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School Expectations and Guidelines

At Cordata Elementary School we believe that everyone belongs and should be loved as we learn together.  To do this we believe that all community members should be caring, principled and thinking citizens of our school.   
 
This overview of “Cordata Expectations and Guidelines” is designed to support students, families, and staff by communicating school expectations and inviting questions. 
 
The School and Family Team 
To ensure that our school expectations and guidelines promote a principled, thinking and caring environment for learning, we will revise aspects of this document each year. 
 
Families as Partners 
We believe that families are their children’s first and most important teachers. All families in our community are invited to be full participants in the education of our children at Cordata. Involvement may vary, as there are many demands on a family’s time, but through teamwork and good communication there are a variety of ways families can contribute to their child’s success at school: 

  • Communicate with your child’s teacher often.  Either through the use of Seesaw, ParentSquare, email (email links found on our school web site), phone calls or conferencing, there are many great ways to give input or to stay in touch with what’s happening at school. 
  • Spend time volunteering to help with class or school activities.  Volunteering can be accomplished at school or from home outside of school hours. Apply on the district website to volunteer and connect with your teacher for opportunities.  More information about volunteering is provided later in this document. 
  • Help your child to attend school every day. Regular attendance at school is one of the biggest predictors of school success.  Being at school leads to learning and growth! 
  • Provide a quiet area for learning at home or in your community. A good learning habit is to have your child interact with books each school night. This can include reading, being read to, or spending time sharing stories. Establish a routine each night to help your child take on the responsibility of being prepared for school the next day. 
  • Be a good listener. Listen to what your child has to say about school and their successes or challenges.    
  • Ask questions about your child’s school day and what they learned. Your interest can be the best motivator possible. It will help your child grow in self-confidence, social skills, and learning. 

 
Family & School CommunicationS 
Social, emotional and academic success are priorities at Cordata. Families are encouraged to meet with their child’s teacher.  All teachers are available to meet, but please call, email or contact via Parent Square for an appointment.  


Rights and Responsibilities 
Each member of the Cordata Elementary School Community has rights and responsibilities.  This includes students, staff and families.  Each of us must do our part to make our community safe and caring place to learn.  We work hard to promote the Cordata Commitments.  

At Cordata Elementary we work hard to follow the Cordata Commitments. When students are making positive choices, the Cordata Elementary School, staff support these efforts by teaching about, and recognizing, positive contributions.  Some ways students are supported and recognized include: 

  • Positive praise and feedback. 
  • Use of class meetings and community agreements to support democratic ideals and empower student voice. 
  • Assemblies- Each year at Cordata our staff and students deepen their understanding of learner attributes by gathering in community to learn and celebrate as a school.  This learning is then reinforced in a variety of environments and ways throughout the school year.  

 
Progressive Discipline  
Progressive discipline relates to following logical steps to redirect or change behavior that is not caring, principled, thoughtful and safe.  
 
Steps include the following: 
 
1.   Classroom-based interventions by a teacher(s) to help students improve their choices.  Examples of interventions include but are not limited to: verbal and non- verbal reminders/warnings (proximity or eye contact), redirection of a behavior by asking a student to “try it again,” “do it differently” or coaching them to make a better choice.  With early interventions families may be notified if efforts to improve behavior are not changing the behavior. 
2.   Break Space or Reflection Time- When students are having difficulty with self-regulation or need a reset, they can use classroom break spaces to reset and reflect.  This gives them the opportunity pause, reflect and then make plans about being a positive part of their classroom.   
3. Family Communication- When ongoing concerns continue to occur in spite of coaching and redirection, families should be contacted by the teacher. Next steps for support will be developed.  This sometimes requires a plan for improvement with collaboration between home and school.  A key idea with this process is that learning should be part of the reflection process, so that students can use strategies or tools that help them to do better in the future. 
4.   Ongoing discipline issues will result in referral to social and emotional support staff or administration.  Consequences are assigned on an individual basis but will follow a progressive discipline approach and align to district policies and procedures. 
5. “Serious student misconduct” will be addressed by administrative action and can result in more significant consequences like: exclusion from the classroom, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension or emergency removal.   
 
