Student Handbook 2021-2022

C E R E S

Committed to Excellence, Responsive to Every Student Our students will achieve mastery of academic standards in a safe and supportive environment.

We will provide a quality, balanced education that results in academic excellence, and career preparation with attitudes and skills necessary to produce

self-directed, productive citizens.

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2611 Garrison Avenue Ceres, California 95307

(209) 556-1640 (209) 538-7822 fax

http://cf.ceres.k12.ca.us/

Arti Narayan, Principal Rosio Valenzuela, Assistant Principal anarayan@ceres.k12.ca.us rvalenzuela@ceres.k12.ca.us Rachelle Garrett, Administrative Assistant Carolina Delgado, Secretary rgarrett@ceres.k12.ca.us cdelgado@ceres.k12.ca.us Amanda Roe, Office Manager aroe@ceres.k12.ca.us

THIS HANDBOOK BELONGS TO: Name_______________________________________________ Address ____________________________

____________________________

City/ Town ____________________________

State_______ Zip Code_________

Phone Number____________________ Grade _____________________ Teacher____________________

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Grade: Teacher: Email Address: Transition Kinder Leslie Bynum lbynum@ceres.k12.ca.us

Kindergarten Blinda Azevedo bazevedo@ceres.k12.ca.us Kindergarten Amanda Pervaiz adesousa@ceres.k12.ca.us Kindergarten Loran Davis ldavis2@ceres.k12.ca.us

1st Grade Elizabeth Hernandez ehernandez@ceres.k12.ca.us

1st Grade Griselda Jáuregui-Medina gjauregui@ceres.k12.ca.us 1st Grade Patricia Fareria pfareria@ceres.k12.ca.us 2nd Grade Carol Goehring cgoehring@ceres.k12.ca.us 2nd Grade Vicki Robinson vrobinson@ceres.12.ca.us 2nd Grade Brad Brink bbrink@ceres.k12.ca.us 2nd Grade Kris Meece kmeece@ceres.k12.ca.us 3rd Grade Jennifer Mattos jmattos@ceres.k12.ca.us 3rd Grade Lukhwinder Liv lliv@ceres.k12.ca.us 3rd Grade Tammy Ratajczak/Liz

Rossini tratajczak@ceres.k12.ca.us lrossini@ceres.k12.ca.us

4th Grade Toni Walker-Rose twalker-rose@ceres.k12.ca.us 4th Grade Nicolette Garcia ngarcia@ceres.k12.ca.us 4th Grade Gurpreet Kaur gkaur@ceres.k12.ca.us 5th Grade Tianna Cisneros tcisneros@ceres.k12.ca.us 5th Grade Andres Ruiz aruiz@ceres.k12.ca.us 5th Grade Anthony Preciado apreciado@ceres.k12.ca.us 6th Grade Ranjoth Sandhu rsandhu@ceres.k12.ca.us 6th Grade Isaac Hussain ihussain@ceres.k12.ca.us 6th Grade Trinidad Gonzalez tgonzalez@ceres.k12.ca.us

Physical Education Bryan Turner bturner@ceres.k12.ca.us ELA Intervention Teacher Gabriela Fulgencio gfulgencio@ceres.k12.ca.us Math Intervention Teacher Ashlie Freeberg afreeberg@ceres.k12.ca.us

SH Preschool Kaylyn Stromberg kstromberg@ceres.k12.ca.us SH Preschool Chanelle Kangas Ckangas@ceres.k12.ca.us

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School Support Staff 2021-2022

Staff Name Title Email Address Arti Narayan Principal anarayan@ceres.k12.ca.us Rosio Valenzuela Assistant Principal rvalenzuela@ceres.k12.ca.us

Rachelle Garrett Administrative Asst. rgarrett@ceres.k12.ca.us Amanda Roe Office Manager aroe@ceres.k12.ca.us Carolina Delgado Attendance Secretary cdelgado@ceres.k12.ca.us Rosa Ixta Nurse RIxta@ceres.k12.ca.us Genevieve Gonzalez Office Clerk ggonzalez@ceres.k12.ca.us Irma Magaña Health Clerk imagana@ceres.k12.ca.us Elizabeth Farias Psychologist efarias@ceres.k12.ca.us Jessica Humphrey Psychologist jhumphrey@ceres.k12.ca.us Samantha Paynter Resource Specialist spaynter@ceres.k12.ca.us Leesa Browning Resource Para lbrowning@ceres.k12.ca.us Amy Sherqill Speech Pathologist asherqill@ceres.k12.ca.us Meliesa Stiles Library Media Clerk mstiles@ceres.k12.ca.us Monica F. Silva Music Teacher msilva@ceres.k12.ca.us Yolanda Guzman EL Testing Asst. yguzman@ceres.k12.ca.us Alissa Martin Literacy Coach amartin@ceres.k12.ca.us Lisa Burnett Cafeteria Manager lburnett@ceres.k12.ca.us Penny Segars Head Custodian psegars@ceres.k12.ca.us Helen Sublaban Night Custodian hsublaban@ceres.k12.ca.us Louie Gonzales Night Custodian smolina@ceres.k12.ca.us Sheila Walbert Yard Supervisor/ Crossing swalbert@ceres.k12.ca.us Irene Sigala Student Support Specialis isilgala@ceres.k12.ca.us Maribel Torres Crossing/Yard Supervisor mtorres@ceres.k12.ca.us Pam Preciado Crossing/Yard Supervisor ppreciado@ceres.k12.ca.us

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SCHOOL HOURS

Breakfast begins at 7:50 a.m. and ends at 8:20 a.m. Students not eating breakfast may arrive at school no earlier than 8:15am Supervision will not be provided on the playground until 8:15a.m. The buses leave Carroll Fowler School at 3:45 p.m. Bus riders will go to ASES from 2:45 to 3:45. All other students, not involved in school activities, are to leave campus at 2:45 PM.

