Parent & Student Handbook
Absences
Regular punctual attendance is mandated by state law and essential to the child's school success. Unexcused absences are costly to the school and district and will affect the child's grade. Please review the following.
- Absence due to Illness: Call 423-1800 at the beginning of the school day your child is ill or send a note when your child returns to verify the reason for the absence. The school is equipped with an answering machine for calls after school hours. Homework should be requested in the morning so that it can be picked up in the cafeteria after school.
- Do not return your child to school until his/her temperature has been normal for 24 hours.
- Other Absence: Absence (full or partial) for reasons other than illness or medical/dental appointments (religious holiday, ceremonies, festivals, appearance in court, funeral service for member of immediate family) are considered unexcused unless prior written arrangements 5 school days in advance of the absence have been made with and approved by the principal and the teacher. Tests, quizes, homework, and classwork that is missed during unexcused absences will receive no credit and will affect final grades. Millikin students with 6 unexcused absences will be disenrolled (Board Policy 5301 Revised 6/14/02). Student absences that occur around the district's calendarized vacations, Thanksgiving, Christmas, winter, and spring breaks will be closely reviewed. Exceptions will be made in extreme cases only and must be approved in writing by the principal and the district's line support officer.
- Appointments: Please schedule medical appointments after school hours if possible. Parents picking up their child during school hours must check in with the office and sign the child out. Staff will arrange for the child to come to the office.
- Tardies: A student is tardy if he/she arrives after the class has entered the room. Students must check in the at the office to receive a tardy slip
Activities and Traditions
This overview will help new families understand and participate in the activities and traditions of Millikin Basics+ School. Further information will come home as time for each activity nears.
PTA Membership Drive
Classes strive to meet their PTA membership goal. We encourage both parents as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family members to join.
New Parents Reception
We welcome new parents to Millikin the morning of the first day of school with a PTA-sponsored reception and brief orientation program. Kindergarten parents pick up their children after the reception.
Back-to-School Nights
We have two, a K-1 night and a 2-5 night. This is a great opportunity to meet your child's teacher, hear about class plans and goals for the year, and ask questions that come up the first week of school. Parents only, please. Children are welcome to Open House in the spring.
Fundraising
Our major school-sponsored fundraising effort is in late September. Profits support class field trips, assemblies, awards, and other student activities. Other PTA fundraising efforts occur through the year to support students and the school.
Art and Wine Festival
This city event is held in Central Park in mid-September. As a fundraiser, Millikin parks cars on the school field.
Student Pictures
A professional photographer takes formal individual pictures, class pictures in the fall, and optional casual individual pictures in the spring. Parents are not obligated to purchase. The school receives some money in return from the photography company as a rebate based on sales.
Harvest Festival
This major fall family activity is held near Halloween. Each class runs a booth. Parents, teachers and children enjoy working at their class' booth and playing at the others. The PTA food booth serves great lunch and snacks. Costumes are allowed.
Reflections
Reflections is a PTA nationally sponsored contest for creative work in writing, poetry, art, photography and music. School judging is in early November. All students are encouraged to enter their original work.
Holiday Food Drive and Family to Family
Students and classes collect food and money for needy families during the school year. The projects teach important lessons in sharing and social responsibility.
Holiday Program
The major performance event of the year, the Holiday Program is one December evening of holiday music presented by the school Choir (grades 3-5) and primary classes (grades K-2).
Family Nights Out
These are social events for families to dine out with one another. Millikin receives a percentage of the purchases.
Science Fair
Each child has an opportunity to prepare and submit a science project. State standards require 5th grade student participation. Students must participate in either grades 3 or 4 to help them prepare for this. Family support is encouraged, but the work must be the child's. A parent information night is held prior to the Science Fair. Projects are judged and exhibited Science Fair Night. Selected entries are sent to the District Science Fair.
Family Math/Science
This is a night of math or science fun and activities for the whole family.
Parent Visitation Days
Our philosophy does not permit parent visitation to classes during school. January Parent Visitation Days are the exception that offer parents an opportunity to watch their child's class and other classes in action.
Walkathon
All Millikin families are urged to participate in this major PTA fundraising and family social event in the spring when students secure pledges and then earn those pledges with their effort on the field.
Open House and Multicultural Celebration
Students and teachers open their classes to show off their fine work in May. Parents and children are invited to visit their child's class and the rooms their child may be in next year. At this time we celebrate the cultural diversity of our families and students with food and entertainment.
Teacher Appreciation Week
We cherish the effort and skill of our teachers all year long, but we set aside one special week in May to share appreciation from students and parents.
