When your child is absent because of illness or for a doctor or dental appointment, please call Chris at the school office on (650) 856-1672 by 8.00 a.m.

The law requires that the exact nature of an illness be stated; this type of absence is defined an excused absence.

The school is not permitted to excuse youngsters for music lessons, scouting, sports, or other extracurricular activities.

Arriving late and leaving early:

If your child will be late, or needs to leave before the end of the school day, a parent or guardian must sign the child out at the office. The office will send for the child.

Requests for homework:

If the absence is to be more than two days, confer with your child's teacher so make-up schoolwork can be arranged.

Requests for homework should be called in before 10.00 a.m. and can be picked up after 3.00 p.m. that day.

As required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), a six month re-inspection of asbestos containing building materials (ACBM) was completed in May, 2003 at all school facilities. This re-inspection was conducted by EPA accredited inspectors in accordance with guidelines established by the EPA. The Palo Alto Unified School District has contracted with MACS Labs Incorporated to perform a continuing periodic surveillance and maintenance program that ensures that ACBM does not become hazardous.

A copy of your schools asbestos management plan, the six month re-inspection report and other asbestos records are on file at the school office and in the district office. This documentation is public information and is available for your review.

Parents are invited to our weekly assembly, held at 8.15 every Wednesday morning.

Your child's teacher will let you know - in advance of assembly - any achievement awards your child is to receive.

September 2, 2009

Grades K-2: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Grades 3-5: 7:05 p.m. - 8:05 p.m.

If you missed this opportunity to meet your teacher and learn about the upcoming year, please contact you child's teacher or the office staff to hear about what you missed.

Third grade students will receive basic information on safe biking to school. However, we strongly encourage parents to determine whether their children are competent riders before they are permitted to ride to school unaccompanied, regardless of age.

Wear a helmet if you bike, skateboard, roller-blade or scooter to school. Park and lock your equipment in the bicycle racks located outside the office area. The redtop and blacktop are off limits during school hours.

• Bikes must be walked on school grounds and in crosswalks.
• Bikes must be parked in the bike racks and should have a lock
• All cyclists under 18 are required by California law to wear protective helmets
• Skateboarders must walk on school grounds and in crosswalks
• In-line skaters must change into street shoes at the flagpole bench
• Bike licenses are required for bikes ridden on Palo Alto streets - these are available from Palo Alto Fire Stations.
• Helmet Law Information at the CA Department of Motor Vehicles Section 21212

A self service book exchange for Palo Verde parents & staff, located outside the Palo Verde office.

Drop off some books you no longer need, and pick up something new to read!

Contact Julie Sternfield () or Tracy Stewart () with any questions.

Palo Verde's buddy program creates opportunities for older students to mentor younger students; the experience providing both mentor and protégé with stimulating opportunities for learning and skill development.

• Kindergarten students are matched with third grade students
• First grade students are matched with fourth grade students
• Second grade students are matched with fifth grade students

In addition to matching students by grade level, teachers work closely with each other when pairing buddies, to ensure compatible and complementary relationships.

The District Transportation Department is responsible for scheduling buses, supervising drivers, and responding to transportation related issues.

Bus drivers have legal responsibility and authority for supervision of riders. Children not conforming to bus rules may be denied the privilege of riding.

The bus stop is located on Rorke Way behind the school.

If your child will be taking a bus to school, please review the following information with him/her:

• Wait safely in the designated area at the bus stop.
• Be calm and orderly while getting on and off the bus.
• Stay in your seat, facing forward.
• Keep head, hands, and feet inside the bus.
• Follow the bus driver's directions.

Please note: The driver may not let anyone off at a stop different from his/her regular stop without a dated note signed by the parent.

Costs:

• Round trip - one child: $300/semester, $600/year
• Each additional child: $125/semester, $250/year
• One Way (AM or PM) - one child: $200/semester, $400/year
• Each additional child: $86/semester, $170/year
• One-ride passes are available for occasional riders and may be purchased for $3 at the school office or at the PAUSD Business Services office. (Bus drivers do not sell passes.)

Voluntary Transfer Program (VTP) and low-income students may be eligible for a free pass. For more information on VTP contact Wendy Velez at or (650) 329-3736.

Low-income students may qualify for a free pass. If you are eligible for a free pass, fill out the section entitled "Application for Exemption from Bus Fee" on the lower portion of the front of the application.

If you have questions about bus routes or stops, call the Transportation Department at (650) 329-3747.

If you have questions about bus passes or applications, contact Tracy Callaway in Business Services at or (650) 329-3706.

Further Information:

• Bus Route information (PDF)
• Bus Rules
• Bus Pass Application English (PDF)
• Aplicacion Para Pases De Autobus Espanol (PDF)

Palo Verde Calendar

The Palo Verde Master Calendar of school and other events taking place at Palo Verde is maintained in the school office.

To schedule an event and avoid a conflict, or to find out when a particular event is to occur, call Chris at the school office at (650) 856 1672, or come in and check the calendar.

PAUSD Calendar

Parents receive the PAUSD master calendar in their information packets before school begins; it is also now included on the home page of this Web site.

Further Information:

• Download the 2007-08 school calendar (PDF)

The Palo Verde Kids' Club is an on-site child care program provided by Palo Alto Community Child Care (PACCC), www.paccc.com.

