Blossom Hill School Handbook
Table of Contents
Entrance Requirements
Children entering Blossom Hill School as kindergarteners must be five years of age by December 2 of the school year. To register a child, bring to the school office the child's birth certificate, immunization record, property tax bill/close of escrow or rental agreement including a canceled check or receipt showing the most recent payment or a letter from the landlord, two utility bills (PG&E and telephone) and one other bill mailed to you at address given, a current DMV vehicle registration, and last year’s W-2 or 1099 form. When a student is transferring from another school, please bring the child's last report card and test scores. Additionally, let us know if your child has been involved in any special program.
Attendance & Schedules
Daily Schedule
| Day Care (Clubhouse) | 7:00 AM - 6:15 PM |
| School Office | 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM |
| Kindergarten (AM) | 8:10 AM – 11:30 AM |
| Kindergarten (PM) | 11:00 AM – 2:20 PM |
| Grades 1-3 | 8:10-2:25 |
| Grades 4-5 | 8:10-2:33 |
| Wednesday Early Release | |
| Kindergarten (AM) & (PM) | 8:10 - 11:30 |
| Grades 1-3 | 8:10 - 12:07 |
| Grades 4-5 | 8:10 - 12:10 |
The opening and locking of gates around campus is as follows:
Open 7:55 Locked 8:10
Open 2:20 Locked 3:00
Note: front gate will remain open for after-school classes
Kindergarten Open 10:55 Locked: 11:10
Open 11:30 Locked: 11:50
Absences
Daily attendance is very important for your child's education. If your child will be absent for any reason, please call our 24-hour attendance line at 335-2145. Leave a message stating the name of the student, grade, date, reason for absence, your name and relationship to the child. For your child’s safety, Blossom Hill uses a program called "operation safe call." If your child does not arrive at school and we have not received an absence message, we will call you. Please help minimize our daily calls by notifying us immediately when your child will be absent or tardy.
When a child has been absent from school for any period of time, a note from home is required. If the absence is due to illness, please state the date and type of illness. If your child comes down with a contagious illness, please notify the office immediately. We are required to send exposure notices to each family in a contagious child's class. Three or more unexcused absences constitute a truancy.
Make-Up Work
Classroom teachers will provide parents with their basic procedures regarding make-up assignments at Back to School Night. Assignments missed due to a short illness (three or fewer days) will be made up upon the student’s return to school. Teachers are not required to provide advance assignments for absences due to family vacations. Parents are expected to make sure students complete their assignments and to schedule family trips to correspond with scheduled school holidays. Regular attendance is critical for your student’s progress.
Unexcused Absences/Tardiness
Children should arrive before the 8:30 a.m. bell. Late arrival requires obtaining a tardy slip from the office and results in loss of valuable class time. Promptness is a necessary courtesy to the teacher and other students. Having students realize the importance of arriving on time helps them build good habits for life. Three or more tardies and/or unexcused absences constitute truancy. Vacations (even when the school is notified) are considered unexcused absences. The school is required by the State to send out truancy letters after each report period when three or more unexcused absences or tardies have occurred. If a pattern of habitual tardiness or unexcused absences develops, parents may be required to attend a truancy hearing.
Minimum Days
Minimum days are set aside each year for Parent-Teacher Conferences, Back to School Night, Open House, and the last day of school.
In-Service Days
Two in-service or professional development days are built into our district ’s teacher contracts each school year. For the 2007-2008 school year, the in-service days are August 31 and November 1. In-service days are full days with no classes scheduled to allow teachers to participate in district-wide professional development training.
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General Administrative Procedures
Parents are urged to closely review all basic school administrative policies and procedures. Please take extra time to acquaint yourself with these items. Your cooperation is necessary for us to provide your child with a safe and secure environment.
Arriving at School/Picking Up After School
Children should not arrive at school before 8:05 a.m. There is no supervision of students prior to this time. Students arriving before this time or not picked up in the afternoon by 3:00 will be sent to the Clubhouse and a fee may be charged.
Phone Messages
Emergency messages from parents to students at school will be communicated promptly at any time through the office. To avoid classroom disruption, routine plans for the day should be made known to the child before he/she leaves for school. Students are not permitted to use the office business phone to make after school social plans.
SCHOOL POLICIES AND RULES
Retrieving Forgotten Items After School
Our custodians are on a tight schedule to get all of the classrooms cleaned after school, but they are frequently asked to open classrooms after school hours. The District has given a directive that the custodians are not to open doors for students who have forgotten items, since the time spent waiting for children to retrieve lost items takes away form their ability to clean the rooms thoroughly and efficiently. Please remind your students that they are responsible for remembering backpacks, homework, and other personal belongings.