MINIMUM DAYS

Please be sure to note the minimum days throughout the school year. 1st – Sixth Grade students will be dismissed at 12:45 on minimum days. Kindergarten will be dismissed at 12:35 on minimum days. Any student not picked up after 1:00pm will be directed to the ASES program. Early Release days -once a month Kinder will dismiss @ 1:40pm and 1st-6th will dismiss @ 1:50pm

Mark Your Calendars With The Minimum Day Dates Below:

School Calendar First Day of School – August 12, 2021

Last Day of School – June 3, 2022

GRADING PERIODS END: November 5, 2021

March 4, 2022 June 3, 2022

Grades 1-6 8:30 AM - 2:45 PM All Day Kindergarten 8:30 AM - 2:35 PM

September 15, October 13, October 4-8, January 27-28, May 19, June 3

August 25, September 29, October 27, November 17, December 15, January 26, February 23, March 30, April 27, May 18

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Nondiscrimination In District Programs And Activities

The Governing Board is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District program and activities shall be free from discrimination based on gender, sex, race, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation or the perception of one or more such characteristics. The Board shall promote programs which ensure that discriminatory practices are eliminated in all district activities. The officer responsible for equity and compliance with Title IX is the Coordinator of Child Welfare and Attendance, 2503 Lawrence Street, Ceres, CA, 95307, (209) 556-1500.

Parents Are Very Important People

Your attitude toward the school is an important ingredient to your child’s school success. Children will adjust quickly and happily if they are prepared to enter school with an attitude of preparation and pleasure. Be interested in your child’s reaction to school and encourage him/her to share new experiences with the family. You can help your child by:

• Asking about your child’s school work and classroom activities • Monitoring homework assignments • Scheduling a regular time for your child to read or to be read to each day • Looking for notices and newsletters coming home from school • Making every effort to have your child to school on time • Notifying the school of changes in your address and telephone number • Volunteering in your child’s classroom, and/or chaperoning field trips • Becoming a member of the School Site Council and our Parent Teacher Club.

GETTING TO SCHOOL

Parents need to use the parking lot when dropping off and picking up children, and for all school visits. Traffic runs smoothly when we work together and all follow the same procedures. Students are not to be dropped off in the bus lane. Patience and respect for fellow drivers are the major keys for safety. Our goal is to keep students safe, which means following traffic laws. Obey the speed limit, do not park on the left lane or leave your vehicle unattended on the right lane, and do not make U-turns in the middle of the street. If we work cooperatively, everyone will remain safe and students will go to and from school in a timely manner. Handicapped parking will be enforced. Children who walk to school must use the crosswalk at Moffet Rd and Garrison Ave. It is very important that families and children obey our crossing guard when walking to and from school.

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BUS ROUTES

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the buses or transportation, please call the

Transportation Office at 556-1595. If you want to have your child depart from the bus at a location other than their regular bus stop, your child must have a Bus Pass. In order to

obtain a pass, parents must write a note to the school indicating their desire, the location for the child to depart, and the date(s) for this change. Based on this information, a Bus Pass will be issued. Without the pass, the driver will not change your child’s bus stop

location. If your child misses the bus in the afternoon, he/she will need to go to the office and call home.

*Bus route information for “K” through “12th” grade students will be published in the Ceres Courier, and posted at the school sites on August 12th, 2021 for all schools. If this information does not answer all your questions, please call the school or the Transportation office at 556-

1595.

FOGGY DAY BUS PROCEDURES If foggy conditions exist, the transportation department may decide to delay the bus schedule. 1. Announcements will be made on radio stations: KATM - (Kat Country – 103.3), KHJK – (The

Hawk – 104.1), KJSN – (Sunny – 102.3), KBYN – (Spanish – 95.9), KWIN – (K-Win - 98.3), KHOP 95.1 (The Planet), ESPN (E-Spn) 1420 AM, KJOY 99.3 FM, beginning at approximately 6:00 A.M. or you may contact the Transportation Fog Line at: 538-0266 and listen to the message.

2. If the buses are late, the initial delay will be for one or two hour(s). This means your child will be picked up one or two hour(s) later than normal.

3. If conditions require a further delay, announcements will be made by the radio stations. 4. All schools will maintain regular starting times on foggy days. Parents are encouraged to

bring their children to school by 8:20 A.M. 5. Afternoon take home times will normally be at the regular times. If it becomes necessary to

cancel these runs, announcements will be made on the radio. It is important that school lines be kept open for bus driver reports and emergency calls. You may obtain information by listening to the radio or calling the Transportation Fog Line @ 538-0266 and listening to the message.

Reporting to Parents

Report cards go home three times a year. The first one is given at a parent conference. The mid-year report card has some scheduled conferences, but parents with questions or concerns are encouraged to call the school and schedule a meeting with their child's teacher at any time during the year. Many teachers send home periodic computer printouts which let parents know how their children are doing academically. Teachers often phone home or send notes with good news as well as during times when parental support is needed to solve a problem. We believe effective schools provide frequent communication with the home. Our goal is to be the most effective school possible.

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News

A monthly school newsletter will be sent home with the students. The newsletter will contain a great deal of information about students, programs, and projects at Carroll Fowler School. Watch for the newsletter and let your child know you want to read it so that you know what’s happening at your school.

Parent Volunteers

Due to Pandemic no Volunteers are allowed on campus at this time.

If you are a current school volunteer or wish to become a school volunteer, the District is implementing new requirements to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. The District requires all school volunteers to complete and/or meet the following:

• Apply for Supervised (for Elementary Parent Volunteers) or unsupervised volunteer status by submitting a one-page VAP application form available in the school’s main office. A valid picture I.D. is required.

• “Supervised” school volunteers can have occasional or regular contact with students in or outside of the classroom. Supervised volunteers perform their volunteer work under the supervision of an approved school employee, including one-day field trip chaperones.

