morello park elementary school elementary - Martinez Unified ...

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Emergency information is required for each child enrolled in school. If a child becomes ill, or is injured,
the office must have the names, and telephone numbers of at least two persons to contact in the event
that the parent cannot be contacted. Please keep this information current by notifying the office of any
changes in your employment, address, telephone numbers, and persons that you authorize your child to
be released to. Students may only be released to the persons designated on the Emergency Card.
If your child has a medical condition, or if there is any other information that the school should know
about your child in the event of an emergency (regarding medical treatment, allergies, medication taken,
etc.), it is essential that you inform the school.
CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS
Assigning students to their classes each year is done carefully by the teachers and principal. Achieving
an optimum blend of personalities within each room to create a learning environment beneficial to both
the students and the teacher, while at the same time, balancing classes and matching teaching styles
with students' learning needs requires consideration of many factors. Each year our teachers participate
directly in the process of setting up next year's classes. Teachers meet in the spring to make class
configurations for the grade level that their students will be entering in the fall. They make sure the
classes are balanced among the grade level. There must be an even distribution of the following:
• boy/girl distribution
• academic abilities
• social & behavioral concerns
• english language abilities
• ethnic & cultural backgrounds
• special needs (learning disabilities, gifted, etc.)
In addition to the considerations listed above, the following information is also used in the class
configuration process:
• teacher recommendations (separation of students, etc.)
• student information sheets (available to parents in April/May each year)
Parent input is a factor considered in class placement. Parents who have a concern about the special
needs of their children are encouraged to relay that information to the principal by completing a Student
Information Form in April/May (dates are published each year in the principal’s newsletter). The final
decision of the placement of students rests with the school principal. There will not be any class changes
made during the first month of the school year. After that time period if a parent feels that a class change
is essential for their student's learning, the following procedure will be implemented:
1. A parent and/or teacher will submit in writing the reason for the request, i.e. Why is this
necessary and the best decision for the student?
2. The principal will conference with the parent, teacher, and/or student about the reason for the
request, and whether or not a placement change is an option, i.e. Are the other classes at the
contractual limit of students, are they full? How might changing this student's placement offset
the balance of the other classes?
3. The principal will meet with the exiting teacher and the possible new teacher. There must be
consensus among these three educators that this change is in the best interest of the child.
4. If all parties support the placement change, the principal will make a change of placement.
It is also possible that a situation could arise that requires the principal to make an administrative
decision to change the placement of a student.
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