EUSD is committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and supportive school environment that allows all students equal access to and opportunities in the District’s academic, extracurricular, and other educational support programs, services, and activities. As such, it prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, intimidation, and bullying, targeted at any student by anyone, based on the student’s actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. This policy applies to all acts constituting discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying related to school activity or school attendance occurring within a district school, and to acts which occur off campus or outside school-related or school-sponsored activities but which may have an impact or create a hostile environment at school.

Recognizing the link between student health and learning, EUSD has an established student wellness policy for all its schools to provide a comprehensive program that promotes healthy eating and physical activity for students. EUSD shall coordinate and align its efforts to support student wellness through health education, physical education and activity, health services, nutrition services, psychological and counseling services, and healthy school environment. Parents, students, food service employees, physical education teachers, school health professionals, Board members, school administrators, and members of the public are encouraged to participate in the development, implementation, and periodic review and update of the policy.

The local school wellness policy for EUSD is available at www.eusd.org. In addition, a summary of the nutrition and physical activity laws and regulations applicable to EUSD schools is available at www.eusd.org.

Homework improves grades, gives practice in study skills, and increases learning. Here’s how to get the job done:

When students arrive home from school, they should have a study plan. Generally, it is a good idea to tackle tougher and longer assignments first. Students should be able to follow most homework and project instructions without supervision, but parents should be available if needed.

It is best to begin homework at the same time, in the same place each day to make learning a habit. For students involved in outside activities, homework may need to be completed on a more flexible schedule. The homework schedule should allow students to get to bed at a reasonable time.

Many students work best in a special study area, such as a bedroom desk or the kitchen table. Try to find a quiet space that has minimal distractions. Some middle school students need calm surroundings to focus, while others may study better with low-volume music. Students should choose a comfortable workplace where they are more likely to stay on task. The work area should have adequate lighting and supplies, such as pens and paper. Students should keep electronic devices off during study time to stay focused on homework.

Students need to practice independently whenever possible. Students need to be encouraged as they work through homework assignments. When students practice a skill, ask which steps s/he finds difficult and easy and how s/he plans to improve speed and accuracy with the skill.

When graded homework is returned, students should review all corrections and comments. If s/he received a poor grade, think about the reasons. Did s/he write the assignment down correctly and follow the instructions? Did s/he allow enough time for the work? Discovering what went wrong can prevent repeating mistakes.

Ask your student’s teachers about homework rules and how you can help with assignments. Provide your telephone number and email address (if available), so the teacher can contact you if problems arise. The sooner parents are aware of the problem, the more quickly a solution can be found. Parents should feel free to contact teachers for support or to discuss any concerns.

Schools will notify parents as early in the school year as practicable if their child is at risk for retention and of their right to consult with school personnel, and to appeal a decision to retain or promote their child.

Students will need to achieve a 2.0 grade point average in order to participate in an eighth-grade promotion exercise.

Academic success begins with daily and on-time school attendance. It is the responsibility of the student to attend school on time every day; and, it is the parent’s responsibility to support a student’s daily and timely school attendance and to communicate with the school when there is an absence or when a student is late to school.

Our Expanded Learning Program utilizes After School Education and Safety (ASES) and Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) funds to create a single comprehensive program, serving Transitional Kindergarten through 8th-grade EUSD students. You can learn more about these programs at https://www.eusd.org/page/expanded-learning.

EUSD’s written plan for its GATE program includes procedures to inform parents or guardians of their pupil’s participation or non-participation in the GATE program. The written plan is available at https://www.eusd.org/page/gifted-and-talented-education-program.

No student should be denied access to a field trip or other activity because of lack of sufficient funds or on the basis of disability. If a school or general education teacher plans a field trip, special education students attending that class may not be excluded from the trip. Access can be denied based on behavior only if the behavior is not related to the student’s disability and the standard is equally applied to all students.

