ORAZE ELEMENTARY
PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK 2021-2022

‘Building Champions for Life’

Please note that changes due to COVID could occur during the school year. To stay up to date on these updates, please make sure to check your emails often.

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employee Notice of Nondiscrimination The Clovis Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
sex, disability, or national origin in admission, or access to and treatment of employment in its programs and activities as required by Title VI, Title XI and Section 504.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year at Oraze Elementary-Home of the Bearcats! We look forward to working in partnership with you to provide the best education possible for your children. The Oraze program reflects our belief in high standards and high expectations. We are committed to maintaining a strong academic program using innovative approaches with a focus on continuous improvement for all students. We are dedicated to teamwork and in maintaining a tradition of excellence at Oraze Elementary, as it is our mission to ensure we are “Building CHAMPIONS For Life”. We are excited to work with you and your children to make this a rewarding and productive year!

ABSENCES/ATTENDANCE
All absences must be cleared within five days of the absence. Parents should call the Oraze Attendance Hot line at
327-1788. If your child will be absent five or more days, please contact the office to place your child on an Independent Study Contract at least 5 days prior to the absence.

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL
Students may be on campus starting at 7:45 a.m. There is no supervision until 7:45a.m. Students must go home directly at the end of the school day unless they are involved in an after school activity.

BICYCLES/SKATES/SCOOTERS
Students are to obey all traffic laws when riding bicycles to and from school. Helmets must be worn. Students are to remove their skates, walk their bikes, scooters, and skateboards while on school grounds. Riding any type of vehicle on campus is strictly prohibited. Racks are provided for parking bicycles and scooters. The school is not responsible for loss or damage to personal items.

POSITIVITY PROJECT
Daily our teachers teach lessons to our students on the importance of being kind and caring for those around us. It is our goal that through these lessons students will learn the importance of acceptance and understanding for others.

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES
It is important for parents to know that all school personnel are “Mandated Reporters” of child abuse. This means that should a staff member have even the slightest suspicion that a child has been abused, they must report it to the Child Protective Services (CPS). Failure to report a suspected case of child abuse leaves a staff member liable and could potentially result in the loss of their job.

CO-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT
Each student is expected to develop as a “Sparthenian.” This is an individual who develops in the areas of MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT. Many opportunities are available to each student. See website for complete list of co-curricular activities.

Fall Sports	Spring Sports
Football	5th/6th	Baseball	5th/6th Girls Volleyball	5th/6th	Softball	5th/6th Cross Country	4th/5th/6th	Boys Volleyball     5th/6th
Track	4th/5th/6th Winter Sports	Paddle Tennis	5th/6th Wrestling                 4th/5th/6th              Pep/Cheer	4th/5th/6th Basketball                5th/6th

DISCIPLINE
Maintaining student conduct is necessary to reach our goals of providing a safe school and attaining the highest student achievement. Misbehavior results in specific steps which the teacher, GIS, or Principal take to help the student find acceptable ways to improve his/her behavior. The steps mayinclude: verbal warning, counseling, or parent contact. Certain infractions may result in detention or suspension. See CUSD Board Policy 2102 & 2110 for the details.

DRESSCODE
Each student has the responsibility to dress appropriately for the school environment. The Governing Board shall authorize school regulations, which prohibit student dress, or grooming practices which present a hazard to the health or safety of the student, materially interfere with school work, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program in any way, cause excessive wear or damage to school property, prevent the students from achieving educational objectives because of blocked vision or restricted environment. Shoes that allow safe movement of the student must be worn daily for physical education. Please see the CUSD Parent and Student Rights Handbook for more dress code information under Board Policy 2105.

EARLY DISMISSAL
Early release days will be every Wednesday. Grades 1-6 will be dismissed at 1:35 p.m. AM TK & Kindergarten at 10:35 a.m. & PM TK & Kindergarten at 1:30 p.m. This allows for teacher planning, preparation, and grade level articulation.

