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Throughout the school year, students will have the opportunity to earn awards for excellence in academics, attendance, and character. Award ceremonies are held 3 times a year at the conclusion of each trimester and also at the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony.

After school detentions may be assigned for excessive tardies, excessive lunch detentions, and recurring behaviors that are in need of progressive disciplinary actions. Often detentions are used as alternatives to suspension and may be required.

To be eligible to attend school assemblies, dances, sporting events or to participate in extracurricular activities, a student must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and a passing Citizenship grade, and must attend school the day of the activity. All school rules, including dress code, apply to all extracurricular activities.

To try-out or participate in a sport, students shall demonstrate satisfactory minimum progress in meeting the requirements for promotion, which include: ● A minimum 2.0 GPA and a passing Citizenship grade on the most recent progress report of trimester grade report. ● School attendance or not excused from PE class on day of activity. ● Students who are selected for extracurricular athletics are asked to contribute a voluntary athletic contribution of $50.00 donation for every sport in which the student participates. Donations help cover the costs for coaches, referees, league fees, and uniforms/equipment as needed. ● A sports physical examination clearance is required once during the 3 years a student attends Mountain Creek. To try-out for a sport, students must first submit a completed Clearance Forms and most recent Grade Report to the Athletic Director. ● A suspension in the month prior to team try-outs may disqualify a student from trying-out. A suspension while on the team may result in being removed from the team.

Indicators of academic success can be directly linked to consistent attendance at school. We do understand there may be times when absences are necessary. Excused absences are as follows: personal illness or injury, medical or dental appointment, immediate family member funeral or family emergencies. All absences must be cleared by a parent or guardian. Failure to verify absences will result in a recorded day of truancy. Absences must be verified within 48 hours or the absence automatically becomes unexcused. For all classes missed, work must be made up to the satisfaction of the teachers. If you are planning on an extended trip/extended time out of school of 3 days or more, please see the section for Independent Study contracts below. Per California State Law; transportation breakdown, carpool problems, missing the bus, oversleeping, truancy, and suspension, are unexcused tardies/absences and may receive consequences. A parent checking-in a student does not constitute the tardy/absence being excused.

following rules: 1. Obey all traffic laws, including the use of a helmet. 2. Students must walk their bikes/skateboards/scooters on campus at all times. This includes the parking lot and blacktop. 3. Skateboards, scooters, skates, roller blades, or any other footwear or device that has wheels and is ridden, should not be used on campus at any time.

All students in the Pioneer Union School District are eligible to ride the bus at no cost. Bus routes and times are available at www.Pioneer.k12.ca.us. Students’ conduct on the school bus should be similar to a classroom setting. Students should: follow directions the first time given, remain seated, wear a seatbelt, use classroom voices, keep all parts of their body inside the bus, and be kind while riding the bus.

In general, behavioral issues that are mild or moderate in nature will be handled by the teacher or homeroom teacher. Continued problems of this nature will be referred to the Administration. Students should be aware that all school rules and regulations apply while coming to school, going home from school, on the bus, as well as during all school activities.

Cell phones must not be out during school hours ANYWHERE on campus, from the time students come onto campus until the ending bell. They may not be kept in pockets. This includes the use of a “smart watch” being used to communicate or text. Students may only use cell phones after school to contact a parent to confirm pick-up information. If a cell phone rings or is out during school hours the cell phone will be placed in the school office and a parent/guardian will need to pick up the phone at the end of the school day. Continued offenses will result in increased consequences.

Students are expected to maintain standards of behavior that enhance learning for themselves and other students by showing up on time, being prepared, giving 100% effort, paying attention and finishing what is started. The following are specific expectations for all students: ● Arrive to class on time, enter the room orderly and quietly before the bell rings ● Students should not enter a classroom without a teacher present ● Have all required materials ● In class, raise your hand for recognition, wait to be called on ● Be prepared to participate positively in classroom/school activities ● Complete all assignments and turn them in when due ● Respect the classroom teacher's authority, show respect for self and peers at all times ● Respect personal and school property ● Profanity, put-downs, or harassment/bullying are not permitted in class or on campus ● Students are expected to do their own work unless working in a collaborative group ● Work on assigned tasks during the time allotted without creating disruption. A violation of the Classroom Code of Conduct will be handled by the teacher through regular classroom procedures. Failure to follow classroom standards may result in the lowering of a student's citizenship grade on a student progress report or report card, parent contact, and/or teacher-assigned detention. If a student continually chooses to break the rules and parent contact has not corrected the problem, the student may be referred to the office for administrative discipline.

