School Rules & Policies

For more information on Welby Way's school policies and procedures, please click through the following links.

** GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT **

Students must respect the rights and property of others.
Students must use appropriate language and/or gestures.
Students must not trade or sell anything on the school yard.
Students must be respectful and follow directions given by adults.
Weapons, knives, spiked or heavy accessories, explosives, intoxicants and drugs are not to be brought to school. Welby Way has a "No Tolerance" policy.
Toys, radios, cameras, skates, shoes with wheels, skateboards, and scooters are not to be brought by students unless specifically approved by the school administration.
Gum, candy and soda are not to be brought to school.
Students must have permission to leave the school grounds during the school day.
Students must remain on the school grounds throughout the school day, unless they have been picked up by a parent and cleared through the office.
Prescribed medication must be submitted with a signed authorization form to the school office. Staff will administer dosage.

** ATTENDANCE MATTERS **

As we begin a new school year, we know that you are eager to ensure your student’s success for the upcoming school year. Research shows a direct correlation between attendance and a student’s academic success. Please refer to the District’s Parent Handbook for further information. The District’s policy is aligned with state law.

As parents, you are a vital part of your student’s success at school as well as to their future achievement. School attendance is vital to a student’s achievement. Students who develop patterns of good attendance are much more likely to be successful both academically and socially. When they attend school, they get better grades: score better on standardized tests and are more likely to go to college. It is our responsibility to teach our children the importance of attendance now so they are prepared for the future. Employers say good attendance demonstrates responsibility and is a key factor in the hiring and promotion of employees. It’s the law. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that their children go to school.

Every student is expected to attend school on a daily basis, unless there is valid justification for his/her absence (California Education Code 48200). The District’s policy is less than 7 absences a year to be considered proficient for attendance. Some families may not realize that a signed note from home does not necessarily excuse an absence. According to the State’s Education Code, students are excused from school due to illness, a medical appointment, a funeral service of his/her immediate family member (there are specific limits to the number of days), to attend a religious ceremony, or to appear in court. For reasons other than illness, parents must receive approval prior to the absence (religious ceremony, funeral, court appearance, etc.). ANY absences for reasons other than those listed as excused absences by the Ed. Code are deemed unexcused (for example, car issues, weather, family emergency, etc.). Upon the third unexcused or uncleared (no note) absence or tardy for 30 minutes from a school in any school year, the student will be classified as truant.

If a student is absent 10 or more days, a note from the parent (even for an illness) cannot be accepted. You MUST have a note from the doctor clearing the child for each day absent or you are required to bring the child to school on the day the student is absent to verify illness by the school nurse or personnel.

Parents have only ten school days after an absence to provide a valid reason to excuse the absence. If a valid reason is not provided within 10 school days, the absence will be marked with reason code #3 truancy and may lead to truancy status. State law declares a student truant when the student has 3 unexcused absences or tardies in excess of 30 minutes. Releasing your child early from school is also coded by the District as a “tardy.” Tardy refers to any minutes of school missed when it is not a full day absence.

Parents of children with health issues or a chronic illness may complete the “Release of Information” form. This form authorizes the school nurse to speak with the child’s doctor about the child’s health issues and how they impact school attendance. Once the form is approved by the school nurse or administrator, the parent may continue to write notes to excuse all absences as in the past.

Please plan family vacations on non-school days only and schedule non-emergency medical and dental appointments after school hours whenever possible. If the appointment must be made during school hours, please have your student attend school prior to the appointment and/or return to school after the appointment to complete the school day. Please do not allow your child to have “parent-permitted truancies.” These truancies are best described as absences for reasons other than what the law allows. Unexcused absences are considered truancies, and they may include the following: Personal business, car problems, family issues, weather and vacations. Extended absences may result in forfeiting your magnet status or permit status.

We look forward to partnering with you to make sure that your student is successful at school. We are available to offer support and guidance to address any issues that prevent your student from attending school regularly. Please feel free to contact us or the school nurse if you have further questions.

**CELL PHONE & ELECTRONICS POLICY **

Students’ cell phones must be turned off during the school day and remain in the child’s backpack. Students may turn on their devices after school, but only for age-appropriate games and apps. They may NOT take photos/videos of others or misuse the privilege in any way. Confiscated phones will be sent to the main office until the parent takes possession. Students are required to turn cell phones off and leave them in their backpacks during school hours. Smart watches must also be turned off, although they may be worn, during the school day. Please be aware that the school and staff are not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones or electronics, regardless of when it happens.