Use of Cell Phones
Children may not make telephone calls, or receive them, during the school day. Should there be an urgent message that must get to your child, the school secretary will ensure this is delivered. Students with cell phones turned on during school hours (whether in use or not) will have phones confiscated by the teacher for return at the end of the day.
School Dress Code
Blossom Hill encourages students to wear clothing that is safe, comfortable, clean, and appropriate. Student clothing must not disrupt the education or be disrespectful of any student or staff member.
Hats may be worn outdoors only. Hats with bills (such as baseball caps) must be facing forward to shade the eyes from the sun. All shorts and skirts must be a minimum of fingertip length. Since children are actively playing on the equipment and playground, we advised that shorts be worn under skirts and dresses. No undergarments may show. Tube, midriff, halter tops, and spaghetti straps are not appropriate for school. Full-length tank tops that have 2” or larger sleeves/straps may be worn (bra straps should not show). Oversized pants must be worn with a belt. Make up may not be worn at the elementary school level. Sport or tennis shoes are most appropriate for running and playing during recess and P.E. All shoes must have a back strap (no thong sandals). Platforms and higher heeled shoes are not safe for regular school days and should only be worn on special occasions (promotion, picture day, musical concerts).
Behavior and Discipline Policy
At Blossom Hill, we emphasize Character Education and expect students to model these traits while in class, on the playground, and whenever interacting with other students and/or adults. Good citizenship and character are life skills that all students need to learn and model.
Blossom Hill Rules for Respect
- Be respectful to ALL.
- Use appropriate language.
- No put down, name calling, or teasing.
- Keep hands and feet to yourself.
- Play fairly – follow game rules.
Safety & Behavior Rules
For safety concerns, the following are not allowed at our school:
- Tag
- Running on blacktop
- Playing in restrooms
- Playing behind fences, buildings, and bushes
- Rough and dangerous games
- Throwing objects that might hurt others
- Hitting or hurting another person
- Using bad language or name calling
- Bullying, teasing, or threats
- Food on play structures or around organized games
- Chewing gum
- Toys, personal sports equipment and/or electronics
- Cell phone use during school hours
- Riding bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, etc. on campus
- Leaving the lunch area without permission
- Playing with school or home PE equipment after school (balls, hula hoops, ropes, etc.).
Playground Rules
All students are expected to comply with the following rules while on the playground:
- I will listen to adult supervisors.
- I will tell a yard duty if someone is hurt, has a problem, needs help, or thinks something is unfair.
- I will get a playground pass to go to the office.
- I will use all playground equipment correctly.
- I will not exclude anyone from any game or activity.
- I will play ball games only in painted courts.
- I will follow the rules to organized games.
- I will play fairly, safely, and show good sportsmanship.
Consequences for not adhering to safety and/or playground rules are as follows:
- Student will be spoken with.
- Student will be benched or given a time out.
- The yard duty will inform classroom teacher of student’s behavior.
- Student will be sent to the principal.
- Parent will be called or notified for serious conduct.
Campus Visitation/Student Departures
Parents
Parents are always welcome on our campus. It is our school policy that parents check in with the office upon arrival. Once the school day begins, parents will only be able to enter the campus from the FRONT entrance. The gate from Cherry Blossom will be locked during school hours. Parents must sign-in at the front office if they wish to come on campus. No parents will be allowed in classrooms or on school grounds without an identification badge. Items such as homework, lunch money, lunches, etc. should be given to the school secretary to deliver to the classroom. We do not allow phone calls or other interruptions to the classrooms. Should there be an urgent message that must get to your child, the school secretary will ensure this is delivered. Visits to your child's classroom may be made by scheduling an appointment with the teacher. Visits of 15 to 30 minutes are preferable.
Other Visitors
We are very protective of our students and seek to minimize classroom disruptions. Therefore, no person, other than a parent, may visit classrooms. Adults, other than parents, who wish to visit our campus, must contact the principal to discuss the reason for their visit. When arriving on campus, visitors must sign a register and obtain a Visitor's Badge in the school office. Children who are not Blossom Hill students may not attend classes or be on the school grounds during school hours.
Removing a Child from School
To ensure the protection and safety of our students, no child will be permitted to leave the school grounds unless they are picked up by a parent, guardian, or someone listed as an emergency contact on the student’s emergency card. No child will be released to anyone whose name is not on the emergency card. The adult picking up a student must sign them out in the front office and will be asked for identification.
