School Handbook

HISTORY OF OAK HILLS SCHOOL

Oak Hills School held classes in the Merle Davies building, located in central Beaverton, during the 1966-67 school year. The school moved into its current location in fall 1967. Esther Peer was the school's first principal. 

School Colors: Red and Blue

School Mascot: Otter

All children between the ages of 6 and 18 years who have not completed the twelfth grade are required to attend regularly and full-time the appropriate public school within the attendance area in which they reside, as provided under ORS 339.010.

ATTENDANCE

Regular school attendance is extremely important. Your child should be in school, on time, every day, all day. 

However, if your child is ill, it is better to have the student remain at home until full recovery is made. Family emergencies can also necessitate school absences. We ask families to plan vacation during school beaks so that they don't require students to miss school. It is not appropriate for a student to miss a full day of school for reasons such as oversleeping, missing the bus, etc.

REPORTING A LATE ARRIVAL OR ABSENCE

• ParentVue (click 'Report Absence' button next to your student's name)
• Oak Hills website (click 'Report Absences' button on home page)
• Attendance line 503-356-2410 ext 1

AUTO-NOTIFICATION FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Attendance notification, through BSD’s automated system, is made for any student who has an unexcused absence for that day. If your child’s absence is not reported, the system will notify parents/guardians that their student is not in school via ParentSquare messages sent to phones and/or email addresses.

Note:  State of Oregon requirements and Beaverton School District policy require that children who are absent for more than 10 consecutive school days be automatically withdrawn and parents must re-enroll upon returning to school. Parents are responsible for a child’s education during an extended absence.

HOMEWORK REQUESTS

Parents/guardians are encouraged to make requests for assignments if their son/daughter will be unable to attend school due to extended illness, injury or extended travel. Please keep in mind that homework requests require the special attention of the teacher. Please give us at least 24 hours’ notice because teachers are busy working directly with students throughout the day.

MAKE-UP WORK FOR ABSENCES

When a student is absent from school due to an illness, it is the responsibility of that student to see that the work missed is made up. Students are encouraged to work out a plan with their teacher.

TARDINESS

Classes begin promptly at 7:45 a.m. Children are to be in their classrooms at that time. Students arriving after 7:45 a.m. must check in at the office. Late arrivals due to bus delays are not considered tardies. All tardies will be documented on each semester progress report.

WITHDRAWING YOUR CHILD FROM OAK HILLS

It is important that a parent or guardian contact the school either by note, telephone or in person if planning to withdraw a child from Oak Hills Elementary School. We request this notice at least two days in advance in order to prepare transfer papers and notify your child’s classroom teacher of his/her departure.

CHANGES IN CONTACT INFORMATION

It is imperative for the school to have accurate and current contact information for each student and their parents/guardians. Please make it a priority to notify the school office any time there is any change of contact information, including home phone, cell phone, work phone, home address, email contacts, emergency information and no contact orders. Changes can also be made by logging into ParentVue.

We are committed to open, ongoing communication between home and school. Below, you will find an overview of some of the many ways we share important school information with our Oak Hills Elementary School community. Our goal is to keep you informed and involved. 

• Monday School Newsletter- weekly
• Classroom newsletters, social media/website postings, or digital communication apps
• Oak Hills Elementary School website
• Beaverton School District website
• Back-to-School Night
• Parent Teacher Conferences- Fall (October 22-23rd) and Spring (April 27th- 29th)
• Report cards- February & June

Please make sure to check your child’s backpack regularly. Establishing a daily routine for cleaning out backpacks will help ensure that you remain informed about upcoming school events. Staff will generally respond to emails and phone messages during the school week within 24 hours. Weekend communication will be responded to by close of business the following workday.

Supplemental flyers are usually sent as attachments to the newsletter. All flyers, other than those developed by the school, must be approved by the Community Involvement Department at Central Office. 

OAK HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WEBSITE

The Oak Hills Elementary School website is your primary source for information and answers to questions about school happenings. The website is updated regularly with resources for families, including our school calendar of events. 

BEAVERTON SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR

The Beaverton School District Calendar is located on the Beaverton School District website.

Printable calendars are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Somali, and Vietnamese.

The English Language Development program focuses instructional efforts on the development of linguistic capacity for students who are non-native speakers of English. With sensitivity to the unique needs of linguistically and culturally diverse students, as well as the rich opportunities that multilingualism and multiculturalism allow, the ELD teacher plans and implements an instructional program that fosters learning and growth, creates a supportive learning environment that enables acquisition of skills and knowledge, and guides students toward reaching their academic, social, intellectual and physical potential.

Beaverton School District follows statewide procedures for identification of students who may qualify for ELD services, beginning with completion of the Home Language Use Survey during the enrollment process.  The English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) screener is used to measures a student’s proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, listening to, and understanding English in order to determine if children may qualify for ELD services. The ELPA Summative Assessment it used to monitor the language development progress of students who are served through the ELD program.

ELD Teacher: Alicia Bermudez

Teachers plan valuable learning experiences which take place outside of the classroom for their students. Specific educational objectives are identified before the trip and follow-up activities take place upon return. Grade level teachers determine the field trip destinations and all classes in the grade level participate. 

