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Handbook Binkley 2024-2025
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Binkley Elementary School Handbook

2024-2025

Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful.

It’s the Bobcat Way.  

Binkley Families,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year!

Please take some time to carefully read the entire Binkley Elementary Charter School Handbook for Families. Our Handbook includes important information regarding Binkley’s expectations, policies, and procedures. You can also use this handbook as your reference guide throughout the year for questions that may arise.  

Binkley Elementary Charter School strives to create a safe, thriving, positive school culture of achievement and belonging where students learn to hold themselves to high academic and personal standards. We know that through working together as a community we can provide the most supportive and rewarding elementary school experience possible for our students and families.

Being familiar with and following the guidelines in the Binkley Elementary Charter School Handbook will ensure a safe, positive, and successful year for us all. We’re looking forward to a great year!

In partnership,

Handbook Table of Contents

  1. Overview

  1. General Information

Faculty and Staff

School Office

ParentSqaure

Lost and Found

Pledge of Allegiance

Daily Announcements

School Map

  1. Parent Engagement

Site Council

ELAC

Boosters

Volunteers

  1. Daily Bell Schedule

  1. Attendance

Reporting Absences

Excused Absences

Unexcused Absences (Truancy)

Independent Study

Tardy Policy

School Arrival and Departure

  1. Student Behavioral Management

Behavior Expectations

Positive Behavior Interventions & Support

School Yard Expectations

4.   Dress Code

  1. Curriculum

Course of Study

Physical Education

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Student Expectations

Unique Support and Extension (USE) Time

Homework

Specials

Grading

Field Trips

  1. Technology

Laptops

Clever

Personal Electronics

  1. School Safety

Closed Campus

Emergency Information and Procedures

Bicycles, Skateboards, and Scooters

Safe Routes to School

AAA Safety Patrol

Guidelines for Birthdays/Celebrations

  1. Student Health

Medication

Injury Report

Fever/Vomiting/Diarrhea

  1. Food Services

Breakfast/Second Breakfast

Cafeteria Lunch

  1. Extra-Curricular Activities

Student Leadership

School Clubs

After-School Athletics

After-School Enrichment

OVERVIEW 

Be Your Binkley Best! - School Motto, Norms, and Creed

As Binkley Bobcats, we want students to develop good character and be the best they can be, practicing in a space where they can get support and learn to be their best selves. All students are taught these three School Norms:

These social norms foster high expectations for behavior and encourage students to use good character and practice their life skills. Teachers individually establish and enforce a set of classroom rules and procedures consistent with District policies and procedures. Parents should clarify these with the individual teacher as questions arise.

Each year, we chose a motto to align with our three school norms. For the 2024-2025 school year it is: It’s the Bobcat Way

School Characteristics 

Francis Binkley Elementary School, a California Distinguished School, has stood for excellence in education for over 50 years. The vision of Binkley is to provide a safe, positive, enriched environment to promote highly educated, well-rounded students who are excited about making learning a life-long process and will contribute to being good humans in the world. Drawn by a strong sense of collaboration and collegiality, teachers and staff offer excellent support to students and show them the importance of becoming students who can take initiative, problem solve, and continue to have wonder and curiosity.

Binkley Elementary Charter School is one of seven public elementary schools serving the children of Rincon Valley Union School District. Binkley is a two track school, meaning we have two classes of each grade level from Transitional Kindergarten to 6th grade. We are also our home to three Rincon Valley Partnership (RVP) classes, which have moderate to severe Special Day Classrooms. We are the only RVP site where a student can stay at the same home campus K-6th grade.

Outside of the classrooms, unique spaces at Binkley include the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Lab, Library, Learning Lab, Music Room, Counselor office, Speech & Language room, Multilingual Learner room, Multi-Purpose Room, Main Office/Principal Office, and Garden. Binkley campus has three rooms for RVUSD after-school program.

Binkley employs over 60 adult staff including, but not limited to a counselor, a psychologist, an occupational therapist, resource teacher, a reading specialist, and a speech pathologist. The music and STEM programs are led by credentialed teachers and the Learning Lab is guided by our Student Support Coordinator and Resource Specialist Teacher. Teachers are supported by TK-6 instructional aides who work directly with the general and special education students.

