Parent-Student Handbook

FOOTHILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL
PARENT - STUDENT HANDBOOK

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Welcome to Foothills Middle School!

The foundation of Foothills Middle School is built on the students we serve. We believe that the development of the whole student is a shared responsibility of school, family, and community. Our goal is that students will be challenged and engaged, develop confidence and leadership, and make connections during these important middle school years to best prepare them for high school, college, and career.

Please review our handbook to become familiar with some of our policies and guidelines. The contents of this handbook will answer many frequently asked questions. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. We trust that your time at Foothills will be meaningful and memorable.

See you at school,

Mr. Benjamin Acker
Principal

Vision, Mission and Beliefs

VISION
In the Arcadia Unified School District, families and community are partners for student success. The policies, personnel and resources of the Arcadia Unified School District are used to ensure that all students are provided engaging, meaningful schoolwork that results in challenging them to think and reason, develop ownership for their own lifelong learning, respect diversity, and be contributing members of society.

MISSION
It is the mission of the Arcadia Unified School District and the obligation of each school to provide quality work which is engaging, results in students learning meaningful content, and challenges every student to learn more.

BELIEFS

Students are clients of the school district entitled to quality work.
Teachers are leaders entrusted to create quality work for students.
Principals as leaders of leaders, are accountable for the success of the school.
District-level staff have a responsibility to work with schools and support initiative and effort to design quality work for students.
All support staff contribute to an environment conducive to engaging students in quality work.
The superintendent has a critical responsibility to communicate a vision of the future and to initiate and support action toward the vision.
The Board of Education is responsible for setting policies that are consistent with these beliefs and that help the district to realize its vision.
Developing quality work requires commitment to continuous professional growth on the part of educators and district staff.
The resources of the district must be organized to support the school’s obligation to provide quality work.
Schools and families are partners in helping students develop a sense of ownership for their learning.

The school district has a responsibility to enlist family and community resources necessary to support students’ school success.

FOOTHILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

Foothills Middle School is dedicated to academic excellence and to the personal, physical and social development of students. All students are challenged to reach their full individual potential in a positive, student-centered, teacher-guided environment. The staff at Foothills Middle School believes that a school wide emphasis on providing opportunities for students to develop sound decision- making and leadership skills will help prepare them in their transition from the elementary school level to the high school and beyond.

Principal: Benjamin Acker backer@ausd.net
Assistant Principal: Christina Siriani csiriani@ausd.net
Counselor: Esther Oh eoh@ausd.net

Office Personnel

Office Supervisor: Coral Guerrero cguerrero@ausd.net
Office Assistant: Violet Herrera vherrera@ausd.net
Health LVN: Beth Lytton blytton@ausd.net

Traffic Guidelines

The following information is designed to improve traffic flow for our students and parents and community members. Please read these guidelines carefully. If you have questions, we encourage you to call the school. Everyone is responsible for following the traffic guidelines.

DRIVERS

Drivers who wish to enter the Foothills Middle School parking lot (morning arrival only) must enter via the East driveway (at Second Avenue)
Eastbound, northbound and westbound traffic will be permitted to enter the parking lot
Exiting traffic must make a left turn only out of the parking lot onto Oakhaven Avenue
Drivers must follow the direction of crossing guards at all times.
For safety reasons, NO cars should use Oakhaven Avenue for morning drop-off or afternoon pick-up

PEDESTRIANS

Pedestrians crossing Sycamore Avenue must use the East crosswalk at the intersection of Sycamore Avenue and Second Avenue.
Pedestrians crossing Oakhaven Avenue must use the crosswalk at the corner of Sycamore and Oakhaven Avenue.
Pedestrians must follow the direction of crossing guards at all times.

BICYCLE RIDERS

Bicycle riders should walk their bikes on the sidewalk of Sycamore Avenue.
Helmets are required by law for all bicycle riders under 18 years of age.
Bicycles must be parked and locked in the bike compound located at the East end of the school, adjacent to the Day Care building.

MORNING DROP-OFF

Your child should not arrive on campus before 8:00 a.m., unless they attend a “0” period class. Upon arrival, students are to proceed to the quad area where supervision is provided
When pulling into the front parking lot, please pull your car as far FORWARD as possible before unloading students
Please watch for pedestrians crossing in the parking lot crosswalk
NEVER park in the no parking zones
Do not drop off student on Oakhaven Ave.

