Hirayama Elementary School

“Bringin’ The Heat”

2024-2025 Parent/Student Handbook

Clovis Unified School District Hirayama Elementary School 2150 Fowler Avenue Fresno, CA 93727
Telephone: 559-327-0100 Fax: 559-327-0190

Laura Reynolds, Principal laurareynolds@cusd.com

Honor. Empathy. Attitude. Trust.

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 Hirayama Elementary School where we are “Bringin’ the Heat!” We are a school committed to establishing a strong character based upon which an appreciation and thirst for learning will spring. We strive to provide a learning environment that will foster the	positive	mental,	physical,	and	character development of each child. We maintain HIGH standards and are proud to reach our full potential. It is our expectation for every child to be involved, set goals for themselves, and be responsible, productive citizens.

We continuously collaborate with our community and work as a TEAM to provide an exemplary learning

chronic issue, the matter will be referred to Clovis Unified’s Student Attendance Review Board (SARB).

Perfect Attendance will be defined as a student with no absences and no more than three tardies less than or equal to 30 minutes. Student with tardies greater than 30 minutes, or excessive early sign-outs will not qualify for perfect attendance. Independent Studies requested for personal reasons will not be considered for	perfect	attendance.	More	details	about independent studies will be provided at the time the request is made.
Attendance Hotline 327-0100 ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL
Students eating breakfast may be on campus starting

experience for children. The community coming	at 7:30 a.m. There is no supervision until 7:30 a.m.

together with the school is the key that opens the door to SUCCESS. We ask each parent to 1) be interested, 2) be supportive, and 3) be involved in your child's

Parents may not be in the MPR or on the blacktop with students before school. Please visit the office for a visitors badge if you need to be on the campus an

education.	time between 7:30-3:10. Students must go home

We set our standards and expectations high, and we make this well known to our students and staff. We desire for students to gain the skills necessary for making choices that will benefit them as they develop into productive and positive citizens in society. We encourage each home to support this effort and work as a team to help our children develop attitudes and behaviors that will support their future success. Our students will understand how to HONOR themselves and each other, ENGAGE fully in their development, have a positive ATTITUDE that will lead to their success, and maintain TRUST among all.

We look forward to an amazing school year!

Laura Reynolds, Principal

ABSENCES/TARDIES

School attendance is a major factor in academic and social successes. It is very important for each student to attend school every day unless he/she has a medical excuse. If a student is absent, please call the Attendance Hot Line at 327-0100 or complete the online Student Absence Form available on the Hirayama website. Excessive absences by a student willresult not onlyinlower academicperformance but also a referral to the School Attendance and Review Board (SARB) and/or home visits. If your child will be absent five or more consecutive days, please contact the office to place your child on an Independent Study Contract at least three days prior to the absence.

When your child is late, he/she should report to the school office before going to class. Being tardy not only prevents your child from receiving critical instruction, it also interrupts the learning process of other children. In addition, students arriving after the tardy bell will be issued a PR violation. Only a Doctor’s Note will excuse a tardy. For this reason, repeated tardiness (truancy) will necessitate an important letter being sent home to the parents. If this becomes a

directly at the end of the school day unless they are involved in an after-school activity.
The last few minutes of school are always very busy for our students. It is important that your child remain in their classroom without any distractions until the dismissal bell has rung. If you would like to pick your child up at the front of the school, please park in the lot in the spaces in the parking lot on Fowler Ave. The curb in both of the parking lots is for loading only. Drivers must stay with their vehicles on this curb. The parking lot on the north side of campus on Weldon Ave. is the bus lot and designated staff parking lot. Any person parked along a red curb or blocking parking spaces will be asked to move their vehicle. If you would like to pick your child up from their building wing, you may do so after the dismissal bell has rung. After 3:10 p.m., in the interest of safety and accountability, students will be asked to wait for parents/guardiansinthe office and will not be allowed to wait in any other area. Students waiting inside the office must be signed out by a parent after 3:10 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. (early release day).

BICYCLES/SKATES/SKATEBOARDS/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. The school is not responsible for loss or damage to bicycles.

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.

