2018-2019 RUSD FAMILY HANDBOOK 

PAPERWORK TO TURN IN BY MONDAY, AUGUST 27
1. FAMILY HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
2. STUDENT ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY
3. RUSD ANTI-BULLYING PLEDGE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
​

CITIZENSHIP HANDBOOKS
​Reed School  •    Bel Aire School    •    Del Mar 

​GENERAL INFORMATION A-Z
Adult/Parent Visitors & Volunteers
Parent Volunteer Opportunities
  • Classroom volunteer opportunities should be coordinated through your child’s teacher. All visitors and volunteers MUST sign in and get a Visitor’s Badge at the office prior to entering a classroom and must sign out in the office upon leaving the school. 
  • Additional opportunities are coordinated through the PTA and include: classroom support, carline, chaperoning on field trips, School Site Council, Library support, hot lunch, recess support, assemblies, book fair, yearbook, campus gardens, and special events. Please note: The District Insurance Carrier mandates that all volunteers sign in and out at the school office.
Expectations for Volunteers
  • Please turn off and put away your phones and other electronic devices
  • Be flexible – remember you are there to help the teacher
  • Remember that it is not your responsibility to discipline students
  • Be reliable and on time
  • ​Understand that the teacher will not have time to chat with you
  • Refrain from gossip: what happens in the classroom stays in the classroom
  • Have fun!

Bringing Siblings or Other Children
  • No children other than registered RUSD students (including siblings) are permitted to attend classes at any time due to liability and immunization regulations. 

Fingerprinting for Parent Volunteers
  • In order to comply with Ed Code and RUSD policy, parents who volunteer in a capacity in which there is not always a credentialed teacher present, must be fingerprinted.  This includes parents who volunteer to attend overnight field trips and parents who work with students during the school plays. You can find additional information below, in the section: Fingerprinting for Parent Volunteers.
After School Care & Programs

After School Care
After school care is available through the Belvedere-Tiburon Child Care Center (BTCCC), located on both the Reed and Bel Aire School campuses.

After School Programs
​There are several after school options available. For further information, please contact the following:
Attendance Policy & Procedure
All students are expected to attend school on a consistent and on-time basis. If your child is going to be tardy, absent, or leave school early for any reason, please be sure to email OR call and notify the office. Absences, tardies, and early leaves due to illness, medical appointments, religious observances, and/or family emergencies are excused. 
*Email: 
@ Reed: r[email protected]
@ Bel Aire: [email protected]
*(use subject line = Absent Student)
24-hour attendance line:
@ Reed: (415) 435-7840   extension #4. 
@ Bel Aire:  (415) 388-7100  extension #4.  
Please provide the following information: 
  • First and last name of your child
  • Your relationship to the child
  • Teacher's name
  • The reason for the absence or tardy
  • * Use 'Absent Student' as subject line in an email
  • Absences: If your child is marked absent and you have not contacted the school, the office will contact you for verification and ask the reason for the absence. If your child must be absent due to an extended illness a doctor’s note is required upon his/her return to school.
  • Excused Absences:  Per Education Code 48205, a student's absence shall be excused for the following reasons:
    1. Personal illness
    2. Quarantine under the direction of a county or city health officer
    3. Medical, dental, optometrical, or chiropractic appointment 
    4. Attendance at funeral services for a member of the immediate family, which shall be limited to one day if the service is conducted in California or three days if the service is conducted out of state 
    5. Appearance in court
    6. Observation of a holiday or ceremony of his/her religion
    7. To spend time with his/her immediate family member who is an active duty member of the uniformed services, as defined in Education Code 49701, and has been called to duty for deployment to a combat zone or a combat support position or is on leave from or has immediately returned from such deployment 
  • Early Leaves: Any adult picking up a student within the school day must sign the student out in the school office and may be asked for a photo ID. Early leaves due to illness, medical appointments, religious observances, and/or family emergencies are excused. Early leaves for extra-curricular activities or other non-emergency events are considered unexcused. 
  • Tardiness: If your child arrives late, please have your child go directly to the office to sign in and pick up a tardy slip before going to the classroom. Tardies due to illness, medical appointments, religious observances, and/or family emergencies are excused.  Tardies for extra-curricular activities or other non-emergency events are considered unexcused. 
  • Unexcused Absences: The district discourages removing your children from school for extra-curricular activities and/or extended vacations. Missing school for family activities and/or vacation is considered an unexcused absence. Teachers are not responsible to prepare individual study packets and/or assist students in making up missed work to compensate for missed instruction due to unexcused absences. 
  • Truancy: Truancy occurs when a student is absent from school without an approved excuse three full days in one school year, or tardy or absent for more than any 30-minute period during the school day without an approved excuse on three occasions in one school year, or any combination thereof. (Education Code 48260)
  • Related Board Policies and Administrative Regulations: For additional information about RUSD policies related to attendance and truancy please refer to Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5113 (Absences and Excuses) and Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5113.1 (Chronic Absence and Truancy).
Back-to-School Night
This event is designed for parents/guardians to meet their child's teacher, the entire school faculty and hear about our programs and expectations.  It is not a conference time, but rather a time to receive general information.  This is an ADULT ONLY event.  
Birthday Celebrations  
Birthday celebrations follow the RUSD Healthy Snacks & Rewards Policy. Your classroom teacher will honor your child on his/her special day in the classroom.  Birthdays are also recognized during school-wide assemblies. If you would like additional recognition for your child, you can donate a Birthday Book HERE.  Please do not send in balloons, flower bouquets, birthday cakes, sweets, foods or goody bags.  Birthday or any other invitations may not be distributed at school. 
Bus Passes  / Yellow Bus Challenge
Bus passes for the 2018-19 school year are available for purchase.  Links to the bus route and and pricing are available HERE.   You can find additional information about the RUSD Bus Policy here. 
Communication Protocols​
RUSD Guidelines for Parent Communications to Teachers & Staff
The guidelines for communication serve as a general guide for ensuring effective communication from parents to teachers, staff and administrators. Communication refers to both the sending and receiving of information, such as email and notes, and verbal communications such as telephone conversations and face-to-face meetings. In order to ensure a successful exchange of information, it is important that all parties follow a few key principles.
   Maintain Respectful and Open Communication
  • Always use a respectful and polite tone
  • Request, do not demand
  • Be ready not just to provide information, but to listen to teacher/staff observations and perspectives
  • Enter the exchange with an open mind and assume a shared best interest for your child
  • Be prepared to work collaboratively to solve problems 