AFTERNOON PICK-UP

Dismissal time is at 2:45 p.m. on regular days and 12:15 p.m. on minimum days
The school’s front parking lot is CLOSED to through traffic after school
Students may be picked up in the front of school along Sycamore Avenue past the red curb area
Do not pick up and drop off students on Oakhaven Ave.
Students should be picked up no later than 3:00 p.m. each day, unless an activity or class requires them to stay later
There is NO school supervision after 3:00 p.m. each day. Students may not remain on campus unsupervised.

Traffic Map

Academics

REPORT CARDS AND PROGRESS REPORTS

Report cards are issued quarterly and are mailed home approximately one week following the close of the grading period. Progress reports are mailed mid-quarter to students who are not meeting standards. Per AUSD Board policy, parents will be notified in writing in time to make a difference, when a student is in danger of receiving a D or an F grade. Parents are encouraged to call the school to schedule a conference with the teachers any time they have a concern about their student’s progress.

GRADING PERIODS

Grade reports are mailed home at the end of each quarter. Progress notices are mailed home mid-quarter. Report periods close on the following dates and reports are mailed on the subsequent Friday.

HONOR ROLL

Honor Roll membership is based upon the grades, citizenship, and work habits of the previous quarter. A 3.5 (B+) average is required in all classes along with an O/S for all Work Habits and Citizenship marks. Membership is automatic and students receive an Honor Roll certificate in recognition of their quarterly achievement.

ACTIVITIES: ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Any student wishing to participate in a competitive sport, drill team, dance team, or student government must meet eligibility requirements throughout the entire time of participation, including tryouts. Students must maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. Grades will be checked at progress report and quarterly grade report periods. If a student has less than a 2.0 at the progress report, the student will be placed on probation until the quarterly grade report. If the student has not achieved a 2.0 at the subsequent quarterly grading period, after being placed on probation, the student is ineligible to continue in that activity. Students receiving a U in citizenship will follow the same procedures as above. More than one U in citizenship at any quarterly grading period (progress or grade report) will result in dismissal without a probation period.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

The giving, receiving or use of unauthorized information during a test is not allowed and could be considered academic dishonesty or cheating. Homework is not to be copied or relinquished for copying. Plagiarism either in the form of copying the whole or partial text from a book, magazine, newspaper or source from the Internet is not permissible. The teacher may give an alternate assessment or assignment if necessary to determine mastery of the standard and the student’s report card grade may be lowered, including citizenship and/or work habits.

INTERNET

All Arcadia Unified School District students have access to technology in classrooms, libraries and computer labs. Therefore, it is imperative to establish ethical standards for the use of technology and technological resources in our schools. Students who agree to abide by these defined standards will have access to all available resources, with guidance and support provided by teachers and staff
Before a student can gain access to school computers and Internet resources, he/she must review the District’s Acceptable Use Policy under the direction of a qualified staff member, understand his/her responsibilities as a user, and sign the Acceptable Use Policy. Student Acceptable Use Policies are signed by teachers and kept on file. The Acceptable Use Policy is reviewed and signed by each parent, as part of the Parents Rights and Responsibilities packet.

Attendance

ATTENDANCE & TARDY POLICY

A school education represents a very important opportunity for your child to learn important skills necessary for living in modern society. To take advantage of this opportunity, regular school attendance is essential. School begins promptly at 8:25 a.m. Students who arrive promptly each day are proven to attain better grades, are more self-confident, have more responsible behavior, and have a greater desire to pursue higher education and develop their talents. To ensure that students attain this goal we have developed the following procedures for excessive absences and/or tardies:

1) A letter is sent to the home to indicate a pattern of concern in regard to excessive absences or tardies.

2) Parents will receive a second letter with continued concerns in attendance and will receive a call from the assistant principal to discuss how school and home can work together to solve the attendance problem.

3) A SART (School Attendance Review Team) meeting will be held with parent, student, and assistant principal to develop a plan to improve attendance habits.

4) If a student continues to be absent/tardy after being placed on a SART contract, the student will be referred to SARB (School Attendance Review Board). Parents and student will be invited to attend this meeting.

Students need to be in their seats when the bell rings at 8:25 a.m. Students arriving after the 8:25 bell will report directly to the office.

It is expected that throughout the day all students should be in their classrooms, prepared to work when the bell rings.