The Escondido Union School District (EUSD) has implemented a systemic 1:1 iPad program where students have iPads that are checked out to them to use all day. We are committed to this initiative because we believe our students should have equitable technology access to foster the 21st century skills of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. We consider these skills to be essential for student achievement. In certain grade levels, students will be able to take their iPads home each day to extend their learning capabilities. Here is some important information parents should understand and discuss with their children:

The iPads are routed through our filter whenever they are connected to the Internet whether at school, home, or any other location.  However no filter is perfect, so parents should monitor their child’s use of the iPad.  Students only have the ability to download EUSD-approved apps from our system — they cannot access the App Store.

Notify your child’s teacher IMMEDIATELY if the iPad or case is damaged, lost, or stolen.  In the event of a lost or stolen iPad, EUSD will remotely shut down the iPad so that it becomes unusable.  A message will appear on the screen stating the iPad is the property of EUSD and will display instructions for returning it.

• The cost of the equipment checked out to your child is approximately $460.

• Use common sense to avoid damage, loss, or theft.  Never leave the iPad in plain sight in a car.  Don’t put the iPad in a backpack with a water bottle.  Never leave the iPad unattended.

• Charge the iPad each night.

• Keep the power brick/cable in good condition.

• Keep the iPad clean by wiping it with a soft cloth.  Do not use any cleaning products. 

• Report any issues to your teacher immediately, including issues with the case.

• Use the iPad for academic purposes only. 

• Return the iPad to your teacher if you are leaving the school district or changing schools

Every middle school student is expected to have PE clothes (uniform) at school, Monday through Friday, and dress out every day, unless the student has a medical note. Students are responsible for having PE shorts, t-shirt, and also a lock that can be purchased at school. Students may bring their own uniform from home, as long as it meets the requirements. Periodically, PE clothes are available for those students who do not have their PE uniform that day. Each student is assigned a PE locker for the storing of PE clothes ONLY. Students are asked to guard and not share their locker combination with anyone, as the school cannot be responsible for stolen articles. Also, theft cannot be controlled if a student is not using the assigned locker or is sharing a locker with another student.

Students in grades one through five will be provided with PE instruction with an “emphasis upon the physical activities for the students that may be conducive to health and vigor of body and mind for a total period of time of not less than 200 minutes each 10 schooldays, exclusive of recesses and lunch periods”. Students will be instructed by the school PE teacher.

Each person between the ages of 6 to 18 years of age is required by California law to attend school (unless otherwise exempted from the law). In addition, parents have the legal responsibility to ensure their child’s regular and timely school attendance. Students must attend school every day, on time, and ready to learn.

In an effort to promote a school environment of respect and responsibility and to ensure the safety and well-being of students, it is required that parents/guardians report all student absences from school.

• Parents/guardians should call the school attendance line or the school office every day the student is absent to report the valid reason for the absence; or

• Parents/guardians should provide a written note explaining the valid reason for the absence(s); or

• Parents/guardians should provide a written verification from a physician or other appropriate professional addressing the valid reason for the absence.

When calling in an absence, parents/guardians (not siblings or students) should call in stating their first and last name and their relationship to the student, the student’s first and last name, grade level, teacher’s name, the date of the absence, and the valid reason for absence.

*All absences must be verified by using one of the above methods within two (2) days of the student returning to school. Any absences remaining unverified after two (2) days will be considered unexcused absences. Parents can not verify or excuse absences!

In accordance with California Education Code 48205 and AR 5113 legally excused absences for students include, but are not limited to:

1. Personal illness;

2. Official quarantine;

3. Medical, dental, optometry, or chiropractic appointments for the student;

4. Attendance at a funeral service for a member of the student’s immediate family (limited to one (1) day in state and three (3) days out of state);

5. For the purpose of spending time with a member of a student’s immediate family who is an active member of the uniformed forces and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has returned immediately from deployment to a combat zone or combat\support position. 

