Student and Family Handbook

Daily student attendance positively impacts student achievement. Students are mandated by compulsory California Education Code 48200  to attend school each day.  Students should remain home when ill. Students with a fever must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school. To report a student absence, the parent/guardian must phone or email the dedicated school attendance line each day of the absence before 10:00 AM. The message must include the student’s name, homeroom teacher name, date(s) of absence, reason for absence, and relationship of the caller to the student. An automated message will be sent home daily for unverified absences. Verify absences within 48 hours.  BP 5113 / AR 5113 

Excused absences include:

• Illness or injury of student 
• Medical/Dental appointments with submitted documentation 
• Recognized religious observance in accordance with California Education Code 
• Court dates with submitted documentation 
• Death or illness of an immediate family member 

Students registered for the FVSD Extended School Program (ESP) attend the program immediately after school dismissal. TK/K students enrolled in ESP are picked up from the classroom by authorized childcare staff. Students grades 1-5 walk to the ESP bungalow at dismissal and check in. Parents/guardians must notify ESP when a student is absent.

Students grades TK-6 who meet certain criteria may qualify for financial aid under the After School Childcare Grant ELOP to cover ESP costs. Eligible criteria include:

• English language learners (ELL)
• Homeless or foster youth
• Students approved for the FVSD Free & Reduced Lunch Program

Free and Reduced Meal Application 

Regular attendance is essential for student success and access to a quality education. 

Students should arrive at school on time every day. Punctuality is a life skill, and students develop this skill with timely arrival at school. Tardiness disrupts classroom learning.  Late arrivals must check in to the office and obtain a tardy slip to enter class. Students with excessive tardies and absences are referred to the School Attendance Review Team (SART) and Student Attendance Review Board (SARB).

BP 3113 /AR 5113.1 

Students needing to leave school early are released through the office. A parent/guardian must visit the office to check out the student and show a photo ID. Only persons listed as emergency contacts with a photo ID are authorized to sign out a student. Allow 15 minutes, at minimum, for the school to locate the student. When possible, appointments should be scheduled on modified Thursdays.

See the bell schedule for school site dismissal times. 

Each FVSD elementary campus is host to an ESP/ELOP afterschool child care program. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to notify the ESP office when student(s) will not be attending ESP after school. Families will be charged when students are absent from ESP without notice.

Be prompt when picking up students at dismissal.  Students in primary grades TK-2 and upper grades 3-5 have different dismissal times, and students may not wait for siblings to be dismissed. There is no after-school supervision at any site unless students are enrolled in ESP/ELOP after-school childcare. Parents/guardians who are late to pick up their student will find the student in the office. Only contacts listed as the student’s emergency contact with a photo ID may pick up a student after dismissal. AR 5142

Bell Schedules differ at each FVSD school site. Refer to specific school site websites for exact bell times. For each FVSD school site, modified days include every Thursday, parent/guardian conference week, and additional designated days throughout the year. Only Snack/Nutrition are served on modified days.

Students in elementary grades 3rd - 5th are permitted to ride a standard/manual bike to school with permission granted between parent/guardian and the school. Students grades 3-5 must wear a helmet and store their bike in the designated area.  The school is not responsible for damages or stolen items.  Bicycles, skateboards, roller skates/blades, scooters, or shoes with wheels are not permitted on the campus grounds. 

All FVSD schools are closed campuses. Students need to arrive at school on time. 

GATES are locked when school begins, and all visitors must enter through the front office gate, single point of entry. Gates remain locked until dismissal.  BP 5112.5

All classroom, school, and PTA campus celebrations/events should be discussed and approved in advance with the teacher and/or site leadership. Celebrations must be in accordance with the FVSD Wellness Policy, allowing ONLY NON-FOOD items such as pencils, stickers, erasers, books, etc., as celebration items. Please do not bring flowers, bouquets, balloons, food, or party invitations to school. These items are disruptive to the learning environment and will be returned to the provider. BP 5030; 

All visitors enter through a single point of entry, the front office, show a photo ID, and check into the FVSD visitor system. Every ID is scanned and recorded. A visitor badge is issued and worn at all times. Badges should be removed and discarded when exiting the campus. A new badge will be issued with each visit. BP 1250 / AR 1250

Chewing gum is NOT allowed at any time on campus. Chewing gum damages school property, creates sanitation challenges, and disrupts classroom learning. Students who bring or chew gum on campus will be required to dispose of it properly and may be responsible for cleaning, repairing, or replacing damages. BP 5131 BP 3513.3

All students are expected to display positive citizenship behaviors by being responsible, safe, kind, and respectful to all persons on campus. Student expectations include: 

• Be Respectful of self, others, school property, and the campus
• Follow classroom expectations and playground/facility rules
• Use respectful language and mannerisms at all times
• Practice safe physical awareness, digital awareness, and online safety awareness

FVSD staff have students' wellbeing at the center of every action and decision. FVSD believes communication, understanding, education, and restorative practices work to mitigate, repair, and prevent further behavior infractions. When behavior infractions escalate, progressive discipline protocols are implemented and enforce policies below:

Academic Honesty BP 5131.9

Bullying BP 5131.2

Conduct BP 5131 

Discipline BP 5144 / AR 5144

Peer Mediation BP 5138(a)

Suspension/Expulsion Due Process BP 5144.1 / AR 5144.1.

