Welcome to Rock Creek Elementary School! We are proud to be a California Distinguished School and to have been awarded the Gold Award from the California PBIS Coalition. Our staff and community are honored you've chosen us for your child's elementary education. We strive to provide an exemplary educational experience through the use of rigorous curricula, teaching schoolwide and classroom expectations aligned to Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to maintain a positive school climate and prepare our students to be active and engaged community members.

We believe in a strong home-school partnership and provide a number of ways for each family to engage themselves with our school. Please be sure to go over this handbook as a family as it contains valuable information about our school.

Go Red Hawks!

The mission of Rock Creek Elementary School, an innovative and collaborative community of learners, is to empower students to succeed, grow, lead, and learn by nurturing:

• academic and social-emotional growth
• productive and compassionate citizens
• mindful and critical thinkers
• family and community partnerships

Board of Trustees

• Julie Hupp - Board President (jhupp@rocklinusd.org)
• Tiffany Saathoff - Vice President (tsaathoff@rocklinusd.org)
• Michelle Sutherland - Board Clerk (msutherland@rocklinusd.org)
• Derek Counter - Board Member (dcounter@rocklinusd.org)
• Rachelle Price - Board Member (rprice@rocklinusd.org)

Rocklin Unified School District Administration

• Roger Stock - Superintendent (916-630-2230, rstock@rocklinusd.org)
• Jennifer Stahlheber - Deputy Superintendent, Business and Operations (916-630-2239, jstahlheber@rocklinusd.org)
• Michael Henderson - Associate Superintendent, Human Resources (916-630-2240, mshenderson@rocklinusd.org)
• William MacDonald - Associate Superintendent, Elementary Education and Educational Services (916-630-3187, wmacdonald@rocklinusd.org)
• Martin Flowers - Associate Superintendent, Secondary Education (916-630-3318, mflowers@rocklinusd.org)
• Elisabeth Casey - Associate Superintendent, Educational Services (916-630-2228, edavidson@rocklinusd.org)
• Rain Kernytsky - Senior Director of Facilities, Maintenance and Operations (916-624-5771, rkernystsky@rocklinusd.org)
• Ryan Johnson - Chief Technology Officer (916-630-3199, rjohnson@rocklinusd.org)
• Sundeep Dosanjh - Chief of Communications and Community Engagement (916-672-3606, sdosanjh@rocklinusd.org)
• Theresa Prestedge - Director of Special Education / Support Programs (916-630-2232, tprestedge@rocklinusd.org)
• Mario da Costa - Director of Fiscal Services and Purchasing (916-630-2236, mdacosta@rocklinusd.org)
• Charles Douglas - Director of Food Services (916-624-1112, cdouglas@rocklinusd.org)
• Matthew Hebb - Director of Transportation (916-624-9106, mhebb@rocklinusd.org)
• Sarah Soares - Coordinator, English Language Development, GATE, and Special Programs (916-630-3314, ssoares@rocklinusd.org)

• Principal: TBD
• Secretary: Valarie Smith
• Clerk: Courtney Sequenzia
• LVN: Christine D'Ambrogi
• Health Aide: Kirsten Carleson
• TK/Kindergarten: Patty Knorzer, Theresa Hellen, Holly Snyder
• First Grade: Kristen Campbell, Jenna Sprinkle
• Second Grade: Krista Borrego, Cassie Bay
• Third Grade: Kameron Breckenridge, Haley Toma
• Fourth Grade: Holly Cable, Leah Neff
• Fifth Grade: Leah Neff, Olivia Artiaga
• Sixth Grade: Michelle Hutton, Casey Schwenning
• TASEL (K-3): Vacant
• TASEL (4-6): Leah Holland
• Preschool: Irene Garibaldo, Kristen Green, Natalie Nordahl, McKenzie Meteer, Rebecca Duke, Natasha Tuggle
• RSP: Lori Wurth / Debra Binzo
• Speech: Katie Sofer / Betsy Prada-Hendon / Mary Fales
• P.E.: Evan Gustafson
• VAPA: Leah Okamoto
• Music/Band: Cornelius Cata, Matthew Roy, Jeffrey Hayman
• ELL: Pamela Canlas
• Preschool Admin / Program Specialist: Andrea O'Donnel
• Psychologist: Stephani Rivera-Carabajal / Sydney Deis
• Counselor: Sarah Phleger
• Mental Health Specialist: Tara Layman
• Occupational Therapist: Danielle Covell
• Library Aide: Sue Silva
• Custodian: Joe Santos / Lenny Ramanyuk
• Food Services: Shayna Castaneda / Hillary Watson

Office Hours: 7:30am - 3:30pm

There is no supervision prior to 7:40am, please do not arrive before that time. Rock Creek is a closed campus and visitors must check in at the front office.

