Toltec

School District

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Student Handbook

2022-2023 Student Handbook

Students are expected to follow all current and future school polices in the handbook and all current and future school district board policies (https://policy.azsba.org/asba/browse/toltec/welcome/root).

2022-2023 Handbook Attachment - Dresscode Guide

Student Handbook

TOLTEC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Welcome! We are so pleased that you have chosen our school! Toltec School District is comprised of two schools: Arizona City Elementary School (ACES) and Toltec Elementary School (TES). Our schools are a place for learning. We have high academic and behavioral expectations for all. We strive to develop responsible citizenship, including respect for the personal rights & property of others. Kids at Hope is our core philosophy. We believe all kids are capable of success and we connect with our students to foster individual success.

COVID-19 SAFETY MEASURES

Toltec School District makes every effort to adhere to state and local guidelines. Safety of students and staff is our top priority, so normal routines are subjected to change for an undefined period of time. The following procedures override any other conflicting procedures defined in this handbook during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Visitors may not be permitted on campus if Covid numbers rise.
Students will not be permitted unto school grounds early. Drop off times are:

7:00 a.m. for TES and

7:30 a.m. for ACES.

Temperature checks may be required for all who enter.
Do not come to school if you are sick or have a temperature.
Toltec School district will comply with state and/or Federal guidelines pertaining to face coverings.
Students will thoroughly wash his/her hands multiple times a day. Campus handwashing and sanitizing stations are conveniently available for frequent use.
Student schedules cannot be changed after committing to a method of learning due to scheduling complexity. Upon request, reevaluation of one’s choice can be accommodated at the conclusion of the quarter.
Breakfast and lunch will be consumed in the cafeteria.

CONTACT ROSTER

ACES:

Office/Attendance 466-2450
Register/Withdraw 466-2453
Health Services 466-2444
Cafeteria 466-2464
Library 466-2490

TES:

Office/Attendance 466-2351
Register/Withdraw 466-2350
Health Services 466-2351
Cafeteria 466-2380
Library 466-2391

DISTRICTWIDE:

District Office 466-2360
Boys & Girls Club 466-2421
Transportation 466-2396
Truancy 466-2354
Special Services 466-2353

CAMPUS/OFFICE GUIDELINES

Toltec School District strives for positive and safe campuses inclusive of our offices. We ask all parents and visitors to adhere to the following guidelines:

Smile, students are watching.
Stay positive.
Your patience is appreciated. We attend to several hundred students.
Speak softly and use appropriate, student-friendly language.
Be respectful, this is a learning environment.

As a matter of school safety, any person not adhering to the guidelines, and/or creating a hostile environment on campus, may be subject to one or more of the following responses:

Removal from the campus,
Police contact, and/or
Restricted campus access.

Students are expected to follow all current and future school campus policies in the TSD Student Handbook as well as all current and future School Board Policies (https://policy.azsba.org/asba/browse/toltec/welcome/root) while attending a school at Toltec School District.

VISITORS/VOLUNTEERS

Parents and community members are encouraged to visit the school and your child's classroom. All visitors must check in the school office upon arrival. A valid state issued photo ID is required for the sign in/sign out process, which includes visitation and student pick up.

To visit the classroom, you must make prior arrangements with the principal at least 24 hours in advance. The learning environment is protected from unplanned interruptions for the benefit of all of our students.

SITE COUNCIL

The Site Council is facilitated by the Principal. Committee members including parents, teachers, classified staff members, and community members. The efforts of the Site Council are vital to our school’s success. By partnering with the school, and encouraging our students and staff, student success is fostered.

Meetings are scheduled and held outside of the instructional day. You are encouraged to apply for any open position by visiting the school office.

REGISTRATION

The registration process requires the following: birth certificate, immunization record, proof of residency, and photo ID. A withdrawal slip is necessary when transferring in from another district. Guardians must also provide current legal custodial documentation. Legal Custody is defined as per ARS §15-824:

The natural or adoptive parents with whom the pupil resides.
Custody granted by order of a court of competent jurisdiction, i.e. Superior Court or above.

For admission to kindergarten, children must be five years of age prior to September 1st of the current school year. Children who reach age six prior to September 1st, or have successfully completed an accredited kindergarten program, may be admitted to first grade. Early admittance into kindergarten requires academic evaluation, Principal recommendation, and Governing Board approval.

NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE

Parents(s)/guardian(s) must agree to notify the school within five working days of any of the following changes: guardianship, telephone number, or residential and/or mailing address.