In the past few years, field trips have been paid for by a combination of funds provided by parents, the PTO, grants, and the school district. Teachers are assisted on field trips by volunteer parents who have cleared a background check. There are often a limited number of volunteers who can accompany classes on field trips. Please check with your child's teacher if you are interested in volunteering.

Transportation is by school bus. Because of District insurance policies, we cannot include other children (e.g. siblings) on school buses for a field trip.

Permission slips for students to participate on a field trip will be sent home by the classroom teacher. If the form is not signed or if a parent does not want their child to go on the field trip, arrangements will be made for the student to do an activity in another classroom.

Beaverton School District facilities are available for use by community groups. Applicants must go through the Beaverton School District office to reserve space during non-school hours. Individual schools are no longer processing the applications. The District is now charging set fees for some groups to use our facilities. Additional charges may include a building monitor if our custodians are not working.

If you would like more information on application procedures, please visit the Facility Use webpage.

MEDICATION

NO MEDICATION, whether prescription or over-the-counter, will be given to any student without a Medication Record and Authorization Form completed by the parent. (This includes commonly used medications such as Tylenol, cough syrup and cough drops.) Prescription drugs also require written instructions from the child’s physician.

• Medication must be brought to school by a parent or guardian and must be in the original container.  
• Pharmacists will provide two containers for medication, one for home and one for school. The label on the container must state the student’s name, the dosage, time, prescription number, and the physician’s name.

ALL MEDICATION must be brought to school by an adult and must be kept in the office.

STUDENT ILLNESS OR INJURY

When a student becomes too ill to be at school or has a significant injury, we make every effort to contact the parents, guardians, and/or a person designated as a student’s emergency contact. For this reason, it is essential that the school has the most current home and work phone numbers. In an emergency situation, school administration or staff will call 911 and emergency treatment will be pursued.  

SCHOOL NURSE

The school does not have a registered nurse on site. Our office staff will call the nurse for advice and emergencies, but are trained to handle basic first aid, as well as specific health protocols delegated by the district nurses.

VISION SCREENING

In the winter, with the help of parent volunteers, vision screening will be done for all students. 

IMMUNIZATIONS

State law requires students entering Oregon schools to have immunizations listed below:

• 5 doses-Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP)
• 4 doses- Polio
• 1 dose- Varicella (chickenpox)
• 2 doses- MMR or 2 doses Measles, 1 dose Mumps, 1 dose Rubella
• 3 doses- Hepatitis B
• 2 doses- Hepatitis A

Washington County enforces the exclusion of students whose immunizations are incomplete. Immunizations may be obtained from your physician or from Washington County Health and Human Services. If you have questions, contact your child’s health care provider, Oregon Department of Health Services, or Washington County Health Department.

RESTRICTED ACTIVITY AT SCHOOL FOR HEALTH REASONS

If a student is well enough to come to school, he or she is expected to participate in all regular daily activities, including recess. If a student is healthy enough to come to school, but has an injury, condition or disability that will prevent full participation in daily activities, a doctor’s written directions stating the child's situation and also the degree of allowable activity inside and outside the building will be honored.  

HOMEWORK

We believe that elementary school students should devote some out-of-school time to their studies in order to attain their fullest potential. It is important that students complete homework on time. If a child doesn’t have homework, we encourage parents to have students read during their home study time. Students should also write for 10 minutes per night on a topic of their choice. Parents/guardians are asked to please help their children complete assignments by providing a quiet place to study and having a nightly study period time. Several teachers and grade levels, also, ask parents to sign nightly reading logs and assignment sheets/planners.

Homework is one means of teaching the necessary skills of individual study and learning for present and future use. It is a responsibility the student takes independently. Teachers at Oak Hills attempt to provide meaningful and reasonable assignments.

• To complete work started in class
• To expand and/or enrich regular class work
• To build interest in reading or learning skills
• To give additional practice and application to strengthen learning
• To make up work missed due to absence
• To develop responsibility toward study skills

In general, students in grades one through three may have from 15-30 minutes per night; the upper grade students may have from 30-60 minutes per night. Some students may spend more time due to special projects, not using their time well in class, or striving for excellence. Less time may be spent due to the student finishing in class or the student compromising on the work quality. Parents and teachers need to work together to help each student be successful in their homework assignments.

MENU

For the 2025-2026 school year all of Beaverton School District's 53 school sites will provide students with free breakfast and lunch each day through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). For more information about what makes a meal click here.

Breakfast and lunch menus for the current month are posted on the Nutrition Services Website.

STUDENT MEAL ACCOUNTS & PAYMENT OPTIONS

Each student is assigned their own individual meal account which they can access using a Personal Identification Number, (PIN). This number is your student’s school ID number, and is the same number used to check out library books. If you need help with the ID number, please contact the school office. The meal account is a debit account, so If a student wants to purchase anything extra, it will be charged to their account as long as they have a positive balance. Parents may deposit money into their student’s account by any of the following methods:

• Sending a check made out to "BSD-Nutrition Services" or sending cash. When making a payment, please indicate your student's first and last name along with his/her PIN, on the memo line of the check. There is a payment drop box in the main office that you may use for deposits. However, it's possible the payments may not be applied in time for use by the next meal service.