Pioneer Elementary is committed to providing a high-quality academic program which meets the needs of all students. Our academic program consists of: English Language Arts, History, Mathematics, Science, Music, and Physical Education. Mt. Creek: Our academic program consists of a 7-period day, plus a Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) period.

Students can receive Strikes (demerits) for conduct violations. See full handbook for details.

Pioneer Elementary School and Mountain Creek Middle School Adheres to a dress code policy that applies to all Mountain Creek Students. Students will be required to immediately correct violations of the dress code and/or receive support from home to address the violations. The following dress code guidelines shall apply: ● Shoes must be worn at all times. Students wearing shoes that are a risk to student safety will be asked to change. In PE class students will be expected to wear footwear which is appropriate for athletic activities. ● Clothing, jewelry and personal items (backpacks, gym bags, water bottles etc.) shall be free of writing, pictures or any other insignia which are crude, vulgar, profane or sexually suggestive, which bear drug, alcohol or tobacco company advertising, promotions and likenesses, or which advocate racial, ethnic or religious prejudice. ● Gang-affiliated attire is prohibited. ● Hats, caps and other head coverings not for religious, ethnic, or safety purposes will be governed by the classroom teacher in their classroom. ● Midriffs may not be exposed. No midriff should be visible. Low slung pants, skirts or shorts, with a short top are not acceptable. Tops must not expose the chest either through the arm openings or neckline. ● Spiked jewelry is not allowed. ● Hair may not be sprayed by any coloring that would drip when wet. ● Indecent exposure is not allowed.

Please arrange for doctor and dentist appointments after school hours. That being said, it is understood that sometimes it is necessary for students to leave school before the end of the school day. Early checkouts from school cause a disruption to the instructional program. If you need to pick your student up early, please come to the office to have your student called out of class. Do not call/email the office and expect to have them waiting for you. Students must be signed out at the office to leave campus early. Only a parent/guardian may sign a student out of school, unless a parent has given us prior written/phone call instruction. Upon return, the student must be signed-in in the office by the parent/guardian. PLEASE MAKE AN EFFORT TO SCHEDULE ALL APPOINTMENTS BEFORE 8:30 AM OR AFTER 2:50 PM. For your child’s safety, please keep the school informed of any changes on your Emergency Information Form, including phone numbers or addresses. Please do not check out your student in the last 15 minutes of the school day. }

In order to participate in the 8th grade promotion ceremony and all promotion-related activities, each student must demonstrate satisfactory progress in their classes. Specifically, students must: 1. By the end of the year, earn at least a 1.0 GPA in each core academic course using trimester grades. 2. Not earn more than one failing grade per course in the year. 3. Maintain an attendance rate of 80% or higher during the school year. Moreover, in order to participate in promotion-related activities, such as the promotion field-trip, the promotion breakfast, and the promotion dance/party, along with the above requirements, students must also have a passing citizenship grade during the 3rd trimester. Promotion determination is made by administration and teachers one week prior to the end of the school year.

Extended day programs are available and are located on the Pioneer School campus. These programs are fee based and educationally oriented. For more information about Extended Day visit, www.eday.edcoe.org Before School: 6:30am – 8:15am open to TK-8th grades. This is a District Program focused on homework help, tutoring, games, and socializing with friends. After School: 2:50pm – 6:00pm Regular days: 1:50pm – 6:00pm Minimum days and Friday’s: 12:25pm – 6:00pm Super-Minimum Days; open to K – 8th grades. This program is operated by the El Dorado County Office of Education.

Field trips often require bus transportation. Prior to boarding the bus for a trip, a signed parental permission slip must be received. The signed parental permission slip gives the school authorization to seek emergency medical treatment in the case of sudden illness or injury. NO STUDENT will be allowed to participate on the trip unless a parental permission slip has been signed and returned to the school prior to the beginning of the trip.

To help keep our campus clean, gum is not allowed at any time on campus.

