LA COLINA

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2024-2025

Jennifer Foster

PRINCIPAL

4025 Foothill Road

Santa Barbara, CA  93110

Telephone:  805-967-4506

Fax:  805-967-3056

Web Page:  http://lacolina.sbunified.org/

Home of the Lions

School Colors ~ Emerald Green and White

La Colina Junior High School Mission Statement

The mission of La Colina Junior High School is to ensure the educational success of all students through high expectations and a commitment to excellence thereby empowering them to reach their full potential as responsible, ethical and productive citizens in a diverse and changing world.

SANTA BARBARA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS

The mission of the Santa Barbara Unified School District  is to “prepare students for a world that is yet to be created.” Our vision is to support “students to read, reason, and communicate to contribute positively to an ever-changing world.” The vision statement supports the school district’s commitment to literacy, development of cognitive skills and is aligned with new State standards for college and career readiness.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The Board of Education is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education.  District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination based on gender, age, sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, linguistic or economic background, sexual orientation or the perception of one or more of such characteristics.  The board shall promote programs which ensure that discriminatory practices are eliminated in all district activities.

PARENTAL AND STUDENTS’ RIGHTS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

Parents’ Rights and Procedural Safeguards - English

Derechos de Padres y Garantías Procesales - Español

For more information about Special Education, contact La Colina Assistant Principal, Carole Nevarez (cnevarez@sbunified.org)

2024-2025 BELL SCHEDULES & SCHOOL CALENDAR

2024-2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR

LA COLINA 2024-2025 BELL SCHEDULE

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

        La Colina is an excellent school and a caring community. The staff is extremely proud of the rigorous standards-based instructional program we offer students. We have an outstanding student body, and we want to make every student feel they are a vital part of the school. Our goal is to provide powerful and meaningful learning experiences for students. This goal can only be reached if students, parents, staff and community work together cooperatively.

        We hope this handbook will help answer many of the questions you might have about La Colina Junior High School. Students will review this handbook during the first week of school. If you have additional questions, please contact us at school.

        Jennifer Foster, Principal

HEALTH SERVICES

        The health office is located in the school’s administration building. Services include assisting students who are ill, first aid, referrals to community agencies, dispensing of medication, and maintenance of health, immunization, and emergency records. If you need to go to the Health Office during school hours, obtain a pass from your teacher before reporting to the health office. If it is necessary for you to go home during the day due to illness or injury, parents are required to show identification when picking up a student before the end of the day.

        In case of a serious injury or other health situation, emergency services (911) will be called. We will try to contact parents immediately. Please be sure the school has up-to-date telephone numbers where parents or other designated adults can be reached in emergencies, including cell phone numbers.

        If you have a health condition which might affect your studies or activities, please contact the Health Assistant.

        P.E. excuses must be written by the parent or doctor's medical note and turned into the health office. Clearance does not exempt you from dressing, unless noted by a physician.

For your protection and for the protection of others, do not come to school if you are ill.  You should stay home if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever: Greater than 100.3 degrees. Can return when fever free without medication for 24 hrs.
• Upper Respiratory: Cold/cough with symptoms of tiredness,sore throat, earache, fatigue or fever.
• Symptoms of diarrhea/nausea or vomiting.
• Green or yellow nasal discharge.
• Too ill or uncomfortable to concentrate or function well in the classroom.
• Undiagnosed skin conditions that may be contagious.

Medical equipment: The use of such as wheelchairs,

crutches or scooters, during school hours must be accompanied by a physician’s note stating the reason and duration of use on school grounds for the safety of students and staff.

Medication Policy: If you must take any prescribed or over the counter medication during the school day or during school sponsored trips/outings/events, please have your parent notify the school to obtain the “Authorization to Administer Medication(s)” form.

        The physician and parent must complete the “Authorization to Administer Medication(s)” form and return it to the Health Assistant before any medications can be administered.