SchoolCafé is an on-line payment system that is linked to your student's cafeteria.  Parents can register for a free SchoolCafé account on the SchoolCafe website.  You will need to have your student's 6-digit district ID to do so, which you can get by contacting the school.   Payments made are usually credited to a student's account within 2 hours, but may take up to 24 hours, so it's best to make payments at least one day in advance.

Once you have registered for a new SchoolCafé account, you can do the following at no charge:

• Create a free, secured account to manage all of your students' meal accounts.
• Check your student's current account balance at any time.
• Monitor the items your student has been purchasing in the cafeteria.
• Create settings to receive email notifications when the account reaches a low balance.
• Create settings to automatically replenish your student's account when it reaches a low balance.

Please Note: There may be minimum deposit amounts and a small service fee for using SchoolCafé.  If you have further questions, please call the Nutrition Services Dept. at (503) 356-3955. For technical issues with SchoolCafé call 1-855-729-2328 or email www.customercare@schoolcafe.com 

CAFETERIA

Every grade level is assigned a lunch period before their mid-day recess. Students will sit with their classmates at tables reserved for each classroom. This means that a large group of students share a relatively small space. Certain behavioral guidelines are expected so that lunchtime is a pleasant experience for all children. Students will be given adequate time to eat before going to lunch recess.  If more time is needed, children are able to finish their lunch in the office.

MEAL ETIQUETTE

Health department regulations stipulate that students should sanitize their hands before eating and are not allowed to share any portion of their meals. Students are expected to clean up after themselves, return trays to the proper location, recycle appropriate items, and dispose of garbage in the garbage can.

NUT-FREE TABLE

At Oak Hills Elementary School, we want all of our students to experience lunch in a safe environment. In order to ensure the safety of our students with nut allergies, a nut-free table is provided. Please make sure the office is aware of any food or other allergies your child may have. Consultation with our school nurse and health management plan may be necessary for children with severe allergies.

COMMUNITY USE OF PLAYGROUND FACILITIES

All community members are welcome to use the grounds when school IS NOT in session.  During regular school hours, the school and our students have priority use of the fields and playground equipment. Parents are not allowed on the playground or fields during recess. 

The Oak Hills soft play area surface under the play structure contains bark chips. This surface is meant to be on the ground to provide a nice cushion for students should they fall from the equipment. The surface should not be in the hands of students at any time, and the throwing of this surface is considered unsafe and could result in consequences.

RECESS SAFETY RULES AND PROCEDURES

1. Have fun
2. Play with your friends
3. Get some exercise
4. Get some fresh air

• Walk out to recess
• Walk, gentle jog, or skip on the blacktop and bark chips
• Walk or climb on the playground structures*
• Stay within the boundaries (no play between first grade wing & gym)
• Get permission from adult & a pass before leaving & report back upon return
• Use recess equipment for intended purposes only*
• Keep bark chips on the ground
• Play tag games only on the field
• No food on the playground

• Use equipment responsibly and safely
• Return playground equipment appropriately when done
• Stop playing when whistle blows and line up quickly and quietly
• Follow game and equipment rules

• Use safe hands, safe feet
• No capture games or games with pretend weapons
• Use kind words
• Include everyone
• Walk around others’ games

• Be a good sport, play fair, and listen to game judges
• Share and take turns
• Leave nature alone
• Show good sporting behavior in all activities 

PLAYGROUND WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS

Duty person(s) will decide on availability of playground areas as wet and dry conditions can change throughout the day.

• GREEN: Field, playground, blacktop, grass all open, all equipment available
• YELLOW: Field closed. Blacktop and playground open, all equipment available except football, soccer balls, and kick balls
• ORANGE: Blacktop only open. All equipment available except footballs, soccer balls, and kick balls
• RED: Undercover open only, all equipment available except footballs, soccer balls, and kick balls

If using both under covered areas, a duty person must be at each covered area.

GENERAL PLAY EXPECTATIONS

• Sit on bottom and face the school
• No jumping off
• Hold on to the chain with two hands
• No pushing by students
• No twisting or sideways swinging
• Keep a safe space when moving around swings
• If taking turns is needed, students can use 30-swing count system

• Walking or very gentle running on the play structure area. 
• A duty teacher can stop a game if deemed unsafe.
• No climbing on top of monkey bars or horizontal bars
• One person at a time on horizontal bars, ladders and rings
• One direction only on horizontal bars, ladders, and rings
• On horizontal bars, no standing on bar
• Must keep at least on hand on monkey bars (no hanging just by knees)
• Keep hands and feet on climbing structure while moving-3 points of contact

• Bottom only, feet first
• No climbing up the slides

• Jump ropes are for jumping or jumping games on the blacktop not for tug of war or tying up people or to poles
• Hula-hoops are for individual use only on the blacktop not for trapping others
• Wall balls are for games to be played only on wall ball or 4-square courts
• No kicking wall balls
• Basketballs are for basketball only on the blacktop.
• Soccer balls for soccer or kickball on the field    
• Footballs are for throwing, kicking, and catching on the field
• Kickball – may use a wallball on the kick ball field (north, grassy infield)
• Tetherballs are for tetherball poles only

• Soft tag games may be played on the field
• Hands and feet to self
• Running is allowed on the field

END OF RECESS

When students hear a whistle that signals the end of recess, students are to immediately return all balls to the rack/basket. Throwing or kicking a ball into the rack/basket when putting it away will result in loss of recesses/or ball privileges. Students will line up promptly and quietly at their class' designated place or door, wait for their teacher or duty teacher to pick them up or let them in, and then will enter the building quietly. Classroom teachers will review “line up” locations during the first week of school. Students on the grassy areas are to move quickly to the covered area when the bell sounds.

