Policies & Procedures

Hot Weather Guidelines for Schools

Children take longer to adjust to hot environments than adults do, and their bodies reach core temperature much faster. Children’s bodies have greater surface area to body mass ratio, so they absorb more heat on a hot day (and lose heat more rapidly on a cold day). Also, children have considerable lower sweating capacity than adults, and so they are less able to dissipate body heat by evaporative sweating and cooling. Children are less likely to feel thirsty during prolonged play and exercise, and sometimes they just don’t want to be interrupted. They need to be reminded to drink water or another beverage. The Orange County Department of Education in collaboration with the Orange County Health Care Agency have created the following guidelines for schools to increase student safety during periods of hot weather. 

• When outdoors, stay in the shade whenever possible. Limit time outdoors when temperatures and UV radiation are most intense, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Ensure children are well hydrated. Provide or encourage frequent drinks to ensure adequate hydration. Plain water is the liquid of choice.
• Monitor children in wheelchairs and check the temperature of metal and vinyl parts.
• Check the temperature of metal and plastic playground equipment.
• Staff should be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Follow first aid procedures promptly.
• Limit strenuous activity outdoors
• Check regularly on young children and those children who are physically challenged or in wheelchairs and those who have chronic illnesses such as asthma.

Heat Illness Signs and Symptoms

Sunburn: Redness, pain, swelling of skin, blisters, fever and headaches. Treatment: leave water blisters intact to speed healing and avoid infection. If blisters break, apply a dry sterile dressing. Refer serious cases to a physician.

Heat Cramps: heavy sweating can cause painful muscle cramps, usually in the legs, but possibly in the abdomen. Treatment: apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm; give sips of water, if nausea occurs discontinue sips of water, move person to a cooler place to rest. Observe the person carefully for changes in condition.

Heat Exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin; weak pulse, fainting and vomiting. Treatment: get person out of sun, move person to a cooler environment, lay person down and loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths, give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue sips of water; if vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

Heatstroke: severe medical emergency, hot, dry skin, rapid and strong pulse, possible unconsciousness. Treatment: Call 911, if unable to get person to medical help immediately, do the following:

• Move person to a cooler environment
• Remove outer clothing
• Reduce body temperature using lukewarm (not cold) water to bathe/sponge the person
• Do not give fluids

OFFICE HOURS: Our school office is open daily from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

You are welcome to stop by the school office or phone the office (714-730-7385) should you need assistance.  

If you have an appointment with any staff member we ask that you arrive on time or you call to let the staff member know that you will be running late or cannot keep the appointment.  Staff members often have several meetings scheduled one after another and if you are not on time for your appointment the staff member will not have the appropriate amount of time to devote to you and your child.

Please note that District, State, and Federal Education Policies govern our school. The office staff /teachers are mandated to follow all rules, regulations, and policies set forth by these governing bodies. We try to work with families to help provide the most positive experience possible, but we must do so while still adhering to the law.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Get connected and celebrate the awesomeness of Beswick and TUSD! Follow us on Instagram @beswickbobcats. Follow us on Twitter @beswickes Follow Tustin Unified School District @TUSDschools! #TUSDthrives

NOTIFICATION OF MOVE: Please let the office know ahead of time if you are planning to move out of Beswick. We can put together the papers you will need to enroll at your new school. All textbooks, workbooks, school devices, chargers, outstanding lunch balances and library books need to be turned in before leaving. Damaged or lost items will be repaired or replaced at the expense of the parent.

BIRTHDAYS:  Students love to celebrate birthdays at school, as it is a memorable time to share with teachers and friends. Teachers will do something special for their students on their birthdays. Please do not send your child to school with gift bags, balloons, or any food items on his/her special day. Students/parents are not allowed to bring food items for birthday celebrations, as many of the items brought to school do not follow the TUSD Wellness Policy guidelines and/or cause problems in regards to student food allergies. Additionally, students will not be able to pass out birthday invitations to students here at school. As you might imagine, this can cause very hurt feelings for the students who do not get invited or cannot attend the birthday event, and serve as a distraction to learning. 

If you or a friend are not getting emails or reminders from school tell them to update their Aeries contacts or contact our community liasion at extension 62121 to schedule an appointment for assistance. 

Device Insurance- IPads are costly to repair/replace. Please protect yourself from damage or replacement costs by purchasing device coverage for the school year - must be done within 30 days of receiving the device. https://schooldevicecoverage.com/signup

DRESS CODE: In order to create an environment where all students can participate fully and focus on learning and academic achievement, Beswick, at the desire of our parent community, voted to adopt mandatory school uniforms. 

The following are the guidelines: 

School Uniforms: 

• The school uniform consists of navy, light blue, red or white shirts or blouses; navy blue or khaki skirts, jumpers, pants, or shorts (Denim is allowed but not encouraged).
• Shirts may or may not have a collar (turtlenecks are acceptable). 
• All clothing must be one solid color (no stripes or designs of any kind) and be the student's appropriate size. 
• Hats, shoes, socks, winter jackets and belts are exempt from the color scheme. 
• Spirit uniforms with the school's logo are available for sale in the office for spirit days. Exceptions: 
• Student Council Theme Days (Twin Day, Backwards Day, etc.) 
• Nationally-recognized youth organizations uniforms (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.) may be worn on regular meeting days. 

Financial Assistance: Families in need of financial assistance need to contact the office. Eligibility will be determined following the California Eligibility Scale for Free Meals. 

Alternatives: Students whose parents choose not to comply with mandatory school uniform requirements will have the opportunity to request a waiver, they must request in writing to the principal.