STUDENT WITHDRAWAL

When withdrawing your child from school, the school office should be notified 48 hours in advance. A signed parental consent slip is required to forward student records.

ATTENDANCE

Toltec Elementary School Hours:

School begins at 7:30 a.m. and dismisses at 3:00 p.m. Students are asked to arrive as early as 7:00 a.m. Office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Arizona City Elementary School Hours:

School begins at 8:15 a.m. and dismisses at 3:45 p.m. Students are asked to arrive as early as 7:30 a.m. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Toltec School District believes strongly in the importance of attendance, which is a necessary component of success for a student. When a student is absent, a parent must call the school. Attendance enforcement is outlined in Arizona state law since school attendance is a lawful requirement.

Every absence must be cleared:

1. Report a student’s absence by calling the Attendance Clerk at your child’s school.

2. Upon return to school, a student must bring a written excuse from the doctor to the office. The note must show:

(a) Student’s Name,

(b) Date of Absence(s), and

Every attempt should be made to schedule appointments outside of school hours. If a student needs to be dismissed early, he/she must be signed out through the office.

TARDINESS/TRUANCY

All students must report to the office to sign in if arriving to school after 7:30 a.m. at TES or after 8:15 at ACES. Students who are not in school, or tardy without parental or school consent, will be considered truant. Truancy violates state and local attendance laws and will be considered a serious offense. Continued truancy may result in legal action or expulsion. Students with a pattern of tardiness at the beginning of the school day or between classes will be subject to disciplinary action.

A student is considered tardy if he/she is not under direct supervision of a teacher immediately after the second bell rings for any class or campus activity.

Truancy is defined as an unexcused absence for a minimum of one class period. One truant class period equates to three unexcused tardies.

PHONE POLICY

Phone calls will not be transferred to teachers or students during the school instructional day as this disrupts the educational learning environment. A parent/guardian may speak with a staff member in the office to leave a message to be delivered to his/her student.

If transportation or pick-up plans change unexpectedly, the office must be notified at least an hour prior to dismissal on the day of the change to ensure sufficient time to relay the notification.

CAMPUS EVACUATION PROCEDURE

In the event of a campus emergency, all students and personnel on campus will be transported via school buses and school vehicles to a designated site. Detailed plans for emergencies are outlined in the school’s Emergency Response Plan. Students will be closely supervised at the evacuation site until the parent/guardian officially signs to check out the student from the school’s care into the care of the family.

PARENT/GUARDIAN

EMERGENCY CONTACT

It is very important to keep your child’s emergency information up to date so we can reach you if there is a problem. In case of an emergency, every effort will be made to contact the parent/guardian immediately. If the parent cannot be reached, alternate contacts, as listed on the student’s emergency card, will be notified. In the case of necessary emergency medical care, the local fire department is summoned. The student could potentially be transported to the nearest hospital. While at school, injuries remain the responsibility of the parent for all related medical bills.

Health Office

A signed parental medical consent slip is required for a student to receive full District medical services. Students must report to the health office to take medication.

All medication, including inhalers, must be kept in the health office. Prescription medications to be administered at school must be delivered by an adult in the current prescription bottle or box with dispensing instructions.

For the health and safety of all students, noncompliance with the policy requiring all prescribed and over-the-counter medications be kept in the health office, will result in disciplinary consequences.

Any student who becomes ill or injured should report to the health office or Principal’s office immediately. School personnel will contact the family if a student is ill or injured. Students are not allowed to use personal cell phones during the school day unless permission is granted by school personnel. A school phone can be made available for student use upon receiving permission to do so. Students who become ill during school hours should be taken home since our care facilities are limited. It is very important that we have an alternate person to contact in the event of an emergency in case the parent cannot be reached. Students are not allowed to leave school grounds, under any circumstances, without permission of the health or administration office.

For the health and safety of your child, as well as other students and faculty, the following information should be used as guidelines for keeping an ill child home:

Fever: Any child with a temperature of 100 or higher should stay home until the temperature is normal for a 24-hour period.

Diarrhea/Vomiting: Any child who experiences an episode of diarrhea or vomiting, the previous night or in the morning before school, should remain at home. The child can return to school 24 hours after the last episode.

Upper Respiratory Infection: Any child under a physician’s care for bronchitis, strep throat, or any upper respiratory infection warranting antibiotics may, with the written permission of the doctor, return to school at least 24-hours after the onset of antibiotic therapy. A child who has a cold, not accompanied by a fever or cough, may attend school.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This can be highly contagious; children may return to school after being treated with written permission from the physician.