Each student will receive a progress report twice during the school year, in February and June.  Your child's teachers will complete a report detailing information about academic achievement, social growth, and development of work habits.

Beaverton School District’s School Board, teachers and administrators are committed to the core ideas of a standards-based learning system through:

• Clear learning targets, based on academic standards, in all content areas at each grade level
• All classroom instruction and assessments aligned to grade level learning targets
• Providing multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate growth and learning
• Increased use of formative assessment practices; providing feedback focused on student growth and supporting improved instruction
• Consistent scoring guides (rubrics) to determine a student’s level of learning and indicate what a student must do to improve
• Regular reporting of progress on each learning target
• Reporting academics and behaviors separately
• Placing the highest value on teacher judgment and expertise

Beaverton School District Report Cards summarizes student performance information in three areas:

1. Behavior Progress: How frequently a student displays academic behaviors; Scale: Consistently(C), Generally(G), Rarely/Sometimes/Improvement Needed(R)
2. Academic Performance: How a student is currently performing in each content area, aligned to end-of year, grade-level specific academic standards/expectations; Scale: Highly Proficient (4), Proficient (3), Nearing Proficiency (2), Developing (1)
3. Learning Progress: How a student’s rate of learning is progressing over time; Scale: Significant Progress (+), Steady Progress (=), Minimal Progress (-)
    

CONFERENCES

Parents are also invited to attend parent/teacher conferences during fall and spring discuss the development, social, and academic progress of each student. Interpreters will be provided for parents who request this service. Conferences will be scheduled using an online scheduling system.  Additional information will be sent to families in early fall.

Between grading periods and conferences, teachers will communicate with parents regarding student progress, concerns, and successes as appropriate. Parents may initiate communication with teacher as questions or concerns arise.

SCHOOL VISITORS

To ensure the safety and well-being of all students, we must know who is in the building at all times. All visitors and volunteers must check in at the school office and obtain a temporary or volunteer ID badge to be worn whenever you are in school.  All school volunteers are required to complete a BSD background check and receive District approval to volunteer in classrooms.  Visitors must sign in in the office and remain in designated areas of the building.  For guidance on required background checks, please reference the Volunteering & Mandatory Background Checks section of this handbook, under the heading of Parent & Community Partnerships.

Students not attending Oak Hills School are not allowed to visit during school hours.  Middle or high school students who wish to volunteer during their off day MUST make prior arrangements with a specific teacher and have their volunteer background check done.  We do NOT accept drop-ins, as it can cause an interruption to the educational process.

DELAYED OPENING OR EMERGENCY CLOSURE

Beaverton schools may close due to inclement weather, power outages, or for other reasons. Visit the District website for inclement weather decisions, guidelines, updates, bus snow routes and general procedures.

When the District finds it necessary to close or delay school due to weather conditions or unforeseeable disasters, local radio and news stations will be notified by 6:00 a.m.  School closure information for Beaverton School District may also be sent via ParentVUE or ParentSquare. If you do not hear the news report anything about Beaverton School District, schools will be open.

Our school is prepared to handle emergencies with the safety and well-being of all children as our primary concern. In order for that goal to be reached, parents are responsible for furnishing the school with accurate and up-to-date contacts (names and phone numbers) of people who could pick up their child in the event that the parent or guardian cannot be reached.

Parents should emphasize with children where they will go in case school must be unexpectedly closed during the day. It is impossible to notify each parent by phone, so previous instructions by parents can help reduce student anxiety in emergency situations. At the beginning of each school year, parents will be asked to update Emergency School Closure Information on the verification of enrollment form. Please keep us advised if your plan changes. Classroom teachers will keep the plans on file and will follow them as needed.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

All Beaverton School District students and staff are instructed on emergency procedures so that everyone can respond to an emergency without confusion or panic. All students and staff drill the emergency procedures several times each year. The following drills are conducted each school year:

• Monthly Fire Drills
• Two Earthquake Drills
• Two Lockdown Drills
• Two Secure Drills

Classroom teachers teach emergency procedures at the start of the school year and revisit procedures throughout the school year during monthly emergency drills.  By practicing these drills throughout the year, our hope is for students to feel as comfortable as possible should an actual emergency arise.

It is an expectation that all adults (including volunteers) will exit the building and check in with an office staff member during the drill.   

Specials this year will consist of Music, Physical Education, Technology and Library.  Specials times will be specific to your child's grade level and each classroom will follow a different rotation of specials each day.  Please look for communication from your child's teacher in September regarding the times and days your child will attend each specials class.

MUSIC

In the Music class, the students sing, dance and play instruments.  They learn about composers and different kinds of music as well.  They also have opportunities to share their own musical talents. 