Communications
Parent Notices (Wednesday Envelope or Wednesday e-Packet)
Each Wednesday, students are sent home with a packet of information that is to be reviewed by their parents. It typically includes the school Beehive Newsletter and flyers and information affiliated with the district and school. In an effort to become an increasingly green-friendly school, Blossom Hill offers the Wednesday envelope delivery online. Visit our school website, www.bh.lgusd.k12.ca.us, to sign up for the Wednesday e-Packet. Extra copies of the Beehive and Wednesday packet flyers are available in the office.
Beehive Newsletter
The Beehive weekly school newsletter includes pertinent school and district information on activities and events, as well as a weekly article from our principal, Karen Miller. The Beehive is delivered weekly in the Wednesday packet and is also available online at our website www.bh.lgusd.k12.ca.us, under the “School News” tab.
Buzz Book
The Buzz Book is a directory of students, parents, teachers, and staff at Blossom Hill that is published after the start of each new school year. Families are included in the Buzz Book on an opt-in basis. The Buzz Book provides the names and contact information for the Room Parents for each class as well as all Home & School Club committee chairpersons. The Student Handbook and School Year Calendar are also included. One copy per household is available with Home and School Club membership. Additional copies may be purchased by HSC members for a nominal fee. Please do not misuse the family listing information. Party invitations and/or social plans should be made by mail or phone, not at school. The information in the buzz Book may not be used for business solicitations.
Web Site
For current school information, log on to our school's website, www.bh.lgusd.k12.ca.us. Our website offers a plethora of information about school events, procedures, curriculum, grade level activities, organizations, and school support resources. Each week our website is updated to include pertinent announcements, our weekly newsletter, and school events. We encourage you to use this "paperless" method of staying in touch with what's happening at Blossom Hill.
Los Gatos School District Information
Periodic district updates are sent by the Superintendent to keep parents informed about important happenings district-wide, as well as address any issues that may arise during the school year. Additionally, the Wednesday Packet will contain information on district-wide events. Los Gatos School Board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at the District Office on Roberts Road. Parents are invited to attend. Board agendas are posted on the outside office bulletin board prior to board meetings.
Student Progress
Homework
Teachers assign homework four days a week. Beginning in first grade, students complete ten minutes of written work, with ten additional minutes of homework for each subsequent grade. In addition, children should read at home for ten to 20 minutes a day. Teachers may assign long-term projects over the weekends in upper grades. We offer afterschool homework assistance for students in grades three through five. We encourage parents to supervise homework and support their children’s efforts.
Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled in November and March of the school year. The November conference is mandatory. Conferences may also be scheduled in March at the parents' or teacher's request. Teachers will provide a written report for both grading periods. Additionally, parents or teachers may ask for a conference at any time. Never hesitate to contact us with information that will give us a better understanding of your child.
Report Cards
Students receive report cards three times during the school year: one at each of the fall and spring conferences, and one at the end of the school year. The following criteria are used for first through third grades: O=Outstanding, S=Satisfactory, I=Improving, N=Needs improvement. Fourth and fifth graders receive A, B, C, D, or F letter grades; O, S, I, or N will be applied to their behavior and study habits. Primary and intermediate grade teachers will provide written comments about student grades.
S.T.A.R. Tests
Students in grades 2-5 take the California Standards Test in the spring. Our students' scores consistently have been high, and we are proud of our results. These scores are posted on our school website www.bh.lgusd.k12.ca.us and are published in our annual School Accountability Report Card (SARC) The newest Blossom Hill SARC can be found here.
Emergencies And Health Care
Emergency Information Cards
Emergency information cards are sent home on the first day of school. All students must return completed emergency cards to the office specifying who is to be contacted in the event of emergency, accident, or illness. Emergency contacts should live or work in the immediate area. Please advise your emergency contacts that they may be required to pick up your child in the event of an emergency or illness, if you cannot be reached.
Please notify the office immediately of any changes in emergency information, such as changes in physician, residence, job, or emergency contacts.
Student Accidents and Emergencies
The following are the first aid and accident procedures: All major accidents are reported to the office. Each teacher has a First Aid Kit in the classroom for minor injuries. Students with more serious injuries or illnesses are sent to the office for initial evaluation by the school secretary. The nurse and parents are contacted in an emergency situation. If the parent cannot be reached, the emergency contact person will be called. If no one is available and the office determines that the child is in need of immediate care, 911 will be called and the child will be transported to the hospital emergency room or physician's office. Please make sure the office has current phone numbers.