Binkley is characterized by its pod configuration, which enhances collegiality among both teachers and students. The library and Learning Lab are the heart of the school. Extending from this central core are the primary (1st-2nd) and middle (3rd-4th) pods. In 2018, a new building was constructed with the same central pod model, this is considered the upper pod which houses 5th-6th grade classrooms, the STEM Lab, and Music Room.

In 1993 and 2008 Binkley was recognized as a best practice school by the Sonoma County Association of School Administrators, as well as being one of only five elementary schools in the county to receive the California Distinguished School award. We are currently working on our PBIS State Recognition.

General Information

Faculty and Staff

Principal                                Harmony Harvell                        hharvell@rvusd.org

Office Manager                        Tahryn Anderson                        tanderson@rvusd.org 

Office Clerk                                Ginger Outlaw                        goutlaw@rvusd.org

Nurse                                        Cheri Murphy                        cmurphy@rvusd.org

Counselor                                Gustavo Garcia-Rojas                ggarciarojas@rvusd.org        

Student Advocate                Lily Marquez                        lmarquez@rvusd.org 

Teachers

Email contacts are first initial, last name @rvusd.org 

Classroom Teachers

Transitional Kindergarten Team: Leonna Beccio & Kenny Hamilton

Kindergarten Team: Kerry Freeman & Katie Prosser

1st grade Team: Robin Graefen & Allie Mathias

2nd grade Team: Alicia Hildebrandt & Jacki Lewelling

3rd grade Team: Megan Martens & Carissa Rastok

4th grade Team: Tawni Mead & Jamie Lopez

5th grade Team: Debbie Livingston & Peter O’Leary (⅚ combo)

6th grade Team: Peter O’Leary(⅚ combo) & Jessie Renzi

Rincon Valley Partnership Teacher Team: Grace Nakanishi, Maria Soto, and Kim Santana        

Music Teacher: Erin Garcia-Norris

STEM Teacher: Gayle Gallagher

Learning Lab Team

Resource Specialist Program: Rachel Renzi

Student Support Coordinator: Katie Hill

RSP Assistant: Aurora Briseno

Bilingual Family Liaison/English Language Assistant: Diana Ortiz-Ramirez

Para-Educators: Marie Smith

Specialists:

School Psychologist: Melissa Smith, and Saloumeh Kian

Speech & Language Pathologists: Nancy Cordova & Katie Franchetti

School Office

The school office is a place of business.  Binkley’s office phone number is 539-6060.  The office staff is available to answer questions about school procedures or policies.  To contact a student, please call the office, not student cell phones.  Please refrain from attempting to relay messages to students via the office, except in case of emergency.  Phones will be answered from 8:00 to 4:00.  Voicemail is available for messages when office personnel are not available, it is checked regularly. The office can also be contacted via text at 707-539-4862, or ParentSquare.

ParentSquare

ParentSquare is a one-stop shop for classroom, school and district happenings. It is our main communication tool to engage between home and the school community. You will see class, school-wide, and small group posts. You can also message teachers, the office staff, and principal through ParentSquare.

Lost and Found

Students are responsible for loss or damage to any personal property brought to school or school property that has been issued, such as textbooks, laptops, or musical instruments.  Unclaimed personal items will be donated to charity at Winter Break, Spring Break and at the end of the school year.  Items that are found, and do not belong to the student should be returned to the owner, if known or put in the Lost & Found in the multi-purpose room.  If an item, either personal or school property, is kept and does not belong to the student it will be considered stolen property.  

Pledge of Allegiance

Students recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America at our school assemblies.  Any person who does not wish to participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for any personal reason may elect not to do so. Students must respect another person’s right to make that choice. We select two 5th graders to raise and lower our United States and California State flag each day; they also lead our Pledge of Allegiance at our school assemblies.