Students will:

Be allowed to use a cell phone for the purpose of calling or receiving calls from a parent or guardian after school.
Be allowed to read on an electronic device only in class and after school.
Not be allowed to bring cell phones on field trips for any reason.
Refrain from texting, taking photos/videos of students, or using any device for searching, sharing or posting inappropriate information. This is not permitted at school.

In the event that the above-mentioned rules are not followed on campus, the electronic device privileges will be revoked for the remainder of the school year.

The FBI and law enforcement do not recommend that elementary age students have smart phones or one with wi-fi capability.

Popular social media sites (Instagram, Snap Chat, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) require a user to be a minimum of 13 years old. Please have your children refrain from using social media sites on campus and without your supervision.

** BIRTHDAY POLICY **

At Welby Way Elementary, we enjoy honoring students on their birthdays. Teachers recognize children in the classroom on their special day in a variety of ways, and they take great pride in making your child feel special on their birthday. Before making any plans for your child’s birthday, first discuss with your child’s teacher their class policy on recognizing birthdays in the classroom.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO send treats on your child’s birthday. However, if birthday treats are permitted in your child’s class, you may drop off individually-packaged, store-bought treats in the office. Check with the teacher regarding any known food allergies. Your teacher will arrange a five-minute time period during recess, lunch, or before dismissal to sing “Happy Birthday” and pass out the treats.

With more research that shows the importance of nutrition, new Federal and District guidelines will be implemented at school to help teach our children about smart snacks and healthier choices for treats.

Snack items should be approximately 200 calories, low in sodium (230 mg), low in fat (less than 35% of the calories), and low in sugar (less than 35% of the item’s calories). Avoid processed foods, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, and high fructose syrup and sugar. All foods must be individually packaged and store-bought. Due to regulations, homemade items are not allowed. The following is a list of suggested items:

Treats do not necessarily need to be food:

Small bottles of bubbles that students can blow on the yard
A book donated to the class in the student’s name
A game for the classroom
A donation to a charity of the student’s choice in the class name
Personalized pencils or school supplies

Thank you for supporting our efforts as we educate our students and model healthier habits.

** DRESS CODE POLICY **

LAUSD believes that appropriate student dress contributes to a productive learning environment. As noted by Board policy, all students shall be required to show proper attention to personal cleanliness, health, neatness, safety, and suitability of clothing and appearance for school activities. In every case the dress and grooming of the student shall not:

Cause actual distraction or disturbance in any school activity or actually interfere with the participation of a student in any school activity;
Create a hazard to the safety of him/herself or others; and/or
Create a health hazard.

Any clothing or accessories that are disruptive to the educational process are not permitted. Please adhere to our Welby Way Dress Code Policy below:

Shirts/Tops – All shirts must be long enough to cover the midriff when the student raises his/her hand. Tops should not be shear, backless, worn off the shoulder, or low cut. No spaghetti straps are allowed.
Skirts and Shorts should be of appropriate length, which is no higher than mid-thigh.
Headgear, earrings, and jewelry – No dangling earrings are allowed. Headgear is allowed outdoors but not indoors.
Shoes should be close-toed and appropriate for physical activity.
Clothing or insignias that are vulgar or profane, or that advocate racial, ethnic or religious prejudice, gang affiliation, or the use of weapons, tobacco, drugs or alcohol, are not permitted.
Fridays are spirit wear days. We encourage all students to wear Welby Wear, available in the Spirit Store. Please check the POWW web site for sale dates/times.

** BIKE REGULATIONS **

** LUNCH / SNACKS **

Snacks and lunch may be eaten in the lunch area only. NO EATING ON THE YARD.
Students must stay in the lunch area when eating.
Students must remain seated and follow directions of the lunch supervisors.
All litter must be thrown into the trash cans.
Glass containers are not safe at school.
Students may bring water, juice, or milk to school. NO SODA OR GATERADE ALLOWED.
Per health code, parents are not permitted to eat in the lunch area with their children.

Los Angeles Unified is committed to supporting a safe learning environment for all students and employees. However, in accordance with federal, state, local and school board safety and nutritional standards and policies, the District will prohibit food and beverage deliveries - of any kind - to students during school hours. This policy will ensure our school communities continue to remain safe learning environments by reducing the number of unauthorized visitors in and around school perimeters and students having to leave campus to pick up outside food or beverages. Additionally, this policy limits the number of unknown allergens incidents. We encourage you to utilize the school's cafeteria services or provide your child with a packed lunch. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter.