6. With prior written request by the student’s parent/guardian and/or approval of the principal or designee, other justifiable reasons for an excused absence include, but are not limited to:

• Appearance in court

• Attendance at a funeral service for an individual other than a member of a student’s immediate family

• Observance of a religious holiday or ceremony

• Attendance at a religious retreat

After ten (10) absences for personal illness, any further absences must be verified with a physician’s note or the student must be brought to school on each day of the illness, to have the school nurse, health technician, or school designee determine whether the student is healthy enough to attend school that day or not.

Acceptable valid reasons for an absence to be excused are listed above. Other justifiable reasons, not listed above, must be approved by the principal or designee. All other reasons for an absence are considered unexcused. All absences that are not verified by the parent/guardian within two (2) days of the student returning to school will be considered unexcused absences. Students must have a hall pass to be out of class for any reason. Being out of class without permission is considered an unexcused absence.

A student is considered a chronic absentee when they are absent on 10% or more of the school days in one school year, from the date of enrollment to the current date. Chronic absenteeism includes all absences – excused and unexcused – and is an important measure because excessive absences negatively impact academic achievement and student engagement.  In accordance with California Education Code 60901(c).(1).

Any pupil subject to compulsory full-time education or to compulsory continuation education who is absent from school without a valid excuse for 10 percent or more of the schooldays in one school year, from the date of enrollment to the current date, is deemed a chronic truant, provided that the appropriate school district officer or employee has complied with Sections 48260, 48260.5, 48261, 48262, 48263, and 48291

Students who arrive late to first period are tardy and must report directly to the Attendance Office for a late pass. Students who arrive tardy without a note from home explaining the reason are unexcused. Excusing a tardy is at the discretion of the school site.

Any pupil subject to compulsory full-time education or to compulsory continuing education who is absent from school without a valid excuse for three (3) full days in one school year or tardy or absent for more than 30 minutes during the school day without a valid excuse on three (3) occasions in one school year, or any combination thereof, is a truant and shall be reported to the district’s attendance supervisor or to the superintendent of the school district.

When a student is absent from school without a valid excuse on three (3) full days in one school year or tardy or absent, without a valid excuse for more than 30 minutes on three (3) occasions in one school year, or any combination of the two, the school district will notify the parent by letter, as required by law, that the student has been identified as being truant from school. The school site or district office may send a series of letters to the student's parent in order to inform the parent of any continued truancies and to request communication and partnership from the parent in helping to improve the student’s school attendance patterns. In accordance with California Education Code sections 48205 and AR 5113

By California law, once a student has been identified as being truant from school (as defined above) the student enters the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) process. The SARB process is designed to identify and intervene early to support and promote academic achievement and to ensure all students graduate in the future.

Students who continue to be truant from school or have excessive excused absences will be referred to the School Attendance Review Team (SART) at their school site. This team will link students and families to the appropriate interventions to support improved school attendance. If truancy or excessive excused absences continue after the School SART has met or has attempted to meet with the parent and/or the student, the family can be referred to the district’s attendance intervention program, and may be referred to the Escondido Union School District (EUSD) School Attendance Review Board (SARB).

SARB, consisting of a panel of community representatives from various youth and family serving agencies, meet with parents and students to discuss attendance concerns with the family and to connect students with additional support. The SARB panel will make recommendations, based on the student and family needs, and refer to any school and community resources that are available to support the student’s improvement in attendance and behavior. If attendance does not improve after the student has been through the SARB process, the student and the parent can be referred to court.

SEAT is a comprehensive district-wide program to support student engagement efforts.  Building relationships and connections with students and their families is key to understanding the barriers that prevent school attendance. Our SEAT program aims to provide interventions and strategies that will encourage and support a student’s daily engagement and attendance.  Any questions about attendance or the SART/ SARB process can be directed to the district SEAT Team. 

With the written consent of the parent, a student may be excused from school in order to participate in religious exercises or to receive moral and religious instruction at the student’s place of worship or at other suitable places away from school property designated by a religious group, church, or denomination. Such absence shall not be deemed absence in computing average daily attendance if the student attends at least the minimum school day and is not excused from school for this purpose on more than four days per school month.