Homework provides students with the opportunity to complete unfinished class assignments. Late Work Policies: Students are expected to turn work in on time. Students who miss classwork/homework because of an absence will receive the opportunity to make up missed work equal to one day for each day of an excused absence, plus one additional day. It is the students’ responsibility to get work missed due to absences.

Students who expect to miss school for 3 or more days should contact the office at least one week in advance. If approved, Independent Study contracts and assignments are given to the student the day before the scheduled absence. Parents/Guardians should make every effort to ensure students are present on each school day and plan family trips outside of the school calendar. To receive full credit for missed assignments, the Independent Study contract must be completed and returned to the office the day the student returns to school. Contact the school Office for information and procedures regarding Independent Study Contracts. A maximum of 15 days on Independent Study will be granted annually.

Lunch detentions may be assigned for tardies, dress code and conduct infractions. The students will be allowed sufficient time to eat their lunch during the detention. Students who do not attend detention when assigned, will have it re-assigned and be assigned an additional detention. Students who do not attend the second detention or who repeatedly miss detention will be given additional consequences. Parents will be notified when their child receives a detention. Students who are deemed to have excessive lunch detentions will be subject to after school detentions and parent conferences with the Administrator.

If students must take medication during school hours, a “Medications Dispensed in School'' form must be signed by the child’s physician, parents/guardian and returned to the office. This includes over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements and prescription medicines. The medicine must be brought to school in the original prescription labeled container and over the counter medications in their original container. The medicine is kept in a locked cabinet and the student must come to the office to obtain the medication.

Students suspended from school will be placed on the No Privilege List for one trimester. Students with a F in citizenship on their progress report or report card will be placed on the No Activity List for up to one trimester. A committee of teachers and the Principal can determine the appropriate length of time a student is on the No Privilege List and the student’s remedies to achieve good standing.

The active participation of parents contributes significantly to the quality of the programs offered at Pioneer Elementary and Mountain Creek Middle School. In addition to supporting the PTO, PMC at school, there are other opportunities for parents to support their child’s education. Volunteers are considered an asset to the educational system. Parent volunteers may work in the library, classrooms, office, supervise students, or chaperone field trips. Parents may volunteer to talk to a class about specialized job skills, hobbies, or interests which enrich the curriculum the students are studying. If you have the time, please volunteer at our school! It will enrich every student’s educational experience. Contact our office for more information!

Parent Teacher Conferences are instrumental to a student’s education. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity twice a year to meet one-on-one with teachers. You may be invited to a parent teacher conference if your student is struggling. If you have a question for your child’s teacher, please contact them first via email. If you would like to talk in person, request in the email they contact you by phone. Please allow 48 hours for a teacher to return your email. In the event of an emergency, please contact the main office.

Pioneer School District has a Parent-Teacher Organization. The Parent-Teacher Organization was formed to promote and support unity between parents, teachers, other school staff, and the community. Goals of the Pioneer Union School District Parent-Teacher Organization will center on fund raising, monthly meetings, and special “Family Events.” There are a variety of ways parents and families can assist the efforts of the Parent-Teacher Organization. Please contact the school office for a schedule of monthly meetings or for the phone number of this year’s coordinator. The more help we have the more we can accomplish to help our students have the best educational experience possible!

If a student needs to leave class at any time other than regular passing time, permission must be received from the teacher. A student must have a pass to come to the office during class time.

All students are enrolled in one Physical Education course within their day. A home excuse from physical activities may be used for up to a 3-day period. For longer periods of time, a doctor’s note needs to be given to the Office.

The discipline at Pioneer Elementary and Mountain Creek Middle School is based upon a progressive form of discipline. As repeat behaviors occur, consequences and behavior interventions will become more severe. Consequences include: campus beautification services, lunch detention, after school detentions, class period suspensions, in-house suspension, off-campus suspension, restorative practices, behavior contracts, and expulsion.

Report cards will be sent home to families via US Mail, at Parent Conferences and available in Aeries.

Progress reports and report cards will be sent home to families via US Mail and available in Aeries.

Students may be assigned Campus Beautification Service as a natural consequence to littering, minor vandalism, or other behavioral infractions. This may require the student to assist the custodian by picking up litter or cleaning up an area. This service is usually done during school hours; parents will be notified if assigned after school.

