Dear Parents,

Welcome to Sierra Elementary School! We are proud to be an International Baccalaureate World School. Our school, its staff, and the community are pleased that you are here with us.

The staff of Sierra Elementary School strives to provide an exemplary learning environment through the use of inquiry-based IB principles and concepts. Student-centered learning is the primary focus of the school. Through the PYP Learner Profile, Sierra students internalize the qualities of a life-long learner, and are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Our staff welcomes your direct involvement in all aspects of our program at Sierra Elementary. Please feel free to call me or your child's teacher if you have questions concerning any school issue. My door is always open.

Sincerely,
Amy Westberg, Principal

The highest aspiration of Sierra Elementary, an International Baccalaureate World School, is to ensure that all young people are inspired to become confident, life-long learners who thrive intellectually and are globally-minded, compassionate, and balanced. Sierra is distinguished by:

• Academic rigor through guided inquiry instruction
• Relevant and diverse learning opportunities
• A nurturing and supportive environment in collaboration with parents and community

Board of Trustees

Rocklin Unified School District Administration

Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten

• TK / Room K-1: Chelsea Williams (Instructional Assistant: Lia Hoover)
• TK / Room K-3: Christina Gonge (Instructional Assistant: Karen Rubio)
• Kindergarten / Room K-2: Rebecca Burke
• Kindergarten/First Grade / Room 3: Julie Budge

Structured Teaching Program (STP)

• TK/K STP / Room 26: Danielle Oakes
• 1st-3rd STP / Room 25: Janet Anthoney (Aides: Marissa Likins, Valerie Petritsch, Tuessia Dorkin)
• 4th-6th STP / Room 12: Laura Stice (Aides: Emily Dodich, Irina Shrewsbury, Deion Hill, Nicole Boeger, Nina Medeiros, Oksana Lawrence)

Grade Level Teachers

• First Grade: Hilary Edwards (Room 1)
• Second Grade: Yvonne Edwards (Room 4), Lyndsay Lee (Room 5)
• Third Grade: Shannon Sullivan (Room 7), Rose Marie Caballero (Room 8)
• Fourth Grade: Marianne Shirhall (Room 14), Brett Shirhall (Room 17)
• Fifth Grade: Allicia Balzer (Room 10), Philip Keck (Room 15)
• Sixth Grade: Marie Dodge/Janelle Santora (Room 13), Mike Patten (Room 16)

Specialty Teachers & Programs

• ELD Teacher: Erin Scarborough
• VAPA (Room 18): Lisa Johnson / Elizabeth Dolbec-Oliveras
• PE (Multi/Room 22): Susie Farley
• Music Program: Celia Dahl, Tom Douglass, Marianne Spiess
• Special Education (RSP Room 2): Mindy Mattson (Aides: Nicole Hara, Lynsi Bowman)

Office & Support Staff

• Principal: Amy Westberg
• Secretary: Kimberly Ervin
• Clerk: Kara Parker
• IB Coordinator: Lisa Johnson
• Health Aide: Candice Sillence
• School Psychologist: Sheila Santos
• Speech & Language Pathologists: Janine Elliot, Aman Mann
• Spanish Instructor: Rachel Coffman
• Computer Support Technician: Cat Link
• Occupational Therapist: Edana Kistampally
• Counselor: Melanie Holsopple
• Librarian: Josanna Hansen
• PE Instructional Assistant: Ryan Erwin
• Instructional Assistants: Beth Rodriquez, Karen Baker, Kevin Levine-Flandrup, Rachel Coffman

There is no student supervision before 8:15 AM and students are not allowed on campus until 8:15 AM.

Office hours: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM daily.

Please visit the official Sierra Elementary website for current calendar listings and updates.

Absences

Daily school attendance is essential for student success. By law, parents are required to send their child to school daily. Parents are strongly encouraged to schedule medical appointments during non-school hours. Whenever possible, a student who is absent for a reason other than illness should attend at least part of the school day.

When students are absent from school, it is important that their absences be cleared as soon as possible by calling the attendance clerk at your child's school or by providing a note on the day they return to school. Any absence not cleared within 5 days will be marked as truant. According to California law, there are NO legally recognized absences. A student may be excused from school for justifiable personal reasons, including but not limited to illness or injury, medical or dental appointments, bereavement, funeral/memorial services, court appearances, or religious holidays, or an employment conference, when the student's absence has been requested in writing by the parent/guardian and approved by the principal or designee. A student shall be excused when he/she is the custodial parent of a student who is ill or has a medical appointment during school hours. Any absence after the 14th day of absences will require a medical note in order to be cleared as excused.

Parents will be asked to conference about continual non-illness absences and to improve their child's attendance. Failure to do so may result in a referral of the student and parent to the Rocklin Unified School District Attendance Review Board for further action.