Play Day
Play Day is a June celebration of the students' year of good effort with a day of games, food, and other activities. Teachers and room parents share preparation and supervision as all students join in the fun.
Book Fairs
Book fairs are held to promote reading and to encourage children to buy quality reading books.
Parent Education Nights (ongoing)
PTA and school-sponsored opportunities are offered for parents and families. Subjects have included parenting skills, discipline, substance abuse, middle schools, testing, and computer skills.
Ice Cream Sales (ongoing)
After school several days a week, the PTA sells ice cream from the door to the cafeteria.
General Mills Box Tops for Education Program
Box tops are collected throughout the year. These are redeemed for school equipment and software programs.
Basics+ Program History
The Basics+ Formal program was initiated by the Santa Clara Unified School District during the 1976-77 school year and successfully operated at Raynor School (K-3) and Laurelwood School (4-6) for two years. The program was moved to Briarwood School as a total program (K-6) during the three years 1978-1981. From 1976-1980 the program maintained one class at each grade level 1-6. For the 1980-81 school year the program added a kindergarten class as well as a one year pilot 7th grade class.
In 1981-82 as a result of district reorganization, the program moved to Millikin School, where it has since occupied a total campus. Previous years saw the program functioning along with a regular program as a school within a school.
The program is noted for its excellent parent support, consistency, organization, and total staff commitment to student progress and responsibility. Constancy, refinement of purposes, and problem solving have resulted in an excellent alternative school program for the Santa Clara Unified School District.Daily Schedules
Grades |
Regular Day |
Wednesday |
Lunch |
|---|---|---|---|
K-2 |
8:30-2:36 |
8:30-1:37 |
12:00-12:20 |
3,4,5 |
8:30-3:01 |
8:30-1:37 |
12:20-12:45 |
School Discipline Plan
The Millikin Basics+ discipline plan supports our effort to maintain an environment that is safe, free of distraction, and supportive of the business of education. Each child is expected to behave appropriately in all school settings and activities including evening functions and accept responsibility for his/her actions and the consequences of those actions. Parents and staff share responsibility for maintaining and supporting the school's behavioral objectives and for working together to correct problems that arise.
General School Rules
At school or at any school function students are expected to:
- Treat adults and each other with respect and courtesy.
- Walk quietly in the corridors.
- Wait in front of school prior to 8:20 a.m. and away from the parking lot before and after school.
- Get teacher or supervisor permission before going to the office.
- Use appropriate language and gestures.
- Refrain from physical and verbal aggression.
- Leave the school grounds promptly after dismissal unless special arrangements have been made.
- Remain on school grounds during school hours unless signed out by a parent or guardian.
- Respect and take care of school property.
- Follow other rules and procedures, including those regarding bicycles, the cafeteria, the dress code, the playground, and items not allowed.
- Parents and primary grade students are not allowed in school corridors, play structures, and black top areas between 2:37 and 3:01.
Consequences
Our discipline plan includes the premise that each child is responsible for his/her actions and the consequences of those actions in class and outside class. Appropriate behavior will result in positive consequences, and inappropriate behavior will result in negative consequences.
Positive Consequences
Positive consequences are provided to recognize and reinforce appropriate, responsible behavior. These consequences include:
- Assemblies, field trips
- Trimester Super Citizen citizenship awards
- Individual classroom awards
- Other schoolwide and individual awards.
Negative Consequences
Negative consequences are provided to teach appropriate, responsible behavior. When a child breaks a rule or receives a referral, negative consequences may include the following:
- Warning, reprimand, or "time out" (missing recess).
- A written assignment or writing the non-observed rule 25 times, due the next day with parent's signature. If not turned in on time, rule must be written 50 times. If doubled assignment is not turned in the second day, student will serve one hour detention after school (grades 4/5). Teacher notifies parent.
- Repeated behavior - Teacher notifies parent. After school detention.
- Principal notifies parent. Office detention/removal from classroom.
- Loss of other privileges as appropriate, such as Super Citizen.
- Suspension from school, parent, notification, parent conference with principal prior to readmission.
- Behavior grade will be affected.
Playground Rules
To ensure safety, courtesy, cooperation, healthy activity and equal opportunity for all students on the playground, students are to:
- Enter the playground no earlier than 8:20 am when supervision begins.
- Play on the playground in sight of the supervisor and not in the corridors, lavatories, or close to the fences or areas bordering Kiely or Central Park.
- Remain on their own grade level playground at recess.
- Get supervisor's permission before leaving the playground.
- Report any problem on the playground to the supervisor.
- Refrain from using abusive language and engaging in aggressive, rough play.