Lice: Children infested with lice will be sent home upon identification of the infestation to protect others from the possible spread of lice. Please treat the infestation and return the child to school after proper treatment and removal of all lice. The student returning to school, will be rechecked in the health office before returning to the classroom. Children solely infected with nits/eggs, will receive a treatment recommendation.

IMMUNIZATION

ARS §15-342 requires children to be immunized, as prescribed by Arizona Health Services, before enrollment into a public school. Exceptions will be made if the child will be seriously endangered by the immunization or if the child is being raised in a religion where teachings are opposed to immunization. A special form must be completed if either exception is to be honored.

A copy of your child’s immunization record will be made and kept in the school health office. Please note: all students in 6th grade, or 11 years of age, are required to have Tdap and meningococcal vaccines.

NUTRITIONAL PROGRAMS

Toltec School District participates in the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch programs. Breakfast and lunch are free to all students.

Meal Rates for Adults: Breakfast $2.50 Lunch $3.50 Extra Milk $0.30

WELLNESS POLICY

Toltec School District participates in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Programs. Food sold and served during the school day, comply with all nutrient standards established by the USDA.
Parents are asked to provide their child with a healthy lunch which may include a meat item, a bread item and/or two or more servings of fruit & vegetables. Please do not include candy or soda as part of the lunch. Approved snacks & drinks must be consumed in the cafeteria. Bottled water is the only drink allowed on campus.
In abiding to this Wellness Policy and the focus on limiting instruction interruptions, classroom parties accompanied by treats lacking nutritional value are prohibited. Snacks such as cake, cupcakes, and candy are examples of foods lacking in nutritional value. Fruits, vegetables, and granola bars are examples of nutritional snacks.
Gum and sunflower seeds are not permitted on campus.
GRADING POLICY

Kindergarten
Math Savvas 2020
Language Arts/Reading Harcourt
  *Depending on the length of the Unit, The Kindergarten Language Arts Assessment is administered once every two/three weeks.
  *The Math and Language Arts/Reading Assessments are primarily for the purpose of grouping students according to level of ability for intervention.
  *Letter grades are not assigned in Kindergarten. However, based on the TSD Quarterly Report Card, students are rated on a numerical scale:
1= Meets Standard
2= Approaches Standard
3= Falls far below Standard
4= Not Assessed yet

First through Eighth Grade Levels:
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = 59% and below
Best Practices: Promoting students to work at his/her full potential and remediating when a student is not performing at his/her best.
What is graded? Formative (one weekly per subject area as a minimum), Summative (one every three to four weeks as a minimum), and Participation (one every week per subject area as a minimum). *Accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Proportions/weights: Formative assessments (classwork) = 45%, Summative assessments (tests) = 45%, Participation = 10% (Teacher definition, clearly communicated to students and parents.)
Homework may be occasionally assigned on a teacher-by-teacher basis for practice, preparation, or extension of learning objectives. Homework will not impact subject grades; however, teachers may monitor completion of homework. If a student does not complete class work during the regular school day, he/she may be required to finish at home. If classwork is not completed (in class or at home) it will impact the corresponding grade.
PROGRESS REPORTS
and REPORT CARDS

The purpose of a student progress report is to communicate information about your child’s current achievement. Progress reports are sent home every three weeks. Report cards are sent home at the end of every quarter/semester or dispersed at scheduled Family-Teacher Conferences. However, we encourage you to contact the teacher any time you have questions or concerns.

