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Mr. Waters has been working in the Conejo Unified School District since 1974. He spent five years teaching at University, Banyan, and Waverly elementary schools before becoming Administrative Dean at Westlake High School. Mr. Waters spent 7 1/2 years as principal at Manzanita and Westlake elementary schools and has been principal at Colina since 1987.
Our principal holds a M.A. in Counseling and Guidance from CSUN. Prior to his career in education, he held a variety of jobs including that of a boxboy, umpire, university instructor, newspaper delivery boy, and custodian. He has been married since 1971 and has three successful sons—two UCLA alumni and one a senior there.
Mr. Waters’ hobbies include coaching, sports activities, and dog training, though he doesn’t know if he is doing the training or being trained.
Mr. Waters’ philosophy: “Think in the positive—good things are going to happen. Remember the wins, not the losses. Be thankful for what you have. Search for your strengths; they are there somewhere.”
As noted in a recent article of "The In-Between Years," parents of an early adolescent may be confused, frustrated and concerned because their formerly agreeable, rational and loving child can become a totally different person seeking independence.
Through this Internet site, through the monthly PTA Newsletter, our Parent Orientation Night, and our student orientation days in late August, it is our hope that Colina will be able to make parents and students feel part of a continuing team. Working together, planning schedules, joining campus clubs and cocurricular activities can make these years enjoyable and fulfilling. The challenge to our students is to work hard and be encouraging and accepting of others. With these two cornerstones in place, the fun and excitement will follow. We encourage all seventh grade students to enroll in Skills for Adolescence class; it is our best effort to include your child in our school in the quickest, most positive way. Our Renaissance citizenship development program will provide incentives for your student, and Peer Help and Tutoring will be available.
Please feel free to call me (805-495-7429 Ext. 1009) for a campus tour or to discuss any matter with which I may be of help.
Principal Mr. Waters annually discusses, one homeroom at a time, Character Education. Each presentation includes the importance of:
• Respect
To demonstrate appreciation and consideration for self an dothers (e.g., follow rules, obey authority, care for property and the environment, display sportsmanship, and value other cultures)
• Kindness
To demonstrate sympathy, understanding, compassion and consideration for others (e.g., be friendly, helpful, cooperative and caring)
• Integrity
To demonstrate honesty, truthfulness and moral courage (e.g., use self-control and discipline, resist peer pressure and be self-reliant)
• Responsibility
To demonstrate personal and social accountability (e.g., be trustworthy, dependable, and use good judgment)
• Perseverance
To adhere to a course of action and demonstrate persistence in striving for a goal (e.g., be tenacious and possess a work ethic)
Students have the right to learn, and teachers have the right to teach. In order for us to work together
on this goal, the following is a general outline for student behavior and citizenship in the classroom. Your
citizenship grade is given by your teacher using the following criteria.
Excellent (E)
Always demonstrates a positive attitude
Always follows school/classroom rules
Always in class on time ready to work.
Always pays attention.
Always goes above and beyond to support the class and classmates.
Satisfactory (S)
Usually demonstrates a positive attitude.
Usually follows school/classroom rules.
Usually is in class on time ready to work.
Usually pays attention.
Usually goes above and beyond to support the class and classmates.
Needs Improvement (N)
Occasionally demonstrates a negative attitude.
Occasionally is tardy for class.
Occasionally disregards school/classroom rules.
Occasionally does not pay attention.
Occasionally disrupts the teaching/learning process.
Unsatisfactory (U)
Repeatedly demonstrates a negative attitude.
Repeatedly is tardy for class.
Repeatedly disregards school/classroom rules.
Repeatedly does not pay attention.
Repeatedly disrupts the teaching/learning process.
Every classroom has these Criteria for Citizenship Grade posted as a reminder for all students.
Teachers are expected to contact your parent or guardian before the grade of "U" is given.
Students must strive to demonstrate good citizenship both inside and outside of the classroom. We strive to reward you for good behavior. At the beginning of the school year all new students and returning students who ended the previous year with good point status, begin the year with 100 points. Our goal with Citizenship Points is to have each student develop self-discipline and learn the skills necessary to monitor your own progress and behavior. If you lose points for any reason it is your responsibility to make the points up as soon as possible.
Important points to remember:
1. To remain eligible for activities, including assemblies & dances, you must have 75 points or higher.
2. If your points fall below 75 you will be assigned a MANDATORY Saturday Work Study.
3. You MUST SIGN the points-off slip. This indicates you are aware of the loss of points, and it becomes your responsibility to track your points and make them up.
4. Special end of year activities are planned for students who maintain good point status all year. This means you have:
* NEVER fallen below 75 points.
