Absences From School & Independent Study After School Programs Arrival / Dismissal Time Bicycles/Skateboards/Scooters Brunch & Lunch Cell Phones & Smart Watches Classroom Celebrations Discipline Emergency Procedures & Preparedness Plan English Language Development (ELD) Field Trips Fundraising Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Health Homework

Instructional Programs (PE, VAPA) Irregular Departures During School Hours Library Lost & Found / Names In Clothing Orientation & Community Events Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Parent Volunteers Playground Rules & Policies Professional Development Days School Dress Code School Site Council (SSC) South Pasadena Educational Foundation (SPEF) Special Education Student Council Volunteering / Visiting

 

ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL AND INDEPENDENT STUDY: 

 

Absences:

We are required by law to secure an absence excuse from an adult when a child has been absent from school.

 

To report an absence: Call 626-441-5850 and then press #1 to report absences.

 

Regular attendance is vital to student’s success in school. A student who is frequently absent misses social interaction and direct instruction from his/her teachers. Any day or hour absent is a missed learning opportunity. Our school also loses funding for each absence regardless of the reason, including illness or excused absences. Schools do NOT receive funding even if the absence is excused. 

 

Independent Study:

If your child must go out of town for 3-15 days, you may request that your child is signed up for an Independent Study Agreement. 

 

At least 2 weeks in advance of the absence: 

1. Email both your child's teacher and Mrs. Ellen Chan, Attendance Clerk, at [email protected] to inform them of your child's absence.
2. Miss Ellen will let you know when to come to the office to fill out and sign an Independent Study contract. 
3. Your child's teacher will assign classwork for your child to complete as part of the Independent Study contract. 
4. Ensure that your child completes the assignment as prescribed on the form.
5. Independent Study assignments are due and must be returned to the teacher when the student returns to school. 

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AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS: 

 

SPUSD offers a variety of morning care and after school care programs, including:

• Before school morning care
• TK/Kindercare
• Right at School after school program

• There several third-party after school programs that pick students up at dismissal and bus them back to their offsite location. Please visit Marengo's front office for a list of third-party after school programs. 
• SPEF offers SPEF After School Enrichment Classes on Marengo's campus throughout the year.

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BICYCLES / SKATEBOARDS / SCOOTERS

 

Students in grades 4-5 and students in K-3 with adult supervision may ride bicycles, scooters, and skateboards to school. Students should be sure to secure the bicycle with a proper lock. Leaving a bicycle parked overnight is not recommended. Children may not ride any wheels at any time on the Marengo campus. Bikes, skateboards and scooters must be walked while on campus. Please remind students these items will be taken away from them, and a parent will have to come in with them to reclaim the items.

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BRUNCH & LUNCH 

 

SPUSD continues to offer free brunch and lunch for students thanks to California's Universal Meal Program. Brunch is served during morning recess and lunch is served during the lunch break. Menus can be found on the Food and Nutrition Services page of the SPUSD website. Students can also bring their own food from home. 

 

Students planning to partake in free brunch and/or lunch must know their 6-digit student ID number, which can be found on the AERIES Parent Portal.

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CELL PHONES & SMART WATCHES: 

 

SPUSD elementary schools employ an "Away for the Day" policy, meaning that the use of cell phones and smart watches are not permitted during the day. Students may keep cell phones in their backpacks or check in their phones to their teacher at the beginning of the day and check it out at the end of the day. Students may wear smart watches as long as they have been turned off.  

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CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS:

 

Celebrations:

Classroom celebrations are organized by classroom teachers with help and support from Room Parents. Teachers and/or Room Parents will reach out to parents for assistance. All food provided for classroom celebrations must be store bought or restaurant prepared. 

 

Birthday Parties:

SPUSD policy states that birthday parties are not part of the school day. This includes sending in refreshments and party favors. Students may not hand out party invitations at school.

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DISCIPLINE:

 

We place importance on all aspects of a child’s growth and development — social-emotional, behavioral and academic. At Marengo, we have four (4) pillars for positive behavior: Respectful, Outstanding, Always Safe, and Responsible (ROAR).  We emphasize the values of respect for the worth of the individual, integrity and diversity, as well as, the concept of making responsible and safe choices. Part of growing up is learning to make responsible, positive choices. Good behavior, following the rules and making responsible choices are important and are regularly acknowledged at Marengo. Understanding that no one makes the best choice all the time, we stress the importance of making better choices with each new experience.

 

All adults on campus are here to guide students in following the rules and learning from previous situations and choices. Consequences, either natural or imposed, are an important part of learning to make appropriate choices. Although some actions, behaviors, or violations need the immediate attention of the principal, the teacher is usually the first person to deal with the child when there is a problem. Depending on the nature of the incident, parents will be involved and informed about the discipline plan for the student.

