HVES Handbook

• All grades (TK-6) begin school at 8:00 am 
• Arrival anytime after 8:00 am is considered tardy 
• TK/K ends at 1:05 pm. KinderCare is offered daily from 1:05 - 2:22 (except Wed)
• All grades 1st-6th end school at 2:22 pm except Wednesdays. 

Every Wednesday is a minimum day with school ending at 1:05 pm.
 

Modified Days 

School gets out at 11:33 am

• Back to School Night  Sept 10, 2026
• Parent Teacher Conference Week  Oct 5th - 9th
• Open House  May 13, 2027
• Last Day of School  June 3, 2027

• Morning Arrival  Our school campus has staff supervision in the mornings starting at 7:45AM.  Please do not drop your student off unsupervised before 7:45 AM.  When students arrive on campus in the mornings, they should wait at the lunch tables or blacktop.
• Afternoon Dismissal  TK/Kinder: KinderCare is available from Monday to Friday, from 1:05 PM to 2:22 PM, except on Wednesdays. 
• For safety and supervision reasons, students are not permitted to play on the playground at dismissal. All students must go directly to their designated pick-up locations. Playground use is only allowed after the buses have departed and when a parent or guardian is supervising.

Reminders: 

• Be on time for pick-up and drop-off.
• Drive slowly and follow all traffic rules on campus.
• Use crosswalks. A crossing guard is stationed daily at Chanate Rd. & Hidden Valley Dr. Students must wait for the guard and follow their instructions.
• Walk bikes on campus and in crosswalks. Wear helmets securely buckled. (All wheels)
• No double parking near the school — it creates safety hazards.

Bus Riders

• Bus service is available for students in Fountaingrove and west of Hwy. 101.
• Questions? Call West County Transportation at (707) 206-9988 or visit www.schoolbusing.org.
• Bus passes are required (fees apply unless waived).
• Students must follow all school rules and expectations:
  • 1st citation = warning
  • 2nd = 1-week suspension
  • 3rd = 1-month suspension
  • 4th = loss of bus privileges for the year (no refund)
     

Parking & Campus Driving

• Parking is limited. Yellow zones are for loading/unloading only — do not park or leave your vehicle.
• The east driveway is exit-only and not for Kindergarten parking.
• Drive 5 mph on school grounds. Some students are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and may not hear approaching cars.
• To reduce congestion, walk or carpool when possible. It's healthy and helpful!
   

Help Keep Hidden Valley “Idle Free”
We are working with Santa Rosa agencies and Spare the Air teams to reduce vehicle idling and improve air quality. Please turn off your engine while waiting.  Thank you for helping us keep all students safe!

Emergency Authorization Forms

• When your child starts school or at the beginning of each year, please fill out the Emergency Authorization Form on the Parent Portal. This form gives us important contact information in case your child gets sick or hurt during the day.
• It also lists the adults who are allowed to pick up your child. For your child’s safety, only people on this list can sign them out.
• If your phone number, email, or other contact info changes, please update it in the Parent Portal or call the office right away.

Signing Your Child In and Out

• If you need to pick up your child early, please come to the office to sign them out. Anyone picking up your child must be on the Emergency Release List and show ID.
• Please try not to pick up your child during the last 15 minutes of the day unless it’s an emergency. That’s a very busy time in the office, and early pick-ups can cause disruptions. Thanks for understanding!

Visitors and Volunteers

• To keep everyone safe, all visitors need to check in at the office and wear a visitor badge while on campus.
• If you want to visit your child’s classroom, please arrange it ahead of time. Regular volunteers also need to sign in every time they come.
• If you drop off things like homework or clothing, they must be dropped off and left in the office.  This helps avoid interrupting class time.

Student attendance is a key factor in a child’s overall school success.  Students by law, must attend school every day and on time.  Poor attendance or persistent tardiness will show itself in poor school progress.  Tardiness disrupts the instructional process.

Every day a student is absent, a parent MUST report the absence by either calling the front office and leaving a message, or going to ParentSquare and sending Kristin Colgrove a message with the reason for the student’s absence.

