Sunset Ranch Elementary - Student Handbook

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Student Handbook

Sunset Ranch Elementary School Handbook 2026-2027

Rocklin Unified School District | TK-6 School Handbook

The Rocklin Unified School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals. District programs, activities and services shall be free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying based on actual or perceived characteristics of race, color, ancestry, nationality, immigration status, age, ethnicity, religion, marital status, medical information, mental or physical disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other legally protected status or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

For inquiries/complaints, contact our Title IX Coordinator, Associate Superintendent of Secondary Programs and Education Services at (916) 624-2428 or by email at titleixcoordinator@rocklinusd.org or contact our Equity Officer, Associate Superintendent of Elementary Programs and Education Services at (916) 624-2428 or by email at equityofficer@rocklinusd.org.

Board of Trustees

Julie Hupp: Board President (jhupp@rocklinusd.org)
Tiffany Saathoff: Vice President (tsaathoff@rocklinusd.org)
Michelle Sutherland: Board Clerk (msutherland@rocklinusd.org)
Derek Counter: Board Member (dcounter@rocklinusd.org)
Rachelle Price: Board Member (rprice@rocklinusd.org)

Rocklin Unified School District Administration

Roger Stock: Superintendent | 916-630-2230 | rstock@rocklinusd.org
Jennifer Stahlheber: Deputy Superintendent, Business and Operations | 916-630-2239 | jstahlheber@rocklinusd.org
Michael Henderson: Associate Superintendent, Human Resources | 916-630-2240 | mshenderson@rocklinusd.org
William MacDonald: Associate Superintendent, Elementary Education and Educational Services | 916-630-3187 | wmacdonald@rocklinusd.org
Martin Flowers: Associate Superintendent, Secondary Education | 916-630-3318 | mflowers@rocklinusd.org
Elisabeth Casey: Associate Superintendent, Educational Services | 916-630-2228 | edavidson@rocklinusd.org
Rain Kernytsky: Senior Director of Facilities, Maintenance and Operations | 916-624-5771 | rkernystsky@rocklinusd.org
Ryan Johnson: Chief Technology Officer | 916-630-3199 | rjohnson@rocklinusd.org
Sundeep Dosanjh: Chief of Communications and Community Engagement | 916-672-3606 | sdosanjh@rocklinusd.org
Theresa Prestedge: Director of Special Education / Support Programs | 916-630-2232 | tprestedge@rocklinusd.org
Mario da Costa: Director of Fiscal Services and Purchasing | 916-630-2236 | mdacosta@rocklinusd.org
Charles Douglas: Director of Food Services | 916-624-1112 | cdouglas@rocklinusd.org
Matthew Hebb: Director of Transportation | 916-624-9106 | mhebb@rocklinusd.org
Sarah Soares: Coordinator, English Language Development, GATE, and Special Programs | 916-630-3314 | ssoares@rocklinusd.org

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 on their first day back to school. If the student does not have a note, it will be necessary to call the parent at home or at work in order to clear the absence. 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.

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 to 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 are eligible for Short Term Independent Study. Students will be provided assignments that may be completed during the duration of the Independent Study Contract. Completion of student work will be credited for being in school. Please contact your school office as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to put together an Independent Study Plan 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

Each week your child will bring home a large envelope containing important school/class-related information. Please be sure to check the contents of the envelope, and promptly sign and return any requested documents.

Parent Square

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

Sunset Ranch maintains a school website: http://sres.rocklinusd.org.

School Newsletter

A weekly newsletter, The Howling Coyote, will be sent to families via Parent Square outlining upcoming events, updates and reminders on policies and procedures, etc. This is the best way to keep on top of things happening at your student's school.

School Visitations / Visitor Registration

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. Please use the following steps if you have a concern:

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.
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.
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). A copy of the UCP is available at the District Office from the Human Resources Department.

Volunteers

We strongly encourage and wholeheartedly welcome volunteers at Sunset Ranch Elementary School! For the safety of all our students, all volunteers must be fingerprinted. Volunteers must also submit proof of TB testing before beginning service on campus. For this reason, siblings are not permitted on campus while volunteering. If you're interested in volunteering, please contact our clerk, Michelle Winter at 916-624-2048 or mwinter@rocklinusd.org.