Daily Announcements

Each school day when we do not have a whole school assembly, a video announcement is sent to classroom teachers and staff. In announcements, Principal Harvell will review what is for lunch that day, celebrate student and staff birthdays, give reminders of upcoming events and school expectations as needed. Additionally, there will be a monthly focus where information about the focus is shared with students. Examples include Hispanic Heritage Month, Autism Acceptance Month, etc.  

Assemblies

Binkley holds regular monthly assemblies where we gather as a TK-6 community. Families are always welcome to attend. We hold our regular assemblies first thing in the morning on Mondays. See the Parent Calendar online (website, ParentSqaure) for details. Focus for assemblies are:

School Map - “You are Here” is the school office.

Parent Engagement

Site Council

Binkley Elementary has a Site Council composed of members of the school and district community.  Members may include parents of Charter School students, parents of children within the Rincon Valley School District, teachers, and representatives from the community.  Site Council terms are staggered from one to three years.  If you are interested in serving on the Site Council, please contact Principal Harvell, 539-6060 ext. 31091.  

Binkley Site Council meets quarterly at 3:30PM on campus or via Zoom, depending on the Site Council preference. Site Council meetings are open to the public, and the parents are encouraged to attend.  

English Learner Advisory Council (ELAC)

The purpose of the ELAC is to provide parents of English Learners opportunities to:

Binkley ELAC meets every other month at 8:30 AM in the library. ELAC meetings are open to the public, and parents are encouraged to attend. Spanish translation is provided.  

BInkley Boosters

Booster clubs is our parent organization made up of parents and staff members to support school activities (e.g. music groups, athletic teams, debate teams). Boosters fundraisers through school wide events and community connections to purchase supplemental materials and equipment for classrooms and the school. Join Boosters!

Boosters meetings are held in person and via Zoom on the second Thursday of each month. In person meetings are held in the library. ALL adult Binkley family members are invited.

Volunteers

As positive role models and student motivators, volunteers are viewed as contributing to better school attendance, improved grades and test scores, matriculation, less misbehavior, and better social skills. To volunteer at Binkley is easy. Connect with your child’s classroom teacher and/or Principal Harvell for the opportunities that fit with your time availability. Bring your ID on the day you volunteer to scan in and get your badge. Once you scan your ID once, the check in process becomes faster and easier.

Daily Schedule

The regular school day consists of daily class time, 40 minute lunch, and two 20 minute recess breaks for TK-3, and a single AM recess break for 4-6.  Students must be in class and seated by 8:30 am.  Students will be dismissed from their last class of the day at 3:00 pm (2:00 for TK students) and at 2:00pm for all students on early release days.  

Attendance

One of the most important factors for school success is regular attendance.  It is critical that your child attend school on time every day; we are here to help support you in making sure your child attends school.  Also, the California Education Code requires school attendance for minors.

Reporting Absences (707-539-6060 x1)

For convenience, the attendance phone can take calls regarding student absences.  The machine is on 24 hours a day, so that parents may leave a message regarding absences at any time.   All absences must be verified either by a telephone message or ParentSqaure message daily.  Absences not verified by parent or legal guardian become unexcused and are subject to school/district action.  

Excused Absences

A student receives an excused absence for the following reasons:

Unexcused Absences (Truancy)

A student who is absent for any reason other than those mentioned above, including family trip/vacation, will receive an unexcused absence.  If the above occurs, and evidence is not provided, it is considered unexcused. Unexcused absences will result in truancy letters.  

The Sonoma County District Attorney’s office receives copies of all truancy letters and documents the truancy once referred, if the above process does not significantly improve student’s attendance.

Independent Study

If a student will be absent for an unexcused reason for more than 1 day, the parent/guardian should contact the school office to get an independent study contract.  

Steps to an Independent Study:

  1. Notify the school office and classroom teacher of dates for independent study dates NO LATER THAN 5 school days before leaving. Teachers appreciate as much notice as possible, for the independent study dates so they can prepare the assignments for the contract.  
  2. A parent or guardian comes to the office to sign the contract prior to the independent study being assigned.
  3. Complete the independent study work while gone.
  4. Upon returning to school, the student returns work to the teacher for grading and credit. Teacher will give pieces of evidence to the office with the contract, and your child will receive school attendance credit.

