Endeavour Parent-Student Handbook and Code of Conduct

Mission Statements and School Spirit

Endeavour School of Exploration Mission Statement

The mission of Endeavour School of Exploration is to prepare students for the 21st century by promoting kindness and growth mindset through community and collaboration. We set high academic expectations through accountability and exploration.

District Mission Statement

VESD is dedicated to each student developing foundational educational skills through a comprehensive approach.

District Vision Statement

VESD provides a path to success for all students, helping them become lifelong learners.

School Spirit

Endeavour School of Exploration is the home of the Shooting Stars. We love to show our winning spirit every Friday by wearing our school colors: red and black.

School Office Hours and Contact Information

• Monday through Thursday: 7:45 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
• Friday: 7:45 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
• Endeavour School of Exploration: (760) 843-7303
• Endeavour fax: (760) 843-7348
• Victor Elementary School District: (760) 245-1691

ParentSquare

VESD uses ParentSquare as our primary platform for school communication. Families receive messages through email, app, voice, or text, helping everyone stay informed and involved.

An account is automatically created for each parent or guardian using the contact information you provide in our student information system. We encourage you to activate your account to download the free mobile app, set your language preferences, and choose how and when you would like to receive messages.

What You Can Do with ParentSquare

• Receive updates from your school by email, app, or text notification.
• Choose to receive posts as they are shared or bundled in a daily digest.
• View posts, photos, calendars, and important announcements.
• Communicate in your preferred language with automatic translation.
• Comment on school posts and stay engaged with your school community.
• Send direct messages to your teacher.
• Participate in group conversations with other families.
• Sign up for conferences and school events.

Learn more about ParentSquare and get support.

Breakfast and Lunch Information

All VESD campuses will offer nutritious hot breakfasts and lunches planned by trained dietitians operating under the Community Eligibility Program, which means all students will be able to eat at no charge. Menus are available in the office and on the VESD Nutrition website each month. We strive to provide highly nutritious meals to students in accordance with the VESD Wellness Policy.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served each morning from 8:00 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. All VESD students are able to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. Visit the Endeavour meals webpage for more information.

Lunches Dropped Off in the School Office

Please mark lunches brought from home with the student's name and teacher's name.

Note: Parents may not purchase or provide food items for children other than their own child, except for pre-approved whole-class celebrations.

Bell Schedule

Arrival and Dismissal Guidelines

• Students are expected to travel to and from school as listed on the electronic emergency form. Please send any changes to how your child will go home from school in writing.
• Students are expected to exhibit the same behavior while on the bus or walking to and from school as they do on campus. The school has the authority under law and VESD Board policy to suspend or expel students for behavior violations on campus and while traveling to or from school.
• Walkers shall leave within five minutes after school is dismissed unless specific permission has been received to remain for an approved activity.
• Students riding bicycles must provide a lock. The school cannot assume responsibility for stolen property. Please review bicycle safety practices with your child throughout the year. Helmets are required by law.
• School grounds are closed until 40 minutes before school starts. Please do not have children on campus earlier than 8:00 a.m. unless they are with an on-site childcare provider or attending an extended learning class.

Safe Child Drop-Off and Pick-Up Areas

• Use the area in front of the school from the fire hydrant to the drop-off and pick-up sign. You must remain in your car while in that zone. Pull all the way forward and keep accessible parking spaces clear.
• Follow posted traffic rules. Use crosswalks when walking children onto or off campus, and follow school employee directions respectfully.

Early Release

• Students leaving campus before regular dismissal must be signed out through the office by a parent or guardian. Another adult may sign out the student only if the adult is at least 18 years old and listed in ParentVUE as an emergency contact.
• Students who are picked up during the school day will not be awarded perfect attendance.
• Identification may be required if office staff do not recognize you.
• The latest time to sign a student out of class is 15 minutes before release: 2:40 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12:49 p.m. Friday.

Bus Transportation

Riding a school bus is a privilege and not a student right. This privilege can be revoked when serious misconduct occurs or when minor infractions occur repeatedly. A refusal by the District to provide transportation under this condition does not excuse parents from their legal responsibility to have their children at school each day.

“Pupils transported in a school bus shall be under the authority of and directly responsible to the driver of the bus.”

• All TK and Kindergarten students who ride the bus must have a release form on file in the office.
• For updated bus routes, visit the Endeavour bus information webpage or call VESD Transportation at (760) 951-5445.

Attendance and Tardy Policies and Supports

Regular attendance is a key factor in student success. State attendance law requires regular school attendance and punctuality. Both the school and parents or guardians are responsible for enforcing these laws. The school is also required to keep an accurate record of each student's attendance.

