LOYOLA VILLAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
LOYOLA VILLAGE FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS MAGNET CENTER

8821 Villanova Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 670-0480

FAMILY NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the 2011–2012 school year! We hope that your family had an enjoyable summer and that you are ready to begin a new year with excitement and enthusiasm.

With the arrival of our test scores, I am thrilled to announce that we made excellent gains in all grade levels. Our new Academic Performance Index (API) score is 872, an increase of 72 points! In fact, we had the second greatest gains in English Language Arts and Math for all elementary schools in Local District 3 (LD3). BRAVO to one and all! Dr. Brenda Manuel, LD3 Superintendent, extends her congratulations as well.

The entire school staff is dedicated to providing your child with an excellent educational program. I am delighted to introduce Mrs. Caryn Beck-Southers, our new Magnet Coordinator. She will be on campus from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. daily. She and I will work closely together as your administrative team. We happily welcome back Mrs. Barbara Honig, our Assistant Principal for Special Education. She will be on campus one day each week to implement our program for students with special needs.

Our school-wide vision is clear – to provide a strong academic and social foundation for all students so that they may discover and develop their potential to become self-motivated, productive, responsible citizens, and life-long learners. Our daily mission is also clear – to engage all students in a challenging standards-based curriculum with high expectations for achievement. Learning thrives in a safe, nurturing, respectful, and collaborative environment.

We appreciate your support for the high standards and expectations that we have for your child. With your partnership, much is possible. We encourage your involvement in our PTA, Booster Club, School Site Council, Compensatory Education Advisory Committee, and English Learner Advisory Committee. My weekly “ConnectEd” telephone message (Sundays at 4:30 p.m.), the monthly Family Newsletter, and other activity flyers will keep you up-to-date with all of our learning opportunities.

Please come to school to meet your child’s teacher and other staff members. Arrangements for class visits are made through the school office. In addition, all parents/guardians are cordially invited to our Back-to-School Night on Tuesday, September 20^th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

We look forward to a wonderful school year of academic achievement and social growth for all of our students. Welcome to the village – Loyola Village!

Sincerely yours,
Melinda Goodall
Principal

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LAUSD Parent-Student Handbook
This essential handbook discusses state and district policies, including student/parent rights and responsibilities, attendance, student health information, discipline, permits, transfers, dress code, non-discrimination, and elimination of harassment. The state of California requires all school districts to notify parents about this information. Please read this handbook, and sign and return the receipt on the last page to your child’s teacher.

Emergency Information Card
Please complete in ink the front and back of the enclosed Emergency Information Card, and return it to school by Friday, September 9^th. Your prompt assistance is needed and appreciated. A current LAUSD Emergency Information Card MUST be on file at school so that parents/guardians can be promptly notified in case of accident or illness involving their child. If any parent would like an Emergency Card in Spanish, please notify your child’s teacher.

Loyola Village Parent and Student Handbook
Standards for student behavior are based upon the six pillars of CHARACTER COUNTS! Please read the green student handbook and review all standards for school-wide safety, respect, and responsibility with your child. Please sign and return the Student–Parent–Administrator Contract by September 20^th to your child’s teacher.

School Safety and Security
Perimeter gates are locked daily at 8:15 a.m. and unlocked at dismissal with the exception of the main entrance. Students arriving after 8:15 a.m. must come to the main office for campus entry. All visitors must report to the main office upon arrival, sign in, and wear a Visitor’s Pass. This pass must be returned prior to departure. Our Safe Schools Plan will be discussed at our School Site Council meetings.

The Board of Education has taken a firm stand against students bringing dangerous objects and weapons to school. In fact, a student may be expelled (not just suspended) from the school district for such an act. Please talk with your child concerning this serious matter, and advise them never to bring anything than can be considered as a weapon to school. Please note, this includes nail files and toy guns.

School Uniforms
Our School Site Council and parent organizations approved and strongly recommend the use of school uniforms for our students. Refer to the green Student Handbook.

