FOOTHILL ELEMENTARY

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FAMILY HANDBOOK

2026-2027

TABLE OF CONTENTS

03

Welcome Letter & Agreement

04

The Dolphin Way

05

Schoolwide Expectations

06

What to Bring to School

07

Personal Technology

08

School Dress Code

09

Lunchtime Procedures

10

Biking/Walking to School

11

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

12

Traffic Flow

Classroom Observation/Visitors

14

Teacher Communication

13

Volunteer Clearance

21

Attendance

19

Bullying Policy

18

Behavioral Expectations

15

WELCOME

FAMILY AGREEMENT

Please review this handbook as a family and complete the Google acknowledgement form by August 28th, 2026

Scan above or CLICK HERE to complete

acknowledgement form

Dear Foothill Families,

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Welcome to a new school year! We are thrilled that you are part of our Foothill Dolphin community! This handbook is designed to help you and your child have a successful, safe, and joyful year.

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At Foothill Elementary, we believe in a strong partnership between school and home. When we work together, our students thrive. Please take time to review this handbook with your child so everyone knows what to expect.

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We are committed to creating a positive, inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported. Our Dolphin Way guides everything we do: Always be safe, always be respectful, always be responsible.

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Looking forward to a wonderful year together!

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With gratitude,

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Debbie Stewart

Principal

The Dolphin Way

At Foothill Elementary, we follow The Dolphin Way in everything we do.

ALWAYS BE SAFE

• Keep hands and feet to yourself
• Walk in hallways and on stairs
• Follow playground rules
• Stay in supervised areas
• Use equipment properly

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ALWAYS BE RESPECTFUL

• Use kind words
• Include everyone
• Help others
• Respect differences
• Be a good listener
• Respect others’ personal space and materials

ALWAYS BE RESPONSIBLE

• Come prepared
• Follow directions
• Take care of materials
• Be honest
• Do your best work
• Take Responsibility
• Fix Mistakes

Around Campus

Always be safe. Always be kind. Always be responsible.

MULTIPURPOSE ROOM

• Clean your hands before eating

• Listen to the adult directions

• Eat only your own food (no sharing)

• Tidy up your mess

• Use inside voices

• Make room for others at your table

• Stay seated unless going to restroom or throwing away trash

• Sort waste in compost, recycling, and trash bins

PICK-UP AREA / PARKING LOT

• Stand calmly in the designated area while you wait for your ride

• Look for your car and get in quickly

• Do NOT play on the playground while waiting

• The pick-up area is not the time to schedule a playdate

RECESS/PLAYGROUND

• Walk on tanbark and play structure

• Go up ladders and down slides

• Eat food at tables only

• Stay inside the boundaries where adults can see you

• Sort waste into compost, recycling, and trash

• Take turns and share spaces

• Solve conflict peacefully

• When the bell sounds, return to class immediately

HALLWAYS & STAIRS

• Walk at all times

• Stay to your right

• Be mindful of others’ personal space

• Hold all playground equipment

• Use inside voices

USING THE RESTROOM

• Wait for your teacher’s permission before leaving

• Walk to and from the restroom

• Use the restroom quickly and return promptly

• Allow others privacy, knock gently if unsure

• Only put toilet paper in toilets

• Flush toilets after use

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water

• Report any problems to your teacher immediately

What should I bring to school each day?

ITEMS TO BRING

• Backpack

• Lunch

• Homework and school supplies

• Water bottle (labeled)

• Weather-appropriate clothing

ITEMS TO LEAVE AT HOME

• Toys and trading cards

• Electronic games and devices

• Valuables or jewelry

• Fidget spinners or similar items

• Candy, gum, or energy drinks

• Anything that could distract from

learning

PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY

OUR POLICY

• Smartwatches, smartphones, and other devices must be powered off and put away during the school day

• Students may use devices after the instructional day has concluded

• If you need to reach your child urgently, contact the school office and staff will deliver your message

• Devices used during school hours may be collected and held in the office for parent pickup.

TIP: Label your child’s device with their name and teacher. If a device is found, it will be brought to the office.

Keeping devices powered off during the school day helps students stay focused and safe.

SCHOOL DRESS CODE

Students should dress comfortably and appropriately for learning and active play.

GUIDELINES

• Clothing should cover undergarments

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• Students should wear shoes that are appropriate for running and physical education classes

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• Dress for the weather. Layers are encouraged

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• Label all items with student’s name

NOT PERMITTED

• Flip-flops or open-toe sandals

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• Clothing with offensive language or images

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• Clothing that disrupts the learning environment

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• Heelys or shoes with wheels

LOST & FOUND

• Check the Lost & Found bin regularly, it is located in the MPR
• Unclaimed items are donated at the end of each semester

LUNCHTIME PROCEDURES

LUNCH GUIDELINES

• Students may bring lunch from home or order school lunch

• Parents may drop off forgotten lunches at the office

• No food delivery services (DoorDash, UberEats, etc.)