The program includes snacks, quiet homework time, craft activities, games, outdoor activities and special events.

Palo Verde Kids' Club is accepting new students for both permanent and drop-in care.

Flexible schedules are also available. Hours are 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

For more information contact:

Raqiyyah Ikram, Director
Kari Taylor, Director
3450 Louis Road
(650) 852-9475

Further information:

• PACCC Monthly Fee Schedule, School-Age (PDF)
• PACCC Information for Families (includes fees, forms, and information)

When we assign students to classes for the next school year, we endeavor to meet the needs of the individual child and develop classes whose balance and dynamics contribute to a positive learning environment.

To achieve well-balanced classes, we consider academic ability; to help maintain positive class dynamics, we consider which pupils should and should not be placed together.

Each child will receive careful attention, beginning with each teacher completing a "Pupil Placement Information Card" for each child. These cards will be used when your child's present teacher meets with the teachers of the next higher grade level.

"Sending" and "Receiving" teachers will consider the benefits of possible assignments to each student, as well as the contributions each student and various groupings of students can bring to the dynamics and balance of each class.

Classroom assignments are posted at 5:00 p.m. on the Friday before school opens.

Parental Input:

Although teachers know their pupils well and apply this knowledge of each child's needs when recommending a classroom assignment for any of their pupils, parents sometimes feel a need to provide their own input regarding their child's placement.

Parental input, if provided according to the guidelines below, will be considered among other factors when teachers meet to place pupils.

• Parental input must be in writing via a letter to the principal.
• Parental input should be information about a child's needs which has not previously been communicated to the child's teacher, or which parents feel warrants special emphasis regarding the child's placement.
• The input should not be simply a request for a particular teacher. It should be stated in terms of a child's special needs or circumstances.
• The deadline for receiving written parental input will be in late May. Information and the deadline date will be in the Palo Verde Voice.

Letters to the principal will become part of the information which teachers consider when developing classroom assignments.

An adult crossing guard will be on duty approximately one-half hour before and after school at the intersection of Loma Verde and Louis Streets. Students whose routes traverse these streets should plan their route through this protected corner.

Playground Supervision

Playground supervision is provided from 8.00 a.m. Please do not leave your children before this time.

School Assembly

School assembly is every Wednesday at 8.15 a.m. In the event of inclement weather, school assembly may be cancelled.

Minimum Days

Wednesday is a minimum day when all students begin at 8.15 a.m. and finish at 1.25 p.m.

When the school calendar indicates a minimum day, please observe our Wednesday timetable.

Recess & Lunch:

Kindergarten

Until the extended day schedule begins on November 5, 2007, all kindergarten students attend school Monday to Friday; 8.15 a.m. - 11.45 a.m.

Once the extended day schedule begins, kindergarten students are divided into two groups, and attend school as follows:

Grades 1 - 3

From August 28, 2007 and until the early/late reading schedule begins (to be determined), the following schedule will be followed:

Once the early/late reading schedule begins, the following schedule will be followed:

Grades 4 - 5

One of our very important objectives at Palo Verde is that children behave appropriately and respect the rights of others. The staff emphasizes positive attitudes, encourages good conduct, and helps children to value themselves and others.

From the beginning of the school year, each teacher works with his/her class to establish classroom rules and share school rules and expectations, to develop ways to reinforce appropriate behavior, and to make clear consequences for misconduct. Early in the fall, your child's teacher will share with you the plan for the class and will solicit your support.

Consequences for misbehavior depend upon the seriousness of the offense, the conditions under which it occurred, and the record of past behavior. These consequences may extend from penalty time or isolation to a child/teacher conference, a teacher/parent conference, a trip to the principal, a principal/ parent conference, suspension from school, referral to the District Discipline Committee, expulsion by the Board of Education, or referral to the Police Department. (See the School District's Discipline Plan for descriptions of violations in four categories of severity and for the kinds of consequences that attach.)

Teachers and other members of the staff earnestly seek to work with parents to encourage good behavior and to solve behavior problems. We know that when teachers and parents work together, children recognize the importance of good conduct. Palo Verde "School Rules and Expectations" is sent home with every child. Please discuss these items with your child, sign, and return the tear-off portion to your child's teacher.

To support student safety, Palo Verde will be enforcing a No Dogs on Campus policy from the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

We expect students to wear modest and appropriate attire to school.

Shirts should cover shoulders completely (please no tank or spaghetti strap tops) and to cover the midriff when arms are raised over the head.

Words and logos should be appropriate for a school setting.

The Palo Alto Unified School District recognizes its responsibility to provide reasonable protection for all students from the influence of persons who might encourage the use of mind altering chemicals. To this end, the district provides students with a comprehensive K-12 drug education program that is preventive in nature and maintains a systematic method of early identification, intervention, referral, and re-entry services for students.

These services include use of community agencies, parent education programs, provision of adequate materials, ongoing school activities which promote a positive and healthy lifestyle, school- community professional support services and student support groups. Comprehensive resource information is available at the school.

Appropriate action will be taken at the school site level to eliminate possession, use, provision or sale of illegal substances and related paraphernalia in any situation in which the school is responsible for the well-being of all students.