   Confidentiality
  • Recognize that confidentiality may limit information that can be shared from school to parents, including consequences for other students’ behaviors 

  Time to Respond to Communications
  • Teachers will make every effort to respond as soon as possible to parent communications,  with the understanding that the teaching day sometimes precludes immediate responses
  • Teachers and staff may need some time to collect needed information before responding

  Whom to Contact
  • Most communications of classroom/playground concerns should be directed first to your child’s teacher.
  • If you have an issue with a particular staff member, first try to address those concerns with that staff member directly
  • If you have discussed with your child’s teacher and the issue has not been addressed to your satisfaction please contact the school secretary to schedule a time to speak with a school administrator. 

Please recognize that it is both the policy and the value of our district that we operate with openness, collaboration and the shared best interest for every student.
Student Messages 
Please clarify arrangements with your child about after-school plans before school to avoid confusion later in the day.  A written note in his/her backpack or lunchbox can be a helpful reminder during the day.  If you have an unavoidable last minute change in plans, please call the office and they will attempt to deliver your message to your student. Please note however that the office is not always able to get messages to children before they leave, so please do not rely on this for regular communication.   
 More information on communication available at the RUSD website HERE.
Dress Code
Come to school in neat, clean, appropriate clothing and shoes suitable for active participation in P.E. and playground activities. Mini skirts, bare midriffs, short shorts, and spaghetti straps are not appropriate clothing for school. Skirts and shorts must be mid-thigh in length. Clothing should be comfortable, be of proper fit, and not revealing or otherwise disruptive to learning.  Pants must fit at the waist; shirts must come to the waist. Students may not wear flip-flops. Parents/guardians will be notified if their child needs an alternative change of clothing or shoes.
Drop Off & Pick Up Procedures
  Reed:​​
  • Morning Drop Off:  Parents may drop off their children in the morning at carline or the front gate beginning at 8:00. Children may not be dropped off at carline or front gate after volunteers close the gate. Carline ends promptly at 8:25. If you are still in carline when volunteers leave, find a safe place to park and walk your child to the front office.
  • Afternoon Pick-Up: Afternoon pick-up begins promptly at 2:40. Staff is on duty to supervise carline at the end of the day for 20 minutes. If parents do not pick up children within twenty minutes of dismissal, students will be escorted to the office and parents will be called. Please make every effort to be on time for pick-up every day. 
         Additional Details
Cars: K-2 drop-off/pick-up is in the painted zone on Kleinert Drive (The back entrance of the school.) Parents may not park in the staff parking lot or the front circle.  Street parking is available as well as in the public lot on the west side of Tiburon Boulevard. 
Car Line Etiquette & Protocols: In order to facilitate carline, please follow the procedures outlined below:
  • Drivers should not get out to open car doors
  • Cell phone use is prohibited
  • Cars  MUST have appropriate and visible signage as provided by the school 
  • Staff will direct cars with appropriate signage to one of the five (5) colored sections of the sidewalk
  • Students will be asked to stand with siblings and any other children with whom they are carpooling (please help remind your child to do this)
  • Drivers without appropriate signage must park on Lyford and go into the office.  Office staff will check ID and provide a temporary sign so that the driver may return to the Car Line. 
Buses: The bus stop is located in the front traffic circle by the Reed School Office.  Children line up on campus and are escorted by a staff member when the bus arrives. 