        The parent must bring in the medication in the pharmacy labeled container matching the medications and instructions on the “Authorization to Administer Medication(s)” form.

CALIFORNIA SCHOOL IMMUNIZATION LAW

California school immunization law requires all students entering 7th grade to be immunized with a pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine booster called Tdap.  A copy of your student’s immunization record is required upon enrollment.

Required immunizations and more information can be found at www.shotsforschools.org

ATTENDANCE

To report an absence:

• Send a note with your child,
• Email Ms. Landeros (wlanderos@sbunified.org);
• Call the school attendance line: 967-4506 ext. 3102 (Ms. Landeros) the morning, or prior, to the absence.

All student absences must be reported by a parent/guardian within 3 days; or they will be considered unexcused (truant) and detention may be assigned. 18 or more periods of unexcused absences will be reported to the District’s Truancy Program.

Excused absences: per Education code Section 48205 include: illness, medical/dental appointment, funeral of immediate family (limited to 1 day in state, 3 days out of state) and other reasons pursuant to board policy. Excused tardies must be called in or a note provided. Excused tardies include: illness, medical/dental appointments or an extreme emergency.

Appointments during school hours/Early dismissals: Requests by a parent/guardian for a student’s early dismissal should be made at least 2 hours prior to the appointment time. The student must bring a note, or the parent may email or call the attendance line stating the time the student will need to leave campus. Students will only be released to a parent/guardian, unless prior authorization is given by the parent.  Anyone picking up a student from the office for early dismissal must bring a photo ID. When returning to school, the student must check in through the office before returning to class.

*Please note: failure to provide advance notice of an early dismissal may result in a longer wait time at the office.

Extended trips: Please provide advance notice for planned extended absences, including dates of the trip, by sending a note, emailing, or calling the attendance line.

Please make every effort to have your child attend school each day as attendance goes hand-in-hand with learning and achievement.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS/TARDIES

The tardy bell marks the beginning of class. Students should be in their seats with their iPad and other materials, ready to work when the bell rings.. Students are to enter and leave rooms in an orderly manner. Running and pushing are not allowed nor tolerated. Students are not to leave until they are dismissed by the teacher.

Students with excessive tardies will be referred to the Dean of Student Engagement for intervention.

HALL PASSES

        While classes are in session, students must have an authorized hall pass with them any time they leave the classroom. Students are expected to be responsible, or pass privileges will be revoked.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

        If you move during the school year, it is important to report the new address and telephone number to the counseling office.

STUDENT CONFERENCE

        Students may make an appointment with their counselor by completing a "Request for Conference" form, which is available in the counseling office or by e-mailing their counselor directly.

PARENT CONFERENCE

        The education of your child requires a high degree of home-school cooperation.To make an appointment for a conference or to contact personnel, call La Colina at 967-4506 or contact faculty members directly by e-mail. A list of faculty telephone extensions and e-mail addresses will be available on the La Colina website, http://lacolina.sbunified.org/.

        If you have a question about a behavior or attendance concern, call and ask for the Dean of Student Engagement.

        You may also schedule a conference with the Teacher, Counselor, Assistant Principal, Dean of Student Engagement or Principal.

GRADING

Grades are given for each subject in both scholarship and citizenship.

SCHOLARSHIP

        A        Superior

        B        Very Good

        C        Average

        D        Below Average, but passing

        F        Work Failure

        CR        Credit

        NC        No Credit

        I        Incomplete*

*An incomplete is given to students when circumstances are beyond their control and they are unable to complete work on time for the grade report. The usual cause is illness. Work must be completed within three weeks after the close of the grading period.

CITIZENSHIP

        O        -        Outstanding

        S        -        Satisfactory

        N        -        Needs Improvement

        U        -        Unsatisfactory

        Grade reports are issued in November, January, April and June. Semester grades (January and June) are recorded in the student's cumulative record as a part of their transcript.