Absence Verification

• A parent or guardian must verify every absence. Please use the ParentVUE app on the day of or before the absence.
• After the day of the absence, verification must be completed through direct communication with the school office. Acceptable methods are in person, by phone, by email, or through a ParentSquare message to office staff.
• Each day of an absence must be verified. Verifying the first day does not verify later days.
• Verify all absences within five days to help ensure school and state attendance records are accurate.

Tardy Policy

• Students walk to class at 8:30 a.m. and must be seated and ready to work when the 8:40 a.m. school bell sounds.
• Students who arrive after the 8:40 a.m. bell must be signed in by an adult in the office.
• A letter will be sent home for excessive tardiness. Students who are tardy will not be rewarded with perfect attendance.

Independent Study

• Independent study is a contract between the family and school for schoolwork to be completed at home. Once completed work is returned to the office, the absences will be marked as positive attendance.
• A total of 15 independent study days are allowed per school year. They may be used one day at a time, all at once, or in another combination.
• The contract must be completed before the absences occur. Backdating is not allowed. The contract may be signed in person or electronically.
• Contact the school office before noon on the day you would like your child to begin independent study so the contract can be completed.

Acceptable Reasons for Excused Absences

• Personal illness. The school may require a doctor's note and will require medical verification if absences are considered excessive.
• A medical appointment for the student.
• Attendance at funeral services for a member of the student's immediate family or a relative living in the student's household, limited to one day in California and three days outside California.
• Exclusion for medical reasons, not to exceed five school days.
• A personal court appearance with verification.
• Observance of a religious holiday or ceremony. Three days' advance notice to the school is recommended.
• A religious retreat, limited to four hours per grading period.
• Military service.

School Attendance Review Board Process

The School Attendance Review Board process monitors attendance and provides interventions and support to students and families.

1. Students with three or more unexcused absences or tardies, or five or more excused absences, will receive a letter of concern from school administration.
2. If absences or tardies continue, the parent or guardian will be invited to a required School Attendance Review Team meeting with school administration to review concerns and develop an attendance improvement plan.
3. If attendance does not improve, a certified truancy letter will be mailed to the parent or guardian. A School Attendance Review Board meeting will be scheduled with school and community officials. The plan may include an attendance contract. Future violations may result in citations and court dates for parents or guardians.

VESD Child Welfare and Attendance Liaison Team

The VESD Child Welfare and Attendance Liaison team works with school staff and administrators to complete home visits and support families with attendance. Team members may visit to remind families of an upcoming attendance meeting, discuss how the school can help, or celebrate attendance success.

Illness or Injury at School

Every effort is made to provide for your child's safety and comfort at school. If your child becomes ill or suffers an injury that needs a physician's attention, the school will notify you as soon as possible. If you cannot be reached by telephone, the person you listed as an emergency contact will be notified.

Current Phone Numbers and Addresses

The school may need to contact parents during the day because a child is ill, missed the bus, or for another reason. Keep the office informed of your current home and work phone numbers and addresses, and provide at least two emergency contact numbers for relatives. Update your information in ParentVUE if you move or change a telephone number during the school year.

Visitors and Closed Campus Policy

For student safety, Endeavour is a closed campus. School gates are closed and locked after bus arrival. Students may not leave the grounds during the school day except with a parent or authorized adult. The parent must sign the student out at the school office and sign the student in when returning the same day.

State law requires all people who are not employees or enrolled students to report their presence and purpose to the school office immediately upon arrival. See Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 1250.

Visitors and volunteers must complete Volunteer Training and wear a badge at all times on campus. Arrange a mutually agreed-upon visit or volunteer time with the teacher at least one day in advance. Bring identification for verification.

Parent Involvement

Volunteers

Endeavour is fortunate to have parents who volunteer in classrooms, the library, and the workroom. Parent volunteers enrich the programs offered to students. Contact your child's teacher to become involved. All volunteers must complete training each year and receive Board approval.

To protect children and maintain the continuity of instruction, younger siblings are not allowed on campus while a parent is volunteering. Younger siblings are welcome at assemblies, programs, and similar events.

Classroom Celebrations

Classroom celebrations must be arranged in advance with the teacher and approved by the principal. Food for celebrations must be store-bought and peanut-free. Classrooms will not be interrupted for deliveries of balloons, flowers, or similar items.

Field Trips

Parents are encouraged to participate in field trips when possible. Parents may be assigned as chaperones for small student groups. To reduce distractions, cell phones should be used only for emergencies. Parents should refer concerns or discipline issues to the classroom teacher. Field-trip volunteers must complete Volunteer Training and receive Board approval before the trip.