Walking to School: Your child should cross ONLY at the corners or under the guidance of a crossing guard.  K-2 parents who walk on campus to pick up their children must wait at the front gate. Parents must have their Parent ID Card so that Reed staff may quickly match children and parents. If a parent forgets his/her Parent ID Card, he/she will be required to go into the office for clearance. Parent cooperation with this policy is much appreciated. 
  Bel Aire
  • Morning Drop Off: Drop off begins at 7:45 am at "the bottom of the hill" on Karen Way.  Children are not allowed on campus prior to morning supervision.  The best route to follow: Blackfield -->  Cecilia-->  Leland --> Karen to ease congestion and prevent children from crossing the street in front of vehicles on Karen Way.  Children should cross at the crosswalk and walk bikes across the street.  Bike riders must wear helmets and walk their bikes up and down the hill to school.  
  • Afternoon Pick Up: Afternoon Pick Up begins at 2:35 (1:35 on Wednesdays). Supervision after school ends 2:50 (1:50 on Wednesdays). Please designate a meeting place away from classrooms. If you are staying in your car at the bottom of the hill, your child will wait with the crossing guard at the bottom of the hill until you pull up in line. If you are walking up the hill to meet your child, please designate a spot in front of the school. We suggest the green gate, lower playground, upper steps, office wall, etc.  It is important that you do not wait outside the classroom as it disrupts the routine. After-school supervision at the bottom of the hill end at 2:55 and1:55 on Wednesdays.
         Additional Details
Parking & Use of Driveway:  Please note that the Bel Aire School driveway is closed to all but school traffic during the day. Parking for parents/visitors is ALWAYS at the bottom of the hill.  Parking is limited, and we do not have enough spaces for all permanent and part-time staff. 

Supervision Before & After School: Students are not allowed on campus prior to the start of morning supervision at 7:45am.  After school supervision ends at 2:50 (1:50 on Wednesdays).  Children who have not been picked up are brought back up to the school office.  At that time adults who pick up the student must be authorized on the student release form and may be asked to show photo ID. 

Respecting our Neighborhood: Please be sensitive to the concerns of our neighbors and discuss with your children the importance of respecting neighborhood property.  Please do not allow your children (or your four-legged children) to walk or play on neighbors’ private property, including the front yard and driveway. Please set a good example for your children by following these guidelines yourself.

Walking & Biking to School: Children should cross at the crosswalk and walk bikes across the street.  Bike riders must wear helmets and walk their bikes up and down the hill to school.  All wheeled devices are to be walked until off school property.
Electronic Devices at School
  • Cell Phones: Students may bring cell phones, but they must be kept in their backpacks.  Students must turn phones off during the school day.  If students need to call home, they must go to the office and use the office phone under the supervision of the staff.
  • Smart Watches: Smart Watches should not come to school, or be turned off and kept in backpacks. 
  • Kindles, iPads, Nooks, etc.: At Bel Aire & Del Mar ONLY, students may bring personal mobile devices for reading only.  They must follow teacher direction as to where the device is stored and when it is used.  These devices cannot be shared or connected to the RUSD network.  The school holds no responsibility for personal items that are brought to school. 
  • Electronic Toys: No electronic toys (or toys of any kind) are allowed on campus.
Emergency Card / Parent or Guardian Absence from Home 
Please help support the RUSD by ensuring that Student Emergency Cards are up to date. In the event that both parents are out of town we encourage you to appoint a temporary guardian and notify the school office. If you appoint someone while you are out of town, the office must receive this information in writing. 
Emergency Preparedness & Student Release
   At Home:
  • You and your children should have a plan for how students will be picked up from school
  • Go to the following radio stations for news updates, do not call schools;  BEARS: 840 AM, KCBS: 740 AM or KGO: 810 AM