FIELD TRIPS
All students wishing to participate in school or class field trips must have written permission from a parent or guardian. Students will not be allowed to attend an off-campus activity or field trip without written consent.

FIRST GRADE PHYSICAL
CA state law requires that all children entering first grade have a Child Health and Disability (CHDP) Physical examination within 18 months of beginning first grade. If you have not yet provided the school with proof of the physical, please drop off the completed CHDP form to the nurse as soon as possible.

BEARCAT FRIDAY – SPIRIT DAY
Each Friday the school displays its outstanding spirit by lining up on the blacktop for the flag salute and by wearing our school colors: green, black, and white. T-shirts and sweatshirts can be purchased from PTC.	Order forms are available in the office.

LUNCH OFF CAMPUS
Students must have written permission from a parent or guardian in order to leave campus with an adult during lunch.	The permission slip must state the name of the adult who will be taking the student to lunch. Please do not check out students early for lunch.	The principal may remove off-campus privileges if students are tardy after lunch.

GRADING POLICY
All students at Oraze in grades 2-6 are graded utilizing the A, B, C, D and F criteria. Within this policy, latitude has been given to the teacher to calculate grades on the following percentage basis:
A = 90 – 100%	(Excellent Work)
B = 80 – 89%	(Above Average Work) C = 70 – 79%	(Average Work)
D = 60 – 69%	(Below Average Work) F = 59% – below (Failing Work)

The classroom teacher is given the discretion to figure grades based onthe percentile framework or onan A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0 grade point average basis.

In addition, it is the Clovis Unified School District’s policy that parents be notified whenever students are in danger of failing classes or subjects.

HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework is a review of previously taught curriculum, as well as additional projects or assignments to be prepared by the student outside of the school day. Teachers may expect and/or require a student to devote up to 20 minutes (Grades K-1), 30 minutes (grades 2-3) and 45-60 minutes (grades 4-6) to after school study time as necessary to achieve mastery.

INSUFFICIENT FUNDS
All checks returned to Oraze Elementary due to insufficient funds or due to closed account will be assessed a $25.00 returned check fee. After May 1st, all payments for field trips, yearbooks, cafeteria accounts, etc. must be paid by CASH ONLY.

ITEMS NOT ALLOWED AT SCHOOL
Students are not allowed to bring live animals, gum, candy, toys, electronic games, or music players to school.	A teacher or administrator may take away such items from students and hold them for the parent to pick up. Any student apprehended with any type of gun or weapon on school grounds or at school sponsored functions will be recommended for expulsion. See Board Policy 2011 and 2102.

LIBRARY
The Library is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 7:45 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 7:45 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Accelerated Reader quizzes can be completed in the Library and classroom. See library packet for more information.

LOST AND FOUND
Be sure to mark every item of clothing your child may take off while at school with his/her full name. Also, label any other items sent to school such as binders and lunch pails. The Lost and Found box is located in the cafeteria. Items not claimed at the end of each quarter will be given to local charities.

MOVING/WITHDRAWING YOUR CHILD FROM SCHOOL
If you move, you must notify the school within five days. If you are found to be out of the Oraze boundaries and have not notified the office, you will be required to immediately complete a transfer request in order for your child to remain at the school.

Notify the school at least two days prior to your child’s last day of school. Return all library and textbooks, any school uniforms, and pay any fines. Check with the Food Service staff regarding your child’s lunch account. Pick up all meds in Health Office.

OFFICE HOURS
The office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Office hours on Wednesdays are 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office is closed on all school holidays.

ORAZE’S “FAILURE TO PICK UP” POLICY
It is parents’ responsibility to know dismissal times and to pick up their children from school in a timely manner. Students are not allowed to remain on campus after the regular instructional day without being involved in a co-curricular program, tutoring, or enrolled in Campus club. Parents who regularly fail to pick up their children in a timely manner will be referred for a School Attendance and Review Board hearing.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parent involvement is an important part of implementing programs at Oraze.	Parents are invited and encouraged to participate in the following: School Site Council (SSC), English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), School Assessment Review Team (SART), Intercultural & Diversity Advisory Council (IDAC), and the Parent Teacher Club (PTC).

