ABC Unified School District

Bragg Elementary

Student and

Parent / Guardian

Handbook

2025-2026

Bragg Elementary

11501 Bos St.

Cerritos, CA 90703

(562) 229-7830

www.bragges.us

Office Hours

6:45 AM to 3:15 PM

Mission

Bragg Elementary empowers all students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to thrive in our diverse and evolving world.

Vision

At Bragg Elementary, we collaborate to create an engaging and responsive environment that empowers students, staff, and families to achieve excellence for all learners.

Core Values

Respectful

Responsible

Kind

Engaged

The Bobcat Pledge:

Today, I choose to be

Respectful, Responsible,

Kind, and Engaged

because I value myself,

my learning,

and my community.

I am ready to do my

personal best.

Go Bobcats!

Daily Schedules

Breakfast, supervision, and the valet drop-off lane begin daily at 7:15 AM.

Regular Day

Minimum Day

All Students - First Three Days: 8/13/2025 - 8/15/2025

TK and Kinder - Assessment Days: 8/18/2025 - 9/10/2025

All Students - Parent Conferences: 10/2/2025 - 10/10/2025

All Students - Last Three Days: 5/27/2025 - 5/29/2025

Students may eat a snack provided by their parent or guardian during the first recess.

Yearly Calendar

August 2025

13                First Day for Students

13 - 15        Minimum Day: First Three Days for All Students

18 - 29        Minimum Days for Assessments: TK & Kinder Only

22                Welcome Back Bobcat Family Picnic

28                Back to School Night

September 2025

1                No School: Labor Day

2 - 10                Minimum Days for Assessments: TK & Kinder Only

October 2025

2 - 10                Minimum Days: Parent Conferences

13                No School: Indigenous Peoples' Day

November 2025

6                End of 1st Trimester

7                No School: Student Free Day

11                No School: Veterans Day

21                1st Trimester Report Cards

24 - 28        No School: Fall Break

December 2025

22 - 31        No School: Winter Break

January 2026

1 - 2                No School: Winter Break

19                No School: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February 2026

13                Bobcat Family Picnic

16                No School: Presidents’ Day

27                End of 2nd Trimester

March 2026

13                2nd Trimester Report Cards

26                Open House

April 2026

3 - 10                No School: Spring Break

May 2026

22                Bobcat Family Picnic

25                No School: Memorial Day

27 - 29        Minimum Days: Last Three Days for All Students

29                Last Day for Students & End of 3rd Trimester

29                3rd Trimester Report Cards

General Information

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Reminders

To help keep our campus safe and efficient during arrival and dismissal, families who drive are asked to use the designated Valet Drop-Off and Pick-Up Area. Please follow all posted signs, traffic laws, and instructions from school staff on duty.

For the safety of all students and families, please do not:

• Make U-turns in front of the school.
• Park in front of driveways.
• Park in the bus zone.
• Double-park to load or unload students.
• Leave your car unattended in the valet line.

To Help Keep Our Campus Safe, Please:

• Use only the Valet Drop-Off and Pick-Up Area marked by traffic cones.
• Refrain from parking in red zones, including the valet area.
• Stay in your vehicle while waiting in the pick-up line. Move forward as space becomes available to help keep traffic flowing.
• Cross streets only at designated crosswalks. Adults and students must use corner crosswalks to cross safely.

After-School Day Care

An after-school care program is available for students and provides supervision from dismissal until 6:00 PM each school day. For questions, families may contact the on-site staff directly at (562) 609-8863. Registration is available online at https://www.abcusdcd.us/.

School Site Council (SSC)

The SSC meets five times during the school year to review, advise, and revise Burbank’s ongoing categorical . The council is composed of five parent members, four staff members (who are elected for a two-year term), and the school administrator. SSC openings will be filled in September. ALL interested parents are welcome to attend any of the SSC meetings.

Meals

All students are eligible to receive a free school-provided breakfast and lunch each day.

Students may also choose to bring lunch from home. If so, the lunch should be packed and sent with the student when they arrive at school in the morning.

To minimize disruptions to learning, outside food deliveries or lunch drop-offs during the school day are not permitted.

Snack Policy

All students have snack time during their morning recess. Families are encouraged to send a small, nutritious snack for their child to enjoy at that time. Snacks should be packed in individual portion sizes and ready to eat.

Birthday Celebrations

To maintain a safe and distraction-free learning environment, birthday celebrations may not include any food items such as cupcakes, cookies, candy, or treats. Balloons, party favors, and other birthday-related items are not allowed at school.