Music Specialists: Evelyn Boling & Sally Wall

TECHNOLOGY

During the Technology class, students explore a variety of websites and grade level standards through technology. Students will have access to the Internet and to Google Docs unless a parent provides a written request otherwise.  Such notification must be made by the parent within the first month of school of a student’s enrollment.  Please talk to your child/children about responsible email use.  Remind them not to share personal information, passwords, or write/type anything they would not say to someone in person. 

Technology Instructional Assistant (TIA): Anna Vallee

LIBRARY/MEDIA

Library time will consist of the Library Media Assistant reading popular titles to our students.  Additionally, students will learn about authors, book awards, the process to check out books and how to access information for research. Twenty minutes of the library time will be used for checking out library books.

At this time, students will be able to check out books every eight days during their specialist rotation. Students with overdue or lost materials will not be able to check out new materials until they have been returned or paid for, so it is very important that parents work with their child to encourage responsible borrowing.  There may be additional times when students are allowed to check out books outside of their scheduled class time.  Please see our librarian’s website for more information.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (P.E.)

The Physical Education program is designed to strengthen individual physical fitness and develop skills necessary for the enjoyment of life-long recreational activities.  Teamwork and good sportsmanship is also emphasized.  It is not intended to be a competitive program for individual goals.  All children are expected to participate in activities.  Children who are to be excused from an activity must have a written excuse from a parent.  The excuse should be dated and state the reason why the student can't participate.  If an illness or injury has occurred, and the period to be excused is longer than two weeks, a note from a doctor is required.

P.E. CLOTHING

All children must wear soft-soled shoes (athletic shoes are preferred) that will not mark the gym floor.  Socks (without shoes) are not allowed for safety reasons.  In the event proper footwear is not worn, depending on the activity, a student may be asked to watch from the sideline if the activity cannot be modified for safe participation.  Please encourage your child to dress for physical activity on days they will have P.E. class. Children do not change clothing for P.E. in the elementary grades.  They should wear clothes they can move in comfortably. 

Physical Education Specialists: Ryan Herd & Chelsea Putnam

Learning Disabilities Program/Resource Room

This program serves students with normal intelligence who are performing significantly below expected levels of achievement in academic areas. Using multi-sensory techniques in combination with a meaning-centered approach, the program is tailored to the needs of the individual student. The Resource Specialist works closely with both the classroom teacher and parents. Annual assessment results are shared, as is the development of an Individual Education Plan (IEP).  

Resource Teachers: Mathue Henriksen and Lilla Vellrath

Speech Language Services

This program provides services to students with communication disorders. The range of communication problems includes speech (articulation, stuttering, voice), hearing impairments and language-learning disorders. The speech-language pathologist identifies specific problems at the request of the parent and/or teacher, develops individualized plans, provides ongoing service and consults with parents and teachers.  Our school speech language pathologist is assigned to Oak Hills part-time, approximately four days per week.

Speech Language Pathologist:  Ellen Vanderlinden

School Psychologist 

The School Psychologist administers tests, consults with parents and teachers, and helps identify students needing special education services. Our school psychologist is assigned to Oak Hills part-time, approximately two days per week.

School Psychologist: Andrew Sickler

TEACHING APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) is a school-wide system in which staff members consistently teach and reinforce appropriate student behavior in order to create a positive environment where all students can learn and succeed. This system helps students understand what is expected of them.

ESTABLISHING A CULTURE OF LEARNING 

School-wide assemblies focus on building positive school culture through shared traditions and celebrations of learning.  Each assembly has a focus on the many ways we aspire to grow together as learners within our shared school community.

ENCOURAGING APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

A variety of structures are in place to help all staff encourage and praise children for appropriate social and behavioral actions. Appropriate behavior will be encouraged and reinforced in all school settings with specific praise and written STAR Awards for Safe, Totally responsible, Always kind, and Respectful actions.  Star of the Week awards recognize students for their positive contributions to our Oak Hills learning community.  

DISCOURAGING INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

Inappropriate behavior offers an opportunity to teach appropriate behavior skills and to motivate children to behave in a mature and responsible manner.  When appropriate behaviors are not chosen, staff members focus on re-teaching the expected behavior. The goal is to help all students behave in a manner that is safe, respectful and responsible.

RESTORATIVE PRACTICES

When challenges do arise, students engage in a process to solve social problems. This process includes discussion of a sequence of questions with the purpose of reflecting on the behavior, outcome (intended or unintended), understanding the perspectives of others, and repairing the harm that was done.

• What happened?
• What were you thinking at the time?
• What have you thought about since?
• Who has been affected by what you have done?  In what way(s)?
• What do you think you need to do to make things right?

• What did you think when you realized what had happened?
• What impact has this incident had on you and others?
• What has been the hardest thing for you?
• What do you think needs to happen to make things right?

When necessary, consequences will match the problem and offer an opportunity for the student to be a positive contributor to our school by repairing the harm that was caused.

SCHOOL COUNSELOR

We recognize that there are a number of protective factors that help children to be successful in both their educational pursuits and in their social development. While at school, children will interact with staff members and volunteers who encourage and foster the development of these factors and related skills.