   At School:
  • Staff will deployed to their appointed position to ensure the safety of our children.
  • Students will be supervised and waiting in the pre-arranged assembly area on each campus

  Student Release
  • In the unlikely event of a disaster release, a parent/guardian photo ID is required. 
  • Upon arriving to campus, parents will be directed to the Student Request Tables at your child’s school. 
  • ONLY authorized persons are allowed to pick up a student.
  • Staff runners will bring each student to the Reunification Area where he/she will be released to the parent or authorized person.
English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)
​Any student who enters an RUSD school with a primary or home language other than English (as indicated during the school registration process) will be assessed with the Initial English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, or "Initial ELPAC," Attached is a notification letter from our Superintendent, Dr. Nancy Lynch. 
Fidget Toys
We will honor a doctor's note for a child's need for a fidget during class.  If however, the fidget becomes distracting to the student or his or her classmates, we will ask the student to put the fidget away. 
Field Trips
Individual classes may take trips several times during the year. The teacher will notify parents/guardians.  A permission slip must be completed by a parent/guardian and submitted to the school prior to each trip. Busses will be used for all field trips (unless it is a walking field trip). Parents may choose to drive their own child ONLY. Parents may be asked to chaperone on the bus and during the field trip.
Chaperones MUST: 
1.      Check in at the office to get their Volunteer Badge.
2.      Know their responsibility is to chaperone students at all times. 

Chaperones SHALL NOT:
1.      Use cell phones for personal use on field trips
2.      Bring siblings
3.      Stop to run personal errands or buy/provide treats or food for children or selves

Please Note:  Field trips work best when adults are active participants in the educational experience.  Please keep adult socializing to a minimum.
Fingerprinting for Parent Volunteers
  • In order to comply with Ed Code and RUSD policy, parents who volunteer in a capacity in which there is not always a credentialed teacher present, must be fingerprinted.  This includes parents who volunteer to attend overnight field trips and parents who work with students during the school plays. You can find additional information below, in the section: Fingerprinting for Parent Volunteers.
Fingerprinting for Parent Volunteers
In order to comply with Ed Code and RUSD policy, parents who volunteer in a capacity in which there is not always a credentialed teacher present, must be fingerprinted.  This includes parents who volunteer to attend overnight field trips and parents who work with students during the school plays.

In order to complete fingerprinting, please bring $70 and this paperwork to one of the following locations:       
  • Marin City Police Station
  • Tiburon Police Station
  • Sherriff’s Department – San Rafael/Terra Linda
First Day Tips
Should I send my child on the bus the first day of school?
Yes.  Staff will be ready and waiting to greet your child.  Please make sure that your child's bus pass is visible and safely attached to her/his backpack or tote.

If I drive, walk, or bike with my child to school, what is the protocol for drop-off and pick-up?
@ Reed: Drivers use the designated car line behind the school. Please note that there is absolutely no available parking on the school campus. Parents must use street parking. If you are on foot or bike, please drop off and pick up your child at the front gate.
@ Bel Aire: The best route to follow: Blackfield to Cecilia to Leland to Karen Way in order to ease congestion and prevent children from crossing the street in front of vehicles on Karen Way.  Parking for parents/visitors is ALWAYS at the bottom of the hill.  Parking on campus is only available for staff.
Can I walk my child to class? 
Yes. Please feel free to introduce yourself the first day but understand that individual conversations about your child should be communicated at another time.  Beginning Monday, August 27, parents are not to be on campus unless they are scheduled to volunteer and have signed in through the front office and received a Visitor’s Badge. 

Do I send my child to school with lunch the first day? 
Yes.  Send a lunch and a big snack for morning recess with your child. All students need to bring a lunch from home for the first couple days of school.  We are contracting again with Choice Lunch this year, but the first day of service is not until Monday, August 27. Please read this article to learn about how to register for the lunch program. 

What should my child be sure to bring the first day of school? 
Students need to bring their snack and lunch (plus a backpack or tote). All general school supplies will be provided. 

What time does school start? 
@ Reed: Line Up bell at 8:25    Classroom Instruction begins at 8:30 
@ Bel Aire: School begins at 8:00
What time does school end? 
@ Reed: School ends at 2:40 M, T, Th, F and at 1:40 on Wednesdays.
@ Bel Aire: School ends at 2:35 M, T, Th, F and at 1:35 on Wednesdays.
  • Please note that the first day of school, August 23rd is early dismissal.  Reed ends at 1:40 & Bel Aire ends at 1:35.  

