Northwood Handbook

Purpose: At Northwood Elementary School, we believe that academic honesty and personal integrity are essential components of a student's education and our ROLL values related to being respectful and living responsibly. Our goal with our academic honesty policy is to instill a sense of responsibility, honesty, and integrity in our students as they navigate their educational journey.

Policy Statement: The IUSD Board of Education recognizes the importance of academic honesty and personal integrity in the educational process. We believe that students should be held accountable for their actions, but also be provided the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. Therefore, students who violate academic honesty standards will receive interventions and consequences that are developmentally appropriate and focused on growth.For more information, please see IUSD Board Policy 5131.9: Academic Honesty and Integrity.

Responsibilities: 

● Students are expected to demonstrate academic honesty by completing their work independently, acknowledging the work of others when appropriate (including the use of AI), and adhering to school rules and expectations. 

● Parents/Guardians are encouraged to model honesty and support their child in understanding the importance of academic integrity. They should also collaborate with the school in addressing any incidents of dishonesty, and messaging the importance of learning over earning a specific grade on any given assessment or assignment. 

● Staff and Administrators are responsible for reinforcing academic honesty standards, providing guidance to students, and ensuring that clear expectations are communicated. They will also monitor student behavior and intervene when necessary to support students and uphold the values of integrity and respect within the academic environment.

Academic Honesty Standards: 

All students and staff at Northwood Elementary School shall adhere to the following academic honesty standards: 

● Originality: All students are expected to produce their own work and avoid plagiarism (copying work from another person or other resource, including AI). 

● Collaboration: Students may collaborate with peers as appropriate, but all submitted work must reflect individual effort unless specified by the teacher. 

● Respect for Resources: Students should cite any resources or references used in completing assignments when required. *Note: This includes the use of AI resources.

● Ethical Behavior: Students must avoid any form of dishonesty, including but not limited to using unauthorized resources on tests and assignments, falsifying work, or misrepresenting work they did not create as their own.

Prevention of Violations: 

To prevent academic dishonesty, Northwood Elementary School will: 

1. Teach students about the importance of academic honesty and personal integrity from an early age, focusing on age-appropriate lessons and activities. 

2. Set clear expectations for academic honesty within the student code of conduct and classroom guidelines. 

3. Foster an open dialogue about ethical behavior through classroom discussions, assemblies, and family engagement. 

4. Provide consistent reminders about the importance of academic honesty through teacher-student interactions and school-wide communications.

Progressive Consequences for Violations: 

Progressive consequences for academic dishonesty will be implemented based on the severity of the violation, developmental stage, and individual needs of the student. These consequences may include: 

● A conversation to discuss the violation and its impact. 

● Re-teaching the importance of academic honesty and expectations for behavior. 

● Opportunities for reflection, such as writing or discussion, to help the student understand the importance of honesty and integrity.

● Restorative actions, such as revising or completing the assignment under supervision. 

● Parental involvement to ensure clear communication and support for the student’s growth. 

● Additional support or intervention, such as counseling or a behavior plan, for repeated or severe violations.

The intent of these progressive consequences is to provide guidance, support, and the opportunity for students to learn from their mistakes while preserving the integrity of the academic environment.

Conclusion: 

Northwood Elementary School is committed to providing an educational environment where academic honesty is a shared value. Through clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and a progressive approach to discipline, we aim to nurture students who are not only academically successful but also possess the personal integrity necessary for lifelong success.

(Includes: Absences, Illnesses, Truancy & Tardies)

We ask that families avoid non-illness absences, and minimize tardies, to ensure that students have full access to their education. We appreciate your commitment to our ROLL Per California State Education Code, and Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) Policy, students and parents may receive an attendance notification letter after excessive absences and tardiness, whether they are excused or unexcused. Habitual tardiness and absences may result in a meeting with the School Attendance Resource Team to find. Continued tardies and absences may result in a meeting with the IUSD Student Attendance and Review Board (SARB).

Absences not cleared by a phone call will be marked unexcused, and the student will be considered truant by the state. Please note that reporting an absence does not make it an excused absence. As defined by the state of California, an absence is considered excused for only the following reasons: 

● Personal illness 

● Attendance at funeral services for a member of the immediate family 

● Medical, dental, optometric, or chiropractic appointments 

● Other compelling reasons specified in Education Code 48205

 Reporting an Absence: If your student is absent from school, it is necessary to call the office, not the student’s teacher. Please call the 24-hour attendance line (949) 936-5951 before 8:30 a.m. to verify each day your student is absent. When calling to report an absence, please give the following information:

● Full legal name of each student you are reporting

 ● Reason for absence and date(s)

 ● Caller’s name and relationship to the student

Tardy Procedures: Students coming in late to school must sign in at the school office before going to class. The student day begins with community building and attendance in the student line when the bell rings; students who are not lined up at their start time are tardy, and need to sign in at the school office before going to class. 

Drop-Off/Pick-Up Guidelines: Students should arrive at school no earlier than 15 minutes before their school day begins, and proceed to their class line. Families walking their students to school may drop students off at the boundary lines at the front and back of the school. Families dropping off students either through the car line OR in the surrounding neighborhood need to follow Northwood’s Arrival and Dismissal Procedures, and follow all regular traffic and safety laws.