• Building Self Esteem
• Recognizing appropriate behavior: Safe, Totally responsible, Always kind, and Respectful
• Developing healthy attitudes
• Creating a nurturing environment/anti-bullying strategies
• Teaching anger management skills
• Teaching stress management skills
• Engaging in physical and recreational activity
• Promoting conflict resolution
• Making responsible decisions

Our school counselor serves a pivotal role in fostering positive social skills. The counselor facilitates classroom lessons, meets with children in small groups to work more intensively on skills, and assists one-on-one when necessary. If ongoing support would be helpful, parent permission is obtained prior to participation in continuing small groups or individual sessions. School counselors do not provide traditional therapeutic sessions but may provide consultation to families who request further support and/or referrals to outside services.

School Counselor: Katelyn Howery

STUDENT SUCCESS COACH

Our student success coach works with teachers and administrators to identify ways we can better support students with social-emotional learning.  She is available to observe students, offer coaching and advice to teachers in developing a supportive classroom community.  Additionally, she will work directly with students as they gain new strategies for self-regulation and emotional wellness.

Student Success Coach: Karen McCarty

OAK HILLS STAR STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

• Keep hands, feet, and objects to self
• Move safely
• Use materials and equipment appropriately
• Report unidentified visitors
• Get adult help, if needed
• Let an adult know where you are at all times

• Follow directions
• Follow school rules
• Be prepared
• Be on time
• Keep the school and grounds clean.
• Use problem solving skills
• Right wrongs
• Keep personal possessions and equipment at home
• Be honest

• Use kind words and actions
• Help others
• Praise people
• Give up put downs
• Notice and speak up about hurts you have caused

• Use appropriate voice and noise level
• Be polite
• Respect others’ space and property
• Wait your turn
• Ask permission
• Use appropriate language
• Respond appropriately to all adult directions

Please refer to the Beaverton School District Student & Family Handbook regarding student dress and grooming. Drugs, alcohol, or weapons references are not allowed on clothing. Families should help children choose clothing appropriate for the weather. It is important that students wear coats, jackets, socks, and appropriate shoes when the weather is cold. Appropriate shoes must be worn for physical education classes.  

LOST & FOUND

All removable clothing, water bottles, and lunchboxes should be clearly marked with your child’s name using permanent marker. If your child has recently lost clothing or a personal item, please check the Lost & Found, located in the cafeteria. Smaller Lost & Found items, such as watches and glasses, will be kept in the office. Unclaimed clothes in the lost and found are donated to the Clothes for Kids program. 

Beaverton School District Clothes for Kids is operated by volunteers from the School District's parent groups and Beaverton community to provide free clothing for students in grades K-12 from families with limited income. If your child is in need of clothing, please contact our office or counselor for a referral form.

Classroom teachers may allow students to bring snacks to school to eat either before or after lunch. We strongly encourage families to select snacks following the guidelines of the Beaverton School District Healthy and Wellness Policy. Some classrooms may ask that you do not bring foods that contain peanuts or nut products due to the high number of students with allergies. We want all of our students to be safe!

Healthy snack ideas include: water, juice, milk, fresh fruit, yogurt, vegetables, whole-grain crackers, pretzels, low-fat popcorn, rice cakes, bread sticks, graham crackers, whole-grain bagels, nut-free granola bars, and low-sugar cereals.

CLASSROOM PARTIES

Each classroom will have two parties throughout the school year.  It is up to the classroom teacher or grade level to determine when these celebrations will occur.  Parents will be notified of upcoming celebrations and/or opportunities to volunteer.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES & INVITATIONS

While student birthdates may be acknowledged as part of content learning, birthday parties will not be celebrated in classrooms.  A variety of factors (limited instructional time, equity, food allergies, and adherence to Beaverton School District Wellness Policy) make at-home celebrations a better option for the students and families. Please do not purchase treats for classroom distribution.  Birthday party invitations are acceptable as long as all students within the classroom are invited and invitations can be distributed without compromising instructional time.

BALLOONS

Sometimes parents send birthday flowers and balloons to the office for their child. All items will be held in the office until the end of the school day. 

Please note that the school can only accept Mylar balloons as the school is latex-free since many students have latex allergies.  Also, please know that the balloons would not be allowed onto the school bus for safety reasons. 

GIFTS TO STAFF

School Board policy recommends that letters of appreciation to employees are more appropriate than gifts. Public employees are not to accept gifts over $50 in value per family over the course of an academic year, according to state law.

Eligibility requirements for TAG can be found on the Beaverton School District's Talented and Gifted webpage. 

Classroom teachers are responsible for providing instruction at the correct rate and level for identified gifted students. TAG Specialists are available at the District level as resource consultants. Testing for TAG is conducted once a year. Referral for testing can be made by teachers and/or parents. If parents think their child might qualify, they may wish to complete the Parent Information Form during the annual initial identification period which will be communicated to families in the fall via our parent newsletter.

Completing the Parent Information Form gives the school TAG committee more information about the child, but is not required as potentially qualified students, as identified by their teacher, will be considered regardless of its completion.

Students at Oak Hills Elementary School have access to electronic technology both in classrooms, in the library area, and for home use in some circumstances. This is a privilege that carries with it important responsibilities. Students have access to this technology as part of their school experience, and the only appropriate use for any of the electronic equipment is school-related work.