You may do this as often as needed throughout the school year. This is a great option for planned family trips that are not during school breaks.

Tardy Policy

Arriving at school on time is expected, as it lessens the disruptions to the classroom and the education of other students. Students are responsible for arriving at school on time.  If a student is late to school, they must report directly to the office and obtain a tardy slip before going to class. In the morning, a 3 minute warning bell sounds prior to the start of class, and students must be on their classroom dots when the bell rings, or they will be considered tardy.

If your child is more than 30 minutes late to school or leaves 30 minutes prior to dismissal, it will be considered unexcused unless evidence is provided: doctor note, court documentation, or bereavement evidence .

Unexcused tardiness is considered truancy and may result in referral to the School Attendance Review Board.

School Arrival and Departure

Students may not arrive at school earlier than 8:05 am unless they are attending Extended Care or instructed to do so by a staff member.  Students who arrive on campus prior to 8:05 am will not be allowed on the playground, as we do not have supervision. 

After school, students are to leave campus immediately.

Students are to be picked up immediately following any after-school activity. Students are not to remain on campus after school unless given permission from a staff member.  Because of supervisory and liability concerns, students are not to return to the school grounds, unless under supervision, until after 6:00 pm, when the Extended Care program closes.  

Student Behavioral Management

Behavior Expectations

Students at Binkley are explicitly taught behavioral expectations, and reminders for behavioral expectations are posted around the school. Each classroom follows a positive behavior model, though each teacher's style differs from tickets to BINGO to paws. Read over information teachers send home regarding their classroom behavioral expectations. When behavioral expectations are not met, we follow a model of reflect, restore and reteach. This is documented on our Office Discipline Referral form. If a student's behavior violates the Education Code, more significant steps are taken with Structured Day or Out of School Suspension.

Positive Behavior and Intervention and Supports (PBIS) 

PBIS is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students' behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. When implemented with fidelity, PBIS improves social emotional competence, academic success, and school climate.

This framework is at all Rincon Valley schools and supported by the Board and administration. Binkey was a pilot school in 2021-2022, and is still building to full implementation in the 2024-2025 school year.

Why do we use PBIS?

We use PBIS because it is evidence-based, and has data to prove that this approach is successful when implemented to fidelity by at least 90% of staff.

PBIS schools promote school safety and good behavior by teaching kids about behavior expectations and strategies. We mainly use PBIS because the focus is on prevention, not punishment, which aligns with Binkley’s core values. With students’ we call it THE BOBCAT WAY.

School Yard/Playground Expectations

Everyone plays – Every game is open to whoever wants to play as long as those playing are being safe, respectful and responsible during the game. Sharing equipment and including others are expected behaviors.

Play safe – Students must play so that they and others are not physically or emotionally hurt. Students must avoid rough play, unsafe play, and name-calling. Examples of rough play include contact soccer, slap tag, wrestling, and “play” fighting. Examples of unsafe play include jumping from the top of the play structure, sliding into someone still on or near the end of the slide, and throwing balls at someone’s head.

Follow directions – Students play within sight of the adults on duty, change behavior when requested to do so, stop and freeze when the bell rings at the end of a recess, line up at classroom doors in an orderly manner when the whistle is blown.

Students are encouraged to do the following:

Conflict between students occurs on the school yard during unstructured time. At Binkley we work to create a free recess play time that also teaches students how to resolve conflict and be inclusive. In order to support students we have:

(TK always have their classroom aides as yard supervisors)

Dress Code

Binkley follows Rincon Valley Union School District’s Governing Board Policy 5132 on dress code. Proper attire is the responsibility of the student and their parent/guardian. The following policy helps assure a safe, healthy and respectful learning environment for students, staff and parents.