Emergency School Closing
In the event that school must be closed due to weather conditions or other emergencies, up-to-date information will be given to the following radio and T.V. stations:
Local Area Television Station
KNTV 432-4780 ( Channel 3)
Local Area Radio Stations
KSCO (810 AM), KCBS (740 AM)
Student Emergency Release Procedures
Blossom Hill School has enough emergency supplies to last for 24 hours (food, water, first aid) on its own. It should also be noted that phones may not be answered in the event of an emergency. Please tune in to the local radio stations for updated information.
Each grade level at Blossom Hill School has a color of its own. Students and teachers are trained to assemble by their grade level colors after the initial emergency evacuations. No students will be released until after they move to their grade level areas. Your student will only be released to the parent/guardian or someone designated by the parent/guardian on the emergency card.
Note: During an emergency situation, we will be unable to attempt to contact parents/guardians. This means that the first person who arrives at the school and is listed on the emergency card will be able to sign out and leave with your student. We make a note of who signs a student out and their destination so that a parent/guardian will know how to locate their child.
The grade level flag colors are:
- Kindergarten is BLUE
- 1st grade is RED
- 2nd grade is GREEN
- 3rd grade is YELLOW
- 4th grade is ORANGE
- 5th grade is PURPLE
When you arrive on campus to pick up your child, follow the protocol and remain calm.
- Prior to arriving:
- A. Bring I.D. (driver’s license or passport). This is critically important to ensure that the students are released only to authorized people.
- B. Know whom you are picking up. Remember that once the child is released to an authorized adult, that adult is now responsible for that child!
- Arriving at school:
- A. Park in a safe location. Do not block driveways, gates, or parking lot drive-through.
- B. Walk on to the campus. The school will already be following its emergency procedures. Calmly follow the directions of the staff.
- C. You will be directed to your child’s grade level area for checkout. Wait for your turn, then identify yourself and whom you are picking up. Present your identification to the staff member who is helping you. Remember you must be listed on the emergency card. NO EXCEPTIONS! Parents who have more than one child to check out will have to proceed to each grade level release area.
- D.*This procedure will take time! Do not be in a hurry or panic. The protocol is set up to make sure each child is released to an authorized adult, to account for each child, and to make the atmosphere as calm and non-stressful as possible for both the students (who are waiting) and the parents/guardians (who are checking them out).
- E. After signing out the children, we ask that you leave the campus immediately.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
- Los Gatos High School………………………………………………………………354-2730
- Emergency Services……………………………………………………………………………………911
- Road Conditions……………………………………………………………………800-427-7623
- Police Department – Los Gatos…………………………………………354-8600
- Sheriff’s Department – Santa Clara County…………299-3233
- Fire Department – Los Gatos………………………………………………299-3144
- Pacific Gas & Electric Co. ……………………………………800-743-5000
- Los Gatos Union School District Office…………………335-2000
- Blossom Hill School……………………………………………………………………335-2100
- Daves Avenue School……………………………………………………………………335-2200
- R.J. Fisher School………………………………………………………………………335-2300
- Lexington School……………………………………………………………………………335-2150
- Louise Van Meter School…………………………………………………………335-2250
Hospitals –
- Los Gatos Community……………………………………………………………………378-6131
- Good Samaritan…………………………………………………………………………………559-2011
- American Red Cross………………………………………………………………………577-1000
Emergency Ambulance –
- Monte Sereno………………………………………………………………………………………299-3325
- San Jose…………………………………………………………………………………………………972-7711
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Illness
Any child with even a slight fever (99.4 degrees), who does not appear alert, or is not well enough to play outside, will be sent home. If your child has been absent due to an illness, s/he must be free of fever (without medication), episodes of vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea for at least 24 hours prior to returning to school. If your child has a rash, please do not send her or him to school until your health care provider has stated that your child is not contagious. Do not send your child to school is s/he is sick.
School Nurse
There is a district school nurse available to respond to emergency situations. She can also be reached by phone (335-2074) for parent and staff questions and concerns. During the nurse's time on each campus, she conducts mandated hearing, vision, and other health screenings, follow up checks, participates in Special Education assessments, and oversees the fifth grade Family Life Program.
Hearing and Vision Screening
Students in grades K, 1, 2, 5, and special education classes are given hearing screenings in September. If a student fails a retest, the parent will be contacted. Vision screening is conducted beginning in September for students in grades 1,3,5, and special education classes. Parents are notified of any deviations from normal. This screening does not replace the more complete examination by your eye physician.
Medication
Students with chronic or acute illnesses may require prescribed or over-the-counter medication during school hours in order to benefit from their educational program. The California Education Code, Section 49423 states "any pupil required to take during the regular school day, medication prescribed for him by a physician, may be assisted by the school nurse or other designated school personnel if the school district receives:A written statement from such physician detailing the method, amount and time schedules by which such medication is to be taken, ANDA written statement from the parent or guardian of the pupil indicating the desire that the school district assist the pupil in the matters set forth in the physician's statement."
