General School Rules
Visitors
We’re always delighted to have you visit the schools; it gives us a chance to get to know you
better and to share information about school programs and operations. Each time you visit,
please stop by the school office to sign in and let us know you’re here. It is very important for us
to know who is on campus to maintain student safety and security, and to prevent the school
routine from being interrupted. Although it’s rarely required, Arizona law allows schools to deny
access to individuals who would be in violation of those conditions.
Tobacco-Free Policy
For the protection of public health, and to set a good example for children, the use of tobacco on
school grounds and other district property is prohibited. Parents and other visitors are asked to
refrain from smoking or chewing tobacco while on school property or at school-sponsored events
such as field trips.
School Hours
Students are supervised starting 30 minutes before class until dismissal. Children should not
arrive before that time, since their safety can't be assured. Similarly, students should return home
immediately after school unless they participate in authorized extracurricular activities or are
enrolled in the GESD Extended Day program. Primary students may not wait on the school
grounds for older Siblings. Elementary school hours vary, please contact the office for details.
Leaving the Campus
For their own safety, students may not leave the campus during the school day without
permission. If it is necessary for your child to leave the campus, you must notify the principal in
writing or in person, and your child must be signed out at the school office by you or another
designated adult. Some schools allow students to go home for lunch, with the parent’s written
request. Check with your school office for information.
Student Attendance
Daily attendance is very important for your child to benefit the most from school, and to learn
the meaning of responsibility. Even the most capable student can’t learn if he/she is not in class.
For this reason, attendance is part of the district’s promotional requirements. Students with less
than 90% attendance may not be promoted to the next grade. Attendance is the responsibility of
both the parents and the students. If your child is going to be absent from school, be sure to
notify the school as outlined in the procedures below. If a child is absent without the knowledge
and permission of his/her parents, or if the absence violates state law and district procedure, it
will be considered a truancy.
Reporting Absences
If your child is going to be absent, please notify the school in advance or by 9:00 on the day of
the absence. If that is not possible, you must send a note with your child when he/she returns to
class, which states the dates and reasons for the absence. Arizona law requires us to verify all
absences in this way. An absence may be excused if you have notified the school and if the
absence is for illness, death in the family, religious observance, or other unusual circumstances.
Absences for reasons such as trips, family vacations, and medical appointments are discouraged;
and depending upon the frequency and effect on the child’s performance, may be considered
unexcused even with prior notification. For your child’s benefit, please try to schedule trips and
appointments during non-school hours whenever possible. Students are required to make up any
work missed as a result of absences. When a student has unexcused absences, any or all of the
following disciplinary steps may be taken:
- Conference with the student regarding the absences
- Conference with the student’s parents/guardians
- Formal letter sent to parent/guardian outlining state law, district policy, and possible consequences
- Counseling and/or home visits by school personnel
- Referral to and follow-up action by the Glendale Police Department and/or other community and
- state agencies (Glendale Youth Services, Child Protective Services, or Juvenile Court System).
Tardiness
Excessive tardiness can be detrimental to learning and can pose a safety hazard between home
and school. Please emphasize the importance of punctuality to your child. If your child is to be
tardy, please notify the school about his/her expected arrival time.
Medicines
If your child needs medication, you must deliver it to the school nurse's office along with a
written request. Prescription medicines must be labeled by the pharmacist with the doctor’s
name, the dosage, and the duration of treatment. Nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicine
must be delivered in the original container. The school nurse or designated employee must
administer medicines; students should not take medicines themselves or bring medicines on
campus. Permission to administer specific medication may be re-quested for a period of up to
one school year. If you need additional information, please contact your child’s school nurse.
Student Telephone Use
Students usually may not use school telephones. If your child needs to get in contact with you, a
school employee will make the call. Students may use the school telephone for emergencies, if
approval is given.
Emergencies
Although emergencies happen infrequently, it is very important to keep your child’s emergency
card up to date so we can reach you if there is a problem. If a child is involved in an emergency
situation, every effort will be made to contact the parent/guardian immediately. If the parent
cannot be reached, the alternate person listed on the student’s emergency sheet will be notified.
The school will continue to try to locate the parents. If emergency medical care is needed, the
student will be taken to the nearest hospital. When children hurt themselves at school, parents are
responsible for any related medical bills.
Purchase of Textbooks
All textbooks remain the property of the school district. If a student requires a second copy of a
textbook or workbook for any reason (loss, damage, etc.), the parent/guardian is required to pay
for the replacement. Payment arrangements should be made through the principal’s office.