The following guidelines shall apply to all Tk-6th grade regular school activities:

  1. Clothing, jewelry, and personal items shall be free of writing, pictures, or any other insignia which includes hate speech, violent imagery, lewd, obscene, profane, or sexually suggestive messages or which promotes the use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or other illegal activity.
  2. Footwear-Appropriate shoes must be worn at all times. Shoes must allow for the student to safely participate in school activities (e.g., Safety Drills, Recess Activities, and PE) .  Examples of shoes not considered to be appropriate footwear: slippers, heeled shoes, shoe-skates (“heelies”) and flip-flops. Shoes that are considered to be appropriate for school activities include: athletic type shoes, closed toed and closed heeled shoes, running and walking shoes.
     
  3. Hats with a brim, hoodies, caps, and other head coverings may be worn indoors at teacher discretion. Teachers will explain their expectations at the beginning of the school year.  

     4.    Clothing requirements:

  1. Top (shirt, blouse, sweater, sweatshirt, tank, etc.)
  2. Bottom (pants, shorts, skirt, dress, etc.)
  3. Footwear as described above
  4. See through clothing must have a second layer underneath

Students shall be able to fully participate in school without private parts being exposed during the natural movements of school activities. Activities include: PE, recess, jumping, bending, sitting and raising hands.

The dress code shall be modified as appropriate to accommodate a student's religious or cultural observance, health condition, or other circumstance deemed necessary by the principal or designee. In addition, the principal or designee may impose dress requirements to accommodate the needs of special school activities, physical education classes, athletic activities, and other extracurricular and cocurricular activities.

No grade of a student participating in a physical education class shall be adversely affected if the student does not wear standardized physical education apparel because of circumstances beyond the student's control. (Education Code 49066)

Curriculum

Course of Study

The table below summarizes the curriculum and assessment measures used for each academic discipline.

Curricular Area

Adopted Curriculum &

Approved Supplemental

Assessment Measures

Reading

Benchmark Advance (Benchmark Education)

DIBELS

STAR

AR

CAASPP

Writing

Writing by Design

Classroom Assessments

Mathematics

iReady

STAR

CAASPP

Science

Harcourt Science

Mystery Science*

CAST (CAASPP) Science (5th grade only)

Social Studies

Savaas History (K-4) McGraw Hill History (5-8)

Classroom Assessments

Physical Education

The Physical Education (“PE”) emphasis is on participation, good sportsmanship, and physical skill development. Activities include games and sports, rhythms, movement skills, and equipment manipulation. All PE instruction is done through the classroom teacher, using California Health standards. Grade 5 takes the California Fitness Test in Spring. This school year Binkley is piloting Push PE.

Social-Emotional Learning

Student Learning Expectations

The staff at Binkley expect students to:

Unique Support and Extension (USE) Time

USE time is a designated time in all K-6th grade classes up to five days a week, between 30-45 minutes. In this time our Learning Lab team which consists of our Student Support Coordinator, Resource Specialist, and two paraprofessionals work in tandem with the classroom teacher to use the time giving each student what they need- for some it will be additional support time, and for others it will be an extension.

Homework

Binkley believes that reading is a priority and what is expected nightly of our TK-6 students; either being read to, listening to audio books, or independently reading to self. We also believe that downtime at home is important  so we ask for reasonable academic practice time at home throughout the week on reading, writing and math. You will not see worksheets or unfinished work come home. Projects are to be done as a family, and are supported in the classroom. If a project is a home struggle, please communicate to the classroom teacher. Your child will not be penalized for not completing a project.

We encourage families to prioritize less structured, child-initiated activities outside of school, such as playing outside, engaging in imaginative and structured play, going on family walks and downtime.  

Specials

We believe in offering your child the most well-rounded education possible. With this all students have the following:

Absences and Missing Work

When a student is absent from school it is the student’s and/or the parent (depending on age) responsibility to find out what was missed.  Students will be given extra days to finish work with teacher discretion.  If a student will be absent for more than 1 day, the parent/guardian should contact the school office to get an independent study contract (See Independent Study Section)

Grading

Each K-6th grade student is graded by the teacher in relation to established State and District standards.  Please see information on the district website for detailed information regarding the Standards Based Grading report card and district grading practices. TK students have a developmentally appropriate report card that follows the DRDP.