The Education Code regulations include over-the-counter products. Whether prescribed or over-the-counter, all medication needs to be administered through the health office. All medication needs to be in its original container labeled with the name of the student, physician, and medication. Specific directions for use must be included. "Take as directed" is not acceptable.
Compliance is important to the health and safety of all students. The appropriate Administration of Medication form (available in the office) allows for consultation between the school nurse and physician regarding medication side effects and possible adverse reactions. Parents are required to provide a sufficient supply of medication.
Asthma Medication
Students are encouraged to be knowledgeable about and participate in their own health care. In the case of those students who have asthma and are authorized by their physician to carry an inhaler prescribed to that student, the health office needs to have a note on file which states:
- the name of the student
- the name of the physician
- the name of the medication and specific directions for use. "As directed" is not appropriate.
The note must also contain a statement from the physician certifying that the student has received adequate instruction and training and demonstrates the knowledge and ability to self-administer the inhaler. The actual inhalation device should have a visible prescription label. Please ask the pharmacy to place the label on the device itself, not on the packaging.
Head Lice Policy
Head lice are a misunderstood nuisance health problem. Early precautions may prevent outbreaks of head lice in the school. The following is some basic information about head lice. Infestation can happen to any one, any age and either sex. It is not a sign of poor health habits or being dirty.
Head lice are tiny insects that live on the human hair. They hatch from small eggs, called nits, which are attached to the base of individual hairs. The eggs hatch in approximately seven to ten days, with new lice reaching maturity in about two weeks. The mature lice proceed to lay more eggs. Signs to look for if concerned about an infestation are: persistent scratching of the head and back of the neck, scratch marks or rash on the scalp, and nits attached to the hair.
Once head lice have been identified, the condition needs to be addressed promptly to prevent the spread to others. There are a variety of over-the-counter preparations which are effective when used according to directions (NIX and RID are two). The use of products to help remove nits from the hair have not been found to be effective.
Once the lice and nits have been removed from the hair and scalp, the problem of re-infestation may still exist unless all articles that may contain live lice or nits, such as clothes, towels, and bed linens, stuffed animals, hair decorations, are washed in HOT water and detergent and dried using the HOT cycle of the dryer (20 minutes), dry cleaned or placed in a sealed plastic bag for a period of 2-3 weeks. Combs and brushes need to be washed in a pediculocide solution. The use of spray products to treat items which cannot be washed or dry cleaned are NOT effective. Items which cannot be washed, such as carpets, car upholstery, mattresses, sofas should be vacuumed thoroughly.
If school personnel observes live lice or nits on your child's head, you will be notified immediately and s/he will need to be picked up from school. After the initial treatment and removal of ALL nits from the hair, your child may return to school.
If you discover head lice, it is important that you notify the school so your child's class can be checked for other cases. Parents of your child's friends, scout groups, teams where a helmet or hat is shared, should also be notified.
Animals do not carry human head lice.
School Services And Resources
Day Care (Clubhouse)
Los Gatos Parks and Recreation Department operates an extended on-campus day care program, called Clubhouse, which is available to all students from 7:00 A.M. to 6:15 P.M. daily. Morning or afternoon care for kindergarten students is available, as is limited space on Minimum and Late Start days. Schoolyard supervision begins 15 minutes before the start of classes, so children arriving at school prior to 8:15 a.m. should be enrolled at Clubhouse or accompanied by a parent.
A registration packet (available in the school office) must be filled out each school year by any family wishing to enroll a student in Clubhouse. A registration fee is assessed per family, and all fees including the registration fee, are billed to your home. Refer to the registration packet for specific fee schedules. A tuition option with a discounted rate is available for families that use this program on a regular basis. Clubhouse offers enrichment activities such as crafts, art, cooking, group games, sports, movie day, special mini-courses, etc. The Clubhouse phone number is 335-2131.
Cafeteria
A cafeteria menu is sent home monthly in the Wednesday envelope and is also available on the school web site at www.bh.lgusd.k12.ca.us. Hot lunches, including milk, may be purchased daily. Milk or juice may be purchased separately. Each student is issued a card which is kept in the cafeteria that operates like a debit card. Parents deposit money (a minimum of $30 deposit) onto the Accuscan card, and students then scan their card each day to pay for their lunch. Students are notified when their balance is getting low. Parents may apply to the school for free or reduced price lunches. Because we have several students who have severe allergies to peanuts, we are discouraging peanut butter and peanuts on campus.
