathy Davis

Arroyo is so fortunate to have so many generous parents who are able to volunteer their time and talents to assist us, enriching our students’ school experiences. In fact, many of our programs rely heavily upon your help. If you are able to donate some time to the classroom, PTA or school, please contact your child’s teacher, our PTA president, Katie Blevins or our PTA vice president, Taylor Cherry. Thank you!

Volunteer etiquette: When helping in classrooms, anything heard or said is considered confidential, as such, we require that volunteers refrain from talking about students with other parents especially about behavior, academic, social or emotional issues. “What happens in the classroom, stays in the classroom,” and should never be repeated or discussed at school or social events. Any questions about volunteering in your child’s class need to be directed specifically to your child’s teacher.

Parents are welcome and encouraged to be involved in their child’s education and are valued members of our Arroyo learning community. All parents who work as volunteers at school will be expected to read and sign the Volunteer Procedures and Confidentiality Agreement provided by your child’s teacher. Volunteers will need to respect the confidentiality of staff, students and other parents at all times. Signed statements will be kept on file in the office.

Implementation: When parents are invited by the teacher to act as volunteers at school, a Volunteer Confidentiality Statement will be given to them and they will be asked to read and sign it. Breaches in confidentiality will be treated seriously and the parents involved may be asked to meet with the principal. Confidentiality will be discussed with all parent volunteers before they begin working anywhere on the school campus.

How Parents Can Help:

In the CLASSROOM / SCHOOL
Preparing materials and making copies
Meet the Masters Art - student support/set-up

Maker Space
Library
Lunch supervision
Reading or Math groups
Field Trips
Misc.

At HOME
Read to/with your child daily
Check homework regularly
Communicate with teacher as needed
Work in partnership with the teacher
Promote Student Independence
Ask for teacher clarification on long-term assignments and provide input as needed

Parent Volunteer Procedures and Expectations:

Sign in and out of the office and wear a visitor sticker/badge at all times.
Respect the privacy of all children by keeping observations, experiences and information confidential.
Respond impartially to students regardless of background, ability, physical or emotional maturity.
Refrain from discussing other students’ progress or behavior with others, including staff.
Model positive, respectful and encouraging behaviors toward adults and students.
Understand that younger siblings may not be included when you are volunteering due to liability.
If you cannot make your scheduled time in the classroom, please let the teacher know.

Faculty Lounge - We greatly appreciate all the support and assistance that volunteers provide to our school. Please work in areas other than the Faculty Lounge during recess and lunch. The office staff will assist in helping volunteers locate workspaces when needed.

Restrooms: There is a community/visitor restroom located outside of the health room. Please refrain from using the staff restrooms. Thank you.

For the safety of our students, all perimeter gates are locked after the start of school. All volunteers must sign in and out in the front office.

Classroom Interruptions

Please confirm after school play dates, sports activities, etc. before school to avoid last minute arrangements. Often office staff is expected to assist with setting up after school arrangements for parents and students, which causes confusion and pulls them away from their administrative responsibilities. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with this policy. Phone calls, which interrupt the classroom instructional program, will not be put through unless to provide a student with eyeglasses or medication or in the case of an emergency.

All items brought to school during instruction time including homework, books, lunches, etc. should be labeled with the student and the teacher’s name. The office has a designated drop off area where the student may come to retrieve items at recess or lunch break. Please discuss this procedure with your student.

Homework Policy

For some children, homework can be an integral part of the educational process. Assignments completed at home may help the child and teacher in reaching instructional objectives more quickly and thoroughly. Every student should plan on setting aside a reasonable about of time for nightly reading and daily learning review. Arroyo’s recommended grade level guidelines are as follows:

Kindergarten: Minimum 15 minutes of reading together, sharing a story, a lesson, activity, or rhyme that was taught that day, or reviewing concepts or skills taught during the week.
First Grade: 15 minutes per night increased to 20 minutes as skills increase
Second Grade: 20 minutes per night increased to 30 minutes as skills increase
Third Grade: 30-45 minutes per night, including nightly reading
Fourth Grade: 40-50 minutes per night, including nightly reading
Fifth Grade: 50-60 minutes per night, including nightly reading

All of the above should also include a portion of time each day for reading, i.e. parents reading to child, child reading to parents or sibling, or silent reading.

Students’ Homework Responsibilities are to:
Take homework assignments and materials home.
Spend the necessary time each night to complete homework.
Demonstrate pride in homework by doing the best you can do.
Submit finished homework to the teacher completely done and on time.

Teachers’ Homework Responsibilities are to:
Require that homework is meaningfully and reflects and reinforces the curriculum/standards taught in class.
Ensure that homework assignments are accessible are well prepared.
Explain homework assignments to students and review study skills, homework guidelines, and expectations.
Facilitate student access to the resources necessary to complete assignments.

Parents’ Homework Responsibilities are to:
Arrange a quiet time and study area including proper lighting.
Encourage reading for pleasure.
Expect your child to report progress to you on long-term assignments.
See that your child organized homework for return at the right time.
Encourage your child to work independently on homework assignments.
Contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions regarding homework.
Communicate with teacher if HW is taking longer than expected or if your child frustrational level is “high” on a regular basis.

Support and encouragement from parents and guardians help children succeed. Thank you for doing your part to ensure your child’s love of learning and success!

Grading System

Students will be evaluated each trimester with a report to parents evaluating a student’s participation and progress toward the Common Core State Standards. Progress Reports will be explained at Fall Conferences. Student performance is evaluated on classroom assessments, teacher observations, portfolios, and rubrics. We ask that parents contact their child’s teacher should you notice that they are struggling with the learning process, and work in partnership with the teacher/school to support your child in achieving his/her unique learning goals. We celebrate students for maintaining a GROWTH MINDSET and putting forth their best effort, showing grit and determination in all that they do.

