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Northwood Handbook

Within the Irvine Unified School District, there is a shared responsibility to ensure that grades reflect the knowledge and skill level of each student. Acts of academic dishonesty can inhibit learning and adversely impact the accuracy of grades. When academic honesty violations occur, consequences shall be determined through an evaluation of the specific situation, shall be commensurate with the seriousness of the act, and shall take into consideration the previous record of the student. When appropriate, consequences for academic dishonesty shall be imposed both at the school and the classroom level commensurate with the grade level and developmental needs of the student. All academic honesty violations, whether handled by a teacher or another school official, shall be documented in the student’s discipline file for future reference. Parents/guardians shall be made aware of each academic honesty violation and consequence. Please see IUSD Administrative Regulation 5131.9 for additional information regarding definitions and potential consequences related to academic honesty and integrity.

(Includes: Absences, Illnesses, Truancy & Tardies)

Regular attendance has a positive correlation with student success. Parents/guardians of children between the ages of 6 and 18 are obligated to send their children to school unless otherwise provided by law. The school board shall abide by all state attendance law as and may use any legal means to correct the problems of excessive absence or truancy. (Board Policy 5113)

To minimize the amount of school students miss, it is important for families to prioritize student attendance when planning appointments and vacations.


Reporting an Absence

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the school each day a child is absent.

The following methods may be used to verify student absences:

  1. Written note from parent/guardian or parent representative. (Ed. Code 46012)
  2. Conversation, in person or by telephone, between the verifying employee and the student’s parent/guardian or parent representative.

Northwood Elementary school maintains a 24-hour attendance line for reporting student absences (949) 936-5951. Please call the attendance line each day your child is absent. A phone call to the attendance line or note to the office personnel must be received from the parent within three days of the child returning to school, or the absence will become unexcused.


Information Regarding the IUSD Board Policy and Truancy

Truancy indicates a violation of the laws requiring children be at school everyday their school is in session. Students without a valid excuse shall be classified as truant. Our school district is required under Board Policy (5113) to monitor student attendance and to follow specified district guidelines for referrals to the School Attendance Review Board regarding attendance issues. Parents will be notified of excessive absences, tardies, and truancies. The following will hopefully aid in your understanding of parental responsibilities under the law.


Excused

Absence from school shall be excused only for reasons permitted by law, Board policy and administrative regulations (Educations Code 48205).


Unexcused

Absences, with parental knowledge and consent, for reasons other than those identified as excused absences shall be deemed unexcused absences. (Board Policy 5112) Students absent without a valid excuse shall be classified as truant. Students who are tardy more than 30 minutes without a valid excuse shall be classified as truant. Such students shall be reported to the principal or designee. (Education Code 48200)


Truancy

A student is considered truant if the student was absent without school notification from the parent/guardian. If a parent did not telephone office personnel or send a note within the three days of the child’s returning to school; or, the child was absent for an unexcused reason the child will be marked as unexcused. Each unexcused absence equals 1 truancy.

Class participation is an integral part of each student’s learning experiences, parents/guardians and students are asked to schedule medical appointments during nonschool hours (Board Policy 5112a). If a student must miss school due to a medical/dental appointment, please deliver to the school a note from the medical/dental professional indicating the student name, date and time of the appointment. This medical/dental note allows the attendance record to reflect an excused absence.


Tardies

Students are to arrive on time and remain in school for the duration of the school day. If a child arrives late, this is recorded as a tardy. If the tardy is due to a morning medical/dental/orthodontia appointment, when the child checks into the office please deliver a note from the medical/dental professional indicating the date, child’s name and time of the appointment. This allows the attendance office to mark the child’s tardy as excused. Parents of tardy students need to say good-bye to their child at the office as instructional time has begun in the classrooms. Do not walk tardy students directly to the classroom.