* Made all lost points up before the end of each trimester. (Must be at 100 points on the last day of each trimester.)
* Lost less than 40 points all school year.
* Not been suspended.
* Not been truant.
* Received no more than 1 referral all year.
* Not been tardy more than 3 times.
* Received only E’s or S’s on your report card (No N’s or U’s)
Students who maintain these standards will be eligible to attend the BEACH TRIP at the end of the school year. And those students who maintain this standard for all of 7th & 8th grade will be eligible to attend a special trip to either Knotts Berry Farm or Raging Waters at the end of their 8th grade year. Both of these trips are free of charge for all students who earn them!
What can you lose points for?
Changing assigned locker: -10
Tardy (Unexcused): -10
Getting a readmit during class: -10
Gum Chewing: -10
Leaving class area without permission: -10
Food, candy, drinks brought to class or beyond red lines: -10
Disrespect/ Harrassment: -10
No materials/Books, No S.U.R.E. Book, Books not covered: -5
No absence note within 3 days of absence: -10
Backpack on campus: -5
Profanity/vulgarity: -10
Points can be made up at before-school detention, lunch detention, special work with a teacher, custodian, or SWAP. Detention is held mornings and/or lunch times; please see Detention Schedule or inquire at office for details.
Dress Code
Your attire and appearance can have an affect on the classroom and school environment. We hold safety and an appropriate attitude as a high priority at Colina. Because of this, and with the support of your ASB, PTA, teachers and School Site Council, we have a dress code that we feel enhances the safety and standards for Colina.
Student attire and appearance that is disruptive to the educational process can be excluded from class. Our school board has put regulations in place that limit certain clothing. These include "gang" attire, clothing that promotes illegal products for minors, and clothing that is "unduly revealing".
If you are sent to the office for a dress code violation, you will be asked to change into PE clothing. Your parents may be called and asked to bring other clothing to school. Multiple warnings may result in suspension. (See Discipline Standards for Dress Code Violations)
Students are not permitted to wear:
1. Hats of any type (unless it is a Colina hat, available at the Student Store)
2. Clothing which names, advertises, or promotes products that are illegal for minors to buy or use (i.e. drugs, alcohol, tobacco)
3. Clothing which features words, pictures or drawings that are offensive/vulgar, sexually oriented, or depicting violence
4. Clothing which includes words, phrases, or pictures that are derogatory regarding ethnic background, national origin, religious belief, gender-bias or disability.
5. Clothing which is revealing, or which distracts the educational mission of the school, including clothing that exposes cleavage or bare midriff / crop tops/ halter tops / strapless tops, spaghetti strap tops (shoulder straps should be approximately 1.5 inches wide).
6. Clothing which allows undergarments to be visible. This also includes clothing that resembles lingerie or undergarments (sheer tops and skirts, sports bras worn as tops, slip skirts that resemble underslips or nightwear.)
7. Pants which require a belt or suspenders to hold them up at the waist. Pants must fit around the waist appropriately and stay up without the aid of a belt, rope, suspenders, pins, etc. Boxer shorts must not be visible. Closthing may not be altered to change the original manufactuer's design such as rolling down shorts or skirts. Pants must be no wider than 12 inches from inseam to outer seam. Spandex or tightly fitted stretch pants (such as Hard-Tail pants) will not be allowed, nor pants that have writing on the backside. Shorts and skirts must be at "fingertip" length when the student's hand are place as their side.
8. Formal clothing, high heels or clothing considered for evening wear.
9. Clothing with "gang look" including drawings of gang-like activity, violence or unlawful behavior, web belts with initial buckles, any belt that hangs down.
10. Backless shoes or sandles. For safety reasons you must wear shoes or sandals that have a heel strap; bare feet are not allowed.
You must wear protective glasses while working at or in the vicinity of machinery or power driven equipment and must wear clothing deemed appropriate by your shop teacher. Students with long hair must wear hair covering around machinery.
The principal and staff of each school may establish reasonable additional regulations regarding student appearance and attire.
Is Colina safe, clean, in good repair? Sufficient textbooks & materials?
Notice to Parents: Pursuant to California Education Code 35186, we are required to inform you of the following:
1. School facilities must be clean, safe and maintained in good repair (no conditions exist that pose an emergency or urgent threat to the health or safely of students or staff);
2. There should be sufficient textbooks and instructional materials. That means each pupil, including English learners, must have a textbook or instructional materials, or both, to use in the class and to take home to complete required homework assignments.
Please contact Mr. Mike Waters, Colina principal, if you believe these requirements are not being fulfilled.
