3141 Northstead Drive

 Sacramento, CA 95833

 

Office: (916) 566-2745

    Fax: (916) 566-3546

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year at Hazel Strauch Elementary! The entire Hazel Strauch staff is thrilled to begin another year of learning, growth, and success with our students and families. We are dedicated to creating a positive and engaging environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

A strong partnership between home and school is essential to student achievement. We greatly appreciate the support, encouragement, and involvement you provide in your child’s education. By working together, we can ensure that each student has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

This handbook has been designed to provide important information about our school’s expectations, procedures, and policies. These guidelines help maintain a safe, respectful, and productive learning community while encouraging responsibility, kindness, and good citizenship. We encourage you to take time to review the handbook with your child and discuss the expectations that contribute to a successful school year.

We would also like to emphasize the importance of consistent attendance and punctuality. Instruction begins promptly each day at 7:45 a.m. Students are dismissed at 2:27 p.m., with an early-release schedule every Wednesday at 12:27 p.m. Please refer to the handbook for detailed daily schedules and additional information regarding arrival and dismissal procedures.

If you have questions or need assistance at any time during the school year, please contact your child’s teacher or the school office. We are committed to supporting our students and families and look forward to working together throughout the year.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Cheryl Chandler
Principal

 

Strauch School is committed to providing a high-quality instructional program within a safe and orderly environment where all students will reach their maximum potential both socially and academically.

S- Safety First

O- Offer Kindness

R- Respect Everyone

 

 

Falcon

 

 

Our gates open every day at 7:00 a.m. for students who wish to eat breakfast in the cafeteria.  School starts daily at 7:45 a.m. and students arriving to school before 7:30 a.m. must go to the cafeteria.  Students will not be allowed on the playground until 7:30 a.m. when supervision staff will be on duty.  Students are not to arrive on campus earlier than 7:00 a.m. unless they are participating in a supervised activity/ before school program.  

Our staff maintains regular and on-going communication with our families.  Most teachers utilize either a weekly or daily contract, Aeries Parent Square or the Class Dojo program.  These are used to communicate how your child is doing.  Please review this communication tool so you can be up to date on daily behavior and homework.     For school-wide messaging, please make sure your Aeries Parent Square account is set up.

Coffee and Conversation meetings will be scheduled once per trimester during the year.    These meetings are intended for parents to meet with Strauch Administration.  We will discuss current activities, upcoming events and look to parents for recommendations and support with everything from how to improve school safety to volunteering in classrooms.  Meetings dates will be advertised in the weekly updates on Aeries Parent Square.

A Sunday evening update will be sent home electonicallyl, through Aeries Parent Square, to update our families on the week ahead.  Occasionally, fliers are sent home with students to keep you up to date on upcoming activities and events at Strauch.  We do our best to send all notices home each week in students’ Friday folders.  Periodically we will call every family with a recorded message about an upcoming event.  Please make sure your Aeries Square account is updated so that you will receive all phone messages throughout the year with reminders and announcements. 

Our school webpage can be accessed at http://strauch.trusd.net.  In addition, classroom teachers send home classroom newsletters, progress reports and communicate directly with parents either by phone or email.  All Strauch teachers can be reached by email or by phone.  A voicemail message can also be left at any time.     

Strauch School recognizes that students’ families are their first and most influential teachers and that continued family involvement in the education of children contributes greatly to student achievement and a positive school environment.  Involvement includes:

Specific opportunities for parent involvement include:

 

Several means of communication (as listed above) are used to invite parents to events and also to participate in conferences and committees.  Families are also encouraged to participate in supporting classrooms, Jog-A Thon, Reading Week, Talent Show, Red Ribbon Week, Field trips, Play Day, fundraisers, Book Fairs, and Family Nights.

Grade level expectations and standards are explained at Back to School Night.  Back to School Night will be held on Thursday, September 3 from 5pm-6:30pm.    Parents are kept informed throughout the year as to the progress of their child.  Letters are sent home for students at risk academically, behaviorally, or for attendance concerns.  Parent conference days in November are set aside to explain in depth the progress each student is making.  Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher directly whenever they have any concerns. 