Once the VAP application has been submitted to the school’s main office, the following must be met: Cleared through the Megan’s Law website Have a valid TB clearance on file with the District (Education Code 49406) You may submit a TB clearance through your doctor/physician

TB clinics that are “free of charge” will be offered at the CUSD District Office, located at 2503 Lawrence Street, Ceres, CA 95307 on designated dates. Parents may volunteer in classrooms, office or yard, assisting school staff in a variety of ways (parties, field trips, class projects, supervision, etc.). Room parents provide the communication link between parents and their particular class. Parents need to make arrangements to volunteer with teachers in advance. Please sign in at the office before entering the classroom. Arrangements need to be made in advance, before volunteering. Be sure to sign in at the office before going to the classroom. Parents wishing to volunteer are welcome as long as the classroom teacher has an identified need. Parents may visit classrooms for non-disruptive observation by making prior arrangements through the office.

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Parent Teacher Club

The Parent Teacher Club is a growing, integral aspect of the school community. Parents and teachers work together for the betterment of students. All parents are invited to join PTC and to attend the meetings. Meetings will be announced via newsletters and automated messages. The Parent Teacher Club is a very active group that supports the school by planning, organizing and implementing special activities. Their fund raising efforts help to provide extra yard equipment, special assemblies, field trips, Red Ribbon Week Activities, etc. Plan on attending a meeting! It’s a good way to meet other people in the community and to become involved in YOUR school.

Family Engagement Policy

Carroll Fowler School Engages parents through the Facebook, Twitter, our Parent Teacher Club, Family Engagement Meetings, Principal’s Coffee, Newsletters, Parent Verbal Communication, Automated Phone Calls, Bulletin Boards and Volunteer Notices for specific Events. Surveys and data discussions determine the direction of school.

School Site Council

The School Site Council (SSC) is composed of the principal, teachers, parents and other school staff with voting members equally divided between staff and parents. SSC plans, monitors and evaluates the activities and expenditures for programs operated at the school to improve student achievement. Meetings are held right after school hours. Notices of meetings are sent out to all parents. The agenda is posted 72 hours prior to each meeting on the bulletin board in front of the school office. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC)

The English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC) has an election of members in which all parents of English Learner (EL) students have an opportunity to vote and elect parent members to the committee. Administrators, parents and teachers will develop a detailed school plan for English Learner students. The plan includes but is not limited to the development of the school’s needs assessment, administration of the school’s language census, development of the most effective ways to ensure regular school attendance of English Learner students and the election of representatives to the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DLAC). All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

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STUDENT SECURITY PROCEDURES The following information is very important for the safety and security of your child. Please read this carefully and keep it on hand for future reference. 1. Parents MUST check students out through the office. There is a sign-out sheet in the office

which parents must sign before a student is released from the school grounds. NO child will be released directly from the classroom. Teachers have been given instructions not to allow students to go with any adults without an authorization note from the office.

2. Parents/guardians must have a picture ID and his/her name must be on the student's

enrollment card to be released by the office. If you send someone to pick up your child and his/her name is not on the card, the office WILL NOT release your child to that person. A student checkout form will be issued by the office. No child will be released directly from the classroom without the office form.

3. A bus pass, issued by the school office, is the only way a bus driver will allow students to

depart from the bus at a stop other than their regular stop. To get a bus pass, the following procedures must be followed: a. A note from the parents to the school indicating their desire to have the child released

at a location other than his/her regular bus stop. (Bring the note to the office in the morning.)

b. This note must include the student's name, parent's name and location change. c. Once the office has confirmed this information, a bus pass will be issued. Without this pass, the driver will not change your child's bus stop location.

d. All changes must be made prior to 2:00 P.M.

4. If your child is a bus rider and you are not at the school to pick up your child BEFORE the buses leave, your child will be put on the bus to be taken home. If your child is late arriving home on the bus, you may call the school before 3:30 P.M. or the district transportation office at 556-1595.

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES Though Halloween costumes are exciting, instruction and learning continues to be our main priority. At Carroll Fowler, we do not celebrate Halloween as a holiday. Therefore, Halloween costumes and any makeup associated with them are not permitted. To celebrate the Harvest, each classroom has a harvest party at the end of October. The party is strategically scheduled by each teacher, at the end of the day to make sure that we take advantage of every instructional minute. Please contact your child’s teacher to get the specific date and time or if you would like more information. Students have the opportunity to dress up in costumes during school sponsored events such as select Spirit Days. Students are still expected to follow school and district dress code guidelines during these school sponsored events.

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CAFETERIA School meals are planned according to state guidelines and based on student preferences. No cost, nutritious lunches are served daily and breakfast is offered each morning at 7:50 a.m. For more information, contact the Carroll Fowler cafeteria at 556-1645.

FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FOR LEARNING

Ceres Unified is committed to our student’s success. We want you to make Breakfast the Most Important Meal of the Day. With our new Breakfast for learning program, breakfast and lunch is on us! Breakfast is served every morning, from 7:50 AM to 8:25AM. School breakfast will give you more Energy, keep your body Healthy, and improve your Grades!

ATTENDANCE Office Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

The Ceres School District uses an A2A computerized attendance system.

This enables the district to keep up-to-date, accurate records. Your assistance is needed if this program is to work efficiently.

Absences must be kept to a minimum if pupils are to profit from their time at school and succeed academically. Everyone involved in education, but particularly schools and parents, must make attendance a priority. Tardiness like absences interferes with the learning process. We all miss out if our children miss school. Up to 8 absences can be excused by parent call or note. After the eighth absence, a doctor’s note will be required to excuse the absence. Three consecutive absences require a Doctor’s note to excuse the absences. If our kids are learning in school, everyone wins! What Can You Do? 1. As a parent, you are legally required to have your child in school, on time, daily. 2. If your child is absent, contact the school by telephone or send a Doctor’s note upon his/her return.

K – 6 Breakfast 7:50- 8:25 1st Grade Lunch 11:10 – 11:55 5th Grade Lunch 11:20 – 12:05 2nd Grade Lunch 11:30 – 12:15 4th Grade Lunch 11:40 – 12:25 3rd Grade Lunch 11:50 – 12:35 6th Grade Lunch 12:00 – 12:45 TK/Kinder Lunch 12:10 – 12:55

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3. If your child is going to be absent for 5 or more days for reasons other than illness (family emergency, trip, etc.), contact the office at least 10 days in advance to arrange for an independent study contract. Independent Study requests will not be approved during our testing week. 4. Be sure to notify the school of a change of address and/or telephone number. 5. Be sure your emergency contact numbers are correct and current. 6. After 3 unexcused absences, parents will automatically receive an attendance letter from the district office. 7. If a student is missing a day, then they will have one day to make up missing work. If they are missing 2 days, then they will have 2 days to make up missing work, etc.