Mondays Only Schedule

• Grades TK/K: 7:50am - 1:10pm
• Grades 1-6: 7:50am - 1:20pm

Regular Day Schedule

• Grades TK: 7:50am - 1:20pm
• Grades K: 7:50am - 2:10pm
• Grades 1-6: 7:50am - 2:20pm

Minimum Day Schedule

• Grades TK/K: 7:50am - 12:10pm
• Grades 1-6: 7:50am - 12:20pm

Please refer to the online district resources for complete calendar details:

• 2026-2027 RUSD Student Detailed Calendar
• Rock Creek Activities Calendar

Absences

Daily school attendance is essential for student success. By law, parents are required to send their child to school daily. Parents are strongly encouraged to schedule medical appointments during non-school hours.

Whenever possible, a student who is absent for a reason other than illness should attend at least part of the school day. When students are absent from school, it is important that their absences be cleared as soon as possible by calling the attendance clerk at your child's school or by providing a note on the day they return to school. Any absence not cleared within 5 days will be marked as truant. According to California law, there are NO legally recognized absences. A student may be excused from school for justifiable personal reasons, including but not limited to illness or injury, medical or dental appointments, bereavement, funeral/memorial services, court appearances, or religious holidays, or an employment conference, when the student's absence has been requested in writing by the parent/guardian and approved by the principal or designee. A student shall be excused when he/she is the custodial parent of a student who is ill or has a medical appointment during school hours. Any absence after the 14th day of absences will require a medical note in order to be cleared as excused.

Parents will be asked to conference about continual non-illness absences and to improve their child's attendance. Failure to do so may result in a referral of the student and parent to the Rocklin Unified School District Attendance Review Board for further action.

Missed Work

A student absent from school shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed during the absence which can be reasonably provided and, upon satisfactory completion, shall be given full credit. The teacher of any class from which a student is absent shall determine what assignments the student shall make up and what period of time the student shall complete such assignments. The tests and assignments shall be reasonably equivalent.

Request for Homework

If your child is ill two days or more, parents may request homework. Call the office at least one day before the day you wish to pick up the assignments. The teacher(s) will have the work ready to pick up in the office after school or the next day.

Notes from Parents

Please use both the first and last name on all correspondence from home. This is especially important when the parent and the student do not have the same last name. Notes are still required to satisfy the compulsory education law. Please call the school to report an absence or leave a message. Please state your child's first and last name, reason for absence, and dates of the absence.

Tardies

An emphasis is placed on students arriving at school on time. Late students often miss the focus of the day or lesson and disrupt the flow of the lesson for other students. When students are late for school, please check into the office before going to class. Parents will be notified if a student has continual tardies and will be asked to follow through with a program to increase punctuality. Repeated tardiness can be grounds for revocation of intra or inter district transfer requests. Repeated tardies may result in a referral of the student and parent to the Rocklin Unified School District Attendance Review Board for further action.

Independent Study

A student who will be absent for 3 or more consecutive school days is eligible for Short Term Independent Study. Students will be provided assignments that may be completed during the duration of the Independent Study Contract. Completed work will count toward school attendance during that time. Please contact your school office as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to put together an Independent Study Contract for your student. Please note, contracts may be denied based on a student's attendance history or prior lack of completion of Independent Study assignments. Independent Study Contracts are not available the first two weeks and last three weeks of school.

Appointments

If your child needs to leave school for an appointment, please allow extra time to come to the office to sign your child out. We want to maximize instructional time and will only call for your child when you arrive at the office. We do not accept call ahead requests for student pick up.

Student Folder

Teachers will communicate to parents their system for sending home important information, homework, and classwork. Please take a moment to check your child's backpack and help them establish a routine to stay organized. Setting up a system to regularly review school materials not only helps you stay informed, but also supports your child in developing positive habits around responsibility and school-to-home communication.

ParentSquare

This platform will be used by teachers, office staff, District Office staff, etc. to bring important information to you via a single point. To stay informed, please download the app and set your delivery preferences. Relying only on email may delay or cause you to miss important updates. The app ensures real-time notifications and easier access to school communication when it works for you.