Students involved in the possession, and/or use of chemical substances, including tobacco shall be subject to immediate disciplinary procedures which may result in suspension or expulsion.

Palo Verde maintains a staggered schedule for literacy instruction in grades 1 - 3, four days each week (excluding Wednesday), reducing class size to approximately ten students at the beginning and end of the school day.

This Early/Late schedule provides your child with more one-to-one instructional time with the teacher.

Parents will receive information from the classroom teachers the first week of school regarding the program, goals, expectations, and start dates for the 2007-08 staggered day schedule.

Please contact your child's teacher if you have specific scheduling needs.

Emergency Identification Tags

Emergency ID tags must be returned on the first day of school. These cards provide the school's fastest source of information in case of sudden illness or injury to your child.

In the event of a major disaster, the tag will be placed on the student and used to provide caretakers with such critical information as identification details, medical treatment (if necessary) and the names of persons to whom you have authorized your child's release.

Please complete all sections except "First Aid/Medical Treatment" and "For School Use Only." This tag, which is updated annually, will be placed in your child's classroom emergency kit.

Please call the school (650) 856-1672 to report any changes to be recorded on emergency cards and student ID cards.

The tag asks for an out of state contact because while phone communication may be impossible between two neighboring communities, it may be possible to communicate by relay through a long distance party.

The school district has purchased basic food items for students, adequate to meet the immediate crisis and up to 72 hours.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an earthquake, explosion, or similar sudden event, the first action is to duck and cover. The children will be able to demonstrate for you this "scrunched up" position, preferably taken under a table or desk and away from windows.

As soon as the shaking earth calms sufficiently, or the explosion subsides and it is safe to do so, the children will be taken out of the school building and onto the playground.

If they are already outside when the danger occurs, they should duck and cover out in the open, away from wires and trees; if they are on a bus, the bus will pull over to the side of the road, and students should duck and cover where they are.

Sometimes the school may receive notification indicating approaching dangers (wind storms, corrosive fumes, etc.) requiring that children be kept indoors with windows and curtains closed, waiting for further instructions.

If a disaster threatens or occurs on school grounds (escaping gas, explosions, bomb scare), the school ordinarily will not send the children home. Many parents are likely to be away at work or other activities, and it is generally unwise to send young children home during school hours to possibly empty houses.

Instead, the school will walk children to the nearest safe school, where they will, in most situations, stay until dismissal time.

Ohlone School, 950 Amarillo Avenue, is the school to which Palo Verde students are most likely to be taken.

If during a disaster children are being kept at Palo Verde, Ohlone, or an alternate location, and you come to pick up your child or another, please check the child out through the secretary (or another person assuming her role) and complete a form telling that you are taking the child to a stated address with a given phone number.

Under some circumstances, children may have to be sent home. For example, in the case of severe smog conditions, there may be a legal determination that all schools must close and children must be sent (or kept) home. It is hoped that in such an event it will be possible for the secretary to contact parents of children who are not within walking distance of school.

The possibility that your children may need to go home because of a disaster, threat of disaster, or personal illness or emergency suggests how important it is to have current information on neighbors to whom your children should go if you are away from home.

Further Information:

• Emergency Procedures information at PAUSD
• During a major emergency, the City of Palo Alto Web site will list current conditions and what to do.
• Public Health Emergency and Disaster Response and Preparedness at the County of Santa Clara Web site
• Be Prepared California at the California Department of Health Services Web site

Effective January 1995, the Family School Partnership Act allows parents to take time off from work to participate in their children's school activities.

The law covers employees in companies with 25 or more people at the same location. With reasonable notice, employees can take up to 40 hours, no more than 8 hours per month, to volunteer in classrooms each school year. Contact your employer to see if you qualify.

Further Information:

• Family School Partnership Act information from the CA Dept of Education.

Field trip transportation can be by bus or with parent drivers.

Drivers of private cars must have up-to-date insurance cards on file in the office.

Minimum insurance coverage required is:

• Public Liability/bodily injury: $100,000 / $300,000;
• Property Damage: $25,000 per accident; and
• Medical: $5,000 per individual.

Your car must have a seat belt for each child.

Further Information:

• PAUSD Field and Study Trip Private Car Travel Check form

California Education Code §48900.

• Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person.
• Possessed, sold or furnished firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object.
• Possessed, used, sold, furnished or been under the influence of drugs, alcohol, a controlled substance or intoxicant.
• Offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell look-alike controlled substances, alcohol, or intoxicants.
• Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.
• Caused or attempted to cause damage to school or private property.
• Stole or attempted to steal school or private property.
• Possessed or used tobacco or product containing tobacco or nicotine.
• Committed obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
• Possessed, offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia.
• Disrupted school activities, willfully defied valid school personnel in the performance of their duties.
• Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.
• Committed sexual harassment (Ed. Code §48900.2)
• Participated in an act of hate violence (Ed. Code §48900.3)
• Harassed, threatened, or intimidated another student. (Ed. Code §48900.4)

Further Information:

• Education Code Section 48900 - 48927

Please look out for symptoms of excessive itching and white nit eggs on hair follicle. Students with head lice must be sent home for treatment. They must be free of lice and eggs before returning to school.