CELL PHONE USE 

We realize that, at times, cell phones are necessary for safety reasons. If this is the case for your family, the cell phone must be turned off and remain in the child's backpack while on school property. The school is NOT responsible for loss or damage of cell phones.

While we instruct students on digital citizenship, we would strongly encourage family conversations and supervision related to the appropriate use of technology and social media. 

Any item that may create a health/safety hazard or may get in the way of a student's learning should not be brought to school.  This may include items such as gum, toys/games, roller shoes, skateboards, electronic devices, playground equipment, unnecessary money or personal property, pets, etc.  If you have a question about an item not specified on this list, please contact the school office or classroom teacher before sending the item to school.

Unauthorized items brought to school will be held in the office until a parent picks the item up in the office.

A student should NEVER bring the following dangerous items to school:

• Alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia and tobacco or tobacco products.
• Matches, lighters, bullets or other dangerous objects.
• Fireworks, firecrackers, exploding items, or prank items
• Weapons or replicas of weapons (including, but not limited to firearms, knives, metal knuckles, razors, explosives or noxious, irritating, poisonous gases or poisons).

Incidents of students possessing the above items will be reported to parents and may be reported to the police as specified in the Student and Family Handbook. Appropriate disciplinary and/or legal action will be taken, which may include expulsion.

TOBACCO & ALCOHOL-FREE ENVIRONMENT

Oak Hills Elementary School, in accordance with Beaverton School District policies, is a tobacco-free indoor and outdoor environment. This means that the use of tobacco and alcohol is prohibited on school property 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SCHOOL BUS

Quick Facts

• The National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. Department of Transportation and other authorities agree that school buses are the safest form of transportation for getting children to and from school.
• According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, a child is 8 times safer in a school bus than when riding in a parent's vehicle.
• Some 475,000 school buses carry 25 million children (more than half of America's school children) each day, rarely with any serious accident.

Bus Design Features

The Federal Government mandates school bus construction features designed to protect the children we transport each day.  These features are designed to both reduce the likelihood of a collision and protect passengers should a collision occur.  

• The color and size of school buses make them easily visible and identifiable.
• The height of school buses provides improved driver visibility and raises the passenger compartment above car impact height.
• School bus construction includes reinforced sides designed to protect passengers from side impact collisions.
• School bus lights provide distinctive warning to alert other motorists to the presence of a school bus stop.
• School buses are carefully designed using what is called "passive restraint", meaning all a child must do to be protected is sit down in a seat.

Bus Drivers

One of the greatest safety features of the school bus is the driver. School bus drivers are highly trained professionals who have your child's safety in mind.

Drivers receive specialized training in:

• Defensive Driving
• Student behavior management
• Emergency procedures
• First aid instruction

Drivers participate in:

• Pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing.
• Driving record checks.
• Background checks
• Regular medical examinations to maintain their Commercial Driver's License 

The school bus industry operates by a set of safety, security, health and driver qualifications that meet, and in some cases exceed federal and state laws. School bus drivers help ensure that school buses are the safest mode of transportation for our nation's schoolchildren.

BUS SAFETY

Driving a bus is a difficult job. Students can help our drivers keep focused on the road by following school bus rules. Below are the bus safety reminders all of our students should follow.

Beaverton School District School Bus Safety Video for Families: https://youtu.be/qhg9h-OSO4Y

School Bus Safety Tips: Outside the Bus

• Don't talk to strangers
• Wait for the Driver's signal before crossing the street
• Get to the bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled stop time
• Cross in front of the bus, never behind
• The danger zone is 10 feet in front and 10 feet behind the bus.
• Be alert
• Wait for the bus door to open before you move towards it.

School Bus Safety Tips Inside the Bus

• Stay seated and face forward
• Be respectful to the driver - listen to the driver.
• Keep the aisles/floor clear at all times
• Go directly to a seat
• Never play with the emergency exits
• Never throw things on the bus or out the windows
• Speak Quietly
• Hold the handrail when going up and down the stairs
• If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions.
• Always be silent when a bus comes to a railroad crossing

Reminders

Students and passengers are under the authority of the bus driver.  The bus driver can assign seats at any time.  Refusing to follow the bus driver's instructions could lead to the loss of riding privileges.  Balloons are not allowed on the bus, including mylar balloons (They obstruct the driver's vision and can affect students with allergies).

BSD BUS ROUTE INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES

Bus schedules and routes are available in the school office and are mailed home by Beaverton School District Transportation Department each August.  You can also check your child’s bus route online on the BSD Transportation website.

Bus Routing Information: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/transportation/bus-routes

Students must bring a note from a parent or guardian if they are going to ride a different bus, get off at a different stop, or be picked up by a designated adult. 

If a student does NOT bring a note, he/she will go home following their normal routine. 

CAR DROP OFF/PICK UP

Before and after school our parking lot is especially packed with parents dropping off and picking up their children. We strongly encourage students to ride the bus, walk or ride their bike whenever possible to help eliminate this congestion. When you pull into our parking lot to drop-off, please pull in using the right hand lane. Please use the left lane for traffic moving through to the parking areas. Parents picking up or dropping off children along our curb should remain in their cars at all times. Parents can also park in the parking lot and walk their child into the school, but please cross all streets only at designated crosswalks. Please, always drive SLOWLY and STOP at all our crosswalks to ensure the safety of our children.