School Website

Our school website is an excellent source of information regarding school events, student academic progress, school calendars, lunch menus, student handbook, parent teacher club, and current information about our school.

School Newsletter

A weekly newsletter, Principal's Update, will be sent to families outlining upcoming events, updates and reminders on policies and procedures, etc. This is the best way to keep on top of things happening at your student's school. Follow us on social media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockcreekelementary
• Instagram: @rockcreek_rocklin

School Visitations / Visitor Registration

(Reference Board Policy/ Administrative Regulation 1250)

The Board of Trustees encourages parents/guardians and interested members of the community to visit the schools and view the educational program. To ensure minimum interruption of the instructional program, visits during school hours should be first arranged with the teacher and principal or designee. If a conference is desired, an appointment should be arranged with the teacher during non-instructional time.

To ensure the safety of the students and staff and avoid potential disruptions, all visitors shall register in the school administration office immediately upon entering any school building or grounds when school is in session.

For purposes of school safety and security, the school may design a visible means of identification for visitors while on the school premises.

No electronic listening or recording device may be used by students or visitors in a classroom without the teacher and principal's permission (Education Code Section 51512).

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled twice during the year for all students. In the fall they are held at the end of the first trimester and again in the spring at the end of the second trimester. The Rocklin Unified School District schedules minimum days during conference week so teachers may have sufficient time to meet with parents. The average length of a conference is 20 minutes and involves reporting progress and creating goals for students. Parents and teachers are encouraged to set up additional conferences as the need arises during the year.

Student Records

The Rocklin Unified School District maintains cumulative records for each student as required by law, and any additional records that would be helpful in providing maximum educational opportunities for students. These records are available for parents to review. Please call the school office to set up an appointment with the principal to review your child's cumulative record.

Complaint Procedures

The school follows the procedures outlined below to address parent concerns and complaints. Please use the following steps if you have a concern:

1. Classroom concerns should first be brought to the attention of your child's teacher. Please call the teacher to explain your concern. Small concerns may be addressed by a phone call; larger concerns are better addressed in a conference.
2. If the classroom concern is not satisfactorily addressed with the teacher or the concern is a school level concern, please call the school administrator. Small concerns may be addressed by a phone call; larger concerns are better addressed in a conference.
3. If the concern is not satisfactorily addressed with the school administrator, the parent may schedule a meeting with a district representative.

The District assures that students, employees, parents or guardians of its students, school and district advisory committees will not be discriminated against. Unlawful discrimination complaints may be filed using the Uniform Complaint Procedure (UCP). A copy of the UCP is available at the District Office from the Human Resources Department.

Volunteers

We strongly encourage and wholeheartedly welcome volunteers at Rock Creek Elementary School! For the safety of all our students, all volunteers must be fingerprinted and complete a background check. Volunteers must also submit proof of TB testing before beginning service on campus. For this reason, siblings are not permitted on campus while volunteering. If you're interested in volunteering, please refer to the Rocklin Unified School District Website for more information or contact the front office.

Parent/Teacher Club (PTC)

Our parent-teacher organization (PTC) is an activity-oriented organization that works in various ways to benefit our children and school by supporting school activities, class programs and fundraisers, and by sharing time and ideas. You may sign up to help on the activities that fit your interests and schedule.

Student Safety

(Reference Board Policy/Administrative Regulation 5142)

The Board of Trustees places high priority on safety and on the prevention of student injury. Principals and staff are responsible for the conduct and safety of students from the time they come under school supervision until they leave school supervision, whether on school premises or not. The Superintendent or designee shall establish regulations and procedures as necessary to protect students from dangerous situations.

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that teachers, teacher aides, yard aides, and volunteers who supervise students receive training in safety practices and supervisory techniques which will help them to forestall problems and resolve conflicts.

The following visitor regulations shall be in place at each school site:

• All visitors, including parents, must sign in at the office.
• All unknown visitors will show proof of identity.
• Uniform identification badges will be used throughout the district.
• Picture identification badges will be used by District employees who visit campuses (i.e. superintendents, maintenance, and transportation/cafeteria supervisors).
• A "buddy system" will be in effect for grades K-3; students will have a companion when leaving the classroom (recommended for grades 4-6).