Missed Work

A student absent from school shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed during the absence which can be reasonably provided and, upon satisfactory completion, shall be given full credit. The teacher of any class from which a student is absent shall determine what assignments the student shall make up and what period of time the student shall complete such assignments. The tests and assignments shall be reasonably equivalent.

Request for Homework

If your child is ill two days or more, parents may request homework. Call the office at least one day before the day you wish to pick up the assignments. The teacher(s) will have the work ready to pick up in the office after school or the next day.

Notes from Parents

Please use both the first and last name on all correspondence from home. This is especially important when the parent and the student do not have the same last name. Notes are still required to satisfy the compulsory education law.

Reporting an Absence

Please report an absence online or call the school stating your child's first and last name, reason for absence, and date(s) of the absence.

Tardies

An emphasis is placed on students arriving at school on time. Late students often miss the focus of the day or lesson and disrupt the flow of the lesson for other students. When students are late for school, please check into the office before going to class. Parents will be notified if a student has continual tardies and will be asked to follow through with a program to increase punctuality. Repeated tardiness can be grounds for revocation of intra or inter district transfer requests. Repeated tardies may result in a referral of the student and parent to the Rocklin Unified School District Attendance Review Board for further action.

Independent Study

A student who will be absent for 3 or more consecutive school days is eligible for Short Term Independent Study. Students will be provided assignments that may be completed during the duration of the Independent Study Contract. Completed work will count toward school attendance during that time. Please contact your school office as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to put together an Independent Study Contract for your student. Please note, contracts may be denied based on a student's attendance history or prior lack of completion of Independent Study assignments. Independent Study Contracts are not available the first two weeks and last three weeks of school.

Appointments

If your child needs to leave school for an appointment, please allow extra time to come to the office to sign your child out. We want to maximize instructional time and will only call for your child when you arrive at the office. We do not accept call ahead requests for student pick up.

Student Folder

Teachers will communicate to parents their system for sending home important information, homework, and classwork. Please take a moment to check your child's backpack and help them establish a routine to stay organized.

ParentSquare

This platform will be used by teachers, office staff, District Office staff, etc. to bring important information to you via a single point. To stay informed, please download the app and set your delivery preferences. Relying only on email may delay or cause you to miss important updates.

School Visitations / Visitor Registration

(Reference Board Policy/ Administrative Regulation 1250)
The Board of Trustees encourages parents/guardians and interested members of the community to visit the schools and view the educational program. To ensure minimum interruption of the instructional program, visits during school hours should be first arranged with the teacher and principal or designee. If a conference is desired, an appointment should be arranged with the teacher during non-instructional time.

To ensure the safety of the students and staff and avoid potential disruptions, all visitors shall register in the school administration office immediately upon entering any school building or grounds when school is in session.

No electronic listening or recording device may be used by students or visitors in a classroom without the teacher and principal's permission (Education Code Section 51512).

Parent / Teacher Conferences

Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled twice during the year for all students (Fall and Spring). Minimum days are scheduled during conference week. Conferences last approximately 20 minutes to report progress and create goals.

Student Records

The Rocklin Unified School District maintains cumulative records for each student as required by law. Please call the school office to set up an appointment with the principal to review your child's cumulative record.

Complaint Procedures

1. Classroom concerns should first be brought to the attention of your child's teacher.
2. If not satisfactorily addressed, call the school administrator.
3. If still unresolved, schedule a meeting with a district representative.

Unlawful discrimination complaints may be filed using the Uniform Complaint Procedure (UCP).

Volunteers

We wholeheartedly welcome volunteers! All volunteers must be fingerprinted and have up-to-date TB test results prior to serving on campus or chaperoning field trips.

Parent/Teacher Club (PTC)

Sierra Elementary has an active Parent Teacher Club that supports many of our ongoing programs each year, including Spanish instruction and the International Baccalaureate Program.

Student Safety

(Reference Board Policy/Administrative Regulation 5142)
Principals and staff are responsible for student safety while under school supervision. Key safety rules include:

• All visitors must sign in at the office with proof of identity when required.
• Uniform ID badges are used district-wide.
• A "buddy system" is enforced for grades K-3 when leaving the classroom.

Emergency Cards

Student emergency cards must be kept current via the Aeries Parent Portal. Children will only be released to adults listed on their emergency cards.

Accidents

Parents are notified immediately of non-minor injuries. In severe emergencies, 911 will be called.

Emergency Situations

The school conducts regular safety drills. In a real emergency:

• Avoid calling the school to keep telephone lines clear.
• Avoid driving to school to leave roadways clear for emergency vehicles.
• Tune in to local radio stations (AM-KAHI 950, KFBK 1530; FM-KHYL 101, KBEB 92.5) or check ParentSquare for real-time updates and evacuation details.

Office Telephone

For emergency use only. Messages will not be relayed to classrooms during instructional time except in emergencies.