Homework Club
Blossom Hill Homework Club is an after school program facilitated by one or more teachers. Children in 3rd through 5th grade in need of a more structured environment for homework are invited to participate at no charge. Teachers provide a quiet study environment for students to complete assignments and receive assistance with homework. All students must bring work for one hour and have pencils and supplies with them.
There are two additional "Homework Cubs" operated by Los Gatos Recreation. The Clubhouse Homework Club and the Spanish Homework Club are held on campus after school. Both of these programs are only open to students in those programs and not associated with Blossom Hill. Contact Los Gatos Recreation for more information on these programs.
Study Field Trips
Study trips enrich our curriculum. Attending a study trip is voluntary. If the student plans to attend, we require a permission slip signed by a parent. Permission slips are sent home with students. Siblings of students may not attend class study trips.
A parent who agrees to drive on the study trip will be assigned a small group of children to supervise throughout the trip. We also ask that you go directly to and directly from the study trip without stops for unauthorized drinks and snacks or for personal reasons.
Any parent driving children to a study trip must, prior to the trip, complete, sign, and submit a form stating that the parent has the following insurance coverage:
| Accident | Minimum Coverage |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury: | $100,000 - $300,000 per accident |
| Property Damage: | $25,000 per accident |
| Medical: | $10,000 |
| Single limits: | $300,000 |
Lost and Found
Please label your child's personal items, such as clothing, backpacks, and lunch boxes. The Lost and Found rack is located by the school cafeteria. Please check there when an item has been lost. Unclaimed articles are donated to charitable organizations at the end of each month.
Bicycles
All third through fifth grade students may ride their bicycles to school. Riders must sign a bicycle contract available on the first day of school through the child's teacher, and through the office thereafter. Students must wear a bicycle helmet according to California State Law and obey all safety rules. Bicycles MUST be walked on sidewalks in front of the school and inside the school grounds. We have a NO WHEELS rule inside the school grounds meaning no bikes, skateboards, scooters or other wheels may be ridden on campus grounds. Bicycles must be parked and locked in the bicycle racks located around campus.
Student Programs
Art Instruction
Thanks to LGEF funding, our students have had multiple exposures to art in many different forms. One of the unique opportunities our student have is with the very popular “Artist in the Classroom” residency program, which provides classroom instructional art lessons to students over a 5-week time period with a local artist. The Art Docents of Los Gatos provide hands-on workshops and print presentations for students leading up to the annual District Art Show where each and every child will have a piece of artwork on exhibit. In addition, The Guest Artist Program brings a professional Bay Area artist to each of the elementary schools for an entire school day. These and many more teacher-led classroom lessons inspire the artist in every child and instill an appreciation for art.
Blossom Hill Chorus
Here at Blossom Hill we are fortunate to have an after-school chorus program directed by one of our own talented teachers, Lacy Maxwell. Third, fourth and fifth graders may participate in the Blossom Hill School Chorus. Students must apply to be in the productions and make a commitment to keep up with schoolwork and practice schedules held before or after school hours. No tryouts are required, but rehearsals are scheduled on a regular basis before and/or after school beginning from the start of the school year through the chorus performance in the fall (typically in November).
Blossom Hill Theater/Play
Our ever-popular after-school theater production is made possible in large part due to the commitment and talent of one of Blossom Hill’s own teachers, Brian Houg as well as the continued support of the numerous parent volunteers. Fourth and fifth graders may participate in the annual Blossom Hill School Play. The program offers a theater arts experience in a safe, supportive, and team-oriented atmosphere. Students must apply to be in the production and make a commitment to keep up with schoolwork and practice schedules held before or after school hours. Rehearsals are scheduled on a regular basis before and/or after school beginning in November. Performances are the first two weekends in February.
Instrumental and Vocal Music
The K-5 music program at Blossom Hill utilizes four music teachers who work with teachers to provide a core foundation of classroom music instruction. All K-5 students receive vocal music. Each week, students in Grades K-4 participate in 45 minutes of music instruction. In primary grades, students are introduced to music elements through rhythm, movement, and song. Students in Grade 4 are introduced to the violin and the flutephone. Grade 5 students participate in two, 45-minute periods of music instruction per week, and students are given the option of continuing violin, learning a different instrument (cello, flute, clarinet, trumpet, or trombone), or participating in vocal instruction. The music curriculum is aligned with the District adopted standards for Arts Education as well as State and National Standards for Music Education. Twice per year, students in all grades put on a performance for the entire school community to showcase what they have learned.