Meaningful Consequences & Restorative Practices 
Whenever possible, meaningfujl consequences are assigned to behavior or choices that are not principled, caring, thoughtful and safe.  For example: An irresponsible act could lead to a loss of a privilege, an act against property could result in service to help restore that object, school building or grounds, an act against another person/group can result in repairing the relationship with a person or group. 
 
Bullying 
At Cordata Elementary we do not tolerate harassment, intimidation and/or bullying.  As part of Bellingham Public Schools, we are committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all members of our community. The Bellingham Promise promotes a collective commitment to all students being cared for and respected.  The way we treat each other matters.  Generally, bullying occurs when a person is exposed to an aggressive or unwanted action repeatedly from someone else. It also often involves an imbalance of power. Each year students at Cordata Elementary are taught about bullying behaviors and how to respond to bullying situations by asking the aggressor(s) to stop, reporting harassment or bullying to adults at school, and learning about strategies for dealing with bullying situations as a victim or bystander.  All students are asked to immediately report instances of threat, intimidation, harassment, bullying or physical violence to an adult at school.  All such reports shall be responded to by staff.   Parents of children involved in such behaviors will be notified. You can find more information about harassment, intimidation and bullying on the Bellingham Public Schools website, including district policies and resources. 
 
Some Online &/or Bullying Resources 
Connect Safely- www.connectsafely.org 
Kids-Online- www.kids-online.org 
Family Online Safety Institute- www.fosi.org
Common Sense Media 
 www.commonsensemedia.org 
OSPI Safety Center- www.k12.wa.us/SafetyCenter 
 
If you are interested in additional online harassment, intimidation, and bullying resources, please contact Craig Baldwin, principal, Eva Chazo, assistant principal or Hayley Horne, counselor. 
 
Fighting 
Fighting is not permitted at school and includes the behavior of any student having physical conflict with another person, which may result in harm (this includes “play fighting”). 
 
Recess Expectations 
Recess should be fun and safe for all students.  During recess we will: 

  • Treat people and equipment with respect at all times. 
  • Play games/activities that are safe and include others. 
  • Use a pass and/or check in with an adult if we want to enter the school building. 
  • Stay in designated play areas. Students must always be in sight of a play supervisor. 
  • Walk in designated areas and as we transition to and from the playground 
  • When playing on the playground make safe choices while climbing on structures.   
  • Return all equipment to the proper area and line up quietly when the whistle blows.                                       
  • Walk quietly through the halls as we return to class. 

 
Bus Expectations 
For everyone to have a safe trip, students are expected to observe the following bus rules:   

  • Students will follow the bus driver’s requests promptly. 
  • The bus driver can assign seats if needed. 
  • Students will ride their regularly assigned bus to and from their regular bus stops unless there is a written request from their parent or guardian. 
  •  For safety, students need to remain seated and facing forward while the bus is in motion. 
  • Students are expected to keep voice levels at a conversational level to avoid distracting the bus driver.  
  • Students are expected to keep all objects and body parts inside the bus.  
  •  Students need to cross 8-10 feet in front of the bus. Students should look at the driver and wait for the driver’s instruction before crossing the road. 
  • When the bus is approaching or leaving the stop, students need to wait in an orderly manner and stand away from the road and bus.  Students should be at the bus stop five minutes early. 
  •  Students will be held responsible for any damage they are a part of causing to the bus. 
  • No food or drink is to be consumed while riding the bus. 
  •  Misconduct on the bus is reason to suspend bus riding privileges. 

 
Student Dress 
At Cordata Elementary dress should not interfere with learning or become a distraction to the learning environment. 
 
Technology Expectations 
Technology at school should be used with respect and responsibility.  Students and families will receive an acceptable use policy and are expected to review and sign this in the fall.  
 