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Teachers are available for conferences either in person or by phone. Conferences may be scheduled by calling or emailing the teacher. Parents should not confer with teachers during class time. Parents will be asked to attend at least one individual conference during the year to discuss student progress.

PARTIES
Birthday celebrations that consist only of a small treat at the end of the day are permitted. ALL TREATS MUST BE PREPACKAGED. Please check with your child’s teacher if you would like to bring a small treat to ensure there are no classroom allergy restrictions. No balloons and/or flowers are to be delivered to individual students while at school.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
According to Education Code section 51210(a)(7), the District is required to provide, in the elementary setting, not less than 200 minutes each 10 school days, exclusive of recesses and the lunch period, physical education. Any complaints related to the failure of the District to adhere to this requirement may be filed under the District Uniform Complaint Procedures, BP/AR 9208, which is included in this handbook. If a child is to be excused from PE for more than a 3 day period, a doctor’s excuse will be required.

REPORTING PUPIL PROGRESS
During the sixth week of each quarter, Mid-Quarter Progress Reports will be distributed to students in grades 1-6. Report cards will be issued four times per year. All progress reports and report cards must be signed and returned as soon as possible.

TARDINESS
SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM
Break ast is served from 7:45 8:10 dai y-AM kinder students
attendance or court ordered appointments.
Oraze fprovides breakfast and -lunch tolstudents on a daily basis.	Excused tardies include: illness, medical appointments, funeral may pick up their meals at 7:30. Lunch is served during the
grade specific lunch times. Visitors CANNOT accompany kids
in the MPR due to COVID restrictions.	TELEPHONE
We make an effort to discourage forgetfulness and poor planning

STUDENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS	by limiting student telephone calls to essential matters. Cell Maintaining student conduct is necessary to achieving our goals	phones (Board Policy 2106), must remain “off” during the school of providing a safe school environment and student success.	day and may only be used before 8:15 a.m. and after 3:00 p.m.

Oraze follows a philosophy that we all are responsible for our
decisions and behavior.	We promote a Positive Based	VISITORS/VOLUNTEERS
Intervention System based upon the Pillars of Good Character.	Oraze is a school that welcomes the involvement of the We focus on a character pillar each month. The development of	community. Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the students to be good and productive citizens in society is part of	school, talk with the teachers before or after class hours, and the school’s mission. Students are held accountable for their	communicate openly with the administrative team.

actions and decisions.
In order to maintain a safe and orderly school environment, all

A commitment to absolute non-violence is enforced at Oraze.	visitors must sign in at the main office and pick up a visitor’s The Clovis Unified School District has a Zero Tolerance Policy,	badge.	You MUST have your ID when you come to Board Policy 2110, which is supported by the school. Students	the office.

are expected to treat each other with respect, in a kind,
courteous, and considerate manner. Verbal and physical abuse               All Volunteers must complete a Volunteer Application and are not acceptable.                                                                                         submit a copy of their driver’s license to the office in order to volunteer in CUSD. A completed TB test is also needed. This

STUDENT CHECK-OUT	can be turned into the school site nurse.
On occasion, it may be necessary for you to pick up your child
for an appointment or emergency.	Students may not be	Due to COVID restrictions-please watch for information removed from the school directly from the classroom. The                from the school regarding the specific guidelines for visitors/ student will not be called to the office until verification of                                                          volunteers.

