Dear Parker Whitney Families,

Welcome to a new school year at Parker Whitney Elementary! We are so excited for the year ahead and all the learning, growth, and connection it will bring. Whether you are a returning family or joining us for the first time, we are thrilled to have you as part of the Parker Whitney community.

This year marks an exciting new chapter for our school. Over the summer, our campus received a fresh new look with a full exterior paint project, and you will continue to see additional facility improvements throughout the year as we work to create an even more welcoming and engaging environment for our students and families. We are proud of the direction Parker Whitney is growing and are excited for you to be part of this journey with us.

At Parker Whitney, our mission is to help every student become a confident, responsible, and engaged lifelong learner. We are committed to supporting strong academic growth while also nurturing creativity, self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and positive relationships with others. We believe students learn best in a safe, caring, and supportive environment where school and home work together as partners.

Family involvement is one of the things that makes Parker Whitney so special. Whether you volunteer in a classroom, participate in Parent Teacher Club events, attend school activities, or support learning from home, your partnership makes a meaningful difference in the success of our students and school community.

This handbook is designed to support you throughout the school year. Inside, you will find important information about school policies, procedures, expectations, and programs to help ensure a smooth and successful experience for your child.

We look forward to a year filled with learning, kindness, growth, and memorable experiences together. Thank you for being part of the Parker Whitney family.

Warmly,
Olivia Conn, Principal
Parker Whitney Elementary School

Board of Trustees

Rocklin Unified School District Administration

At Parker Whitney, our mission is to help every student become a confident, responsible, and engaged lifelong learner. We are committed to supporting strong academic growth while also nurturing creativity, self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and positive relationships with others.

Parker Whitney School Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Office Phone: 916-624-2491

For complete details, please refer to the official 2026-2027 Student Detailed Calendar available through the school and district website.

Absences

Daily school attendance is essential for student success. By law, parents are required to send their child to school daily. Parents are strongly encouraged to schedule medical appointments during non-school hours. Whenever possible, a student who is absent for a reason other than illness should attend at least part of the school day.

When students are absent from school, it is important that their absences be cleared as soon as possible by calling the attendance clerk at your child's school or by providing a note on the day they return to school. Any absence not cleared within 5 days will be marked as truant. According to California law, there are NO legally recognized absences. A student may be excused from school for justifiable personal reasons, including but not limited to illness or injury, medical or dental appointments, bereavement, funeral/memorial services, court appearances, or religious holidays, or an employment conference, when the student's absence has been requested in writing by the parent/guardian and approved by the principal or designee. A student shall be excused when he/she is the custodial parent of a student who is ill or has a medical appointment during school hours. Any absence after the 14th day of absences will require a medical note in order to be cleared as excused.

Parents will be asked to conference about continual non-illness absences and to improve their child's attendance. Failure to do so may result in a referral of the student and parent to the Rocklin Unified School District Attendance Review Board for further action.

Missed Work

A student absent from school shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed during the absence which can be reasonably provided and, upon satisfactory completion, shall be given full credit. The teacher of any class from which a student is absent shall determine what assignments the student shall make up and what period of time the student shall complete such assignments. The tests and assignments shall be reasonably equivalent.

Request for Homework

If your child is ill two days or more, parents may request homework. Call the office at least one day before the day you wish to pick up the assignments. The teacher(s) will have the work ready to pick up in the office after school or the next day.

Notes from Parents

Please use both the first and last name on all correspondence from home. This is especially important when the parent and the student do not have the same last name. Notes are still required to satisfy the compulsory education law. Please call the school to report an absence or leave a message. Please state your child's first and last name, reason for absence, and dates of the absence.

Tardies

An emphasis is placed on students arriving at school on time. Late students often miss the focus of the day or lesson and disrupt the flow of the lesson for other students. When students are late for school, please check into the office before going to class. Parents will be notified if a student has continual tardies and will be asked to follow through with a program to increase punctuality. Repeated tardiness can be grounds for revocation of intra or inter district transfer requests. Repeated tardies may result in a referral of the student and parent to the Rocklin Unified School District Attendance Review Board for further action.