If I pick up my child, where do I meet them at the end of the day? 
Please designate a place, and tell your child where you will meet him/her at the end of the day.  ​It is important that you do not wait outside the classroom as it disrupts the routine.
@ Reed: You can meet your child(ren) in carline, at the front gate, or at the child's lunch table. Please be arrive a few minutes early as after school school supervision is not provided.
@ Bel Aire: If you are staying in your car at the bottom of the hill, your child will wait with the crossing guard at the bottom of the hill until you pull up in line. If you are walking up the hill to meet your child, please designate a spot in front of the school. We suggest the green gate, lower playground, upper steps, or the office wall.  
Forgotten Items
Being prepared for school daily is an evolving skill we ask you to encourage. On the rare occasion there is a forgotten lunch, books, homework, etc., items may be dropped off in the school office. Please label all items with your child’s full name and classroom teacher.  If your child is missing a lunch, he/she should first check the office during non-instructional times (i.e., recess).  The office will not interrupt class regarding forgotten items. 
Foundation for Reed Schools     
To sustain the exceptional level of educational excellence in each of the three schools, donor support is needed from our community each year. The Reed Schools Foundation supports the art, music, technology, physical education, foreign language and library services. To make a donation, please contact  [email protected].
Headline News
The Headline News and School FLASH are published every two weeks to keep parents and families informed of events and activities at the district and individual schools.  It is posted as part of RUSD Headline News.  It is emailed to the addresses we have on file. Please inform the office of any changes to your contact information.
Health Services
  • Food Allergy Guidelines:  We recognize that some children have severe food allergies and/or dietary needs that require special conditions.  It is our goal and responsibility to maintain a safe environment for all students during the school day.  The most effective way to accommodate a wide variety of food allergies is to implement grade specific guidelines that recognize developmental awareness of our elementary ages students.  Kindergarten requires the most managed and restricted environment.  As our students mature, encourage them to take more responsibility for their food allergies and dietary needs.  
It is important to note that each school is an open campus during after school hours, weekends, and holidays.  As a result, we cannot guarantee that our students may not be exposed to nuts or other food residue left on the school grounds.  We strongly encourage parents to prepare for the possibility of exposure when their children are at school.

RUSD families are encouraged to share in the responsibility of educating their child(ren) about food allergies and recommended safety precautions, including frequent hand washing, hand wipes, and/or use of individual lunch mats, etc. Due to the viscosity and unique nature of nut products, RUSD has implemented specific safety measures to meet the needs of students with nut allergies.  

Kindergarten-Fifth Grades: Nut Restricted classroom and lunch table(s)
  • Classrooms will be designated as nut-restricted as needed to accommodate allergies.
  • All students will sit at lunch tables with their homeroom class. 
  • Specific lunch tables will be designated as Nut Restricted to accommodate allergies.
  • ​Students are not allowed to share food with one another.
  • Illness/Injuries/Emergencies: Working parents should arrange for a nearby adult to be available to pick up their ill or injured child if necessary. Please indicate this person on your emergency card.  It is very important that we have local people to contact. 
  • Health Accommodations: The school office must be informed of any changes in student health such as a recent diagnosis, concussion, sprain, or broken limb. Parents must provide a written doctor’s note for any requests for accommodations in order for your child to return to school. A doctor’s note is also needed for extended absence. 
  • When to Miss School: Please follow our guidelines in keeping your child home from school to prevent the spread of illness to our students and staff throughout the year. Please call our absentee line to report illness/absences.​
  • Medication Policy: If your child requires medication at school, please follow our medication policy.  All medication, prescription and over-the-counter medications, require an Authorization to Administer Medication form to be completed and signed by both parent and Physician in order for our school staff to administer the medication during the school day.  All medication must be kept in the office, not in your child’s backpack or pocket. Parents must supply all needed  prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Please make sure medication on campus has not expired. 
  • Head Lice Policy: Parents must inform the school office if their child has head lice so that families can be alerted to possible exposure and the need to inspect their children’s hair.  Students with lice or nits may not attend school. Once treated, students may be rechecked weekly for up to six weeks. If appropriate, school staff may periodically check entire classrooms for head lice. Please refer to RUSD Board Policy 5141.33 and our district webpage for more information on head lice, treatment, and prevention. 
  • Communicable Diseases: Parents must inform the school office if their child has a communicable illness, such as strep throat, pink eye, chicken pox, etc. so that families can be informed of possible exposure, and the school can take any necessary precaution to prevent any further transmission.  
  • Crutches, Casts, & Wheelchairs: Schools will accommodate all necessary students supports as long as there is a doctor's note verifying their need. Please note that for safety issues, students who require crutches cannot be on the play yards, blacktops, or fields during recess.  Students will be provided with a quiet space before school and during recess to avoid additional injury.  
Homework Policy
Reed:
Due to the ages of students at Reed School, each grade level has a unique homework policy. Please check with your child's teacher. 