General Information
Backpacks
Backpacks are not allowed in the classroom without teacher permission, or left unsupervised on campus. You are encouraged to go to your lockers between each class, during passing periods, to retrieve the materials you need for each class. If your backpack is left on campus or in a classroom, expect to have 5 points deducted from your citizenship points.
Bikes and Skateboards
Walk your bike while on school grounds, including the parking lots. A bicycle parking area is located on the West end of the campus. Lock your bike whenever it is left in the bike area. We can not be responsible for bicycles parked on campus. The bike area is locked during the school day.
Skateboards are not allowed on campus at any time.
Book Covers
All Textbooks are to be covered at all times. Book covers and Book Socks are available in the student store. You will lose citizenship points if your books are uncovered.
Gum Chewing
Because careless disposal of gum in drinking fountains, on furniture, on the floor or on the sidewalks presents sanitation cleaning and repair problems, gum chewing is not permitted on school grounds.
Hall Pass
You may only leave your classroom with the permission of your teacher. Your teacher will give you a hall pass and it must be returned to him/her. Passes are given only for urgent reasons. If you receive an office summons please report immediately to the attendance window. Do not dawdle on campus when given a pass.
Lockers
Lockers are assigned for your personal use. You must use the locker you are assigned to. There is ABSOLUTELY no sharing of lockers. Keep your locker locked at all times, and do not leave valuables or personal belongings in the lockers overnight. The school does not assume responsibility for items missing from your locker. You must maintain maximum security by not lending your locker keys to friends or sharing combinations. Only school-sold locks are allowed. It is a good idea to make duplicates of your key and keep them at home. School officials may open and search any locker for reasonable suspicion, or in the event of an emergency.
Lost & Found
Check the library for lost keys, textbooks, notebooks and clothing. Check the office for lost money, wallets, jewelry, etc.
Lunch area standards
You must eat in designated areas. Red lines have been painted to indicate the boundaries for food. You need to finish eating and deposit trash in containers before you go to the athletic fields or other areas of the campus. Remember: Points will be lost for having food past the red lines.
Suspension
When a student violates the disciplinary guidelines of the school, district or California Education Code, that student may be suspended from school. It is the decision of the administrator whether suspension will be used as a consequence for inappropriate behavior. All students who are suspended from school may not attend school functions during the time of suspension.
For a complete explanation of suspendable offenses, and the suspension policy refer to the CVUSD Discipline Handbook that was mailed to each family in the fall.
Student Rights & Responsibilities
Campus Standards: Code of Conduct
Students’ Right: All students have the right to attend school on a safe and orderly campus which has a structured, pleasant atmosphere based on mutual respect.
Students’ Responsibility: Students shall
• Be considerate of the rights, safety, property and feelings of others.
• Be courteous and respectful to all teachers and other adults on campus.
• Be responsible and accountable for all materials issued to them (textbooks, library books, locks, lockers, keys, I.D. cards).
• Be on time to all classes.
• Bring proper materials to all classes every day.
Students shall not:
• Use profane or vulgar language
• Chew gum
• Throw objects of any kind
• Harass another student in any way
• Climb trees, fence or the slope by Ascension School
• Deface, damage or destroy school property
• Litter school grounds
• Possess or use cigarettes, tobacco, lighters, matches or any smoking related paraphernalia.
• Possess alcohol or drugs (including over the counter medications)
• Ride skateboards, skates, or bikes on campus
• Use walkmans, radios or video games in classroom or library setting.
Consequences:
Depending on severity of infraction any of the following:
• Verbal warning
• Loss of Citizenship points
• Detention
• Saturday Work Study (SWAP)
• Parent Conference
• In-House Suspension
• Suspension
• Expulsion
Dress Code Violations
Students’ Responsibility:
• Students shall abide by all guidelines regarding attire worn to school in order to promote a positive school environment.
Consequences:
• First offense: Warning
• Second Offense: detention
• Third Offense: Saturday Work Study (SWAP)
• Fourth Offense: Suspension and Parent Conference
Continued defiance could result in movement to minimum day or transfer to another school environment.
Harassment/Sexual Harassment
Students’ Rights: Students have the right to attend school and feel safe and free from racial, sexual or other forms of harassment and or discrimination in a structured, pleasant atmosphere based on mutual respect.
For Complete Harassment Policy, click here.
Students’ Responsibility: Students shall not:
• Harass, intimidate or discriminate against another individual.
Consequences: (Depending on severity of infraction, and based on investigation, any of the following):
• Conflict Resolution
• Parent Conference
• Suspension for one to five days
• Contract to another school placement
• Notification of the Sheriff’s Department
• Possible recommendation for expulsion
Littering
Students’ Responsibility: Students shall refrain from littering or throwing objects of any kind, including food, any place on campus, including the cafeteria.