- Stop play when the bell rings to end recess, remain still and quiet until whistle is blown, line up in a quiet and orderly manner, and wait for their teacher. Get drinks and use the rest room before the end of recess.
- Follow these rules for using playground equipment and apparatus:
- Use school provided sports equipment. Personal sports equipment is not to be brought to school.
- Share all games and equipment.
- Refrain from interfering with games or activities.
- Kick only balls designated for kicking and only on the turf area.
- Refrain from sitting on inflated balls, including tether balls.
- Play only one game at a time at each backstop.
- Only one person at a time on the slide and ladder. Wait on the step for a turn on the slide and then slide feet forward. DO NOT climb up the slide.
- Share apparatus by counting.
- Climb and play only on bars and apparatus intended for climbing and playing. DO NOT stand or sit on the bars.
- Refrain from playing ball against any building.
- Do not play tag or run in the tanbark.
Bicycles
Only students grades 3-5 may ride bicycles to school. Bicycle riders must:
- Know and follow basic safety rules.
- Have bicycles licensed for easy identification.
- Park and lock bicycles in the bicycle racks.
- Walk bicycles on and off school grounds.
- Wear a safety helmet.
Cafeteria/Outside Eating Rules
- Students are to sit at pre-assigned tables and remain seated until dismissed by a supervisor.
- Only quiet talking is permitted.
- Students are to use good table manners.
- All food and drink must be eaten at the lunch table. Students may not share food.
- Students are to clean their area before being dismissed and then dispose of trash properly.
Items Not Allowed at School
To ensure a safe, successful learning environment, some items are not allowed at school without prior teacher approval for sharing. Items deemed unsafe or distracting are held in the office. They include:
- Firecrackers, knives, rubber bands, matches, BB shot, and other dangerous items.
- Toys, trading/playing cards, water pistols, balloons, noise makers.
- Tape recorders, radios, electronic games/toys, pagers, personal sports equipment.
- Gum, candy, sunflower/pumpkin seeds.
- Live or stuffed animals.
Personal Property
Students must take care of any personal items, including money, brought to school. School cannot be responsible for the loss of personal items Students with cell phones must have a parental permission form on file.
Dress Code
Research shows a direct correlation between students' attire and their school behavior, attitude, and achievement. Millikin's Dress Code plays a key role in maintaining a school environment that is safe, free of distraction, and supportive of the business of education.
- Students and staff are expected to maintain high standards of conduct and appearance. Cleanliness, health, and safety are guides to appropriate school attire.
- A student's clothing and appearance should not be of such extremes as to draw undue attention to the child or interfere with the teaching and learning in the classroom. If the teacher feels clothing is a disruption or a distraction, the student may be asked to wait in the office for a “change of clothing”.
- The following are considered INAPPROPRIATE AND ARE NOT ALLOWED for Millikin Basics+ students K-5:
- Bare midriffs (T-shirts and shirts boys and girls, dresses, blouses, tops).
- Excessively large-sized clothes.
- Bare shoulders (tank tops boys and girls, halter tops, spaghetti straps).
- See-through blouses, shirts or tops for boys and girls.
- Shorts or skorts for outer wear (except Navy Blue Uniform Shorts or Navy Blue Uniform Skorts worn with a plain white or light blue collared polo shirt). Shorts can be worn on designated Play Day and Grades 3-5 PE.
- Note: Shorts should be worn under dresses/skirts if students play on bars or swings.
- Skirts or dresses worn over shorts should be longer than the shorts.
- Pedal pushers or capri pants above the knee. (Capris need to fall below the knee when sitting.)
- Skirts or dresses that are excessively short (above finger tips when standing) or long (causing tripping).
- Clothing with inappropriate words, pictures, or gestures. Pants or tops with messages printed in places inappropriate for school; i.e. across the seat of the pants. Tight fitting pants such as leggings are inappropriate unless worn under a skirt or dress as stated above.
- Tears or ragged hems.
- Hats, caps, hoods, or visors in any school building. Bandanas of any color may not be brought or worn to school.
- Shoes that are unsafe for PE or recess activity (heelies, high heels, high wedges, strapless sandals, thongs, flip flops, shoes worn without socks or stockings, etc.) Shoes must have heel straps.
- Necklaces, earrings, bracelets that are hazards in the judgment of adult supervisors.
- Tattoos, makeup, cosmetics (except for medical purposes), curlers, nail polish.
- Dyed/bleached hair, unorthodox hairstyles such as punk cuts, shaved lines/parts/heads, mohawks, spiked hair, designs cut in hair, etc.
Health
The development of good health habits and a strong health program will enhance the student's success and enjoyment of school.