La Colina Citizenship Rubric

PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS

UNIT REQUIREMENTS FOR PROMOTION
7-8 Grade – 110 units in 2 years
Must pass > 15 units each of English, Math, Social Studies and Science in 2 years

CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Participation in Promotional Activities may be denied if a student:

1.        Has accumulated twelve (12) days of suspension and/or has frequent disciplinary interventions on their record;

2.   Has received two (2) or more “U” marks in citizenship or a combination of three (3) or more unsatisfactory citizenship grades (“N” or “U”). In short, a student should maintain satisfactory citizenship each semester.

3.        Owes money to the school for lost or damaged books, locks, materials or fundraisers.

PROGRESS OR UNSATISFACTORY REPORTS

        Teachers are only required to send progress reports for students when they are in danger of failing (receiving a grade of D or F) or they have earned an unsatisfactory citizenship grade (receiving an N or U).

HONOR CODE

        It is required that each student be responsible for completing his or her own class work and homework.  Cheating is strictly prohibited. Consequences for cheating may include lowered academic and/or citizenship grade and progressive disciplinary action.

HOMEWORK POLICY

        Homework is an essential part of a quality school program. It helps to reinforce classroom learning and is an important part in determining the grade. Parents are urged to take an active part in seeing that homework assignments are completed and returned. Parent interest helps students realize the value of education.

        NOTE: La Colina’s policy is in alignment with the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s policy. (BP 6154 and AR 6154)

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR STUDENTS

See the District Website for the complete policy at:

SBUSD Acceptable Use Policy - Secondary

SANTA BARBARA UNIFIED

DRESS CODE POLICY

SBUSD Dress Code Policy

LIBRARY INFORMATION

YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME IN THE LIBRARY: Our library contains many resources to support students with projects and to promote independent reading! Our library staff, Ms. Woods and Ms. Walter, encourage all students to visit the library!  

HOURS: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (unless closed early for a meeting). Homework club is also in the library Monday through Thursday until 4:00 p.m.

CHECKING OUT LIBRARY MATERIALS: Bring your ID card and books to be checked out to the Circulation Desk for processing.

LOAN PERIOD: The loan period for books is for three weeks. Reference books are checked out for overnight use. The DUE DATE is stamped on the inside of most books and magazines.

RENEWALS: Books may be renewed by presenting them at the Circulation Desk. Additional renewals must be approved by the librarian.

RETURN OF BOOKS: All library materials are returned to the Circulation Desk.

CARE OF BOOKS: Each student is responsible for taking good care of all library materials. A charge for unreasonable damage will be made. Lost books should be reported at once, and if not located in a reasonable time, replacement cost will be charged.

DO NOT LEAVE BOOKS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS.

YOUR LIBRARIAN IS ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP YOU IN USING THE LIBRARY.

IPADS

        All students will receive a district-issued iPad. Students are expected to come to school with their iPad fully charged each day. IPads should be used for educational purposes only as explained in the Acceptable Use Policy.

If the iPad is damaged, not working properly, lost or stolen, please submit a support request to ETS at support@sbunified.org.

TEXTBOOKS

        Students will come with their teachers to the library to check out textbooks. WRITE YOUR NAME AND SCHOOL YEAR IN EACH TEXTBOOK IN THE PROPER PLACE.

LOST/DAMAGED TEXTBOOKS OR LIBRARY RESOURCES

        A student is responsible for his or her own books. If a book is lost, the student must pay for it. If the book is found within that same school year, the student (or parent) will be reimbursed.

        If a book is damaged, charges will be assessed for minimal, excessive or permanent damage. Charges will range in price from $5.00 up to the actual cost of the book. Newer textbooks range in price from $60 to $100. Charges will be made for the following types of damages: writing in book; torn bindings; bent covers; excessive wear; torn and missing pages; and water damage. The amount of damages charged will depend on the extent of the damages in each of these categories. Damages made in multiple categories will be added together to determine the final damage charge. In no instance will the student be charged more than the cost of the book.

