Irwin Academy Student/Parent Handbook

Letter from the Principal

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students:

During the 2026–2027 school year, Irwin Academy School of Performing Arts will continue its tradition of excellence. We have many exciting adventures ahead as a school of performing arts and 21st-century skills, including creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.

I am honored to serve as your principal and look forward to building stronger relationships with all members of our Eagle family. At Irwin Academy, we believe all children can be successful learners.

Students are recognized and rewarded in the classroom and schoolwide for demonstrating STAR behavior. Families can support student success by reinforcing these expectations and modeling positive behavior.

This handbook contains useful information about school policies and procedures. Communication among staff, families, and students is essential. Contact your child's teacher to arrange a conversation when questions or concerns arise.

Working together, we will make this an incredible year for our Irwin Eagles!

Thank you,
Gary White
Principal

School Website

Visit irwin.vesd.net for Irwin Academy news, announcements, activities, school information, and updates.

Attendance and Verifying Absences

Schedule doctor and dentist appointments after school or during minimum-day afternoons whenever possible. When an appointment during school hours cannot be avoided, bring your child to school for at least part of the day.

All student absences must be verified. Families may:

• Submit a note to the office or teacher when the child returns, including the reason and all absence dates.
• Email the child's teacher with the reason and all absence dates.
• Call the office each day the child is absent or on the day the child returns.
• Submit a doctor's or dentist's note confirming the appointment or reason for absence.

Tardiness and Early Dismissal

Frequent tardiness or leaving before the end of instruction disrupts learning and may result in referral to the School Attendance Review Board. When a student has an appointment, arrange pickup before 3:00 p.m.

Cell Phones

Students may carry cell phones, but phones must remain turned off and stored in backpacks while on school grounds.

• On the first unauthorized use, the phone will be confiscated and held in the office for parent pickup.
• On the second unauthorized use, the phone will be held for one week by the administration team.
• The school is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones.

Vandalism

Students are expected to treat school materials, equipment, and facilities with care. Parents or guardians are responsible for the full cost of damage caused by their child, including labor and repairs.

Major Education Code Offenses

Students who commit a major offense may be referred to the office, suspended for one to five days, and subject to placement or expulsion under California Education Code 48900.

1. Causing, attempting, or threatening physical injury.
2. Willfully using force or violence.
3. Possessing, selling, or furnishing a firearm, knife, explosive, or dangerous object.
4. Possessing, using, selling, furnishing, or being under the influence of a controlled substance, alcohol, or intoxicant.
5. Offering or arranging to sell a controlled substance.
6. Damaging or attempting to damage school or private property.
7. Robbery or extortion.
8. Stealing or attempting to steal school or private property.
9. Possessing or using tobacco products.
10. Obscene acts, habitual profanity, or vulgarity.
11. Disrupting school activities or willfully defying valid authority.
12. Knowingly receiving stolen property.
13. Hazing or bullying, including electronic bullying.
14. Possessing an imitation firearm.
15. Harassing, threatening, or intimidating a witness.
16. Sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, or battery.
17. Sexual harassment.
18. Hate violence.
19. Severe or pervasive harassment, threats, or intimidation that create a hostile environment or disrupt school.

Offenses Subject to Placement or Expulsion Under Education Code 48915

• Serious physical injury, except in self-defense.
• Possession of a knife or dangerous object with no reasonable use.
• Unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
• Robbery or extortion.
• Assault or battery against a school employee.

Dress Code

Students are expected to wear clothing that is safe, clean, and appropriate for an elementary school learning environment. Clothing and accessories should support a positive atmosphere and should not create a distraction or safety concern. School administration determines whether an item is appropriate.

Pants, Shorts, Skirts, Skorts and Capris

• When standing with arms relaxed at the sides, no skin may be exposed above the fingertips.
• Tights, leggings, or biker shorts must be worn underneath when skin would otherwise be exposed above the fingertips.
• Pants must be worn securely at the waist. Sagging and exposed undergarments are not permitted.

Shirts

• Shirts must fully cover the torso, including while sitting, standing, or raising the arms.
• Straps must be at least two finger-widths wide. Spaghetti straps are not permitted.
• Clothing may not display profanity, vulgar language, inappropriate images, or messages promoting drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vaping, weapons, gangs, violence, discrimination, or other inappropriate material.
• Undergarments may not be visible.
• Friday spirit-wear themes may include Eagle gear, sports, or college apparel as announced.

Shoes

• Shoes must be worn at all times.
• Closed-toe shoes that fit securely are required.
• Sandals, flip-flops, slippers, backless shoes, wheeled shoes, and high heels are not permitted.
• Crocs must be worn with the back strap in place.

Backpacks and Accessories

• Backpacks must be neat and free from distracting decorations.
• Rolling backpacks are not permitted.
• Baseball caps may be worn outdoors only, with the bill facing forward.
• Caps may not display inappropriate logos or markings.
• Large hoop earrings are not allowed; stud earrings are permitted.
• Jewelry or accessories that create a safety hazard or distraction may be prohibited.