• Students with allergies should notify the office

• Share-free zone: do not share food with others

• Microwaves are not available for student use

LUNCHTIME BEHAVIOR

• Stay seated while eating

• Clean up your area when finished

• Sort waste: trash, recycling, and compost

• Raise your hand if you need help

• Use quiet voices at the lunch tables

• Walk at all times

FREE SCHOOL MEALS FOR ALL STUDENTS

California provides free breakfast and lunch to ALL students regardless of income, thanks to the California Universal Meals Program (Senate Bill 364 and Assembly Bill 130, signed in 2021). No application is needed, every child eats for free!

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View our lunch menus by visiting the QR code:

Biking/Walking to School

Remember...

• Helmets are required by law for all riders under 18
• Walk bikes and scooters on school grounds at all times
• Lock bikes/scooters at the bike rack; the school is not responsible for theft or damage
• Skateboards, roller skates, and hoverboards are not permitted on campus
• Wheeled devices must be stored and not used during school hours
• Please follow traffic laws and use crosswalks

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL

Learn more about safe walking and biking routes by scanning the QR Code.

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL

Keeping our drop-offs and pick-ups safe and smooth!

ARRIVAL

DISMISSAL

• No supervision is available before 8:15 a.m.
• 1st bell rings at 8:25; students may enter the building at that time.
• Parents, please say goodbye before students enter the building.
• School begins promptly at 8:30 a.m.
• Students arriving after 8:30 a.m. must check in at the office; a tardy slip is required to enter class.

• Dismissal Times:
• 2:10 pm TK/K (12:10 on Wednesday)
• 2:30 pm 1st & 2nd grade
• 3:00 pm 3rd, 4th & 5th grades
• Please communicate pick-up changes with the office
• Students not picked up within 10 minutes of dismissal will wait in the office
• After 3 late pick-ups, a conference may be required
• Student are to remain in supervised areas while waiting for their ride. Students are not to play on the playground while waiting.

TRAFFIC QUEUE & WAITING

Smooth pick-up and drop-off keeps everyone safe!

TRAFFIC QUEUE

Parent Waiting for 3:00 DISMISSAL

• Follow the designated traffic pattern and all traffic signs at all times
• Do not pass other vehicles in the queue
• Pull all the way forward before stopping
• Stay in your car during pick-up and drop-off
• Keep the flow moving - have students ready to exit/enter
• Do not use cell phones while in the traffic queue
• Follow staff directions at all times
• Right Turn Only – Please do not turn left out of the front parking lot during drop off or pickup

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• Families may wait by the blue lunch tables for the 3:00 p.m. dismissal after picking up their younger students. Parents are asked to adhere to the following practices:
• Children may play on the playground under the immediate supervision of their parents or designated adult caregiver only if it does not interfere with other school activities.
• Children using the playground between 2:30 and 3:00 p.m. are expected to follow all school rules under the supervision of a parent/adult caregiver.
• Parents waiting for dismissal on school grounds must park their vehicle in a parking spot.

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Classroom Access and Teacher Communication

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL ACCESS

Unless participating in a before school activity, students are not allowed to enter the school building before 8:25 am. They can play or wait on the blacktop from 8:15 - 8:25 am.

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Students are not permitted access to classrooms after the teacher has left for the day.

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Please encourage your student to make sure they have their homework, backpack, and other personal items with them.

CONNECTING WITH YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER

Teachers have established office hours in order to set aside time to meet with their students' parents.

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If you would like to meet with your child's teacher, please contact him or her to set up an appointment.

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Parents who wish to drop off forms or other items to their child's classroom before school or during the school day should bring those items to the school office. Office staff will make sure those items get to the teacher.

CLASSROOM & CAMPUS VISITORS

Observations and visitor procedures

CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS

Parents are entitled to observe instruction and other school activities that involve their child.

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If you would like to observe your child's classroom, please contact your child's teacher.

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Classroom visits are typically about 15-20 minutes per visit in order to minimize any disruptions to instruction.

VISITORS TO CAMPUS

All non-student visitors to campus, including children, must register at the main office by signing in on the Securly iPad.

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Please have the barcode of your driver’s license available when you sign in.

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Visitors are asked to sign out when they leave.

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POSITIVE BEHAVIOR & RESTORATIVE PRACTICES

Teaching & Encouraging Positive Behavior

At Foothill Elementary, we focus on teaching and encouraging positive behavior across our school.

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Through Positive Behavior Supports, students learn clear expectations for how to be safe, respectful, and responsible, and they are recognized for making good choices.