Parent / Teacher Club (PTC)

Our parent-teacher organization (PTC) is an activity-oriented organization that works in various ways to benefit our children and school by supporting school activities, class programs and fundraisers, and by sharing time and ideas. You may sign up to help on the activities that fit your interests and schedule. For information including the dates and times monthly meetings will take place please visit www.srptc.org. The Sunset Ranch PTC can also be found on Instagram or Facebook.

Student Safety

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. The Superintendent or designee shall establish regulations and procedures as necessary to protect students from dangerous situations.

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that teachers, teacher aides, yard aides, and volunteers who supervise students receive training in safety practices and in supervisory techniques which will help them to forestall problems and resolve conflicts.

The following visitor regulations shall be in place at each school site:

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 (i.e. superintendents, maintenance, and transportation/cafeteria supervisors).
A "buddy system" will be in effect for grades K-3; students will have a companion when leaving the classroom (this is recommended for students in grades 4-6, but is not mandatory).

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. This information should be uploaded annually and any time there are changes to authorized emergency contacts. These changes must be made by the parent/guardian 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 their own observation or examination by their family physician. Parents will be promptly notified of all injuries not considered minor. It is critical that parents/guardians keep the emergency card up to date. If the accident is serious the school will call 911 and notify the parents immediately.

Emergency Situations

The Rocklin Unified School District has plans and preparations for major emergency situations. Our staff has been trained and drills are held regularly to make certain that the students understand emergency procedures.

Please inform your children that they are as safe at school as they are at home in a serious emergency. School buildings have been designed with safety in mind and inspections are made regularly to remove possible hazards. Personnel are trained in first aid. Our primary concern in the event of an emergency is the safety and welfare of the students.

Please instruct your children to obey the directions of their teachers and follow the directions of the bus driver if they are on the bus. If walking or riding a bicycle, your child should continue toward their destination when an emergency situation develops.

Your cooperation is asked in any emergency:

Please avoid calling the school. Telephone lines will be needed for emergency situations. Please avoid driving to school. Streets should be as open as possible for emergency vehicles. Turn your radio to any of the local Placer/Sacramento County radio stations (AM: KAHI 950, KFBK 1530; FM: KHYL 101, KBEB 92.5). Information and instructions for picking up students during or after an emergency will be given over the radio.
In the event your child's school must be evacuated, your child will be transported to another school. The school of choice will be determined by the nature of the emergency. Specific information will be broadcast on local radio stations.
The school will utilize a mass calling system to update you with key information regarding the situation.

Office Telephone

The office telephone is for emergency use only. Please make after school arrangements with your child in advance. Office staff are not permitted to interrupt classroom instruction to relay messages to students. Emergency situations should be communicated to the principal and necessary actions will be taken to ensure appropriate communication occurs.

Safety Drills

In accordance with state law, an emergency evacuation is conducted every month. Students are expected to respond quickly and safely as directed by their teacher. If you are in your child's classroom during a fire drill or a lockdown drill, please stay with your child until the drill is over.

Safe Arrival and Departures

The Rocklin Police Department and our school officials work closely to plan for the safe arrival and departure of students. We are asking for your support and help in the safe loading and unloading of children.

Assist in teaching pedestrian safety to your child and using crosswalks arriving and leaving schools and bus stops.
Do not stop your vehicle in the crosswalk or in front of the driveway to deliver or pick up your child. California State law prohibits stopping in a designated crosswalk. This constitutes a moving violation.
Teach your child to walk, not run, in the crosswalk.
Do not leave your vehicle unattended in the loading and unloading zones.
The bus lane is for buses only. Do not use it for drop off or pick up.

PLEASE ADVISE ANY DRIVER WHO MAY TRANSPORT YOUR CHILD OF THESE REGULATIONS.

Dogs on Campus

Due to health reasons, dogs are prohibited from being on the school campus during, before, or after school hours. The only exception is when a pet is part of an arranged presentation. In that situation, the pet must arrive shortly before the scheduled time and be removed immediately after the presentation ends.

