NEW PARENT ORIENTATION

Weds, April 24, 2024

(time TBD, evening)

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FIRST DAY OF 2024-25

SCHOOL YEAR

Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024

SVMS Beginner's Guide

How do I register my 5th grade child who currently attends Vine Hill or Brook Knoll Elementary?

Your child is considered a "Returning Student", a "roll-up" within the SVUSD district.

You will be asked to complete the annual "Back to School" forms in your Synergy parent portal this summer.

What time does school start?

First bell is at 8:07am, school starts promptly at 8:10am

What time does school end?

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 2:40pm

Wednesdays at 12:30pm

How much time is there during passing periods?

Students will have three-minutes to pass from one class to the next. Most of the classes are near each other.

Will my teachers change during the year?

Your core teachers (English, Math, History, Science) will remain the same for the whole school year. Your schedule may change each trimester to accommodate different enrichment classes but teachers will remain the same.

What school supplies do I need?

Please see the suggested supply lists per grade level on this page. On the first day of school you will only need a pencil and some paper.

Can I come tour the campus?

Unfortunately the campus is only open to currently enrolled students, but don’t worry. We have posted a video for you to take a virtual tour. Also on WEB day you will get a copy of your schedule and a tour of campus so you know exactly where to go on the first day.

Students who are new to our district may sign up for our May Shadow Day on the Registration page.

Do we need to attend WEB day in August?

YES! WEB day is really important, especially this year. This is a time to get your schedule, tour campus, take your school photo, get PE clothes, and so much more. This is a chance to meet get questions answered and be prepared for the first day of school.

Do students have to change clothes for PE?

For PE, students are required to change into black shorts or leggings, green shirt, and non marking athletic shoes (different from what is worn to school that day). PE uniforms are available for purchase. Dressing out is one of the requirements for P.E. Failure to dress out will affect your grade. NO ONE is required to dress out on the first day of school

Are there lockers?

All students will be assigned a lock for PE. You do not need to buy a lock, one will be provided to you. They are standard combination locks. You can you this cheat sheet to practice. 

How_to_Open_a_Combination_Lock_Understood.pdf

What is the dress code?

Students are to be dressed in a manner which does not disrupt learning and is not hazardous to the health and safety of themselves or others.

• Attire that, in any manner, displays or alludes to profanity, alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs will not be permitted.  

• Attire that features offensive and/or vulgar words, pictures, gestures, or drawings that name, advertise, or promote sexually related products or activities is not permitted.

• Attire that promotes or depicts any form of violence will not be permitted.

• Attire that includes words, phrases, or pictures that are derogatory to a person’s ethnic background, national origin, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected group is not permitted.

• Attire that expresses hurtful, disregarding, hate speech and actions or promotes subtle acts of exclusion is not permitted.

• Footwear must be worn on campus at all times. 

• Shirts, pants/shorts, and/or skirts/dresses are to be worn at all times. Attire should cover private areas. 

• Underwear is not to show.

• Good discretion should be used when wearing shorts/skirts at school.  Be sure you are comfortable enough to bend over in them and feel covered. 

• Shirts must have 2 straps or sleeves.

• All pants must be able to stay at waist level either on their own or with a belt.

• Hoods should not be worn in the classroom. 

Where can we eat lunch?

There are no assigned seats for lunch at SVMS. Our newly remodeled campus offers lots of options including tables, stairs, hallways, grass, etc.

Can I buy food at break and/or lunch?

Yes you can. You can use cash or use your myschoolbucks account to purchase food. Students enter their school ID and choose what they want to eat. There are a variety of options each day. Any money in your account will carry over from elementary school and you can go online to add money at any time.

SVUSD Food Services

When can I use my cell phone at school?

Cell phones and smart watches can only be used before 8:10am and after 2:40pm (12:30pm on Wednesdays). During school hours cell phones should be off and away (in a backpack). If a student’s cell phone is heard  or seen during the school day, it will be confiscated and sent to the office. The first time an item is confiscated, it will be returned to the student at the end of the day. Subsequent confiscations must be picked up in the office by a parent/guardian.