Students should be picked up no later than 10 minutes after the end of their school day. Families are required to sign their children out at the office if they arrive more than 10 minutes after the end of the school day to pick up their child. Excessive tardiness in picking a child up after school can result in a report to the Irvine Police Department, as the school is not staffed to supervise students after dismissal. Students leaving school without an adult must go directly home; students visiting the neighborhood parks either before or directly after school must be accompanied by an adult.

Northwood is a closed campus, despite the lack of fences surrounding the school site. The staff is responsible for maintaining the security and safety for all students. Parents and other visitors are expected to adhere to these policies and procedures to help us ensure student safety.

Families and Visitors: All parents or guests volunteering/visiting in a class or anywhere else on campus must be registered. Please click the volunteer link below if you are interested in being an IUSD approved volunteer. Online volunteer application: This information is also part of the yearly re-registration online data confirmation. Northwood requires all visitors, including parents, guardians, volunteers, news media, and the general public, to check in through the front office and wear a name badge when on school grounds. Visitors may be asked to leave by school officials if there appears to be interference with the peaceful conduct of the school’s educational activities (Section 627.7 of the California Penal Code makes it a misdemeanor to fail or refuse to leave the school grounds promptly after the principal or principal’s designee or school security officer requests it). These regulations are for the protection of all students, parents, and staff. Visitors are to check out when leaving campus.

Parents volunteering are permitted on campus on pre-scheduled days that have been arranged with the child’s teacher. Parent observations must be arranged through the office to provide accompaniment. Please refer to IUSD Administrative Regulation 6020. Parents may not use the playground as a pass-through during the instructional day nor may they interact with students on the playground without proper staff supervision and pre-authorization.

Students: Students should be under the supervision of an adult while in the building. Students walking up to the front office or other location within the school building should have a pass indicating they are allowed to be in that area of the building. Once dismissed to lunch or recess, students may re-enter the building only if a supervisor provides a signed pass. Students are expected to use the outside restrooms during lunch and recess. PK and Kinder students will be admitted to the interior restroom in their wing during recess. For safety, do not enter the building unless a staff member is present.

Toys, shareable candy, electronics, sports equipment, and other personal items are NOT
permitted on school grounds. Likewise, students are not allowed to bring superfluous supplies
that cause distraction or disruption in the classroom. Teachers will specifically indicate which
supplies are acceptable at the start of the school year. The school is not responsible for any
loss or damage of personal items.
Note: Families may arrange with their teacher to bring in birthday treats, one week in
advance. We encourage non-edible items to be inclusive of students with allergies.

Northwood has adopted a school-wide program which focuses on Positive Behavior Intervention Supports
(PBIS). All students and staff will participate in an implementation program at the beginning
of the school year which teaches students expected behaviors in a variety of settings around
the school. The acronym we use to teach expected behaviors is “ROLL”. This stands for:
respectful, on time and ready, living responsibly, living safely. These expectations promote
the development of key social emotional learning targets for students. Throughout the school
year, staff members will deliver explicit instruction on how to demonstrate ROLL behavior on
campus. Staff members will positively reinforce expected ROLL behaviors through the
distribution of “ROLL Bucks” to students who are demonstrating ROLL behavior. ROLL Bucks
can be cashed in for prizes and rewards throughout the school year. This program will ensure
consistency, equitability and will promote positive behavioral choices for all students.

• View Bell Schedule

Our collective goal is to ensure that all students
experience positive outcomes in a safe learning environment. Instances where students do
not show expected ROLL behavior are documented by staff members. This documentation
process allows us to track school-wide data which will help the multi-tiered systems of
support team to identify areas at school that need behavioral support, and support
individual students in meeting our ROLL behavior expectations. Supports may look like
reteaching the expectations, informing parents, restricting access to activities where the
behavior is occurring, providing individual behavior plans in the classroom/on the
playground, administering a logical consequence related to the behavior, and participating
in a restorative action focused on repairing the harm caused by the behavior. Persistent or extreme behaviors related to the violations outlined in Ed Code 48900 and IUSD
Administrative Regulation 5144 may also result in official disciplinary action such as
suspension or expulsion.

Per IUSD Board Policy 5140, bicycles, scooters, and skateboards are allowed for students in grades 3-6 only.

● All bicycles, scooters, and skateboards must be parked in the bike rack and locked. Students may not share a lock, and there may be only one bicycle/scooter/skateboard per lock. **Note: Our bike rack is located at the front of the school. 

● Helmets MUST be worn by all students riding to and from school. Any student that does not wear a helmet will be asked to leave the bike/scooter/skateboard on campus until a helmet is provided. 

● Bikes/scooters/skateboards must be walked on school grounds. 

● Bikes/scooters/skateboards must be taken home each day. The school is not responsible for anything left in the bike racks overnight.

● Children should only ride one per bike or scooter, and follow all other laws and district policies, including age/licensing requirements regarding motorized bikes and scooters.

Families may arrange with their teacher to bring in birthday treats, one week
in advance. We encourage non-edible items to be inclusive of students with allergies.