- ILLNESS OR ACCIDENT AT SCHOOL: Parents will be called and emergency procedures followed as necessary. It is essential that all children have a current emergency card on file. Always report any change in the emergency card information immediately.
- COMMUNICABLE DISEASES: Parents will be notified of incidents of communicable disease by required form. Notify the school if your child is diagnosed with a communicable disease. In cases of head lice, Millikin has a NO NITS policy. Students will not be readmitted to school until all nits have been removed from the child's hair.
- RETURNING TO SCHOOL: Do not return your child to school until temperature has been normal for 24 hours, vomiting/diarrhea symptoms have been gone for 24 hours, or strep throat antibiotics have been taken for 48 hours.
- MEDICINE TO BE ADMINISTERED AT SCHOOL: If your child must take medication at school including cough drops and over the counter medications, the law requires that the parent and physician provide written permission and specific instructions for administering the medication. Forms are available at school for this purpose. Medication must be provided in its original pharmaceutical container (Ed Code 49423). Effort should be made to establish dosage intervals that occur outside school hours.
The school nurse is at Millikin one day each week. He/she is responsible, with the principal, for planning, implementing, and evaluating the school health program. His/her responsibilities include:
- Providing health appraisals including vision and hearing testing, observing students for signs of health problems, reviewing health records and conferring with staff, students and parents regarding student health.
- Referring students to appropriate medical and community agencies.
- Providing staff information about student health problems to ensure student safety and assist the staff in making classroom adjustments.
- Serving as a health resource to staff, students and parents. Call the nurse (423-1800) with any health-related concerns.
Homework
Homework is assigned to students grades K - 5 to reinforce and extend the lesson being taught and to encourage independent work and good study habits. Parental assistance may be required for students who find it difficult to work independently. Daily homework for students in grades 4-5 will be approximately 50-60 minutes, Monday-Thursday, with shorter assignments for students in grades K-3. These times may vary according to a student’s work habits and ability. Students are expected to follow given directions, do work neatly, and return work on time. Long term assignments, for example state reports, may require homework on weekends and additional daily time.
Insurance
A student accident insurance policy is available to each student for a fee. It is recommended that parents take advantage of this insurance unless students are covered by a family policy. For information go to www.studentinsuranceagency.com.
Parent Concerns
If your child has academic or social problems, please contact his/her teacher first. If you need further assistance, please contact the school principal.
Parent Responsibility
A positive, strong relationship between home and school is vital. Parents, staff, and children share responsibility for a successful school experience. Parents are expected to take an active part in supporting their child's education and the Basics+ program by:
- Demonstrate interest and keep informed about my child's progress in school.
- Support the school's disciplinary program. Follow the policies stated in handbook.
- Actively participate in conferences with teachers and other school staff.
- Follow suggestions recommended by school staff to assist my child's learning.
- Review my child's report card with him/her.
- Send my child to school with a positive attitude toward learning and school.
- Be aware of my child's daily homework and classroom procedures. Adhere to homework expectations and policies in handbook.
- Provide an appropriate, quiet place and time for the child to do homework.
- Send my child to school properly clothed, rested and fed. Abide by the dress code as defined in the handbook.
- Assure my child comes to school regularly (180 days as required by Senate Bill #1193) and on time.
- Attend programs presented by the school for parents and the community.
- Sign and promptly return parent notices.
- In case of illness, NOT return my child to school until he/she is well, including making sure his/her temperature has been normal for 24 hours.
- Update my child's emergency information each time a change occurs.
- Volunteer 10 hours time per child each school year in support of the school and its programs.
- Pick up my child immediately after dismissal.
- Adhere to all traffic safety rules for drop-off and pick-up.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITY AGREEMENT FORM
A statement indicating acceptance of the Basics+ School philosophy and regulations is included on the Parent Responsibility Agreement form. Once completed and signed by the parent, this form becomes part of the child's cumulative record while attending Millikin.
PARENT RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
Parents receive annual written notification of their rights and obligations as prescribed by law.
Schedule & Practices
Cafeteria
Hot lunch is served daily for students in grades K-5. Lunch is $2.50 each day. Each student has a lunch account, and money can be placed in the child's lunch account at any time. Students who bring lunch may buy milk for $.50 each. Free or reduced priced lunches are available to qualified families. Application forms are in the office.
Child Care
Northwest YMCA maintains a fee-based child care center at Millikin for students in grades K-5. The center is open before and after school. For information call 423-1816.