DRESS CODE

CLOVIS SUPPORT AND INTERVENTION PROGRAM (CSI)               Each     student     has     the     responsibility     to     dress The Clovis Support and Intervention program (CSI) is              appropriately for the school environment. The

designed to meet the needs of at-risk students at Hirayama. A core team of trained faculty members determine how CSI can most effectively meet the needs of the students. Throughout the school year "success groups" are provided to assist students to have a place to come and share common concerns.

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

Students can be recommended for CSI by any staff              property; prevent the students from achieving member. Parent consent is required for students to              educational objectives because of blocked vision or participate but participation is not mandatory.                          restricted     environment.     Shoes     that     allow     safe movement of the student must be worn daily for
CO-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT	physical education. Students who arrive at school out Each student is expected to develop as a	of dress code will need to have a change of clothes

“Sparthenian.” This is anindividualwho develops in the areas of MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT. Many opportunities

prior to fully participate in the school day. Please see the CUSD Parent and Student Rights Handbook for

are available to each student.     See website for             more dress code information under Board Policy 5132. complete list of co-curricular activities.                                        This handbook canbe picked up from the mainoffice.

Fall Sports Football
Girls Volleyball Cross Country

Winter Sports Wrestling Basketball

5th/6th 5th/6th 4th/5th/6th

4th/5th/6th 5th/6th

Spring Sports
Baseball	5th/6th Softball	5th/6th Boys Volleyball 5th/6th Track                   4th/5th/6th

DROPPING OFF STUDENT ITEMS Occasionally students need an item brought to the school from home. On these occasions, please bring the item tothe office with your child’s name and room number on it. The office may deliver the item in a timely manner or the student can check the drop zone areainthe office. Students willNOTbe called out of class as this can be a disruption to their class.

All students involved in co-curricular activities sign and	EARLY DISMISSAL

agree to a Code of Excellence outlining the	Early release days will be every Wednesday dismissing

expectations	for	involvement	in	co-curricular activities.

at 1:10 p.m. for grades 1-6. AM TK/Kindergarten early dismissal is at 11:10 a.m. PM TK/Kindergarten early

dismissal is at 1:10 p.m. This allows for teacher DISCIPLINE	planning, preparation, and grade level articulation.
The students are recognized for their positive behavior

through the Personal Responsibility and Behavior	ETIQUETTE ON CAMPUS

Intervention	programs.	Students	will	be	held	Please remember that our students look to adults to accountable for their behavior after being explicitly	be their role models. Appropriate behavior is taught about specific behaviors for appropriate	expected of anyone who enters the Hirayama activities. Students who have demonstrated personal	campus, parents and students alike. Cursing, yelling, responsibility      and	outstanding      character      are	and rude comments will not be tolerated while on recognized and allowed to attend the PR party. The	campus. Adults are encouraged to be present at

criteria for this award are discussed with the students. Teachers also explain the program to parents at Back-

athletic events and support our teams. Spectators should reflect high standards of support and good

To-School Night. Any offense that leads to a	sportsmanship at all times. Spectators should respect suspension or three or more office referrals will be an	officials, coaches, participants and extend all automatic elimination from the special PR activity.	courtesies to them as guests in the community.

Maintaining student conduct is necessarytoreachour goals of providing a safe school and attaining the highest student achievement. Misbehavior results in specific steps which the teacher, Resource Teacher,

Enthusiastic and wholesome cheering is encouraged. Booing, foot stomping, disrespectful remarks and/or "put down" cheers/yells are unacceptable. As adult behavior affects student behavior, spectators should

GIS, or principal takes to help the student find              encourage all people to observe the Hirayama Code acceptable ways to improve his/her behavior. The             of Ethics.     Those who do not respond should be

steps may include: verbal warning, counseling, parent contact, or parent conference. Certain infractions may result in loss of privileges, detention or suspension. See CUSD Board Policy 5020.10 & 5144.10 for the details.

reported to the proper school authorities immediately.

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 AID, ILLNESS & INJURIES
•	If a student becomes ill or injured at school,

HEAD LICE
Clovis Unified School district operates on a no lice

he/she	will	receive	every	care	and	policy. Under this policy, students will be sent home if

consideration.
•	Parents will be contacted for injuries of a serious nature, if student is too ill to remain at school, or has a rash of unknown origin.
•	Injuries whichoccur at home should be cared for at home.
•	The nurse is always happy toconsult with parents regarding health problems.
•	After an extended illness or injury, the student should follow up with the school nurse.
•	If your child has ONE of the following, he/she should be kept at home:

evidence of live lice is found. A student may not return to school until he/she has been treated and his/her hair and scalp are free of live lice. The student must checkinwith theschoolnurse or theoffice staff before he/she returns to the classroom. Class checks are no longer part of district guidelines.

HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework may refer to assignments not completed in class 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

a. Illness with fever of 100 or greater b. Vomiting/diarrhea
c. Fever of 100 or greater within the last 24 hours

devote up to 15 minutes (Grades K-1), 15-30 minutes (grades 2-3) and 30-60 minutes (grades 4-6) to after school study time as necessary to achieve mastery.

d. Initiation of antibiotics within the past 24 hours
e. Has	a	sore	throat,	particularly	if accompanied by headache and/or upset stomach
In an emergency a parent will be contacted, so it is very important that the Health Office has up-to-date phone numbers of parents/guardians.

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.

GRADING POLICY

All students at Hirayama 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 on the percentile framework or on an A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0 grade point average basis. Honor roll awards will be given quarterly at an awards assembly. The awards are as follows:

INDEPENDENT STUDY
If astudent is going tobe absent from school(other than illness), the student should be placed on an Independent StudentContact.
This contract is to be signed by the student and parents. All assignments are to be written on the contract and returned fully complete once the studentreturns to school.
Parents must request the Independent Study Contract at least one week before the student will be absent from school. This will allow time for the teacher and staff to prepare the work for the student to besuccessful.
The last day for independent study contracts during the month of December will be no later than three school days before the beginning of Winter Break.
The last day for independent study contracts during themonth of June willbe nolater thanthree school days before the last day of school. Independent Study Contracts are subject to state guidelines and may include, but are not limited to, rules regarding minimum duration, maximum duration, and virtual distance learning support and/or participation. Details tobe provided at the time of request.
Approval is subject to the principal’s discretion. Students that do not return from Site Based Independent Study after the completion date will be marked unexcused and are subject to being dropped	from	enrollment	after	several days. Please note that this may result in a negative impact on grades, credits, school of enrollment, teacher assignment(s), and/or unforeseen missed

Honor Roll:
High Honor Roll:

opportunities. GPA 3.0-3.49
GPA 3.5-3.99

Principal’s Honor Roll: GPA 4.00

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.

INSUFFICIENT FUNDS/RETURNED CHECKS
All checks returned to Hirayama Elementary due to insufficient funds or due to closed account will be

educational activities can be duplicated: therefore, excessive absences may result in a grade reduction.

assessed a $25.00 returned check fee. After April 18th, all payments for field trips, yearbooks, cafeteria

MEDICATION PROCEDURES
• ALL	medications	(even	over	the	counter

accounts, etc. must be paid by CASH ONLY.                                    medications     including     Tylenol,     Advil,     Midol, Inhalers, etc.) must be checked through the

INTERVENTION/ENRICHMENT
Your child is receiving top-notch instruction. At times, they may need additional support in order to fully master a critical concept or may need to be challenged in their academics. In order to ensure your

nurse’s office. Students may carry inhalers after checking with the nurse.
• CA Education Code Section 49423 requires that medications to be taken during the school day must be presented with:

child’s academic success, they may receive a variety                       a. A written statement from the physician of instructional supports including small group                              detailing the name of the medication,

instruction with an intervention teacher, deployment to a different classroom, or re-teaching with the

amount, method and time schedules by which the medication is to be taken.

classroom teacher during the school day. Push-in                       b. A written statement from the parent/ teachers allow your child to remain in their classroom                              guardian indicating their desire for the

while receiving the instructional/enrichment support they need. The deployment method allows multiple classes tocombine kids who with a specific academic need. Re-teaching with the classroom teacher may be done while other students are in class or are sent to a different activity.

ITEMS NOT ALLOWED AT SCHOOL
Students are not allowed to bring live animals, gum,

school to assist the pupil in the matters set forth in the physician’s statement.
c. The medication must be clearly labeled and sent to the school in the original container from the pharmacy.
d. The Health Office does not keep medication for general student use.
e. The “Medication at School” form is available intheMiramonteoffice orontheDistrict Web

candy, toys, sports equipment, permanent markers	Site	under	Departments,	Nursing,	and

(i.e., Sharpies), 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. The school is not responsible for any lost or

Medication at school form. Please review the policy carefully.
f.	NO MEDICATION WILL BE GIVEN AT SCHOOL UNLESS ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE MET.

damaged item a student brings to school. Any

student apprehended with any type of gun on school grounds or at school sponsored functions will be recommended for expulsion. See Board Policy 5144.

LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER

The LibraryMediaCenter (LMC)is opendaily. Students are allowed open access to the LMC before and after school. During school hours students may use the LMC with a pass, whenever needed. Loss or damage to books, materials, or equipment will result in a financial obligation to repair or replace any lost or damaged items.
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 front of the cafeteria. Items not claimed at the end of each quarter will be given to local charities.

MAKE-UP WORK
It is the student’s responsibility to make up any work that is missing due to an absence. When requesting work to be picked up after school, please call the office by 9:30 a.m. to provide sufficient time to get work prepared. Students will be given at least the time to make up work that is equivalent to the number of excused absences. Unexcused absences result in loss of grade/credit for work assigned those days. Not all

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 zone 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.

PARENT TEACHER CLUB

Please consider joining our Hirayama Parent Teacher Club. Your support ensures participation in an organization that provides our students with activities and raises money for support of special purchases for the school. Meetings are announced in the weekly calendar. Contact the school should you need more information.

MUSIC CHOICE MODEL
The goal of Hirayama is to provide every student with a	well-rounded	education,	including	music education. As part of our Music Choice Model, all 5th and 6th grade students are placed into one of three music ensembles: choir, band, or orchestra. The groups willmeet during the schooldaytwice per week

for 45 minutes and will perform at school and district functions throughout the year.

While an attempt will be made to accommodate student preference, each student’s first choice is not guaranteed.

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.

All students are expected to participate in the	SCHOOL ASSESSMENT REVIEW TEAM (SART) ensemble they are placed and will be held             School Assessment Review Team (SART) is a team of responsible for any lost or damaged materials,             parents and staff who meet quarterly to provide a uniforms, and/or instruments.                                                         forum for school communication among all groups in
the	school	community.	The	committee	also SCHOOL SPIRIT DAY	coordinates the annual SART Parent Survey and

Each Friday the school displays its outstanding spirit by wearing our school colors: Red, White, and Gold. T-

selects a site representative for the district and area level of the SART process. The team evaluates school

shirts and sweatshirts can be purchased from PTC.	programs	and	their	effectiveness	and	makes

Select items and order forms are available in the office.

HEATWAVE NEWSLETTER

The weekly Heatwave newsletter is sent via email every Friday for the following week. This is how we will communicate school news and important dates with parents.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Parent	involvement	is	an	important	part	of implementing programs at Hirayama. 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 Hirayama 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 e-mailing 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/STUDENT CELEBRATIONS
Four class parties will be arranged each year at the discretion	of	the	teacher.	Individual	student celebrations, such as a birthday, will be limited to the last 5 minutes of the school day. Non-food treats are preferred. If pre-arranged with the teacher, store-bought individually-wrapped treats may be sent to the classroom to be handed out in the last 5 minutes of the school day.

recommendations.

SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM Hirayama provides free breakfast and lunch to all students on a daily basis.

All students at Hirayama qualify for benefits under the Community	Eligibility	Provision	Program.	Your student(s) will be able to receive one breakfast and one lunch per day at no cost.

SCHOOL DOCUMENTS

It is your right as a parent of a child in Clovis Unified School District to be given documents that provide information about school policies and funding. The following documents are available by parent request: Clovis Unified School District Dress Code Policy, School Safety Plan, Single Plan for Student Achievement, information regarding Title I, School Accountability Report	Card,	teacher	qualifications,	Parent Involvement Policy, minutes from School Site Council meetings, and minutes from English Learner Advisory Committee. If you would like to know more about any of these items, please make an appointment with the office.

SCHOOL NURSE
A Health Services Assistant will be in the Health Office 5 days a week. You may reach the school nurse by leaving a message with the Health Service Assistant. The Health Office plays an important role in the school by:
1. Completing mandated vision and hearing tests, special education and 504 health assessments
2. Ensuring immunizations are compliant with CA state law

PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXCUSE
If a child is to be excused from PE for more than a three-day period, a doctor’s excuse will be required. This note should include a diagnosis and specific date for returning to PE as well as any limitations that might apply.