Computer and Technology
Technology is an important part of the educational program and environment at Blossom Hill. We have a fully equipped Intel iMac computer lab that can accommodate 30 students and is supported by our computer specialist who works collaboratively with teachers to provide weekly lessons and projects to classes. Each classroom is equipped with networked computers. Students work on specific projects and programs that enhance the classroom curriculum and align with our district technology standards, as well as learn how to access and utilize appropriate Internet resources for research and projects. To see more about the software, programs, and projects our students are working on, visit the technology web page on our school website at www.bh.lgusd.k12.ca.us
Library/Media Center
Blossom Hill library has books and resource materials available to students of all reading levels and in every subject area and is now fully automated. Each class has a period of library time each week when students are introduced to literature, storytelling, and research skills. The library is staffed with a librarian who uses parent volunteers to assist with checking out and re-shelving books.
The library is open from 8:45-2:45 Monday through Friday. Kindergarten students do not check out books from the library, since they have a special program that allows them to bring home library books that are presented in class on a daily basis. Students in Grades 1-5 may check out two books per week.
With a school of approximately 600 students, the library is in almost constant use by classes and students coming in during recess to read or do homework. Because of this, it is best if parents do not bring their younger children (preschool, kindergarten age) to the library unless they are working a volunteer shift and only if the child is able to engage in a quiet activity on their own while their parent is working.
Project Cornerstone
Project Cornerstone (www.projectcornerstone.org) is a countywide initiative that began a few years ago. The principles of the program are based on research by the Search Institute (www.search-institute.org). The main goal of the program is to increase children’s developmental assets (41 in total) in an effort to create positive life outcomes. Developmental assets are experiences, values, relationships, opportunities, and competencies which all children and youth need. There are many different programs offered by Project Cornerstone. Blossom Hill participates in: Cornerstone Kids (which includes the Expect Respect Workshop), ABC Reader, and ABC Lunchtime Fun.
Cornerstone Kids: This program is designed to build leadership skills and engage fourth and fifth grade students in developing strategies to solve social conflicts and promote positive school-wide character traits. 20 students are selected each year through a process that includes a written essay outlining their interest and desire to be a Cornerstone Kid. This year, the Cornerstone Kids will work under the guidance of Ms. Barker and Ms. Anderson, attend an Expect Respect Workshop conducted by Kelly Noftz of Project Cornerstone, and hold regular meetings to further their work.
ABC Reader Program: Once a month an adult volunteer reads a specified book in their assigned classroom and facilitates activities and discussions based on the book. Each book is aimed at developing positive social skills and building one or more of the developmental assets. Students are given a common language and ideas about how to address real issues they have or will likely face. Parents can find out more about each book through the Cornerstone Corner in the Beehive and the ABC Reader parent letters that come home with your children.
ABC Lunchtime Fun: We are so excited to begin this program! Thanks to Patti van der Burg, Kelley Fredericks, and Karen Leary the lunchtime program will start shortly. A few days a week the adult volunteers will provide a positive place where children can play board games and do crafts at lunch. The adult volunteers will reinforce the values, language, and asset goals from the reading program by incorporating them into “real life” recess situations.
Physical Education
All students at Blossom Hill receive weekly P.E. instruction with a trained PE specialist to supplement their regular classroom PE program. The district employs a full-time PE teacher to provide weekly instruction to all fourth and fifth students. Home and School Club sponsors the primary Spark PE program, which provides instruction twice per week to our kindergarten through third grade students. During P.E., students participate in a variety of grade level appropriate activities and sports and are graded on effort rather than skill. Students in Grade 5 take the California Fitness Test, which measures students’ aerobic capacity, body composition, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility using six different tests.
Noontime Sports
The Noon Sports Program is funded by the Home & School Club. This program offers students the opportunity to engage in supervised and organized sports during the noon recess. The activities rotate during the school year and include soccer, flag football, kickball/baseball, and volleyball (in the spring).
Run Across America
The Run Across America program is offered on an ongoing basis from January through May to promote fitness. It is an optional lunchtime program, operated by parent volunteers under the supervision of our Noon Sports Coordinator. Students participating run/walk laps around a marked path on the field, collecting tokens for benchmarked laps. Awards for highest mileage are presented each year at a school-wide assembly.
Science
Our science curriculum is a hands-on discovery-based program providing students with hands-on explorations of the world around them. Students study physical, life, and earth sciences through lessons, investigation, and experimentation. In the primary grades, students study such topics as the elements, the senses, weather, life-cycles, and plants. In the upper grades, they continue to study these topics in addition to energy, geology, the solar system, and chemical reactions.