All students at Northwood are expected to be kind and respectful to themselves, one another, and staff. Any student that bullies another student or staff member is subject to disciplinary action outlined in IUSD Board Policy 5131.2. This includes physical, verbal, written, and/or cyberbullying. Northwood also follows IUSD Board Policies when responding to sex discrimination and sex-based harassment, as well as hate-motivated behavior. It is imperative that students report any incident of bullying/harassment so that staff can respond immediately. Families are expected to reinforce this policy with their children at home.

It is imperative that students report any incident of bullying/harassment so that staff can respond immediately. Families are expected to reinforce this policy with their children at home.

The Irvine Unified School District is committed to providing each of our students with the highest quality learning experiences possible. We believe that the best way to achieve successful academic growth is through the combined efforts of the school, parents, and child. One important way for parents to help is be aware of what students are expected to learn. Your child’s teacher will be responsible for teaching your child the standards considered essential at his/her grade level. These learning goals are referred to as grade-level content standards, and they exist for language arts, mathematics, science, and social science. These content standards drive the plans for instruction. Content standards also provide the basis for progress reports and report cards. Parent/teacher conferences add further clarity regarding student progress on grade-level standards. Along with solid instruction, these standards invite students, teachers, and parents to work together in the classroom and at home, in the interest of success for all. For additional information on grade-level content standards, visit the web site at: http://www.iusd.org/education_services/CurricularPrograms.html.

Part of living responsibly is taking care of all materials at school, and respecting other’s belongings.
Textbooks, iPads, Chromebooks, headphones, and other school materials/technology are the
student’s responsibility.
Students are expected to care for their materials in the following ways:
● Keep items in good working condition.
● Know the whereabouts of any items checked out or provided to them.
● Report lost or damaged items to their teacher or the library immediately. **The school is not
responsible for tracking lost or misplaced items.
● Avoid placing stickers or drawing on school-issued materials, including textbooks, iPads, and
Chromebooks.
● Items should not be shared with others, as students are responsible for everything that is
checked out in their name.
● If an item has preexisting damage, it must be reported upon check-out; students should review
materials for damage upon receiving them.
● If a Chromebook or other resource is lost or damaged, a fine will be assessed.
● Students are responsible for paying the fine that is assessed – no replacement items will be
accepted.
Additionally, students are not permitted to bring or use their own devices/computers at school. All
students have access to the technology they need at school, and all technology at school is to be
used for school-related purposes per the IUSD Acceptable Use Agreement. Chromebooks are to be
used only in the classroom for academic purposes. Students may bring WIRED headphones from
home to use–wireless headphones or earbuds (including AirPods) are not permitted at school. Any
headphones used on campus during the school day must be wired and can only be used with a
Chromebook.

Parents have the right to observe instruction or other school activities. In order to prevent undue interference with instruction and other activities, the following conditions shall apply to parent observations per board policy:

• A written request shall be presented at least two school days in advance of the requested observation.
• Parent observers shall be expected to control their movement and their remarks so that no teaching or learning is interrupted.
• The duration of any observation shall not exceed one hour. 
• The frequency of observation of any individual staff member by the parents of any individual student shall not exceed three times per year, or more than once per month unless otherwise authorized by the Superintendent or designee.
• Parents observing in the classrooms will maintain confidentiality about the learning environment.

Students with a contagious or infectious disease should be kept at home for their own and others’ protection. The school should be notified when a child contacts a communicable disease. Please contact the school health office at (949) 936-5961. IUSD’s Health Guidelines can be found at IUSD.org under Health Services.

Our Elementary Resource Counseling Specialist works with students who need additional support with school related social-emotional learning. Students are referred by the principal, the teacher and/or the parent/guardian. If there are any stressful circumstances that arise for your child (such as the death of a loved one or difficulties at home), please notify your child’s teacher and/or the principal as it may affect your child’s ability to concentrate at school. We can also connect families with resources outside of school should students need more comprehensive counseling support.

In an effort to keep class disruptions to a minimum, items cannot be delivered to the classroom.

Per IUSD Administrative Regulation 5132, students are not allowed to wear any items to
school that may be deemed inappropriate, unsafe, or disruptive to the educational process.
Specifically, students should wear closed-toed shoes, with a full back, to allow them to
actively participate in PE and recess (no Crocs or sandals). Heeled boots/shoes and shoes
with wheels are not allowed at school. Hats may be worn outside. Students should wear
clothing that allows them to comfortably participate in PE and recess, ensuring that their
midsection and bottoms remain fully covered as they play; all undergarments should be
covered by students’ clothing. Any writing or images on clothing or accessories must be
appropriate for PK-6 students. Specifically, clothing cannot include gang logos, violence,
obscenity, drugs, alcohol, or other content that disrupts the educational process.

When leaving school prior to dismissal, students must report to the office to be signed out by a parent/guardian or an adult the parent/guardian has designated on the student record. This requirement is to ensure the safety and well-being of your child. The parent must sign the child out when they leave school, and sign in when they return to school. If a child needs to be dismissed early, the parent should report to the office to pick up his/her child. Parents are not permitted to pick up children at the classroom. For safety purposes, children will not be released to anyone not listed as an emergency contact.