Bel Aire: 
All students are expected to complete homework assignments on time. District policy states: “Students in grades 3-5 should be expected to spend an average of 30 minutes on homework and an additional 20-30 minutes reading, four days a week. In grades 3-5, homework should continue to reinforce skills. Assignments should help develop good personal study habits and may include occasional special projects. Teachers should instruct students on how to develop good study techniques and habits.”  At Bel Aire, each teacher publishes a classroom website and updates it with homework and scheduled events.
Library Books & Fees
We want to encourage students to use our libraries and check-out books, but it is important that students honor due dates. Families will need to pay a replacement fee for any lost or unreturned books. Please note that schools will not distribute yearbooks to students with outstanding library fees at the end of the school year. ​
Lost and Found
The Lost & Found is located outside the school library at Reed, and in the front office at Bel Aire.  Unclaimed articles are donated to charity the last day of each month.  Please clearly label lunch boxes, reusable food containers, jackets, sweaters and backpacks with your child’s name.
Lunch & Snacks
Hot Lunch Program:  RUSD continues to partner with ChoiceLunch as our school lunch vendor for the 2018-19 school year.  Please sign up and order via their website www.choicelunch.com. They offer easy on-line ordering, as well as an app for your mobile device. A small portion of proceeds from every lunch purchased is donated to RUSD PTA.

​Students should always pack a snack from home to eat at morning recess.
Office Hours
School Office Hours are: 7:45 - 4:00.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
We strongly encourage every parent to attend scheduled conferences. Additional conferences can be arranged by contacting your child's teacher(s). 

Conferences will be held the week of: November 5 - November 9.
Early dismissal schedule: Reed 12:00 & Bel Aire 12:10

* Due to limited time during conference week, only one conference per family can be accommodated. 
Parties
Typically, there are four classroom parties per year (Halloween, Winter Holidays, Valentine’s Day, and End-of-Year celebration). Parents may be solicited to donate paper goods, food, and other party items. RUSD policy prohibits goody bags, hired entertainment, and collecting money for parties. The 100th Day of School celebration at Reed is not considered a party. Classroom parties must adhere to the RUSD wellness policy. The Wellness Committee strongly recommends limiting sugary treats. For healthy party snack and activity ideas, visit our Health & Wellness page HERE.
Physical Education
The activities and lessons presented in physical education are driven by and align with the California State Standards. While students play games and have fun, they are also expected to learn. 
  • Students should come to PE prepared. Dressing properly on PE days is required. Please make sure your children wear appropriate clothing and athletic shoes on PE days, or ask them to put a pair into their backpack they can change into for PE. *The first 2 times your child comes to PE unprepared, he/she will be warned. The 3rd time your child will receives a STOP (Bel Aire students).
  • Student Participation. Students are expected to participate to the best of their ability. Students are also challenged to improve. Please help by talking to your child about facing challenges, not avoiding them. Encourage them to set goals, reach them, and set new goals.
  • Health issues and concerns. If your child has a minor injury or health concern, please send a note with child so that staff is aware of the issue. Your note should describe the health issue, what your child can and cannot do, and for how long. Health concerns lasting longer than a week require a note from the doctor. The doctor’s note should also specifically describe the health concern and specifically describe the limitations to be observed in PE and recess. Any physical limitations will also be considered at recesses. * Students who cannot participate in PE may be asked to stay inside during recess and may be asked to sit out from school-hosted after-school activities like dance practice (Bel Aire students).
  • PE & Recess Game Rules. You can review game rules HERE. 
Playground Rules
Students must wait for 2 instructional aides/teachers wearing a bright orange or yellow vest to be present before entering the playground. When playing on the blacktop, children must follow the rules taught during P.E. All playground equipment must stay on the blacktop and may not be brought to the structures. Students are not allowed to bring any personal balls, toys, or equipment to school. 
Progress Reports
Progress Reports are available and can be accessed through ALMA at the end of each trimester. Parent teacher conferences are scheduled in November. 

At Bel Aire: students not performing to expectations will also receive a Mid-Tri report detailing concerns. Parents are expected to sign and return Mid-Tris.
RUSD Anti-Bullying Pledge
​Our school community is committed to making schools a safe and caring environment for all students. We will treat each other with respect and refuse to tolerate bullying of any kind.