STUDENT ABSENCE PROCEDURES

Satisfactory school progress is dependent upon regular attendance. The only excused absences are those resulting from illness, medical/dental appointments, court appearances, or a death in the immediate family. All other absences are considered unexcused.

When a student is absent, parents are requested to call the school on the day of the absence. Upon return, students must report to the office before going to class. Students will verify their absence with a written excuse from the parent/guardian, and receive their readmit slip.

Students must attend 4 periods of school to participate in any extracurricular activities such as sports, concerts, performances, or dances that occur on the same day.

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Satisfactory school progress is dependent upon regular attendance. Parents are strongly encouraged not to plan trips or other activities during the school year that would interfere with expected attendance.

There are very rare occasions when a family knows that their child will be away for a determined period of unexcused absence. It is expected that the office will be notified two weeks before this absence, so that work can be assigned, materials gathered and your child can be placed on Independent Study. This will provide an opportunity for him/her to keep up with assignments. Students will be assessed by their teachers for work completed while on Independent Study.

TRUANCIES

Truancy is anytime that a student is absent from a single period to a full day without the permission of the parent. A student is also considered truant if he/she has been absent without a valid excuse for 3 days in one school year or if he/she is 30 minutes late for four days. In either situation the days do not have to be consecutive.

First Truancy: If a student is truant either a single period or full day, the student will be assigned to Saturday school and the parent notified.

Second Truancy: If the student is truant the second time, two Saturday school assignments will be made and the parent will be notified. A SART (School Attendance Review Team) conference is held with parent and student. The student will be placed on an attendance contract.

Continued Truancies: If truancies continue, a SARB (School Attendance Review Board) referral will be made. Parents will be notified.

CLASSWORK/HOMEWORK REQUEST

In case of absence, the procedure for obtaining assignments is as follows:

Parents should check each teacher’s classroom website where assignments are posted on a regular basis. Parents may also contact teachers directly by email or by telephone to request assignments.
Please note that teachers check messages and emails after instruction ends for the day, and will require reasonable time to respond. If a concern is urgent, please contact the office by telephone.
Upon returning from an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to follow up with the teachers about missing classwork/homework.

STUDENT EMAILS

All students are assigned an AUSD email account (ID #@students.ausd.net, for example 99999@students.ausd.net This is a vital communication tool and students are expected to check this regularly for important information from the school regarding upcoming events as well as information from teachers about class assignments and projects. Students are encouraged to keep in touch with teachers and ask questions both in person at school and also at home via email.

Safety

HOTLINE

A safe school is everybody’s business. If you know of weapons, drugs, vandalism, graffiti or other activities, which threaten the safety or security of Foothills Middle School students, staff, or campus, call the Foothills anonymous Hotline, (626) 821-4685, or tell a teacher or an adult at school immediately.

SCHOOL DRESS CODE

After much discussion with parents, students, and staff, we have come to some understandings regarding what is considered inappropriate for students to wear at Foothills Middle School.

Clothing that is: excessively baggy, tight, short or revealing shall not be worn to school. No exact size will be given. Discretion will be used by the administration.
Pants must be worn at the waist; they must fall in a straight line and may not gather at the shoes nor be frayed at the bottom.
Sleepwear apparel. (e.g.) pajama bottoms shall not be worn.
Any clothing that displays undergarments shall not be worn to school.
Tops that are backless, strapless, or spaghetti straps are not allowed.
Hats and hoods may be worn appropriately for protection from the sun and cold weather, but may not be worn indoors, except as warranted by school theme days. This policy does not pertain to head coverings worn for religious or medical purposes, which may be worn at any time.
Shoes must be worn at all times for safety purposes. “Flip-flops” or sandals attached to the foot with a strap only between the toes may not be worn
Clothing that is gang-related (identified by the Arcadia Police Department) may not be worn.
In line with Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 633.1, we reserve the right to modify this standard throughout the year with proper notification.
Clothing and school supplies bearing inappropriate or undesirable advertising, lettering or symbols cannot be worn or brought to school. Examples of such inappropriate symbols include liquor advertisements or logos and references to drugs, sex, gangs, weapons, or tobacco products.
A student’s appearance may not detract from nor interfere with the learning environment or jeopardize the safety of the student or any other students. Any clothing, which has a disruptive influence or jeopardizes student safety, is inappropriate. The discretion of the school authority will prevail.