HONOR ROLL
In recognition and promotion of academic excellence, both the Honor Roll and the Principal’s Honor Roll are utilized. The determination of the Honor Roll list, composed at the conclusion of each quarter, includes grades in all subject areas. A student earning an “A” average (no grades below an “A minus“), are recognized as earning the Principal’s Honor Roll. A student earning a “B” average (no grades below a “B minus“), achieve Honor Roll recognition.
PROMOTION & RETENTION
Grade level promotion or retention is based on evidence of individual student progress. If student retention is a possibility, the teacher will collaborate with parents and administration while adhering to ARS §75-701 requirements. If the prescribed criteria has been met in accordance with the law, the teacher has the final authority to determine whether a student will be retained. As per District policy, the parent may appeal to the Governing Board for reconsideration of a placement decision.
Move On When Reading
Please be advised of the Arizona Move on When Reading (MOWR) law. All students, parents, and teachers need to be committed together to ensure student success.
ARS §15-701 states that a pupil not be promoted from the third grade if the pupil obtains a score on the reading portion of the statewide assessment that does not demonstrate sufficient reading skills.
There are three exemptions from ARS §15-701. A student earning an insufficient score on the third grade statewide reading assessment may be promoted for the following reasons:
? The student is an English Language Learner or Limited English Proficient who has received less than two years of English instruction; or
? A student with disabilities has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and the IEP team, which includes the student’s parent/guardian, agrees that promotion is appropriate;
? A student in the process of a special education referral or evaluation for placement in special education and/or students that have been diagnosed as having a significant reading impairment, including dyslexia.
Reference to the law: http://www.azleg.gov/ars/15/00701.htm
FAMILY-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Family-Teacher conferences are formally scheduled (dates will be provided), but a parent/guardian is welcome to contact the school to schedule an appointment at any time. Parents are encouraged to collaboratively partner with the teacher in the best interest of the student.
Parents are also encouraged to monitor his/her child’s academic progress as recorded in PowerSchool. A user login and password for the parent is provided annually. [Staff email addresses and a PowerSchool link can be accessed on the District website: www.toltecsd.org]
PARENT’S RIGHT TO KNOW
TITLE I SCHOOLWIDE

Toltec District sites are Title I schoolwide. Parents, with students attending Title I schools, may request information on the professional qualifications of the student’s teacher, such as: the teacher meeting state qualifications or if the teacher’s certification is classified as an emergency certificate, if the teacher has earned a baccalaureate degree, and/or if the child receives services from a paraprofessional and his/her qualifications. If you have questions, please contact the Principal.
KIDS AT HOPE
Kids at Hope is a philosophy that inspires, empowers, and transforms schools, to create an environment and culture where all children experience success, NO EXCEPTIONS!
TRUST-BASED RELATIONAL INTERVENTION
The Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) perspective is an ongoing staff commitment to learning about present trauma and the impact on students, staff, and families. This dedication to increasing knowledge, understanding, and awareness of trauma is at the core of a TBRI mindset. The heart of TBRI is connecting and forming positive relationships with others. The key principles of TBRI interventions are to evaluate the function and intent of behaviors, promote a culture of comfort, recognize practices that are re-traumatizing, reinforce training for all staff, transform the language used to reflect respect, compassion and care, and recognize our role to help promote healing.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make decisions responsibly. Social emotional learning will help students navigate the world more effectively.
SPORTS

For the social and emotional growth of our students, Toltec School District offers sports and participates in a local school league. Parent permission, an annual physical, and proof of insurance are mandatory prior to participation. Academic eligibility requires that a student be passing all subjects prior to participation on a weekly basis. A student will be ineligible behaviorally for the week if he/she violates school policy and receives a written notice of the offense. Attendance eligibility requires an athlete to be present for the entire school day prior to any athletic event. Transportation is provided to and from athletic events. Parents are highly encouraged to attend games.
AFTER SCHOOL EVENTS
Parents/guardians are expected to be present with his/her student and supervise him/her during after school activities, such as: sporting events and other planned evening events.
Parents/guardians are not required to be present during school dances. Drop-off of your student(s) can be no earlier than ten minutes prior to the school dance. Pick-up can be no later than ten minutes after the event is scheduled to conclude.
FIELD TRIPS
Students individually earn field trip participation privileges when: maintaining a passing grade point average, upholding a positive disciplinary record, and sustaining good attendance. [Absences accompanied by a doctor or dental excuse will not be counted against the attendance record for field trips.] Other requirements necessary to qualify for field trips will be communicated to students and parents by the teacher.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
All electronic devices and playground equipment are discouraged from being brought to school, since the school cannot guarantee security for these items. The school is not responsible for loss, damage, or theft of personal items.
Students who bring items to school for the purpose of trade or sell will be subject to disciplinary action.
CELL PHONES
Cell phones are allowed on campus during the instructional day or while attending a school-sponsored activity during school hours if the device is concealed (stored in a backpack/purse) and powered off apart from student transportation. Students will be allowed the use of cell phones while being transported, although video-recording and/or picture-taking is prohibited due to the act being an invasion of privacy. Violations are subject to disciplinary consequences.
Since the school cannot guarantee security for these items, the school is not responsible for loss, damage, or theft.
STUDENT DEVICES WITH WHEELS

With parental permission, a student may ride his/her bicycle to school providing there is a safe route from home to school. Students must adhere to the following:

•   Obey the rules of the road for bicycles
•   Look both ways for oncoming traffic before crossing the street
•   Never ride between parked cars

Students are responsible for ensuring his/her bike is locked to prevent theft. The school will not be responsible for stolen or damaged bicycles.