Absences and Attendance    It is important that every student come to school every day and on time.  Regular attendance is essential to successful school performance.  If your child is absent, please call our main office line at (916) 566-2745 and press 2 to report your child’s absence or send in a written note indicating the reason for the absence.  Our voicemail is available 24 hours a day.  When leaving a voicemail please leave your child’s name, the teachers name, your name and the reason for the absence.  Families will receive an automated phone call for uncleared absences and only have 5 days to clear an absence.   

 

By law, parents are obligated to send their child to school daily. Parents are strongly encouraged to schedule medical appointments during non-school hours. A student’s absence from school shall be excused only for the following reasons: personal illness, medical/dental appointment, court appearance (child’s), quarantine under the direction of a county or city health officer, observance of religious holiday or attendance at a funeral service for a member of the immediate family.  Unexcused absences are those due to unreported absences, vacations, non-medical appointments, etc.

 

School absences are monitored carefully throughout the year. If a student has more than 10 absences in a school year for illness, a physician may be asked to verify further absences for illness.  Excessive excused absences may also require notification to the School Attendance and Review Team (SART) or the district School Attendance Review Board (SARB).

 

A student absent from school without a valid excuse or tardy in excess of 30 minutes or more on three (3) or more days in one (1) school year is considered truant. Parents will receive written notification in the event their child is truant. Students who continue to have unexcused absences or tardies of 30 minutes or more may also require notification to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB). This is a requirement of the California Education Code. {Education Code: 48200}

Early Dismissals    If it is necessary that students leave the school grounds before the regular dismissal time, the parent/guardian may come into the office indicating their intentions.  Students will be called out of class when the parent/guardian arrives in the office to sign them out of school.  Students are not released to anyone other than their parents/ guardians without authorization, and must be signed out from the office.  Students may be released ONLY to those persons designated on the emergency card. You may be asked to show proof of identification when checking out students.  If a student returns to school following an appointment, they must check in with the office before going to class. We kindly ask that you avoid early dismissals in the last thirty minutes of the day, especially on Fridays.

 

Independent Study Contracts    Students who are going to be out of school for five or more days for reasons other than illness or injury may be eligible for independent study.  There is a specific set of district criteria for independent study, which can be picked up from the office.  An Independent Study Contract must be requested five or more days prior to a planned absence so that teachers can prepare materials for the student.  Independent Study Contracts will not be issued after April 1st.  Independent Study Contract forms are available in the school office.  Students who use Independent Study Contracts are not eligible for trimester attendance awards.

Arriving and Departing from School    School begins at 7:45 a.m. and is dismissed at 2:27 p.m.  Every Wednesday we have early release and school is out at 12:27 p.m.  The cafeteria serves breakfast between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m.  The playground is to stay clear until the students are taken out for recess 15 minutes before school starts, and is closed after school.  Students who arrive early are asked to wait in the cafeteria, not on the playground. Playground supervision of students begins 15 minutes before the start of school.  Please have a backup plan with your child if you are running late or are unable to pick them up.  Please call our office by 12:00 p.m. if you need to make last minute alternate arrangements for after school pick up.  Teachers are often doing outside activities with their class towards the end of the day and may not receive these messages before the dismissal bell.       

 

For your child’s safety and to minimize strangers on campus, our campus is closed from the time school starts until the time school ends. The gates will be opened at the last bell to allow students to walk off campus.  Students are dismissed by their teacher, not the bell, and anyone picking up a child must wait until students exit the gates.   Students can be picked up at the front or side driveway.

 

 

Walking    Students who walk to school must do so in a safe and orderly fashion.  Please speak to your child about using the crosswalk when crossing the street.  Students must walk directly to school and home and not stop along the way.  Students will be held accountable to the school for their behavior while walking to and from school.

 

Emergency Contact Information   We use Aeries Parent Portal for up-to-date family contact information.  If you have changes with a telephone number or address, please contact the school immediately so that your account can be updated.  IF AN EMERGENCY SHOULD ARISE WITH YOUR CHILD, IT IS VITAL THAT WE HAVE IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO PARENTS OR A DESIGNATED ADULT. 