Parents/guardians should avoid planning extended vacations during school days. Students who miss long periods of school lose out on critical instruction and have difficulty getting back on track. Requests must be made a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to leaving. Approval for independent study is at the discretion of the site administrator and the IEP team if applicable. The period of independent study shall not exceed 15 days. Approval shall be based on the following criteria:

1. The student will be absent for an extended period due to one of the following: funerals, religious purposes, and family emergencies

2. Evidence that the student will work independently to complete the program

3. Availability of experienced certificated staff with adequate time to supervise the student effectively

4. A signed agreement indicating educational objectives, how the objectives will be accomplished, how progress toward the objectives will be accomplished, and how progress toward the objectives will be measured.

Parents have the right and should have the opportunity, as mutually supportive and respectful partners in the education of their children, to be informed by the school, and to participate in the education of their children, as follows:

1. Within a reasonable period of time after making the request, to observe their child’s classroom(s).

2. Within a reasonable time of their request, to meet with their child’s teacher(s) and the principal.

3. To volunteer their time and resources for the improvement of school facilities and school programs under the supervision of district employees, including, but not limited to, providing assistance in the classroom with the approval, and under the direct supervision, of the teacher.

4. To be notified on a timely basis if their child is absent from school without permission.

5. To receive the results of their child’s performance on standardized tests and statewide tests and information on the performance of their child’s school on standardized statewide tests, including the state test for English language proficiency for English learners.

6. To request a particular school for their child, and to receive a response from the school district.

7. To have a school environment for their child that is safe and supportive of learning.

8. To examine the curriculum materials of their child’s class(es).

9. To be informed of their child’s progress in school and of the appropriate school personnel whom they should contact if problems arise with their child.

10.  To have access to the school records of their child.

11. To receive information concerning the academic performance standards, proficiencies, or skills their child is expected to accomplish.

12. To be informed in advance about school rules, including disciplinary rules and procedures, attendance policies, dress codes, and procedures for visiting the school.

13. To receive information about any psychological testing the school does involving their child and to deny permission to give the test.

14. To participate as a member of a parent advisory committee, school site council, or site-based management leadership team.

15. To question anything in their child’s record that the parent feels is inaccurate or misleading or is an invasion of privacy and to receive a response from the school.

16. To be notified, as early in the school year as practicable, if their child is identified as being at risk of retention and of their right to consult with school personnel responsible for a decision to promote or retain their child and to appeal a decision to retain or promote their child.

Family engagement is essential to ensuring student success in school. Family Liaisons are available at all EUSD school sites to provide linkage between family members and school staff, programs, and services. Family Engagement Centers serve as the center of family member support, education, and activities on each EUSD school campus. The Escondido Union School District Family Engagement Policy highlights the many ways parents and family members are active members of our school community. The district’s coordinator of Community Engagement worked with the district’s Family Liaison Team, the District Advisory Committee, and English Language Advisory Committee to develop this policy. The policy is available for review online in English and in Spanish.

Communication has always been a priority; and, we believe increased interaction between parents, teachers, and students will only benefit education and student development. To access student grades online, please follow the link below and enter your User Name and Password. If you do not have login information, it is available in the school office.  https://powerschool.eusd.org/public/home.html

If you find any item at school, turn it in to the school office. If you lose an item, check with the school office staff. Do not bring any valuable items, such as jewelry or large sums of money, to school. They pose a problem if lost or stolen. The school is not responsible for these items and does not have the resources to investigate loss or theft.

A fee is charged for any damage or defacing of books or book bar codes. The cost for lost books will be based upon the replacement cost.

Additional grounds for suspension and expulsion for students in grades 4 through 12 include: (EC 48900.2, 48900.3, 48900.4)

1.       Committed sexual harassment. Sexual harassment means conduct which, when considered from the perspective of a reasonable person of the same gender as the victim, is sufficiently severe or pervasive as to have a negative impact upon the victim’s academic performance or to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.