Excessive Absences and/or Tardies

The district’s computer database automatically creates letters to parents of student’s meeting prescribed truancy attendance thresholds. Our school and district continues to notify parents of excessive absences, tardies, and truants, and will follow prescribed procedures: 

  1. Parent notification of excessive absences and/or tardies
  2. Parent Meeting with the Principal and completion of a Parent /Student Attendance Agreement
  3. Parent meeting with the School Attendance Review Team
  4. Family referral to the District School Attendance Review Board

To ensure student safety and a consistent focus on academics, all adults must check in at the office before entering the school campus. Parents and/or visitors need to sign in with a valid picture ID using our electronic Visitor/Volunteer system. All Visitors/Volunteers must wear a badge at all times while on campus. The District mandates all Volunteers complete and have on file a Volunteer Screening Form.

 

(also see Forbidden Items)

Personal articles (toys, radios, etc.) may not be brought from home without prior written permission from the principal/teacher.

ROLL Bucks and Roll Points - Students receive positive reinforcement through our “ROLL” incentive program. 

ROLL stands for: 

  • (R) Respectful
  • (O) On Time and Ready
  • (L) Living Responsibly 
  • (L) Living Safely

Students can receive ROLL Bucks and points from staff members by exhibiting these values. Points and ROLL Bucks help classes earn incentives.

Because behavior and discipline are the shared responsibilities of the home and the school, a cooperative and supportive partnership benefits our students, and leads to the best outcome: self-discipline. When children behave appropriately, all students can enjoy an optimal safe learning experience, free from distractions to learning goals. Northwood provides many opportunities for children to develop respect for others and the ability to work and learn together collaboratively. Positive reinforcements for good behavior include praise, ROLL bucks, class incentives, periodic 8 commendations and/or special rewards for demonstrating good citizenship.

In order to ensure a quality learning experience for your child and all the students at Northwood Elementary, the following general rules for behavior have been developed:

  1. Treat others as you wish to be treated
  2. Be respectful to everyone at Northwood
  3. Follow staff directions
  4. Use appropriate language
  5. Use equipment and materials properly
  6. Stay in assigned areas
  7. Keep hands and feet to self.
  8. Use respectful language.
  9. Solve problems, don’t make them bigger
  10. Respect school property and the property of others

When students make poor behavioral choices and create disruptions to our learning environment, school disciplinary measures need to be enacted. School disciplinary measures range from minimum consequences (given a warning and being reminded of the rules), to intermediary consequences (loss of playground privileges, a citation sent home, or a parent conference with the principal), to maximum consequences (suspension or expulsion from Northwood). Behavior that intentionally causes injury to another person is cause for immediate citation or suspension from school. Additionally, any student who is in possession of a firearm or a knife will be recommended for expulsion from school. Each case is handled on an individual basis in accordance with District policy, including IUSD’s ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY. 

Many students confuse the concepts of self-defense and retaliation. Some students, for example, think it is acceptable to strike back and declare it to be in self-defense. When a person blocks a punch, it is considered self- defense, but when a child strikes back, he/she is retaliating, and is equally accountable. Our goal is to help students to understand that retaliation never solves the problem; it only makes the problem bigger. If your child is involved in a conflict that becomes physical, they should remove themselves from the situation, and seek assistance from an adult staff

Only children in grades 3 through 6 may ride bicycles to school. Scooters, skateboards, roller blades/skates, and wheeled shoes are not permitted at school. In accordance with California Vehicle Code 21212, we require that all students who operate or ride as a passenger on a bicycle to wear helmets. It is the responsibility of students to lock their bicycle with their own lock in the bike rack each day. If your child does not have a lock, please leave the bicycle at home.

It is strongly encouraged that bicycles be registered with the City of Irvine Police Department. This service is available for free. An application can be completed online or in person at the Irvine Police Department. Bicycle registration serves a dual purpose: (a) in the event of an accident, a child’s parents will be quickly notified on the basis of the registration information, and (b) registration of bicycles helps to find and return lost or stolen bicycles.

Northwood recognizes that our students may want to share their special day with their classmates by bringing a non-food item to share. Please check with your child’s teacher at least 24 hours in advance before sending birthday items. Students may donate a book to the class library, or bring school items like pencils, erasers, or markers. Please do not send balloons or flowers as they disrupt the learning program and distract students.