FAILURE TO PAY CAN RESULT IN WITHHOLDING OF TRANSCRIPTS, YEARBOOK, REPORT CARDS AND DENIAL OF PARTICIPATION IN PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES.

HARASSMENT

        The Santa Barbara Unified School District prohibits harassment on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, handicapping condition, or physical appearance in the school environment by employees, students, or others.

        Any student (or parent of a student) who feels that they are being harassed on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, handicapping condition, or physical appearance should immediately report such harassment to a staff member.

        Students (and parents of students) wishing to file a complaint of harassment may do so verbally or in writing. The complaint should be addressed to the principal or another site administrator.

        Any staff member who received a report of harassment must immediately (the same day) report the incident to the principal or site administrator. If the site administrator receives the harassment complaint, they must immediately notify the principal. Upon notification of a harassment complaint, the Assistant Superintendent will be notified.

        Complaints of harassment will be investigated immediately, no later than the same day that the complaint is made known to the principal or site administrator.

BULLYING

The Governing Board recognizes the harmful effects of bullying on student well-being, student learning, and school attendance and desires to provide a safe school environment that protects students from physical and emotional harm. No individual or group shall, through physical, written, verbal, visual, or other means,harass, sexually harass, threaten, intimidate, cyberbully, cause bodily injury to, or commit hate violence against any student or school personnel, or retaliate against them for filing a complaint or participating in the complaint resolution process

Students should report concerns about bullying to a trusted adult (teacher, counselor, administrator or other school staff) or through the online reporting system.

SBUSD Board Policy - Bullying

SAFE2SPEAK UP

All students have the Safe2Speak Up app installed on their district iPads. The app allows students to make reports about safety concerns such as bullying, drug/alcohol use, etc. Students may use their name or make anonymous reports. Reports are sent immediately to the principal and site administrators for follow up.

ACTIVITIES

There are many clubs and activities for students to participate in at La Colina, including clubs, Student Council and After School Sports. A Club Day is held near the beginning of the school year for students to find out more about school activities.

ASB STUDENT COUNCIL

        Both grades are included in La Colina's student government. Student Body and eighth grade class officer elections are held in the spring and seventh grade elections are held in the fall. To be placed on the ballot, candidates for office must obtain teacher recommendations. Eighth grade candidates must have a 2.0 academic and citizenship average (with no “N” or “U”) on their last report card and never been suspended from school.

        President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer and Sergeant-at-Arms are elected in May for the following year. In addition, each class votes for representatives-at-large for each grade.  The two students of each grade with the highest number of votes will become the President and Vice-President of the class. Two other students are voted grade representatives.  Student council is composed of the student body officers and the leadership class.

        Participating in ASB Student Council means becoming involved in planning school dances, theme days and service learning projects, as well as acquiring the qualities of leadership.

STUDENT RECOGNITION

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

        Each month beginning in October and extending through May, 8 students (4 7th graders and 4 8th graders) are recognized as Students of the Month. The faculty nominates and votes for the students based on the criteria of scholarship, respect, punctuality, responsibility, courtesy, sportsmanship, character, and service to the school. These students are recognized by having their pictures displayed in the main office and in school communications.

RISING STARS OF THE MONTH

Each month beginning in October and extending through May, students (4 7th graders and 4 8th graders) are recognized as Rising Stars of the Month. The faculty nominates and votes for the students based on the criteria of improvement in academic performance, attendance, organization, citizenship, preparedness and participation. These students are recognized by having their pictures displayed in the main office and in school communications.

LION HEART AWARDS

Students can be recognized for exemplifying good character traits with a Lion’s Heart Award. Teachers and staff nominate students based on honesty, helpfulness, cooperation, kindness, patience, etc. Ten students are randomly drawn from all nominations for the week. Students receive prizes that range from gift certificates from local merchants to “Head of the Lunch Line” passes. Winners of the drawing are announced over the intercom on Fridays.

AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS

        La Colina offers an inter-mural sports program after school that is sponsored by the Santa Barbara Unified School District.  The program runs throughout the school year and offers a variety of sports with competition between the four public junior high schools.  Check the La Colina website for more information.

BUSES-MTD

        Bus service to the school is provided by the MTD on a pay basis. Information about routes, schedules and ticket prices can be found on the MTD website https://sbmtd.gov/routes/booster-services/

        Bus regulations should be respected at all times. Riding the bus is a privilege. Passengers are asked to remain seated until the bus stops, to keep all objects within the bus, and to avoid causing any disturbance. If the driver feels you are violating a regulation, he or she has the authority to ask you to get off temporarily or permanently and possibly refer you to the Police Department. Parents are financially responsible for acts of vandalism on the bus caused by their child. Also, disciplinary action may be taken by the school.

BUS PASS SALES

        Bus passes for the MTD buses are sold Monday- Friday at lunch outside the main office. The cost is $8.25 for 10 rides. The school accepts cash and checks for bus ticket sales.  Checks should be made payable to La Colina Junior High School and must be in the correct amount.  No change will be given on checks.

        Reduced price bus tickets are available for students who are approved for the Free and Reduced Meal Program, are not intra-district transfer students and live at least three miles away from La Colina Jr. High School. All eligible students must apply each year for the Reduced Bus Ticket program. Applications are available in the La Colina School office. The cost for a reduced bus ticket is $6.00 for 10 rides.

DROP OFF/PICK UP

        Students are NOT to be dropped off at school before 8:00 a.m. unless assigned to a specific class. Students must leave campus promptly after school and are not permitted to loiter on campus.

On late start Wednesdays, students should assemble in the cafeteria or quad area between 8:00 and 9:20 a.m.

LA COLINA WEBSITE

The La Colina website, http://lacolina.sbunified.org/, is the place to obtain up-to-date information regarding all aspects of La Colina life. The home page has a listing of news articles regarding the school along with an updated calendar of events.  There are sections devoted to parent news, student news and information from teachers.  La Colina also has an Instagram page @lacolinalions.

VISITORS

Parents are always welcome, but must report first to the office to sign in and obtain a visitor badge.

STUDENT VISITORS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON CAMPUS WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE PRINCIPAL.

CLOSED CAMPUS

        No student may leave campus during the school day without clearance through the office. In case of illness, the office will notify parents before excusing a student from school. Parents are required to show identification when picking up a student before the end of the day.

        For dental or medical appointments, students may obtain an early dismissal pass in the office before school by presenting a note signed by a parent. Upon returning to school, he/she is to report to the office for a pass to the next class.

LUNCH CONDUCT

        Everyone is asked to cooperate in keeping the campus clean by disposing of all litter in trash containers provided on the grounds. No food is to be taken out of the designated lunch areas. Students must make their OWN purchases in the snack line. Students are not permitted to loiter in the restrooms, between the 300 and 400 wings or locker hallways during lunch.

CAFETERIA INFORMATION

PRE-PAID ACCOUNTS

        Students may pre-pay for meals in the cafeteria. Pre-Payment Accounts are tracked via computer using the student ID number. Pre-payment may be made in any amount. Payment can be made in cash or by check at the snack windows before school every day from 7:50 a.m. to 8:25 a.m. or online at https://www.myschoolbucks.com .If a payment is made by check, the check should be made payable to “La Colina Cafeteria.”

BREAKFAST

        Breakfast is served every morning in the quad area during nutrition break. This meal includes an entrée which changes daily, milk, juice, fruit or yogurt and cereal.

LUNCH

        Lunch is served each day in the cafeteria. The daily lunch menu can be found here : SBUSD Food Services Menu 

Students may purchase a la carte items such as chips, juice, cookies and other healthy snack items from the cafeteria windows and/or lunch carts.