Students who come to school without proper attention having been paid to personal cleanliness or neatness of dress will be required to wear P.E. clothing the remainder of the day.

ON-SITE BOUNDARIES

Students will be expected to know normal school boundaries.

Upon arrival at school, students must immediately go to the interim quad or upstairs lunch area and remain there until the 8:25 a.m. bell.
Students are not allowed in the hallways, on the field, or off campus before school, during the 10-minute break, or at lunch.
At lunch, students will be expected to observe the red boundary lines. No food may cross the red line on the PE ramp.
After 3:00 p.m. students waiting for their rides must wait by the gate in front of the office.

FIRE ALARMS

The purpose of the fire alarm is to provide access to receiving help in the event one suspects that there might be a fire. If a student pulls a fire alarm when there is no indication of a fire, the following consequences may apply:

Suspension
Parent conference
Behavior contract
A report of the incident to Arcadia Police Department.

BUS RULES

All bus rules apply to Arcadia Unified School buses, charter buses and Dial-A-Ride transit buses.
Students must obey the driver promptly and respect the directions of staff members on bus supervision.
Students must be on time at bus stops and they must not stand or play in the roadway while waiting for the bus. Students must respect the private property of our neighbors.
Students must load to the rear of the bus at all times.
Students must not throw any object from the windows. Heads and arms must be kept inside the bus windows at all times.
Remain seated at all times that the bus is moving.

BICYCLES/SKATEBOARDS/ROLLER BLADES

Students who ride bicycles to school must park their bikes in the racks provided. Approved helmets must be worn when riding bicycles. All bicycles must be locked to the rack with a dependable lock. At no time may bicycles, skateboards or in-line skates be ridden on the school campus or adjoining sidewalks. All riders are expected to comply with applicable traffic laws before, during, and after school. Students who ride their skateboards or skates to school must make arrangements to store them during school hours and school activities.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

The school cannot be responsible for the loss of student property. Students are required to maintain personal control of their belongings at all times. Students must lock valuables in lockers during PE classes. Electronic devices, games, cameras, expensive watches and jewelry, and other valuable items are not to be brought to school. Electronic devices brought to school are the sole responsibility of the owner and are brought to school at the student’s own risk. The school does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen electronic devices. School resources will not be used to investigate lost or stolen electronic devices. Students are encouraged to leave electronic devices at home. Students should not bring sums of money beyond what is needed for reasonable daily school expenses.

CELL PHONES

Students may possess electronic signaling devices at school per California state law, and AUSD Board policy. This includes items such as cell phones, smart phones, and other signaling devices.

Student phones must be turned off during class hours. If a cell phone or electronic device creates a disturbance in class, or causes a disruption during school activities, it may be confiscated by school personnel. While the device will be returned to the student by school personnel, repeated violations of the policy may result in further disciplinary action, including but not limited to parents picking up the device in the office.

The use of individual student telephones includes making phone calls, receiving phone calls, vibrating or generating sounds, playing video, text messaging, accessing the Internet, utilizing applications, capturing photographs or video, or using any other electronic function. A disruption of school activities (EC 48900(k)) may also be deemed to have occurred when the device is taken out during a class period and passed around or shared with other students. Cell phones should remain off at all times to avoid student infractions.

Students are not allowed to use the camera function or any audio/video recording function of the smart phone on campus without the explicit permission of the Principal or his/her designee, and without the consent of the subject being photographed or filmed, including before, during, or after school, and at school sponsored events. No recorded images from a student’s electronic signaling device may be shared with the greater public including but not limited to: social networking sites, printed materials, email, instant messaging, video chat, picture mail, or any other present or future public forum. Any attempt to use an electronic signaling device to bully, harass, or intimidate a student or staff member will result in immediate school disciplinary action(s) including detention, suspension, or expulsion.

Electronic devices brought to school are the sole responsibility of the owner and are brought to school at the student’s own risk. The school does not assume responsibility for lost or stolen electronic devices. School resources will not be used to investigate lost or stolen electronic devices. Students are encouraged to leave electronic devices at home.