Definition: Bullying is an unfair and one-sided imbalance of power. Bullying behavior happens when someone repeatedly  hurts, harasses, intimidates, threatens, or causes substantial emotional distress to another person. Cyber bullying is the use of electronic communication media (cell phones, text messages, instant messaging, social networks, etc.) to bully another student in the ways described above. Bullying and cyber bullying can interfere with a student’s educational opportunities and emotional well being. 

Bullying behaviors include the following:
  • Hurting someone physically by hitting, kicking, tripping, or pushing
  • Stealing or damaging another person’s things
  • Ganging up on someone
  • Teasing someone in a hurtful way
  • Using put-downs (i.e., insulting or making fun of someone)
  • Name calling
  • Spreading rumors or untruths about someone
  • Leaving someone out intentionally, or trying to coerce other students not to play with someone
  • Using any electronic communication device (texting, cell phones, social networks, etc.) to insult, threaten, or post untrue information or embarrassing photos about another student

Students at our school will do the following things to prevent bullying:
  • Treat everyone with respect and kindness
  • Refuse to bully others
  • Refuse to let others be bullied
  • Refuse to watch, laugh, or join in when someone is being bullied
  • Try to include everyone in play, especially those who are often left out
  • Report bullying behavior to an adult

Teachers and staff at our school will do the following things to prevent bullying and help children feel safe at school:
  • Closely supervise students in all areas of the school and playground
  • Watch for signs of bullying behavior and stop it when it happens
  • Respond quickly and sensitively to bullying reports
  • Look into all reported bullying incidents
  • Assign consequences for bullying based on the school discipline policy
  • Assign immediate consequences for retaliation against students who report bullying

Consequences for Violation of the Anti-Bullying Pledge and Policies
Bully behavior, including cyber bullying, will not be tolerated. If cyber bullying occurs outside of school hours, but the repercussions are brought to school and disrupt the school and/or interfere with a student’s emotional/social well being, consequences will be given. Depending on the severity and nature of the incident, the principal or designee will take one or more of the following steps when bullying occurs:
  • Intervention, Warning, and Redirection: Anti-bullying lessons will be taught to all students. In the event of a bullying incident, a teacher, principal, or staff member will ensure that the immediate behavior stops and reinforce to the student who is doing the bullying that bullying will not be tolerated.  Consequences will be appropriate for the action and developmental age of the student.
  • Notification of Parents: School staff will notify the parents of involved students. The parents might be asked to meet with the principal or other members of the school staff, including the student’s teacher and/or the school psychologist.
  • Resolution with the Target of the Bullying: Depending upon the nature of the incident, the students involved may meet to help resolve the problem and ensure it does not happen again. A safety plan for the targeted student will be implemented.
  • Referral to School Support Staff: The student who is bullying may meet with the school guidance counselor to help prevent future violations.
  • Consequences: The student who is bullying may lose recess, be assigned detention and/or lose school privileges (e.g., serving on student council, school newspaper, school performances, yearbook, etc). In cases of serious or repeated bullying, the student may be suspended. If serious circumstances warrant, law enforcement may also be contacted. 
RUSD Mission & Vision
Each student will be challenged and inspired to reach her or his fullest intellectual, social-emotional and creative potential to positively impact the world.
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Each RUSD student will receive the support and opportunity to develop the skills to be a:
Motivated Learner Committed to Academic Excellence
  • Demonstrate responsibility, self-direction, and independence
  • Take risks, are not afraid to make mistakes and learn from them
  • Take pride in accomplishments
  • Understand learning is a lifelong process

Creative Problem Solver
  • Apply critical thinking
  • Integrate curiosity, imagination and insight
  • Apply knowledge across disciplines, projects and in real life situations
  • Generate ideas and best possible solutions

Effective Communicator
  • Actively listen and acknowledge different points of view and cultural context
  • Express and support positions considering multiple perspectives
  • Use appropriate tools and language to inform, persuade, and convey ideas to diverse audiences
  • Collaborate with others

Engaged Citizen
  • Demonstrate empathy, ethical behavior, and respect for self, others, and the environment
  • Actively contribute to school, local, and global communities
  • Advocate for self and others
  • Understand and appreciate cultures, histories, and contributions of people of the world 

Balanced Individual / Best Self
  • Demonstrate self-knowledge, integrity, good judgment, and honor
  • Exhibit self-assurance, confidence, and social competence
  • Persevere and are resilient amidst adversity, stress, disappointment, and conflict
  • Make positive choices for personal and physical well being
  • Believe in the power of the individual to make a difference
RUSD School Board 
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the Reed Union School District and works with the Superintendent, the Business Manager and the School Principals to form the governance team of the District. The four major Board roles are: 
  • establishing a vision
  • maintaining an effective and efficient structure
  • ensuring accountability to the public
  • providing community leadership as advocates for children