Parents/guardians are permitted to drop off lunch in the main office. Meal delivery services (pizza delivery, DoorDash, etc.) are not permitted during the school day.

FREE AND REDUCED PRICED MEAL PROGRAM

        Application forms for Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program are mailed to each student’s home during the summer by the Santa Barbara School District. This form must be completed and returned to the School District each school year for a student to be eligible for this program.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PLAN

        If a natural disaster or fire occurs while students are at school, students are to follow the specific directions of the teachers and staff.

        In the event of a school disturbance, students are requested to stay inside the classrooms or get to safety as soon as possible. The key to our success will be a result of communication and teamwork. Discussion and drills will be conducted throughout the school year.

PE CLOTHES

• La Colina or Ash Gray T-shirt – mandatory
• La Colina or Forest Green Shorts with 8” inseam – mandatory
• La Colina or Ash Gray Sweatshirt - mandatory
• White gym socks and Running shoes - suggested
• La Colina or Ash Gray Sweatpants - optional

        PE clothes  will be sold in August before school begins and during each student’s P.E. class.

NOTE: Students are strongly advised to not share their P.E. Locker combination and/or locker for security purposes. ALL VALUABLES MUST BE SECURED IN LOCKED LOCKERS DURING THE P.E. PERIOD. Every article of gym clothing must be labeled with the student's first initial and full last name. Students are responsible for keeping locks on their PE lockers - and locking them. Locks are issued by the PE Department. A fee of $6.00 will be charged to replace lost locks.

LOST AND FOUND

        All clothing, books, notebooks, and other personal belongings should be labeled with the student's name. If articles are found, they should be taken to the office. Textbooks and library books should be taken to the library. If a student loses personal property, he/she should check in the "Lost and Found" in the office.

BICYCLES

        For safety reasons, students riding bicycles and e-bikes to school MUST WALK their bikes AT ALL TIMES while on campus. This includes the black top area, sidewalks and paths at the perimeter of the campus.. Park and lock your bike in the bicycle racks. Do not leave helmets or other personal items in the bike corral. To protect the bicycles, students are not permitted in the bike rack areas during the day.

INSURANCE

Student accident insurance is available on a voluntary basis through a private company. Check the district website for details. www.sbunified.org 

CELL PHONES/HEADPHONES

        Cell phones and headphones (including AirPods) are not required for students to participate in the educational program. To promote positive student engagement and a healthy classroom environment, cell phones can be used before school, at nutrition break and lunch and after school ONLY. Cell phone use is not allowed during class time including passing periods.

Students are expected to turn their cell phones OFF and keep them in their backpacks during class time. Headphones must also be kept in students’ backpacks during class time.

La Colina Junior High School is not responsible for damage, loss or theft of cell phones or headphones. If students bring these items to school, they are responsible for ensuring that they are secured in a backpack or PE locker.

Cell phone cameras are NEVER to be used on campus. Students who violate these rules will receive progressive discipline.

SKATEBOARDS, INLINE SKATES, AND SCOOTERS

        Skateboards, inline skates, and scooters are NOT permitted at any time on campus. The riding or use of skateboards, inline skates, and scooters upon school campuses and District owned/operated property is prohibited at any time of day or night, whether school is in session or not. These items will be confiscated by school administrators/campus security.  No storage is available on campus. Violation of this policy is an infraction punishable by fine. (Vehicle Code Section 21113, Board Policy 3515.1)

OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES/PERSONAL VALUABLES

        Personal electronic devices (video games, portable speakers, etc.) are not allowed on campus at any time. Progressive discipline will be assigned to individuals violating this rule.

Students are strongly discouraged from bringing cash or personal items of value to school.

La Colina Junior High School is not responsible for damage, loss or theft of personal items.

DISCIPLINE & DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES

La Colina Junior High School follows the policies and guidelines established by the SBUSD for student discipline.

SBUSD Board Policy and Administrative Regulation for Student Discipline

SBUSD Discipline Guidelines