Home-Prepared Dishes

To protect the health and safety of all students, home-prepared foods are not allowed to be served to students. For this reason, outside food brought from home cannot be shared or served on campus.

Office Drop-Offs

To help minimize classroom disruptions, we strongly discourage dropping off items for students during the school day. We understand that occasional exceptions may be necessary. If you need to drop something off, please fill out a Campus Courier Form in the front office, attach it to the item, and place it in the designated delivery box. Please note that we cannot guarantee the item will be delivered right away.

Visitation Guidelines

We welcome parents and guardians to visit or support their child’s classroom. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, please follow these guidelines:

• Arrange your visit at least three days in advance by coordinating directly with the classroom teacher.
• Visits are typically limited to 30 minutes unless the teacher has approved a longer visit.
• All visitors are required to check in and check out at the school office.
• Please do not initiate conversations with the teacher or students during your visit to avoid disruptions.
• If you would like to discuss anything with the teacher, you are encouraged to schedule a separate meeting after your visit.

Absences

If your child is absent, please notify us by 9:00 AM using one of the following options:

• Complete the online absence form at www.bragges.us/absent
• Call the school office directly
• Send a written note with your child’s name, teacher’s name, dates of absence, and reason for the absence

Absences not reported to the office within three days will be marked unexcused.

Tardies

Students are expected to be in line and ready for class by 7:45 AM. Those who arrive after this time must check in at the front office and receive a tardy pass before going to class. If a student arrives after 8:00 AM, a parent or guardian must accompany them to the office for check-in. Frequent tardiness disrupts learning and affects both the student and the class as a whole.

Truancy

Consistent attendance is essential for student success. A student is considered truant if they have three or more unexcused absences or arrive more than 30 minutes late on three or more days during the school year. Students may also be referred for attendance intervention if they are chronically absent, which means missing 10% or more of the days they are enrolled, regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused. Continued attendance concerns may result in a referral to a school-level attendance meeting and, if needed, a district-level review for additional support.

Independent Study

If your child will be absent for three or more consecutive school days, you may request an Independent Study contract. Please contact the office to begin this process. A minimum of two weeks’ advance notice is required to allow time for approval and preparation of materials. Requests that do not meet district guidelines may be denied.

Bus Conduct

Riding the bus is a privilege and an extension of the school day. All school rules and expectations apply while students are on the bus. To ensure a safe and respectful environment for everyone, students are expected to follow all directions from the driver and behave appropriately at all times. Misbehavior on the bus may result in disciplinary action, including suspension from bus privileges and other school consequences.

Campus Safety

Student safety is our top priority. For this reason, the campus remains secure throughout the school day, with all gates locked during school hours.

To ensure a safe environment, we ask all visitors, including parents and community members, to follow these guidelines:

• All visitors must check in at the front office before entering campus. A valid photo ID is required, and a visitor badge must be worn at all times while on campus.
• During drop-off and pick-up times, parents are asked to remain outside the designated entrance and exit gates. Only students and staff are permitted on campus during school hours, including before and after school.
• At dismissal, families should meet their children at the designated gates or waiting areas outside campus.

Cellphones

We understand that many students carry cell phones as a way to stay connected with their families. However, phones can disrupt learning and are at risk of being lost, stolen, or damaged. To support a focused and respectful learning environment, students who bring cellphones to school must keep them powered off and stored in their backpacks at all times while on campus.

Cell phones may not be used to call, text, take photos, record audio or video, access social media, play games, or listen to music during the school day—including before school, recess, lunch, and after school while still on campus.

If a phone is seen or used during restricted times, the following steps will be taken:

• First incident: The phone will be taken and returned to the student at the end of the school day. The student will receive a warning.
• Second incident: The phone will be taken and returned only to a parent or guardian. A school consequence may be assigned.
• Third incident: The phone will be taken and returned only to a parent or guardian. A meeting with the student, parent, and an administrator will be scheduled. A school consequence may be assigned.

The school is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen cell phones or other personal electronic devices.

Personal Belongings

Students are asked not to bring toys, electronics, headphones, or other valuable or personal items to school. Items brought from home are the responsibility of the student, and staff cannot ensure their safekeeping. The school is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings. Additionally, students should not bring playground equipment from home for recess use.

Bicycles and Scooters

Students may ride non-motorized bicycles or scooters to school. Helmets must be worn, and all riders are expected to follow traffic laws for everyone's safety. Once on campus, bikes and scooters must be walked, not ridden.