Students, staff and families are asked to use appropriate social media etiquette. When dealing with conflict, we ask that whenever possible seek alternative communication methods to solve the problem (phone call or conference).   
 
Families receive “opt out” forms in the fall and are asked to return these to the office if they wish to “opt out” of having their child’s picture included on any school-based publications or web pages.   
 
Skateboards, Bicycles, Rollerblades/Skates, Scooters  & Heelys
Students who ride these to school are encouraged to wear helmets.  Students are asked to leave their bicycles in the school racks until they leave for home.  We encourage students to lock up their bikes to protect their property. Privileges may be revoked if abused.  Skateboards and scooters are not allowed on the bus. Skateboards and scooters should be stored in the office upon arrival and may be retrieved during dismissal. Heelys shoes must have wheels disabled if worn to school. 
 
Personal Electronics and Toys 
Any item that interferes with a safe and productive learning environment should be left at home.  Expensive items such as iPods, electronic games, toys, radios, and remote-controlled cars should not be brought to school.  Additionally, students should not bring cards like Pokemon, etc. to school.  Cordata Elementary School does not assume responsibility for theft or loss of items.  
 
Cell phones may not be used during the school day.  This includes cell phone watches.  Personal cell phones should only be used outside of the school building prior to and after school.  Students in possession of a cell phone at school are expected to ensure that their phone is turned off and put away in a backpack or storage space.  Phones should not be used to take pictures at school unless a student has explicit permission from a staff member. Students may use classroom or office phones to make phone calls with the permission of an adult.   
 
Programs 
Many services are available at our school for children and families. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more or are interested referring your child for any of these services.   
 
Social Emotional Learning Groups are held during various times of the year. Groups are held on a variety of topics, including self-esteem, friendship, family changes, self-control, etc.  These groups are usually short term, but if planned to last more than one hour, parents will be informed of student participation. 
 
After School Programs 
 
Enrichment Clubs are held after school. Class descriptions and application packets will be sent home with selected students in the fall. Information and specific schedules are still being developed.  Classes are free of cost.  
 
YMCA – Cordata hosts an after-school program run by the YMCA. For more information, please contact 360-305-0583. 
 
Other Programs 
 
Cordata Collective is a group of families, caregivers and staff who are committed to strengthening the academic and social environment at Cordata through family and community collaboration. The Cordata Collective typically meets @ 6:00 pm on the second Tuesday of each month throughout the school year and is always looking for new members!  You can contact the Cordata Collective via email at cordatacollectiveteam@gmail.com or reach out to the Cordata Elementary office to learn more. We welcome you to join us!
 
Classroom Counseling Groups occur throughout the school year and are facilitated by the counselor. Groups occur in classrooms throughout the school year. Themes often include safety, bullying prevention, kindness, service and a variety of other topics.  
 
Child Study is a collaborative leadership team made up of intervention specialists, grade level teachers, school counselor, school psychologist, principals, etc.  The team works collaboratively with families to support students not responding to targeted interventions in the area of academic and social emotional learning.  Suggestions are made for further interventions based on a range of long-term data and other relevant factors regarding the whole child.  All students are continually monitored for ongoing progress, based on assessment tools.  If ongoing progress data paired with targeted intervention indicates a need for additional support, families and staff may consider additional more formalized services like special education services. 
 
Family Resource Centers (FRC) are family support centers that link school-families with local resources and human services that address the needs of the whole child in order to promote student success. All families are welcome. The FRC locations are safe places where families can access information and available services including basic needs (I.e., food, clothing, housing), child academic & behavioral support, medical & mental health, specials needs & disability, financial & legal assistance, educational & employment opportunities, emergency assistance, and Bellingham Public School provided resources & educational processes. In addition to support at the District Office, there are two Family Resource Centers: 
 
FRC- District Office 
360-676-2787 
 
FRC- Shuksan Middle School, 2717 Alderwood Avenue 
Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
360-676-6456  
 
FRC- Carl Cozier Elementary School, 1330 Lincoln Street 
Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
360-676-5085 
 
Procedures 
 
School Communications 
Telephone In the event of a family emergency, please contact the main office and staff will ensure you are able to reach your child.  Any change to transportation plans (like going home with a friend) should be made prior to arrival at school and reported to the office staff.  It is important that all families of children involved are aware of and in agreement with prearranged plans. 
 
