General Information

ATTENDANCE
Regular daily attendance is integral to and directly related to a student's success in school; it helps children feel better about school—and themselves. To fully benefit from their education, it is important for all students to start building this habit now, so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is critical to their success both in and out of the classroom. By being present at school, your child learns valuable social skills and has the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with other students and school staff. Consistent attendance will help children do well in school, college, and at work.

• Absences and Tardiness
  Students are allowed seven (7) absences and five (5) tardies per school year.
  
  Lower, Middle, and Upper School classes begin promptly at 8:00 am (9:00 am on Thursdays). All students who arrive late must check in at the Main Office and obtain a tardy slip. Students will not be admitted to class until they have checked in at the Main Office.
  
  Parents and guardians are asked to call the Main Office at (818) 986-5045 by 8:30 am each day when a child is absent. Teachers will be informed of student absences. If a student is not in class by 8:30 am and the school does not have a reported absence, parents or guardians will receive a call from the school.
   
• What We Need from You
  We miss your children when they are gone and we value their contributions to our school. Please help ensure that your child attends regularly to be successful in school.
   
• Our Promise to You
  We know that there are a wide variety of reasons that students are absent from school, from health concerns to transportation challenges. There are many people on campus prepared to help you if you or your student face challenges in getting to school regularly or on time. We track attendance daily, notice when your child is missing from class, and will communicate with you to understand why they were absent, and to identify barriers and supports available to overcome challenges you may face in helping your children attend school.

SCHOOL UNIFORMS
Westmark School requires families to purchase school uniforms. Uniforms can be purchased from Lands' End, Target or other retailers who carry uniform items in the designated and approved colors. Consequences for uniform infractions are outlined in the student handbook. On Free Dress days, students should adhere to the Dress Code for Free Dress.

UPDATED SCHOOL UNIFORM AND DRESS CODE GUIDELINES

P.E. UNIFORMS
Students in grades 2-5 do not change for P.E. All students in Grades 6-10 are required to wear the Westmark School P.E. / Sport Uniform. Uniforms will be distributed through P.E. classes, at which time students will be able to choose the size that best fits them. The shorts and shirts this year will be a Nike Dri-Fit high performance microfiber polyester fabric that moves sweat away from the body and to the fabric surface where it evaporates.

• Student athletes on Middle and Upper School teams are encouraged to wear the new uniform at all of their training sessions.
• Submit uniform orders via the school website prior to the student’s first day of school.
• Westmark School P.E. / Sport uniforms will be distributed in P.E. classes the first day of school.
• Westmark School P.E. / Sport uniform purchases will be reflected on your monthly student account billing.
• Costs: Shirt $22.00, Shorts $27.00.
• If you recently purchased a Westmark School P.E. uniform from last year, your child may still wear them, provided they are in good condition.

AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT
As always, we will be offering a rich array of after school activities this year. Information regarding After School Enrichment offerings will be provided during our Orientation session.

LUNCH POLICY
Proper nutrition is important for students to learn. Students will have a daily nutrition and lunch period. All students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack, preferably a combination of protein and fruit, for nutrition. Lunches can be brought from home or pre-selected and purchased through our lunch program. Lunch deliveries of any kind are not allowed.

LUNCH PROGRAM - FRESHLUNCHES
At Freshlunches, we believe that making good food choices contributes to overall good health and well-being. We believe in minimally processed food with wholesome ingredients that we can read. That’s what makes a Freshlunches meal special; our seasoned team of chefs create house made meals from our kitchen to your plate.

• Three Portion Sizes Available
  Small - $9.00, Large - $11.00, Athletic - $16.50
  *includes one main entree, two buffet daily sides
• The Power of Fruits & Veggies
  Access to nutrition packed sides encourages children to select well balanced meals. That’s why every entree features sides, including seasonal/organic fruits, hand cut heirloom rainbow carrots & crudite and fresh salads.
• Menu Options & Variety
  We recognize students have diverse palates. Our culinary team designs menus for PK-6 and 7-12 graders. Both hot and cold entrees are offered daily featuring vegetarian, gluten-free, special dietary requests and 100% organic meals.

ORDER FRESHLUNCHES
Registration Code: westmark-1

BUS TRANSPORTATION AND CARPOOLS
Westmark offers the following bus routes:

• Route: Altadena/Ventura Corridor
• Route: Rancho Park/Beverly Glen
• Route: Sunset Express/Pacific Palisades/West L.A.
• Route:Windsor Hills/Los Angeles
• Route: West Valley
  * routes subject to change contingent on interest and need.

The school will help to facilitate communication between families interested in carpooling.

Please direct all questions regarding bus services or carpools to Jenny Young at (818) 986-5045 ext. 310 or jyoung@westmarkschool.org.

Please review the Westmark Transportation Policies and Procedures regarding carpool requirements, as well as morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up procedures.

RIDE SHARE / CAR SERVICE POLICY
In order for any student to be to be dropped off and/or picked up at school by a professional Car Service, Westmark School must have the required Car Service Disclaimer signed documentation on file at school. Students without the required signed documentation on file will not be permitted to use such car service.

STAFF-STUDENT INTERACTION POLICY
As of January 1, 2018, a new California regulation requires all schools to have a written policy regarding staff/faculty and student interactions. The purpose of the policy is to provide a guideline in maintaining appropriate boundaries with students. In the course of operating Westmark School, we are committed to enforcing all required State and Federal regulations. Of course as always, our students are our first priority; ensuring their continued growth and progression is our on-going focus. For easy access to this policy, it may be found on the Westmark School website-parent portal.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, please feel free to contact us.

STAFF - STUDENT INTERACTION POLICY
 

ANIMALS ON CAMPUS POLICY
Westmark has a 'No Animals on Campus' Policy. Exceptions to this policy include registered service dogs or animals being used for instructional purposes, and/or special school days where animals are part of the school curriculum.

STUDENT BIRTHDAY PARTY POLICY
With the safety of our students as our first priority, food/edible treats are not permitted for on-campus/classroom student birthday celebrations. While we do honor and celebrate student birthdays via WNN and other school related activities, it is important to remember that many students and faculty have a wide range of severe, life-threatening allergies to various nuts, milk products, egg products, wheat, soy, strawberries, kiwi, and much more. It is exceedingly difficult to verify the ingredients in every food product that is brought to school.

Instead of sweet/edible treats, consider the below options for honoring your children on their special day:

• Donate a book to a classroom in honor of your child’s birthday with his/her name inside
• Have your child bring their favorite book to share and the teacher will read it to the class
• Donate a ball or jump rope (new or used) to the classroom for recess
• Provide each student in class with a colorful pencil, stickers, or eraser
• Choose a favorite song or musical piece to sing or play for the class
• Bring simple goodie bags for the class with safe non-edible items (no balloons or pop rocks, etc.)

For questions regarding this policy, please contact your division director.

CONTACTS