Northwood’s policies to address bullying behavior is in alignment with IUSD’s and the State of California’s policy on bullying. When concerns are brought to our attention, we respond in a timely manner in order to ensure our students feel safe and supported. Our focus is on maintaining a safe environment for our students, taking ownership of behavior, developing empathy, providing opportunities for students to engage in restitution/conflict resolution, and teaching replacement behaviors and healthy communication skills.

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.

Students are engaged with electronic devices on a weekly basis at least for 30-60 minutes. In order for your child to use electronic devices in a safe, academic way and for them to access school’s web-based instruction program, parents must complete the acceptable use policy at the beginning of the year. Students without permission cannot be allowed to use electronic devices.

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.

Northwood promotes a standard of appearance which enhances the learning environment while allowing for reasonable comfort and individuality for all students. We encourage parents to have their children in neat and clean clothing which is appropriate for elementary school activities. Clothing may not contain inappropriate graphics or messages. Open-toed shoes or sandals are not permitted as they constitute safety concerns with respect to physical activities such as PE and recess. The school will inform parents in the event that a student's dress or grooming is not appropriate for school. Please see below for some general guidelines; as fashions and trends shift, this list is not exhaustive. We appreciate your help in ensuring our students are safe and comfortable at school.

  • Shoes should be appropriate and sturdy enough for school activities including physical education.
    • Flip flops, crocs, clogs, open-toed sandals or backless shoes should not be worn at school.
  • Approved hats, hoods and caps are acceptable for outside activities only.
  • Jewelry should be minimal, and safe for physical activities such as recess and PE. All valuable jewelry should be kept at home.
  • Clothing should provide enough coverage to ensure that students can fully participate in recess and PE without exposing the chest, midriff, or undergarments. 
  • Shorts and pants must cover the entire bottom.
  • Avoid shirts and dresses that have spaghetti straps, tube tops, and off the shoulder necklines, as these can prohibit a full range of motion during PE and recess.
  • Be mindful of nail length, as longer nails can contribute to injury during PE and recess. 

Below is an excerpt from the IUSD’s Board Policy governing Dress and Personal Appearance:

Appropriate dress and personal appearance at school and school-related activities shall not include any clothing, attire, or accessory that by its manner of appearance, arrangement, trademark, fit, or any other attribute, is unsafe; disruptive; unhealthful; obscene; profane; ethnically, racially or sexually degrading; libelous or slanderous; exposing undergarments; provocative or revealing; advocating unlawful behavior or illegal substances; or suggesting or promoting any affiliation with any street gang or other group that commits unlawful acts [see Board Policy 5132(a)- Dress and Personal Appearance and Board Policy 5136(a) - Gang Affiliation].

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. 

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.

Small items of value, such as glasses, jewelry, money, etc., should be taken to the office when found. Large articles such as clothing, backpacks, etc., are taken and hung on the lost and found rack. Students may look for and claim lost items. Students' names should be written on or sewn in articles to enable prompt return to the rightful owner. Unclaimed clothing is sent to social agencies at the end of each grading period. We recommend parents occasionally check the lost and found rack.

(for lunch times, see Bell Schedule) 

Lunch and snack are provided to each student at no cost. Additional items are available for purchase; families can add money to a student’s account through Parent Portal. See the IUSD Nutrition Services website for additional information.

Irvine Unified Nutritional Services publishes a monthly menu on their website. You may find the website utilizing: 

Students may also bring a lunch and snack from home. We also encourage students to bring an inexpensive refillable water bottle to school. Water bottles are one of our most commonly misplaced items, so we encourage families to keep expensive water bottles at home.

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.

Your child may have a medication prescribed for the treatment of a health problem. As a general policy, the school recommends that children receive medication at home whenever possible. In the event your physician decides your child needs to receive medication during the school day, certain procedures must be followed. 

Medicines, whether they be prescription or over-the-counter, may not be brought to school without medical authorization signed by a physician and parent. State law requires that the necessary forms must be completed before any medication can be administered at school. All medications are distributed through the health office only must be kept locked in the health office. The law requires that: 

  1. the medication must be in the original pharmacy bottle properly labeled by the pharmacist, 
  2. a consent form signed by the child’s parent or legal guardian, and
  3. a signed Doctor’s order. Medication must be delivered to the school office by a parent/guardian. 