Students are responsible for bringing their own locks and securing their bikes or scooters during the school day. The school does not assume responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged personal transportation items.

Release of Students During the School Day

To check out a student early, go directly to the office and present valid photo identification. Students will not be released to anyone not listed in the AERIES Parent Portal: https://abcusd.aeries.net/student/LoginParent.aspx.

Field Trips

Students must have a signed permission slip on file in order to attend any school-sponsored field trip. Teachers will arrange for additional adult chaperones as needed, in accordance with district guidelines. For safety reasons, only authorized participants may attend.

Lost & Found

To help recover lost items, please label your child’s jackets, sweaters, water bottles, lunch containers, and other personal belongings with their full name. The Lost & Found rack is located in the center quad. Items not claimed by the end of each month will be donated.

Student Insurance

Medical and dental insurance is not provided. Families may purchase optional student insurance. For more information, please contact the school office.

Medication (Prescription & Over-the-Counter)

For the safety of all students, over-the-counter medications (such as cough drops, ointments, and pain relievers) are not permitted on campus unless proper authorization has been submitted. Students are not allowed to carry or self-administer any type of medication during the school day.

If a student requires prescription or over-the-counter medication at school, a completed authorization form must be on file in the front office. All medications must be clearly labeled with the student’s name, the name of the prescribing physician (if applicable), dosage instructions, and the medication schedule. All medications are stored and administered in the school office.

Homework Expectations

Homework is an important part of reinforcing classroom learning and building good study habits. It works best when teachers, students, and families all play a role in supporting completion.

• Grades TK–3: Students may have up to 30 minutes of homework each night, with short assignments designed to reinforce what is being taught in class. Families are encouraged to set aside at least 20 minutes daily for reading together.
• Grades 4–6: Students may be assigned short and long-term assignments totaling about 60 minutes each night. Independent reading is also expected for at least 20 minutes daily.

Homework should be purposeful, manageable, and meaningful. If concerns arise, families are encouraged to reach out to the classroom teacher.

Textbooks and Library Books

Students are responsible for all textbooks and library books checked out to them. Lost or damaged items must be replaced, and payment may be made through the front office. Please encourage students to take care of all school materials.

Report Cards

Student progress is reported using a standards-based report card aligned with California State Standards. These report cards reflect:

• A student's current proficiency in grade-level standards
• Progress toward expectations in all academic areas
• Effort in each subject
• Development of study and social skills

Trimester report cards will be available through the district’s online portal: myparentportal.com.

Dress Code Guidelines

To support a positive and focused learning environment, students must come to school dressed in a way that is safe, respectful, and appropriate for learning. Clothing or accessories that disrupt learning or create unsafe situations are not allowed.

The following are not permitted:

• Items that are unsafe or pose a health risk
• Clothing with offensive or inappropriate language, images, or symbols
• References to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence, or weapons
• Excessively distracting attire or messaging

Footwear:

Closed-toe shoes are required at all times. Crocs, sandals, flip-flops, platforms, and shoes with wheels are not allowed.

Clothing Fit and Coverage:

Clothing must be the correct size and conceal undergarments at all times.

• Tops must fully cover the midriff, back, and chest. Sheer, strapless, or spaghetti-strap tops are not allowed.
• Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be of an appropriate length for elementary school.
• Pants with excessive rips or holes that expose skin inappropriately are not allowed.

Accessories:

Small stud earrings are permitted. Large or dangling earrings and jewelry that could cause injury are not allowed.

Hats and Headwear:

Hats may be worn outside for sun protection but must face forward and be removed inside all buildings.

We appreciate families partnering with us to maintain a respectful and distraction-free learning space. Thank you for supporting our efforts to uphold these expectations.

Behavior/Discipline Plan

The staff at Bragg School recognizes that children need a safe, pleasant, and orderly environment to learn. We believe in programs that promote positive behavior, emphasize self-control, respect oneself and others, and accept responsibility for one's actions. Bragg’s Core Values, “Be Respectful, Responsible, Kind, and Engaged,” are foundational expectations for all students.

Bragg is a Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support School

Bragg Behavioral Statement of Purpose

The Bragg community will maintain a Respectful, Responsible, Kind, and Engaged school-wide learning environment to foster academic and social-emotional growth.

Core Beliefs

• Maintaining a safe, positive, and productive school environment is our priority.
• Teaching and learning for all students is a top priority.
• Appropriate action must consistently be taken to address unacceptable behaviors.
• Bragg is committed to an inclusive, positive, and safe learning environment for all students, staff, and educational partners.