BICYCLES AND SCOOTERS

Students who ride their bikes or scooters to school must get off their bikes or scooter as soon as they enter school property and walk it to the bike rack. Doing so helps with the safety of pedestrians at the front of the school. Also, there should be no riding of bikes or scooters in the school driveways and parking lots. Students that do ride their bikes or scooters should bring a lock for the safety of their bike or scooter as the school cannot take responsibility for theft. Bikes and scooters should be left at the bike racks, and not next to the school building, blocking the sidewalk.

SKATEBOARDS, SKATES, ROLLER BLADES, SHOES W/WHEELS

The above are not allowed at school because of concerns for safety, security, and damage to school property. This includes 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please do not wear rollerblades or skates to school as crossing the streets wearing these shoes is an extreme safety hazard.

CROSSWALK

Each day we have crossing guards on Bethany Boulevard, Oak Hills Drive and 153rd Avenue at arrival and dismissal times.  Please abide by the following safety crosswalk rules:

• Use the crosswalk
• Look both ways.  Even though cars must stop, wait until they actually stop before crossing.
• Obey the Crossing Guard.
• Cross when the Crossing Guard signals to do so.
• Plan your arrival for 7:30a.m. or later.
• Leave school between 2:20p.m. - 2:30p.m.

DISMISSAL PICK UP AREAS

At dismissal time, classroom teachers walk their students to their designated dismissal area.  During the first few weeks of school, special care will be given to new students and students in Kindergarten and 1st grade so that they get on the right bus. Adults who approach the school on foot, either to walk home or to walk to a parked car, should go to the back of the school to meet their students near the basketball courts. Adults who remain in their vehicle should drive to the front of the school and join the line of cars waiting for students to exit out the front doors.

PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is an active organization at Oak Hills Elementary School. PTO is a parent/staff community organization that exists to promote and enhance the educational opportunities at Oak Hills, and to help develop a sense of community. The principal and assistant principal serve as non-voting members. Meetings are held monthly (dates are included in the school's weekly newsletter and on the calendar linked to the school website).  

You can find more information about PTO at their website http://www.oakhillspto.org/.  All parents and interested community members are automatically members of PTO.

VOLUNTEERING

BSD Volunteer Information

Volunteering is highly encouraged and very much appreciated at Oak Hills Elementary School. A Volunteer Handbook and sign up form will be distributed at the start of each school year. Parents may use it as a resource for their volunteer involvement. This handbook outlines the numerous volunteer opportunities and the estimated time commitment. If you need additional information or clarification on any volunteer opportunity, please contact one of the PTO Board Members, PTO Volunteer Coordinators, or go to the Oak Hills PTO webpage at http://www.oakhillspto.org/. Be sure to complete and return the Volunteer Interest Form!

BSD REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECKS

ALL volunteers, including Beaverton School District employees, must CLEAR a background check BEFORE they can volunteer. Volunteers can initiate the background check by completing the online form on the Beaverton School District Volunteer webpage.  Allow a minimum 2-3 weeks. 

VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES

PLEASE NOTE:  We no longer have volunteers in our cafeteria or playground. Volunteers can work in classroom, school-sponsored activities, and PTO events.

• Do sign in at the front office (required).
• Do wear your  volunteer name badge that will be given to you when your background check has cleared (required).
• Do arrive on time for your volunteer activities.
• Do call ahead if you are unable to volunteer at your specific day and time.
• Do remember that volunteers are not allowed on the playground or fields during recess unless the volunteer is helping at our Jogathon or Field Day.
• Do maintain a professional attitude towards your volunteer activities.
• Do become familiar with classroom policies and practices.
• Do schedule a separate conference time with your child’s teacher to discuss questions or concerns you might have regarding your individual student.
• Do be respectful of staff planning and teaching time.
• Do maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Do take pride in your volunteer activities.
• Do be respectful of teachers’ personal workspaces and the confidentiality of the materials in their classrooms.
• Do leave your cellphone at home (if you must carry a cell phone for emergencies, please be respectful, take phone conversations outside the school building, and set ringer on vibrate.)
• Do refrain from socializing with other volunteers during your volunteer time in the classroom.
• Do remember the staff and volunteers at Oak Hills are working together to educate our children.

• Smile and be friendly.
• Learn students’ names and use them often.
• Listen to students; let them ask questions and search for answers.
• Accept students as individuals.
• Be patient.
• Refer any concerns to the teacher.

• Always allow school staff priority on all equipment.
• For safety reasons, please do not allow children to operate any of the workroom equipment.
• To leave the workroom areas clean and orderly.
• Plan to attend a workroom training session. The front office staff has many responsibilities and are not always available to answer questions or troubleshoot problems with the workroom equipment.

CLASSROOM COORDINATOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist classroom teacher in creating an efficient volunteer system for his/her class.
• Work with the classroom teacher to develop and maintain a classroom database of all families with e-mail addresses and phone numbers.
• On an ongoing basis, recruit volunteers for grade level, school-wide and PTO events and activities.
• As needed, provide key communication to the parents in your classroom.
• Recruit parent volunteers to assist with party planning, art literacy, passport club, etc.
• Remain flexible – each classroom teacher will have different expectations and needs.