Discipline Plan and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Be Mustang Strong: KIND, SAFE, RESPONSIBLE!

Arroyo Elementary will provide a positive, nurturing, and encouraging learning environment with a strong academic and social-emotional wellness focus by establishing and maintaining high behavior expectations for all students. To accomplish this goal, teachers and staff will guide students in following clear standards of behavior through a school-wide discipline plan. This plan is designed to create a positive, safe, and orderly learning environment by encouraging all students to behave in such a manner that they will be a credit to themselves, their parents, and our school community.

Arroyo Elementary is a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) school. This school-wide discipline system includes proactive strategies for defining, teaching and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create a positive school environment. All students are expected to comply with behavioral guidelines on the PBIS behavior matrix. To assist students in meeting our high standards, a system of rewards and consequences will be implemented.

Rewards

Golden Horseshoe Tickets: Staff members may present a “Golden Horseshoe” to students who demonstrate expected or outstanding behavior and who are following the PBIS behavior matrix. Students will collect their Golden Horseshoe tickets and be able to redeem them for a variety of rewards based on the number of Golden Horseshoes earned. The rewards chart will be posted in each classroom, visible to the students.

Character Awards: Every week, one classroom from each grade level 1-5 will be recognized at the Flag Ceremony for being KIND, SAFE, and RESPONSIBLE.

Consequences

Teacher: Warning, reflection/break time with a Think Sheet, loss of privileges, telephone calls home, and/or behavior slips sent home.
Administrator: Telephone calls home, behavior slip/letter sent home, in-house suspension, suspension from school, and in severe cases, expulsion.

Playground Standards of Behavior

We are determined to foster and maintain a safe place for students to exercise through games and activities. Throughout the year we will work with students in a positive manner while instilling attitudes of respect, responsibility, and appropriate decision-making skills, which will support the academic and social foundations of Arroyo Elementary School. We will review playground activity options and expectations regularly and make considerations where changes can be made as new ideas arise. Please review the below playground rules with your child. We thank you for working with us to support a safe playground area. In any situation, students should avoid engaging in any activity that could endanger their safety or the safety of others. Students will be taught to THINK before they act, and ask an adult if they do not know what is allowed.

Designated Play Areas

With the exception of getting a drink, using the restroom, or moving from the eating area to the playground, students are to remain on the blacktop or grass during recess and lunch periods once snack/lunch has been eaten. Students should not be between or behind buildings, or in any unsupervised area. When playgrounds get wet or muddy, students are required to stay on the blacktop play area.

General Rules

Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
Practice good sportsmanship and use KIND and appropriate language.
Follow directions of supervising adults.
Absolutely NO FIGHTING or “play fighting” – disciplinary action will be taken.
No running on blacktop.
No tag games.
When you hear the first whistle, STOP playing and freeze. Hold all equipment. At the sound of the second whistle, walk to your designated area.
Recess and Lunch Break – Food must be eaten at the lunch tables. Students will no longer walk around the blacktop/playground or sit curbside while eating their snacks.
Always clean up your paper and food scraps. Absolutely NO GUM is permitted on school grounds.

Boundaries

Always stay in designated areas.

Refrain from loitering or playing in the restrooms or at the drinking fountains.

Do not climb on cement walls, planters or fences.

Stay away from large containers (no running or hiding behind them).

Students leaving the playground to go to the office must have a note from playground supervisor.

Games

Game rules should be followed at all times.
Use Rock, Paper, Scissors (only once; not 2 out of 3) while back-to-back if there is a dispute about who is “out.”
Use, “Nice try, you’re awesome!” when someone loses.
Handball: Those waiting for their turns must stand along the line. Anyone who leaves the line must go to the end.
There is no “cutting” in line.
There are no “saving places” for friends.
Personal sports equipment must remain at home and cannot be brought to school.
Items from home: You must have your teacher’s approval before bringing items to school. These items may NOT be used during recess or lunchtime.
Respect school equipment. Students who intentionally mistreat equipment (such as intentionally kicking balls into neighbors’ yards, for example) may face disciplinary action and may be required to replace the equipment.

Consequences

Parking Lot Safety

As a school community, it is very important to us that we do everything we can to provide a safe place for your children to learn and grow. To ensure student safety, we have developed a system of traffic movement which, if followed, will help all the children arrive and depart school smoothly.

Be sure to pick up your child promptly if they are not walking home. Students may not wait for parents at locations other than the lunch tables. Please cooperate fully with the Arroyo Staff and volunteers on parking lot patrol as your child’s safety is our highest priority. If you are interested in joining our staff in “parking lot safety”, please call the school office to let us know. We would greatly appreciate the support of volunteers in this area.

Drive-Through Signage: For efficient pick-up, we have provided Drive-through signage for each family. Should you misplace it or need additional signage for a 2nd car or carpool, we recommend you use a paper plate. Clearly & boldly print your child’s last name, grade and teacher’s name on the plate. Place the sign on your dashboard so that teachers on duty can see it clearly.

Skateboards, bicycles, rollerblades and skates are PROHIBITED on school grounds AT ALL TIMES (including evenings and weekends.)

Closed Campus

Please remember that Arroyo Elementary is a closed campus. Some organizations have contracted with the school district to use our facilities/fields. However, if you see any unusual occurrences and/or behavior (loitering, skateboarding, bike riding, etc.) on campus after school or on the weekends, please contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (714) 647-7000 or (949) 770-6011 or Tustin Unified School District Security Day Time: (714) 412-4833 and Night time: (714) 981-3962. We want to ensure that our campus remains vandal free.

On behalf of the entire Arroyo staff, THANK YOU FOR HELPING US PROVIDE A SAFE AND ORDERLY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT!