Napa Valley Language Academy

School Hours & Attendance |Lunch Schedule | Absences & Tardies | Winter Break | Independent Study | Homework Policy | Arrival at School | Dismissal From School | NVLA Office Hours | Leaving School Before Dismissal | Uniform Policy | Free Dress Day | Behavior & Discipline Plan | General School Rules |Lunch Area Rules | Playground & Yard Rules | Consequences | Emergency Drills | Flag Salute | Lost & Found | Open House | Parent Conferences | Parent Involvement | Telephone Use | Pets at School | Bicycles | Communicaitons | Student Health and Counseling Services |

School Hours and Attendance
NVLA Hours for Grades Kinder through 5th:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. 

NVLA Hours for Grade 6th:
Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Lunch Schedule:
Grades Kinder-1st:   11:30 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. 
Grades 2nd and 3rd 11:45 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. 
Grades 4th and 5th  12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Grade 6       12:10 p.m. to 12:40 p.m.

The 2010-2011 school year begins on Aug. 18, 2010 and runs through June 9, 2011.

Absences/Tardies: A note specifying the exact reason for absence, or a call to the office at 253-3678, is required upon a child's return to school. It is important to clear any absence from school. After three unverified absences, we are required to mark the student as truant. If your child is late for school, please have them come to the office for a pink slip, which is their pass to class. If you are late due to an appointment, it will be an excused tardy.

Winter Break: NVLA offers a 3-week winter vacation break.  Please plan family vacations and trips during these three weeks.  Additional vacation time attached to this break will not be approved.

Independent Study: If your child will be out of school for more than 2 non-vacation days, we request that you communicate with your child's teacher and establish an independent study contract.  Your teacher will prepare daily work to be done at home or while you are away on a trip, and the absence will be excused.  

Homework Policy: We believe that establishing a homework routine is an important part of the learning process, and reading and writing are the most important activities related to student academic achievement.  Our homework policy is very simple and consistent across grade levels to maximize student success and minimize stress on busy families.

Grades K-2:

• Read 20 minutes per night; respond in writing on the grade level recording sheet.
• One math review assignment related to the lesson of the day.
• 5 minutes of nightly backpack organization

Grades 3-6:

• Read 30 minutes per night; respond in writing on the grade level recording sheet.
• One math review assignment related to the lesson of the day.
• 5-15 minutes of nightly organization and review of classroom notes

Occasional project related homework may be assigned throughout the year.

Arrival at School: It is important that students be on time everyday without exception. The first bell rings at 8:00 a.m. and the final bell at 8:15 a.m. Students are asked not to arrive at school before 8:00 a.m. when school is appropriately staffed to supervise students. If students arrive early, they must sit at the picnic tables until the 8:00 bell, then they can line up with their class.  Students are to come directly to school and go directly home. There is no supervision provided after school unless your child is formally enrolled in an after-school class, Boys and Girls Club or Day Care on site.

NVLA OFFICE HOURS:
Office Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Regular attendance is extremely important and we ask your continued cooperation to make sure that your child attends school every day.

Dismissal From School: Students are expected to go directly home after school. PLEASE be on time; late pickups can be very upsetting for children. Students should wait on the benches in front of the office by the flagpole for their pick up.  Children may not stay and play in the playground after school unless they are enrolled in an after school program or are accompanied by their parent. 

Leaving School Before Dismissal: No student will be allowed to leave school before dismissal time without a parent or other authorized adult listed on the student's emergency card, coming to the office to sign the student out.

Uniform Policy: Students who come to school not wearing a uniform will be sent to the office to borrow one from the uniform closet.

You can now order uniforms from www.frenchtoast.com and have 5% of your purchase come back to NVLA! You can also get the NVLA logo embroidered on selected items for an additional fee. Please look at the catalog they have put together for us, and use the source code QS46XFB so we can get the credit.

