General Information
GENERAL INFORMATION
Please note that this information is specific to on-campus instruction. For related information during Distance Learning, please refer to our COVID-19 section.
- ATTENDANCE
- UNIFORM & DRESS CODE
- SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
- LUNCH PROGRAM
- TRANSPORTATION
- IMPORTANT DATES
- POLICIES
ATTENDANCE
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.
UNIFORM & DRESS CODE
UNIFORM/DRESS CODE DURING DISTANCE LEARNING
During Distance Learning, students must follow the following Dress Code:
-
NO PAJAMAS
-
Westmark uniform top encouraged
- Collared shirt or tshirt with no logo
- No tie-dye shirts
UNIFORM & DRESS CODE
Please note that uniform and dress code items were designed to provide purchasing flexibility for Westmark families. Please review the updated policy.
DOWNLOAD GUIDELINES
- GENERAL GUIDELINES
- CONSEQUENCES FOR UNIFORM INFRACTIONS
- TOPS, BOTTOMS & OUTERWEAR
- FREE DRESS DAYS
- P.E. UNIFORMS
GENERAL GUIDELINES
- All clothing must fit modestly and be neither too tight nor too baggy.
- Underclothing must not be visible.
- Jewelry, body art, piercings, or hairstyles deemed to be a distraction to the learning environment are not acceptable.
- Leggings, jeggings, and denim are not permitted.
- Consequences for uniform infractions are detailed below and are outlined in the student handbook.
- No logos on clothing items are permitted (except the Westmark logo/Westmark Wear items).
CONSEQUENCES FOR UNIFORM INFRACTIONS
UPON 1ST INFRACTION OF UNIFORM DRESS CODE
- The student will be required to change into acceptable Westmark uniform items as available in the school office.
- There will be a conference between student and advisor / teacher
- Advisor / teacher emails parents to notify them of the specific infraction
UPON 2ND INFRACTION OF UNIFORM DRESS CODE
- The student will be required to change into acceptable Westmark uniform items as available in the school office.
- Student will be required (with teacher support and / or template) to email parent.
- Division Director will follow-up directly with parent.
- The student will be required to change into acceptable Westmark uniform items as available in the school office.
- Student will meet with Division Director.
- Parents will be contacted and will have a phone or in-person conference with Division Director.
- Other consequences at the discretion of the Division Director.
TOPS, BOTTOMS & OUTERWEAR
- Polo shirts in navy, white, burgundy.
- White button down collared shirts.
THE WESTMARK LOGO IS NOT REQUIRED ON THE UNIFORM POLO. However, if you wish to add the logo, Lands' End will provide that service for an additional fee.
- Westmark Wear sweatshirts are permitted; any other sweaters and sweatshirts must be solid colored. navy, burgundy, white or heather grey only, with no logos of any kind.
- Students must wear a polo shirt underneath all outerwear.
- In colder weather, students may wear winter/heavy coats of any solid color while outside, but must remove them when inside school buildings and during class.
- Scarves of any color are permitted, but must be removed when inside school buildings and during class.
- Hats in solid navy or white may be worn, but must be removed when inside school buildings and during class.
- Pants: Navy or khaki twill (boys and girls). NO DENIM.
- Shorts: Knee-length navy or khaki twill (boys and girls)
- Skirts: Solid navy, solid khaki, or burgundy “Westmark” plaid
- The only burgundy plaid skirt allowed is the one from Lands’ End.
- All skirts MUST be an appropriate length for a school environment; skirts should be no shorter than fingertip length, when standing.
- Girls may only wear black leggings UNDER their fingertip length skirt.
- Students may not wear leggings, sweatpants, denim or athletic wear as their uniform bottom.
- Belts (optional) should be brown or black with no studs or designs.
FREE DRESS DAYS
- 1st Friday of every month plus designated days.
- In general, clothing should be appropriate for the school environment.
- Skirts and shorts must be worn to uniform length, per the above.
- Shirts and tops must be school appropriate; no strapless, spaghetti straps, or bare middrift shirts.
- Undergarments may not show.
- Clothing should not be ripped, overly baggy, or tight.
- No logos or accessories that promote illegal or gang related activities are permitted.
- No open-toed shoes are permitted.
- Westmark Spirit Wear is permitted.
P.E. UNIFORMS
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.
SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST
LOWER SCHOOL
LOWER SCHOOL ARTS MATERIALS:
- WESTMARK PROVIDES:
- Oil Pastels
- Sketchbook
- Black - Fine point Sharpie
- PARENTS ARE REQUESTED TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING: Total cost $11.75
(All are available at Target)- Crayola Markers Broad Line 10ct Classic (.99 cents ea.)
- 24 pack of Crayola Crayons (.50 cents ea.)