Title IX BP 5154.71 / AR 5145.7

Vandalism and Graffiti BP 5131.5

Students perform best with limited exposure to electronic devices and screen time. Student’s personal devices should be kept at home. Students with a mobile phone are restricted to use before and after school, and emergencies.  All personal devices, including mobile phones and watches, must be turned off and in a backpack during school. Electronic devices visible or heard by staff will be removed from the student to be picked up after school in the office by a parent/guardian. Schools are not responsible for lost or damaged devices. See the Student Use of Technology/Devices BP 6163.4 / AR 6163.4 and Mobile Devices BP 5131.8

Instructional materials are an expensive resource, and each student is entitled to sufficient instructional materials in accordance with law.  Instructional materials provided for student use are property of FVSD. Students are responsible for returning assigned and borrowed materials in good condition, with normal use, limited wear and tear. When materials are lost or damaged beyond usability, the student shall be issued a replacement item; however, students or parents/guardians shall be responsible for reparation equal to the current replacement cost of the materials.  When materials are damaged but still usable pending repairs, charges will be applied. BP 6161.2

FVSD Chromebook Procedures and Information Handbook PDF

Student dress standards contribute to a productive and safe learning environment. Student attire should reflect a positive and respectful social-emotional and learning environment. Parent/guardian support is needed to ensure positive and safe student dress standards. In selecting clothing for school, please support the FVSD Student Dress Standards BP 5132/AR 5132:

1. Closed-toed shoes with a heeled-back or strap to be worn at all times
2. Clothing, jewelry, and personal items including backpacks, fanny packs, gym bags, water bottles, etc., shall be free of rude, unjust, or derogatory text and images
3. Clothing shall be conservative in design and sufficiently cover undergarments
4. Hair shall be clean and neatly groomed. Hair may not be sprayed by any coloring that would drip when wet

The FVSD English Learner Program develops fluency in speaking, reading, and writing English in each student whose primary language is other than English. The FVSD EL program enhances students’ self-esteem, promotes cross-cultural understanding, and provides equal opportunity for academic achievement. BP 6174 / AR 6174

Resources regarding the FVSD English Learner Program are available below:

• English Learner Program website
• Annual English Learner Program Overview 
• FVSD EL Master Plan Document 

Annually, student contact information is updated and confirmed through the process of Data Confirmation. Updated student information identifies select authorized parents/guardians and emergency contacts to be notified when home/school communication is necessary, and in the event of an emergency. BP 5125/AR 5125

Please notify designated persons that they are listed as a student emergency contact. 

AR 5141: Visit the FVSD Student Services and Safety Resource Website.  

Student Safety is the highest priority in FVSD. Each school site has a Comprehensive School Safety Plan with a tiered emergency preparedness plan and protocols immediately implemented in accordance with low-level to high-level incidents. FVSD school sites work with the partner cities of Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach to ensure student, staff, and community safety.  Shelter in Place, Lockdown, Fire, Disaster, and Earthquake drills are conducted regularly according to state laws and school district policies. Emergency Plan and Preparedness  BP 0450, BP 3516 / AR 3516.1 

FVSD believes learning extends beyond the classroom. Field trips and enrichment activities are designed to complement curriculum and enhance classroom learning through experiential and interactive activities. BP 6153/AR 6153

• Permission & Sign-Ups: All students must have a signed parent/guardian permission slip on file prior to departure. Verbal permission is not accepted.
• Inclusion & Equal Access: Field trips are an integral part of the educational program. All students participate in school-sponsored field trip experiences. Confidential financial support is available upon request to the site administrator.
• Behavior & Student Expectations: Students will demonstrate exemplary behavior, represent their school with pride, and follow all district codes of conduct, safety rules, and staff/chaperone instructions.
• On-Campus Alternatives: If a student chooses not to attend an on-site or off-campus field trip, a meaningful site-based educational activity will be provided.
• Field Trip Volunteer Chaperones are considered Level Two Volunteers and must obtain California Department of Justice fingerprint submission prior to volunteering. Level Two volunteers shall be informed that the site conducts a Megan’s Law clearance check. Volunteers are to check in at the front office each time they volunteer, and display, on their person, the site-issued identification. Once cleared, Level Two volunteers will only need to go through this process once, as long as their student(s) are continuously enrolled in Fountain Valley School District.  BP 1240 / AR1240