School Site Council

The School Site Council is another opportunity for parent involvement. The council develops and reviews the Endeavour program. It is composed of five parents, five teachers, the principal, and one classified staff member. Monthly meetings are open to interested parents and community members.

Endeavour Booster Club

The Booster Club works to increase parent involvement and student achievement. For more information or to become a member, email endeavourboosterclub@gmail.com.

English Learner Advisory Committee

The English Learner Advisory Committee is available to parents of English Learners. The committee provides input regarding the school budget, curriculum, and programs, with special attention to the needs of English Learner students and their families. Monthly meetings are open to interested parents and community members.

Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy

Through an effective discipline philosophy, staff provide a safe and positive learning environment. Endeavour believes discipline is achieved by teaching appropriate behavior and maintaining accountability.

Appropriate School Behavior

Endeavour staff encourage appropriate behavior through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and the Endeavour Code of Conduct. Students who demonstrate appropriate behavior are recognized as STAR Students:

• Safe
• Trustworthy
• Accountable
• Responsible

Students are taught schoolwide expectations throughout the school year and in all areas of campus by teachers, school staff, and administrators.

Participation in incentives and extracurricular activities, including assemblies, privileges, class parties, and end-of-year activities, depends on appropriate behavior and academic performance as determined by the classroom teacher and site administrator.

Disruptive Behavior

Minor infractions are generally handled by the classroom teacher. Repeated minor infractions and all major infractions are referred to a site administrator. Parents will be notified when a student develops adverse behavioral patterns.

Students will be held accountable in accordance with the California Education Code. Consequences may include administrative coaching, loss of privileges, academic time out, an office referral, exclusion from activities or incentives, out-of-school suspension, and, in extreme cases, a recommendation for expulsion.

School and home share responsibility for student development. When staff, students, and parents work together, students are better able to succeed in a positive and safe environment.

Due Process

The Governing Board shall provide fair treatment to students facing suspension or expulsion by affording them their due-process rights under the law. Administration and staff shall comply with procedures for notices and appeals. During school hours, the Board, through designated administrators, acts in place of parents under Board Policy 5131.

Schoolwide Rules

• Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
• Act courteously and respectfully toward adults and peers, including through voice tone and body language.
• Walk indoors without making noise that could disturb the learning of others.
• Listen to and follow the directions of all school staff the first time they are given.
• Use school facilities and equipment appropriately, safely, and with care.
• Do not sell non-school items on campus.
• Walk in hallways, on the blacktop, on sidewalks, and in parking lots.
• Treat fire, earthquake, and lockdown drills seriously and respectfully.
• Obtain a pass before leaving class during instructional time.
• Stay in designated areas before, during, and after school. Students may not be in buildings, classrooms, or hallways without direct teacher supervision or a pass.

Items That May Not Be Brought to School

• Gum.
• Makeup.
• Hairspray, perfume, or cologne.
• Dangerous objects.
• Weapons of any kind, including toy weapons.
• Toys and recess equipment, including fidget spinners, trading cards, marbles, yo-yos, baseballs, rubber balls, footballs, skateboards, scooters, electronic devices, slime, squishies, and similar items.

Recess and Playground Equipment Rules

On the playground, Endeavour students will always:

• Have a plan and choose an approved activity before leaving class.
• Listen to and follow directions from all adults the first time.
• Use equipment safely and correctly. Use slides properly, slide feet-first, and use jump ropes only for jumping.
• Play games only in assigned zones.
• Return balls and equipment to the assigned zone before leaving.
• Play safe games. Play fighting, wrestling, kicking, chasing, and tag are not allowed. Football is permitted only as a physical education activity with teacher supervision and instruction.
• Ask an adult before leaving the playground and carry a destination pass.
• Use the restroom and get water before the whistle.
• Stay off fences, rails, hillsides, and planters, and sit properly at tables.
• Be kind. Do not use name-calling, put-downs, or inappropriate language. Encourage others and tell an adult when something is wrong.
• Be respectful. Do not run through or disrupt other games. Share equipment.
• Freeze when the first whistle blows and walk quickly to line up when the second whistle blows.
• Walk safely on ramps and stairs, using the handrail.
• Do not throw rocks, sand, or other objects.