Emailing Staff- To contact a staff member you can visit the Cordata Elementary School website and click on Contact which will direct you to a list staff members and their email.   
 
ParentSquare is a simple-to-use platform used for mass communications (school newsletters, district information, urgent alerts), classroom communications (one-to-one and group messaging, parent-teacher conferences), and related school services. It serves to streamline school-to-home communication and all families receive an invitation email before the school year to activate their account. You can watch this ParentSquare 3-minute overview to learn more.  
BPS website https://bellinghamschools.org/parentsquare/  
ParentSquare web portal: https://www.parentsquare.com/  
 
SeeSaw is an interactive platform that serves to enhance student engagement, family connection, and teacher confidence.  SeeSaw Help and How-To Guides:  
https://bellinghamschools.org/about/departments/educational-technology/seesaw-help-and-how-to-guides/  
 
Social Media
Students, staff and families are asked to use appropriate social media etiquette.  When dealing with conflict, we ask that parties involved seek alternative communication methods to solve the problem (phone call or conference).  In an increasingly interconnected world, we know that social media sites like Facebook can provide staff and families with quick communication and information outside the normal communication channels.  We also recognize that this method of communication has potential for negative scenarios to arise.  We encourage all community members seek resolutions to their problems/concerns by “going to the source” and directly communicating via phone or a conference as a way to solve their problems if they have concerns.  Please reach out to us. 
 
Volunteering- Cordata Elementary welcomes and appreciates volunteers at school and for school events like field trips. Volunteers are invaluable support in delivering on The Bellingham Promise to empower every child to discover and develop a passion for learning, and be ready for the widest range of educational and vocational options as well as becoming engaged community members. If you would like to volunteer at school, please submit an online application through the District Website. Volunteers are (1) required to perform a background check with Washington State Patrol, and (2) review the Volunteer Handbook. Approved volunteer status is approved for two academic years. To apply online, computers are located in the lobby of the District Office at 1985 Barkley Blvd. If you are unable to apply online, call the Volunteer Office.Volunteer Program 
 
Volunteer Office Phone Number: 360-647-6848 
 
Other School Communications 
At Cordata we publish a monthly newsletter called the Bobcat Beat which will be shared with families the first week of each month.  The Cordata Newsletter includes current event information about the school, district and community. 
 
 
School Arrival and Dismissal 
Students should arrive to school no earlier than 7:30 a.m. when they are allowed to transition to the cafeteria.  There is no supervision prior to 7:30 a.m. School is dismissed at 2:30 p.m. each day except for Thursdays, when students are dismissed at 12:20 p.m. Students are to leave campus unless they are enrolled in an afterschool program.  Students are to remain on campus from the time they arrive until the time school is out unless they are participating in a scheduled event with staff.  Students walking to school should use the provided sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible for safety. 
 
Release of Students 
In an effort to assure the safety of children who are released during the day, written parental permission should be sent to the office stating the requested time of release, or call before 1:30 pm. If any person other than the parent or guardian is to pick up the child, the school should have a statement from the parent in writing specifying necessary information. Our school cannot release a student to a guardian unless they are listed as a contact in our system. If a student needs to be dismissed early for medical or emergency reasons, the parent or guardian must be present to sign the student out. 
 
Attendance  
Consistent attendance at school is one of the best predictors of student success.  In Washington State, the law requires that children ages 6 to 17 who are enrolled in public schools, attend school.  In the case that the child can’t attend school, the parent or legal guardian must excuse the absence by notifying the school.  When students miss school and their caregivers have not excused the absence, they can be considered truant. Truancy is defined as being absent from school or from the majority of a student’s classes without a valid excuse. 
 