Emergency information needs to be reviewed through Data Confirmation http://my.iusd.org. It is imperative that all emergency information be current, as the phone numbers on file at the school will be used to notify parents in the event of an emergency or accident. The district maintains a minimum of three local emergency phone numbers should be provided for each child. 

No student can be released from school without permission from a parent/guardian (Board Policy 5112a). Only people listed on the student’s emergency contact information will be allowed to pick up children. They will be required to show valid photo identification when picking the child up. 

In case of illness or injury to a student, every effort will be made to contact the parent by telephone. It is important that your home, cell and business phone numbers, as well as emergency contact persons, be kept current in the Northwood student data base system. Please report changes of phone number or address immediately to the school office. 

If you expect to be away from home for any length of time during the school day, it is important that you tell your child when he leaves in the morning and make sure that the office has a number to call in emergencies when you cannot be reached. 

In the event of a large-scale emergency event, the school staff will follow the district/school’s disaster plan in order to ensure the safety of your child. As a parent, you need to be aware of the following:

1. Students will be released only to parents/guardians or persons the parents have previously designated on child’s emergency card.
2. If the students and staff are ordered to vacate the facility, and the situation permits, a large sign will be posted on the office door stipulating where the students have been taken. You may also call the district office for more information at (949) 936-5000.
3. Please be sure to access Parent Square in the event of an emergency, as this will be our primary method of communication.

The school periodically sends email and messages through Parent Square about upcoming school events or dates. Make sure that your email address is kept current in Parent Portal to receive these important emails.

1. Visit the Northwood Elementary Website at https://northwood.iusd.org
   1. Click on: Our Staff. 
   2. Click on email next to the staff member’s name you wish to communicate with. 
   3. The listed email links directly to the teacher/staff email address for you to send your message.
2. We ask that you put your student’s name as the subject in the subject line. 
   1. Our district server is a secure site with very sensitive anti-virus software. There are times an email might be inadvertently rerouted into a teacher’s spam box or junk mail. 
   2. By identifying the student in the subject line, the teacher will know it is a parent/guardian who is emailing them with school business.
3. Staff members usually respond to your email within 1-2 school days.

KNIVES, GUNS, OTHER WEAPONS

It is against the law for students to bring these items, or replicas of these items, to school. 

Drugs or Alcohol

The possession, sale and/or use of any controlled drug (including alcohol), look-alike drug, or drug paraphernalia may result in an immediate student suspension from school and all school activities for the duration of the suspension. Police will be notified and parent(s) must meet with the Principal. 

Toys

Toys are not permitted at school and are to be left at home, unless they are brought with teacher’s permission and are to remain the backpack for the duration of the day. 

Electronic Devices (Including Smart Phones and Watches)

Electronic items are expensive and easily broken. They also can become a source of dispute or conflict. Electronic Devices may only be used at school for academic purposes under the teacher’s authorization during class time. Phones, watches, and other devices that allow for text or voice communication must be turned off during the school day, and stored in the student’s backpack. All unauthorized uses including recess, lunch or unpermitted class time will be confiscated, and available in the school office for parent pick-up. The school and district are not responsible for any lost, broken or stolen items. 

Play Equipment

The school has a supply of play equipment. Students need to leave all personal play equipment at home.

Fourth through sixth grade teachers have received training in specific strategies, which address the needs of GATE students. Our GATE students are clustered within designated classrooms with other GATE students. Students in IUSD may qualify for GATE identification via IUSD’s multiple criteria measure screening. 

• Advanced Learning and Differentiation

Gum is not allowed at Northwood. Students are encouraged to bring a nutritious snack to be eaten at recess or lunch in the designated lunch area. Students may not share food, especially candy.

Any special health problems or changes in health, please contact our Health Assistant at (949) 936-5961, or email the School Nurse directly.

Homework is defined as: "Any work assigned by or recommended by the teacher to be done outside of class." The Board of Education recognizes that learning takes place both within and outside of the classroom. 

Therefore, it should be emphasized that regular assignments outside the instructional day are an important part of the total instructional program. Such assignments should be made according to the needs of the student and the nature of the subject.

The role of the parent in homework is to provide home conditions conducive to learning, and to show a genuine interest and a positive attitude toward their child's work. Younger children need help in developing a routine and in choosing a quiet, well-lighted place to complete the assigned task. As children grow older, they need the ongoing parent support and recognition of the importance of schoolwork. 

The role of the teacher is to assign appropriate homework in relation to the needs and abilities of the student, to assign work that is in direct relationship to work being covered in class, and to evaluate assignments returned by the student. 

The purpose of homework is to: 

1. Aid in the mastery of essential skills (e.g., reading and writing).
2. Reinforce classroom learning goals.
3. Provide opportunities for parent-child interaction. 
4. Give students the time needed to prepare reports and presentations.
5. Afford students with an opportunity to complete work not finished in class. 
6. Complete of assignments missed due to excused absences.
7. Master good study habits, including: (a) time management, concentrating on the task at hand, taking responsibility for completing work assigned, and being accountable for the quality of one’s work.