If you need help with setting up a daily schedule, accessing healthcare resources, or anything else related to making sure your child attends school, please reach out to us. 

• Tardies  Any student arriving at school after the 8:00 AM bell is considered tardy. 
• Absences  If your student is absent, please call us immediately.  If your student is sick, we are able to excuse absences.  If your student is sick and goes to the doctor, has a dentist appointment, or you have any other medical documentation - please bring it to our Main Office.  Absences that have medical documentation are able to be medically excused without penalty.    
• Truancy If attendance becomes a concern, you may be recommended to Santa Rosa City Schools truancy office.  This will happen after Truancy Meetings (SART Meetings) have been held with the Principal.  You may be asked to come to a Truancy Meeting after 3-6 UNEXCUSED absences.  
• Make Up Work Absence work is ideal for students missing 2+ days due to a medically excused absence (medical documentation from a Doctor).  Picking up missed class work is not required but is an option for our students when they will be sick for an extended amount of time. 

Office Phone Use Reminder 

Students may use the office phone for emergencies only. Calling home for forgotten lunches, homework, or after-school plans is not considered an emergency.

Please make sure your child knows how to use a landline phone, and remind them to leave a voicemail if they can’t reach you.

One more safety tip: Help your child memorize your phone number. It’s a simple skill that makes a big difference.

Thanks for helping us support your child’s independence and safety!

Keeping Your Child Safe at School

At Hidden Valley Elementary, your child’s safety is always our top priority. We understand that nothing matters more than knowing your child is safe, supported, and cared for during the school day.

While emergencies are rare, we prepare carefully so we can respond quickly and appropriately if needed. Our staff regularly reviews safety procedures and practices protocols to ensure we are ready to protect students in any situation.

What Families Can Do to Help

Please make sure your emergency contact information is always up to date. In the event of an emergency, students will only be released to adults listed on your child’s emergency contact form. Updates can be made by contacting the school office or through the Aeries portal.

Safety Drills

Throughout the year, students and staff participate in safety drills designed to build calm, confident, and safe responses to different types of situations. These include fire drills, earthquake drills, shelter-in-place drills, and secure campus drills.

We know that safety topics can sometimes feel concerning for families. Please know that drills are always conducted in a developmentally appropriate way, with clear explanations for students and a strong focus on emotional safety and reassurance.

Our goal is simple: to help every child feel prepared, not afraid.

2026–2027 Safety Drill Schedule

We appreciate partnering with you to keep every child safe, confident, and ready to learn each day.

SRCS Family Guide for emergencies

SRCS Families

SRCS Handbook

All students receive a free snack and lunch. Children may enjoy a school lunch or bring a sack lunch from home. We do not allow candy, oversized/family sized chip bags, soda, caffeinated drinks/energy drinks, or other similar items. To make the school day smoother for everyone, please remember to pack your child's lunch in advance. Please note that students do not have access to a microwave at school, so food should be ready to eat.

• No Food Sharing                            
• No Outside Food Drop Offs                             
• No Glass Containers 

Birthdays and Celebrations

If you'd like to celebrate your child's birthday or contribute to a classroom event, please contact the teacher in advance to make arrangements. We kindly encourage non-food items like pencils, stickers, or temporary tattoos as fun and inclusive ways to celebrate. Thank you!

A District Registered Nurse supports Hidden Valley for emergencies only. Basic first aid is available in our Main Office when a student experiences a situation that requires a bandaid, ice pack, or other minor injuries.  Communication with families will not happen for minor cuts, scrapes, etc.  We will notify families when a significant injury and/or situation takes place. 
 

The California Education Code 49423 provides for any pupil who is required to take, during the regular school day, medication prescribed for them by a physician provided the school district receives:

1. An authorization form for all prescribed or over the counter medications must be completed by the physician, signed by the parent and filed in the school office.
2. Medication must be in the original Rx container and clearly labeled by the physician or pharmacy with the following information: Student’s name, Physician’s name, Name of medication, directions for use
3. Over the counter medications must be in a new sealed container.