2.       Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in an act of hate violence. Hate violence includes injuring or intimidating a victim, interfering with the exercise of a victim’s civil rights, or damaging a victim’s property because of the victim’s race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation; a perception of the presence of any of those characteristics in the victim; or the victim’s association with a person or group with one or more of those actual or perceived characteristics.

3.   Intentionally engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation against district personnel or students that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to have the actual and reasonably expected effect of materially disrupting classwork, creating substantial disorder, and invading the rights of school personnel or students by creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment.

As required law, a student found to have committed any of the following acts at school or at a school activity off school grounds shall be immediately suspended and recommended for expulsion: (EC 48915(c))

1. Possessing, selling, or otherwise furnishing a firearm.

2. Brandishing a knife at another person.

3. Unlawfully selling a controlled substance.

4. Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault or committing a sexual battery.

5. Possessing an explosive.

For all other acts committed at school or at a school activity off school grounds, a student may be recommended for expulsion based on a finding of one or both of the following: (EC 48915(b) and (e)

1. Other means of correction are not feasible or have repeatedly failed to bring about proper conduct. 

2. Due to the nature of the act, the presence of the student causes a continuing danger to the physical safety of the student or others.

After other means of correction have failed to bring about proper conduct, a teacher may suspend a student from their class for the remainder of the day and the following day for any act listed under the notification on “Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion”. A teacher may also refer a student to the principal or designee for consideration of suspension from school.

A student removed from class will not be returned to class during the period of removal without approval of the teacher of the class and the principal. During this period of suspension, the student will not be placed in another regular class; however, if the student is assigned to more than one class per day, the student may be placed in any other regular classes except those held at the same time as the class from which the student was removed. The teacher may require the student to complete any assignments and tests missed during the removal.

As soon as possible, the teacher will ask the student’s parent to attend a parent-teacher conference regarding the removal. A counselor or psychologist may attend the conference if it is practicable, and a school administrator will attend, if requested by either the parent or teacher.

When suspending a student from class for committing an act of obscenity, habitual profanity or vulgarity, disruption of school activities, and/or willful defiance, the teacher may require any parent who lives with the student to accompany the student for a portion of a school day in the class from which the student has been suspended. A written notice will be sent to the parent regarding the implementation of this requirement.

Bullying means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, directed toward one or more students that has or can reasonably be predicted to have the effect of placing a reasonable student in fear of harm to himself/herself or his/her property; cause the student to experience a substantially detrimental effect on his/her physical or mental health; or cause the student to experience substantial interferences with his/her academic performance or ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school. School personnel will respond to all reports and observations of bullying and harassment, and each complaint will be investigated. Confirmed incidents of bullying will result in the following:

• The school staff will provide support for the targeted student. A referral will be made to the site Comprehensive Student Assistance Team (CSAT) process to determine the best supports available to meet the student’s needs.

• The school staff will assign interventions to the offender to build an awareness of the impact of his/her behavior and to provide strategies and skills for the development of more appropriate behaviors.

• The school staff will assign consequences to the offender that matches the intensity of the behavior.

• The school staff will communicate with the parent of the target and offender to develop a plan to prevent future incidents of bullying.

The District must comply with all requirements of the California Constitution and Education Code to ensure student safety.  Before the start of the regular school day, District/School Personnel are not responsible for the safety and welfare of the students.  (BP 5142.)  Unless enrolled in a before school program, students should not arrive at the school site sooner than one half hour before the start of school as supervision is not available.     

After dismissal at the end of the regular school day, District/School Personnel are not responsible for the safety and welfare of the students.  Parents or guardians are expected to arrive promptly at the school site for student pick-up.  Students must promptly leave the school site at the end of the school day: they are expected to go directly home, to their designated transportation area, or to their daycare provider.  Students may not wait after school for siblings or friends who are dismissed at a later time.  Students may not remain on the playground after dismissal.    

There is no supervision provided for students after school.