Health Office Information

The school health office is staffed by a part-time health aide. The school health office provides temporary care to students who are sick or injured at school. Students cannot be diagnosed by the health office; your child's physician will need to provide a proper diagnosis. Students will only be released to Emergency Contacts listed in Aeries and 911 will be called if the situation could be life threatening.

Medications

A written authorization from the student's physician and parent or guardian is required before designated school staff may assist the student in taking any medication, including prescription medications and over-the-counter items (such as Tylenol, Motrin, cough drops, and ointments).

Any medications stored in the Health Office must be signed in by a parent/guardian and staff member in the original container. Students are not allowed to carry any form of medication on campus except those authorized by a physician (e.g., asthma inhalers, Epi-Pens). Prior to the beginning of school, notify the health office in writing of any health issues requiring care.

Health Screening

Vision and hearing screenings are conducted upon school entry and at specified grade levels in accordance with California law. Screenings are overseen by credentialed staff and school nurses.

Home Hospital Instruction (HHI)

If a doctor estimates a student will be out of school for 4 weeks or more due to illness or injury, parents may apply for Home Hospital Instruction in the school administration building. A teacher will be assigned to visit the student at home or in the hospital.

Immunizations

Under California School Immunization Law, children must receive required immunizations to attend school (Diphtheria, Hib, Measles, Mumps, Pertussis, Polio, Rubella, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Varicella). Students have 10 days from notification to provide documentation of missing immunizations or risk exclusion from school. Medical exemptions must be processed via CAIR-ME (https://cair-me.cdph.ca.gov).

CAASPP Testing

Each spring, students in grades 3 through 6 take the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). Reports are made available on the Aeries Parent Portal by August.

Homework

Homework is an extension or independent practice of classroom learning. Students are expected to complete and submit homework when assigned.

Standards-Based Grading

Instruction focuses on grade-level standards. Progress is summarized each trimester on a standards-based report card indicating mastery of skills.

Promotion / Retention Information

Legislation (AB1639) requires districts to establish promotion/retention policies and provide supplemental instruction for students at risk of retention. Decisions are based on achievement test scores, teacher evaluations, proficiency assessments, motivation, and parental support.

Teacher Training / Planning Time

One hour every Monday afternoon is scheduled for TK-12 articulation, staff development, and curriculum planning.

Student Success Team (SST)

A collaborative team process identifying effective strategies for individual students facing academic, behavioral, or medical challenges.

Special Resources & Programs

Special Education: IEP-driven services including Special Day Class, Resource Specialist Program, and Speech/Language support.
Speech and Language: Screenings and intervention for eligible students.
Psychologist: Diagnostic testing and consulting services.
English Language Development (ELD): Targeted instruction for non-native English speakers.
Intervention: Small group academic support during or after school.
Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA): Balanced curriculum incorporating Dance, Music, Theater, and Visual Arts. Includes Art Docent and Science Docent programs.
Instrumental Music: Music exposure in 4th grade; choices of strings, band, or choir in 5th and 6th grades.
GATE: Differentiated opportunities for gifted and high-achieving students. Testing occurs in 1st grade.
Physical Education: 80 minutes per week of specialized P.E. instruction plus 20 minutes from classroom teachers.
School Sponsored Trips: Co-curricular and extracurricular trips with required parental permission and background-checked chaperones.

Bicycles, E-Bikes, and Scooters

Elementary students are welcome to ride bicycles, non-motorized scooters, and Class 1 e-bikes to school following established safety guidelines and wearing helmets.

Big Buddies

Upper-grade classes are paired with primary classes to provide academic, social, and leadership support.

Birthdays

Instructional time is not used to celebrate birthdays. Balloons and presents must remain at home. Sugary treats are strongly discouraged due to health guidelines; healthy treats (fruit, juice, yogurt) are preferred if coordinated with the teacher in advance. Party invitations should not be distributed at school unless the entire class is invited.

Books and Materials

Students are responsible for caring for assigned textbooks and learning tools. Charges apply for lost items or excessive wear.

Cell Phones and Smart Devices

Cellular devices (phones, smartwatches, connected devices) must be turned off and stored in backpacks during school hours, on campus before/after school, and during field trips. Misuse will result in device confiscation to the main office for parent pickup.