Authorization forms are available in the health office.

If your student contracts the following conditions they may be excluded from school until the condition has been treated and they are symptom-free: 

• Chickenpox
• Conjunctivitis (pinkeye)
• Hand, foot, mouth disease
• Impetigo
• Measles
• Pediculosis (active head lice)
• Ringworm
• Scabies
• Strep throat

If your child has vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever, please keep them home until they have been symptom and fever free for 24 hours without the use of medication.

Cell Phone Policy   

Our school follows the district's Board Policy 5131.8: Mobile Communication Devices.

To help students stay focused on learning, the use of smartphones, social media, and other personal electronic devices is not permitted during the school day unless a staff member has given permission for an educational purpose.

This policy applies to smartphones as well as devices with similar functions, including smartwatches, Gizmos, earbuds, wireless headphones, Meta glasses, smart glasses, and other connected devices.

Please review the following expectations with your child:

• Students may bring cell phones, smartwatches, and other personal electronic devices to school. However, they must be powered off and stored in their backpack throughout the school day.
• If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call the school office. We will make sure they receive your message.
• Students who use a personal electronic device during school hours without staff permission may have it confiscated. The device will be returned at the end of the school day or released to a parent/guardian, depending on the situation.
• School phones are available for students to call home in the event of illness, emergencies, or other situations approved by school staff. They should not be used for forgotten items or changes to after-school plans.
• The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal electronic devices.

Exceptions

Students may be authorized to use a personal electronic device during the school day when required by:

• IEP or 504 Plan
• Health plan

Before and after school, students who wish to use their personal device to contact home may do so in the Phone Zone located at the front (by the drop off station) and back (sidewalk walkways accessing Chanate) of campus.

• Shoes must be affixed/fastened to the feet. No wheels in shoes. Shoes must be appropriate for PE and play. No slippers or open toed shoes. 
• Clothing must cover chest, torso, and undergarments/underwear. Shorts and skirts must reach your finger tips when standing upright. 
• Students may not wear clothing with profanity, hate speech, references to drugs or illegal activity, or anything that could make others feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
• No clothing that could be considered to have gang affiliation is permitted

At Hidden Valley, our goal is for every student to have a safe, fun, and successful recess and lunch experience.

• Play Equipment: Our school provides balls, hula hoops, jump ropes, and other equipment to encourage positive play. Students are expected to use this equipment responsibly and return it after use.

• Inclusive Play: All students are welcome to join in games and activities. We do not exclude others—everyone has the right to play and be part of the fun.

• Healthy Meals: Every student receives a free school lunch. Our cafeteria supports a scratch cooking program that promotes healthy eating habits, including plastic free meals. 

• Bikes must be locked at the bike rack. Helmets are required by law when riding bikes, scooters, or rollerblades.
• Toys (e.g., Pokémon cards, Tech Decks, stuffed animals, etc.) are only allowed with teacher permission and must stay in the classroom during school hours.
• Personal sports equipment (footballs, basketballs, bats, etc.) should not be brought from home for recess use.

Lost and Found

• Please label your child’s last name and first initial on all personal items, including sweatshirts, jackets, hats, water bottles, and lunch kits. Items with names are much easier to return when misplaced. Unlabeled items often remain in our lost and found or go unclaimed. All of these items will be donated to charity during winter break and at the end of the school year.  A simple label helps us keep things organized and ensures your child’s belongings make it back home.

The following items are not allowed on campus and will be confiscated.

• Lighters
• Knives or Weapons (even pretend ones)
• Laser pointers 
• Gum 
• Permanent markers or paint pens
• Personal toys / stuffed animals

At Hidden Valley, we hold high expectations for both academic achievement and responsible positive behavior. We are dedicated to fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where every student can thrive. These expectations guide students to make thoughtful choices and treat others with kindness. Our teachers consistently review these guidelines, and we encourage families to reinforce them at home. 