IMPORTANT GUIDELINES FOR MEALS AT SCHOOL

Foothills supports the guidelines set by the state for providing healthy meals at school. Please note the following recommendations:

Students and parents may not share food with others. Many children are allergic to certain foods or have dietary restrictions.
Students are encouraged to eat what is provided for them, to help parents monitor their children’s diet.
Parties and celebrations of birthdays and other events are not allowed during the school day. Parents and students are not permitted to provide foods such as pizza, cakes, drinks, or other foods to share with students.
Parents may not drop off food for their child(ren). If a student forgets his/her lunch, the cafeteria will provide one charged to the student's account.

STUDENT PASSES

Students are required to be in their assigned areas at all times. No student may leave an assigned classroom or instructional area without the following:

A "Hall Permit" or note, signed by the teacher with whom the student is enrolled, or a personalized room pass must be carried.

Additional destinations not specified on a permit are off-limits. A student will lose all hall permit privileges if he/she consistently violates the hall permit agreement.

LEAVING CAMPUS

Students may not leave the school campus without administrative permission. This restriction covers the entire day, from initial arrival on campus to departure at the end of school activities. Students may not leave school after arriving in the morning. Students may not leave school to go out for lunch. Students may not leave campus at the end of the school day and return to school for pick-up or after school activities. School supervision ends at 2:55.

PERMIT TO LEAVE CAMPUS

A "Permit to Leave Campus" form is required if students need to leave school during the school day. Prior to the beginning of the school day a written parent request is required to obtain this permit. Students must present the permit to their teacher before they will be dismissed.

When a student leaves campus early, parents are required to sign out their student on the clipboard located in the office.

Parents are encouraged to secure non-school hour appointments for dental and medical examinations outside of the instructional day so that important class work is not missed. Written permits to be off campus, when issued, must be carried by the student, signed at his/her destination and returned to the school office.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Scheduled parent volunteers are always welcome at the school. Volunteers are required to sign in at the office upon arrival at the campus. Parent volunteers will be issued a visitors pass that will permit them to go on campus.

VISITORS TO CAMPUS

Foothills Middle School is a closed campus. Visitors are not allowed without the expressed permission of the Principal or designee. Requests must be made to the Principal or Assistant Principal prior to an approved visit, not the day of the visit.

EMERGENCY STUDENT RELEASE

In the event of a major disaster, the students will be safely evacuated to the field. The site disaster container in this location will enable the staff to provide additional medical, survival, and sanitation supplies.

Parents are required to comply with directions from staff or authorities. The are requested to enter the field through the gate by the flagpole. parents will receive instructions on how to locate their children. Parents will provide identification to the school staff at the gate prior to leaving school grounds. Your cooperation and patience will be appreciated.

DROPPING OFF ITEMS AT SCHOOL

In order to build responsibility in our students and ensure that our campus is safe and secure throughout the instructional day, the office does not accept any deliveries. This includes lunch, gifts, homework, sports equipment, etc. Students who forget lunch will be able to purchase a cafeteria lunch or charge it to their student account.

School Environment

CALIFORNIA EDUCATION CODE

A pupil shall not be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion unless the superintendent or the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled determines that the pupil has:

Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person.
Possesses, sold, or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object.
Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished or been under the influence of any controlled substance.
Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled substance.
Committed robbery or extortion.
Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.
Stole or attempted to steal school property or private property.
Possessed or used tobacco.
Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia.
Disrupted school activities or willfully defied the valid authority of school staff.
Knowingly received stolen property or private property.
Possessed an imitation firearm that has similar physical features to a real firearm.
Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault or sexual battery.
Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a pupil, complaining witness or witness in a school disciplinary proceeding.
Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold the prescription drug Soma.
Engaged in, or attempted to engage in, hazing as defined in EC Section 32050.
Engaged in an act of bullying, including, but not limited to, bullying by means of an electronic act, as defined in subdivisions (f) and (g) of Section 32261, directed specifically toward a pupil or school personnel.
A pupil who aids or abets, as defined in Section 31 of the penal Code, the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury to another person.
As used in this section, "school property" includes, but is not limited to, electronic files and databases.

A pupil may not be suspended or expelled for any of the acts enumerated in this section, unless that act is related to school activity or school attendance occurring within a school under the jurisdiction of the superintendent or principal or occurring within any other school district. A pupil may be suspended or expelled for acts that are enumerated in this section and related to school activity or attendance that occur at any time, including, but not limited to, any of the following

1) While on school grounds.
2) While going to or coming from school.
3) During the lunch period whether on or off the campus.
4) During, or while going to or coming from, a school sponsored activity.
48900.2 Committed an act of sexual harassment that is severe and pervasive.