California Driver’s License of the adult, who must be listed on the Student Release Authorization form, signs them out in the
front office.	WEBSITE
The Oraze School Website contains information of importance regarding weekly school calendars, monthly calendars, school activities, school events,
classroom highlights and co-curricular programs. School Website Address: http://Oraze.cusd.com

RECOGNITION OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT 2021-2022

Quarterly Awards Grades 1 - 6
	
Bearcat Champion
	This award honors students who continue to strive for excellence and demonstrate The Heart of A Champion! (1PER CLASS PER QUARTER)
	
Sparthenian
	Students in grades 1-6 who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in mind, body, spirit and all around excellence, are presented a certificate.
(1PER CLASS PER QUARTER)
	
ROAR Award
	This award honors students who display the Pillars of Character and demonstrate Respect, on-task, achievement, and responsibility day in and day out.
(1PER CLASS PER QUARTER)
	
1st Grade Academic Awards
	Bearcat Reader Award: This award honors students in 1st grade who are making exceptional progress in reading.
Bearcat Writer Award: This award honors students in 1st grade who are making exceptional progress in writing.
Bearcat Math Award: This award honors students in 1st grade who are making exceptional progress in math. Bearcat Artist Award: This award honors students in 1st grade who have illustrated exemplary art skills.
	
Honor Roll
	2nd – 6th Grade:

PRINCIPAL'S HONOR (4.0 Grade Point Average): A certificate for those students who achieve "straight A's" in Reading, Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.

HIGH HONOR (3.5-3.99 GPA): A certificate will be awarded to those students who attain this level based on their quarter grades in the areas listed above.

HONOR (3.0-3.49 GPA): A certificate will be awarded to those students who achieve the necessary grade point average in the areas listed above.

Semester Awards
	
Block O
	This award recognizes students in grades 4-6 for their participation in the various areas of mind, body, and spirit. For more information, please refer to the Block O handbook.

End of Year awards
	
Perfect Attendance
	Due to COVID, No perfect attendance awards will be awarded for the 21-22 school year

6th Grade End of Year Awards
	
Athlete of the Year
	One boy and one girl will be selected. Athletes will receive a plaque and have a plate on the perpetual trophies located in the trophy case.
	
Outstanding Single Subject
	Teachers select a student who has demonstrated superior ability in each of the following content areas: Reading, Math, Science, Writing, and Social Studies. Student receives a framed certificate.
	
Principal’s Medallion
	Students who have received Principal’s Honor Roll (4.0) throughout their 4th, 5th, and 6th grade school years. Recipients are presented with a medallion and a certificate.
	
Block “O” Gold
	Students who have earned Block “O” each semester of their 4th, 5th, and 6th grade year. (6 discs on the plaque.

NURSING SERVICES

School Nurse & School Health Services Assistant

Health Services Assistant will be in the health office 5 days a week. When necessary, the site H.S.A. will contact parents/guardians regarding illness and injuries that occur during the school day. All H.S.A.’s are CPR/First Aid certified. H.S.A.II are also LVNs or RNs.

Credentialed School Nurses are on campus for the following: •	Mandated vision and hearing tests.
•	Complete special education and 504 health assessments. •	Ensure immunizations are compliant with CA state law.
•	Provide health education resources for school staff, students, and parents/guardians.
•	Maintain student health records.
•	Contact parents/guardians regarding health problems and/or excessive absences.
•	 Communicate with health care providers regarding health issues and impact on education (within HIPPA regulations).
•	Develop health/safety plans for students with high risk medical diagnosis.

First Aid, Illness, Injuries
 If a student is injured or ill at school, he/she will receive every care and consideration.
 Parent/guardian will be contacted for serious injury or illness.
 School nurse is available to consult with parents/guardians regarding health problems upon request.
 After extended illness or injury parent/guardian should follow up with school nurse for any needed care or accommodation.
 Crutches, wheelchairs, and other devices require a doctor’s prescription indicating directions for use and that the student has been educated to use the device.
 Injuries and illnesses occurring at home should be cared for at home.
 Upon student’s return to school parents are to provide documentation from health care providers indicating any limitations or special considerations/equipment necessary to the student’s continued care at school.