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Field Trips

Throughout the year, Binkley will offer field trips or special activities to support the curriculum.  These activities enrich the curriculum, build school spirit, and improve students’ social skills and foster positive working relationships between students and staff.  Field trips must have parent/guardian permission to attend.

Financial donations for field trips are requested at the start of each year.

Technology

Chromebook Laptop Computers

Chromebooks and their contents, including student data files, e-mail messages, images and other multimedia content, are the property of Binkley Elementary and Rincon Valley Union School District.  Students are expected to care for the Chromebooks according to instructions.  Students who violate the Technology Acceptable Use Agreement may lose computer privileges.

Clever

Clever is our school's online learning portal. This portal allows students to access curated learning tools and automates secure login without students needing to remember a username and password for each learning platform. Students can access Clever at this URL https://clever.com/in/rvusd and have two options to log in. OIder students can log in via their district email account, and younger students can log in via a QR code provided by their teacher.

Personal Electronics

Students may not use cell phones on campus. We ask that as soon as students enter school gates they are turned off and stored in backpacks. A student can turn their phone into the classroom teacher during school hours. Phones will remain turned off throughout the day, and will not turn on until the student exits the gate. Phones, including any electronic watches, may be confiscated by school staff for being out and/or on in any capacity while on campus. If a phone call is needed for an emergency or other reason during the school day, students have access to phones in the classroom with teacher permission, and the school office. We do not allow students to use electronic devices  outside of the classroom that take photographs, record audio, have game usage, or anything that is not within typical school expectations.  

MP3 players, iPods, gaming electronics, and other similar devices are not permitted at school. The school cannot be held responsible for electronic items brought to school.

Confiscated items may be picked up from the school office by parents/guardians of the student only.

School Safety

Closed Campus

Binkley is a closed campus.  If a student needs to leave school for any reason during the day, they MUST be signed out in the office by an authorized adult. Students may NOT leave campus during the day without following this checkout procedure.  Cutting school or cutting class may result in a consequence.  Leaving campus after school, while waiting for a school event, is also not allowed unless the student leaves with a parent or guardian or an adult with written permission.

Emergency Information and Procedures

All students must have an Emergency Information file in the school office, this done through ParentSqaure First Day Packet.  It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to make sure it is always updated with the most current information, i.e. a change of address, phone number, or other contact information. You can update this information yourself, or call the office to make needed updates.  

The staff understands that in an emergency situation, parents or guardians will be concerned about student welfare.  However, to ensure the safety of ALL students, the following procedures must be followed:

Pick Up/Drop Off

Expectations for pick up and drop off differ by grade level.

If you rely on an older sibling to pick up your other child(ren) in grades TK-2, this is acceptable once that older sibling is in 3rd grade. Please communicate with your older sibling that this is a serious responsibility and they should go directly to the younger sibling to pick up and then stay with their sibling(s).  

If your child attends Extended Care, they will be picked up from their classroom by an extended care staff for grades TK-2. Students in grades 3-6, are expected to walk directly from their classroom to their extended care room to check in.

If your child takes the bus, they will be picked up from their classroom by a Binkley staff member for grades TK-2. Students in grades 3-6, are expected to walk directly from their classroom to the bus line up. The bus departs 3-5 minutes after dismissal.

Bicycles, Skateboards, and Scooters

Students may transport themselves to and from school by bicycle, skateboard, scooters, or other similar products. Students are required to follow California helmet laws. Once the student arrives at school, these products must be put away and not used on campus.  Students should lock up bicycles at the bike rack.  Skateboards and scooters may be kept in their classroom (with teacher permission) until the end of the school day. Bicycles, etc. should be walked on and off campus during school hours and school events. 

Safe Routes to School

Binkley participates in the Safe Routes to School (SRTS)program which promotes walking and bicycling to school through infrastructure improvements, enforcement, tools, safety education, and incentives. We engage in the following activities:

AAA Safety Patrol

Our 6th grade patrollers direct children, not traffic. As school-age leaders in traffic safety, patrol members teach other students about traffic safety on a peer-to-peer basis. They also serve as models for younger children, who look up to them. School Safety Patrol members:

We appoint patrol members, who participate with parental approval. We have a person who serves as the patrol advisor. Local law enforcement officers may also be involved with our patrol.