Medication    The school recognizes that students may have special medical needs.  The Education Code (49407) outlines conditions for administering medications at school during the time the student is under the supervision of school personnel.  Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can only be given if there are written instructions from a health care provider and written permission from the parent/guardian.  Written instructions must be renewed at the start of each school year.  Medication must be labeled and in the original container.  Students may not carry any medications with them during the school day.  If your child needs an inhaler, please ask your doctor for an extra one to keep in the school office for emergencies. 

 

Illness or Injury    Parents will be promptly notified of any serious injury or illness that occurs on the school grounds.  It is critical to keep up-to-date information on your child’s Aeries Parent Portal account, which is on file in the school office. Parents may be asked to pick up their child for their own observation or examination by their family physician.  If the accident or injury warrants, the school will call 911 and notify the parents immediately.  The school does not have a full-time nurse or health assistant.

Classroom and School Visitations  To ensure the safety of our students, all visitors must sign in at the office and get a visitors’ badge, which must be worn while on campus.  Visits during school hours should be arranged twenty-four hours in advance with the teacher or administrator.  Please provide the desired time and date of visit.  During visits in classrooms, cell phones should be turned off or on silent mode.  Electronic listening or recording devices are not allowed on campus without prior approval by administration.  If a conference with the teacher is desired, an appointment should be set with the teacher during non-instructional time.  When school is in session, all visitors must go directly to the school office to register (Penal code 627.6) before going into instructional areas. 

Volunteers    We value the contributions that parents and community members make in our schools. We welcome volunteers in our classrooms and on our campus. Volunteers are special people who are willing to donate their time and energy to the students and staff of our district.  All volunteers must go through the district volunteer application process.  All visitors/volunteers must sign in at the school office and wear a Strauch Elementary visitor badge prior to going onto the campus.  Visitors must sign out and return the badge before leaving the campus.  Classroom volunteers are under the direct supervision of teachers and administrators while on campus.

 

It is the District policy that cellular phones, pagers, and other personal electronic communication devices not be used in a manner that interrupts or distracts students or staff members in the performance of assigned duties, except for emergency purposes.  Please set phones to “silent” mode while on campus.  Phone calls should be made in areas away from instructional activities. 

 

Volunteers must complete a volunteer application, be fingerprinted and have a cleared TB test verification.  Volunteer applications can be found online at the district website.   (https://www.trusd.net/Departments/Human-Resources/VolunteersChaperones/index.html)  Once cleared, the district will issue a district approved volunteer badge. 

 

There are times when a volunteer may see or hear something in a classroom or on the campus regarding a student’s academic progress, a discipline issue or other matter that must be kept confidential.  Therefore, we ask volunteers to be aware that individual student information should not be discussed with anyone other than the appropriate school officials.

 

English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC)    Our ELAC meets four to five times a year.  This is an advisory committee where parents and guardians can make recommendations for school operations and the School Plan.

School Site Council    Strauch Elementary School receives funding beyond the district general budget through participation in the Title I Program.  The School Site Council develops and improves school programs with these funds. The School Site Council is made up of parents/guardians, staff and administrators and meets five times a year.  Although members of the council are voted in by the school community, all parents may attend site School Site Council meetings.  Meeting dates are listed in the school newsletter.   

Closed Campus   To ensure student safety and supervision, Strauch has established a closed campus policy. When a student arrives on the school grounds, they must remain on campus until the end of the school day. No one is allowed to visit the campus or go into a classroom during school hours without checking in at the office and receiving a badge.

 

Cell Phones    Cell phone use by students is not permitted during school hours as they become a distraction and can lead to disputes or problems on the playground.  If students bring a cell phone to school, they must be turned off and left in their backpack.  If students disregard this policy, the cell phone may be confiscated and will be held until a parent can pick it up.  The school and staff are not liable or responsible for any lost, damaged or stolen cell phones.     