** PLAYGROUND EXPECTATIONS **

Only school playground supplies and equipment may be used for games played at school unless specifically authorized by the teacher or administration.
Students must not play in the restroom or around the buildings.
When on the yard, at recess, or noon, students must play in assigned areas or sit near game areas.
Balls may not be thrown, or bounced after the bell has rung. Balls should be returned to the bins when the bell rings.
Students may not leave school grounds to retrieve a ball that goes over the fence. The loss must be reported to a yard supervisor.
Students are not to play ball against the buildings or bins.
Students are not to swing on the tetherball or on the volleyball/Prisoner net.
Students with casts, splints, or ace bandages may not play on the yard. They must report to the office.

** DROP-OFF and PICK UP PROCEDURES**

In order to provide a safe and secure learning environment for our students and staff, especially in the light of our current pandemic, we will continue to institute our secure campus policy during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times.

Carefully see the school map below and adhere to procedures to support a smooth process. Students will be dropped off and picked up at their designated gates.

MORNING DROP-OFF

All gates will be open at 7:30 am.
The first bell rings at 7:56, and school starts at 8:01 am.
There will be no valet service during this time. Please walk to school or park your cars and walk your child(ren) to their designated gate(s). Siblings will be allowed to enter from the same gate.
Present student’s Daily Pass (paper or device) for that day.

AFTERNOON PICK-UP

All gates will be open from 2:30-2:50 pm.
Your child(ren) will be released to you at their designated gates.
If you arrive after 2:50 pm to pick up your child, please go to the main gate on Welby Way.

Please know that this policy does not prohibit parent involvement and volunteerism but aims to create a system that protects our community, increases accountability for those who enter our campus, and minimizes unnecessary interactions while in the pandemic. We thank you for your part in making Welby Way a safe school and remaining flexible.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call at (818) 348-1975. We look forward to a safe and successful school year as we work together to do what is best for all children.

** TRAFFIC PROCEDURES AND RULES **

Although we have many families who walk to school, the majority drive to school. Traffic around our school during the peak drop-off and pick-up times is extremely congested. EACH AND EVERY PARENT, BABYSITTER, GRANDPARENT, AND GUARDIAN MUST FOLLOW THE TRAFFIC SAFETY RULES:

Do not stop your car in the middle of the street to drop-off or pick-up your children.
Follow the established flow of traffic – the passenger side should always be closest to the school’s perimeter.
If you have parked across the street, DO NOT JAYWALK. Walk to the nearest crosswalk and cross at the intersection.
Do not stand across the street and wave to your child to run across the street to meet you.
Do not sit in your car and wait for your children to come meet you during the pick-up times. We are like the airport. If your child is not at the curb ready to meet you, drive around the school and get back in the “valet” line.
Just one car waiting for children who have not come out of the school gates and hold up the rest of traffic.
Do not honk for your children.
Do not park in the Church parking lot across the street. It is private property and your car can be ticketed.

PLEASE DO:

Remember that every child’s safety should be your main concern.
Remember that the children are watching what you say and how you choose to follow the rules.
Remain calm and courteous at all times.
Respect our neighbors and their property. They watch our school and our children for us to keep them safe. They are the first to call the police if they see anything suspicious. Our neighbors are our partners.
Park a couple of blocks away or use the valet system to drop off your children.

** AFTER SCHOOL **

The kinder yard is closed upon dismissal every day. The District does not provide a Youth Services coach to monitor the kinder yard. Without a District employee, students may not remain on the kinder yard after school, even with parental supervision.
The main yard is open until 6:00 p.m. on all school days. Per the District’s policy, the main yard is open ONLY TO STUDENTS SECOND THROUGH FIFTH GRADES. Kindergartners and first graders MAY NOT remain on the yard after school, even with an older sibling, for their safety. The Youth Services division of the LAUSD provides one coach to monitor the entire yard after school. The Youth Services program is an open-campus program, which means that students do not need to sign-out to leave the campus. Students are free to leave the campus, so please speak to your child regularly regarding your expectations of him/her walking home, going to a friend’s house, or staying on campus to wait for you. Preplan with your children and communicate with them every morning about that day’s after school plan. Children become very anxious when they are unsure about their after school pick-up plan.
For-fee after school care program available. Daycare is available for kindergarten and first grades. If space permits, daycare enrollment will be extended to 2nd and up. Please call the office for details 818-348-1975.
Our Parker enrichment classes: We have four (4) sessions throughout the school year with a variety of courses offered. More information forthcoming.

** Visitor Policy **