If a student is not picked up in a timely manner every effort will be made to contact the parent/guardian to pick up the student.  If no contact can be made, District/School Personnel will make their best efforts to continue to contact the parent/guardian, or those individuals identified on the emergency contact card, until 4pm when the school site’s office closes.  It is the District’s practice to contact the authorities if District/School Personnel is unable to contact the student’s parent or guardian, or those individuals identified on the emergency contact card.

Dress guidelines are designed to promote a standard of appearance that compliments the learning environment. All students are expected to dress appropriate to the occasion. Any article of clothing or accessory that advertises alcohol or an illegal substance, depicts lewd graphics, displays offensive or obscene language, or is gang-related is forbidden. Disciplinary action will be taken against any student taking part in gang-related activities that are disruptive to the school environment, which include the display of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, or tattoo, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, or any other attribute, denotes membership in a gang that advocates illegal or disruptive behavior. If there is doubt about a particular item of apparel, the student should contact a school administrator for a decision prior to wearing the clothing to school. When students are found to be in violation of the dress code, they must change into appropriate clothing provided by the school or home. The items in violation may be confiscated and released only to the parent or guardian. Repeated violations will lead to further disciplinary action.

Visitors/Outsiders

The use by any person, including a student, of any electronic listening or recording device in any classroom without the prior consent of the teacher and the principal given to promote an educational purpose is prohibited. It disrupts and impairs the teaching process and discipline in schools. Any person, other than a student, who willfully violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Any pupil violating this section shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

The board desires to prevent exposure of pupils to foods to which they are allergic and to provide for prompt and appropriate treatment in the event that a severe allergic reaction occurs at school. Parents shall be responsible for notifying the school each year, in writing, regarding any food allergies or other special dietary needs of their pupil. Modified diet requests must be in writing, and provide written medical documentation, signed by a physician, that describes the nature of the pupil’s condition, instructions, and specific foods to be omitted. Pupils with serious dietary needs shall be provided reasonable accommodation or services, as appropriate, in accordance with his/her accommodation plan or individualized education program. The Medical Statement To Request Special Meals And/Or Accommodations and Parental Request For A Fluid Milk Substitution For School Age Children forms can be found at: https://www.eusd.org/page/nutrition-services-special-accommodations

Every child entering a California school must be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, rubella, mumps, measles, varicella (chickenpox), and hepatitis B. All seventh grade students must be fully immunized against pertussis. Parents must present a written immunization record of each required vaccine with date and provider upon entry to school. Medical exemptions are allowed only when a licensed physician certifies that a specific vaccine is contraindicated for the child due to a medical condition. This exemption must be submitted via the California Immunization Registry (CAIR). There are no longer exemptions based on religious or personal beliefs for school vaccinations in California.

Whenever any school employee is attacked, assaulted, or physically threatened by a student, the incident must be promptly reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. Additionally, the principal or designee must notify the appropriate law enforcement authorities, within specified timelines, of any acts committed by students occurring on school grounds that involve:

1. Assault with a deadly weapon or instrument

2. Sexual battery or sexual assault

3. Controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, or intoxicants

4. Firearms or explosives

5. Any dirk, dagger, ice pick, knife having a blade longer than 2½ inches, folding knife with a blade that locks into place, razor with an unguarded blade, taser, or stun gun (as defined in PC 244.5(a)), any instrument that expels a metallic projectile, such as a BB or a pellet, through the force of air pressure, CO2 pressure, or spring action, or any spot marker gun

Whenever the principal or designee reports a criminal act committed by a student with exceptional needs, the principal or designee will ensure that copies of the student’s special education and disciplinary records are provided to law enforcement authorities for consideration.

There are occasions where students need to be interviewed by law enforcement. If it is determined that the student is a suspect in a crime the officer has the right to interview the student. The police officer makes the determination as to whether a parent is to be notified prior to the interview process. An officer has no obligation to advise a minor that he or she has a right to contact his or her parents or other adult or to have them present during questioning (California Attorney General’s Office Legal Source Book). Students may request to have an administrator present in the interview. School officials are required to notify parents whenever the police remove a student from campus, except in the case of suspected child abuse (E.C. §48906).