Messages and Deliveries    Due to the volume of requests and multiple classroom interruptions, the office staff will not deliver personal messages or items in order to minimize interruptions to classroom instruction.  Messages about change of plans, transportation and other non-emergency matters will not be delivered during instructional time.  Students should be directed by parents to go to the school office after school, if necessary.  The office cannot be held responsible for delivering messages to students unless it is an actual emergency.  Parents are encouraged to let students assume responsibility for remembering lunches, school items, homework, etc.  Items that may be distracting to the learning environment (balloons, flowers, etc.) will not be delivered to the classrooms.

Birthdays    A child’s birthday is a family celebration.  Instructional time cannot be used to celebrate a child’s birthday. If you would like to send a birthday treat for your child’s class, please make arrangements with their teacher prior to bringing it in due to potential food allergies, scheduling, etc.  Treats must be purchased at a store or bakery and may not be homemade.  Children will be provided the treat during a non-instructional time (recess, lunch, dismissal).  Balloons, presents, etc. should be presented to the child at home.  Please refrain from distributing birthday or party invitations at school unless the entire class is invited.  This avoids hurt feelings.

Homework    The purpose of homework is to extend and reinforce what has been taught in class.  Students who regularly do homework are more successful in school.  Homework is explained to students before they take it home.  Parents are requested to support the classroom homework program by providing a quiet place and a regular time for your child to do homework and reviewing all work with your child upon completion.  In addition to class work assignments, every child at Strauch School is expected to read or be read to for 20 minutes a day. 

Report Cards    Report cards are sent home at the end of each trimester.  Your child’s first trimester report card will be handed out during parent conferences in November.  The remaining two report cards will be handed out in March and June.

        

Concerns/Complaints    The district has adopted a clear set of procedures to address concerns and complaints.  Please use the following steps when you have a concern:

 

Resource Specialist Program (RSP)    The Resource Specialist Program (RSP) is designed for children with learning disabilities that greatly impact their academic achievement.  Students are referred by the classroom teacher and/or parent after a detailed program of support and interventions have been tried and the student is still having considerable academic struggles.  All referrals are sent through the Student Study Team (SST) process.  The Resource Specialist and School Psychologist conduct the evaluations to determine eligibility for the program.  An Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is written for students who qualify for the program.  The Resource Specialist coordinates the delivery of services to the child, which may be in the classroom or in a “pull-out” program.  The Resource Specialist is also available for consultation to students, parents and teacher who have concerns about individual student’s progress. 

Language, Speech & Hearing    The Language, Speech and Hearing Program provides designated instruction to students who exhibit delayed development of articulation skills, understanding and use of language skills and hearing impairment.  To enable students to actively participate and achieve in the classroom, students receive individual/small group instruction by the Speech and Language Therapist. 

 

Student Study Team    The Student Study Team (SST) is an effective way to bring together all resources to support students having difficulties in regular classes (a group problem solving method).  The team gathers, at the request of the teacher, for a concentrated problem solving meeting where all involved persons are present.  The parent may be asked to participate in person, or provide input via phone conference or a written questionnaire.  During an SST meeting, either recommendations or a comprehensive action plan are formulated to support student achievement.  If necessary, a follow-up meeting is scheduled to review the results of diagnostic testing, report progress or make further recommendations.  The SST is a teacher/student support system and is an expression of the school’s concern for students and their academic success.

Gifted and Talented (GATE) Program    Students may be identified for the Gifted and Talented.  State assessments are used to determine eligibility.  Differentiated instruction is provided in the classroom, and GATE students are invited to participate in our afterschool GATE program. 

 

Sports/Afterschool Activities     Students at different grade levels are invited to tryout or join our sports teams and after school activities that are offered during the year.  Information about our sports’ programs can be found online at the district website.  (https://www.trusd.net/StudentsFamilies/Special-Projects/Expanded-Learning-Athletics/index.html) Please check the school calendar, website or newsletter throughout the school year for more information. 

