STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

1. General School Rules
   1.  Prompt arrival to class is required.
   2. Students should not be in the halls during class time unless given an official pass by school personnel.
   3. Food and beverages are to be kept in the cafeteria or designated area. No glass containers, sunflower seeds or gum.
   4. Everyone has a responsibility to maintain a clean and orderly campus.
   5. Students are not allowed in the city park or field area behind the school unless supervised by school personnel.
   6. Matches, cigarette lighters, firecrackers or stink bombs are not allowed on campus.Skateboards and roller blades are not permitted.
   7. Bicycles are discouraged, but if brought to school, students are required by law to wear a bicycle helmet at all times. The bicycle must be locked to the bicycle rack.
   8. Pogs, sports or trading cards and toys should not be brought to school.
   9. Electronic toys, of any kind, are not permitted at school.
   10. Wooden and aluminum baseball bats and baseballs are not permitted at school.
   11. Radios, cassette players, walkmans, pagers or cellular telephones should not be brought to school.
2. Behavior
   1. Loitering in front of the school or in the parking lot is not permitted.
   2. Defiance of the authority of school personnel, whether by behavior, verbal abuse or gestures, is strictly prohibited.
   3. Spitting, use of profanity, abusive language and racially derogatory remarks towards students, school personnel or other persons shall not be tolerated.
   4. Gang activity of any kind is not permitted.
   5. Students should respect the property of others.
   6. Fighting and rough housing are not allowed.
   7. Weapons of any kind, including toy weapons, are not allowed.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION PLAN

The development of our students into responsible, well-behaved citizens is one of the primary goals of John Muir Elementary School. We believe that discipline is an integral part of the learning process. Character traits we work on are integrity, patience, tolerance, compassion, pride in work, self-discipline, responsibility, respect for others, respect for the environment, appreciation of traditions and diversity.

Students can form excellent citizenship habits by accepting responsibility for their behavior. Behavior expectations will be clearly communicated to students and parents. When students do decide to make inappropriate choices, the consequences will be firm, fair and consistent.

1. All teachers have classroom rules, consequences, and the Student Code of Conduct policy posted in the classroom.
2. A discussion is held regarding the rules at the beginning of the year. Discussions are also held for all new students entering the school.
3. Teachers will send the classroom rules home at the beginning of the year. Parents are encouraged to discuss the rules with the teacher or principal, if there are any questions.

WEAPONS ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

It is the policy of the Board of Education that any school-related possession, use, sale, furnishing, or receiving of any weapon-- including but not limited to a firearm, knife, explosive or other injurious object not necessary for the academic purposes of the student and capable of inflicting substantial bodily injury shall not be tolerated. It is the policy of the Board of Education that law enforcement shall be notified regarding student violations of this policy. In addition, students who violate this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the school district.

DRUG, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO EDUCATION POLICY

The Martinez Unified School District recognizes the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs may adversely affect a student’s ability to achieve academic success, is physically and emotionally harmful and has serious social and legal consequences.A  Zero Tolerance Policy for drugs and alcohol is in effect. The District policy requires schools to provide prevention instructions, intervention services, recovering student support and enforcement/discipline procedures for K-12 students. Enforcement / discipline procedures specify the consequences for violations relating to the pretense, possession or use of alcohol or illegal drugs. Consequences include parent and law enforcement contact, suspension and restriction from extracurricular school activities. Violations of this policy may result in expulsion.

TOBACCO FREE SCHOOLS

The Governing Board recognizes that the use of tobacco products presents a hazard to the user and that smoking, in particular, also represents a health hazard to non-smokers. The use and sale of tobacco products is prohibited anywhere, anytime on district property, in district vehicles, at school sponsored activities or while under the supervision of school district employees.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The Martinez Unified School District shall ensure that all individuals will enjoy a work and academic environment free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual harassment. Sexual Harassment refers to acts of physical, verbal, visual, or psychological harassment which are pervasive and create an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or learning atmosphere. Additionally, sexual harassment refers to any form of personal conduct toward an individual or group that is unwelcome and that interferes with work performance or academic effectiveness. Allegations of sexual harassment shall be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the district’s sexual harassment administrative regulations. Rules and procedures for reporting charges of sexual harassment and pursuing available remedies may be obtained from the principal of each school site or the District Title IX Officer. Any student or employee who has a sexual harassment complaint needs to report the complaint to a teacher, staff member or administrator, who shall report the complaint to the principal. Those filing a formal, written complaint are to complete the Sexual Harassment Complaint form (Form No. 42). Forms may be obtained from the principal’s office or the school district office at 921 Susana Street.

The Martinez Unified School District Board of Education expects that all students will present themselves in an orderly manner conducive to the advancement of education. Their appearance should be neat and acceptable to the general society and in keeping with the activity at the particular school.

The Governing Board considers this to be a judgment area of the principal. Details and specific rules which apply shall be an administrative decision.

• Students should come to school well-groomed.
• Clothing should be appropriate and not distract from the learning environment.
• No bare midriff or bare back tops/dress or spaghetti straps.
• Mid-thigh apparel is acceptable, but no short shorts or mini-skirts.
• Pants worn below the waistline or overalls without shoulder straps are unacceptable.
• Slogans and advertisements on clothing or the body which disrupts the educational setting is prohibited. Any defaming or disrespectful symbols that represent gang affiliation or promote the use/sale of drugs, alcohol or tobacco is strictly prohibited.
• No caps or hats worn inside the multi-purpose room, classroom or office. Students should not share caps or hats at anytime.
• Shoes must be worn at all times. Shoes should be sturdy and allow for safety. Flip flops, strapless and high-heel shoes are not appropriate for school. They increase the chance of injury when the student is running in the yard or participating in physical education activities.
• Pierced earrings that hang below the ear lobes are discouraged.