Safety Drills

Emergency drills occur monthly pursuant to state law.

Safe Arrival and Departures

• Always use crosswalks and walk—do not run.
• Do not stop or leave vehicles unattended in crosswalks or loading zones.
• The bus lane is strictly for school buses.

Dogs on Campus

Dogs are strictly prohibited on campus before, during, or after school hours (including sports fields/playgrounds) due to health and safety regulations. Exceptions apply only to pre-arranged educational presentations.

Breakfast & Lunch Program

RUSD participates in California's Universal Meals Program, providing one free breakfast and one free lunch daily to all enrolled students.

• Student First Meal (Breakfast/Lunch): Free ($0.00)
• Second Student Meal: $6.00
• Adult Breakfast: $4.00 | Adult Lunch: $6.00
• A La Carte Milk: $0.50

At Sierra, breakfast is served during the 1st Recess. Families are requested to complete the online Nutrition Benefits Form annually to help maintain state funding levels.

Lunches from Home and Snacks

Healthy meal options are encouraged. Please keep candy and soda at home. For students with severe food allergies, contact Nutrition Services at (916) 624-1112 ext. 1 for accommodation forms.

Bus pass applications are submitted online annually through the RUSD Transportation page. Paper applications can be submitted at 2225 Corp Yard Rd, Rocklin, CA 95677 (916-624-9106 / buspass@rocklinusd.org).

Red Light Escort

School bus drivers must escort all students who must cross the street on which the bus is stopped for loading/unloading.

Health Office Information

Staffed by a part-time health aide. Provides temporary first aid and care. Diagnosis is not provided by school staff.

Medications

(Reference Board Policy 5141.21)
Requires written authorization from both physician and parent/guardian for any medication administered at school (including over-the-counter items like Tylenol or cough drops). Medications must be stored under lock and key in the original container. Students may not carry medication unless authorized by a physician (e.g., Asthma Inhaler, Epi-Pen).

Health Screenings

Vision and hearing screenings are conducted periodically in accordance with state guidelines (TK, K/1st, 2nd, 5th, and 8th grades).

Home Hospital Instruction

Available for students expected to be out of school due to medical reasons for 4 consecutive weeks or more. Requires physician documentation.

Immunizations

State law mandates current immunizations for Diphtheria, Hib, Measles, Mumps, Pertussis, Polio, Rubella, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Varicella. Exemption requests must follow the CAIR-ME process online (cair-me.cdph.ca.gov).

Assessments & Grading

• CAASPP: Administered each spring to 3rd-6th graders. ELPAC administered to English Learners annually.
• Standards-Based Grading: Summarized each trimester on report cards based on skill mastery.
• Homework: Intended as an extension or practice of instruction. Requested after 2 consecutive days of illness.

Promotion / Retention

(Reference Board Policy/Administrative Regulation 5123)
Based on academic achievement, teacher evaluations, proficiency assessments, attendance, and standardized tests. Remedial support (tutoring, SST, summer school) is provided prior to retention decisions.

Articulation / Teacher Training

District-wide 1-hour early release Mondays allow staff time for collaborative planning and specialized instructional training.

Special Resources & Programs

• Student Success Team (SST): Collaborative team addressing academic, behavioral, or medical needs.
• Special Education: Includes RSP, Special Day Classes, and Speech/Language support.
• VAPA & Docents: Comprehensive Visual & Performing Arts, including Art and Music docents and instrumental music options (Grades 4-6).
• GATE: Differentiated instruction provided in cluster classrooms (Grades 2-6) and self-contained classes district-wide.
• Physical Education: 80 minutes of specialized PE weekly plus 20 minutes by classroom teacher.
• Field Trips: Requires written parental consent and background-checked chaperones. Field trip fees are non-refundable donations.

Bicycles, E-Bikes, and Scooters

Students may ride bicycles, non-motorized scooters, and Class 1 e-bikes provided they wear helmets and obey basic road safety rules.

Big Buddies

Pairs upper-grade classes with younger primary classes to foster school community and leadership skills.

Birthdays

Classroom instructional time is not used for birthday celebrations. Cupcakes, candy, balloons, and presents are discouraged. Party invitations may not be distributed at school unless the entire class is invited.

Cellular Device Usage Guidelines

• Prohibited Use: Devices (phones, smartwatches) must be turned off and stored in backpacks during school hours, on field trips, and on school grounds before/after school until off-campus.
• Confiscation: Non-compliant devices will be held in the office for pick-up.

Library Rules & Property

Books are checked out for 2-week periods. Fines or replacement costs apply to damaged or lost library/textbooks. Personal belongings should be clearly labeled. Dangerous or illegal items are strictly forbidden on campus.