Independent Study

A student who will be absent for 3 or more consecutive school days is eligible for Short Term Independent Study. Students will be provided assignments that may be completed during the duration of the Independent Study Contract. Completed work will count toward school attendance during that time. Please contact your school office as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to put together an Independent Study Contract for your student. Please note, contracts may be denied based on a student's attendance history or prior lack of completion of Independent Study assignments. Independent Study Contracts are not available the first two weeks and last three weeks of school.

Appointments

If your child needs to leave school for an appointment, please allow extra time to come to the office to sign your child out. We want to maximize instructional time and will only call for your child when you arrive at the office. We do not accept call ahead requests for student pick up.

Student Folder

Teachers will communicate to parents their system for sending home important information, homework, and classwork. Please take a moment to check your child's backpack and help them establish a routine to stay organized. Setting up a system to regularly review school materials not only helps you stay informed, but also supports your child in developing positive habits around responsibility and school-to-home communication.

ParentSquare

This platform will be used by teachers, office staff, District Office staff, etc. to bring important information to you via a single point. To stay informed, please download the app and set your delivery preferences. Relying only on email may delay or cause you to miss important updates. The app ensures real-time notifications and easier access to school communication when it works for you.

School Website

Our school website is an excellent source of information regarding school events, student academic progress, school calendars, lunch menus, student handbook, and Parent Teacher Club news.

School Visitations / Visitor Registration (BP/AR 1250)

The Board of Trustees encourages parents/guardians and interested members of the community to visit the schools and view the educational program. To ensure minimum interruption of the instructional program, visits during school hours should be first arranged with the teacher and principal or designee. If a conference is desired, an appointment should be arranged with the teacher during non-instructional time.

To ensure the safety of the students and staff and avoid potential disruptions, all visitors shall register in the school administration office immediately upon entering any school building or grounds when school is in session. For purposes of school safety and security, the school may design a visible means of identification for visitors while on the school premises.

No electronic listening or recording device may be used by students or visitors in a classroom without the teacher and principal's permission (Education Code Section 51512).

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled twice during the year for all students. In the fall they are held at the end of the first trimester and again in the spring at the end of the second trimester. The Rocklin Unified School District schedules minimum days during conference week so teachers may have sufficient time to meet with parents. The average length of a conference is 20 minutes and involves reporting progress and creating goals for students. Parents and teachers are encouraged to set up additional conferences as the need arises during the year.

Student Records

The Rocklin Unified School District maintains cumulative records for each student as required by law, and any additional records that would be helpful in providing maximum educational opportunities for students. These records are available for parents to review. Please call the school office to set up an appointment with the principal to review your child's cumulative record.

Complaint Procedures

The school follows the procedures outlined below to address parent concerns and complaints:

1. Classroom concerns should first be brought to the attention of your child's teacher. Please call the teacher to explain your concern. Small concerns may be addressed by a phone call; larger concerns are better addressed in a conference.
2. If the classroom concern is not satisfactorily addressed with the teacher or the concern is a school level concern, please call the school administrator. Small concerns may be addressed by a phone call; larger concerns are better addressed in a conference.
3. If the concern is not satisfactorily addressed with the school administrator, the parent may schedule a meeting with a district representative.

The District assures that students, employees, parents or guardians of its students, school and district advisory committees will not be discriminated against. Unlawful discrimination complaints may be filed using the Uniform Complaint Procedure (UCP).

Volunteers

We strongly encourage and wholeheartedly welcome volunteers at Parker Whitney Elementary School! For the safety of all our students, all volunteers must be fingerprinted and complete a background check. Volunteers must also submit proof of TB testing before beginning service on campus. For this reason, siblings are not permitted on campus while volunteering.

Parent/Teacher Club (PTC)

For up to date information about our PTC and contact information please see our PTC website at www.pwptc.com.

Student Safety (BP/AR 5142)

The Board of Trustees places high priority on safety and on the prevention of student injury. Principals and staff are responsible for the conduct and safety of students from the time they come under school supervision until they leave school supervision, whether on school premises or not.

• All visitors, including parents, must sign in at the office.
• All unknown visitors will show proof of identity.
• Uniform identification badges will be used throughout the district.
• Picture identification badges will be used by District employees who visit campuses.
• A "buddy system" will be in effect for grades K-3; students will have a companion when leaving the classroom (recommended for grades 4-6).

