Van Buren's Code of Conduct sets high standards for student behavior in order to maintain a safe, orderly, and positive school climate. This climate is conducive to teaching and learning, both academically and socially.

The safety and well-being of every child is one of our highest priorities. We ask your cooperation in helping your child understand and follow the Van Buren Elementary School Code of Conduct. Specific examples are provided.

BE IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME, DOING THE RIGHT THING

• Students may not enter campus prior to 7:30 am except to attend Day Care.
• Students should always use crosswalks and stay on the sidewalks when walking to and from school.
• Grade 1-6 students should arrive on campus between 7:30 and 7:45 am, and may enter from the front or rear gates. Kindergarten students follow their Kindergarten class schedule.
• All students who arrive prior to 7:45 a.m. must sit at the lunch tables.
• When the 7:45 a.m. bell rings, Grade 1-3 students line up at their assigned blacktop area at the rear of the school and will be taken to their classrooms by their teachers. Grade 4-6 students remain at the lunch tables until the 7:55 bell, and then proceed to their classrooms.
• No running or shouting in the hallways, the patio areas near the buildings, or in the lunch area.
• At recesses, students may only play in the designated areas on the playground.
• No drinks or use of restroom are allowed after the end-of-recess bell.
• No children are allowed in the classrooms, school buildings, or on the playground without teacher supervision.
• Students are not permitted to go back into the classroom after dismissal time if they forget a book, homework, etc. Custodians are not permitted to open classrooms for forgotten items.

BE KIND TO EACH OTHER IN WHAT YOU SAY OR DO

• Treat adults and peers with respect, valuing differences in others.
• No inappropriate language or gestures, profanity, or vulgarity.
• Be cooperative when given directions.

ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS

• Accept the consequences for your own behavior.
• Use playground equipment as instructed.
• Play games according to school rules.

TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR SCHOOL BY KEEPING IT NEAT AND CLEAN

• Use school facilities and equipment safely and properly.
• Destruction/defacing of school property will not be permitted.

KEEP HANDS, FEET, AND OBJECTS TO YOURSELF

• Play involving bodily contact is not permitted.
• Play involving wrestling, pushing, shoving, pulling, tripping, tackling, or play fighting is not permitted.
• No throwing of rocks, food, or any other object not intended for that purpose.
• No fighting or other acts of aggression.
• No spitting.

BRING ONLY APPROPRIATE ITEMS TO SCHOOL

• No toys.
• No gum.
• No dangerous or disruptive items.
• Students may not bring any electronic devices including games, toys, radios, and MP3 music players.
• Cell phones are permitted but must be kept off and out of sight during school hours. The school cannot accept responsibility for lost or stolen cell phones.
• No sports equipment without special permission from the principal.
• Dogs or other animals (except registered service animals) may not be on campus without prior permission of the principal.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY FOR SCHOOL

• No clothing or hats with inappropriate logos or slogans (such as drugs or alcohol references, or vulgar, profane, or violent implications).
• No hats/caps worn in the classroom.
• No tank tops with spaghetti straps or midriff shirts.
• No open toe shoes, flip-flops, or other shoes without a back strap. 
• Haircuts, clothing, jewelry, fads, etc., which distract from classroom learning are not permitted.

BICYCLES/SKATEBOARDS/RAZORS/ROLLER-SKATES/ROLLER-BLADES

• Students in grades 3-6 may ride bicycles to school if they have been checked and licensed. Parent permission is required.
• Bicycle helmets must be worn.
• Unsafe riding practices may result in the denial of this privilege.
• Bicycles are to be walked on sidewalks and on school grounds.
• Students must have their own lock and are not allowed to lock up with a friend.
• The use of skateboards, razors, roller-skates, roller-blades, and Heelys on school grounds IS PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES.  

ABSENCES

FOR STUDENT SAFETY AND ATTENDANCE PURPOSES, PLEASE REMEMBER TO CALL IN YOUR CHILD'S ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL EACH DAY @ 996-7100.

TARDINESS

Van Buren is committed to quality education. Student tardiness disrupts the educational program for an entire class. Punctuality sets a good tone for student responsibility. For Grades 1-6 the school bell rings at 7:55 a.m. (Kindergarten students follow their own classroom schedule.) Students should be on campus by 7:50 to ensure that they get to class on time. All students who arrive after 8:00 must obtain a pass from the office before being admitted to class. State laws and district regulations require school attendance.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES/TARDIES

Unexcused absences and tardies are reported to the California Department of Education.

·        1^st Incident (Unexcused Absence or Tardy) results in an automated call to home.

·        2^nd Incident results in an automated call to home.

·        3^rd Incident results in an automated call and a letter from the principal sent home.

·        4^th Incident results in a required School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting with the parent, student, and a school representative.

BEHAVIOR CITATIONS

Students will be issued a written citation for repeated or serious infractions of school rules. We ask that parents discuss the misconduct with their child, sign the citation, and return it to the student’s teacher the following day.

REFERRALS  

Referrals from noon supervisors at lunch recess will be handled through the office of the principal.

CONSEQUENCES

Consequences for behavior citations depend on the severity of the action. Consequences range from warnings, loss of recess, detention, loss of school privileges, and may require a parent conference.

SUSPENSION

Suspension is a serious matter and is used when misconduct is chronic and/or severe. Suspensions are mandated by California law and district policy in certain situations involving drugs, weapons, and violent behavior. Please refer to the District Parent Handbook for a description of the California State Education Code (48900) and a list of suspendable actions. Suspensions always require a parent/student/principal conference before re-admittance to school. Formal suspensions may result in exclusion from end-of-the-year activities.