The Project SUCCESS Resource Center located at Mission Middle School provides assistance to families experiencing homelessness or housing instability, youth in foster care, and military-connected families. The mission of the center is to support families by providing advocacy, referrals to community resources, and assisting families with housing resources, food, clothing, or other basic needs. For further information, contact the Project SUCCESS Resource Center staff at (760) 432-2469.

Students are NOT allowed to make calls from the office telephones, except in cases of emergency and with staff permission. Students will NOT be called to receive telephone calls in the office, unless it is an extreme emergency. Messages of urgent nature will be delivered to the students by the office when necessary. Students and parents must make transportation arrangements in advance to avoid necessary use of the office telephone. Office telephone use after dismissal will be at the discretion of the school’s administration.

The use of smartphones and other mobile communication devices on campus may be beneficial to student learning and well-being, but could be disruptive of the instructional program in some circumstances.

Mobile communication devices shall be turned off during instructional time. However, a student shall not be prohibited from possessing or using a mobile communication device under any of the following circumstances: 

• In the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger

• When a teacher or administrator grants permission to the student to possess or use a mobile communication device, subject to any reasonable limitation imposed by that teacher or administrator

• When a licensed physician or surgeon determines that the possession or use is necessary for the student’s health and well-being 

• When the possession or use is required by the student’s individualized education program or Section 504 plan

Smartphones and other mobile communication devices shall not be used in any manner which infringes on the privacy rights of any other person. When used in an unauthorized manner, the device may be confiscated and/or searched according to law and policy, and the student may be subject to discipline. A student may also be subject to discipline for use of a mobile communication device off school grounds if it poses a threat or danger to the safety of students, staff, or district property or substantially disrupts school activities. EUSD is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage to a student’s mobile communication device which is brought onto school grounds or to a school activity.

For information about EUSD’s Use of Technology Policy, go to: https://www.eusd.org/page/board-of-education-policies-use-of-technology

Parents are always welcome to visit the school and to talk with teachers during non-instructional time. It is advisable to call in advance for an appointment. ALL visitors must sign in with the school office and receive a visitor’s pass using the Hall Pass management system. Any unauthorized person on campus who does not have a visitor’s pass will be asked to leave immediately. The safety of our students is imperative. Parents are welcome to sit in class and observe instruction. These arrangements must be made with the teacher and site administrator in the school office at least two (2) days in advance.

We appreciate the numerous hours of support provided to our schools by Escondido families and community members. In order to enhance campus safety in association with this community support, the district has revised procedures pertaining to volunteers. Before volunteering on an EUSD school campus, all volunteers will be required to complete a volunteer application and be screened through the Megan’s Law system. Additional requirements apply to volunteers who will be alone with students and/or who transport students using their own vehicles. All volunteers must sign in and out every time they volunteer. The school office has information on the required  procedures for volunteering.

The possession and/or use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs is strictly prohibited on campus. Any violations of this rule will result in disciplinary action, and the records will be sent to local law enforcement. In addition each middle school will participate in random and unannounced inspections conducted by Interquest Detection Canines. These canines are trained to detect the presence of illicit drugs, alcohol, and other dangerous items.

Fire, earthquake, and lock-down drills are held at regular intervals throughout the school year and require the strict cooperation of each person. Students should be familiar with the safety instructions posted in every room at school so that in case of an emergency, they will know how to leave the building. Students are expected to walk quickly, quietly, and in an orderly fashion to the field area. There is to be NO TALKING, PLAYING, OR RUNNING during the drill. In the event of a true emergency, parents are asked to cooperate with school, district office, and police personnel regarding dismissal of students. Student cell phone use is prohibited during this time.

Every student must have updated emergency contact information on file. Should the student become ill or suffer an accident, current emergency contact information allows the school to contact parents immediately. It is essential to provide at least two (2) different telephone numbers in case of an emergency. Individuals listed as emergency contacts must be able to present an identification card for verification and student release purposes.