Only those people specified as emergency contact numbers will be allowed to pick up students.

TARDY POLICY

The first bell rings at 8:27 am. Class instruction begins at 8:30 A.M. Students who enter class after this time disrupt the educational program and establish poor work habits. Students arriving after 8:40 am. must report to the office for a tardy slip. Tardies like absences and partials will affect a student perfect attendance and will prevent them from earning perfect attendance recognition. EXCESSIVE ABSENCES A student may accrue up to 8 absences in a school year. After the 8th absence a Doctor’s note will be required to excuse further absences for the school year. If a student continues to be absent he/she will be considered truant. Students that are absent 3 or more consecutive days due to illness will need to provide a doctor’s note to excuse absences.

AFTER SCHOOL

Student not picked up by 3:00pm will be sent to ASES.

INDEPENDENT STUDY (IS) (Revised Jan. 3rd, 2006)

When your child must be absent for reasons other than illness (such as family emergencies, trips, etc.), arrangements can be made to continue studies through assigned work. Listed below are guidelines regarding Independent Study Contracts. An Independent Study contract must be written in order to ensure that your child has an opportunity to receive academic credit for work completed during time he/she is away from the school site. The office must be notified in writing at least five (10) days in advance.

1. Contracts will not be written for less than 5 school days or more than 10 school days. 2. All student work must be completed during the time of the contract, no extensions. 3. Contracts must be signed in advance by the parent, teacher, student and principal. 4. School issued textbooks/library books may not be taken on vacation. 5. The parent is to receive a copy of the signed contract (the original will be kept in the

school office). The contract and work must be returned the day the student returns. 6. The amount of work that the student accomplishes may vary from day to day, but he/she

must average at least 4 hours of work per school day to earn full credit. 7. If student only completes partial work they will only get partial credit for the days absent.

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*The number of absent days allowed before a student could be dropped is 15 days. Independent Study days and absent days will run concurrently. For example, if a student leaves on an independent study contract he/she should return after 10 days with completed work. This work must be verified by the teacher. If the work is not completed, the 10 days are counted as unexcused absences. If the student does not return after 5 additional days (15 total days), then he/she could be dropped from the class. Research shows that school attendance strongly impacts student achievement.

INTERDISTRICT & INTRADISTRICT Request for INTRA (within Ceres) INTER (outside Ceres) must be submitted to the school office.

In order to assure continued enrollment at the requested school, the student (s) and Parent/Guardian have agreed to the following requirements:

1. Attend school regularly on a timely basis. (all absences must be excused) 2. Maintain good citizenship and obey the conduct code at all times. 3. Maintain a 2.0 GPA. 4. Parent/Guardian will provide necessary transportation.

If this contract is broken the students Intra or Inter could be revoked and student will be required to return to the homeschool.

STUDENT CHECKOUT PROCEDURE 1. Parents must report to the office to sign out the student. Students will not be called out of

the class until the parent is in the office. 2. Only people listed as an emergency contact may check out a student. 3. If a student has excessive absences, (more than 8) the early release will be unexcused

until a doctor note is provided. 4. Mask must be worn in the office at all times

PHONE CALLS Phone calls made to students or teachers during the day will be forwarded to the teacher’s voicemail. Due to class interruption, please do not pick up your child the last 30 minutes of the school day. Students are not permitted to use cell phones at school. Students may keep cell phones in their backpacks, where it will remain during the school day. The cell phone must be turned off and not used until student is off the school site. Cell phones will be confiscated if they are causing a disruption to the school learning environment. Parents will be required to pick it up. (BRING AT OWN RISK!) OFFICE DELIVERY Items delivered to the office on birthdays or holidays are not guaranteed to be delivered to the classroom. And email or phone call will be sent to notify the teacher of the items in the office. Please make prior arrangements with the teacher to bring anything to the classroom. No balloons are allowed in the classroom.

TRADING CARDS AND COMIC BOOKS

Students may not bring trading cards or comic books to school. Many of the cards’ content are inappropriate for the school setting. Cards will be confiscated.

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NO TOYS ARE ALLOWED

Students may not bring toys of any kind to school. Many of the toys could be a safety issue and could be broken or stolen. Carroll Fowler will not be liable for any of these items brought to school. Any and all toys will be confiscated and given back at the end of the day. If a student continues to bring toys, a parent will be required to pick the items up themselves. Fidget Spinners and Slime have been banned from our campus.

LASER POINTERS

All hand held laser pointers are not allowed at school (pens, key chains, bullet types, etc.) Doctors have reported that lasers pointed at the eye can cause serious damage to the retina. If you or your child has one of these pointers, please make sure it is not brought to school.

FIELD TRIPS Students are only allowed to participate in field trips if properly signed permission forms are returned to school within the designated time frame. Siblings are not allowed to accompany parents on field trips. Chaperones must be 18 years or older. Most funds for field trips come from our fund raisers. Please see the discipline section of this handbook for information regarding disqualifying behaviors. If you are a chaperone, please remember to park on the street to maximize staff parking. Classroom teachers reserve the right to disqualify students from attending school sponsored field trips and events at any given time if the student violates school or district rules.

STUDENT STUDY

Our site has a Student Study Team, which consists of a variety of professionals from our school/district. Parents and teachers may refer students to the Student Study Team if any problems exist that interfere with the child's learning. The team will make recommendations to help each student be successful. Students may be recommended for testing, resource, counseling, speech, language development, or other interventions.

SPEECH AND HEARING Children who need assistance in speech correction or language development are served by our Speech Pathologists. Please feel free to call our Speech Specialist at 556-1640 to discuss any speech or hearing difficulty your child may have.