Teach your children to avoid sharing hats, combs and barrettes, touching other children's hair, and lying on the carpet at school. Check your children on a regular basis in a well-lit area.

PAUSD has a no nit policy, and children cannot be readmitted until an inspection at school confirms there are no nits remaining in the hair.

Palo Verde offers meal services for our students.

Lunch price is with $3.75 Add: this includes milk or apple juice. Milk and apple juice can be purchased separately for $0.50.

You may be eligible for free or reduced priced ($0.40) lunches; applications are available at the school office, or online at LunchApp.com.

Menus are available on PAUSD's Meal Plans page: hard copies will be sent home with your child every month.

Method of Payment

You can leave a check at the office, send cash with your child, or do it online at Lunch Deposit using your child's 8 digit Student ID number.

All checks should be made payable to the Palo Alto Unified School District.

There is a 6% service fee each time funds are deposited via Lunch Deposit.

It is important for you to remember that only students with cash/check or Meal Cards with funds will be issued a school meal. Please check your child's lunch status periodically. Student Nutrition Services shall make efforts to contact parents when their child's account balance is at $15.00. This will allow parents to deposit funds in a timely manner and prevent having a negative balance account.

If you have questions about meal plans, contact Food Services at , or ring (650) 329-3806.

Chronic Conditions

If your child has a chronic health condition, such as diabetes, asthma, seizures, or severe allergies (anaphylactic reaction), the health office can help keep your child safe and healthy.

Complete the appropriate form and return it to your school office before school starts. This will help us prepare to care for your child. Please make sure that you ALWAYS keep your emergency card up to date.

• Anaphylactic Reaction Form (PDF)
• Asthma Form (PDF)
• Diabetes Forms (PDF)
• Guidelines and Form for Seizure Activity (PDF)
• Individual Guidelines for Generalized Tonic/Clonic Seizures (PDF)
• Individual Guidelines, except Tonic/Clonic Seizure (PDF)

First Aid

Palo Verde personnel may administer first aid to children who are injured or become ill at school, but many not diagnose problems and may not treat children for illnesses and injuries incurred at home.

In case of serious injury on the school grounds, the school will notify the parents and call for appropriate help.

Further Information:

• First Aid information at U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Talking 911 with your child at Nemours.

Communicable Diseases

Health and education laws in California require that children be excluded from school when they have any communicable disease. Consequently, it is essential for working parents to have alternative arrangements for childcare available on those inevitable days when young children are ill.

Please do not send your child to school if he/she is displaying any of the following symptoms:

• Common Cold: Keep child home during period of productive cough, and yellow or green nasal discharge. Rest and care during the early stages often prevent complications
• Fever (over 100 degrees [37.7C] orally, 101 degrees [38.3C] rectally, or 99 degrees [37.2C] axillary, under the arm)
• Eyes that are red, swollen, crusting, or draining
• Draining ears or earache
• Diarrhea - loose water bowel movement
• Sever headache or pain
• Skin rash, unless diagnosed by doctor as non-infectious (obtain note from doctor)
• Childhood communicable disease - call school/district nurse - (650) 329 3766
• Nausea or vomiting
• Head Lice (Please inspect hair carefully, the district has a No Nit Policy)
• Severe sore throat

If you discover that your child has a contagious illness (like chicken-pox, strep throat, head lice, etc.) please; contact Chris at the office (650) 856-1672 or , who will inform the teacher and inform classmates' parents of possible exposure.

Any child who arrives at school ill or becomes ill while at school will be kept at the office and the parents called.

Hospital School

Students who are hospitalized or undergoing treatment at the Lucille Packard Children's Hospital have the option of continuing their coursework through the Hospital School.

Further Information:

• School Hospital information at Lucille Packard Children's Hospital
• School Hospital information at PAUSD

The California School Immunization law requires that all children entering school receive proper immunizations to protect them from serious illness and to prevent the spread of communicable diseases: polio, measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), diphtheria, tetanus, haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib meningitis), and whooping cough.

In Santa Clara County, children must be tested for tuberculosis.

A list of immunizations can be found on the PAUSD Web site.

You can find a list of immunization clinics at the PAUSD Web site.

Further Information:

• California Immunization Handbook and School Law from the California Department of Health Services
• Latest Immunization News from the California Department of Health Services

The 2007-08 Kindergarten Extended Day program will begin Monday, November 5.

Teachers will be scheduling conferences with parents to discuss the extended day program and schedule.

NOTE: All kindergarten students stay until 1:25 p.m. every Wednesday when the extended day program begins.

The Library Media program aims to prepare students to become literate, life-long learners and trains them to be effective users of information. School librarians teach library skills and provide access to materials that support classroom programs and curriculum.

Library resources are available to students and staff on a checkout basis. PAUSD has an interlibrary loan service allows school libraries to share resources.

Palo Verde's librarian is on site four days per week. Each class has a scheduled time with the librarian once per week. Our librarian also assists our classroom teachers in organizing materials relevant to units of study.

Laura Losier is the librarian at Palo Verde. See the staff page for contact details.

Additional Information:

• Library/Media information from PAUSD
• Electronic Library resources for students and teachers from the PAUSD
• Palo Verde Librarian's Web Site

Found items are kept on a rack outside the school office; small or valuable items are kept in a drawer in the school office.

