Dress Code

Moffitt Elementary School is committed to safety and to providing all students with a positive learning environment. In support of Board Policy RR 5596, the school follows the mandatory district uniform policy and has established a dress code that requires students to wear clothing that is neat, clean, safe and appropriate for school activities. Students must dress appropriately.  Clothing must not disrupt the learning process, endanger student safety, or communicate an unwanted or dangerous message. If there is a doubt as to whether a garment is appropriate for school, we suggest that it not be worn. Moffitt Elementary School has compiled the following standards in the best interest of all students and the education process.

School Uniforms

Based on research that student uniforms help to create a positive learning climate, contribute to safe schools, and encourage higher standards of excellence for students in the areas of achievement and behavior, the Board of Education has adopted a mandatory uniform policy for grades K-8. The policy contains a section on parent rights to exempt their children from the uniform requirements. The exemption form may signed by the parent in the school office.

Mandatory Uniform Requirements

All students are required to wear uniforms to school each day. The following description of acceptable uniforms will assist parents in buying appropriate school clothes for their children:

BOYS

*Solid white/navy blue shirt (collared, no logos) and/or Moffitt spirit shirts

*Close-toed shoes that allow for participation in physical education

*White or navy blue sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket

GIRLS             

*Solid white/navy blue shirt or blouse (collared, no logos) and/or Moffitt spirit shirts

*Navy blue skirt, jumper, pants, shorts, skorts, or dark colored jeans

*White or navy blue sweater, sweatshirt or jacket

*Close-toed shoes that allow for participation in physical education

 

DRESS CODE VIOLATION CONSEQUENCES:

1. First violation: Warning - Parent Notification

2. Second violation: Parent notified by phone to bring an appropriate uniform for student to change into.

4.Fourth violation:  Parent notified by phone to bring an appropriate uniform for student to change into.  The parent and student will be required to meet with the principal.

5.  Repeated dress code violations will be subject to more extreme disciplinary action.  The parent will be notified and given an opportunity to discuss the matter.

Playground Rules

Students are expected to follow these playground standards during recess and lunch.

• Hallways and between building areas are off-limits during recess and lunch.

• Use only soft rubber balls, volleyballs or basketballs in the blacktop area.

• Kicking ball games are allowed only on the grass area.

• Games that involve piling on, wrestling, karate kicking, or fighting (play or otherwise) are strictly forbidden.

• If a ball is hit out of the school area (fences), an adult is to retrieve it.

• During morning recess, snacks brought from home or purchased from the Snack Shack may be eaten on the patio area by the cafeteria. All wrappers/papers must be disposed of in trash cans.

• Gum and sunflower seeds are not permitted at school.

• Backstops, tether ball poles and fences are not to be climbed.

• Restrooms and drinking fountains are to be used properly and are not to be used as play areas.

• All games are to be played by their approved rules.

• Students are expected to obey the noon aides immediately and politely. If they fail to do so, they may be 1) warned, 2) given time out, 3) refer the student to his/her teacher, 4) refer to the office, and 5) phone to parents.

• Teachers are to make arrangements for timed-out students to be placed in another classroom until the end of lunch or recess. This provides monitoring of that student and removes him/her from temptations to further misbehave.

Homework is an integral part of the educational process. It is an extension of the classroom instruction, giving students reinforcement in using what has been taught in the classroom. It allows students to develop self-confidence and self-discipline. Homework encourages students to work independently and to develop a sense of responsibility that will promote good study habits which will be useful throughout the student’s school career. Homework gives parents an opportunity to see what their child is doing in school and the progress that is being made.

Schoolwide reading will be assigned everyday during the school week. Students should read to their parents or be read to by their parents on a daily basis. Suggested time spent for reading is as follows:

• Kindergarten - First     15 - 20 minutes
• Second - Third     20 - 30 minutes
• Fourth - Sixth     30 - 40 minutes

Teachers will assign their own homework guidelines to reflect the current course of study specific to their grade levels. Homework assignments will be designed for additional practice, enrichment, or as an extension of the school day. Homework assignments shall be interesting and motivating.

Types of homework may be:

• a specific assignment (writing, math, spelling)
• homework writing journal
• class work needing completion
• long-term project
• research paper
• Before a student is assigned an independent practice and application as homework, they shall first have had guided practice and application with supervision and feedback from their teacher..

Suggestions for parents:

• show interest by asking your child what was learned in school today.
• check homework to see if its correct and neatly done.
• communicate regularly with the teacher to know your child’s progress.
• encourage your child’s efforts with praise (frequently show you are proud).
• have high expectations and let your child and the teacher know you believe your child is capable to do his/her very best.
• read, read, read ---- model that you value reading by reading and visiting the library with your child. YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!

In order to create an environment of unity and a sense of belonging it is important for the school community to provide a caring ambiance that is structured and clearly defined. Working together we can promote a nurturing atmosphere by having guidelines for maintaining good discipline.

Misbehavior should not be disregarded or overlooked by a teacher or other supervisors on campus, but should be dealt with immediately in a positive and professional manner. Disciplining a child must be done with dignity. It is important that schoolwide we are:

• Specific and consistent
• Respectful and fair
• Calm and mature

Teachers are responsible for maintaining order and control in the classroom. Each teacher is to meet with his/her grade level team to establish classroom standards and behavior and to enforce rules of the playground, cafeteria and restrooms. A copy of each grade level team’s standards will be given to the principal to keep on file.

With the exceptions of fighting and threats to teachers or students or student safety, discipline problems should first be addressed in the classroom. Students with severe behavior problems may be sent to the office with the proper referral form.

School-wide student behavior standards are as follows:

Student demonstrates respect for self by obeying all adults in authority with a courteous manner.
Student demonstrates respect towards all adults and other students by using appropriate language and respecting rights and property of others.
Student demonstrates classroom conduct which enhances the learning process and maximizes student responsibility. Student follows the rules of the classroom.
Student demonstrates cafeteria conduct which includes proper health standards, pleasant table manners and good eating habits. Students follow rules of the cafeteria.
Student demonstrates playground conduct that includes fair play, good sportsmanship and safety procedures. Student follows rules of the playground.

School Bus Safety Information

Upon registration, the parents or guardians of all pupils not previously transported in a school bus or school pupil activity bus and who are prekindergarten, and grades 1 to 6, inclusive, shall be provided with written information on school bus safety. The following information shall include, but not limited to, all of the following:

a) A list of school bus stops near each pupil's home.
b) General rules of conduct at school bus loading zones.
c) Red light crossing instructions.
d) School bus danger zones.
e) Walking to and from bus stops.

General Rules of Conduct at School Bus Loading Zones

1. Arrive a few minutes early.
2. Line up when you see the bus coming.
3. Stand back from the bus at least 12 feet.
4. Don't push or shove.
5. Respect other people's property and belongings.
6. Do not stand on other people's yards or play with their flowers or shrubs.
7. Do not throw things into the street, at passing cars, at other students waiting for the bus or at other people's home.

Red Light Cross Instruction

1. Always cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus and only when you see the red light and stop sign are working.
2. Always follow the bus driver's instructions.
3. Never cross behind the bus.

Walking To and From School Bus Stops

1. Never run to or from bus stop.
2. Leave home plenty of time to get to the bus stop.
3. Stay out of the street.
4. Use sidewalks and crosswalks.
5. Do not play in other people's yards or destroy their property along the way.

Transportation of Property

1. Animals: No animals except those specified in Civil Code Section 54.2 shall be transported in a school bus.