The Board of Trustees is committed to open and inclusive communication with all members of the community. You are encouraged to attend the bi-monthly Board meetings, schedule can be found HERE.
RUSD Statement of Diversity & Inclusion
​The Reed Union School District community is committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive, equitable and respectful environment in which each person has a sense of belonging and is provided the support to thrive.
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The Reed Union School District community believes that valuing visible and invisible diversity is essential for an inclusive teaching and learning environment that fosters educational excellence for all.
School Gates (Reed Only)
To ensure the safety of all students and staff at Reed School, gates will remain locked during school hours. All scheduled visitors must enter through the front office, sign in, and wear a visitor badge while on campus.
Spirit Wear  
Support your school and showcase your school spirit by purchasing school Sprit Wear. Check the PTA website for ordering information. 
Statewide Testing Notification
California students take several mandated statewide tests. These tests provide parents/guardians, teachers, and educators with information about how well students are learning and becoming college and career ready. The test results may be used for local, state, and federal accountability purposes.

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress
  • Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Assessments • The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) computer adaptive assessments are aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics tests are administered in grades three through eight and grade eleven to measure whether students are on track to college and career readiness. In grade eleven, results from the ELA and math assessments can be used as an indicator of college readiness.
  • California Science Tests (CAST) • The new, computer-based CAST measures student acquisition of the California Next Generation Science Standards. It is administered in grades five and eight, and once in high school. The new computer-based CAST replaces the California Standards Tests (CST) for Science.
  • California Alternate Assessments (CAA) • The computer-based CAA for ELA and CAA for mathematics is administered to students with the most significant cognitive disabilities in grades three through eight and grade eleven. Test items are aligned with the CCSS and are based on the Core Content Connectors. The instructionally embedded CAA for Science is administered in grades five and eight, and once in high school.
  • Standards-based Tests in Spanish (STS) •  for Reading/Language ArtsCalifornia offers the optional STS for Reading/Language Arts, which are multiple-choice tests that allow Spanish-speaking English learners to demonstrate their knowledge of the California content standards. The California Spanish Assessment (CSA) will replace the optional STS. The CSA will be a computer-based assessment that is aligned with the California CCSS en Español.

​Pursuant to California Education Code Section 60615, parents/guardians may annually submit to the school a written request to excuse their child from any or all of the CAASPP assessments.

English Language Proficiency Assessments for California
California will transition from the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) to the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) in 2017–18. The ELPAC is aligned with the 2012 California English Language Development Standards. It consists of two separate English Language Proficiency  (ELP) assessments: one for the initial identification of students as English learners and the other for the annual summative assessment to identify students’ English language proficiency level and to measure their progress in learning English.

Physical Fitness Test
The physical fitness test (PFT) for students in California schools is the FitnessGram®. The main goal of the test is to help students in starting lifelong habits of regular physical activity. Students in grades five, seven, and nine take the fitness test.
 
Source: California Department of Education | January 2018
Strategic Planning Collaborative (formerly School Site Council)
Each school has a small collaborative in which parents and staff work collaboratively to address school improvement needs and review and recommend school programs.  Attending these meetings is a great way to learn about school programs.
Technology Use Agreement
Please click here to review the Reed Union School District's Student Use of Technology Agreement.  Please note that parents are required to grant permission for student use based upon the agreement. 

​Please note that parent authorization is required before a student can use technology at any of the three schools. Parents can authorize permission on the Acknowledgement & Signature form at the top of this page, or by downloading it here.  
Tobacco Free School Policies
Toys/Balls from Home
Unless part of a classroom assignment, students are required to leave all toys, balls, yo-yos, and other playground equipment at home.  Items brought from home are not allowed on the playground before school, during recess, during lunch, or immediately after school.  Therefore, if an item must be brought to school for an after-school activity, it needs to stay in a backpack or tote for the length of the entire school day. 
Wheels on Campus
Skateboards, Heelys, roller blades, razors, bicycles and similar wheeled devices may be ridden to school but may not be ridden on campus.  Students must keep them locked in designated areas during school hours. All wheels must be walked on campus and students must not be ride or coast up or down the hill at Bel Aire, or across Tiburon Blvd. at Reed. 
Accessible Website Initiative
The Reed Union School District is committed to providing accessibility for all. If you experience difficulty with the accessibility of any web page or documents on our site, please contact us to request this information in an alternative format.  

​You can contact us at 415-388-7100.