Student Council
The Student Council functions as Blossom Hill student government. Representatives from each upper grade classroom meet two times a month. Members of the council are selected as representatives to the kindergarten through third grade classrooms to keep these students informed about school activities and to get their input on improvements for our campus. The council members discuss school problems, help find solutions, organize community service projects and promote Character Education.
Intervention and Special Education Programs
Child Assistance Team (CAT)
Our Child Assistance Team (CAT) meets to discuss student needs and develop intervention plans. Team members include the principal, special education teacher, school psychologist, counselor, teacher, and parents. The intevention plan begins with the classroom teacher and parent working together to try different classrom strategies to help the child succeed. Other strategies include reading intervention programs or counseling. When these are not successful, the team may recommend educational assessment to test for a learning disabilty.
Counseling
Our counselor provides services to children through 1:1 counseling and Friendship Groups, which focus on building social skills and positive peer relationships.
English Language Learners (ELL)
Students needing assistance in learning English meet with the English Learners teacher twice during the week. The English Learners program supplements regular classroom work. We place second-language students with teachers who are Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development (CLAD) certified. We assess English learners against English-language development standards until they attain English proficiency.
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
Our GATE program begins in the third grade. We identify students for our GATE program using the Raven Matrix by testing all third grade students in the fall. Additionally, the previous year’s Standardized Testing and Reporting Program (STAR) scores are used to identify students in grades 4-8. Provisions are made for students who don’t qualify through either STAR or the Raven’s Matrix. In grades 3-8 students may be referred by the classroom teacher, parent, or principal for identification/inclusion in the GATE program. GATE students have the opportunity to participate in an afterschool program provided by the Los Gatos Community Recreation Department during three six- to eight-week afterschool sessions. This program provides classes and workshops specific to the needs of GATE children. For example, classes include robotics, visual and performing arts, chess, and math enrichment classes. The program also extends to the classroom in the form of differentiated (customized) instructional practices when appropriate.
Reading Intervention
Our research-based reading intervention services provide critical support for our at-risk students. Students identified as being at-risk in reading, are referred to one of three programs. In grades K-1, students are giving support through the Early Literacy program focused on beginnning reading skills. Students in second and third grade struggling with reading fluency participate in the Read Naturally program and students in grades 4-5 struggling with reading comprehension are referred to our SOAR program which focuses on specific reading strategies that strengthen comprehension skills.
Psychologist
The education psychologist participates as an active member of our Child Assistance Team (CAT)and tests children for possible learning disabilities
Resource Specialist Program (RSP)
Students with learning disabilities in any academic area and who meet state guidelines for eligibility may attend this program for additional instructional assistance. Resource students stay in the regular classroom as much as possible but come to the RSP classroom to work in small groups or one on one in their area of difficulty. In the regular classroom they receive accommodations according to their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Speech and Language Specialist
Students experiencing difficulty in articulation or language development meet weekly with a specialist for specific instruction in their area of need.
Special Day Class (SDC)
Ten to twelve students needing more specialized instruction participate in a class taught by a specially trained teacher and an aide.
Organizations
Home and School Club (HSC)
The Home and School Club is comprised of parents and staff members who volunteer to make a positive difference at Blossom Hill. The mission of the HSC is to:
- Support the teachers/staff in meeting the educational goals of our children.
- Help parents feel connected and build a sense of community within the school.
- Provide resources and activities for learning that enable all students to achieve high standards.
To support these objectives, HSC volunteers plan fundraisers and socials during the school year, whose proceeds are dedicated entirely towards enriching Blossom Hill programs. At Blossom Hill, our parent community has a high standard of excellence and believes in working collaboratively to ensure our students benefit from a well-rounded curriculum. We, as parents, join together to provide additional funding and volunteer support which we believe enriches the programs and education at Blossom Hill for our children.
Membership is open to all BH parents. Membership envelopes are available in the school office throughout the year. You may complete the brief form on the front and leave it with your $20 annual dues in the office. With your annual dues, you receive voting rights and a copy of the Blossom Hill Buzz Book. Monthly meetings are held at the school and are open to everyone. Please refer to the HSC calendar (included in Buzz Book and also on our school website) for dates, times, and locations. The HSC also sponsors the SCRIP and eSCRIP programs which are supported by merchants in Santa Clara County who give a percentage of their profits to our school.
School Site Council (SSC)
The SSC is an elected decision-making group comprised of parents, community members, site administrator, teachers and other staff. The SSC has on ongoing responsibility to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate the school site plan and oversees all the categorical funds such as SIP, GATE, and State Grants. All parents are welcome to attend School Site Council meetings held monthly.
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