RESOURCE Carroll Fowler’s Resource Program provides Special Education services to students who meet federal, state, and district guidelines. Students may qualify for services in math, reading, and/or written language. The students are taught strategies, in small groups, to compensate for learning disabilities and improve skills in content areas. The program utilizes direct instruction techniques along with a multi-modal approach to learning. If you have questions about special education, IEPs, or learning disabilities, call Mrs. Payntner at 556-1640.

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DISTRICT HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework helps students succeed in school. It is an integral part of the school program, and it should help the student become an independent learner. Teachers assign regular homework that is appropriate to the subject area, objectives and the achievement levels of the students. (CUSD Board Policy #6154) At our school, we believe homework is an important part of the learning process. Homework is an extension of learning that has taken place in the classroom. It gives students a chance to practice independently what has been previously learned. Equally important to the practice, is the fact that homework is an exercise in developing responsibility and good study habits. The purpose of homework is to accomplish the following: A. Develop a sense of responsibility in the child B. Reinforce skills taught in school C. Allow the child to practice age-appropriate skills D. Develop a love of literature E. Broaden vocabulary F. Give the child and parent an opportunity for positive interaction G. Keep parents aware and involved in their child's progress and education H. Teach the child to complete work independently I. Prepare the child for upcoming lessons J. Extend concepts or new ideas and provide for creative enrichment K. Assist the child in continuing the development of sound study habits and skills

L. Prepare the child for life's self-directional needs As part of the Ceres Unified School District’s emphasis on the importance of homework, staff has developed clear homework expectations for each grade level, K-6. Each teacher will be sharing his/her classroom homework policy with parents at Back-to-School Night. We hope you will pay special attention to the homework expectations, discuss them with your child, and work with him/her to make sure homework is completed and returned promptly.

TIPS FOR HELPING WITH HOMEWORK

As a parent you are your child's first teacher. Research shows that when schools and parents work together, students achieve more. Here are some ways you can help your child with homework.

1. Set up a comfortable workplace for your child. 2. Set a consistent homework time. 3. Reinforce that homework is a student's responsibility, but that you are there to help. 4. Think of yourself as a consultant, not as a proofreader or editor. 5. Make sure the television and radios are off.

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ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS Carroll Fowler Elementary School, in conjunction with the Educational Options Department, offers academic and other student support services beyond the regular school day.

The Bridge to Learning INTERVENTION PROGRAM (BTL)

After school Bridge to Learning Intervention Program and Summer School -We are pleased to offer Ceres Unified School District’s Bridget to Learning. The goal of the Bridge to Learning Intervention Program is to give students who are “at-risk” of not passing the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) the extra academic support needed for promotion to the next grade level. Students who are at risk of retention, or in need of some extra help in reading, writing, or math are encouraged to take advantage of the program. Classes are offered for 1 hour per day after school, three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) and during the summer for Summer School. Your child’s teacher will be contacting you about these programs if they believe your child is in need of the service. Additional classes are offered with extra support for students who are learning English. Feel free to discuss your child’s inclusion with his/her teacher.

After School Education and Safety Program

After School Education and Safety Program (ASES) is open to all students in grades K through 6th. The ASES program runs Monday through Friday beginning right after school and ends at 6:00 PM. Students may be signed out before 6:00 PM in accordance with our early release policy. Students receive a snack and the program is supervised by Ceres Unified School District recreational leaders who provide homework support and recreational, enrichment activities in a safe and structured environment. Student is not allowed to leave campus after they sign into the ASES program for any reason. Student is to be signed out before leaving campus. Student must have a new registration form completed every year in order to attend.

SCHOOL SPIRIT

Every Friday is School Spirit Day. Students are encouraged to wear Carroll Fowler School T-Shirts. Students may purchase a school T-Shirt @ https://www.carrollfowlerspiritwear.com/ All staff will also demonstrate our school spirit every Friday.

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PARKING LOT SAFETY

Parents need to use the right parking lot lane when dropping off and picking up children and the left lane to pass for all school visits. Traffic runs smoothly when we work together and all follow the same procedures. Drivers are required to move forward on the right lane to improve traffic flow during pick-up and drop-off times. Cars are not to be left unattended in either lane. Patience and respect for fellow drivers are the major keys for safety. Our goal is to keep students safe, which means following traffic laws. Obey the speed limit, do not park the wrong way, and do not make U-turns in the middle of the street. Also please be respectful of the handicap areas and follow the handicap area laws. If we work cooperatively, everyone will remain safe and students will go to and from school in a timely manner. Children who walk to school must use the crosswalk on Moffet and Garrison. It is very important that children obey our crossing guard when walking to and from school. CERES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENT DRESS CODE K-12 DRESS CODE DRESS AND GROOMING FROM BOARD POLICY #5132 The parents/guardians of the Ceres Unified School District are charged with the responsibility of dressing their children in a neat and clean manner. In addition, under normal circumstances, no student will be sent to school wearing any kind of clothing, costume, and/or hair style which will tend to interrupt, disturb, or interfere with the normal educational program being carried on, either on the campus or in the classroom, or negatively affect the health and safety of individuals. The students must dress in such manner that will conform to good taste. Explicit or implied profanities and/or obscenities will not be acceptable. Any items of clothing, jewelry, footgear, or headgear which would be injurious or potentially disruptive to the normal education program or to any person or school district property are prohibited. (cf. 6136 Gangs) These guidelines numbered 1-11 shall be in effect at all school-related activities except where modified by the site administrator for specific extracurricular activities or specific cases. K-6 DRESS CODE 1. All clothing, including jackets, shoes, and head coverings that may be determined to be gang related are not allowed. 2. Accessories, such as jewelry, belts, bandanas, purses, and sunglasses which have logos, insignias, color, or