Free student breakfast and lunch will continue to be provided by all students.

School is in session on Mondays-Thursdays from 8:30am to 2:50pm, and on Minimum-Day Fridays from 8:30am to 1:50 pm. Pioneer Elementary and Mountain Creek Middle School provides supervision 15 minutes before and 10 minutes after the scheduled school day. Students may not be dropped off prior to 8:15. Please arrange transportation to be sure that students are on campus during supervised times only. Students leaving/returning campus once they arrive must be checked in/out by parent/guardian through the Office. Students involved in extracurricular activities after school such as athletics, clubs, enrichment, or academic tutoring, may remain on campus under the supervision of the appropriate staff member. Prior to any after school event or activity, all students are expected to make arrangements for transportation home at the conclusion of the event. If parents/guardians/caregivers are not available to pick up their child, other arrangements must be made. Students who are waiting for their ride from an after school activity must wait in front of the office and are expected to act responsibly, showing respect for others and school property.

School Site Council membership includes the principal, teachers, and parents. It is the responsibility of the Council to ensure continuous school improvement. Parents who are interested should respond to inquiries made at the beginning of the school year.

The Governing Board is committed to maintaining a school environment that is free from harassment. The Board prohibits sexual harassment of any students by another student, an employee or other person, at school or at a school-sponsored or school-related activity. The Board also prohibits retaliatory behavior or action against any person who complains, testifies, assists or otherwise participates in the complaint process established in accordance with this policy. Any student who engages in sexual harassment of anyone at school or at a school-sponsored or school related activity in violation of this policy and shall be subject to disciplinary action. For students in grades 4 through 8, disciplinary action may include suspension and/or expulsion, provided that in imposing such discipline the entire circumstances of the incident(s) shall be taken into considered. Such circumstances shall include but are not limited to: 1. Age and maturity of the victim and the perpetrator 2. Pervasiveness of the alleged harassing conduct (i.e., how many times the act(s) occurred, how many individuals were involved, etc.) 3. Prior complaints against the perpetrator The Superintendent/Principal or designee shall ensure that all district students receive age-appropriate instruction and information on sexual harassment. Such instruction and information shall include: 1. What acts and behavior constitute sexual harassment; including the fact that sexual harassment could occur between people of the same gender. 2. A clear message that students do not have to endure sexual harassment. Students should be encouraged to report observed instances of sexual harassment, even where the victim of the harassment has not complained. 3. Information about the person(s) to whom a report of sexual harassment should be made. Any student who feels that he/she is being or has been subjected to sexual harassment shall immediately contact a school employee. A school employee to whom a complaint is made shall, within 24 hours of his/her getting the complaint, report it to the Superintendent/Principal or designee. Any school employee who observes any incident of sexual harassment on any student shall similarly report his/her observation to the Superintendent/Principal or designee, whether or not the victim makes a complaint. If the alleged harasser 22 is the Superintendent/Principal or designee, the employee may report the complaint or his/her observation of the incident to the County Superintendent who shall investigate the complaint. The Superintendent/Principal or designee to whom a complaint of sexual harassment is reported shall immediately investigate the complaint. Where the Superintendent/Principal or designee finds that sexual harassment occurred, he/she shall take prompt, appropriate action to end the harassment and address its effects on the victim. The Superintendent/Principal or designee shall also advise the victim of any other remedies that may be available. The Superintendent/Principal shall file a report with law enforcement authorities, where necessary. In addition, the student may file a formal complaint with the Superintendent/Principal in accordance with the district’s uniform complaint procedures. The Superintendent/Principal or designee shall maintain a record of all reported cases of sexual harassment to enable the district to monitor, address and prevent repetitive harassing behavior in its schools. Information gathered in the course of investigating a sexual harassment complaint shall be kept confidential to the extent possible.