Children should not be sent to school if they have an elevated temperature, have been vomiting, or other genuine symptoms of an illness. Children should remain at home until their health permits them to participate in all school activities, including recesses. It is recommended that your child be free from fever for 24 hours before returning to school. An ill or injured child is routinely sent to the Health Office where necessary first aid is provided until his or her parent arrives. Our school health assistant handles first aid and will be calling you if your child is ill, injured or needs to go home. She is not qualified to make medical diagnoses. Our health office is supervised by our school nurse. The nurse is available for parent conferences by appointment.

Keep all emergency contact information current. We will always try to contact parents first and then those noted on the emergency contact. Please make sure that the people listed are willing and available to come and get your child if we must call them.

Northwood Elementary operates on a traditional schedule. Classes are self-contained and organized on a graded structure, with single-grade classrooms and multi-grade classrooms. Emphasis is placed on developing mastery of grade-level skills, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere, and providing every child with opportunities for success. Our staff also focuses on helping each child develop a positive self-concept, a sense of social responsibility, and a positive attitude toward learning. Additionally, a great deal of importance is given to problem-solving and thinking skills, leadership skills, an understanding of democratic processes, and an understanding of the world in which we live.

The Language Development Program consists of newcomer primary classes. Students receive intensive instruction to develop their skills in English. Students who need to learn English can be offered placement in the newcomer program for approximately one year before transitioning to a regular education classroom.

Students arriving at school late must report to the office to be counted in attendance before going to class. If a student is late due to a medical or dental appointment, please bring a doctor’s note.

No child is permitted to leave school during school hours. If it is necessary for your child to leave during school hours, the parent/guardian must sign him/her out at the office. The child will be called out of class once the parent/guardian has arrived and student has been signed out. Please allow 10-15 minutes for your child to be located and called out of class. No child will be released to anyone except a parent/guardian unless the office has been notified in advance.

Library resources are available to all students and teachers. We encourage library use through scheduled visits, individual study, library skills lessons, and literature appreciation.

We encourage families to label their student’s belongings for easy identification. Lost items
will be placed on the lost and found rack, and will be out during school hours by the lunch
tables. Students should periodically check for lost items during snack and lunch recesses.
More valuable items such as jewelry, watches, and glasses are placed in the front office for
safe-keeping. Students may ask for them there.

Throughout the year, we will send out reminders to look for unclaimed items. As the lost and
found fills up, we will notify the community of our intent to donate unclaimed items.

Cafeteria: All students will be provided free breakfast at recess and free lunch during the
lunch period. Each student will be provided with a pin number to access their own personal
lunch account; we appreciate your assistance in helping them to memorize their PIN at the
beginning of the year. Checks and cash can be brought into the office to add to your
student’s account or you can put money into your student’s account online for the purchase
of a la carte items. Please see the IUSD Nutrition Services web page for information about
adding money to your student’s account.

Food Brought from Home: Students may also bring lunch and snack from home; please be
sure to label all lunch boxes and snack containers with your student’s name. We encourage
students to bring foods that will give them the fuel and energy they need to have a positive
and productive day at school. Please note: Due to concerns related to student allergies and
dietary restrictions, students are not permitted to share food directly with one another. We
appreciate your help in ensuring that shareable quantities of candy, chips, and other foods
stay at home so that students are not tempted to share with classmates.

Students with Food Allergies: Please be sure that any allergies are included in your student’s
medical screen on Aeries/Parent Portal, and that our health office is aware of any food
allergies. Our nutrition assistant has access to this information to support students with
allergies in the cafeteria. Our health office staff will reach out to parents to determine
appropriate seating arrangements (e.g., nut-free table) for students at risk of anaphylaxis.

Birthday Treats: Families may arrange with their teacher to bring in birthday treats, one week
in advance. We encourage non-edible items to be inclusive of students with allergies.

Students are expected to act appropriately during lunch. Lunchtime Behavior Standards include:

• Listen carefully and follow directions the first time they are given.
• Display your best table manners – use soft voices and don’t play with food.
• Pick up and put all trash into the proper cans.
• Walk; do not run in all school areas.
• Sit at assigned tables.
• Wait until you are dismissed before you leave the lunch area.

In accordance with California law, school staff members are obligated to report the reasonable suspicion of physical abuse, emotional abuse, emotional deprivation, physical neglect, inadequate supervision, or sexual abuse and exploitation. In these deeply serious matters, the school staff will make such reports in the best interest of the affected child and make the report to the proper authorities for their investigation and review.

Anytime your student requires medication to be taken at school, the medication MUST BE
KEPT IN THE HEALTH OFFICE to be administered only by school personnel. By law, the school
requires that:

● Medication prescribed by a licensed authorized health care provider must have the
pharmacy label attached and clearly state the students name, name of medication
and dosage of medication to be given.
● Non-prescription medication must be sent in the original container with directions.
● A completed IUSD Medication Administration form signed by both the parent and the
medical provider must accompany the medication for both prescribed and
non-prescribed medication.

Please do not ask personnel to administer medication without meeting the foregoing
requirements and never send medication with your student to school. For more information,
please visit the IUSD Health Services website.