48900.3 Caused or attempted to cause, threatened to cause or participated in an act of hate violence.
48900.4 Engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation directed against a student or group of students or school district personnel.
48900.7 Has made terrorist threats against school officials or school property.

The above acts must relate to school activities or attendance. The acts may take place at any time, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

(1) While on school grounds.
(2) While going to or coming from school.
(3) During the lunch period whether on or off the campus.
(4) During, or while going to or coming from, a school sponsored activity.

CLASSROOM STANDARDS

All students must be in the classroom prepared to work when the bell begins to ring otherwise the student will be tardy.
Tardy students are to enter the classroom as quietly as possible in order not to disturb the class activities. These students must report to the teacher after reporting to the office. (See tardy policy
Students are to report to class with theirnecessary materials for participation in the activities of that class.
All preparations for carrying out class activities are to be done before class starts.
The student is expected to give attention to the classroom activity until instruction is finished even if the bell signaling the end of the class has rung.

CLASSROOM CONSEQUENCES

On minor infractions the teacher will counsel with the student.
Teachers will contact parents if a student seems to be developing problems with his/her general behavior.
After-school detention may serve as a consequence for such problems as class disruption, tardiness and incomplete assignments, as the student is making up "lost" time on task. The teacher must notify parents 24 hours in advance unless the teacher has made prior arrangements with the parent.
Teachers may detain a student for 15 minutes after school without a 24-hour notification to student or parent. It is the student's responsibility to inform the teacher of conflicts due to afterschool transportation in which case the teacher will arrange an alternate consequence.
Persistent problems with academic or behavioral concerns will result in additional parental contact or disciplinary measures.

PROMOTION PARTY

Each year the parents of eighth grade students plan and organize a wonderful party to honor the students who are being promoted. While it is our hope that every student attends, students who are displaying inappropriate behavior may lose the privilege of attending the promotion party and end of the year activities, at the discretion of the administration.

Support Services

LIBRARY

The school library has a variety of books, technology, and other study and research materials. Most books may be checked out for a two-week period. The library aide is available from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Peer tutoring begins second quarter and ends the last week of May.

Lost books must be replaced immediately. Payment must be made in the office and a receipt is shown to the library in order to be issued a replacement text. If the book is found, the student may turn in his receipt in order to receive a refund. Textbooks and paperbacks issued to students are to be treated with care. Students who have damaged a book will be assessed a fine. Students who have lost a book or return a book that is severely damaged will be charged the full replacement cost of the book.

LUNCH

Cafeteria services are available on a cash and pre-payment basis (via the online Lunch Box program). Food services provides a variety of hot and cold foods for students. Students are expected to dispose of litter in the trash containers. Students are required to eat lunch on campus. Appropriate behavior is expected from students at all times.

LOST AND FOUND

Books, clothing, money and other property found on and around the school should be turned into the school office immediately. Students losing property should inquire in the library for books and the school office for other items. Lost and found items are stored in the closet located under the bridge.

HEALTH AIDE

The health aides are on duty from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. The aide is the consultant for students concerning health problems. The health aide issues excuses from physical education, gives first aid for injury or sudden illness sustained at school, contacts parents when necessary, maintains health records, and supervises vision and hearing screenings. The health aide does not give medications (including aspirin) except on written order of a physician. All medication must be held in the nurse's office. P.E. excuses must be brought to the office before school starts. Students who have an inhaler prescribed for use on campus will need to have it certified by a physician for proper use by the District Nurse.

HEALTH OFFICE INFORMATION

Welcome to the start of a new school year. The Health Office at Foothills Middle School is open from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Here are a few helpful reminders about the health office:

Some of the students at Foothills, in their zeal for good attendance and grades, may come to school when they are ill but should have remained home to rest and recover. For many reasons, we have established a policy of allowing students to remain in the Health Office only when they are waiting to go home.

Students who are vomiting or have a temperature over 100 degrees should not be sent to school and should remain at home until their temperature is normal for 24 hours.

In the event that your child is injured or becomes ill at school, it is critical that information contained on the student's emergency card is accurate. If you have had any change of your home number, work number, cell number or emergency contacts, please let the office know immediately.