Parents need to notify the office as soon as possible if any contact information changes throughout the year. Emergency contact information must be kept updated for the welfare and safety of students. Parents cannot be excluded from being an emergency contact due to divorce, and each parent can provide emergency contact information for this type of situation.

The Health Office is open every school day. A student who becomes ill or is injured during the school day always needs a pass to the Health Office from their teacher. The school nurse will make the determination if a student needs to be sent home. The nurse, or other available office personnel, cannot diagnose or make recommendations regarding your student’s health. Parents who are picking up ill or injured students are asked to come into the health office to sign the student out. If no one can be contacted, the student will remain at school (unless paramedic care is needed). Students returning to school with casts, crutches, or a wheelchair must provide the health office with a note from an authorized health care provider stating that the child can attend school, and explaining the necessary physical restrictions.

A child should remain at home until free of fever or until free of symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting for at least 24 hours; and if a student shows symptoms of any of the following: inflamed eye, swollen glands or stiff neck, or rash of an unknown origin.

Parents and an authorized physician must complete, and sign a medical authorization form for all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications that students are required to take during the school day. All medications needed by a student during the school day must be kept in the health office (INCLUDING ALL OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS, SUCH AS TYLENOL AND/OR ASPIRIN.) Medications must be administered by the nurse or other office personnel as needed. All medications MUST be brought to school in the original container. Medication in “baggies” or other containers will be returned to the parents.

Students MAY NOT carry or use any medication (including aspirin, Tylenol, or any cold medications) on campus without the completed medical authorization form. Students may carry and self-administer certain medications, such as inhalers and EpiPens, if the parent and authorized physician complete and sign a medical authorization form.

It is expected that students and parents will practice safety at all times, especially during the heavy traffic periods before and after school. Students must be aware of the dangers that exist when walking or riding bicycles to school and must accept responsibility for their own safety. When walking, students should walk on the sidewalk (NOT IN THE STREET), use crosswalks, and proceed with caution when crossing all streets to and from school. Please remember the following safety rules when riding a bicycle:

• Bicycle riders will follow all safety signals and laws that apply to automobiles.

• Helmets must be worn.

• Riding double is against the law.

• Bicycle traffic will ride single file on the right side of the road, moving with the automobile traffic.

• Bicycle riding, skateboarding, rollerblading, or scooters are not permitted on school grounds at any time (Municipal Code Sec 5-33). Bicycles on campus must be walked with both feet on the ground and locked onto the bike rack available at school.

Individuals listed in the student’s emergency contact information must be able to provide a valid identification card (I.D. with a photo) for verification and student release purposes. An early or late pick-up of students also requires a valid I.D. of the parent, guardian, or authorized person. The following will be acceptable forms of identification to help facilitate this process the identification must be valid, or if the identification has expired, it must have been issued within the past five (5) years: A valid state-issued driver’s license; a valid state-issued identification card; a valid United States passport; a valid foreign passport; a valid foreign driver’s license; a valid permanent Resident Alien Card; and a valid military identification card. Valid identification cards must contain the following: The photograph of the signer; the physical description of the signer; a serial or identifying number on the identification; and the signature of the signer.

Prior approval is required from the custodial parent if the person picking up the student during the school day and is a non-custodial parent, even if that person is listed in the student’s emergency contact information.

Students shall be released during the school day only to the custody of an individual if one of the following is met:

• The individual is the student’s custodial parent/guardian.

• The custodial parent/guardian has identified an individual to the school through verbal or written communication; and, the individual’s identity has been verified by a school/district employee.

• Students shall be released after the school day only to the custody of an individual if one of the following is met:

• The individual is the student's custodial parent/guardian.

• The individual has been authorized in the student’s emergency contact information as someone to whom the student may be released when the custodial parent/guardian cannot be reached and the individual’s identity has been verified by a school/district employee.

• The custodial parent/guardian has identified an individual to the school through oral or written communication, and the individual’s identity has been verified by a school/district employee.