These regulations pertain to both Prescription and Non-Prescription drugs. For more information on the specific procedures that need to be followed, contact our school’s health office at (949) 936-5961 or email the School Nurse.

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.* 

*Full Nondiscrimination statement can be found at iusd.org and Board Policy 5145.5

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.

Student safety is our number one priority. Your assistance is requested in helping maintain order and safety in our school parking lot. Please be patient and cautious and follow the standards listed below. 

  • Pull up to the curb to drop off and pick up students.
  • Students dropped or picked up at the curb should exit/enter the vehicle using the door closest to the curb.
  • Park your car only in parking stalls marked “visitor” or on the street.
  • Pull all the way forward in the traffic line.
  • No double parking or “hovering” beside another car is allowed.
  • Do not motion for students to cross into the parking lot to meet you at your car. When parked in a marked stall, please meet your child at the curb and personally escort your child back to the car .
  • Use the designated “Blue Cross Walk” when crossing the parking lot.
  • Walk only on the sidewalks.
  • Please do not drive faster than 5 mph.
  • Do not use cell phones or handheld devices when driving.
  • PUT STUDENT SAFETY BEFORE ADULT CONVENIENCE AT ALL TIMES!

Driving

Student safety is our number one priority. Many parents choose to drive their children to school. It is imperative that drivers adhere to the following rules and the following drop off and pickup procedures:

  • Drivers are asked to respect the handicapped spaces. Do not park in or block them in any way, unless you have the appropriate placard.
  • 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, please do not get out of the vehicle or allow students to go to the trunk/hatchback 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 5mph
  • The staff parking lot is for school staff only, with the exception of designated visitor and handicap spots.
  • 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 impeding 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.

To ensure safety for all students, it is imperative that students follow all the playground rules. Our playground rules include:

  • Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself. 
  • Always be courteous and respectful to everyone.
  • Obey school personnel.
  • No name calling, cursing, teasing, put downs or bullying.
  • Be in the right place at the right time.
  • Use school equipment in a safe and proper way. 
  • Walk on sidewalk and blacktop areas.
  • Do not arrive at school or be on the playground before 8:05am.
  • After school is over, leave the school grounds immediately.

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.

As a parent of an elementary level student, keeping in touch with your child's teacher and school is important to the academic success of your child's education. Parents are encouraged to communicate with teachers regarding their child's progress. Attending school activities such as Back-to- School Night, Parent-Teacher Conferences, and Open House are ways to become acquainted with your child’s teacher and familiarizing yourself with each teacher’s learning goals and behavioral expectations.

If you have questions specific to your child's progress or a classroom issue, please contact your child's teacher directly before bringing your concern(s) to school administration. It is important to keep open lines of communication between parents and teachers to ensure the best education for your child. Arranging a meeting with your child's teacher can be done emailing the teacher.

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.

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.

Visitors are welcome at Northwood Elementary School, but for the safety and protection of students, all persons visiting our campus must enter and exit through the school office, sign in and out, and wear a visitor’s sticker while in the school. Trespassers are subject to legal action. Additionally, school buildings and grounds are smoke-free and alcohol-free at all times.

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.

To prevent classroom interruptions during instruction, teacher’s classroom phones have been set up for voicemail messages. Children are encouraged not to use the office telephone unless it is an emergency. Be aware that it is the student’s responsibility to bring homework, lunch, or lunch money to school each day and forgotten items do not usually constitute an emergency phone call home. In emergency situations, if it is necessary for you to speak with directly with your child, the office staff will be happy to assist you. Please try to make all after school arrangements prior to your child leaving home.

To avoid interruptions during the school day, student cell/smart phones and other communication devices must be turned off and kept in backpacks or designed classroom storage area. If school personnel see or hear your child’s phone during the school day, they will confiscate your child’s phone and turn it into the Principal’s office (this applies to phone usage inside the building or on the outside school grounds). In order for the student to get their phone back, their parent or guardian must make an appointment to meet with the principal.

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.