Guidelines for Birthdays/Celebrations 

Birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations are a part of our culture and our children’s educational experience. Binkley follows the district Wellness Policy when planning celebrations and activities to create a healthy environment for all our children and make it easier for children to make healthy choices for themselves. The classroom teacher remains the final arbiter with respect to food in the classroom.

A few notes on in-school celebrations:

○ Due to severe nut allergies and student safety, please do not send nut products as treats to school. Similarly, please do not send hard candy as it can be a choking hazard. ○ Sweets & processed foods should be limited to mini sizes (i.e., mini-cupcakes, mini muffins, mini-cookies mini-candies).

○ Food should be free of trans fats (hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils). ○ Healthy alternatives should be considered when sweets are offered. ○ If a beverage is offered, it should be water.

 ○ Parents may supply alternative snacks for children with dietary restrictions. ∙ Class parties. Such parties will be organized by the room parents, with consultation from the teacher, and are funded through parent donations. Class parties should be kept simple and should not detract from the instructional program. Invitations to private parties (e.g., a birthday party) may NOT be distributed at school unless ALL of the children in the class will be included. Help us see that no child's feelings are hurt.

Student Health

Medication

Written permission signed by the parent AND physician must be on file in the office for ALL medicine, including over-the-counter products. Medical Permission forms are available in the office.  All medicine given at school must be kept in the office and dispensed by the principal, office manager, or school nurse.  The only exception to this is for asthma inhalers.  Students may carry and use the inhaler themselves as long as the appropriate paperwork is in the office. We do not have itch creams, sunscreen, cough drops, etc. and we will not administer or put any on your child, even with permission. We only have ice packs and band aids.  

Injury Reports

If your child is injured at school wherein they were sent to the school office/nurse, you will be contacted if the injury is sustained or it is unable to be determined by our staff. Upon pick up we will advise you to seek professional guidance, as we are not medical staff. Injury reports are completed by our office staff, and kept on file.

Fever/Vomiting/Diarrhea

The district policy is that your child has to stay home if they have any of these symptoms. Your child may return if they have been symptom free for 24 hours without medication. Fever is anything over 100.0.

Food Services

All school meals continue to be free in the state of California. Your child may have one breakfast and one lunch free of charge. What is for lunch is posted daily on our main office window and shared in the daily announcements. Hard copy menus are available in the office, and they are also on the district website and on a link through ParentSqaure.

Breakfast/Second Breakfast

Breakfast in the Classroom

Cafeteria Lunch

Extra-Curricular School Activities

Students are encouraged to become involved in a variety of school activities that are offered at Binkley.  A student’s involvement in the community benefits them socially, physically, emotionally, and intellectually.  It is important to remember, however, that these are not part of the core curriculum. Students must maintain good behavior in order to participate in extracurricular activities.

School Clubs

Students in grades 3-6th can submit a Clubs Request form to Principal Harvell for approval. Up to three clubs can run at a time; and we have had various clubs based on students' interest and adult volunteers. Clubs must have an adult to supervise the club, if you have an interest to come during student lunch play weekly, contact Principal Harvell.

Student Leadership

Student leadership is an important part of Binkley.  Student leadership has been designed to facilitate communication between the students, teachers, and administrators. There are several ways for a student in grades 3-6 to lead at Binkley depending on interest, they can join the:

After-School Athletics

In order to participate in extracurricular athletics, students must have acceptable Bobcat behavior; students with 3 or more referrals in a trimester may not participate in after-school sports that trimester. Students not in attendance on the day of a game are ineligible to play. Students may NOT try out, participate in practice or play in competitions until a parent permission packet is on file with the Athletic Director, coach and/or the school office. The following sports are scheduled through the school year, dependent on having coaches: Co-ed Volleyball and Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Co-ed Flag Football, and GIrls on the Run. If you are interested in coaching, please contact Principal Harvell.

After-School Enrichment