Student Dress and Appearance

(Reference Board Policy 5132)

• Must Wear: Secured clothing covering torso and buttocks; supportive closed-toe footwear for PE.
• May Wear: Hats and hoods outside (allowed in class if non-disruptive).
• Cannot Wear: Visible underwear, images/words depicting drugs, alcohol, hate speech, vulgarity, weapons, gang affiliation, or face-obscuring items.

Positive Behavior & Discipline

Sierra Elementary utilizes School-Wide Positive Behavior Expectations and Supports (SWPBIS). Discipline focuses on restorative instruction, learning from mistakes, and restoring a safe learning environment.

Bully Prevention

Bullying includes repeated aggressive behaviors involving a power imbalance. RUSD strictly prohibits physical, written, or verbal harassment, intimidation, cyberbullying, or retaliation. Incidents should be reported immediately to school staff.

Internet Safety, Social Media & AI

Cyberbullying, cyberslander, and improper social media use are prohibited and punishable under state law regardless of location. The use of non-approved Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for schoolwork without teacher permission is strictly forbidden.

Sexual Harassment

Prohibited for grades 4-12 and carries consequences up to suspension or expulsion.

The following organizations are neither sponsored nor endorsed by RUSD:

• Scouting America — www.scouting.org
• Girl Scouts / Brownies — www.girlscouts.org
• Camp Fire USA — www.campfireusa.org
• Five Cities Softball — www.5citiessoftball.org
• Loomis Basin Dolphin Swim Team — www.loomisdolphins.org
• Rocklin Girls Fast Pitch Softball — www.rocklingirlssoftball.org
• Rocklin Jr. Thunder Football & Cheer — www.jrthunder.com
• Rocklin Library — www.placer.ca.gov/departments/library
• Rocklin Little League — www.rocklinllb.com
• Rocklin Recreation Dept. — www.rocklin.ca.us/classes-and-programs
• Rocklin Wave Swim Team — www.teamunify.com
• Rocklin Youth Soccer Club — www.rocklinsoccer.org
• Tri-City Little League — www.tricitylittleleague.com
• Whitney Jr. Wildcats & Cheer — www.teamsideline.com/whitneyjrwildcats

Fee-based before and after school care is available on site through Catalyst Kids in partnership with the Rocklin Educational Excellence Foundation (REEF).

Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P)

Offers no-cost after-school academic support and care for qualifying TK-6 students (English Learners, foster youth, or free/reduced lunch eligible) operating 177 days per year.

Volunteers assist certificated staff with instruction, supervision, and non-instructional activities. Key guidelines:

• Cannot assign student grades.
• Must clear background checks / Activity Supervisor Clearance Certificates when working with student activity programs.
• Registered sex offenders are strictly prohibited from volunteering.
• Must provide proof of negative TB clearance within 60 days of starting (valid for 4 years).
• Facilities projects require prior approval by the principal and superintendent.

All non-students and non-assigned staff must register at the main office immediately upon arriving on campus. 24-hour advance notice is required for parent/teacher conferences or classroom observations. Registration may be denied or revoked if presence disrupts campus activities. Trespassing/loitering laws apply under the CA Penal Code.

Class placement decisions consider teacher recommendations, academic balance, gender and ethnic diversity, readiness, behavior, and class size limits. Specific teacher requests are only one factor of many and are not guaranteed. Placement concerns require a 2-week adjustment period, followed by a teacher conference, written request, and principal review.

Students may be suspended or recommended for expulsion under CA Education Code 48900 for infractions including:

• Causing or threatening physical injury/violence.
• Possessing weapons, explosives, knives, or dangerous objects.
• Possessing, using, or selling controlled substances, alcohol, or intoxicants.
• Robbery, extortion, or property damage/theft.
• Tobacco/nicotine possession or use.
• Profanity, vulgarity, or obscene acts.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia or imitation firearms.
• Sexual assault, sexual battery, or sexual harassment (Grades 4-12).
• Threatening witnesses, hazing, or bullying/cyberbullying.
• Hate violence (Grades 4-12) or terrorist threats against officials/property.

Annual Notice for 2026-2027: UCP covers complaints regarding unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, or failure to comply with federal/state laws in specified educational programs (e.g., Special Education, Foster/Homeless youth rights, LCAP, Pupil Fees, Child Nutrition).

No pupil shall be required to pay illegal fees to participate in educational activities. Complaints must be filed within 1 year of the alleged occurrence to the Office of the Associate Superintendent of Elementary Programs (2615 Sierra Meadows Drive, Rocklin CA 95677 / 916-624-2428).

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination (including sexual harassment, gender identity, and expression) in all educational programs receiving federal funding.

Title IX Coordinators:

• Greg Snyder: Director, Personnel Services — (916) 630-2428 / gsnyder@rocklinusd.org
• Martin Flowers: Associate Superintendent, Secondary Programs — (916) 630-2428 / mflowers@rocklinusd.org