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writings depicting gang related activities are not allowed. 3. Attire and hairstyles worn or altered in such a way as to identify students with gangs is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: sagging/baggy pants, shorts with knee high socks, hanging belts, canvas belts (military style), or gang related initials on belt buckles. 4. Pants must fit at the waist and not be more than one size too large or one size too small. If belts are worn, they must not be more than one size too large. 5. Attire which is sexually suggestive or extremely brief is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to: low-cut garments, strapless or off the shoulder tops, straps less than 2 inches in width, bare midriffs, tank tops/racer-back tops or muscle shirts, undershirts, tops that expose undergarments, shorts which are shorter than mid-thigh or finger-tip length, and skirts shorter than finger-tip length. 6. Attire that advocates, advertises or symbolizes any type of alcohol, drugs, tobacco or acts which are illegal, violent, obscene, or hazardous to one’s health is not allowed. 7. Shoes must be worn at all times. Flip-flops, socks or sock-like footwear, slippers, backless shoes, or shoes with over a one-inch heel are not safe or appropriate for school. 8. Clothing, jewelry, and other accessories that present a safety hazard to the wearer or others are not allowed. Facial piercings other than ear lobes are not allowed. 9. Facial make-up is not allowed, nor is non-natural hair color that creates a distraction. 10. In accordance with Educational Code 35183.5 hats or other head coverings may be worn at school. Such hats or head coverings must be school appropriate and follow the various guidelines enumerated in this policy. 11. Sun glasses may not be worn in school buildings. *Consequences will be applied for district dress code violations based on the nature of the

violation and whether it is a repeated offense

ACADEMIC AWARDS Student Rewards: To reward students and classes that consistently show appropriate behavior and exemplary academic progress, many awards are given. Among them are:

1. HONOR ROLL: This certificate is awarded to 4th, 5th, & 6th grade students who have maintained a grade point average of 3.0 - 3.99.

2. PRINCIPAL’S HONOR ROLL:

This certificate is awarded to 4th, 5th, & 6th grade students who have maintained a grade point average of 4.0. 3. MATH MASTERS AWARD:

This recognition is awarded to all Kinder-3rd grade students who have earned all 2’s and 3’s on all Math Standards on the students report card.

4. REMARKABLE READER AWARD:

This recognition is awarded to all Kinder-3rd grade students who have earned all 2’s and 3’s on all Reading Standards on the students report card.

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5. S.O.A.R. AWARD: This recognition is awarded to all Kinder-6th grade students. Each Teacher will choose 3 students per Trimester that have modeled our S.O.A.R behaviors and expectations (see moto below.) S. Self-Control O. On Task A. Achievement R. Respect

6. Perfect Attendance Policy: Revised May 3, 2011 This recognition is awarded to all Kinder-6th grade students who have achieved Perfect Attendance per Trimester. Students that achieve All Year Perfect attendance will receive a special award and medal at the end of the year. In order for students to achieve Perfect Attendance, students must have 0 absences, sick days (partial or whole), 0 tardies or early pick-ups. All other appointments (doctor, dentist, etc) which occur during instructional hours will exclude students from earning Perfect Attendance. Incomplete independent Study Contracts will also exclude students from earning Perfect Attendance.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION Participation in special activities sponsored by Carroll Fowler School is a privilege. Therefore, it is limited to students who are well-behaved, follow school rules, and cooperate with one another and their teachers. Students will be excluded from participation in any special activity for one or more of the following reasons: 1. Consistent disregard of the school or classroom rules. This includes students who

have received an excessive number of citations from the playground and/or cafeteria, or students who have been sent to the office for discipline reasons more than two times during the three weeks before any special activity.

2. Severe disruptions or behaviors which result in suspension from school and/or classroom. Students suspended from the classroom, and detained or sent home within the period of two weeks before any special activity will not be allowed to participate.

3. Demonstrated inability to cooperate and respond appropriately during previous special activities. In some cases, students who are under suspension from bus riding privileges may also be ineligible for activities involving transportation.

Students who are excluded from participation in a special event for any of the above mentioned reasons may participate if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian AND if the principal and teacher have given prior approval.

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DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

We are very proud of our students. We are also proud of our Discipline Plan. Therefore, we expect proper conduct from all students. Every child has a right to feel safe at school and to be in a productive learning environment. Every teacher has a right to teach and to expect students to allow others in the room to hear and to learn. If your child has any problems, encourage him/her to contact his/her teacher or the yard duty supervisor immediately. As a parent, you should feel free to call the teacher or the principal, at any time, about your child's school behavior or that of another person toward your child. Each parent is requested to review the Carroll Fowler School rules and the Ceres Unified School District's Conduct Code found on our Ceres Website http://www.ceres.k12.ca.us/ with his/her child(ren) periodically during the school year. It is very important that each parent and child have a clear understanding of the rules for appropriate behavior and the consequences should a child choose to break the rules. If a child continually chooses to break school rules, or is involved in severe disruptions (fighting, defiance of school authorities, etc.), he or she will be given alternative means of correction, suspended and/or expelled from school. The key to our Discipline plan is not just the consistency of applied consequences, but the abundance of positive recognition offered to students who follow school rules.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR Expectations

At Carroll Fowler School, we teach and emphasize positive behaviors helping students to develop appropriate behavior patterns, which will follow them throughout their entire lives. Our partnerships require effort on the part of everyone: faculty, staff, students and parent. We are teach and model expected student behavior per our S.O.A.R. Matrix below per campus locations.

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BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION PROCESS

The following behaviors which will result in a step intervention include, but are not limited to

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STUDENT SERVICES Students may be seen by school health or mental health professionals (e.g., school nurse, counselor, social worker, school phycologist, student support specialist, social skills facilitators) without parent notice or consent to ensure that the student is safe or is not a danger to others. District school phycologist routinely assist teachers in planning classroom instruction and monitoring its effectiveness and do not need to notify parent of, or seek consent for, such involvement in student support. Parents also have the right to request our counseling services themselves through Teacher or Administrative request.