Additional Guidelines

• Pajamas, costumes, and costume accessories may be worn only on designated spirit days or with prior approval.
• Sunglasses may be worn outdoors only.
• Administration may address clothing, accessories, hairstyles, or personal items that are unsafe, disruptive, or inconsistent with the dress code.

Students who are not in compliance may be asked to change or have a parent or guardian bring appropriate clothing before returning to class.

Positive Reinforcement

Irwin Academy uses School-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies and Positive School Climate practices to support appropriate behavior through a multilevel system of reinforcement.

Bicycles

The handbook recommends that children not begin riding bicycles to school before grade 3.

1. Ride to and from school, but not on school property.
2. Use caution around walkers and when crossing streets.
3. Wear a helmet as required by California law.

Items Not Appropriate at School

Scooters, skateboards, and rollerblades may not be used while traveling to or from school or while at school.

Students may not bring personal property without specific teacher or principal permission. Examples include gum, candy, toys, music players, sports equipment, electronic devices, noise-making pens or watches, live animals, and pets.

Office Hours and Contact Updates

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Update ParentSquare immediately when your phone number or address changes. You may also notify the office so the school can maintain current information for communication and student safety.

Homework

Homework reinforces classroom learning and supports student mastery. Families are encouraged to provide a quiet place for homework, discuss assignments, and offer support. Expectations vary by grade and classroom; contact the teacher with questions.

Report Cards and Parent Conferences

• The October conference is a goal-setting and progress-report meeting.
• The first report card is provided during first-trimester conferences.
• The second report card is sent home during March Parent Conferences Week.
• The third report card is sent home on the last day of school.
• During both parent conference weeks, school dismisses Monday through Friday at 1:04 p.m.

Families may contact teachers by note, phone, ParentSquare, Remind, or email to arrange a discussion.

Telephone Use and Classroom Messages

Office telephone use is limited to urgent situations and emergencies. Students must receive office permission before using the phone.

To reduce classroom interruptions, classroom phones and the public-address system are used only for schoolwide announcements or urgent messages.

Messages for students may be left with office staff and will be delivered near the end of the school day. Messages received after 2:10 p.m. on regular days or 12:14 p.m. on minimum days may not be delivered before dismissal.

Inclement Weather

During severe weather or poor air quality, families should listen to local radio stations listed by the school for closure information.

Lost and Found

Label jackets, hats, binders, backpacks, and other personal belongings. Small valuables such as jewelry, glasses, and wallets are kept in the school office. Unclaimed items may be donated during school breaks.

Classroom Visits

Irwin Academy is a closed campus. Visitors and volunteers must arrange visits in advance, report to the office upon arrival, show identification, sign in, and wear an identification badge. Parents must complete volunteer training before coming onto campus during school hours.

Withdrawal Procedures

Notify the school office two days before transferring a student. Return instruments, library books, and textbooks, and pay outstanding charges by the student's final day. Records will be forwarded when requested by the new school.

Field Trips

Field trips enhance classroom learning. A district permission slip signed by a parent or legal guardian must be returned by the day before the trip. Handwritten notes and phone calls are not accepted as authorization.

Breakfast and Lunch Program

Breakfast and lunch are provided at no charge each school day. Breakfast is served from 8:00 to 8:40 a.m. Contact the teacher for the student's lunch schedule.

Lunches dropped off during the day should be brought to the front office. The child will be notified and may pick up the lunch when the teacher is able to release the student. Students are not called out of class immediately, and parents should not expect to see the child during lunch drop-off.

Classroom Parties

Because of student allergies, only prepackaged food or food from Nutrition Services is permitted for classroom parties. Nonfood birthday items are acceptable. Contact the teacher for instructions.

Lost or Damaged Instruments, Books and Materials

Students are responsible for school property. Parents must pay for lost or damaged instruments, books, or materials assigned to their child. The school will provide a notice describing the item and amount due. Payments for lost books are refunded if the book is later returned.

VESD Board Meetings

The handbook states that most regular Board of Trustees meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the District Office. View agendas, minutes, locations, and schedules on the VESD Board meeting calendar .

Parent Involvement

Volunteers and Field Trip Chaperones

Volunteers must complete annual training and a volunteer application. A driver's license copy is required. Prospective volunteers are screened and submitted for Board approval.

Volunteer training is scheduled on the last Friday of each month during Soaring With the Principal.

Small children may not accompany volunteers into classrooms, workrooms, staff lounges, or staff restrooms.

Teachers may invite volunteer-trained and Board-approved parents to chaperone field trips. Student siblings are not permitted. Chaperones are expected to support teachers and school rules.

Student Supervision and Responsibility for Safety

Irwin Academy staff share responsibility for student conduct and safety while students travel to and from school and while they are on campus. Students are expected to respond promptly, obediently, and courteously to supervising adults.

Students who know about a threat, unsafe situation, or inappropriate object are expected to notify a teacher or another adult immediately.

Before and After School

• Instruction begins at 8:40 a.m.
• Students should not arrive before 8:00 a.m. unless enrolled in Champions or Think Together.
• Breakfast is available from 8:00 to 8:40 a.m.
• Walking students must go directly home after dismissal unless attending an approved program.
• Students picked up by an adult must meet the adult at the assigned gate.
• Students may not remain after school for an event or program without a signed permission slip.

Student Release and Daily Dismissal Transportation

Parents and guardians must present photo identification before a child is released. New emergency forms are required each school year. Students are released only to adults listed on the current emergency form.

Families must identify the student's regular daily transportation plan. Changes must be communicated by a signed note or through the front office. Students may not verbally change their own dismissal plan.

Parent Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures

Parents must remain with children until they are safely on campus. Students may cross the street without a parent only when a crossing guard is present. Students should never cross outside a crosswalk or walk through parking-lot traffic.

When dropping off a student late, an adult must bring the student into the office and sign the student in as tardy.

Child Custody and Restraining Orders

Provide the school with official custody, visitation, or restraining-order documents. Without court documents bearing a judge's signature and court stamp on file, a noncustodial parent may legally sign out and remove the child.

School Safety Plan and Emergency Drills

Irwin Academy maintains a comprehensive School Safety Plan that is reviewed annually. The plan addresses fire, earthquake, bomb threats, lockdown procedures, and dangerous situations on or near campus.

Staff members are assigned emergency duties, and food, water, safety, and first-aid supplies are stored on campus. Safety procedures are discussed and practiced in classrooms.

Fire, Disaster and Lockdown Drills

Students are taught what to do during earthquakes, fires, and other dangerous situations. Drills are practiced monthly and may be indicated by the alarm system or an administrative announcement. The purpose is preparation, not fear.

Bus Transportation

Busing is provided for eligible students within the district quadrant. Bus transportation is a privilege that may be revoked for serious or repeated misconduct. Parents remain responsible for school attendance when transportation privileges are removed.

Bus Stop Rules

1. Respect property near the loading area.
2. Line up in an orderly manner.
3. Stand back until the bus stops completely.
4. Do not bring live animals or insects onto a school bus.

Bus Rules

1. Follow directions the first time.
2. Remain seated.
3. Keep hands, arms, legs, and objects to yourself.
4. Do not curse, swear, or talk loudly.
5. Do not eat, drink, or smoke.
6. Do not push or fight.

Visit the Irwin Academy website for the Student/Parent Transportation Handbook.

Independent Study

Families planning an absence of one or more days should contact the office. Contracts must be completed and approved by the principal at least three days before the planned absence.

When a physician recommends an absence longer than five days because of severe illness, provide a doctor's note and contact the office immediately. Contracts may not be backdated.

Students receive attendance credit only when all assigned work is completed and returned on the first day back. Partial work results in no credit.

Illness and Accidents at School

When a child becomes ill or injured and parent contact is required, office staff will use the emergency form. Paramedics may be called when immediate medical attention is necessary and contacts cannot be reached.

Keep work, cell, home, and emergency contact information current.

Conditions Listed for Exclusion

• Vomiting or excessive coughing.
• A fever of 99.6 degrees or higher.
• An injury or symptoms of a contagious illness requiring skilled medical attention.

The handbook states that evidence of treatment may be required before returning after pink eye, scabies, scarlet fever, ringworm, or impetigo.

Student Medication at School

No medication may remain in a student's backpack unless authorized by a physician.

1. A parent or guardian must bring prescription or over-the-counter medication to school.
2. The container must show the child's name and prescribed dosage.
3. The parent or guardian and physician must sign the required authorization form.
4. Telephone permission cannot be accepted for forgotten medication; the parent or guardian must come to school.
5. A new form is required whenever the dosage changes.
6. Medication is stored and administered by the health attendant or designated personnel.
7. A new authorization form is required annually.

Parents or guardians must pick up medication by the final day of school. Medication left over the summer will be disposed of.

Routine Health Screening

VESD conducts annual vision and hearing screenings through qualified personnel. Results are placed in the student's health record. Vision screening may be waived when the school receives a certificate from a qualified doctor or optometrist under Board Policy 5141.3. Students may also be weighed and measured annually.

Excuses from Physical Education and Recess

A written excuse from a parent or doctor is required. A doctor's note is required for more than three days. For chronic conditions, provide written notice and a doctor's statement describing the specific limitation. Excused students will spend physical education or recess time in the health office.

Head Lice

Students should not share hats, hairbrushes, hair accessories, jackets, or similar items. The handbook states that students with head lice will be sent home and may return only after office staff determine they are nit-free and clear them for class.