New immunization requirements for 2016

Under a new law known as SB 277, beginning January 1, 2016 exemptions based on personal beliefs, including religious beliefs, will no longer be an option for the vaccines that are currently required for entry into child care or school in California. The new law will not affect most families because their children have received all required vaccinations. Personal beliefs exemptions on file for a child already attending child care or school will remain valid until the child reaches the next immunization checkpoint at kindergarten (including transitional kindergarten) or 7th grade.

For more information about SB 277, please see the Frequently Asked Questions available at:

http://www.shotsforschool.org/laws/sb277faq/.

For more information about school immunization requirements and resources, please visit the California Department of Public Health’s website at www.shotsforschool.org, or contact your local health department or county office of education.

SAFETY DRILLS
Fire: Once a month fire drills are held and everyone must leave the school building in an orderly manner. Fire safety instruction is also given by the local fire department.

Earthquake: Drills are held twice a year. At these times each person assumes the “duck and cover” position within the classroom. Children and teachers get under their desks and cover their heads with their hands.

Preparing Your Child to be Home Alone:

1. Write down emergency phone numbers your child might need to have, and put them close to your phone: police, fire, doctor, mother at work, father at work, family friend on your block.

2. Write down the things your child should do when he leaves home: turn off lights, close and lock windows, turn water off, check the stove, bring in cat or dog or put them out, lock all doors, make sure he has the key.

UNAUTHORIZED ARTICLES
Common sense and consideration is the best guide in determining whether or not to bring toys, radios, or unusual items to school unless they are intended for a specific purpose in the classroom. The staff cannot be responsible for valuables which students bring to school. It is recommended that students leave all valuables at home. If special circumstances make it necessary for a student to bring substantial cash or other important possessions to school, these items can be safeguarded by registering them and leaving them at the office.

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN
Pursuant to Title 40 CFR Part 763 Subpart E (AHERA), our school is required to inform you that a copy of this school’s AHERA Management Plan is available for your inspection in the school office. It contains information regarding inspections, response actions, and post-response action activities, including periodic re-inspections and surveillance activities that are planned or in progress. Should you wish to review the AHERA Management Plan, please contact the office to arrange for an opportunity. An application (Form ACC-1) will be sent to you to document your request. Application review and report preparation will require a maximum of five days. Thank you for your attention in these matters.

EMERGENCIES
In case of any emergency we will always call your home. Many times we cannot reach parents. Therefore, it is important that you keep an up-to-date emergency number on file in the school office. Please phone the school when this changes.

The person designated as your emergency number should be someone who can reach the school in a reasonable length of time. If you or the person designated cannot be reached, our only resource is to use our judgment in getting medical attention for a sick or injured child.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
Pacific Union has a board policy in place that prohibits sexual harassment within the educational environment and within the work environment. The purpose of this policy is intended to supplement, not replace, any applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Because its length, the entire policy is not printed here, but is available in the office.

TOBACCO FREE SCHOOL
BOARD POLICY 3513.3 The Pacific Union School District Governing Board recognizes the health hazards associated with smoking and the use of tobacco products, including the breathing of second hand smoke, and desires to provide a healthy environment for students and staff.

The Board prohibits the use of tobacco products any time in district-owned or leased buildings, on district property and in district vehicles

This prohibition applies to all employees, students and visitors at any instructional program, activity or athletic event.

If a person fails to comply with this request, further action may be warranted.

This policy also applies to all organizations permitted to use school property. Repeated violation of this policy may result in revocation of the use permit.

Contact Superintendent Rene McBride at Pacific Union School District , 822-4619, if you have any questions in regards to this policy