Disaster Preparedness
A copy of Millikin's "Disaster Preparedness Handbook" is in each classroom and in the school office. The manual includes information on fire drills, earthquakes, and building evacuation and is available for review at any time. In the event of a disaster, local radio stations will have emergency information. Parents complete a Disaster Preparedness Form and provide an emergency snack pack for each child at the beginning of the year. The form and snack are kept in the child's classroom.
Music
All students participate in regular sing-along activities and may perform in a holiday program and other programs during the year. Students in grades 3-5 may participate in Choir. The Choir participates in evening programs in December and May and other programs during the year. Students in grades 3 - 5 may participate in instrumental music. Students will miss class for one instructional session each week. With some exceptions, students must provide their own instrument. Information and permission slips for Choir and instrumental music go home in September.
Parent Concerns
If your child has academic or social problems, please contact his/her teacher first. If you need further assistance, please contact the school principal.
Parent Rights and Obligations
Parents receive annual written notification of their rights and obligations as prescribed by law.
Physical Education and Sports
Students in grades K-5 participate in physical education with their teacher or a PE instructor (3-5). During lunch recess students in grade K-5 may participate in organized activities. Students in grades 4 - 5 may participate on after school sports teams such as flag football and volleyball. Practice is during the lunch recess and after school. Games are played after school against other SCUSD schools. Students must maintain satisfactory playground behavior and academic effort in class to participate. Information and permission slips for after school sports teams go home prior to each season.
PTA
The Millikin Basics+ PTA plays a vital role in the success of our school. Members encourage and model active parent participation in the child's education. They do extensive volunteer work at school, and they provide significant financial support through fundraising. PTA is an important communication link between home and school. We encourage all parents and other family members to join. General PTA meetings are held several times during the year. If you would like to participate on the Millikin PTA Executive Board, contact our PTA President. The Board meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month.
Report Cards and Conferencing
A Conferencing Schedule is sent home in September. Report cards are issued each trimester K-5 to reflect academic growth, standards proficiency, citizenship and effort. Progress in basic subjects and behavior is graded A - F. Progress in other areas is marked Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U).
A parent/teacher conference is scheduled for all students (K-5) during the first trimester and during subsequent trimesters for children performing below grade level. Other conferences may be scheduled at parent or teacher request. Parents are urged to attend all scheduled conferences.
School Events
Monthly calendars detailing all school events and activities are sent home at the beginning of each school year in the Parent and Student Handbook. Information on upcoming and changed dates is published in the Weekly Update each Wednesday. For additional information on school events, please call 423-1800.
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School Site Council
The School Site Council is made up of parents and staff. Parent members are elected by parents and serve a two year term. Elections are held in November. The Council helps to develop and approves a School Improvement Plan. They assist in the implementation, ongoing planning, and evaluation of the program and review and update the annual School Improvement budget. The Council is an advisory body to reflect interests and concerns of the school community. The Council meets at 3:15 p.m. one day each month. Meetings are open. The meeting agenda is posted in the office prior to each meeting.
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School Map
not currently available
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School Visits
Parent visitation to classrooms during school hours is not permitted other than during Visitation Days in January or for field trips, class parties, or other special occasions. Teachers are happy to discuss a child's program with parents. If you wish to meet with your child's teacher, please make an appointment in advance by calling the school secretary, 423-1800.
Parents are encouraged to help in the computer lab, library, and science lab during school hours and to support classes by preparing materials. Please sign in at the office and obtain a name tag to wear on campus before going to your assignment or other appointment on campus.
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Staff
coming soon
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Student Recognition
Students will be recognized in a variety of ways by their teacher for doing their personal best rather than for earning a particular number of A’s. This encourages students to set attainable goals and to reduce the negative effects of a competitive learning environment.
SUPER CITIZEN AWARD
Students in grades K-5 who earn B- or better in Behavior (which includes responsibility for homework completion) and receive no more than one detention or one referral each trimester will receive a Super Citizens award and attend a special assembly. These awards are published in the school newsletter and presented by the teacher.
OTHER AWARDS
Other class and school awards are presented during the year and at the June Awards Assembl
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Volunteer Hours
Each Millikin family is responsible for donating at least 10 hours per child to the school each year. There are numerous activities in which individuals can choose to participate. Volunteers are encouraged to assist students in the computer lab, library, and science lab and to support classes by preparing materials or assisting on field trips. The Millikin newsletter publishes an extensive list of many other volunteer activities. Each volunteer is required by state law to have a current TB test on file in the school office and is asked to check in the office prior to each duty. There is a volunteer book on the counter in the office to record the hours. Due to District practice and liability concerns, volunteers cannot bring non-school age children or non-Millikin students to school volunteer activities.
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