Consequences: Depending on severity of infraction:
• Lunchtime campus clean-up
• Detention
• Saturday Work Study (SWAP)
• Suspension
Non-serve, or disruption of Detention or SWAP
Students’ Responsibility: Students shall fulfill all assigned detentions or Saturday Work Study assignments on or before the due date.
Consequences: Non-Serve of detention
• Doubled detentions
• Saturday Work Study (SWAP)
Non- Serve of Saturday School
• Reassigned SWAP and
• Suspension
Tardy to Class
Students’ Responsibility: Students will be in class with all their materials before the Tardy Bell rings.
Consequences:
• Every Tardy: 10 citizenship points lost
• 3rd Tardy (to any class): Letter sent to Parent
• 5th Tardy: Saturday Work Study (SWAP) assigned
• Continued tardies will result in continued disciplinary action including a referral to the district School Attendance Review Board (SARB).
Unauthorized items (not weapons) on campus: pager, cellular phone, walkman, laser pointer
Students’ Responsibility:
• Students shall not use a walkman, radio or other such device while in class, in the library or in any structured meeting or learning environment.
• Carry electronic signaling devices (Pagers) (Note: This is a suspendable offense, and a state law.)
Consequences:
• Device confiscated and sent to Assistant Principal. (Device will be returned to student (radios, etc.) or parent (laser pointers and pagers) after school.
• Parent contacted
• Second Offense: device confiscated until the last day of the school year.
Vandalism/ Damage to Property
Students’ Responsibility: Students shall not damage school property or property belonging to another.
Consequences: (Depending on severity of infraction, and based on investigation, any of the following):
• Parent Conference
• Suspension for one to five days
• Payment for replacement, installation and/or repair costs
• Contract to another school placement
• Notification of the Sheriff’s Department
• Possible recommendation for expulsion
Weapons / Dangerous Objects / Dangerous Actions:
Students’ Responsibility: Students shall not:
• have any weapon, look-a-like weapon, or dangerous object that can be used as a weapon in their possession, backpack, or locker while on campus. This includes Pepper Spray and other mace – like items.
• seriously endanger the safety of others
Consequences:
• recommendation for expulsion
• possible notification of the Sheriff’s Department
Student Guide to Understanding and Avoiding Harassment
T.O. Star Article: Name-calling, teasing may be the worst kind of violence
Remember the old saying. "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me?
Many people believe this old saying is only partly true. Being called rude or obscene names may not break bones, but it can damage attitudes about school or how students feel about themselves. This guide is designed to remind everyone that "harassment" of any kind is against school rules. Sticks and stones and names that hurt are not welcome at any school in the Conejo Valley Unified School District.
We believe that every student has the right to learn Without being called names. Without being threatened because they are a girl or a boy, or from a certain religion or a particular race.
Everyone is equal, and everyone deserves respect!
Harassment - a definition: Harassment is unwanted and unwelcome behavior from other students or staff members which interferes with another individual's life. When it is sexual in nature it is "sexual harassment." When it is racial in nature, it is "hate-motivated behavior" or sometimes a "hate crime."
It is against the rules for students to make remarks that embarrass others or make them feel uncomfortable with actions or remarks that are sexual or racial in nature. No one can claim that another's grades or participation in any school activity or a school award depends on their willingness or unwillingness to cooperate in sexual activity. ;
Examples of actions which interfere with a person's education ar prohibited for both students and staff:
Unwanted touching
Sexual innuendos
Obscene comments
Gender specific comments
Physical threats
Requests for sexual favors
Obscene gestures
Racial-specific comments
Indecent exposure
Suggestive looks
Some advice: ,
Don't ignore it. Harassment does not usually "go away." Though it may be hard to do, tell your harasser to stop. (You might write a letter that describes the behavior in detail, keep a copy for yourself and have a supportive adult deliver the letter to the harasser.) Don't blame yourself and don't feel helpless, trapped, or confused. Seek help. Keep a written record of every incident.
What's the difference between harassment and flirting?
| Sexual Harassment | Flirtiing |
| You feel bad | You feel good |
| You feel unattractive | You feel attractive |
| You feel insulted | You feel complimented |
| You feel hurt or angry | You feel happy |
| You feel powerless | You feel in control |
| It is one-sided | You flirt back |
| It is unwanted | It is OK |
| It is illegal | It is legal |
What to do if it happens to you: There are several important things you should know about if you feel you are being harassed.