After a period of time, items are sent to the PTA so please encourage your children to check the lost and found rack periodically, and label all personal belongings.

Students in grades K-5 who need additional support mastering grade level math facts, are offered a tutorial program to improve their skill level.

Teachers refer students to this program and contact parents on how they can help at home.

Learn more about our various mathematics programs on our curriculum page under mathematics subject overviews.

PAUSD does not provide medical insurance coverage for school accidents.

This means that you are responsible for the medical bills if your child gets hurt during school activities.

The following student accident/health insurance plans are offered to help you pay those bills.

• Student Health Care Plan
• Interscholastic Tackle Football Accident Plans
• Full-Time (24 Hour) Accident Plans
• School Time Accident Plans
• Dental Accident Plan
• Pharmacy Smartcard

The student Health Care and 24 Hour Accident plans are especially recommended for those students with no other insurance because they provide the most help when injuries occur.

Student Health Care covers illness as well as injury, 24 hours a day.

We strongly recommend the high option plans for students participating in interscholastic sports.

If your child does have other health insurance, student insurance may also be used to help pay those eligible charges not covered by other insurance (i.e. deductibles and co-payments). Also, the student insurance plans allow you to take your child to any doctor or hospital you choose.

Contact:

Note: Bilingual representatives are available for parents who need assistance in Spanish.

Except for certain serious problems, medications are not allowed at school.

This includes prescription and non-prescription drugs (e.g. benedryl), over the counter medicines (e.g. acetametaphine), remedies (e.g. cough drops), topical ointments (e.g. cortisone cream), sunscreen, vitamins (e.g. Emergen-C), and supplements (homeopathic and herbs).

If a child must take medication for a chronic or temporary illness, please arrange a schedule with your physician to give the medicine outside school hours whenever possible.

The only exception is medication that must be kept at school for certain serious problems. Special forms (links below) completed by students' attending physician and parent must accompany any medication.

The medication will be kept at the school office.

Please supply a photo (head shot) of your child along with the authorizations and medication in a zip lock bag.

Each year, new forms must be completed and signed if your child is to have medication at school.

If your child has already had medication at school, new forms will be available when you pick up your child's medication on the last day.

If your child has never had medication at school, please pick up the proper forms from the office before the end of the school year so there will be no delay in having your child's medicine here at the start of the school.

Please pick up your child's medication on the last day of school. We will throw away any medication that has not been picked up the next day.

For detailed information download the PAUSD parent letter about School Medication Administration (PDF)

Further Information:

Forms from PAUSD Health Services

• Information for parents requesting school personnel to administer medication (PDF)
• Form for parents and physicians requesting school personnel to administer medication (PDF)
• Medications Needed in Case of a Disaster (PDF)
• Parent Request for Student to Carry Medication at School (PDF)
• California Education Code 49423

If you have questions, please see the District Web site, call District Nurse Linda Lenoir (650 329-3766) or contact the school office.

This is an opportunity for children to share their classrooms with their family.

It usually takes place in May and is a good time to visit other classrooms to preview the following school year. A notice will be placed in the Voice as well as on the calendar on the home page of this site.

PiE pays for staff - PTA pays for stuff

PiE

Palo Alto Partners in Education is a non-profit foundation that raises money from parents, donors, and businesses for all Palo Alto schools.

Each school chooses how to spend the money.

Contact:

See also: What parents need to know - Palo Alto Partners in Education

PTA

The Palo Verde Parent Teacher Association is an association of parents and teachers dedicated to supporting the children and community of Palo Verde School.

PTA cannot pay for staff.

See also: What parents need to know - Parent Teacher Association

The Palo Verde PTA is an association of parents and teachers dedicated to supporting the children and community of Palo Verde School.

To reach these goals, Palo Verde PTA members volunteer many hours and raise funds to support classrooms, encourage communication, and develop community spirit.

Classroom and School support:

• Classroom materials and supplies
• Grade-level support
• Technology in the classrooms (laptops/projectors)
• Noon Art
• Science Fair
• Math Night
• Library funds
• Staff appreciation
• Landscaping improvements

Communication and Community:

• The Palo Verde Voice and PULSE
• Assemblies
• Morning coffees
• Harvest Fair
• School Ice Cream Social
• International Fair
• Ice Skating Party
• Parent Education

In addition, Palo Verde PTA's past expenditures include early/late reader child care, morning recess supervisor, computer equipment, assemblies, and the science Junior Museum program.

There are several PTA fundraisers throughout the year including wrapping paper, restaurant nights, and note cards.

The date, time, and place of PTA meetings are announced in the Palo Verde Voice and the Palo Verde PTA blog. All parents and staff are welcome to attend these meetings.

The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) promotes children's well-being, home-school cooperation, parent education, and community betterment. PTA cannot pay for staff.

Current PTA Executive Board and Committee Chair members can be found on our volunteers page.

Further Information:

• Palo Verde PTA Blog
• Palo Alto Council of PTA's

All PTAs in the Palo Alto Unified School District help supply the PTA Wardrobe with clothing. The primary function of the PTA Wardrobe is to provide free clothing to needy children and their families. If you are in need of clothing, you may visit the wardrobe any Wednesday.