The FVSD Food Services Department provides FREE meals to all FVSD students grades TK-8. Snack/Nutrition is served at approximately 10 AM following the first 2 hours of instructional blocks. Students should come to school having eaten breakfast at home. Food may NOT BE SHARED at any time among students. Students who bring food items from home should clearly label the item with the student’s first and last name. If a student forgets their snack or lunch, they may go through the lunch line free of charge. Free and Reduced Meal online forms are available, and paper applications are available upon request at each school site office. BP 5141.27 / AR 5141.27

Personal items from home may only be brought to school with permission from the teachers. Schools are not responsible for personal/valuable items. To minimize classroom disruptions, forgotten items from home, including lunch, homework, water bottles, or Chromebooks, etc., should be delivered to a designated area near the office. Classroom instruction will not be interrupted for students to obtain forgotten items. It is the student's responsibility to obtain forgotten items from the designated area at an appropriate time. When possible, alternative resources such as meals, water, textbooks, and a Chromebook will be made available to the students, ensuring the student has items needed to access curriculum for the school day. AR 6166

If a student is not feeling well, they will inform the teacher and may visit the health office.  The parent/guardian will be notified of visits and the outcome. All allergies and minor/major medical conditions must be communicated with the school office staff.  

California Education Code allows school personnel to administer medication only if sites have the proper forms signed by the referring doctor and parent.  All medications must be brought to the health office by the parent/guardian. BP 5141.27 / AR 5141.27

• Parent Square is the main digital communication platform used by all school sites to communicate home/school information to families. See the FVSD parent Quick Technology Tips to download the Parent Square App on your mobile device. Parent Square may be set to a preferred language in the App settings. Multiple students may be linked in the App to receive messages from more than one FVSD school.

• Parent/Guardian Conferences 

Parent/guardian conferences are scheduled for ALL students grades TK-8 in the month of November and follow-up conferences as needed in March. All students receive a progress report in Trimester 1, and students performing below grade-level expectations mid-trimester will receive a progress report and be invited to attend a parent/guardian conference in Trimesters 2 and 3. Every parent/guardian should take advantage of conference opportunities to meet the teacher(s) and discuss student progress. See the Academic Calendar for conference dates.

• Trimester Report Cards

Report cards are issued three times per year at each trimester for all students TK-8. Elementary students grades TK-5 receive a paper report card. Middle school students grade 6-8 view the progress report and report card via the Aeries Parent Portal. See the academic calendar for trimester dates

Homework is for the practice, application, and maintenance of skills previously introduced in class. Homework may contribute toward building responsibility, self-discipline, and lifelong learning habits. Assignments should be meaningful, developmentally appropriate, standards-aligned, and relevant to classroom learning. In support of the whole child and student wellness, FVSD values homework quality over quantity. Homework guidelines are available in the FVSD BP 6154/AR 6154 

Student leadership roles are available at each school site. Student leadership opportunities include classroom leadership, assembly leaders, student council, ASB - Associated Student Body, PAL - Peer Assisted Leadership, WEB - Where Everyone Belongs, and more. Through participation in these positions, essential guiding principles of responsibility, teamwork, perseverance, respect, and civic service are developed, ensuring a strong foundation for lifelong leadership is established. Ask the teacher and site administrator at each school for site-specific leadership opportunities for students.

FVSD values students as readers and recognizes that school libraries support students’ reading development and academic success. Each FVSD site offers a robust library with books and literature for all students and reading ability TK-8th. Students are privileged to check out books from the Library/Media Center.  To maintain uninterrupted borrowing privileges, compliance with the following library policies includes:

• Weekly Returns & Renewals: Books are due every week on the student’s assigned library day. Renewals may be issued, provided the book is brought to the library in person. Further checkouts will be paused until outstanding books are returned.
• Overdue & Damaged Books: While late fees are not charged, lost or damaged items are subject to a repair fine or the cost to be replaced. BP 6163.1
• Library donations are welcome in accordance with the needs of the site library book inventory. See the school Library Media Center staff for donation information.

Lost and found items are located in a designated location at the school site. See the front office for the designated Lost and Found location. Lost and Found items are donated to charity multiple times throughout the school year. Students should regularly check the Lost and Found for personal items. School sites are not responsible for items lost or misplaced by students.

School sites offer a student social and recreational break referred to as Nutrition/Recess at approximately 10 AM after the first blocks of instruction. During these times, students may access FREE meals. Nutrition and recess are essential opportunities for students to have a social, physical, restroom, and nutritional break. Elementary site playground equipment is provided for children to use with the expectation to follow playground equipment safety rules. See individual school websites for playground expectations.