First: Tell a teacher, a counselor, or a school administrator. Remember to be specific. If you want to bring a parent or guardian along with you, that's fine. ANY REPORT YOU MAKE IS PRIVATE. Unless you talk about it yourself, no one from the school or District will make it public. Any witnesses will be directed to keep the information about the situation to themselves.
Second: ,Don't worry about someone "getting even" with you for telling. The school is here to support you and will investigate your concern quickly. Schocl administrators will do their best to not allow anyone to "get even."
Third: Tell the truth. Any student who falsely accuses another student or staff member of sexual or racial harassment is subject to disciplinary action.
Harassment complaints can sometimes be sealed at the school and sometimes will be heard at the District Off~ce. An investigator will be assigned and will talk with people who can help to sort out the facts. The investigator will determine whether harassment has occurred, prepare a report about the situation and give that information to your principal. Your principal will suggest a solution or remedy.
Finally, if things are still not settled, you have the right to submit your concern to the District Of fice.
The District Policy and regulations governing sexual harassment is 401.1. The legal references for this policy are found in the Education Code, in Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, and in Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. You may obtain a copy of the complete policy in the school off~ce.
. Harassment on the basis of sex or race is a violation of both federal and state discrimination laws as well as District Policy and Administrative Procedures. The District is committed to providing students with an academic environment that is free from sexual/
. racial harassment or discrimination.
This publication is prepared and disseminated in compliance with Board Policy regarding student rights and required notif~cation. It is designed for students and paraphrases the details of actual Board Policy and Administrative Procedures. For additional inforrnation or the complete District Policy covering sexual harassment or racial discrimination contact Dr. Richard Simpson, Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Services, at 497-9511, Extension 238.
CONEJO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, 1400 East Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 (CVUSD 94-00084 Rev. 5/95)
Violence & Bullying
"Violence is Anything That Hurts Somebody's Body, Feelings or Things." This was the premise of a conference on bullying and harassment I recently attended led by Martin Fleming and presented by the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Office. The experience of this conference was informational and enlightening. Bullying and harassment is not just an issue for schools to deal with, it is something that occurs at all ages and at all places. I hope that what I share will spark further discussion and will be used at home, school, on the court, and on the field. I firmly believe that name-calling, teasing, and harassment is the worst kind of violence. It hurts feelings, is long lasting, and leads to other more physically damaging types of violence.
There are four main points that I brought away from this conference that I feel are beneficial for all parents, educators, coaches, and anyone who interacts with children.
1. If you don't want the big stuff focus on the little stuff.
2. What is the little stuff?
3. We need to set our expectations high for all kids at all times.
4. We have to do it together.
If you don't want the big stuff focus on the little stuff. This says it all. If there are clear and immediate consequences for the little stuff, the big stuff will not occur. What is the little stuff? The little stuff is gossiping, eye rolling, name-calling, teasing, taunting, and "trash talking." If the little stuff is allowed at home, at school, on the court or on the field it will lead to the big stuff like shoving, punching, and fighting. We need to set our expectations high for all kids at all times. Kids need to know that there is never an appropriate time to "trash talk." It is not okay to tease their little brother or their classmate. Kids need to know that gossiping and name-calling is not acceptable and will lead to bigger problems. When the consequences are clear, fair, and immediate for the little stuff, children will think twice before they tease their teammate or opponent, taunt their little sister or gossip about fellow students.
We have to do it together. As a former coach and leadership teacher I always like to compare everything to a team. We must be a team. We must do it together. It is not okay if the expectations are high at home, but not at school. Likewise, it is not okay if the expectations are high at school, but not on the sports team. Bullying and harassment is not just the threat of physical violence. It is also name-calling, teasing, and gossiping. If we don't want the big stuff we must work as a team by having immediate and clear consequences for the little stuff.
Saturday School Schedule
2. Little League Fields and Snack Bar off limits at all times during SWAP.
3. Regular school rules apply (No skateboards, gum, etc.).
4. Don't give keys to students at any time.
5. Bathroom may only be open when supervised by an adult.
6. Must call parents if you send a student home.
7. Post a schedule on the board for the day.
8. No Sleeping. No Talking. No Magaziines unless academic magazines (Science etc. given by supervisor).
9. No Drawing (Unless an art project for teacher).
10. No Computers, CD players, or music unless classical music provided by adult supervisor.
11. Must have 4 hours of work.
12. If student runs out of work before the end of the 4 hours they will write definitions for the remainder of SWAP.
Breaks
1. Each class may have 2 outside breaks (One 5 minutes long and one 10 minutes long).
2. Classes should never be out on break at the same time.
3. Adult supervisor may allow for a 2-3 minute stretch break during the hours that an outside break is not given.