In addition, the Wardrobe loans Scout uniforms and costumes, as well as snow clothing. It also provides a "boot exchange" which permits you to trade too-small rain boots for those the right size. Donations of clean clothing in good condition are always welcome.

The Wardrobe is located at the back of J. L. Stanford Middle School. Regular hours are Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 2:00 p.m.­5:00 p.m. For further information, call the Wardrobe, 858-0654. If no answer, call 856-6241.

Partners in Education (PiE), is a non-profit foundation that raises money from parents, donors and businesses for all Palo Alto schools.

Each school chooses how to spend the money.

PiE helps fund the following at Palo Verde:

• Janet Rose - Our writing mentor teacher who provides staff development and parent education opportunities
• 50% of our Instructional Aide time for all 18 classrooms
• Natalie Bivas, our reading specialist and English language development instructor
• Spectra Art for all classrooms
• YMCA lunch sports program

This year, Palo Verde will receive $105,205; nearly $300 per student.

PiE is a one-time annual donation; any amount you contribute helps.

For more information contact Nicola Willits (), our Palo Verde PiE representative.

Further Information:

• Palo Alto PiE Newsletters
• Palo Alto PiE Calendar of Events
• Palo Alto PiE Web site

Students may not bring non-school related personal items to school.

This guideline has been established to prevent unnecessary distractions at school and to eliminate the possibility of lost or stolen valuables.

The school is not responsible for theft, damage, or vandalized personal property.

School photos are taken in October, with finished photos coming home in early December.

Class photos will be taken. Individual photos are optional.

You will be notified beforehand of the various options for the purchase of prints. You are not required to purchase photographs.

The District is required to test sight and hearing at some grade levels. If these routine tests identify any problems, you will, of course, be notified.

The District Nurse or other professionals conduct screenings at school sites.

• Vision (grades K, 2, 5, 8, Young Fives, and Special Education initial and triennial evaluations)
• Hearing (grades K, 2, 5, 8, and Special Education initial and triennial evaluations)
• Scoliosis (girls are screened in grade 7; boys in grade 8)

The State also requires that fifth graders be administered a physical fitness test.

Further Information:

• Physical Fitness Test information at the CA Department of Education

Balls and other playground equipment may be checked out during recess and lunch. Balls can be used for various sports such as soccer, teatherball, four-square, basketball, etc. Balls are not to be bounced on the redtop or against school facilities.

Playground:

• Be kind to one another
• Physical contact should be appropriate
• Stay in view of yard duty personnel
• Walk on the Redtop
• Play games in a safe manner and do not lock others out

Play Structure:

• Slide down feet first/do not walk up the slide
• One person at a time down the slide
• Jump only from lower levels
• No running or playing tag on the structure
• Take time to share turns on the tire swing

If a child chooses not to follow the school rules, typical consequences include:

• An adult will talk with the child and remind the child of the rule.
• The child may be asked to think about his/her behavior during a "time out."
• A parent conference may be held by phone or in person.
• The child may be sent to have a talk with the principal.
• The child may be sent home from school early.

Five times per year, the Palo Verde staff offers an optional enrichment mathematics program called "Problem of the Month." Students have the opportunity to work on a math problem that builds in complexity. At the end of the month, students have the option to come debrief the problem with the Palo Verde Teachers on a Wednesday morning at 7:30 AM. Details come home through the VOICE and classroom newsletters.

Learn more about our various mathematics programs on our curriculum page under mathematics subject overviews.

In 2001-2002, Palo Verde began using a newly adopted Progress Report that focuses on grade-level learning standards.

Parent/teacher conferences are conducted in the fall and the spring and at other times as needed. Written reports or report cards are issued during conference times and at the end of the school year. They are also attached to the student's cumulative school record.

Parents have the option to request of the teacher that a card or written report not be shared with them or their child, and that communication be accomplished only through parent/teacher or parent/teacher/student conferences.

If you need to talk with a teacher at other times, please call the office and leave a message for the teacher. Your call will be returned.

If a problem arises, first talk with the teacher. If it cannot be resolved, a conference with the teacher and principal may be arranged.

Everyone is concerned about traffic safety at Palo Verde. Parents, we need your help to make things safer! Consider alternatives to driving your child. Walking, biking, or carpooling, will help reduce congestion and improve safety for all our children.

If you must drive your child to school, please exercise good judgment and patience, and keep the safety of other children in mind. Drive cautiously, and stop fully at all stop signs and crosswalks.

Young children are not always aware of the danger of cars.

Palo Verde Elementary School has two access roads, Louis Road in the front and Rorke Way in the back. Rorke is the main access road for Kindergarten parents, while Louis is the main road for all others.

The following maps and guidelines help to make traffic flow safe for your children. Also, please remember to always drive a few minutes early before school so as not to be in a rush.

Rorke Way

If your child's classroom is close to the Rorke Way side (Rooms 1,2,3,4), remember that Rorke is a narrow residential street - use only if you are dropping off or picking up your child.

Please show consideration for our neighbors by driving slowly and carefully, safe speed on Rorke is closer to 15 mph, rather than the posted 25 mph.

Go around Rorke in the counter-clockwise direction only.

Park on the school side of the street, but do not park on the sidewalk and block pedestrian traffic. Please drop off children only on the school side of the street.