General Guidelines

Gum: Gum is strictly prohibited on campus.
Lost and Found: Located in the Multipurpose Room. Unclaimed items are donated in December and June. Mark all personal belongings with the student's full name.
Library Usage: Open for supervised borrowing and research. Books are checked out for 2-week periods. Replacement fees apply for damaged/lost books.
Personal Property: Toys, electronic items, and sports equipment should be kept at home. The school is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.
Student Clubs & Student Council: Extracurricular activities and elected Student Council representatives (Grades 4-6) foster student leadership.

Student Dress and Appearance

Clothing must support a safe learning environment and cover personal body parts. Tops must have shoulder straps and cover the torso. Bottoms must cover the buttocks. Shoes must have solid soles and heel straps (closed-toe for PE). Prohibited attire includes visible underwear, depictions of illegal items/drugs/alcohol, hate speech, violent imagery, profanity, or face-obscuring items (except for religious/health reasons).

1. Volunteer Assistance (BP/AR 1240)

Volunteers assist certificated personnel with student supervision and non-instructional tasks. Volunteers must demonstrate basic skills proficiency where applicable, obtain background check clearance, submit negative TB test results within the last 60 days, and comply with Megan's Law sex offender restrictions.

2. School Visitor Registration (BP/AR 1250)

All non-student/non-staff visitors must register in the main office immediately upon entering campus, present valid proof of identity, state their purpose, and wear district ID badges. Visits must be pre-arranged 24 hours in advance. Loitering or unauthorized entry is strictly prohibited.

3. Student Class Assignments (BP/AR 6152)

Class placements prioritize balanced environments considering teacher recommendations, gender/ethnic balance, academic levels, and social dynamics. Parents may provide informational input, but specific teacher requests are not guaranteed.

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

Students are subject to suspension or expulsion for committing acts defined under Education Code 48900, including physical injury, possession of dangerous objects or controlled substances, robbery/extortion, property damage, theft, tobacco use, profanity, drug paraphernalia, imitation firearms, sexual assault, bullying/cyberbullying, hate violence, or terroristic threats.

5. Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP)

The UCP applies to complaints alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, or non-compliance with state/federal laws in educational programs. Complaints are investigated within 60 days. Pupil fee complaints may be filed with the principal or superintendent.

6. Annual Notification of Title IX / Gender Equity

Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination and harassment in educational programs. Inquiries or complaints can be directed to the District Title IX Coordinators:

Greg Snyder: Director, Personnel Services | 916-630-2428 | gsnyder@rocklinusd.org
Martin Flowers: Associate Superintendent, Secondary Programs | 916-630-2428 | mflowers@rocklinusd.org

Staff Directory

Calendar

Aeries Portal

ParentSquare

Registration

Anonymous Reporting

Student Handbook

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE / WELCOME TO PARENTS

SCHOOL MISSION & VISION STATEMENT

Our Aspiration

BOARD OF TRUSTEES & DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

Board of Trustees

Rocklin Unified School District Administration

STAFF LIST

Administration & Office Staff

Grade Level Teachers

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SCHOOL HOURS / OFFICE HOURS

Mondays Only Schedule

Regular Day Schedule

Minimum Day Schedule

SCHOOL CALENDAR

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

Absences

Missed Work

Request for Homework

Notes from Parents

Tardies

Independent Study

Appointments

PARENT COMMUNICATION / PARTICIPATION

Student Folder

Parent Square

School Website

School Newsletter

School Visitations / Visitor Registration

Parent / Teacher Conferences

Student Records

Complaint Procedures

Volunteers

Parent / Teacher Club (PTC)

SAFETY

Student Safety

Emergency Cards

Accidents

Emergency Situations

Office Telephone

Safety Drills

Safe Arrival and Departures

Dogs on Campus

CAFETERIA

Breakfast & Lunch Program

Meal Pricing

Breakfast Schedules

Nutrition Benefits Form

Accounts & Payments

TK and Kindergarten Lunch

Food Allergies

TRANSPORTATION

School Year Bus Pass Information

Transportation Safety Plan

Red Light Escort

HEALTH SERVICES