State Curriculum Frameworks
The State Board of Education oversees the development and implementation of subject areas taught in California public schools. The state sets criteria for what needs to be taught at each grade level. It is up to individual school districts, however, to decide how to comply with the state's curriculum requirements.
State Mandated Testing
The State of California is developing standards for reading, writing, and mathematics. A State-wide test will be developed based upon the standards. It is anticipated that the mandated test will not be given to students until the 1999-2000 school year.
District Proficiency Requirements
School districts are mandated by the state to test minimum skills in reading, writing, language, and mathematics in the English language. Students must pass all the proficiencies in order to receive a high school diploma, along with meeting the other graduation requirements. Parents are informed by mail of their child's progress towards meeting the minimum proficiencies. Parents are requested to attend a conference to develop a learning plan when their child has not passed one or more of the four tests.
Students are assessed at least once in grades 4-6 and at least once in grades 7-9 to note progress towards the standards. Students are assessed twice in grade 10-11. If a student passes in grade 9, however, they are not required to take the test again.
Physical Fitness Tests
The State requires physical fitness testing annually for 5th, 7th, and 9th grade students. The test measures aerobic capacity, muscle strength, flexibility, and body composition.
What athletic and other activities can my child get involved in at school?
Co-curricular activities
High and Middle School: Co-curricular activities can help round out your child's educational experience. Many clubs and activities are available at our middle and high schools for those who want to be involved and who maintain the required grade point average. To participate, students must be making satisfactory educational progress and must maintain a 2.0 grade point average with no more than one failing grade. Activities include, but are not limited to: band, cheerleading, science and math clubs, service clubs, Army Jr. Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC), and student government. In addition, our middle and high schools offer a wide variety of athletic activities, including football, soccer, baseball, basketball, track, and tennis. Every school's co-curricular program is unique, so call your child's school for more information about these and other activities
Physical Education
The physical education program allows each student to participate in a variety of activities at a level of skill that produces a feeling of satisfaction and achievement. Students are expected to dress appropriately and participate in physical education each day.
Student Insurance
The Pomona Unified School District does not provide or make available medical or hospital services for students injured while participating in athletic activities. Students cannot participate in any athletic activities without proof of medical insurance.
Field Trips
Many of our schools offer field trips, away from the school site, to help broaden a student's educational experience. School employees will ensure proper supervision is available on all school-sponsored trips involving students. We encourage parents to attend field trips as a chaperone, whenever possible. No student may participate in an educational trip until a signed emergency card and permission slip have been obtained from the parent/guardian.
How safe is my child at school?
We take the security of our students very seriously and have taken a number of steps to ensure their safety. After all, every child deserves a safe learning environment. Please take a moment to read this section, so you are familiar with what happens in case of an emergency during school hours.
School Safety Plan
Each school has a plan to address such issues as smog alerts, fire drills, hazardous materials, emergency preparedness and campus lockdowns. In addition, each school safety plan identifies the ways in which a positive learning climate is established and maintained. Please call your school to receive a copy of this plan, if they have not already provided one to you.
Dress Standards
Proper classroom attire is expected at all Pomona Unified schools. All students are prohibited from wearing inappropriate clothing to school, which could disrupt the educational process, such as attire with obscene language or gang-related attire. Each high school provides parents with a list of clothing that is unacceptable, while the elementary and middle schools have a voluntary standardized dress program. The standardized dress program has been very effective in helping to maintain discipline and allow students to concentrate on their academics, not their apparel. Call your school to get a copy of their dress standards.
Smoke Free Workplace
Tobacco products are not allowed on District property or in District vehicles at anytime and anywhere by all persons-employees, students, visitors, and parents.
Sexual Harassment of or by Employees or Students
It is district policy that all persons, regardless of their sex, be afforded equal rights and opportunities and enjoy freedom from discrimination of any kind in our educational programs and settings. The governing board considers sexual harassment to be a major offense that can result in disciplinary action to the offending employee or suspension or expulsion of the offending student. Immediately contact your principal if you suspect your child has been harassed by another student or employee. A copy of the District's policy on Sexual Harassment is included at the back of this guide.
Asbestos Management Plan
An updated Asbestos Management Plan is available for parents, teachers and employees to review in each school's office.
What if my child breaks the rules?
Every student is expected to maintain minimum and acceptable standards of citizenship and academics. There are times, however, when students break the rules or act in such a way as to endanger themselves or others. Appropriate steps will be taken to intervene or discipline students, when unacceptable events occur. The following items explain district policies and programs regarding discipline. A copy of the district's rule pertaining to student discipline may be obtained by contacting the Office of Pupil Resources. A copy of your school's Site Discipline Plan may be obtained by contacting the school office. |