Do not make a U-turn or pull into driveways to turn around.

Louis Road

The curb in front of the office is striped as a drop-off and pick¬up zone, with enough room for six cars. This area is reserved for passenger loading and unloading only. If you want to leave your car to escort your child to class, park in one of the remaining spaces further from the office. Don't double park, or block parked cars - wait a few moments and you can take your turn in the drop-off area.

U-turns on Louis Road are not allowed during arrival and dismissal hours (8:00 - 8:30 and 1:15 - 3:15).

The east side of Louis Road is also a bicycle lane and no parking is allowed. Please observe the posted signs. You can be ticketed by the Palo Alto Police department.

You may park your car in the drop-off area on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Park at right angles to the curb, just as in the other parking spaces. Be absolutely certain to have your car out on time, or you'll block the pick-up area and make a lot of people very unhappy!

Palo Verde School rules and procedures on school discipline are consistent with policies of the Palo Alto Unified School District and the California Education Code.

The maintenance of effective school discipline is a significant part of the educational process and is essential to providing meaningful learning experiences and ensuring the safety of all students.

Please review the following rules and expectations with your child to encourage student behavior which reflects standards of good citizenship and responsibility.

• Students are not to arrive at school before 8:00 a. m. as there will not be any supervision until that time.
• Students who are dismissed at 1:55 p.m. are to go directly home and not play on the playground after dismissal, as it is disruptive to classes still in session. Students dismissed at 2:50 p.m. are to go directly home. Students may return to the playground after 3:00 p.m.
• Students must ride bicycles on the right hand side of the street or in the bicycle lane whenever one is provided. Bicyclists are to walk their bicycles at intersections and on school walkways. All bicycles should be licensed and parked and locked in the designated bike racks in front of the school. Please make sure your child wears his/her helmet.
• Students are not to ride skateboards, skates, roller blades, bicycles or other types of vehicles until after 3:00 p.m.
• Students are to remain on the school grounds at all times. The following areas are off limits to students unless supervised by an adult:
  • Front lawn
  • Driveway behind multi-purpose room and Rooms 15, 16, 17, and 18
  • Area behind rooms 1 through 8.
  • Areas around office, including the parking lot.
• Students are not to be in classrooms, multipurpose room or the library without adult supervision.
• Students must not run, play ball or ride bicycles on the red top. This area is for walking, sitting, or playing quiet games.
• Students must exhibit good behavior while using the restrooms. There should be no playing, screaming, pounding, climbing, or hiding while using these facilities. Students must place paper towels, etc. in the trash cans provided.
• Not chew gum at school.
• Abide by the bells. When the bell rings at the end of recess or lunch, students must stop playing and WALK to the picnic table to meet the teacher.
• Students must abide by the following rules while on the playground:
  • No jumping off of any equipment.
  • No throwing water, sand, tanbark, dirt, pebbles or rocks.
  • No climbing on redpoles, fences, portable railings or backstops.
  • No walking on top of horizontal bars.
  • No personal sports equipment, electronic equipment or toys should be brought to school.
  • No balls are to be thrown against any school walls.
  • No kicking of red balls.
  • No pushing, pulling of each other or clothes is allowed at school.
  • No tag or other chasing games should be played anywhere other than the grass-area.

Students must:

• Play in a safe way so that others are not knocked down.
• Wait in an orderly manner for equipment use.
• Use the slides and tunnel in a down direction only, no stopping on the slides or in the tunnel, and keep the bottom of the slides clear.
• Use the bars/balance beam, etc. in a way direction only.
• Use the tire swing in a sitting position and no more than 3 students at a time.
• Use ropes only for jumping.
• Use the basketball courts according to assigned grades. The courts by the primary wing are for 2nd and 3rd grades and the courts by the upper grade wing are for 4th and 5th grade use.
• Include other students in team play. Games may not be closed ("locked"). If teams are even, newcomers must come in pairs to join.

During Lunch students must:

• Eat at picnic tables and remain seated until dismissed by the noon supervisor.
• Walk to the hot lunch line.
• Be responsible for cleaning up trash on table and under table.
• Use good manners and eating habits.
• Not carry food containers and/or papers onto the blacktop or grass areas.

On Rainy Days:

• Recess: Students are to follow directions from their teacher and observe the posted red flags.
• Lunch: Students are to follow directions from their teacher. After eating, students may use quiet games or activities inside the classroom

The Science Fair takes place in late May or early June and is funded and organized by the PTA.

Further Information:

• Exploratorium Learning Studio - Science Fairs
• Internet Public Library Science Fair Resource Guide

It is the policy of the Palo Alto Unified School District to provide a school environment free from all forms of harassment, hazing, or intimidation and to maintain an environment in which all students and adults model this behavior and are treated with dignity and respect. Therefore, no student shall be subjected to overtures or conduct (including sexual), either verbal, visual or physical, which is intimidating, hostile, offensive, or unwelcome. Such conduct by adults or students is deemed unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated by the school district.

For purposes of this policy, "sexual harassment" is defined for student-to-student interaction as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, visual and physical conduct of a sexual nature. "Sexual harassment" is defined for adult-to-student interaction as any sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. "Sexual harassment" is also defined as conduct of a sexual nature which affects an individual's academic status or progress; which has a negative impact on an individual's work or academic performance; which creates an educational environment that is intimidating, hostile or offensive; or which affects benefits, services, honors, programs or activities available to an individual in the education setting.

In the 1970's, the State of California passed a law that set up the School Improvement Program (SIP), which enabled schools to receive supplemental funding from the state.

The new law also required that schools establish School Site Councils (SSC) in order to receive and spend the extra funding provided by SIP.

The Palo Verde School Site Council is made up of 12 members - six parents, five teachers/staff, and the principal.

The Site Council develops a coordinated budget with the PTA, and develops the School Plan including setting school goals and assessing program effectiveness.

The Site Council also approves the School Annual Report to the Community (SARC) after it is prepared by the principal.

Meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month, starting at 1:45 and running approximately two hours.

The agenda is posted in the office window 72 hours prior to the meeting. All meetings are open to the public.

Serving on Site Council is a great way for parents to get to know the principal and some of staff and to become more involved in ensuring the continuing high quality of your children's education.

For a list of current Site Council Memebers, see our Volunteers Page.

Further Information:

• Site Councils at Great Schools
• Site Council Handbook

The State of California requires testing of children in grades 2-5 in reading, written language, mathematics and science.

The 2006 California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program test results for schools, counties, districts, and the state are available at the CA Department of Education Web site.

Test results are used for student and school accountability purposes.

California Standard Test Scores (STAR) - 2006 for Palo Verde Elementary School

View 2006 STAR report for Palo Verde.

CST English-Language Arts

CST Mathematics

CST Science

Further information:

• Administration of the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program.
• Standardized Testing and Reporting - Blueprints
• 2003 - 2006 California Standards Tests Released Test Questions
• Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Results

Students are occasionally photographed or videotaped during the course of a school day or during school student activities.

There is no one permission form for your child to appear in photos/videos, but permission information is part of the Acknowledgements and Permissions form sent home in the back to school packet during summer break.

The Acknowledgements and Permissions form must be returned to Palo Verde on the first day of school.

Statement from PAUSD:

Registration usually begins in January for the following fall; a notice will appear in local newspapers, such as Palo Alto Daily News, and in the Palo Verde Voice.

Detailed registration information and forms are available at the school office, or on the registration page of the PAUSD Web site.

Requirements for incoming kindergarten students include:

• Birth certificate or Passport
• Current Immunization verification
• Proof of residence

If you have questions, contact Chris at the office (650) 856-1672 or PAUSD Central Attendance at (650) 329-3707 or .

This survey is given to all 5^th, 7^th, 9^th, and 11^th graders statewide, and is mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act.

This survey will take about fifty minutes to complete and will be administered in December 2007.

The survey gathers information on behaviors such as physical activity and nutritional habits; alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; school safety; and environmental and individual strength and assets.

Students only have to answer the questions they want to answer, and they may stop taking either survey at any time. Before each survey begins, the survey's purpose, content, and procedure will be explained.

Students will be able to ask questions and decline participation. The survey is anonymous and confidential. No names will be recorded or attached to the survey. No information will permit your student to be identified or connected with his/her answers.

If you have any questions, or wish to review the survey, please contact:

Further Information:

• Download the 2007-08 California Healthy Kids Surveys
• California Healthy Kids Survey Data Collection information from the California Department of Education
• No Child Left Behind Web site
• No Child Left Behind Act Information

In order to support and reinforce the district's educational efforts to prevent student tobacco use through adult modeling, the Board of Education has established a policy that declares Palo Alto Unified School District tobacco-free, effective July 1, 1992.

It is the responsibility of all staff and community members to implement this policy in school buildings and school-owned vehicles, on school grounds and at school- sponsored events off campus.

Palo Verde parents are always welcome at Palo Verde. All visitors must sign in at the office and wear a visitor's name tag.

Palo Verde relies heavily upon parent volunteers, especially in kindergarten and in primary-level reading and math, where regular volunteers are needed one or more hours per week.

Under the teacher's direction, parents work with children individually or in small groups, giving pupils immediate feedback on their work and helping them through problems. Volunteers provide additional support for classroom learning activities. Others can help out on field trips, by sharing special talents, or preparing materials at home.

A questionnaire is sent to you early in the school year showing the breadth of volunteer opportunities, and letting you tell the coordinators the areas in which you would be interested in working. Please return it with your offers of help.

Working parents may also be able to arrange release time for school volunteering. Several local companies have special programs for this; contact 856-1672 for more information.

In order to be covered by the school's accident insurance, all volunteers are asked to sign in daily in the Volunteer Record kept in each classroom.

Tuberculin Tests:

Each volunteer working with children must have on file the report of a negative tuberculin test (injection) or Xray. The tuberculin test and X-ray are good for four years. If you have ever had a positive reaction to a tuberculin test, you will always have a positive reaction. This does NOT mean that you have tuberculosis, but it does mean that you will need to have a chest X-ray instead of the tuberculin test.

PAUSD will give free tuberculin tests for volunteers at 25 Churchill. Please call 329-3722 to make an appointment. Dates and times that the tests will be available will be announced in the Palo Verde Voice.

You will need to return to 25 Churchill three days after the test is given for it to be read.