Reasons to keep students’ home:

Temperature 100.0F or greater within 24 hours.

Illness affecting child’s ability to learn.

Vomiting/Diarrhea.

Starting antibiotics within 24 hours.

Sore throat with headache and/or upset stomach.

Coughing that will not stop.

RETURN TO SCHOOL

If a student is sent home with fever, they may not return the next day.

Student may not return until the following criteria are met:

•	Symptom free for 24 hours. This includes fever vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and rash.
•	 Free from fever for 24 hours without use of fever reducing medication such as Tylenol or Motrin.
•	Student should complete 24 hours of any prescribed antibiotic treatment
prior to returning to school.

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LICE

Clovis Unified School District operates on NO LICE guidelines. Students will be sent home if evidence of live lice is found. Student’s must be treated within 48 hours and hair/scalp are free from live lice. After 48 hours, absences will be unexcused. Students must check in with the Health Office and be cleared to return to class. Class checks are no longer part of district guidelines. Refer to Head Lice Guidelines on the CUSD Nursing Services website.

ALL Medications - even over the counter medications (including Tylenol, Advil, cough drops, eye drops, essential oils) must be checked in through the Health Office and require a physician order
that must be updated at the Beginning of each School Year.

Physical Education Excuse

Parent Notes- Students will be limited to 3 days per quarter for handwritten parental note excusals from PE Doctor’s note will be required after the 3 days.

This note should include a diagnosis and specific date for returning to PE, as well as any limitations that might

•	 CA Education Code Section 49423 requires that any medications to be taken at school must be presented with:
o A written statement from the physician detailing the name of medication, amount, method, and time medication is to be taken.
o A written statement from the parent/guardian indicating their desire for the school to assist the pupil in the matters set forth in the physician’s statement.
o Medication must be clearly labeled and sent to school in the original container from the pharmacy.
•	The Medication at School form is available from the school or on the CUSD district website – under Parent.
•	The Health office does not keep medication for general student

use.

apply.

Doctor’s note: If your child has an injury that requires student to remain out of PE they will also be held out of recess and sports.

AIR QUALITY PRECAUTIONS
Refer to School Board Policy 3514

EMERGENCY CONTACT

Immunizations – Refer to School Board Policy 

5141.31

First Grade Physical

California State Law requires that all children entering first grade have a Child Health and Disability (CHDP) physical examination within 18 months of beginning first grade. It is necessary to provide the health office with proof of this physical. CHDP Form is on the CUSD website – Parent.

Child Protective Services
It is important parents understand that all school personnel are “Mandated Reporters” of child abuse. Should a staff member have even the slightest suspicion that a child has been abused, they must report it to Child Protective Services (CPS).

In case of an emergency parents/guardians will be contacted. It is very important that the Health Office have updated contact information.

If there is a change in contact information, please contact the Health Office to ensure the correct information is on your student’s health information card.

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CUSD CATEGORICAL FUNDING PROGRAM INFORMATION
FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR

“Children Are Our Most Precious Resource”

On an annual basis, Clovis Unified School District (CUSD) submits our funding Application through the Consolidated Application and Reporting System commonly called the ConApp. The application is submitted in two (2) parts: Part I, which contains program and demographicinformation, submitted byJune 30th each year;and Part II, whichcontains budget information and programdata submitted by January 31 each year. The categorical programs included in the application are Title I, Part A – Improving Academic Achievement. Title I, Part C – Migrant Education, Title II, Part A – Supporting Effective Instruction and Title III – English Learner (EL), and Immigrant Programs. Essentially, these funds are designed to assist students in mastering state standards.

Clovis Unified Schools are committed to establishing a true partnership with all facets of the Clovis Learning Community. CUSD values feedback and input. Parents continue to make positive differences in the lives of the children we all support. We know from research that participation in your child’s education will not only bring success to your child but other children in the school. Our parents truly make a difference in the lives of Clovis kids!