To avoid interruption of classroom instruction, email is the best way to communicate with your child’s teacher. Please inform the office if the call is an emergency so we may call your child out of class to take the emergency call. The office telephone is for emergencies only and not for routine phone calls.

The Irvine Unified School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in
education. District programs and activities including membership in student clubs shall be
free from discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, ethnic group
identification, immigration status, age, religion, actual or potential parental, family, or marital
status, or the exclusion of any person because of pregnancy or related conditions, physical
or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic
information; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a
person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

The District does not discriminate in enrollment in or access to any of the activities and
programs available. Admission to these programs is based on age appropriateness, class
space, interest, aptitude, and prerequisite coursework where applicable. The lack of English
skills shall not be a barrier to admission to or participation in the District’s activities and
programs. The Irvine Unified School District also does not discriminate in its hiring or
employment practices.*

*The full Nondiscrimination statement can be found on the IUSD website.

Both parents and teachers are encouraged to communicate regularly regarding any needs and concerns. The recommended procedure for conferring with a teacher is to make an appointment. Most concerns can be resolved between parent and teacher, but when a solution cannot be found, the principal will be more than happy to see you. School dates have been reserved for parent/teacher conference days. The dates for conferences are listed on the Northwood school calendar.

Please note that there will be traffic and wait time at drop-off and dismissal. We encourage
families to plan accordingly, and expect all adults who are dropping off and picking up our
students to ROLL with Kindness in the parking lot and surrounding neighborhood. Student
safety is our number one priority. It is imperative that drivers adhere to the following rules and
procedures during drop-off and pick up procedures:
● Follow staff directions immediately, and model respect and kindness in all interactions
with staff and other families.
● Northwood has two lanes, drop-off and passing lane. Cars may not park in the passing
lane for any length of time.
● When dropping off your child, pull all the way forward in the drop-off lane before
letting your child out of the car.
● Students must have their backpacks, lunches, and/or instruments ready to exit the car
on the passenger side only.
● For safety reasons, parents must stay in the car. Students are not allowed to go to the
trunk of the car.
● Please provide ample time for dropping off your child before school to alleviate undue
stress for you and your child.
● Speed limit in the parking lot is 5 mph.
● The staff parking lot is for school staff only, with the exception of designated visitor and
disabled person parking spots. Visitor parking should be reserved for those who are
coming into the front office.
● Drivers are asked to respect the disabled person parking spaces. Do not park in or
block them in any way, unless you have the appropriate placard.
● As a courtesy to the residents of our surrounding neighborhoods, please be
considerate in your driving and parking practices. Be mindful of your speed, observant
of existing signage, and refrain from blocking access to driveways and cross traffic.
IPD traffic officers will be present occasionally throughout the year to encourage and
reinforce your compliance and safe driving.

Students and families are encouraged to review the rules for individual games in
Northwood’s Playground Handbook. All students will have an opportunity at the beginning of the year to learn the rules and expectations of playground games and safety during their PE
class. Our general playground rules are:
● Respect school and private property.
● Use equipment appropriately and safely.
● Leave all toys, games, balls, and personal items at home.
● Use appropriate language at all times.
● Keep hands and bodies to self at all times. *Hitting, kicking, wrestling, play-fighting, and
unsafe play are not allowed.
● Include others.
● Positive comments only.
● Chase or tag games are only allowed on the field.
● Walk on the blacktop.
● Play away from the portables, classroom doors, and windows.
● Stay off of fences and trees.
● Remain at the lunch tables until you are dismissed.
● Stop playing when the bell rings and return all playground equipment and balls to the
cart.

The staff and our Northwood Elementary School Parent Teacher Association will continue to work together to ensure consistent communication between school and home, facilitate opportunities for social interaction, parent education and fundraising. PTA plays a vital part to the success of Northwood with program and event support. Every parent is encouraged to join our PTA. Parents are also welcome to attend our PTA meetings to participate in the decision-making process and help support Northwood. Please visit the PTA website for more information.

• PTA Website

At Northwood, we firmly believe that student success relies on a strong partnership between
families and school staff. As with any partnership, communication is key, and we have
several ways that we communicate with families.

Website: For general information about Northwood, we encourage you to visit our website at
https://northwood.iusd.org.

Thursday Folders: As part of living responsibly, your student is responsible for carrying home
important school and classroom information. Each student will bring home important school
communication and information each week in their Thursday folder. The school asks that
families take time each Thursday to review the contents of the Thursday folder.

Parent Square: Additionally, IUSD uses Parent Square to communicate important information.
Notifications from Parent Square are sent via email, text, and phone. Families are also
encouraged to register for a Parent Square account. Please be sure to read all
communication sent via Parent Square.

Email and Phone Calls: We encourage parents to contact the school with any questions or
concerns. Your child’s teacher is typically the best first contact regarding academic and
social-emotional concerns, as they spend the most time with your child each day. Staff is
committed to responding within 48 hours; if you do not receive a response, please call the
front office so that we can ensure that your message was received. Likewise, we ask that
families respond to direct communication from the school in a timely manner so that we can
work together to support your student.