Bus Safety Rules
Please read the “Regulations for School Bus Safety” with your child. These regulations were sent with the route information. Remember that students should be at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled pickup time. The bus cannot wait for students past the scheduled pickup time. For bus problems, call Transportation Dispatch at (800) LA BUSES.

Class Reorganization
Due to the growth or loss in enrollment of pupils at each grade level, there is reorganization in all elementary schools up to the fourth week of class to even out the number of students in each classroom. If necessary, Loyola Village’s reorganization will take place by the fourth week of school. If your child is involved in a change, be assured that your child’s grade is not affected. A note will be sent home explaining the move and introducing the new teacher.

Needed Support from Parents – Excessive Tardiness
Your child is tardy if he/she arrives after 8:15 a.m. With our focus on academic achievement, teachers must begin their instructional program on time. Late arrivals  disrupt the teacher’s lesson sequence and reduce valuable instructional time for those who are in class and engaged in learning. Parents are required to write a note to the teacher explaining the reason for the tardiness.

Interruption of Classroom Instruction
Please discuss after-school plans with your child before leaving home in the morning. Send a written note to the teacher/office regarding any changes. Telephone requests to notify students of their pickup during the school day impact classroom instruction. In the case of an emergency, the school is always willing to serve you in any way possible.

Pupil Progress Reports
Students will receive three progress reports during this school year. The reporting dates are as follows:

            Reporting Period                                                     Progress Report Sent Home

            September 7 through December 2, 2011               December 9, 2011

            December 5, 2011 through March 16, 2012           March 23, 2012

            March 25 through June 22, 2012                             June 22, 2012

Harassment and Bullies
The “Don’t Let Others Bully or Harass You!” pamphlet describes how to stop bullying and harassment and who can help.

Special Education Information
The “Are you Puzzled by Your Child’s Special Needs?” pamphlet describes assessment and services available for students.

“Section 504 and Students with Disabilities” pamphlet describes provisions for students under the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Earthquake/Disaster Preparedness Procedures
The staff of Loyola Village has been trained in disaster preparedness and sheltering techniques. Plans have been made to care for all students and employees in case of an emergency. In the event of an emergency, parents are requested to pick up their children at the Reunion Gate that is located near the staff parking lot on Rayford Avenue.

Cell Phone Policy
Students may possess a cell phone on campus. However, it must remain “off” and stored in a backpack or other place where it is not visible during school hours. If the cell phone is observed by staff during school hours, it will be confiscated until redeemed by a parent or guardian. The District is not responsible for students’ lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones.

Change of Address/Telephone
As the year proceeds, please notify the school office immediately of any changes of address or telephone number. Current emergency contact information must be on file in the school office. Address information is also used by the district for mailings.

Six Month Surveillance for Condition of Asbestos-Containing Building Materials
In September 2010, specially trained personnel will return to our school to check on the condition of any asbestos-containing building material. A copy of the inspector’s written report will be included in our asbestos management plan, which is available in the main office. 

SEPTEMBER DATES TO REMEMBER:

September 9              Booster Club gift-wrap sale begins.

September 13             PTA and Booster Club Meeting                6:00 p.m., Auditorium
Please join us to learn about these vital organizations and their support for our school.

September 13            Parent Orientation for School Councils    6:45 p.m., Auditorium
This meeting provides an orientation to the rules and responsibilities of our three leadership councils - School Site Council (SSC), Compensatory Education Advisory Committee (CEAC), and English Learners Advisory Committee (ELAC).

September 20           Shortened Day – dismissal at 1:40 p.m. Prep. for Back-to-School.

September 20                        Back-to-School Night                                   5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Principal’s Message. Meet your child’s teacher for a classroom presentation on learning standards, curriculum, classroom procedures, homework, and building the home–school connection.