- Crayola Brush sets ($2.99 ea.)
- Crayola 2oz 10ct Kids' Washable Paint Set - Classic Colors ($4.99 ea.)
- 8 count- Watercolor set Up & Up (.99cents ea.)
- Elmer’s Glue - All 4oz bottle ($1.29 ea.)
GRADE 2 / 3
- Headphones (any type that is comfortable)
- 1 binder (2 in) with clear front cover
- 1 pencil pouch (with 3-ring holes)
- Pencils (not mechanical)
- 1 two-pocket folder (with 3-ring holes)
- 1 package of dividers (5 total)
2 erasers (not pencil top) - 1 pack of washable markers
- 1 pack of crayons
- 1 pack of colored pencils
- 1 glue stick
- 1 small (9"x12") white board
- Dry erase markers
- Stylus (required) REQUIRED STYLUS
GRADE 4
- Headphones (any kind that are comfortable)
- 1 binder (2 in) with clear front cover
- 1 pencil pouch (with 3-ring holes)
- 1 two-pocket folder (with 3-ring holes)
- 1 package of dividers (5 dividers total)
- Pencils (not mechanical)
- 1 pack of washable, unscented markers
- 1 pack of colored pencils
- 2 erasers (not pencil top)
- 2 glue sticks
- 1 small (9"x12") white board
- Dry erase markers
- Stylus (required) REQUIRED STYLUS
GRADE 5
- Headphones (any kind that are comfortable)
- 1 ( 2 in) binder
- 1 pencil case or pouch
- 1 two-pocket folder (with 3-ring holes)
- 1 package of dividers (5 dividers total)
- 1 pair of scissors
- 1 pack of pencils
- 1 pack of markers
- 1 pack of colored pencils
- 2 erasers (not pencil top)
- 2 glue sticks
- 3 composition books
- Clorox wipes
- 1 small (9"x12") white board
- Dry erase markers
- Stylus (required) REQUIRED STYLUS
MIDDLE SCHOOL
We ask that you purchase the following school supplies for your student to bring to school on the first day. We use the “Westmark Organization System” in all classes, so it is important to stick to this list. Teachers will let students know which other materials are required for specific classes.
- One 3 inch 3-ring binder
- Seven 3-ring Binder Dividers (clear plastic, single sheet style with NO pockets is recommended)
- 3-Hole-Punched Lined Notebook Paper
- Adhesive Reinforcements for Hole-Punched Paper
- Pens: Red/ Blue/ Green
- Pencil Bag
- Pencils (required for math)
- Individual (9"x12") Dry Erase Board
- Dry Erase Markers
- Multi-colored Highlighter Markers
- 3-Hole Pouch for Writing Utensils (to be placed in binder)
- Graph Paper
- Colored Pencils
- 4 - Spiral Notebooks
- Ruler
- Water Bottle labeled with student name
- Post-it notes
- Calculator Ti 30 or Ti 32
- Scissors
- Glue Sticks
- Pencil Sharpener
- Stylus (required) REQUIRED STYLUS
UPPER SCHOOL
UPPER SCHOOL
We ask that you purchase the following school supplies for your student to use on the first day. We use the “Westmark Organization System” in all classes, so it is important to stick to this list. Teachers will let students know which other materials are required for specific classes.
- One 3 inch 3-ring binder
- 3-ring Binder Dividers (clear plastic, single sheet style with pockets is recommended)
- 3-Hole-Punched Lined Notebook Paper
- Adhesive Reinforcements for Hole-Punched Paper
- Blue or Black Pens
- Pencils (required for math)
- Calculator TI-Nspire CX
- Multi-colored Highlighter Markers
- 3-Hole Pouch for Writing Utensils (to be placed in binder)
- Graph Paper
- Colored Pencils
- Individual (9"x12") Dry Erase Board
- Dry Erase Markers
- Stylus (required) REQUIRED STYLUS
FOR STUDENTS IN STUDIO ART
Additional Art Supplies are required as detailed below FOR STUDENTS IN STUDIO ART:
- WESTMARK PROVIDES:
- Sketchbook
- Black - Fine point Sharpie
- Drawing Pencils: 1 ea of H, 2b, 4b, 6b
- Blending Stump/tortillion- 1 medium
- Vinyl eraser
- 1 – 8 x10” Canvas board (for Foundations class)
- Kneaded Eraser (for Design, Advanced & Independent Study class)
- PARENTS ARE REQUESTED TO PROVIDE:
- Foundations - Total for supplies: ($12.47)
- C-Thru Beveled Plastic Ruler 12” ($3.35ea.)
- Sargent Art Acrylic Paint Pots - Basic Colors, Set of 6, .75 oz jars ($6.13 ea.)
- Crayola Brush sets ($2.99 ea.)