 

 

Student Awards     It is important to honor and recognize student accomplishment.  Students at Strauch Elementary are recognized for academic achievement, attendance, citizenship, and character traits.  All students have opportunities to earn trimester awards.  These awards are intended to promote and recognize a variety of achievements.  Assemblies are held each trimester to recognize students for Principal’s Honor Roll (straight A’s), Honor Roll (A’s and B’s), Perfect Attendance and Citizenship.    Parents of students who are getting awards will be invited to attend.

 

Student of the Week/Month    Many classrooms select a student of the week/month. Teachers will recognize these students in the classroom through a variety of activities such as student picture displays, sharing their favorite toy or item from home, or having a special job assigned for the week/month. The teacher will establish criteria for this recognition and will inform students and parents.   

 

Fantastic Falcon Tickets    Staff members who witness students doing an excellent job following school rules and demonstrating good citizenship/work habits will issue the student(s) a fantastic falcon ticket.  Tickets can be earned on the yard, in the classroom and in the cafeteria.  Students will place their tickets in the class container and a drawing will be held every Friday to reward those students whose names are drawn. 

   

Books and Supplies    Students will be provided with required textbooks and a computer.  Teachers may suggest an additional supply list.  Each child is responsible for providing proper care for these materials.  In the case of lost or damaged computers, textbooks or library books, the student is responsible for replacement costs.  

 

Library Checkout    Children are encouraged to take home books from the School Library.  We ask your cooperation in seeing that your child takes care of the books and returns them when due.  Students will be required to pay for lost or damaged materials.  If you do not want your child to check out materials from the library, please send a note stating this with your signature and date to your child’s teacher.

    

Lost and Found    Clothing, backpacks and larger items that are found will be held in the bin located near the cafeteria.  Unclaimed items will be donated periodically throughout the year.  Please try to label everything for your child.  Smaller items (e.g. jewelry, glasses) will be held in the office. 

Emergency Procedures    Strauch Elementary has an Emergency Plan that specifies an action for any emergency situation (e.g. fire, earthquake, intruder alert).  Parents are advised that in the event they are picking up students or visiting school in the middle of an emergency drill, they will be asked to wait until the drill is over to pick up their student.  Additionally, any individuals on campus during an emergency drill are subject to participate in the emergency drill.  Students will discuss and practice emergency procedures periodically throughout the year. 

Academic Assessments    Students are assessed each year using different assessment tools to measure progress toward meeting grade level standards.  To monitor student learning, students are given classroom, district and state assessments.  Assessment results are used by teachers to plan classroom instruction, identify the individual needs of students, monitor student progress toward grade-level standards and/or recommend student placement in various school programs. 

 

State Assessments    In the spring, all students in grades three through six take the CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) test.  This assessment contains ELA and Math sections.  The entire test is electronic and taken on computers.  To help your child do well on this test, and in their normal school work, please ensure that your child gets plenty of sleep and has a healthy breakfast each day.

 

Prohibited Items    The following items are not allowed at Strauch Elementary School at any time:

 

Balloons                                Electronic Games/Music devices           Toys/Trading cards

Cameras                                Fireworks/Poppers                                Rolling Shoes/Heelies

Gum/Sunflower seeds            Perfume                                               Skateboards

Drugs/Paraphernalia              Matches/Lighters                                  CROCs or slippers                   

Laser pens                             Weapons/Replicas                                Vape Pens

Personal Possessions    Only items necessary for school should be brought to school (backpacks, folders, pencils, etc).  The school will not be responsible for the theft or damage to personal possessions that students bring to school, including cell phones and headphones.  Personal basketballs or playground balls may come to school to be used for recess games only.  Students may not exclude other students from games with their personal balls. 

 

The Staff at Strauch Elementary School believes that every student should be allowed to learn free of distraction and be safe going to and from school, as well as throughout the school day.  An environment that is safe and caring will only increase our students’ ability to be as successful as we know they can be.    Students play in the bark boxes, on the blacktop and on the field regularly.  They need to have clothes and shoes that are safe, comfortable and appropriate for active play.