Absences are excused for these 5 reasons 

  • Illness or a health condition 
  • A religious observance, when requested by the student’s family 
  • Family emergencies 
  • Disciplinary exclusion from class (short/long term suspension) 
  • A school-sponsored event 

 
If for personal reasons, families plan to have their child out of school for more than three consecutive days, we ask you to provide written communication with the front office/principal for prior approval (excused absence) at least 48 hours in advance. In most cases we will only excuse extended absences with prior approval once per school year.  Families should report absences within 48 hours of an absence. Absences that are not reported will become unexcused. Unexcused absences will result in attendance letters being mailed home.  You can find more information about school attendance at https://bellinghamschools.org/attendance/. 
 
Unexcused Absences 
Failure to attend school without a valid reason is truancy.   If school absences or tardies become a concern, families and school staff will collaborate to determine ways to improve attendance. Excessive absences without a valid excuse will be considered unexcused.  Chronic attendance problems that do not improve after collaborative efforts with the school, will be referred first to our district Community Engagement Board and if unresolved can eventually move to Whatcom County Courts for truancy concerns.   
 
Health and Safety 
 
Child Custody and Safety 
With the safety of the child in mind, Cordata Elementary School will only release children to the parent/guardian or designee indicated on school records. If special circumstances exist, such as specific custody arrangements, protection orders, etc., the appropriate paperwork must be provided to the school.  These legal documents will direct the school’s actions. 
 
Child Abuse Prevention  
We believe families love their children and try their best within their means to care for them.  As a community our paramount responsibility is to ensure the health and safety of our children, while providing a quality education. By law, any suspected child abuse or neglect must be reported by schools to Child Protective Services. As difficult as contacting Child Protective Services and/or law enforcement may sometimes be, if we have legitimate concern for a child’s safety or welfare, we will involve outside agencies to support children and their families. 
 
Immunization 
If you have questions about immunization, please contact the Cordata Elementary School Office or Bellingham Public Schools.   
 
Illness 
If a student becomes too ill to remain in class, our nurse or office staff will contact parents by phone.  This is one reason it is so important that the office has an updated, working phone number on the emergency contact card to reach families. If your child is ill, please do not send him/her to school.   
 
A reminder from the school nurse of what to look for when your child isn’t feeling well: 

  • Fever Please keep your child home if their temperature is over 100 degrees.  A child should be free of fever for 24 hours before returning to school. 
  • Weepy Rash If your child has a weepy rash, please consult with a healthcare professional on next steps.  
  • Vomiting/Diarrhea Children should be vomit and/or diarrhea free 24 hours before returning to school. 

 
Medication 
If your child needs to have medication during the day, the school will need to have written consent from you and your doctor prescribing the medication.  Forms for this purpose are available in the office.  All medication is to be brought to school by an adult and must be in the original container with complete information attached: name of medication, patient name, dosage and complete instructions.   
 
Contacting Staff  by email and/or phone  
All staff at Cordata Elementary have an email address and can be reached by email. Most staff can also be contacted by phone. By calling our front office at 360-676-6461, you can be transferred to that staff member. 
 
Cordata Elementary Phone Number: 360-676-6461 
 
Additional Contacts 
 
WHAT              WHO                      PHONE  
YMCA                  Shannon Millican 360-305-0583 
 
Counseling           Hayley Horne       360-676-6461 
 
Title I/LAP         Erin Connolly       360-676-6417 
                                
Family Res.         Crystal Morales   360-305-8101 
 
Nurse                Matt Neisinger      360-676-6461                                   
Special              Eva Chazo            360-676-6461 
Education                          
 
Transportation   Cindy Denis          360-676-6546 
 
Principal              Eva Chazo     360-676-6461 
 
Assist. Principal   Ashwinta Deo          360-676-6461