Lunch Rules

• Students are allotted 20 minutes to eat. A separate table is available for students who need more time.
• Enter quietly and walk in the cafeteria.
• Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
• Eat only your own food. Do not share food.
• Talk quietly to people seated near you. Do not yell.
• Be respectful and safe. Never throw food or other objects.
• Say “please” and “thank you,” and use appropriate table manners.
• Clean up your papers, spills, and trash. Sort liquids, trash, and food appropriately when disposing of them.
• Listen for the adult clap signal. Stop talking after the signal and listen.
• Raise your hand and wait for the proctor to call on you before being dismissed or using the restroom.
• Use outside restrooms during recess.
• Glass bottles, caffeinated beverages, and sodas are not allowed on campus.

Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices

VESD Board policy on student use of smartphones and other mobile devices, including smart watches, aligns with California law. The policy is intended to reduce distractions, support learning, and promote safety.

• Students are highly encouraged to leave electronic devices at home.
• If a student carries a device, it must be turned off and stored in the student's backpack during school hours.
• The school is not liable for lost, damaged, or stolen cell phones or other devices.
• Unauthorized use of an electronic transmitting device, including a cell phone or watch, will result in the device being held by school administrative staff until a parent or guardian picks it up from the office.
• Exceptions are made for medical devices as outlined in a special education plan.

Following these guidelines protects privacy, promotes safety, reduces distractions, and helps students focus on learning.

Dress Code

The Governing Board believes appropriate dress and grooming contribute to a productive learning environment. Students shall wear clothing suitable for school activities. Clothing may not present a health or safety hazard or be likely to cause a substantial disruption to the educational program. See VESD Board Policy 5132.

Students who violate the dress code will be sent to the office and may call home for a change of clothing. If a change is not available, the student may be required to remain in the office for the day.

The dress code is reviewed continuously and may be subject to minor changes during the year. Clothing or accessories not specifically addressed in the dress code that disrupt the educational process or present a safety hazard will be evaluated by school administration or a designee. Any exception must have handwritten approval from school administration.

Dress Code Guidelines

• Pajamas may not be worn unless the teacher has designated a special pajama day.
• Oversized clothing and sagging pants are not allowed. Pants must be worn at the natural waistline. Belts must be worn with loose-fitting pants so students can participate safely in physical education and recess.
• Hanging belts and chains are not allowed.
• Skirts and shorts must be an appropriate length. Shorts should have a minimum four-inch inseam when worn at the natural waist. Shorts must be worn under skirts or dresses so students can participate fully in physical education and playground activities.
• Safe footwear must be worn at all times. Sandals, high-heeled shoes, flip-flops, soft-soled slippers, open-toed shoes, backless shoes, steel-toed shoes, and shoes with wheels are not permitted because they are unsafe for physical education and playground activities.
• Clothing or accessories containing profane or obscene gestures, pictures, or wording, or references to violence, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, the occult, gangs, or illegal activity are not permitted. Clothing that promotes hate or intolerance is not permitted.
• Hats may be worn outside for sun and weather protection. Baseball caps must face forward and may not be worn backward or sideways. Classroom hat use is determined by the teacher.
• Clothing must be modest. Clothing that is too tight, revealing, or loose enough to expose the body should not be worn. Undergarments may not show. Bare midriffs, open backs, off-the-shoulder or see-through shirts, tube tops, spaghetti straps, oversized tank tops, strapless tops, and swimwear are not allowed.
• Sunglasses may not be worn inside buildings.
• Jewelry that may create a safety hazard, cause a distraction, or be used as a weapon is not permitted.

Bullying

Endeavour School of Exploration seeks to provide a safe and supportive learning environment free from harassment and intimidation. Every member of the school community is responsible for rejecting bullying behavior. Report bullying concerns immediately to an adult on campus.

What Is Bullying?

Under Education Code 48900, bullying is described as severe or pervasive physical or verbal acts or conduct committed by a student or group of students, typically including threatening or intimidating behavior, and repeated over an extended period of time. It may include:

• Physical actions, such as hitting, kicking, or taking belongings.
• Verbal actions, such as name-calling.
• Indirect actions, such as gossiping, spreading rumors, written or electronic communication, or excluding others from groups.

Common Features of Bullying

• It is deliberate and hurtful.
• It is repeated over an extended period of time.
• The person who bullies exercises threatening or intimidating power over a victim.

School staff need an opportunity to address harassing behavior before it becomes bullying. Families should encourage children to report harassing behavior to an adult immediately so the school can respond and prevent repeated actions.

Enrollment and Registration

Eligibility for the 2026–2027 School Year

• Transitional Kindergarten: Children born September 2, 2021, through September 1, 2022.
• Kindergarten: Children born September 2, 2020, through September 1, 2021.

Birth-Date Verification

If your child has not attended school before, a parent must provide a birth certificate to enroll the child under Education Code 48002. Other accepted forms of birth-date verification include a statement from a local registrar or county recorder, a baptism certificate, a passport, or an affidavit.