 

The principal or designee is authorized to enforce this policy. Students and parents/guardians will be informed about dress and grooming standards at the beginning of the school year through the Student and Family Handbook and whenever standards are updated. A student who violates these standards shall be asked to do one or more of the following corrective measures:

When practical, students shall not be directed to correct a dress code violation during instructional time or in front of other students. Repeated violations or refusal to comply with the district’s dress code may result in a behavioral intervention but not suspension or expulsion.

 

 

 

All students are expected to be safe, respectful and responsible.  This includes on the way to school, at school and on the way home from school. 

 

Climate for Learning    The school staff is committed to providing a safe, orderly and caring learning environment where students feel comfortable, share responsibility for maintaining a positive school climate and take pride in their school and their achievements.  As a school, we encourage attitudes and behaviors that promote mutual respect and harmonious relations.  Students are not allowed to bully other students or provoke conflicts.  Behavior or statements that degrade an individual on the basis of his/her race, ethnicity, culture, heritage, gender, sexual orientation, physical/mental attributes, religious beliefs or practices shall not be tolerated.  All school personnel are mutually responsible for managing student conduct, safety and the enforcement of school policies and regulations. 

 

School Rules  

 

S- Safety First, O- Offer Kindness, Act Responsibly, R- Respect Everyone

 

Consequences    Misbehavior will be corrected as a means to provide a healthy learning environment, ensure safety for your child and maintain an orderly campus.  For students who choose not to follow the rules and expectations, they can expect any of the following consequences: 

 

Behavior Reporting Forms Behavior Reporting Forms are issued by school staff and sent home for parent signature.  They can be used to report any classroom, cafeteria or playground problems to the teacher/parent.  Students receiving Behavior Reporting Forms may be excluded from activities and lose other privileges. 

 

Office Referrals    Students are sent to the office on referral for serious infractions.  Students meet with the administrator or designee to discuss the incident that caused the referral.  Office referrals are documented in the Student Discipline database.  Students receiving office referrals may be excluded from participating in activities/assemblies and may lose recess and other privileges. 

 

 

Dear Parents and Families,

 

In order to provide the best education for your children, it is essential that we work closely with you.  You are a very important part of our team.  We encourage you to take an active role in your children’s education.  Teachers, parents, and students share responsibilities that we as partners carry out to achieve student success in school and in life.  Teachers have reviewed these responsibilities with students in class, please review them again at home.  Thank you!

 

 

The school plays a very important role in developing learning skills for life.  To enhance your child’s education and success in school, I will make every effort to:

 

 

Teacher’s Signature______________________________________Date______________

I realize that my education is important. and I am responsible for my own success.  Therefore, I will make every effort to:

 

 

Student’s Signature______________________________________Date_______________

Parents and family are a child’s first and most important teachers.  To encourage my child’s learning and success in school, I will make every effort to:

 

 

Parent’s Signature ______________________________________Date_______________

 

 

Queridos Padres y familias,

 

Con el fin de proporcionar la mejor educación para sus hijos, es esencial que trabajamos estrechamente con usted. Usted es una parte muy importante de nuestro equipo. Le animamos a tomar un papel activo en la educación de sus hijos. Los maestros, los padres y los estudiantes comparten las responsabilidades que nosotros como socios llevamos a cabo para lograr el éxito estudiantil en la escuela y en la vida. Los maestros han revisado estas responsabilidades con los estudiantes en clase.  Pedimos que los repasen de nuevo en casa. ¡Gracias!

 

La escuela juega un papel muy importante en el desarrollo de habilidades de aprendizaje para toda la vida. Para mejorar la educación y el éxito escolar de su hijo, voy a hacer cada esfuerzo para:

 

 

Firma de Maestro(a)______________________________________Fecha______________

Me doy cuenta de que mi educación es importante. Yo sé que soy el responsable de mi propio éxito. Por lo tanto, voy a hacer todo lo posible para:

 

 

Firma de estudiante______________________________________Fecha_______________

Los padres y la familia son los primeros y más importantes maestros de un niño. Para fomentar el aprendizaje y el éxito en la escuela de mi hijo(a), voy a hacer todo lo posible para:

 

Firma de Padre/Guardian______________________________________Fecha_______________