3. Providing health education resources for school staff, students, and parents/guardians
4. Maintaining student health records
5. Contact parents/guardians regarding health problems and/or excessive absences
6. Communicating with health care providers regarding health issues and impact on education (within HIPPA regulations)
7. Developing health/safety plans for students with high risk medical diagnosis

be used before 7:30 a.m. and after 2:40 p.m. Cell

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL (SSC)

The School Site Council (SSC) serves as a liaison between school and the neighborhood community. It advises the principal regarding budget and program decisions. Committee members are voted in by either parents or by the Hirayama staff.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

phones found on students during the school day may be removed from the child and may result in a PR violation. The office will not transfer calls for a student to the classroom. This is academic time and phone interruptions will interfere with classroom instruction. In certain situations, we will take a message for the student and make sure the student receives the message.

Maintaining	student	conduct	is	necessary	to

achieving our goals of providing a safe school	UNIFORMS

environment and student success. Hirayama follows a philosophy that we all are responsible for our decisions

As part of many of our co-curricular activities, students are given a uniform/costume for the length of the

and behavior. We promote a positive school	season. It is expected that the uniform/costume be environment based upon the Pillars of Character. We	returned	promptly	following	the	end	of	the focus on a character pillar each month. The	season/activity. Additionally, the uniform needs to be

development of students’ character, academic, and social skills is part of the school’s mission. Students are held accountable for their actions and decisions. A commitment to absolute non-violence is enforced at Hirayama. The Clovis Unified School District has a Zero Tolerance Policy, Board Policy 5144.10, which is supported by the school. Students are expected to treat each other with respect, in a kind, courteous, and considerate manner. Verbal abuse and physical abuse are not acceptable.

STUDENT CHECK-OUT

On occasion it may be necessary for you to pick up your child for anappointment or emergency. Students may not be removed from the school directly from the classroom. The student will not be called to the office until verification of California Driver’s License of the adult, who must be listed on the Student Release Authorization form, signs them out.

STUDENT STUDY TEAM (SST)

The purpose of the Student Study Team (SST) is to develop strategies to help students that are showing difficulties in the classroom. Either the teacher or the parent may initiate a meeting after observing a child having difficulty in a specific area. The team discusses the strengths and concerns for the child and develops strategies and modifications for both the parents and teacher to use.

In some cases, further evaluation is necessary and will

returned clean and in good condition.

Failure to do so may impact your child’s involvement in future co-curricular activities.

VISITORS/VOLUNTEERS

Hirayama is a school that welcomes the involvement of the community. Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the school, talk with the teachers before or after class hours, and communicate openly with the administrative team.

In order to maintain a safe and orderly school environment, all visitors must check in with their driver’s license at the main office for a background check and will receive a dated visitor’s badge.

All visitors without a badge will be directed to the office. This procedure will assist the staff in offering a safe and secure environment for our students. All volunteers must complete an online Volunteer Application with TB and submit a copy of their driver’s license to the office in order to volunteer in CUSD. Visits should be scheduled in advance with the teacher so that suggestions for appropriate time will make the visit as productive as possible. Teachers are not able to conference with parents during class time.

WEBSITE
The Hirayama Elementary School Website contains information of importance regarding weekly school

be initiated by the School Psychologist and the              calendars, monthly calendars, school activities, Resource Specialist Teacher.                                                         school events, classroom highlights, information

After the initial meeting, there will be a follow-up held approximately four weeks later.	If at that time progress is being shown, we will continue with the plan or develop a new one. Monitoring will continue until it is decided by the team that it is no longer needed.

TELEPHONE/CELL PHONE/WI-FI DEVICE USAGE
We make an effort to discourage forgetfulness and poor planning by limiting student telephone calls to essential matters. Cell phones (Board Policy 5131.6), must remain “off” during the school day and may only

regarding various school programs and co-curricular programs.

School Website address: hirayama.cusd.com

Although every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information in this parent/student handbook, students and others who use this parent/student handbook should note that laws, rules, and policies change from time to time and that these changes may alter the information contained in this publication.

The District Handbook of Parent and Student Rights and Responsibilities is now available on our district website at www.cusd.com.