Emergency Cards

Student emergency cards must be kept current. If a student becomes ill or is injured at school, we must have a phone number where we can reach the parent, guardian, or a designated substitute. Your child will not be released to an adult unless the adult is on the emergency card. Emergency information must be updated annually via the Aeries Parent Portal.

Accidents

If a serious injury occurs on the school grounds or on the bus, parents will be notified and asked to pick up the child for observation or examination. If the accident is serious, the school will call 911 and notify the parents immediately.

Emergency Situations

The district has plans and preparations for major emergency situations. Please instruct your children to obey staff directions during emergencies. During a serious emergency, please:

• Avoid calling the school so phone lines remain open.
• Avoid driving to school to keep streets clear for emergency vehicles.
• Tune in to local radio stations (AM-KAHI 950, KFBK 1530; FM-KHYL 101, KBEB 92.5) for instructions.
• Monitor ParentSquare for direct updates.

Office Telephone

The office telephone is for emergency use only. Please make after-school arrangements with your child in advance. Staff will not interrupt classroom instruction to relay non-emergency messages.

Safety Drills

Emergency drills are conducted monthly in accordance with state law. If you are in a classroom during a drill, please stay with the class until the drill ends.

Safe Arrival and Departures

• Teach your child to use crosswalks and walk carefully.
• Do not stop vehicles in crosswalks or in front of driveways.
• Do not leave vehicles unattended in drop-off zones.
• The bus lane is strictly reserved for school buses.

Dogs on Campus

Due to health and safety reasons, dogs are prohibited from being on the school campus during, before, or after school hours, except as part of a pre-arranged educational presentation. School fields and playgrounds must not be used as dog parks.

Breakfast - Lunch / National School Breakfast and Lunch Program

RUSD participates in California's Universal Meals Program. Breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge to all enrolled students daily.

• Student Meals: $0.00 (Breakfast and Lunch)
• Adult/Non-Student Breakfast: $4.00
• Adult/Non-Student Lunch: $6.00
• Second Student Meal: $6.00
• A la carte Milk: $0.50

Breakfast Schedules

Cafeteria doors open at 8:00 AM for breakfast service, Monday through Friday.

Nutrition Benefits Form

While meals are free, families are requested to complete the Nutrition Benefits Form (available starting July 1st) to ensure the district receives maximum funding.

Accounts & Payments

Students use their ID number to access accounts. Cash or account funds are required for second meals or extra milk (a la carte items cannot carry a negative balance).

Lunches from Home and Food Allergies

Healthy food choices are strongly encouraged. Candy and sodas should be saved for home. For students with certified food allergies requiring meal modifications, please contact Nutrition Services at (916) 624-1112 ext. 1.

Bus Transportation

Bus pass applications are available online on the District Transportation page. A new application must be submitted every year. Transportation is provided for neighborhood stops only (no service for transfer students). Contact Transportation at 916-624-9106 or via email at buspass@rocklinusd.org.

Thomas Edward Lanni School Bus Safety Act of 1997 (AB1297)

Drivers will provide a Red Light Escort for any student required to cross the street when loading or unloading the bus.

Health Office Information

Staffed by a part-time health aide, providing temporary care for sick or injured students. Diagnosis is not provided by school staff. Students are released only to contacts authorized on the Emergency Card.

Medications (BP 5141.21)

Written authorization from a physician AND parent/guardian is required for all medications (prescription and over-the-counter). All medication must be brought in its original container and locked in the health office. Students may not carry medication except for authorized emergency items (e.g., asthma inhalers, Epi-Pens) backed by physician documentation.

Health Screening

Mandatory vision and hearing screenings occur at designated grade levels (TK, K, 2nd, 5th, 8th) and for all new students. Hearing screenings are conducted by credentialed audiometrists.

Home Hospital Instruction

Available for students anticipated to be absent for 4 consecutive weeks or more due to a certified medical condition. Contact the office for details.

Immunizations

Under California law, students must be properly vaccinated against Diphtheria, Hib meningitis, Measles, Mumps, Pertussis, Poliomyelitis, Rubella, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Varicella. Exemption procedures require a CAIR-ME account (cair-me.cdph.ca.gov).

CAASPP & Testing

Each spring, students in grades 3-6 take the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). English learners complete the ELPAC annually until reclassified.

Homework & Standards-Based Grading

Homework serves as an extension of daily learning. Instruction and report cards focus on standards mastery per trimester.

Promotion / Retention Information (BP/AR 5123)

Identifies standards required for promotion. Interventions and study teams are made available to support students performing below standard.

Teacher Training / Planning Time

Mondays incorporate a 1-hour early release/articulation window for TK-12 staff professional learning and collaborative planning.

Student Success Team (SST) & Special Resources

SST offers collaborative problem-solving for academic or behavioral concerns. Support services include Special Education, Speech/Language, Psychological services, Counseling, ELD, VAPA, Physical Education, and GATE programs.

Bicycles, E-Bikes, and Scooters

Students may ride bicycles, non-motorized scooters, and Class 1 e-bikes to school following safety protocols, wearing helmets, and walking equipment once on campus grounds.

Birthdays

Instructional time is protected. Treats or party invitations are discouraged during class unless every student is included. Cupcakes, cakes, and sugary items are strongly discouraged in favor of healthy alternatives.

Cellular Device Usage Guidelines

• Prohibited Use: Cell phones, smartwatches, and connected devices must be off and kept out of sight from the morning bell until dismissal.
• Storage: Kept inside student backpacks or classroom storage bins.
• Confiscation: Devices visible or audible during prohibited times will be taken to the office for parent/student pickup.

Dress Code Guidelines (BP/AR 5132)

Students must wear clothing covering torso and buttocks, with non-slip secure footwear (closed-toe with heel straps for PE). Clothing depicting drugs, alcohol, weapons, hate speech, or explicit material is strictly prohibited.

Social Skills & SWPBIS

Parker Whitney uses Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) alongside the Purpose Full People curriculum to foster character, kindness, and personal responsibility.

Bully Prevention

Bullying involves aggressive behavior with an imbalance of power and repetition. RUSD maintains a zero-tolerance policy against bullying, harassment, and cyberbullying.

Suspension and Expulsion Grounds (BP/AR 5144.1)

Outlines mandatory suspension and expulsion causes under California Education Code 48900, including weapons, controlled substances, physical harm, robbery, property damage, tobacco, profanity, bullying, and sexual harassment.

Disclaimer: The following organizations are neither sponsored nor endorsed by RUSD or Parker Whitney Elementary.

• Scouting America: www.scouting.org
• Girl Scouts: www.girlscouts.org
• Camp Fire USA: www.campfireusa.org
• Five Cities Softball: www.5citiessoftball.org
• Rocklin Little League: www.rocklinllb.com
• Rocklin Recreation Department: www.rocklin.ca.us/parks
• Rocklin Youth Soccer Club: www.rocklinsoccer.org

Catalyst Kids

Fee-based before and after-school care program located on campus. Information can be found on the Catalyst Kids web portal.

Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P)

Free after-school care and academic support available for qualifying TK-6 students (English learners, foster youth, or free/reduced lunch eligible) running 177 school days per year.

1. Volunteer Assistance (BP/AR 1240)

Volunteers assist under teacher supervision. Qualifications require basic skills proficiency where applicable, DOJ background clearances, Megan's Law sex offender registry checks, and negative TB test results within 60 days of starting.

2. School Visitor Registration (BP/AR 1250)

All visitors must report to the office, state their business, show ID, and sign the visitor registry. Trespassing or loitering is prohibited per Penal Code 627.

3. Student Class Assignments (BP/AR 6152)

Placements consider balance of academic levels, gender, social dynamics, and teacher recommendations. Parent requests are considered as one factor among many.

4. Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion (BP/AR 5144.1)

Full statutory list of violations pursuant to EC 48900, 48900.2, 48900.3, 48900.4, and 48915.

5. Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) Annual Notice

Used to address allegations of discrimination, harassment, bullying, or state/federal education non-compliance. Complaints are investigated within 60 days. Direct inquiries to the Associate Superintendent of Elementary Education at 2615 Sierra Meadows Drive, Rocklin CA 95677 (916-624-2428).

6. Annual Notification of Title IX / Gender Equity

Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender, or sexual orientation. Title IX Coordinators: Greg Snyder and Martin Flowers, 2615 Sierra Meadows Drive, Rocklin CA 95677, Phone: 916-630-2428.