Mountain Creek participates in the El Dorado County Sports League. The following sports are offered at Mountain Creek: ● Fall Sports: Cross Country, Girls’ Volleyball ● Winter Sports: Boys’ Basketball, Girls’ Basketball ● Spring Sports: Boys’ Volleyball

The Pioneer Union School District is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin or gender. This is expressly prohibited. District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination, including harassment, with respect to the actual or perceived ethnic group, religion, gender, color, race, ancestry, national origin, and physical or mental disability, age or sexual orientation. The Governing Board shall ensure equal opportunities for all students in admission and access to the educational program, guidance and counseling programs, athletic programs, testing procedures, and other activities. School staff and volunteers shall carefully guard against segregation, bias and stereotyping in instruction, guidance and supervision. The schools shall provide male and female students with separate sex education classes in order to protect student modesty. In physical education, when objective standards have an adverse effect on students because of their gender, race, ethnic group or disability, other standards shall be used to measure achievement and create comparable educational opportunities. The Board prohibits intimidation or harassment of any student by any employee, student or other person in the district. Staff shall be alert and immediately responsive to student conduct which may interfere with another student’s ability to participate in or benefit from school services, activities or privileges. Students who harass other students shall be subject to appropriate discipline, up to and including counseling, suspension and/or expulsion. An employee who permits or engages in harassment may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. The Board hereby designates the following position(s) as Coordinator(s) for Non-discrimination, Title IX, and 504 c/o Patrick Paturel, Superintendent/Principal Pioneer Union School District 6862 Mount Aukum Road Somerset, CA 95684 530-620-3556

The Pioneer Union School District believes that all students have a right to a safe and healthy school environment. The district, schools, and community have an obligation to promote mutual respect and acceptance. Students have an obligation to show up, be prepared, pay attention, give 100% effort, and finish all assignments. It is expected that every staff member, student, and parent within the school community will assume a share of the responsibility to see that a positive school climate exists. Each student shall be responsible for understanding the discipline program and the consequences. Any student who violates school or classroom rules will be subject to disciplinary action. Students will attend, try, and behave in the following ways: ● Be courteous and respectful ● Follow all classroom rules as determined by the teacher ● Use appropriate language ● Do not interfere with the teaching process or the learning of others ● Walk on campus at all times to prevent accidents that could occur as a result of running ● Stay only in areas where there is adult supervision

The following are causes for suspension and/or expulsion as defined by Education Code 48900 and 48915: A. (1) Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person. And/Or (2) Willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except in self-defense. B. Possessed, sold, otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object unless the pupil has obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee. C. Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of any controlled substances, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind. D. Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind, and then either sold, delivered, or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance, or material and represented the liquid, substance, or material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant. E. Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion. F. Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property. G. Stole or attempted to steal school property or private property. H. Possessed or used tobacco, which includes the use of an electronic smoking device that creates aerosol or vapor or of any oral smoking device. I. Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity. J. Had unlawful possession of, or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia. K. Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties. L. Knowingly received stolen school property or private property. M. Possession of imitation firearm. N. Committed or attempted to commit sexual assault or sexual battery. O. Harassed, threatened or intimidated a pupil who is a complaining witness or witness in a school disciplinary proceeding or retaliated against a complaining witness. P. Aiding or abetting the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury on another person. 48900.2 Sexual Harassment – In grades 4-12, any inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature that negatively impacts another person or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment. Q. Engaged in, or attempted to engage in, hazing. For purposes of this subdivision, “hazing” means a method of initiation or preinitiation into a pupil organization or body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, that is likely to cause serious bodily injury or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to a former, current, or prospective pupil. For purposes of this subdivision, “hazing” does not include athletic events or school-sanctioned events. R. Engaged in an act of bullying: including cyberbullying. 48900.3 Hate violence – In grades 4-12, any student who has caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in an act of hate violence. 48900.4 In grades 4-12, any student who intentionally engages in harassment, threats or intimidation directed against a pupil or groups of pupils. 48900.7 Terroristic threats against school officials, school property or both.

Pioneer: Students who are late to school must first check into the Office. Students more than 15 minutes late to school must be checked in by parent/guardian in the Office. It is a school expectation that when the bell rings the student is in his/her seat, ready to work with materials out and ready. Mt. Creek: Attendance is taken during each class period. Students who are late to school must first check into the Office. Students more than 15 minutes late to school must be checked in by parent/guardian in the Office. It is a school expectation that when the bell rings the student is in his/her seat, ready to work with materials out and ready. Mountain Creek’s Tardy Policy, for Unexcused Tardies, includes progressive consequences illustrated in the Mt. Creek Handbook. Mt. Creek: