San Jacinto Elementary
A “No Excuses University”
Student and Parent Handbook
This book belongs to:
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This is the year that I will graduate from college:
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This is what I want to be when I grow up:
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WELCOME TO THE HOME OF THE HARDEST WORKING STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS!
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to San Jacinto Elementary School! We are a “No Excuses University” and a Texas Education Agency “Exemplary Campus”. We believe that every one of our students will one day attend and graduate from college. We also believe that we have one of the best schools in the state!
At San Jacinto you will learn how to be successful in Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies. You will also learn many other things in PE and Music.
We also are going to watch you grow into a good citizen. At San Jacinto, we learn how to treat people with dignity and respect.
I promise that you will be successful if you remember these two words: NO EXCUSES. “No Excuses” is not just our motto. It is our commitment as students, parents, and staff to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to be successful in school.
This year you will learn more than you ever have, and you will learn the value of hard work and making good choices.
I know that you can do it!
TIGERS have good character!
Trustworthiness
Be honest * Don’t deceive, cheat or steal * Be reliable – Do what you say you’ll do * Have the courage to do the right thing * Build a good reputation * Be loyal – stand by your family, friends and country.
Integrity
Being strong enough to do what you know is right * Knowing the difference between right and wrong, then choosing the right thing, even when it is difficult * Have strong values and morals * Admit your mistakes, and try your best to correct them.
Good Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better * Cooperate * Get involved in the community * Vote * Be a good neighbor * Obey laws and rules * Respect authority * Protect the environment.
Empathy
Be compassionate and show you care * Forgive others * Help others in need * Put other people’s needs before your own * Understand other people’s feelings.
Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the “Golden Rule” * Use good language * Be considerate of others feelings * Don’t threaten, hit or intentionally hurt anyone * Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements.
Successful Choices
Do what you are supposed to do * Persevere: keep on trying * Always do your best * Use self-control * Be self-disciplined * Think before you act – consider the consequences * Be accountable for your choices.
BE NICE AND WORK HARD!
At San Jacinto we give stars for doing things right! Earn Tiger Bucks and spend them at the San Jacinto Store!
San Jacinto Elementary
No Excuses University Code of Conduct
At San Jacinto, we take student safety and behavior very seriously. We only have a few rules, but these rules apply anytime students are on campus, going to and from school, or at a school-sponsored field trip or activity. This includes whenever students are on any part of our campus before or after school and in all of our many programs (TAP, Tiger Club, Tiger Academy, Music Enrichment, Kid’s Café, etc.).
School staff members, students, and parents all share responsibility for good student behavior. The school has the responsibility to clearly communicate and enforce student behavior in a fair, consistent, and supportive manner. Parents have the responsibility to reinforce the expectations of the school and to help their children become responsible citizens. Students have the responsibility to follow the code of conduct and to make good choices.
Stars and Tiger Bucks
At San Jacinto, we are always looking for ways to reward students for making good choices. Students receive stars and/or Tiger Bucks for making good choices. These can be redeemed at the San Jacinto Store.
School Behavior
The following behaviors are never allowed at San Jacinto, and these will always result in students being removed to the office for consequences. These consequences may include ISS (In School Suspension) or even OSS (Out of School Suspension).
- Fighting
- Hitting
- Throwing objects
- Profanity
- Disrespect
- Harassment
- Refusal to obey the directive of a staff member
Classroom Behavior
In every classroom or other building situation, students are given clear instructions as to expectations for behavior. Students are taught up front what the consequences are for not complying with these expectations. Our teachers use a variety of ways to reinforce good behavior and good choices.
Things to Keep at Home
Students are not allowed to bring the following to school:
- Cell phones
- Toys
- Electronic toys
- Games
- Roller blades or shoes with wheels
Attendance
Students must be at school and on time! This year we will have special rewards for students who have good attendance and no tardies. Students should be at school by 8:00 or earlier if possible so as to have time to eat breakfast. Students are considered tardy after 8:15.
When your student is absent, please send a note to school giving the reason. If too many absences occur, state law requires us to inform you of potential consequences.
School Day
Our students go to school from 8:00 to 3:00. Kindergarten students go until 1:30. Some Kindergarten students will go until 2:15. Morning Pre-K runs from 8:00 to 11:00. Afternoon Pre-K runs from 12:15-3:15.
In the mornings Pre-K, KG, and 1st grade students go to the cafeteria to be picked up by their teachers. All students in 2nd grade through 5th grade go to the gym.
Academics
We are committed to seeing that one day your child will be prepared to go to college! This means that we are an academic school, where the focus is on Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, and Music. Along with report cards and progress reports, you will receive regular reports of how your child is progressing academically. Any time that you want to know how your child is doing, ask!
Family Access
You now have the ability to go online and check on your student’s grades, attendance, health information, and other information. This is called Family Access. You will need a login and a password. To obtain this, come by the office and see Mrs. Branch. She will also give you a packet of instructions. We are in the process of adding 3 computers in our office which will be available for those of you who do not have access to the Internet.
Grading Requirements
How does your child pass to the next grade?
We are committed to seeing that your child learns everything he/she needs to know in one grade before passing to the next. Once a child begins to fall behind, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to catch up!
Many future dropouts are students who reach high school and are far behind in Reading, Writing, Math, Science, or Social Studies. Not only do we want your child to graduate from high school, but we want your child to go to college if he/she should so choose! That is why we push so hard to see your child learn now.
The official measure for passing is this:
On the report card, your student must make an overall average of 70 or above in each of the following subjects: Language Arts, Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
In 5th grade, along with the above requirements, students must pass Reading and Math TAKS in order to promote.
In all grades, students must demonstrate proficiency in all subjects in order to promote to the next grade.
When you have questions or concerns, be sure and contact us!
Student Safety
The safety of your child is our NUMBER ONE CONCERN!
Therefore, please join with us in the measures we have in place to ensure the safety of your child.
Visiting our School
All visitors to our school must check in at the front office and receive a special Visitors badge before entering our building.
Visiting Your Child’s Teacher
Instruction cannot be interrupted. If you need to visit with your child’s teacher, you will need to make an appointment. Each teacher has a set time each day in which these meetings can take place.
Parking Lot
Students are not allowed to walk through the parking lot unless accompanied by an adult. All persons should cross at the crosswalks.
Threatening Weather
If we should have threatening weather, please do not come and try to take your child out of school. Both you and your child are safer inside! Therefore, if you come to take your child, we will probably bring you inside as well so that you can be safe!
Kid’s Café
Any student who wishes to eat from Monday through Friday may do so in Kid’s Café. Serving begins at 4:15 in our cafeteria. All guests are expected to follow the rules of good behavior and good manners.
Phone Numbers
Please keep us up to date any time that your phone number or address changes.
Who Can Pick Up Your Child?
We will only release your child to persons you designate. If we are unsure, we may even ask for identification! Please don’t be offended! We are committed to taking care of your child.
Tuesday Folders
Every San Jacinto student will bring home a special folder each Tuesday. Be watching for what is inside this folder. Many students will bring home homework and other school information on a daily basis.
Cell Phones
The Amarillo Independent School District Board of Trustees determined a policy this past year regarding cell phones. Elementary students are not allowed to have cell phones at school under any conditions. If a cell phone is spotted, we have been instructed to pick it up and call the parent to come get it. If this situation happens again, we are instructed to keep the cell phone until the 2nd week of June. We have no choice in this matter.
Please know that we will go to any length to make sure that your children can contact you when necessary. We know that you are concerned for their safety, and we are as well. If you have special concerns for your child, please contact us (326-5200). As far as the policy goes, we have no control over it. However, we will work with you regarding any concern that you have for your child.
Food of Minimal Nutritional Value
By state law, we are not allowed to give your child any prohibited foods during the school day except for 3 designated days (Christmas, Valentine’s, and end of year). Also, state law prohibits students from sharing food with other children. Therefore, we are not allowed to celebrate birthdays with any special foods. There is a special exemption regarding birthdays. You may call and ask regarding this exemption.
Customer Service
We pride ourselves on being the friendliest and most accessible campus in the state of Texas! When you come to San Jacinto, you can expect to be treated as a VIP, and you can expect to have your questions and concerns addressed!
Code of Conduct
The entire student Code of Conduct may be accessed online at www.amaisd.org. If you need access to a computer, let us know. We are planning to have computers available in our front office.
Amarillo College
San Jacinto Elementary is a full partner with Amarillo College. This year you will be hearing about opportunities for parents to take Amarillo College classes. We will even be offering assistance for parents who need to get a GED! We are convinced that some college is good for everyone!
Parents’ Responsibility
We encourage you to actively participate in the education of your child. We cannot do this without you and without your support! The next page shows a strategy called “Take Five” that can be done every night to encourage your child.
We will offer numerous opportunities this year for parental involvement!