Medication, including throat lozenges, cough drops, and pain relievers (aspirin, Tylenol, etc.) may not be carried or taken by students unless prior arrangements have been made with the student's physician and the health office. If a student needs to take medication during school hours, a medication form needs to be completed by the physician. Medication is kept in a locked cabinet in the health office and is administered according to the physician's orders.

If your student needs to be excused from PE, please send a signed note that includes the date and the student's full name. A parent note can excuse a student from PE up to three days; anything longer requires documentation from a physician.

Please note that while a student is excused from PE by a parent request or physician order, the student will not be permitted to participate in any physical activity before, during, or after school, unless specifically noted in writing. This includes lunchtime sports and activities, extracurricular sports, Drill/Dance team, marching band, or club participation that requires physical activity.

PTSA: Parent Involvement Opportunities

CAN YOU HELP?
On behalf of Arcadia Welfare and Thrift, students are asked to donate specified food items during a week-long drive to benefit local needy families.

FIRST DAY COFFEE
This event is held on the morning of the first day of school. Parents are encouraged to visit with other parents and review the volunteer opportunities available at Foothills.

HONORARY SERVICE
Honorary Service awards are given each year to honorees that have been invaluable volunteers at Foothills as well as in the community. Nominations are requested.

HOSPITALITY
Hospitality acts as the social committee. It coordinates coffee and refreshments for PTSA sponsored events.

PROMOTION PARTY
8th grade parents help plan and facilitate this June party for 8th grade students.

PTSA MEETINGS
The PTSA meetings are typically held on the second Thursday of each month at 8:45 a.m. in the library. The meetings are a great time to ask questions, hear updates from the Principal and Assistant Principal, learn about school activities, and get to know other parents. These meetings are the best way to stay updated and informed about what’s going on at Foothills!

RED RIBBON WEEK
A week of activities celebrated annually in October to educate children on the dangers of substance abuse.

REFLECTIONS
All students are encouraged to participate in this National PTA sponsored creativity contest. The categories include language arts, music, photography, visual arts, and choreography.

SCHOOL DANCES
Parents are needed as chaperones and to supply refreshments. There are two dances each school year and the first dance is traditionally in October.

TALENT SHOW
This event is held on an evening in February. Students participate in their chosen talent. Tryouts are required. Parents help in decorating and also in supervising tryouts and rehearsals.

TEACHER TREATS
Parent volunteers provide treats for the faculty about four times a year.

Parents - Additional Opportunities for Involvement

ARCADIA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION (AEF):
Since its founding in 1981 the Arcadia Educational Foundation has contributed in excess of $5 million to a wide range of urgently needed instructional materials, computer software, science lab renovations, teacher enrichment grants, musical instruments, library media centers and a broadcast communication system for the Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD).

Parents administer the Foundation and community volunteers are committed to preserving academic excellence in the District, with nearly 100% of funds raised directly benefiting its more than 9,000 elementary, middle and high school students. AEF is the single largest financial booster in the AUSD, raising money through membership subscriptions, targeted Capital Campaigns, fundraisers, proceeds from administering the summer school program, and by sponsoring the Scrip program. By becoming members in AEF, all families can help continue the hallmark educational program that has contributed to Arcadia’s community pride and helps sustain the high value of our neighborhoods.

If you would like to know more about this group please visit their website at www.aef.ausd.net call them at 626) 821-6606, or email to ArcadiaEducationalFoundation@gmail.com .

CHINESE PARENTS CLUB
Chinese Parents Club provides support through monthly meetings to encourage parental involvement, exchange cultural ideas, language translation and parenting information.

MUSIC CLUB
The Music Club supports the music program at FMS. Monthly meetings are held.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL
The SSC is composed of staff, students and parents. It is the responsibility of the School Site Council (SSC) to monitor the development and revising of the Single School Plan for Student Achievement. This plan is required as part of California’s implementation of the federal law, “No Child Left Behind”. The goals and activities in the plan are long range in nature but must be annually reviewed by the Council.

Involvement on the SSC is both interesting and rewarding. Members are briefed about the progress the school is making toward implementation of the Single School Plan goals. Information is presented to inform the Council about academic programs and activities at the school. Data from state and District testing is presented, explained, and reviewed. Based on this ongoing input, Council members review the Single School Plan as required and then recommend the plan to the Governing Board of the District. Meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month.