CUSD is pleased and proud to offer a variety of parent involvement opportunities that improve our overall program. Depending on the type of categorical funding a site may receive, district or school parent councils and committees are required under certain requirements and guidelines. Such advisory committees in the CUSD include:
School Site Council (SSC)
English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)
District Advisory Committee (DAC) and School Advisory Committee (SAC) District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)
District Migrant Education Parent Advisory Committee (DMEPAC) District Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee (IPAC) School and District level School Assessment Review Team (SART) Intercultural and Diversity Advisory Council (IDAC)
Local Control Accountability Plan Public Forums (LCAP)

We encourage all parents and guardians to become involved with their child’s education at the classroom level the school-wide level as well as the district level. Each school’s Single Plan for
Student Achievement (SPSA) describes the school’s basic educational program and the categorical supplementary programs/services that are designed to support student achievement of each and every student. Parental involvement is a necessary and vital part of developing the SPSA as well as our overall program. At the district level, parent committees provide input into each of the site’s SPSA and to the District’s Local Education Agency Plan (LEAP). If you would like additional information on any of the District Parent Councils or Committees, please call your child’s school. The Principal, Learning Director, or Guidance Instructional Specialist (GIS) would be happy to assist you, or go: to http://www.cusd.com/supplementalservices.

Listed below are several parent committees that assist with categorical programs and funding.
School Site Council (SSC): All schools that operate a categorical program funded through the consolidated application (ConApp) shall establish a school site council (SSC) The SSC shall develop the content of the SPSA. The SPSA shall be reviewed annually and updated, including proposed expenditure of funds allocated to the school through the ConApp and the local control and accountability plan (LCAP), if any, by the SSC. The SSC is composed of parents, students at the secondary level and school personnel. It is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating the Single Plan for Student Achievement programs. Members serve for two years and are elected by their peers.
District Advisory Committee (DAC) & School Advisory Committee (SAC): The entirety of the SSC acts as the SAC. The SAC serves as an advisory committee for the purpose of advising schools regarding supplemental education programs and acting as a liaison for their school community. They serve to share information and comments both at the district and site level. These education programs are supplemental education opportunities that provide services to students who are disadvantaged, English learners, foster youth and/or at-risk. The SSC has approved to designate our SSC pursuant to California Education Code (EC) Section 52852 to function as the School Advisory Committee.
English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC): All schools enrolling 21 or more English learners are required to form an ELAC. The ELAC is composed of parents and school personnel. The ELAC Advises the principal, staff and SSC regarding services for English learners and assists in the development of the annual survey. Members serve for two years. Each ELAC shall have the opportunity to elect at least one member to the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC).
District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC): Whenever there are 51 or more EL students in the district, there shall be a functioning District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC). It is important that each school site ELAC elect a DELAC representative and arrange to have that representative attend every DELAC meeting. Currently the DELAC bylaws require each DELAC representative to be 1) a parent/guardian of an EL or former EL (i.e., a reclassified fluent English proficient student) currently enrolled at the site he/she represents, and 2) elected to serve as the DELAC representative by the site’s ELAC.
District Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee (IPAC): The CUSD Native American Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee meets four times a year to discuss program issues, services provided, and other needs related to the student achievement of our students, community agencies and outreach programs. CUSD Indian Education Program addresses the needs of American Indian and Alaskan Native students in grades K - 12. The program assists eligible students to achieve at the same challenging state performance standards expected of all students in grades pre-K -12.

Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) Forums: CUSD develops an LCAP annually that works to better align the academic plan with the district expenditure plan that is approved by our CUSD Governing Board each June. Parents and other stakeholder

groups are invited to participate in the development of the LCAP through participation of school and district committee meetings and community forums. LCAP School, District Meetings and Community Forums are exciting opportunities for all stakeholders and school committees to engage with the District and share their ideas on how CUSD can provide quality opportunities and support for CUSD youth and schools. Community participation and feedback in the forums will inform the District’s LCAP’s funding priorities over the next several years.