September 26                        School Leadership Elections for Parents/Community Members School Site Council (SSC)  3:00 p.m., Auditorium
Compensatory Education Advisory Committee (CEAC)  English Learners Advisory Committee (ELAC)  

September 27           Tuesday Banked Time Begins                 1:30 p.m. Dismissal

September 29           Unassigned Day – No School

September 30                        Picture Day

OCTOBER DATES TO REMEMBER:

October 7                   CHARACTER COUNTS Kick-off              1:45 p.m., Yard

October 10                 School Site Council Meeting                      2:45 p.m., Library

October 11                 PTA/Booster Club Meeting                       6:00 p.m., Auditorium        

October 15                 LoVE ARTS ALIVE FESTIVAL                 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

October 17 - 21         Shortened Days                                           1:40 p.m. dismissal

                               Parent – Teacher Conferences      (except Tuesday – 1:30 dismissal)

October 27                 Compensatory Education Advisory Committee            (CEAC) Meeting  3:00 p.m., Library

October 27                 English Learners Advisory Committee (ELAC) Meeting 4:00 p.m., Library

October 28                 Make-Up Picture Day

TRAFFIC SAFETY PLAN 

Please observe all posted parking signs to avoid being cited by the LAPD. Do not stop or park in red zones or block driveways at any time.

All parents are requested to cross children at appropriate crosswalks if parked across the street from school. Please avoid double parking for your child’s safety.

Do not park facing the wrong way on the street to drop off or pick up your child.

Please do not enter the staff parking lot on Rayford Avenue to drop off or pick up your child. Students may not walk through the lot at any time.

MORNING DROP-OFF

• Morning Drop-Off Valet program begins at 7:55 a.m. on Villanova Avenue for students arriving by car. Travel in a clockwise direction around the campus to enter the drop-off queue. Parent volunteers will open your car door and greet your child.

• Students walking to school with a family member enter the campus through the pedestrian gate on Rayford Avenue. Please do not enter through the Staff Parking Lot.

AFTERNOON PICKUP

• Parents are encouraged to park along Rayford Avenue and walk onto the campus through the pedestrian gate to meet their children. The loading zone on Villanova Avenue may be used for pick-up between 2:30 - 2:45 p.m. only. After that time, children must move inside the front gate and onto the yard.

• Students may be picked up by a parent/guardian or adult designated on the Emergency Card before 2:30 p.m. dismissal by coming directly to the school office and completing an early withdrawal request.

LOADING ZONE

• The loading zone is to be used to drop off or pick up your child only.

• The driver may not leave the vehicle at any time.

15 MINUTE PARKING AREA

• South side of Villanova Avenue from the end of the Passenger Loading zone east to the corner of Villanova Avenue and 88th Place.

• This area is reserved for dropping off students or for making school visits of 15 minutes or less from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. during school days.

• Kindergarten parents are requested to park on Villanova Avenue south of 88th Place, or on the north side of Villanova Avenue, or on the east side of 88th place if staying longer than 15 minutes. Rayford Avenue has unrestricted parking at all times.

BUS PARKING AREAS

• West side of 88th Place from the corner of Villanova Avenue and 88th Place to the alley.

• South side of Villanova Avenue from the corner of Rayford Drive and Villanova Avenue to the end of Library in front of the school.

• These areas are bus only zones.

• Do not stop or park in this area at any time. Violators are subject to tow-away or fine.

POLICY CONCERNING BUS TRANSPORTATION PROCESS

If you would like to provide private transportation for your child, other than the use of the school bus, you must send a written note on the day that you wish to pick up your child. We cannot accept verbal requests from your child. If we do not receive a note, your child will be put on the bus at dismissal.

Ms. Wells, our area bus supervisor, must have a 24 to 48 hour written notice on the school approved form before she can approve any inter-home visitations or changes in pickup or return location. The forms are available in the school office and may be requested for you by your child.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our school office or the Area Bus Supervisor, Ms. Wells at (310) 258-2060.