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This helps create a caring and predictable environment where all students can thrive.

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We recognize students making positive choices through a variety of classroom and schoolwide programs including Dolphin Splashes, School Assemblies, and much much more! We love to celebrate all of the great work our children are doing!

Restorative Practices

We know that mistakes are part of learning. When mistakes happen, restorative practices help students reflect on their actions, take responsibility, and repair relationships.

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This approach encourages empathy, understanding, and problem-solving, helping students grow socially and emotionally while maintaining strong connections with their peers and teachers.

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Together, Positive Behavior Support and Restorative Practices help us create a supportive community where students feel valued, understood, and empowered to do their best every day.

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Our goal is for students to learn when a choice doesn’t follow The Dolphin Way, how it impacts those around them, how they can make it right, and what they will do differently next time.

RESPONDING TO CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS

We occasionally see the following behaviors at school. We have developed clear, structured responses for each. Please review the flowchart below so you understand how these specific situations will be handled.

OTHER BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

While the behaviors outlined on the previous page represent our most common challenges, other behavioral issues may arise from time to time. All behavior concerns will be addressed with appropriate consequences to ensure student safety and support positive growth.

GENERAL DISCIPLINE & SUSPENSION

All children make mistakes from time to time. At Foothill Elementary, we use student mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth.

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Occasionally, additional disciplinary consequences are necessary to ensure student safety and to support students learning behavioral and social skills consistent with school-wide expectations.

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The Board has developed rules and regulations setting the standards of behavior expected of district students and the disciplinary processes and procedures for addressing violations of those standards, including suspension and/or expulsion. For more information regarding SUSD discipline please refer to Board Policy 5144 and 5144.1

SUSD Anti-Bullying Policy

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The staff of Foothill Elementary recognizes the harmful effects of bullying on student learning and school attendance. We shall not tolerate the bullying of any student. Bullying is defined in CA Education Code 48900(r) as severe or pervasive physical or verbal conduct that:

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• Reasonably places a student in fear of harm
• Has a substantially detrimental effect on physical or mental health
• Substantially interferes with academic performance
• Causes substantial interference with school services

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Students engaging in bullying behaviors are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension and expulsion. Allegations of bullying are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly by school personnel.

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We also are mindful that behavior is sometimes labeled as “bullying” when other descriptions such as social conflict or teasing are more helpful for understanding and resolving the problem. If you have concerns your child may be experiencing bullying or is bullying others, please contact your child’s teacher.

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Anti-Bullying Policy

ATTENDANCE

ATTENDANCE POLICY

All children between 6 and 18 years of age are required by California’s Education Code to attend school, and their parents have a legal responsibility to ensure their child’s attendance.

If a student is absent, the parent/guardian should call or email the school office the same day as the absence.

If the school does not receive a call or email, the school will attempt to make contact.

When the student returns to school, a valid explanation verifying the reason for the absence must be provided.

FES 24 Hour Attendance Line: (408) 867-4036

Email: fesattendance@saratogausd.org

EXCUSED ABSENCES

Under CA Education Code 48205, a pupil shall be excused when absent due to:

24 Hour Attendance Line:

(408) 867-4036

• Student’s Illness

• Quarantine by health officer

• Medical or dental appointment

• Funeral of immediate family member

• Jury duty

• Illness of a child of custodial parent student

Justifiable personal reasons including:

• Religious holidays or celebrations

• Court appearance

• Attendance at a funeral

• Employment conference (with prior approval)

• Working at an election precinct

Daily attendance is mandatory for all students

ATTENDANCE MATTERS

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

• Any absence that does not meet excused absence criteria (on prior slide) is unexcused

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• California defines truancy after 3 unexcused OR missing 30+ minutes without a valid excuse

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• Schools must send truant letters families

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• District may require physician verification if chronic absenteeism due to illness

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FAMILY TRIPS

• Please plan trips during scheduled school breaks

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• Per CA Ed Code 48205, family vacation absences are unexcused

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• Please discuss with teacher/principal in advance

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Everyday Counts!

SUSD Attendance Policies

LATE ARRIVAL POLICY

• If students arrive after the 2nd bell (8:30), they must check in at the office

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• California defines truancy after 3 unexcused OR missing 30+ minutes without valid excuse

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PARENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Your involvement matters!

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Your child spends about 1,300

hours at school each year.

Parent involvement contributes significantly to children's success.

Parents are encouraged to be active participants in their children's education.

BECOME A CLEARED VOLUNTEER

REQUIREMENTS:

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Complete SUSD volunteering packet, fingerprint scan, TB clearance form, required online trainings

Help in your child’s classroom

Chaperone and drive on field trips

Supervise students for after school activities