Immunizations

California law requires parents to provide evidence of the following immunizations for school entry:

• Five doses of DPT, DTaP, DT, or Td.
• Four doses of polio vaccine.
• Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine.
• Two doses of MMR vaccine, both given on or after the first birthday.
• Two doses of varicella vaccine for Kindergarten through grade 12.

Immunization verification must be provided through written medical records from a doctor or immunization clinic.

Students who do not complete the required immunization series within the specified time will be excluded from enrollment until the series is completed.

Oral Health Assessment

California law requires each child to have an oral health assessment during the child's first year of public school.

Emergency Procedures and Drills

Emergency Procedures

• All school employees shall remain with students and assist as directed until dismissed by administration.
• When safe and possible, bus riders will be sent home on district buses at scheduled dismissal times.
• Students who are normally picked up by a parent or who walk home will remain at school under staff supervision until released to a parent or designated guardian.
• Adults picking up children will be required to show photo identification before a child is released.
• After a major earthquake, bus transportation may not be possible. Students will remain at school until released to a parent or designated guardian. If a bus trip has already started, the driver will return students remaining on the bus to the school.

Emergency and Disaster Drills

Fire drills are held once each month and are indicated by a repetitive buzzer-type alarm. Endeavour also conducts annual lockdown and earthquake drills. Students are taught what to do during an earthquake or other emergency. The purpose is to prepare students by practicing procedures, not to frighten them.

Parents will be notified before a lockdown drill. The notification will include information about parent opt-out rights.

School Safety Plan

Endeavour maintains a comprehensive School Safety Plan that is reviewed and updated annually. It addresses fire, earthquake, bomb threats, lockdown procedures, and potentially dangerous situations on campus or in the surrounding community.

Student health and safety are the school's highest priorities. Specific situations are practiced through drills during the school year. Staff members are assigned to teams with specific duties. Food, water, safety supplies, and first-aid supplies are stored on campus. Safety procedures are also discussed and practiced in classrooms.

Custodians clean and inspect rooms and school grounds each day. Staff report potential safety problems to the day custodian or an administrator.

Student Records

Victor Elementary School District maintains cumulative records for each student as required by law, along with additional records that may help provide educational opportunities. Parents may review these records. Call the school office to schedule an appointment with the principal to review your child's cumulative record.

Child Custody and Restraining Orders

Provide the school with a copy of any official child custody, visitation, or restraining order. Without court documents bearing a judge's signature on file, a noncustodial parent may legally sign out and remove the child from school.

Inclement Weather

A decision to cancel school because of severe weather is usually made by 6:30 a.m. Families will be notified by an automated district call or text, a website and social media post, and ParentSquare. Information will also be announced on local radio stations.

Reporting System

Report Cards and Parent Conferences

Students will be evaluated at least three times during the year, and report cards will be provided to parents. Parent conferences are held twice each year, in fall and spring. Parents are encouraged to attend conferences to maintain open communication. Trimester end dates and Parent Conference Weeks are listed on the VESD calendar.

After a report card is issued, parents with questions should make an appointment with the child's teacher.

Mid-Trimester Progress Reports

Approximately four weeks before report cards are issued each trimester, teachers prepare a mid-trimester progress report. Its purpose is to update parents about academic progress and address problem areas before official grades are recorded. The first progress report will be reviewed at the fall parent conference.

Excuses from Physical Education

Elementary students are required by the Education Code to participate in physical education. To be excused, a student must provide a written excuse from a parent or doctor. A doctor's note is required to excuse a student from physical education for more than three days.

If your child has a chronic condition that limits participation, notify the office and teacher in writing and provide a doctor's note stating the specific limitations.

Students with casts or using crutches will not be allowed on the playground for recess or physical education. A doctor's note must be on file with the school nurse. Other activities will be arranged during this time.

Lost or Damaged Books and Materials

Students are responsible for taking reasonable care of school property. Parents will be notified if books or school property are lost or damaged. A form will identify the lost or damaged item and its cost. Donations of books or funds to replace lost property are appreciated. Chromebooks are included in this policy. Purposeful destruction of school property is subject to consequences under the California Education Code.

Technology

Students are provided Chromebooks for classwork, assessments, and research projects. End-of-year state testing in grades 3 through 6 is completed on Chromebooks, so students use technology regularly.

Students must have a signed Technology Use Agreement completed through the annual ParentVUE Update before they may access the internet. District firewalls are used to prevent private emailing, social media access, and unauthorized technology use. These firewalls are continually updated to support safe technology use.