These forums are designed to provide an opportunity for school communities to hear about CUSD’s current efforts to support youth and families and to provide input and feedback on future plans and opportunities. Sites also have an opportunity to work together in teams to share new ideas to support identified groups and to plan for site engagement and implementation.

The following is an overview of the categorical funding and programs in CUSD. These funds are further discussed and outlined in each school’s SPSA and at the committee meetings.

Rationale
General District funds provide support for the District’s base/core curriculum program. Some children have special characteristics, not reflective of the general school population, that affect their success in the base/core programs. Some come from economically disadvantaged homes; some are educationally disadvantaged or lack English language proficiency because they have a primary language other than English. Children, such as those described above, require supplemental services and materials not generally provided through the base/core curriculum program. The needs of our children are identified and supplemental services and materials are planned and targeted to meet their special needs. Categorical funds are to be used to provide the financial support to meet these special needs.

Philosophy
All CUSD schools offer students with special needs the same kinds of high quality learning opportunities and access to the core curriculum in all curricular areas. Categorical funds are designed to support additional assistance to help students succeed in the regular classroom program (base/core curriculum) and address any learning gaps. The focus is on the effective utilization of supplementary materials, personnel, and staff development. Staff development activities are used to improve instructional practices and strategies to increase the ability of teachers and other staff to challenge and assist all students to reach their fullest potential.

Categorical Program Descriptions

1.	After School Safety and Education Funds (ASES): This state-administered funded program is a result of the voter approved Proposition 49; provides three-year grant funding for afterschool programs that align with the core instructional day and have the following components: educational and literacy element (tutoring/ homework assistance); educational enrichment element (Additional program/activities that reinforce what is learned in the core instructional day); and provide a nutritious snack or meal that conforms to California State Education Code requirements. The purpose of the ASES Program is to create additional educational and recreational opportunities for students within the learning community while providing a safe environment for students. The goals of this program are to: 1) improve academic achievement, and 2) provide enrichment opportunities that reinforce and complement the academic program.
2. Title I, Part A (Improving Academic Achievement): A federal-funded program to provide high-quality opportunities for students in high-poverty schools to meet district and state content and performance standards.
3.	Title I, Part A, Title X, Part C, Education for Homeless Children and Youths: Title I, Part A funds provide comparable services to homeless children that assist them to effectively take advantage of educational opportunities as provided to children in schools funded under Title I, Part A. These comparable services shall be provided to homeless children in public and private schools, shelters and other locations where children may live, institutions for neglected children and, where appropriate, local institutions such as local community day school programs.
4.	Title I, Part C (Migrant Education Program): A federal-funded program focused on providing services for migratory students and their families.
5.	Title II, Part A (Preparing, Training and Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals): A federal-funded program focused on teacher and principal training and recruitment programs.
6.	Title III (Language Instruction for English Learners (ELs) and Immigrants): A federal-funded program focused on assistingschool districts in teaching English to limited English proficient students (English learners) and immigrants and helping these students meet the same challenging State standards required of all other students.

7.	Title VI (Indian Education Formula Grant): A federal-funded program focused on helping Native American/Alaskan Native students meet the same challenging state standards required of all other students.

The goal of the CUSD staff is to create and maintain the best educational environment possible. This can be accomplished with your support and input.
If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to become more involved in the educational process at your school, please contact your school principal.
Your school can assist you in learning more about categorical programs.
You may want to become involved in your school’s School Site Council (SSC),
English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) and/or attend the Annual Title I Parent Meeting. During the fall, each school will send you additional information about these activities.
At the district level, we encourage you to become involved with our DELAC. We encourage and look forward to your involvement in the programs we offer
our learning community. If you have any questions, please call your child’s school or the CUSD Department of Supplemental Services @ 327.0661,
additional information may be found @ http://www.cusd.com/supplementalservices.