Kindergarten   Minimum 15 minutes of reading together, sharing a story, a lesson, activity, or reviewing concepts or skills taught during the week.
First Grade         15 minutes per night increased to 20 minutes as skills increase
Second Grade    20 minutes per night increased to 30 minutes as skills increase
Third Grade        30-45 minutes per night, including nightly reading
Fourth Grade     40-50 minutes per night, including nightly reading
Fifth Grade         50-60 minutes per night, including nightly reading

Listed below are several things parents can do to help students: 

• Establish a quiet environment and regular time for homework each day. 
• Provide the necessary supplies, such as pencils, paper, dictionary, crayons, etc. Encourage your child to do the best work possible. 
• Offer praise for a job well done. Show interest by asking questions such as, "What is the assignment about?" Offer to help with instructions or answer questions. 
• Check that assignments are complete and neatly done, and then initial their binder. 
• Establish consequences for not completing homework (limit playtime, games, or TV). 
• Students’ Homework Responsibilities are to:
• Take homework assignments and materials home.
• Spend the necessary time each night to complete homework.
• Demonstrate pride in homework by doing the best you can do.
• Submit finished homework to the teacher completely done and on time.
• Share concerns with teacher if homework is too difficult or too easy.

Parents’ Homework Responsibilities are to:

• Arrange a quiet time and study area including proper lighting.
• Encourage reading for pleasure.
• Expect your child to report progress to you on long-term assignments.
• See that your child organized homework for return at the right time.
• Encourage your child to work independently on homework assignments.
• Contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions regarding homework.
• Communicate with the teacher if homework is taking longer than expected or if your child frustrational level is “high” on a regular basis.

Teachers’ Homework Responsibilities are to:

• Require that homework is meaningfully and reflects and reinforces the curriculum/standards taught in class.
• Ensure that homework assignments are accessible are well prepared.
• Explain homework assignments to students and review study skills, homework guidelines, and expectations.
• Facilitate student access to the resources necessary to complete assignments.
• Differentiate or modify homework as needed in partnership with student and parent.

Support and encouragement from parents and guardians help children succeed. Thank you for doing your part to ensure your child’s love of learning and success!
 

LOST AND FOUND: Please make sure your children label all removable clothing, water bottles, lunch pails, etc... with his/her FIRST and LAST name. The lost and found cart is kept outside the Health Office across from the Staff Lounge. The school/staff assumes no responsibility for any personal item which is brought on campus. All unclaimed items are donated to charity at the end of each trimester. It is amazing to see how quickly items collect in the lost and found and how few items are actually returned to their owner due to lack of identification on clothing etc. We appreciate your help with this!

Nutrition Services Distance Learning Meal Service

Student Fees: Click HERE to visit the TUSD web site for current information on student fees.

PLAYGROUND STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

We are determined to foster and maintain a safe place for students to exercise through games and activities. Throughout the year we will work with students in a positive manner while instilling attitudes of respect, responsibility, and appropriate decision-making skills, which will support the academic and social foundations of Beswick Elementary School. We will review playground activity options and expectations regularly and make considerations where changes can be made as new ideas arise. In any situation, students should avoid engaging in any activity that could endanger his/her safety or the safety of others. Students will be taught to THINK before they act, and ask an adult if they do not know what is allowed.

Designated Play Areas

With the exception of getting a drink, using the restroom, or moving from the eating area to the playground, students are to remain on the blacktop or grass during recess and lunch periods once snack/lunch has been eaten. Students should not be between or behind buildings, or in any unsupervised area. When playgrounds get wet or muddy, students are required to stay on the blacktop play area.

General Rules

• Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. 

• Practice good sportsmanship and use KIND and appropriate language.

• Follow directions of supervising adults.

• Absolutely NO FIGHTING or “play fighting” – disciplinary action will be taken.

• No running on blacktop.

• When you hear the first bell, STOP playing and freeze. Hold all equipment. At the sound of the whistle, walk to your designated area.

• Recess and Lunch Break – Food must be eaten at the lunch tables. 

• Always clean up your paper and food scraps. Absolutely NO GUM is permitted on school grounds.

Boundaries

• Always stay in designated areas.

• Refrain from loitering or playing in the restrooms or at the drinking fountains.

• Do not climb on cement walls, planters or fences.

• Stay away from large containers (no running or hiding behind them).

• Students leaving the playground to go to the office must have a note from the playground supervisor.

Games

• Game rules should be followed at all times. 

• Use Rock, Paper, Scissors (only once; not 2 out of 3) while back-to-back if there is a dispute about who is “out.”

• Use, “Nice try, you’re awesome!” when someone loses.

• Handball: Those waiting for their turns must stand along the line. Anyone who leaves the line must go to the end. 

• There is no “cutting” in line.

• There are no “saving places” for friends.

• Personal sports equipment must remain at home and cannot be brought to school.

• Items from home: You must have your teacher’s approval before bringing items to school. These items may NOT be used during recess or lunchtime. 

• Respect school equipment. Students who intentionally mistreat equipment (such as intentionally kicking balls into neighbors’ yards, for example) may face disciplinary action and may be required to replace the equipment. 

Consequences

Teacher: Warning, reflection/break time with a Think Sheet, loss of privileges, telephone calls home, behavior or slips (major or minor) sent home.

Administrator: Telephone calls home, behavior slip/letter sent home, in-house suspension, suspension from school, and in severe cases, expulsion.

RELEASING CHILDREN TO ADULTS: Parents must sign their children out in the office when taking students from school early. Children will only be released to individuals listed on the emergency card. We require an ID when picking up a child. If special arrangements are made with persons not listed on the card, please send a note to the school office. Any pertinent custody information should be brought to the attention of the teacher and principal immediately.