Conferences: At Back to School Night, teachers will share information about scheduling a
mandatory fall conference during conference week in October. A mid-year conference
may be requested by your child’s teacher, as well. Families and school staff may arrange a
conference at any point in the year to discuss student progress.

Note: In order to promote a respect for teaching and learning, staff is not to be interrupted
during the teaching hours of the school day. Please check with your student's teacher for the
best time to conference with him/her. All teachers have voice mail extensions and email
accounts to leave messages for contact. It is necessary to make appointments with teachers
for a conference. Voice mail extensions and email addresses for all staff members can be
found on Northwood's website.

Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled twice a year (Fall, all students & Spring, on an as needed appointment basis). This is to provide a planned opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss your child’s achievements and progress. If you feel that a conference is necessary other than the scheduled dates, please contact your child’s teacher.

Parent Volunteers at Northwood are an essential part of the home-school partnership. There is no better way to encourage your child’s growth and development than to volunteer. Parent involvement in the instructional program is invited and encouraged. Volunteers assist in the classroom, school events, in the library, on field trips, and at home preparing materials for use at school. Parents who are interested in volunteering should contact the classroom teacher. Activities which are prearranged and designed with the classroom teacher can include working with small groups on a special project, being a guest speaker, reading to students, playing educational games, chaperoning a field trip or providing one-on- one support for a child.

For the protection and safety of persons using our school grounds, the walking of dogs or other animals on our school campus is prohibited by the Irvine Unified School District.

For student and adult safety and per Irvine Unified School District Policy, and with the
exception of service animals, the walking or carrying of dogs or other animals on campus is
prohibited at all times-not only during school hours. Please be a good role model for your
children by following IUSD policy and leaving your dogs at home. This includes bringing dogs
to school at drop-off and pick-up.

Students should not be dropped off prior to 8:05 in the morning as there is no supervision before this time. The front of the school is the only designated safe drop off and pick up site for Northwood students. Any other location is not considered safe and is unsupervised. The parents who are late picking up their students on multiple occasions may be referred to IUSD’s Student Services Department and/or the Irvine Police Dept. 

Students are to be picked up no later than ten minutes following dismissal time. Students are expected to leave campus immediately after dismissal. Please adhere to this policy for your child’s safety since there is no supervision beyond this time. Please meet your child in front of the school at dismissal time. 

If you need to pick up your child prior to the regular dismissal time you must come to the office to sign your child out of school. No child is permitted to leave campus without your signed permission or that of an authorized adult of your choosing. Any adult who signs a child out must be listed on the child’s emergency contacts and at least 18 years of age.

The physical education program is an important part of the elementary education experience for students. If a health condition prevents a student from participating in physical activities over an extended period of time, a note from a physician indicating the limitation is required.

Supervision on the playground begins at 8:05 a.m. NO STUDENT should arrive before 8:05 am. If your child is going home with a friend or is leaving school in any way other than usual, please send a note with the child in the morning stating the change from daily procedure to your child’s teacher and the office staff. Children are asked to go directly home after school and not to remain on the playground. There is only ten minutes of adult supervision after school. 

Cases involving parents who are habitually late picking up their children may be referred to Student Services and/or the Irvine Police Department.

At Northwood Elementary School, students are taught to use conflict resolution to solve problems. Students are counseled to solve their problems without fighting. The following are some ways to handle a problem with another individual at Northwood:

• Tell the person that you don’t like what they’re doing and to stop
• Talk it over – Listen 
• Walk away, get a drink of water, and join a game
• Say, “I’m sorry” to prevent any misunderstanding
• Do something else
• Take turns and share
• Ignore it
• Ask for help from the adults at school

Progress reports will be sent home at the teacher’s discretion. If your child is at-risk of not meeting grade-level performance standards, teachers are required to send home a progress report.

Electronic report cards are issued at the end of each trimester during the school year at all grade levels K-6. Electronic report cards may be viewed,
printed or downloaded at https://my.iusd.org.

Please review with your child the safest route to school. Children are expected to practice good citizenship and obey school rules on the way to and from school. Students must use sidewalks and designated crosswalks. For student safety, Northwood students are not allowed to cut through open fields or unmarked intersections. The Irvine Police Department has designated the Yale/Trabuco signal as the safe Trabuco crossing.

The Northwood School Site Council meets regularly to serve as an advisory group in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Single Plan for Student Achievement. The School Site Council is composed of both parent members (elected by all Northwood parents) and school staff members, including the Principal and several teachers. Each School Site Council member serves for two years.

In any emergency situation, our primary message to our students is to listen to the Northwood
adult who is with them at the time of the emergency. Our families can assist us in reinforcing
that message at home. In the event of an actual disaster or emergency situation, our
procedures are as follows:
● Verify location and well-being of students and staff.
● Provide emotional and physical aid as needed.
● Release students and staff in an orderly and safe manner, once all staff and students
have been accounted for.
Families can assist us in ensuring student and staff safety during an emergency in the
following ways:
● Ensure that all parent and emergency contact information is correct in Aeries.
● Stay connected for updates through Parent Square so that you know when and where
to collect your student.
● Avoid calling the school directly so that the phone lines remain open for emergency
use.