 

Suspensions and Expulsions:

Parents and students need to be aware that, according to California law, there are certain actions, which require suspension and may lead to expulsion. Students may be suspended/expelled if any of the acts are committed while on school grounds, going to or from school, and during a school sponsored activity. Among these actions are:

1. Caused, attempted to cause or threatened to cause physical injury to another person
2. Possessed, sold or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive or other dangerous object unless, in the case of possession of any such object, the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, which is concurred in by the principal or designee of the principal, (includes possession of an imitation or replica of a firearm or other weapon.)
3. Unlawfully possessed, used, sold or otherwise furnished or been under the influence of, any controlled substance, as defined in Section 11007 of the Health and Safety Code, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind.
4. Unlawfully offered, arranged or negotiated to sell any controlled substance, as defined in Section 11007 of the Health and safety code, an alcoholic beverage or an intoxicant of any kind, and then either sold, delivered or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance or material and represented the liquid, substance or material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant.
5. Committed robbery or extortion.
6. Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.
7. Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property.
8. Possessed or used tobacco, except as provided in Section 48901.
9. Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
10. Unlawfully offered, arranged or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia, as defined in Section 11364 of the Health and Safety Code.
11. Knowingly received stolen property.
12. Possessed and imitation firearm.
13. Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault.
14. Harassed threatened, or intimidated a pupil who is a complaining witness or witness in a school disciplinary proceeding for the purpose of either preventing that pupil from being a witness or retaliating against that pupil for being a witness, or both.
15. Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold the prescription drug Soma.
16. A pupil may be suspended or expelled for acts that are enumerated in this section and related to school activity or attendance that occur at any time, including, but not limited to any of the following:
    1. While on school grounds.
    2. While going to or coming from school.
    3. During the lunch period whether on or off the campus.
    4. During, or while going to or coming from, a school sponsored activity.

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FIELD TRIPS:

 

Field trips are determined by each grade level. Teachers will share this information at Back-to-School Night. 

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FUNDRAISING:

 

The PTA raises money for the school through a variety of activities which include Wish Night, Read-A-Thon, and Jog-A-Thon. Funds raised are used to support the school’s instructional program and playground equipment. Parent support and participation are greatly appreciated.

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GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION (GATE): 

 

Please see SPUSD Gifted Student Identification and Model.

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HEALTH: 

 

Parent Responsibilities:

1. To see that children attend school well nourished, well rested and free from illness.
2. To ensure that children are dressed appropriately for the weather.
3. To notify the school promptly if a child has a contagious disease such as: head lice, chicken pox, measles, impetigo, strep throat, conjunctivitis, etc. and to keep the child at home in accordance with school district policy.
4. To endure that your child brings a healthy, nutritious snack.

 

Medications During the School Day: 

For the health and safety of your child at school it is requested that:

1. ALL medication given at school (even over the counter medications) must be accompanied by a District form available in the office or school website.
2. All medication must be given from the prescription bottle or vial and in accordance with the label on the bottle or vial.
3. For the safety and welfare of your child, as well as the total school population, do not put medication in a school lunch container. This includes such things as Tylenol, cough drops, inhalers, etc.
4. If medication is given, a medication form must be obtained from the office and signed by your physician. No medication will be given without the dosage, schedule time and amount to be given.

UNDER NO CONDITION WILL MEDICATION BE GIVEN UNLESS THE ABOVE GUIDELINES ARE FOLLOWED.

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HOMEWORK:

 

Homework Policy: 

 

Time:

Daily average based on a 4-day week (M - Th).  Homework should not be assigned on weekends or holidays. 

 

	Assignments		Recreational Reading
Gr. 1	10 minutes	+	10 minutes
Gr. 2	20 minutes	+	20 minutes
Gr. 3	30 minutes	+	30 minutes
Gr.4	40 minutes	+	30 minutes
Gr.5	50 minutes	+	30 minutes

 

Criteria:

• All homework is standards based
• Homework reviews and/or reinforces previously taught skills and strategies
• Within a class, all students are to be given the same homework assignments although modifications may be provided
• The family’s responsibility is to provide a home environment that supports self-directed student study
• Parents are encouraged to communicate with their child's teacher to minimize conflicts regarding homework and provide support when needed

 

 

Homework Request for Illness Absences:

Parents may request assignments or homework in the event of your child's absence. Please email your child's teacher to coordinate. 