Restorative Practices 

We recognize that students will make mistakes, and we are determined to assist them in understanding the impact of their negative choices on others. We aim to guide them towards making amends and moving forward in a positive manner. There are different consequences that may come out of a restorative approach.  Students may experience natural consequences which happen naturally due to their own actions.  They may be required to participate in logical consequences that are directly aligned with their bad choice and help them take responsibility and accountability.  Lastly, students may be asked to participate in a restorative consequence which would include repairing the harm or relationship they caused harm to.  

California Education Code 

In order to make sure our schools are safe, we have to follow some important rules set by the government and the Santa Rosa City School Board. Your child may be suspended from school for up to five days for the following behaviors:

• Verbal or physical threats or action against another person
• Fighting
• Smoking/ Possessing, using, or providing illegal substances or alcohol
• Stealing personal or school property
• Vandalism of personal or school property
• Harassing or intimidating students or staff
• Using racial slurs or vulgar language

While on a suspension a student would be required to stay home and would not be able to participate in any school activities during this time.  

Non-Discriminatory Compliance 

1. No person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any education program or activity in the Santa Rosa City Schools District as it conforms with Title IX, State Law, and CIF regulations.  
2. The District recognizes that sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination.  Sexual harassment is prohibited by Board Policy 5114.17 and complaints with respect to sexual harassment may be filed pursuant to Board Policy 5114.17 
3. The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, ethnic group, identification, religion, creed, age, sex, color or physical or mental disability, marital or parental status, in its educational programs or activities in which it operates or in its employment practices.

The Parent Faculty Organization (PFO) plays a vital role in building a strong, connected school community. All parents, guardians, family members, and staff are encouraged to attend meetings, share ideas, volunteer, and get involved.

Through fundraising and community partnerships, the PFO helps provide classroom supplies, instructional resources, field trips, student enrichment opportunities, and memorable schoolwide events. Their support helps bring many of our favorite Hidden Valley traditions to life, including Wings Up, Hawk-A-Thon, the Book Fair, Family Fun Nights, the Ice Cream Social & Book Swap, and the Annual Auction.

The PFO also supports our Art Docent Program and helps fund enrichment opportunities that enhance the educational experience for all students.

2026–2027 PFO Meeting Schedule

Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
Location: Hidden Valley Elementary Library

• August 27, 2026

• September 24, 2026

• October 29, 2026

• January 28, 2027

• February 25, 2027

• April 29, 2027

• May 27, 2027

We hope you'll join us as we work together to help our Hawks Fly High!

The English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) provides families with an opportunity to partner with the school in supporting the success of our English Learners. ELAC members learn about programs, services, and resources available to students while sharing valuable feedback and recommendations that help guide school decisions.

Through collaboration and open dialogue, ELAC helps ensure that all English Learners have access to the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We welcome and encourage all families of English Learners to participate and share their perspectives.

ELAC meetings are supported by our Family Engagement Facilitator, Allie Fajardo, who helps connect families with school resources, encourages family participation, and serves as a bridge between home and school.

2026–2027 ELAC Meeting Schedule

Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Hidden Valley Elementary Library

• September 22, 2026
• October 20, 2026
• January 19, 2027
• March 9, 2027
• May 11, 2027

We encourage families to attend meetings, learn about school initiatives, and contribute to the ongoing growth and success of our school.

2026–2027 School Site Council Meeting Schedule

Time: 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Location: In person and hybrid

• September 28, 2026

• October 27, 2026

• February 22, 2027

• April 19, 2027

• May 17, 2027

Parent participation is always welcomed and encouraged. Whether you're able to help in the classroom, chaperone a field trip, or volunteer at an event, your involvement makes a big difference. Please note that all volunteers must be cleared through the district’s Be A Mentor program before participating. We hope you’ll join us in supporting our students and school community.  

 If you are interested in volunteering in your student's classroom or participating in a field trip, please complete the district volunteer form through Be A Mentor. Connect with Lisa Phillips (lphillips@srcs.k12.ca.us) for more information and support.