Bicycles, skateboards, non-motorized scooters, or in-line skates may not be engaged on school grounds at any time.
For safety reasons, students are discouraged from riding bicycles, scooters, etc., from home to school to attend an evening extracurricular event.

DRESS CODE

Students are expected to dress in a manner that reinforces our mission of educating all students to high levels of academic performance, while fostering growth in social/emotional behaviors and attitudes. In facilitation thereof, the Toltec School District Dress Code is as follows:
•   Be clean and neat.
•   Be the appropriate size (not skintight) and not more the one size too large to allow growth.
•   Clothes will not be ripped/frayed, torn, or tattered, holes, or shredded hems.
•   Not be see-through fabric or fishnet.
•   Not show undergarments.
•   Not to be gang related as determined by administration
•   Not interfere with the educational process or present a hazard as determined by administration

Tops, Shirts, Blouses
•   Not to bare the midriff and/or back.
•   Not be “muscle shirts” style
•   Shirts and blouses will have short or long sleeves. Not be tank tops, halter tops, camisole, or strapless. Not be an undershirt.
•   Can be sleeveless but must cover under arm.
•   Must be buttoned, zipped, fastened, or solid within four inches of neckline.

Skirts, Skorts, Shorts, Pants
•   Must be pulled up and snug above the hips.
•   Shorts and skirts are to be no shorter than three inches above the knee.
•   Tights cannot be worn alone. If worn under shorts, dresses or skirts, the shorts dress or skirt must be no shorter than three inches above the knee.

Dresses, Jumper, Rompers
•   Be buttoned, zipped, fastened, or solid to within four inches of the base of the neck.
•   Cover the shoulders or have a under the dress garment covering the shoulder and underarm.
•   Be no shorter than three inches above the knee.

Shoes
•   For safety reasons, students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes (such as athletic shoes) especially for physical education classes.
•   Heel height limited to one inch.
Belts, Belt Buckles, Accessories
•   Not to be more than one-inch size larger than the waist.
•   Belt buckles will be worn at the waist
•   No hats or sunglasses shall be worn inside campus buildings.
•   No wallet chains, scarves, rags, or bandanas shall be worn on campus.
•   Students may wear one pair of earrings in/on the ear lobes.
•   No large hoops or other dangling earrings to include gauges.
•   Necklaces must be worn inside the shirt.
•   No visible body piercings or tattoos (temporary or permanent), including pen and ink drawings on the skin.
•   No teeth “grills”
Any item not listed, but administratively determined to interfere with the learning environment, will be prohibited.
Students are expected to comply with the Dress Code and it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure a student’s attire complies.
On occasion, the Principal may approve a special themed dress day or school spirit day. Special dress attire days will be adequately announced well in advance of the planned event.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY
A student’s appearance must not be disruptive. Proper attention must be shown to personal cleanliness, neatness, and appearance. Bandanas, hairnets, or other nonessential items are not to be worn or brought on campus. Half-blouses, sleeveless tops, midriffs, or miniskirts are prohibited. Short shorts are not allowed. Shorts and skirts are to be no shorter than three inches above the knee. No pajamas. Shoes must always be worn. Flip flops, or slippers, should not be worn on campus. Clothing must not contain offensive lettering or pictures, or any reference to alcohol or tobacco products. No gang related attire, such as: chains, long hanging belts, bandanas, cuffed pant legs, extra-large sagging pants, etc.
LIBRARY BOOK RESPONSIBILITY
Students are responsible for all library books checked out to them. Library books should not be loaned to friends or left where they can be damaged or subject to theft. In the event a book is lost or destroyed, the replacement cost of the book, or a comparable title, will be charged. If a book is damaged, charges will depend upon the extent of the damage. Water damage or animal chewing, that shortens the life of the book, will be half of the replacement cost. Charges begin at $2.00 for graffiti, scribbling, etc. Defacement or removal of call numbers or bar code labels is $2.00. There are no fines for overdue books.

Students are not permitted to check out library books until he/she has responsibly addressed overdue, lost, or damaged book charges. All payments will be handled in the school office.