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INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS:

 

Physical Education
Physical Education (PE) is scheduled for 200 minutes every ten days.  Students participate in activities designed to improve large muscle skills as well as those which teach the basic fundamental of games/team sports.

 

Theater
Marengo has a theater teacher for 1/3 of the academic school year.  Classroom teachers provide additional instruction.

 

Art
Marengo has an art teacher for 1/3 of the academic school year.  Classroom teachers provide additional instruction.

 

Music
Marengo has a music teacher for 1/3 of the academic school year.  Classroom teachers provide additional instruction. The District provides an instrumental music teacher for all interested fifth graders. Instruction is provided for all band instruments.

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IRREGULAR DEPARTURES DURING SCHOOL HOURS:

 

If your child will be leaving school prior to the regular dismissal time, please inform your child's teacher via email. Students will remain in the classroom until a person arrives in the school office to pick them up.

 

When the authorized person arrives at school to pick up the student, the adult must report to the office to sign the child out of school. Students will ONLY be released to the authorized persons listed in the "Contacts" section on the AERIES Parent Portal. If your child returns before school is over, please escort him/her to the office to sign him/her back into school.

 

Students will not be released during school hours to ride bicycles or walk home alone.

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LIBRARY:

 

Each classroom is scheduled to visit the Marengo Library once a week. 1st-5th grade students may check out new books each week if they have returned their books from the previous week. The library is staffed by one part-time librarian. The librarian welcomes volunteer participation from all interested parents. 

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LOST & FOUND / LABEL CLOTHING

 

Each year, a distressing amount of clothing is lost, found, and unclaimed. Please label your child’s clothing so that we may promptly return lost articles to him/her. A lost and found rack is located by the office doors facing the playground.

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ORIENTATION & COMMUNITY EVENTS

 

The school schedules meetings during the year to familiarize parents with the school and its instructional program. New Family Orientation, Back-to-School Night, PTA Community Coffees, Open House and Prospective Parent Tours are just a few events that families are welcome to attend. 

 

Prospective Parent Tour Dates:

School tours include an overview of the many school programs and a visit to a classroom. Please visit Marengo's website calendar for Prospective Parent Tour dates, which typically run from November to February.

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PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION:

 

The Marengo PTA sponsors academic enrichment programs, and events throughout the year to offer Marengo school students opportunities to expand their knowledge and experience academically and to have fun as well. PTA events include but are not limited to are: Cultural Arts Assemblies, Reflections programs, Holiday Workshop, Parent Party, Parent/Child Dance, Lunar New Year Festival, Super Science Night, Book Fairs, Talent Show, All City Track Meet, etc.

 

Parents are encouraged to join PTA each fall and invited to attend meetings held the first Wednesday of each month. Look for notices of meetings. Meetings are held mornings and evenings on a rotating basis. Please contact the PTA Board members for further information.

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1. All students should be engaged in play in on of the following designated play areas:
   • Handball
   • Tetherball
   • Kickball
   • Four Square
   • Basketball
   • "Board games" such as chess, checkers, Connect 4, Tetris Tumble, cornhole, etc. 
   • Reading/social tables
   • Playground structures 
2. Chase of any kind will not be permitted
3. All games will be played according to P.E. rules.
4. Play safely and most of all have fun!

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SCHOOL DRESS CODE:

 

We believe that appropriate dress and grooming contribute to a productive learning environment. Students are expected to give proper attention personal to cleanliness and to wear clothing that is both reasonable and appropriate for elementary age children who are expected to participate in physical education and recess activities. Clothing may not be a distraction to other students or the classroom learning environment and must promote safety.

 

Not Allowed: 

1. Any shoe that is not rubber soled, or shoe with wheels built into the soles
2. Open-toe, open-heel or over 1” high-heel shoes
3. Tops that expose the midriff and/or have spaghetti straps
4. Any shirt that displays inappropriate language or graphics or displays a logo or reference to tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sex or violence
5. Excessively baggy clothing that inhibits physical education activities

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SOUTH PASADENA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION (SPEF): 

 

The South Pasadena Education Foundation raises money and funds for many programs throughout the District in Grades K - 12. They provide all three elementary schools with music and drama programs. SPEF along with the SPUSD provides a summer school program for grades K - 12.

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SPECIAL EDUCATION: 

 

Special Education services are available for students with identified learning disabilities. Students who experience difficulty with learning tasks may be referred by their teacher for assessment. A team which includes school administrators, teachers, support staff, and parents determine a child’s eligibility for this program.

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STUDENT COUNCIL:

 

Each class in grades 3-5 elects a student representative to serve on the Student Council. Student Council meetings occur before school starts. A schedule of dates is sent home with representatives.

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