Positive School Environment

A positive school environment is built when we set clear expectations for behavior, build healthy relationships, and encourage positive participation in our school community.

At Bragg School, we utilize the following:

• Core Values: Respectful, Responsible, Kind, and Engaged
• PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) Program
• Stop, Walk, and Talk (Conflict Resolution)
• Student Leadership Development
• Clear definition of expected behaviors (classroom and school matrix)
• Communication with parents
• Structured ways to give back to our community
• Incentives, rewards, awards assemblies, community events, and programs

Progressive Discipline

Progressive discipline is a non-punitive, whole-school approach that uses interventions, supports, and consequences to address inappropriate behaviors. Interventions and consequences may include:

• Regular communication with parents
• Removal of privileges
• Student, Parent, Teacher, Principal Conference
• Daily/Weekly Contract between home and school
• Formal Behavior Support Plan
• Student Success Teams
• Suspension
• Referral to the Student Evaluation Committee

Unacceptable Behaviors

Per California Education Code 48900, the following behaviors are unacceptable at school. These behaviors, among others, are grounds for school consequences if other means of correction do not change a student’s behaviors:

• Fighting
• Causing physical injury to another
• Intimidation, threats, harassment to others (verbal, written, pictures, gestures, online, social media, etc.)
• Hurting others
• Inappropriate language
• Bullying
• Aggressive behavior/roughhousing
• Stealing or damaging school property
• Possession of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol
• Possession of weapons, including imitations
• Possession of lighters or matches
• Behavior that would endanger a child's safety
• Use of obscene language or gestures
• Sexual Harassment. This includes but is not limited to the following:

• Sexually suggestive movements
• Sexually suggestive comments (jokes, stories, rumors, drawings, or pictures)
• Comments regarding a person's sexual orientation or gender identification
• Touching an individual's body or clothes in an unwelcome or offensive nature
• Displaying or making sexually suggestive objects
• Inappropriate use of technology (i.e., internet, social media, and computers)

Sexual Harassment

The ABC Unified School District prohibits sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unwelcome verbal, written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is severe enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. Incidents of sexual harassment will be reported to the Principal. Consequences from the school may be applied as necessary.

Consequences for Unacceptable Behaviors

If other means of correction fail, students can be suspended as follows:

• Students may be suspended for one to five days, depending on the severity of the behavior.
• Possible referral to the District Student Evaluation Committee (SEC) with a recommendation for disciplinary action.
• Contact law enforcement if deemed necessary.

Bullying or Harassment

Any person who has been a victim of or witnessed bullying or harassment on school grounds, during school activities, or going to and coming from school should report incidents immediately to the Principal, Assistant Principal, or other Bragg staff members.

Bullying may be reported in several ways:

• An anonymous report can be made by calling the Safety Tip Line at (562) 888-0472.
• A report can be made to any teacher or administrator.
• An official report can be obtained in the school office or at the Child Welfare and Attendance Office. This form can be turned in to the school or the District's Child Welfare and Attendance office.

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct is intended to assist in identifying and resolving issues of conduct that may arise at school. It is designed to guide our dealings with other parents, the school, and the wider community. It is written as a set of general principles rather than detailed prescriptions, which align with Bragg’s values and expectations. It also adheres to and supports the rights and obligations of individuals under federal or state law. The Code of Conduct is essential, ensuring that all individuals recognize and respect the rights and responsibilities of others. The Code of Conduct is intended to demonstrate that parents, guardians, and teachers work together to benefit all students and staff. It also provides an approach to seeking intervention for equitable and peaceful solutions.

Bragg Values the Following

• A non-judgmental attitude towards all people.
• Seeking to understand the situation of others.
• Respecting the diversity of our students and school community.
• Adopting a cooperative attitude when working with others.
• Developing open communication skills with all students, teachers, staff, and parents.
• Working respectfully with other people.
• Working from a basis of trust and respect.
• Being responsible for our actions.
• Being honest and working with integrity.
• Respect differences in people, their ideas, and their opinions.

Expectations for Students and Educational Partners

• Treat students, parents, staff, and teachers respectfully and courteously.
• We should conduct ourselves in alignment with our core values: Respectful, Responsible, Kind, and Engaged.
• Maintain a positive and cooperative attitude toward one another.
• Resolve issues using peaceful and respectful dialogue directly with the individual concerned.
• Follow meeting norms if a conflict arises.
• Listen and communicate with respect, purpose, and care.