SUSPENSIONS

The following behaviors may result in suspension from school and could lead to expulsion: AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION LAW (State Law 48900) 1. Physical injury to another person - actual or threatened 2. Commission of obscene acts or engagement in habitual profanity or vulgarity 3. Damage to or theft of school or private property 4. Possession or sale of weapons 5. Possession or sale of drugs, alcoholic beverages, or intoxicants 6. Possession or use of tobacco 7. Sexual harassment 10. Hate violence

11. Intimidation 12. Bullying

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LIBRARY We are proud of our library! All students visit the library on a weekly basis. Students check out books for a variety of purposes (research, report or recreational reading). All persons checking out books are responsible for keeping the books in good shape and returning them to the library. All students may check out (2) books per week. All persons who damage or lose books will be charged for repairs or replacements. Families and staff may also check out books for their children. Please visit our Library Media Clerk for details. All textbooks are also checked out through our library. If a book is lost or damaged, it needs to be paid for before a person may check out any other materials. All textbooks must be returned in good condition. Reading is an asset to all children. Please encourage reading as a leisure activity at home. Talk with your children about the books they read. Kids like to share a good story with someone else, especially a parent. Help your child to find the joy of reading.

TECHNOLOGY Technology provides students with access to people and materials from all over the world. We believe that information and interaction promotes educational excellence and is consistent with the goals of the district. The Internet does include some materials that are not appropriate for students. Efforts are taken to protect students from inappropriate materials, but it is impossible to completely protect students from materials that are not consistent with CUSD goals. Students will use the Internet within an educational activity, such as performing research, developing projects and disseminating information. An "Acceptable Use Policy" will be sent home with each student. It is important to discuss the rules and consequences with your child. Students will not be allowed to use the Internet until the contract is signed and returned. The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. The privilege may be withdrawn if it is not used responsibly. INTERNET RULES AND EXPECTATIONS Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks and devices used to access the Internet just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. The school network is provided for students to conduct research, complete assignments, and communicate with others. Individual users of the district computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks. District managed Internet and network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system

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responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on District managed storage will be always be private. During school, teachers will guide students toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear responsibility for such guidance as they must also exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio and other potentially offensive media. The following are not permitted: • Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures • Using obscene language • Giving personal information when using the system, such as complete name, address, phone number and identifiable photo without permission from teacher and parent or guardian. • Harassing, insulting or attacking others • Deliberately damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks • Violating copyright laws • Using others' passwords • Trespassing in others' folders, work or files • Employing the network for commercial purposes, financial gain, or fraud. • Violations may result in a loss of access.

STUDENT COUNCIL Student Council is a way to involve the children in leadership, school decisions, teach responsibility, and to help students understand procedures. Our Student Council is an active group that supports the school's activities. Student leaders (3rd - 6th) are elected yearly. Some of the activities of Student Council include: spirit days, student awards, assemblies, and involvement in many school-wide events. Fund-raisers are conducted to help pay for many of the school activities and special events. School beautification projects, additional playground equipment, and canned food drives for needy families in our community are just a few of the many activities and events sponsored by our Student Council. For more information contact the school office at 556-1640.

MUSIC We have a very exciting music program at Carroll Fowler and we are very proud of our devoted music students. Our music students benefit in immeasurable ways. Music education provides a discipline that is proven to broaden a child’s education, elevate their academic success, and provide memorable and enriching life experiences. Students who choose music will be enrolled in music for the year. Carroll Fowler offers a beginning band class, an advanced band class and a chorus class. All 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students are eligible to participate. For more information about being involved in music, call 556-1640.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION Carroll Fowler physical education program has several objectives: To have students participate in a variety of P.E. activities that will help to develop loco-motor

skill and eye-hand coordination appropriate for grade level as stated by California State Frameworks.

To attain levels of the four fitness components as stated in the California State Frameworks. To have students participate in activities that includes beginning components of sport skills. To have students participate in activities that includes beginning components of dance and

rhythmic skills. To give interactive lectures concerning health education appropriate for grade level as stated

in the California State Frameworks. To give opportunities for cross-curricular instruction. To enhance appropriate social skills and respect for themselves and others.

ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION Adapted Physical Education serves a wide variety of students with unique and diverse needs, including those with severe or chronic physical challenges and also students whose gross motor abilities are not developmentally age appropriate. The Adapted P.E. program consists of active participation in gross motor skill building activities, modified sports and games, as well as many other learning opportunities through movement.

HEALTH

A letter from our Nurses… Dear Parents, Welcome to a new school year! Healthy children learn best and your school nurse is here to help each child reach and maintain optimal health. We would like to share some information with you to help insure a safe, healthy year for your student. Emergency Information: Please keep the office informed of changes in home and work phone numbers. It is also important that you have local emergency numbers for when you cannot be reached. We will always attempt to notify parents first but need the emergency number so an ill or injured child can receive prompt care. Children that are ill and not picked up by 3:30 P.M. could possibly be turned over to the Ceres Police Department. Medications: California Education Code 11753.1 allows the school to assist in the administration of medication if requested to do so by the physician and parent. An authorization form, available from the school office, must be completed by the physician and parent. Medications must be brought to school by an adult in the original pharmacy labeled bottle. Medication requests must be renewed each year and any changes in the medication should be reported to the school by the parent. Inhalers and auto-injectable epinephrine (Epipen) may be carried by the student, as long as the student’s parents and doctor give permission and all appropriate medical release forms and parent request for administration of medication are on file in the nurse’s office (see school nurse for more information). As a way to safeguard against students losing or using up their inhalers,

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the American Lung Association of California recommends that all students with asthma have an inhaler in the health care office, even when that inhaler is in addition to the one the student carries. Be aware that the school may take disciplinary action if a student misuses an inhaler or Epipen in any way, including sharing it with anyone, using it inappropriately, or spraying it at anyone. In these circumstances, the question of a student’s maturity may be also raised with the physician and your child may lose the privilege to carry their own inhaler. All medication not picked up on the last day of school will be discarded in accordance with District policy. Vision/Hearing screenings Mandated vision and hearing screenings will be conducted during the school year. If you do not want a vision or hearing screening for your child, you will need to submit a letter to the office before school begins each year. First Grade Physicals: The California Health and Safety code requires that every child entering first grade in a California school have a health check-up. A certificate signed by a doctor, must be presented to the school by December 1st to verify that the child has received the health check-up. Physical examinations completed after March 1, 2021 meet the requirement. TB testing: Parent volunteers, as well as staff members, must have a current clearance for tuberculosis. The PPD or Mantoux Skin Test is acceptable and may be obtained from your physician, the County Health Department or Ceres School District. Clinics are held once a month. Call your school nurse or staff for information about the next clinic. The skin test is good for four years. If you have had a positive skin test in the past a chest x-ray is required. Illness: Your child will be in close contact with many other children in the school setting which allows illnesses to spread easily. Please be alert to signs of illness and keep your child home if you suspect he/she is still not well. If you think your child might have a communicable disease such as chicken pox, ringworm, impetigo, strep throat, hepatitis or head lice please notify your school nurse right away. Please keep your child at home if you notice any of the following signs of illness:

• Fever of 100* or more will be sent home and allowed to return 24 hours later • Vomiting or Diarrhea • Thick drainage from the eye, or eyelashes/eyelids stuck together when child wakes up • Skin rash • Or any contagious illness

Chronic health problems: If your child has a chronic health problem such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, allergic reactions, etc., please notify your school nurse and child's teacher. This allows them to plan for any special needs your child might have. Head Lice Could your child come home with head lice? Understand the problem before it becomes one. A lice infestation can happen to anyone. Socioeconomic background or lack of cleanliness has nothing to do with determining who gets lice. Lice are insects. They are a treatable condition that can be eliminated once they are discovered. Know the symptoms of a lice infestation. If your child is constantly itching, check the scalp for lice or eggs. The eggs will appear as white specks stuck to the hair near the scalp. Ceres Unified School District has a NO NIT policy, which means all eggs

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(dead or alive) must be removed before returning to the classroom. You must accompany your child to be checked by school personnel to determine if your child is ready to return to school.

INSURANCE An insurance policy is available to parents who wish to voluntarily enroll in this coverage for their children. The fee is nominal and there are several plans from which to choose. Information will be sent home the first week of school. The district does not provide paid insurance for students.

TOBACCO FREE SCHOOL

Ample evidence has demonstrated the health hazards associated with the use of tobacco products, including smoking and the breathing of second-hand smoke. Therefore, in accordance with state and federal law, as well as Ceres Unified School District Policy, Carroll Fowler Elementary School prohibits the use of tobacco anywhere and anytime on district property.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

WAIVER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY The Ceres Unified School district, its officers, agents, or employees shall not be responsible, in any manner, for the loss, theft, damage, or destruction of any personal property brought onto District premises by students, for any reason whatsoever, including, but not limited to, a request by a staff member. Students who bring personal property onto school premises assume all risk of loss, theft, damage or destruction of personal property which may occur; this includes any type of electronic book reading devices (kindle). All bikes must be locked in the bike rack area. The following personal items are not allowed at school or on school sponsored activities (e.g. fieldtrips): toys, cell phones, electronic devices (radios, CD Players, video games, iPods etc.), skateboards, skates, skate shoes with wheels, scooters, sports equipment/balls, and trading cards. If personal items are confiscated, the parent is required to personally pick up the devise from the office.

STUDENT SAFETY

When the weather is warmer many students will be riding their bikes, scooters and skateboards to school. Please remember that it is a state law that when students are riding a bike, scooter or

skateboard they must be wearing a helmet. They must be able to lock the skateboard or scooter up to the bike rack, as they are not to be stored in the classrooms. If your child has shoe skates, they must remove those wheels before coming to school. If the wheels cannot be removed they

cannot wear the skates to school.

BICYCLE/SKATE BOARD RULES

Riding your bicycle/skateboard to school is a privilege. If the student chooses not to follow the rules, this privilege will be taken away. Bicycles/Skateboards must be kept in the bike rack. For safety reasons, they should be locked during the day. The school is not responsible for theft or damage.

RULES TO REMEMBER: 1. Only one person may ride a bike at a time.

2. Students must walk their bicycles to the bike rack.

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3. Students must leave all bicycles alone except their own bicycles. 4. Students must follow California State law and wear bicycle helmets. REMEMBER: Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, skates, and skate shoes are not allowed in the school corridors or classrooms at any time.

CERES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT P.O. Box 307

Ceres, CA 95307

Ceres Unified Schools Board of Trustees Name Position Term Expires

Betty Davis President 2022

Valli Wigt Clerk 2022

Lourdes Perez Board Member 2022

Faye Lane Board Member 2024

Hugo Molina Board Member 2024

Brian de la Porte Board Member 2024

Mike Welsh Board Member 2022

Board of Education meetings are held at 7:00 PM at the Ceres Unified School District Offices located at 2503 Lawrence Street in Ceres. The public is welcome to attend. To access meeting agendas and schedules, visit our website www.ceres.k12.ca.us and click on Board of Trustees.

DISTRICT PERSONNEL

Superintendent Dr. Denise Wickham Deputy Supt., Personnel Services Dr. Denise Wickham Assistant Supt., Educational Services Amy Peterman Assistant Supt., Business Services Dan Pangrazio Assistant Supt., Student Support Services Jay Simmonds Director of Curriculum and Instruction Kirsten Saint Director of Personnel Services David Viss Director of Fiscal Services Robin Clayton Director of Special Education Kristi Britton Director of Maintenance Ken Hines Director of Transportation Nancy Krigbaum Director of Child Nutrition Rhonda Whitehead Coordinator, Child Welfare and Attendance Jose Beltran Coordinator, Technology and Media Services Chris Higle

DISTRICT OFFICE AND COMMUNITY NUMBERS Superintendent 556-1500 Ceres Parks & Recreation 538-5782 Business Office 556-1560 Ceres Youth Baseball 538-8326 Personnel 556-1510 Ceres Youth Football 537-7523 Ed. Services 556-1530 Ceres Youth Soccer 538-4717 Attendance 556-1540 Young Olympians/Karate 538-5782 Student Support 556-1530 Ceres Library 537-8938 Transportation 556-1595 Stanislaus Library 558-7814

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Ed. Options 556-1550 Adult Education 556-1557