Policies & Procedures
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Code of Conduct

In order for our students to receive a high quality standards-based education, it is important and expected that all students adhere to this Code of Conduct. Please review our expectations with your child(ren).  We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.

The students at Topanga are expected to follow “The 3 Bs”:

BE SAFE!

• Know your full name, address and telephone numbers.
• Follow the rules in the restrooms, playground, cafeteria and classroom.
• Walk at all times on campus unless engaged in recess or P.E. activities.
• Always travel in pairs on campus.
• Use crosswalks when appropriate. Students should only be dropped off and picked up at the designated locations.

BE RESPONSIBLE!

• Behave in a manner that does not interfere with the rights of other students to learn.
• Use kind words and actions. Play fairly, include everyone, and be a team player.
• Respect property and equipment – yours and others.
• Take lost and found items to the designated “lost and found” location. Only take items from the lost and found that belong to you. Valuables should be taken to the main office.

BE RESPECTFUL!

• Be honest and accept responsibility for your actions.
• Be prepared to learn. Have your pencils, paper, books and completed homework with you daily.
• Always play in designated play areas. Stay away from unsupervised areas.
• Avoid walking through the school’s parking lot for any reason.
• Food and drink served by the cafeteria staff may not leave the cafeteria area.
• Candy, gum, soda, toys, collection cards, electronic games are not allowed on campus.
• Use restroom facilities and drinking fountains appropriately.
• Cell phones may not be turned on during the school day. Cell phones will be taken from students who use them during the school hours. Staff persons will give confiscated cell phones to an administrator who will store it until a parent retrieves it.

General Playground Rules

• Play games that are safe, not dangerous. Contact sports are not allowed. Students should keep their hands and feet to themselves. We follow the “hands off” policy. Pulling and tugging at clothing, fighting (even “play fighting”), wrestling and karate are not allowed.
• Tag is played with either one-finger or two-finger touch. No pushing or shoving.
• Stay in designated play areas.  Students should be in eye view of yard supervisors at all times. Do not play behind storage bins.
• If a student is hurt, get a referral slip from a yard supervisor and travel with one student partner (not a group) to the office.
• Do not climb any of the equipment poles (tetherball, volleyball, basketball poles). Avoid hanging from or pulling on the volleyball nets.
• There are no “lock-outs.” Any student wanting to play, can. Play fairly and allow for others to rotate into the game.
• Be respectful and patient with students learning to play the games.
• Snacks are not allowed on the yard. Snacks must be eaten in the cafeteria before going to the playground.
• Try to solve a problem before going to an adult. Children are encouraged to solve minor problems themselves, using discussion, voting and/or “rock, paper, scissors” or “I Statements”.
• Listen for the bell. Freeze when bell rings. Follow directions of school personnel immediately and with good manners. Pick up your belongings. Take balls back to the ball box or back to your classroom. Be in line and ready for your teacher when he/she comes to get you.
• Playground equipment and assigned areas are to be used for the game it was intended. Do not kick handballs or basketballs. Do not sit on the balls. Misuse eventually ruins the balls.
• Inform an adult if a ball has gone over the fence.
• Take turns. No one can “hold” a place for a friend. There are no “cuts”.

And the #1 Rule…. Have Fun!