- Design, Advanced Studio and Independent Study - Total for supplies: $28.22
- Foundations - Total for supplies: ($12.47)
If students already have these supplies or similar, they may check with Ms. Hersch to see if what they already have will work.
- Artist Tape - 1/2'' x 60 yds, White ($4.71)
- C-Thru Beveled Plastic Ruler 12” ($3.35 ea.)
- General's Charcoal Pencil Set - Set of 8 ($4.66)
- Savior Faire – Gouache 10 colors tubes ($15.50)
If they don’t have brushes:
- Crayola Brush sets ($2.99 ea.)
- Optional –
- Canson XL Bristol - Pad, 9'' x 12'', Smooth, 25 Sheets, Tapebound ($6.11)
Because Advanced and Independent Study students have some choice around projects/materials, they may need to purchase additional supplies based on the scope of their interests. This will be very individualized.
LUNCH PROGRAM
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.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus Transportation
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Westmark School is pleased to offer transportation for various routes throughout Los Angeles to accommodate our families.
Bus transportation is available via our agreement with Tumbleweed Transportation for several routes, as detailed at the link below.
Due to low ridership on the West Valley route, we are providing alternate transportation at the same cost, via an agreement with HopSkipDrive. If you are interested in discussing this new option for West Valley transportation, please contact the Business Office directly.
Carpools
CARPOOLS
We require all families who wish to drive their students to school to have at least two Westmark students in the car. Carpool drop off begins at 7:30 am each day (8:30 on late start Thursdays); carpool pickup begins at 2:45 pm for Lower School students and at 3:00 pm for Middle and Upper School students.
SINGLE RIDER CARS: For those families who cannot carpool or use the bus transportation provided, single rider students must be dropped off before 7:30 am and be picked up at 3:20 pm.
CHANGES IN NORMAL PICK-UP ROUTINE: It is imperative that the school is notified as early in the day as possible if your student is going home with another student, Uber or other ride-sharing service, or anyone other than the scheduled routine pickup. WE CANNOT RELEASE YOUR STUDENT to anyone other than those listed on your Authorization for Release on file at school without proper written / email notification. WE HAVE SET UP THE SPECIAL EMAIL BELOW FOR THIS PURPOSE so that all necessary parties are aware of any change in plans.
EMAIL: carpool@westmarkschool.org
If your family is interested in a carpool, please contact Jenny Young at extension 310 or jyoung@westmarkschool.org.
Drop off & Pick Up
DROP-OFF & PICK-UP
In consideration of our neighbors and to promote student safety, all students will be required to be dropped off and/or picked up on campus. This will include ALL divisions of the school (i.e. Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools). Students may not park or be dropped off on surrounding streets and walk onto campus.
FOR THOSE FAMILIES WHO ARE UNABLE TO USE BUS TRANSPORTATION OR CARPOOL, STUDENTS MUST ARRIVE BEFORE 7:30 AM OR AFTER 8:00 AM. IN THE AFTERNOON, PICKUP IS AT 3:20 PM.
SINGLE STUDENT DROP-OFF & PICK-UP
For those families who cannot carpool or use the bus transportation provided, we will accommodate individual drop-offs and pickups with staggered drop-off and pickup times. Individual students can be dropped off before 7:30 a.m. and be picked up at 3:20 p.m.
FAMILY IDENTIFICATION PLACARD
Family Identification Placards provided to each family by the school must be placed on the right side of the dashboard prior to entering campus each day and should remain visible while on campus to assist our traffic moderators during carpool pickup. If you need a replacement placard, please contact Viviana at the front desk.
Parking on Killion
IMPORTANT DATES
2020-2021 IMPORTANT DATES
In an effort to help families plan ahead, we have compiled a list of important dates for the 2020-2021 school year, including dates for students' return to school in August, Winter Break, Spring Break, holidays, and professional development / non-pupil days. Please note that this list is subject to change, and additional days may be added.
POLICIES
NUT POLICY
NUT POLICY
In order to maintain a safe environment for a growing number of students with severe peanut/tree-nut allergies, we ask that no nuts be brought to school. Foods sent in for snack, lunch or any class event should be carefully checked to make sure they are peanut/tree-nut free. Classroom celebrations must also abide by our nut-sensitive policy. With your cooperation, we can drastically diminish the possibility of a child getting sick due to coming in contact with nuts. For questions or more information, please contact our Health Coordinator, Jared Bernstein, jbernstein@westmarkschool.org.
ANIMALS ON CAMPUS POLICY
STUDENT BIRTHDAY PARTY POLICY
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.We honor and celebrate student birthdays via Westmark News Network (WNN) and a variety of 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. For questions regarding this policy, please contact your division director.
STAFF-STUDENT INTERACTION POLICY
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