● If you are an off-duty nurse, doctor, firefighter, or police officer, and a disaster should
occur, we would appreciate your assistance at the school site.

Our students and staff participate in monthly drills, with a focus on listening to unique
directions from adults in order to practice the flexibility and situational awareness needed in
an emergency situation. Families will be notified of drills that relate to lockdown procedures
in advance of the drill, and upon the drill’s completion. Northwood utilizes developmentally
appropriate practices when conducting all emergency drills, and does not conduct violent
intruder simulation drills. All drills and notification abide by AB 1858: The Safe and Prepared
Schools Act.

Children are expected to be in their classroom line when school the bells rings at 8:15am. Students should not arrive at school before 8:05 am. There is no supervision prior to this time. If a student is late to school, he/she must check in at the front office to obtain a late slip. A student is considered tardy if they are not in class or in the classroom line when the bell rings. Repeated tardies are viewed as truancy under state law. Three tardies greater than 30 minutes late to school (8:45am); or nine tardies less than 30 minutes late to school equals one (1) day truancy. A parent note, a call to the attendance line or Doctor’s note is required to verify the reason for the tardy.

Phones and other devices that can connect to the internet must be off and put away in the
students’ backpack OR teacher-designated location during the school day, including
before school. Students may use their phone to call a parent after school, but may not share
their device with other students. Phones and other internet devices that are out during the
day will be turned in to the front office for a parent to pick up. Multiple infractions may result
in the student checking their device into the office each morning, and picking it up after
school.

Textbooks are provided free on a loan basis. Students will be held accountable for their care and return. If a book is lost or damaged, the student’s parents/guardians are financially responsible for the book. All books are accounted for at the end of the school year or when a student transfers. Textbooks are expensive...most are in the $85.00 to $150.00 range. Students are therefore encouraged to take very good care of their books.

• Read all school communication carefully.
• Communicate with your child's teacher. Together you are a team for your child's academic success.
• Provide a quiet place and a consistent time to do homework. Support your child in homework efforts but refrain from doing the homework for them. 
• Help your child learn to follow directions. Give one and two-step directions and see to it that tasks are completed. 
• Teach your child to show respect for others by using polite phrases such as "please," "thank you," and "excuse me."
• Model and reinforce appropriate behavior.
• Help your child learn his/her address and telephone number.
• Guide and monitor your child's television viewing.
• Listen to your child and encourage them to talk about new experiences.
• Explain the meaning of new words to your child.
• Encourage your child to succeed by encouraging his/her best work, but do not expect more than your child is capable of doing.
• Involve your child with reading and writing activities.
• See that your child gets a good night's sleep and has a nutritious breakfast.
• Write your child's name on all personal items brought to school such as jackets, lunch boxes, backpacks, etc.
• Refrain from sending to school a sick child or one who has had a fever within the past 24 hours. This precaution will help preserve the health of other children. 
• Please telephone the school when your child will be absent. Your child will need a written excuse upon returning to the classroom.
• Dress your child according to the weather conditions as temperatures can fluctuate greatly during certain times of the year. Outside activities such as PE and recess will take place when the weather permits.
• For emergency purposes, please keep your emergency contact information current. Parents are able to update emergency contact information through the Parent Portal at MyIUSD.org website.

The Irvine Unified School District strictly prohibits the use of products containing tobacco or nicotine, including but not limited to smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew, and clove cigarettes, by students on any district campus or while attending school-sponsored activities or while under the supervision or control of district employees. This prohibition also applies to electronic nicotine delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes, electronic hookahs, and other vapor emitting devices with or without nicotine content that may mimic the use of tobacco products. Student use or possession of such products must conform to laws governing student use and possession of medications on school property.

If you plan to move outside of the Irvine Unified School District, please notify the school office. Parents will need to come to the front office and sign a withdrawal form to officially withdraw their child on the student’s last day of attendance at Northwood. For transfers within the Irvine Unified School District, parents will obtain from the Northwood office a printout from our district database and take the printout with proof of residency to the new Irvine Unified neighborhood school they will attend. When you have a firm leave date, please notify the school office and teacher at least 3-5 days prior to your child’s last day at Northwood Elementary. This will allow teacher to gather all student work and the office to complete paperwork and allow a smooth transition for your child’s departure.

Pursuant to Irvine City Ordinance IV-14-702A, all visitors must register in the administration office between the hours 7:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Violation of this statute is a misdemeanor punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.

For the protection of persons using IUSD school grounds, the following activities are prohibited:

• Trespassing during school hours
• The riding of skateboards, rollerblades, scooters or bicycles
• Use of alcohol and/or narcotics
• Loitering
• Climbing on buildings and fences
• Use of profanity or loud abusive language
• Operating motor vehicles, cycles, carts, etc.
• Overnight parking
• Use of tobacco products
• Walking dogs or other animals
• Dumping refuse on grounds or in dumpsters
• Playing golf

A Use Permit is required for the use of Northwood’s property by groups and organizations.

If you see anyone engaging prohibited activities on the Northwood grounds, we encourage you to contact our administrative office during school hours and/or the Irvine Police at any time at 949-724-7000.