All FVSD students participate in PE. FVSD offers a robust Elementary PE program to students in grades TK-5 taught by specialized PE teachers. Tk-5 students receive the mandated elementary State PE instructional minutes of 200 minutes every school year, 10 days. On PE days, a water bottle, a positive attitude, and athletic clothing suitable for running and exercise are required. For safety reasons, improper footwear—including Crocs, Uggs, and heels—are strictly prohibited.

FVSD utilizes an electronic flyer (e-flyer) distribution system, Peachjar, to communicate school and community events and ensure a strong link between home and school.

FVSD is paperless, and school sites use electronic communication unless requested in person at the school site or district central office. 

Media Release:

FVSD District representatives will, from time to time, use media platforms for the purpose of highlighting student achievements, programs, and activities. If families prefer a student’s image not be used, a request must be submitted in writing to the school administration. FVSD may utilize student photos for all students who have an annual photo taken for the student file, safety, and identification card. Elementary picture day is in the fall. Middle School has picture day on the day of student orientation.

FVSD 5th grade students are promoted to Middle School, and FVSD 8th grade students are promoted to High School. Promotion ceremonies take place at the school sites. FVSD is an elementary school district, grades Preschool - 8th. Middle School students exit FVSD and are automatically enrolled in the Huntington Beach Union High School District into their high school of residence. Graduation occurs at the conclusion of high school, grade 12.

Elementary 5th grade students participate in 5th grade activities and spring promotion at the school site. Communication will come in spring from the teacher and principal.

Elementary 5th grade students participate in 5th grade activities and spring promotion at the school site. Communication will come in spring from the teacher and principal.

FVSD understands and values parents/guardians and family as the first and highly influential teachers of students. FVSD actively supports parent/guardian involvement in the education of students to ensure positive student well-being, academic achievement, and a strong home/school connection. School sites offer multiple opportunities for parents/guardians to be involved, including: PTA/PTO, ELAC, DELAC, School Site Council, classroom and event volunteering, and more. BP 6020 / AR 6020

Parent Teacher Associations/ Parent Teacher Organizations consist of parents/guardians, teachers, and students working together to support and enrich all students. PTA/PTO groups are essential in supporting school staff, promoting student self-esteem, and assisting in efforts to support school success through volunteering and supplemental funding. Sign up for the PTA/PTO at each school site by asking the office.

All FVSD school sites are closed campuses. Sites have one single point of entry. Visitors are required to report to the school office upon arriving on campus and show a current photo ID. Parent visitors who are working in the classrooms must check in at the office before reporting to the classroom.  Visitors must wear badges during the school day.  Parents/guardians requesting to observe in the classroom are required to schedule a classroom visit through the front office with the site administrator. BP 1250/AR 1250

Parents/guardians are encouraged to volunteer in classrooms and at school events. Parents/guardians wanting to volunteer should contact the PTA representative, teacher, office, or site administrator. All volunteers must have a current TB test before helping. All volunteers are required to sign in at the school office upon arrival. BP 1240 / AR 1240

• A Level One Volunteer supports the classroom with required authorizations
• A Level Two Volunteer helps in the classroom and attends field trips with additional authorizations 

Weather conditions and air quality advisories are closely monitored by the district central office and school administration. During periods of unfavorable weather, outdoor nutrition/recess and physical education are modified or moved indoors, ensuring continued instruction and the protection of student health. Students with underlying conditions, such as asthma, are closely monitored and assisted with prescribed inhaler administration in accordance with individual plans and state law. Additionally, sun-protective wear and self-applied sunscreen are encouraged. BP 4141.75  

Student wellness is a top priority across all FVSD school sites. Student wellness and positive social-emotional development contribute directly to student academic success and the wellbeing of the whole child. All FVSD sites have access to counseling resources provided through the FVSD Student Services and Safety department. Reach out to the office staff or the FVSD student wellness website for counseling details. 

FVSD schools participate in Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) Fee Schedule Program, which allows us to receive reimbursement from Medi-Cal and commercial health plans for eligible school-based wellness services. This billing process will not affect your or your child’s existing benefits, and there are no co-payments, deductibles, or out-of-pocket costs of any kind. Allowing us to bill your child’s insurance helps us sustain and expand these critical wellness services at no cost to your family and reduces the financial burden on our schools. Please be assured that all personal and health-related information will be maintained confidential and used solely for the purpose of submitting claims for reimbursement. These services include, but are not limited to, counseling services, mental health education, screening and assessment, and case management. All services are facilitated by trained professionals such as school counselors, licensed therapists, school psychologists, and graduate-level practicum trainees working under the supervision of professional staff.