• Tops - white or navy blue. No logos. Tops sold by the NVLA C.L.A.S.E. foundation with school logo are acceptable collared shirts/blouses - short or long sleeve sweaters, cardigans and sweatshirts turtle necks.
• Bottoms - navy blue or khaki/beige basic pants - no jeans, bell-bottoms, flares or extra baggy.
• Shorts - length to be no shorter than one hand-length above the knee
• Dresses, jumpers, skirts and skorts - same length requirement as shorts.

Free Dress Day  Every Wednesday students are permitted to wear clothing other than their uniform. However, students may wear their uniform if they wish. The student dress code is designed to ensure the safety of every student. Our priority is the learning process. Therefore, no student's dress or appearance may be disruptive to the learning process. Therefore, no item of clothing, jewelry, makeup, accessories (including buttons and designs on backpacks, or any other surface), or any item carried to school, may display any negative picture or theme. Negative pictures or themes include items that: contain inappropriate language, depict violence, vulgar, racist, obscene, or sexist subject matter; promote use of controlled substances (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, weapons, etc.); express admiration for, or affiliation with, gangs. All clothing will be school appropriate (no see-through clothing, no clothing with negative pictures or themes, see above). Shoes should be closed toe and appropriate for outdoor play.  Hats may be worn to school, but must be removed while inside school buildings and classrooms. Sunglasses are allowed to be worn outdoors, but must be removed while inside school buildings and classrooms.

Behavior & Discipline Plan 
   We have 3 rules:   1. Be Safe   2. Be Respectful   3. Be Responsible

Philosophy: Our BEST Behavior Program is based on a positive behavior support model with our ultimate goal of developing self-discipline in all of our students.  We value a safe school environment where teachers can teach and students can learn.  We support our students in taking responsibility for their own behavior and making good decisions. All students are treated with respect and the expectation is that they will treat each other with respect as well. Although there are consequences for disruptive or unsafe behaviors, there are also lessons to be learned, and we support all of our students in learning how to behave in a safe, respectful and responsible manner. Our focus is on teaching expected behaviors and learning something from an experience rather than on blame and punishment.

NVLA Behavior and Intervention Support  

Positive Consequences

• In Class: Teacher-developed consequences such as verbal praise, highlighting student achievement, telephone calls to parents, notes home and tangible rewards, class goals

• School Wide: Delfinitos, Lunch with the Principal, Student of the Month awards, recognition, Dog tags, parent contact by principal. This is an overview of our discipline policy, corrective measures and interventions regarding student behavior. Some behaviors may require other forms of intervention to ensure the safety and quality of education for all students. A copy of the discipline plan is sent home with each child the first week of school. Parents are asked to sign and return it.

When students choose to not follow rules, this becomes a wonderful opportunity for students to learn from their mistakes.  Through meaningful consequences, discussion with parents and teacher, and reflection on their behavior and how it effects others, students learn to take responsibility for their own actions and make better decisions.

Emergency Drills: The entire school will observe emergency drills for fires, earthquakes, lock down, etc on a regular basis as required by law. The staff is trained and ready to act in any emergency situation.

Flag Salute: Every Monday we all stand and Pledge Allegiance to the Flag. If your religious convictions are opposed to this, please let your child's teacher know.

Lost and Found: Lost items and clothing that are turned in are located in bins in the breezeway next to the office. Please check these regularly, as we have lots of items that are never claimed. Please label all clothing and personal items to help us return them to the owner. Check for lost "2" items (jewelry, glasses, etc.) in the office.

Lunch: Students may bring a lunch from home or participate in the school's lunch program. The school lunch this year is $2.25 for the full lunch or 40 cents for drink only.  If a student owes money, they can only take food from the salad bar until the balance is paid. There are applications to apply for free or reduced lunches in the office. These applications have to be filled out each year and take a few weeks to clear.

Back to School Night: is held in the fall for parents to attend and meet their classroom teacher who will present specific classroom information. Parents may also sign up for volunteer activities such as serving as a room parent.

Open House: is held in the spring and is for students and their families. This is a time for students to "show off" their classroom and the work they have done throughout the year. This event includes the Science fair, a Book Fair in the library, Heartstrings Concert and the open classrooms for viewing.

Parent Conferences: are scheduled for late October. This conference period is one of the most productive meetings we have during the year. It allows us to get to know your child and your family better. Please plan to attend your child's conference. It is important. You are given the opportunity to schedule a convenient time for this conference by attending Back-to-School Night. Conference schedules are posted inside of the classrooms.

Parent Involvement: Parents are expected to contribute a minimum of 1 hour of their time a month.  This can be accomplished by volunteering in the classroom, helping before, after or during school on the playground, working during Power Hour, volunteering in the library, office, etc. or at a special event.  We need the involvement of ALL parents to make our school a success.  When you are on campus helping, please sign-in in the office where you will find a binder that is used to log hours.  Please make sure you are wearing a volunteer badge. 

Toys, Playground Equipment and Electronics: No toys, balls, playground equipment, personal video games or any other electronic games are allowed at school.  These items are a distraction and are easily lost and sometimes stolen. 

Cell Phones: We would strongly recommend that students NOT bring cell phones to school.  However, if a student must bring a cell phone, it should remain turned off and in their backpack until after school. If a student takes their cell phone out during school hours, it will be confiscated and parents will need to pick it up at the school office.

Pets at School: We love animals, but not at school. Pets at school cause problems and may create a safety hazard for students. We ask that pets be kept at home, unless there is special arrangement made with the teacher for a special occasion.  Please do not bring your dog, bird, snake or goldfish to drop off or pick up your student.

Bicycles, Skateboards and Scooters: Children may ride their bicycles to school and lock them up at the bike rack.  Helmets must be worn and they may not ride bikes in the hallway. Skateboards, scooters and heelies are not allowed at school. 

Communications: The school newsletter, is sent home and posted on the website at the beginning of the month. Please refer to the newsletter for important dates, special events and school news. If you have items you wish to see in the newsletter, contact the Principal or school office. Most classroom teachers also send home a regular newsletter highlighting activities.This website is routinely being updated so you'll want to check back often.

Student Health and Counseling Services

Immunizations: The following immunizations are required by law for entrance into school:

• Polio Vaccine 4 doses
• DPT Vaccine 5 doses (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
• MMR Vaccine 2 doses (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Hepatitis B Vaccine 3 doses
• Varicella Vaccine 1 dose (or health care provider verification of chicken pox disease)

Nursing Services: NVLA has a school nurse and nurse assistant who are on campus several days a week. They conduct various screening and educational programs during the school year, which will include: Color Vision Grade K Hearing Screening Grades K, 2 and 5 Vision Screening Grades K, 3 and 5 If your child has a special medical problem, serious allergy or any other health concern, please bring it to the attention of the school nurse or nurse assistant.

Student Medication and Illness: If your child becomes ill, please keep them home until 24 hours after a fever is gone. In most instances, the parent, with the help of the family physician, is urged to work out a schedule of giving medication outside of school hours. If necessary, prescription medicine will be given during school hours with a parent permission form and explicit written directions from the doctor. All medicine must be in its original container and labeled with student's name. This form will need to be filled out each new school year.

Communicable Diseases: Please notify the school immediately if your child contracts any contagious disease such as chickenpox, strep throat, pink eye, hepatitis, measles, etc. We will notify the parents of the children in the contagious child's classroom. Any student who has had a communicable disease must be seen by the school nurse or school personnel before being admitted back to school.

Emergency Information: It is extremely important to keep your child's emergency card current with your address, home and work phone numbers, emergency contacts and child care providers and phone numbers of those authorized to care for or pick up your child, as well as current medical information. This policy is in place for the protection of your child. Please stop by the office whenever you need to update your emergency information.

Counseling Services and Hospice of Napa Valley: Students experiencing stress or anxiety or going through a difficult time may be referred by the teacher or parent to our school counselor. The counselor will meet with the student and contact the parent to discuss ways to best support the student which may include referral to insurance provided counseling services, or an Art Therapy group. Students who have experienced the loss of a family member may participate in a support group on campus led by a grief counselor with Hospice of Napa Valley. Please call our school counselor or classroom teacher if you feel your child would benefit from these services.