TRAFFIC SAFETY
 
Student Safety is our Number One Priority and your cooperation makes all the difference!!!

*As a reminder, to pick-up or drop-off your child, you can either, park and walk to pick up/drop off OR pull up to the front of the school from the East and pull into the pick-up/drop-off zone.  Please don’t use your cell phone in our pick up/drop off lane. Please never park in the parking lot or across the street and have your children cross to meet you on their own. We have had several close calls when this happens and sometimes cannot find children when students are not waiting in the pick up/drop off zone. Thank you so much for your cooperation and patience.

 “GO WITH THE FLOW”

In an effort to promote traffic safety and reduce traffic congestion along Vista Way during school pick-up times, John Muir Elementary and the City of Martinez devised this traffic circulation map.

We ask that you do not park your car when dropping off or picking up your child. Please have your child ready to be dropped off in the morning. After dismissal time, continue to circle the route until your child is visible for pick-up.

We are all aware of the congested traffic situations that occur each morning and afternoon during drop-off and pick-up times at all schools. By working together, we can achieve a safe environment for children and adults at John Muir. Please be courteous by your words and reactions when asked to follow procedures. Your cooperation in following the traffic safety procedures listed below will be greatly appreciated.

During drop-off and pick-up times, please:

1. Use the yellow lane (coned drip-off/pick-up lane) in front of the school for loading/unloading passengers, and never leave your vehicle unattended in this lane.
2. Never park, stop or drop off children in a red zone, in the middle of the street or in the upper parking lot.
3. Do not make U-turns or drive on the wrong side of the road to drop off/pick-up students. Go with the Flow. exit to the West (toward Pine St.)
4. Drop children off and pick-up where they can use the crosswalk. Crossing guards will be stationed on Vista Way, the corner of Palm Ave. & Vista Way, and the corner of Pine St. & Vista Way.
5. Do not use the Woodbridge Childcare facility parking lot to turn around. 
6. Stop when school bus red lights are flashing.

You should be aware that traffic violations may be enforced at any time by the Martinez Unified Police Department with a significant fine.

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FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL DROP OFF

• Drop off is at 8:00 AM for “walk and talk” and 7:45 AM for breakfast. (Students are not allowed to wait in front of the school without a parent/guardian prior to 8 AM)
• 1st-5th grade students will walk independently to the playground for “walk and talk” at 8:00 AM
• TK/Kinder Parents may wait with their child in line for the first week of school only (Kinder Playground).  After the first week, TK/Kinder will form a line at 8 AM along the outside gate of the Kinder playground.
• JME staff will direct students to the yard for "walk and talk" and then to class. 

Driving Drop-Off - 

• Pull into the parking lot and pull into the front lane of the school to drop off. Parents are asked to stay in their cars.
• TK and Kindergarten students will line up at the playground entrance gate.  Students will be escorted by staff to the TK/Kinder Playground for “walk and talk.” 

Driving Pick-Up - 

• Pick up is at 1:20 PM for TK/K, and 2:35 PM for 1st-5th grades on MTTHF
• Pick up is at 12:30 PM for TK/K, and 1:35 PM for 1st-5th grades on Wed and 11:30 PM for TK/K and 12:00 PM for grades 1st-5th on minimum days.
• Pull into the parking lot and pull into the front lane of the school to pick up.
• Please pull forward as far as possible in the yellow zone. 
• Please display your child(ren)'s name in the car window. (Paper is available if needed.)
• Staff will call over the radio for your student.
• Students will enter cars accordingly.

Walking Drop-Off -

• Parents will walk students to the designated drop-off stations: the playground entrance.
• JME staff will direct students to the yard for “walk and talk.”. 

Walking Pick-Up - Please do not stand where classes are seated for pick-up

• Parents will walk to the designated pick-up signs near the front of the school. 
• JME staff will direct students to their parents.

• Please notify your child’s teacher if your child will walk each day.

Arriving at School Reminders/Expectations: 

• Breakfast begins at 7:45 AM.  Students will not be allowed to leave the multi-use until 8:00 AM.
• Students should not arrive prior to 8:00 AM unless they are getting breakfast.  
• Parents are not allowed on campus.
• Students will go straight to the playground for “walk and talk” at 8:00 AM.
• Students enter in the following areas:
  • The side gate/playground.
  • Students will walk to their designated line labeled with their teacher’s name at 8:12 am after "walk and talk"
  • Students will be picked up at their line by their teacher at 8:15 am
  • Students should use hand sanitizer upon entering the classroom.

Students in grades 1-5, at all four elementary schools in the Martinez Unified School District, actively engage in the California requirement of 200 minutes of Physical Education every 10 days.  In order to assure compliance with this legal requirement, each site has established “Prep C” protocols for those grade levels that may not reach the 200 minute requirements due to minimum days, teacher prep, and / or assemblies.  These established practices of running laps, dance & movement, and cardio-conditioning outside of the PE class are documented and verified by the site administration on a monthly basis.

Martinez Unified School District celebrates the home languages of each of our students.  We recognize that families may need interpretation services in order to access services and communicate with school district personnel.  We can provide interpretation services when needed.  Please call Lilian Sevilla (925-335-3536) should you require interpretation services.

Under the latest reauthorization of The Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), requires that all schools receiving Title I funds must inform parents of their right to ask schools about the qualifications of their child’s teachers and qualifications of any paraprofessional serving their child.

Title I Parent Rights (English)

Title I Parent Rights (Spanish)