Emergency Cards

Student emergency cards must be kept current. If a student becomes ill or is injured at school, we must have a phone number where we can reach the parent, guardian, or a designated substitute. Your child will not be released to an adult unless the adult is on the emergency card. This information should be uploaded annually and any time there are changes via the Aeries Parent Portal.

Accidents

If a serious injury occurs on the school grounds or on the bus, parents will be notified and asked to pick up the child for their own observation or examination by their family physician. Parents will be promptly notified of all injuries not considered minor. If the accident is serious the school will call 911 and notify the parents immediately.

Emergency Situations

The Rocklin Unified School District has plans and preparations for major emergency situations. Our staff has been trained and drills are held regularly to make certain that the students understand emergency procedures.

Your cooperation is asked in any emergency:

• Please avoid calling the school. Telephone lines will be needed for emergency situations.
• Please avoid driving to school. Streets should be as open as possible for emergency vehicles.
• Turn your radio to local stations: AM-KAHI 950, KFBK 1530; FM - KHYL 101, KBEB 92.5.
• If evacuated, students will be transported to another school site as announced over the radio.
• The school will utilize ParentSquare to update you with key information.

Office Telephone

The office telephone is for emergency use only. Please make after school arrangements with your child in advance. Office staff are not permitted to interrupt classroom instruction to relay messages to students.

Safety Drills

In accordance with state law, an emergency drill is conducted every month. Students are expected to respond quickly and safely as directed by their teacher.

Safe Arrival and Departures

• Assist us in teaching your child to use crosswalks.
• Do not stop your vehicle in the crosswalk or in front of driveways.
• Teach your child to walk, not run, in the crosswalk.
• Do not leave your vehicle unattended in loading/unloading zones.
• The bus lane is for buses only.

Dogs on Campus

Due to health reasons, dogs are prohibited from being on the school campus during, before, or after school hours. The only exception is when a pet is part of an arranged presentation. Families are kindly asked not to use the school field or playground as a dog park.

Breakfast - Lunch / National School Breakfast and Lunch Program

RUSD is participating in California's Universal Meals Program, which means both breakfast and lunch are free of charge for all students, regardless of eligibility.

• Student Meals: $0.00 (Breakfast and Lunch)
• Adult/Non-Student Breakfast: $4.00
• Adult/Non-Student Lunch: $6.00
• Second Student Meal: $6.00
• A la carte Milk: $0.50

Breakfast Schedules

Breakfast at 1st Recess: Breen, Cobblestone, Quarry Trail, Rock Creek, Ruhkala, Sierra, Sunset Ranch, Twin Oaks, Valley View.

Nutrition Benefits Form

While meals are free, families are asked to complete the 'Nutrition Benefits Form' (available starting July 1st) to ensure the district receives maximum state funding.

Accounts & Payments

All students use their student ID number to access their lunch account. Funds are required for second meals or a la carte items, which cannot carry a negative balance.

Lunches from Home and Snacks

Healthy food choices are strongly encouraged. Please save candy or sodas for home. Special considerations apply for food allergies; contact Nutrition Services at (916) 624-1112 ext. 1 for medical modification forms.

Bus Transportation

School Year Bus Pass Applications are available online on the Transportation page of the RUSD website. A new application MUST be on file each year. For information, contact Transportation at (916) 624-9106 or buspass@rocklinusd.org.

Red Light Escort: School Bus Drivers shall escort all students who must cross the street on which the bus is stopped for loading and unloading.

Health Office Information

Staffed by a part-time health aide. Temporary care is provided for illness or injury occurring at school. Students will only be released to authorized persons on the Emergency Card.

Medications

(Reference Board Policy 5141.21)

Written authorization from a physician and parent/guardian is required for all medications (including OTC items like Tylenol, cough drops, ointments). All medication must be stored in original containers under lock and key in the health office. Students may not carry medication on campus unless specifically authorized by a physician (e.g., asthma inhaler, Epi-Pen).

Health Screening

Mandated vision and hearing screenings are conducted at specified grade levels (TK, K, 2nd, 5th, 8th) and for new students.

Home Hospital Instruction

Available for students expected to be absent for 4 weeks or more due to medical reasons, requiring doctor certification.

Immunizations

California law requires proof of immunization against Diphtheria, Hib, Measles, Mumps, Pertussis, Polio, Rubella, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Varicella. Exemption requests require a CAIR-ME account and physician authorization.

California Assessment of Student Performance & Progress (CAASPP)

Administered every spring to students in grades 3-6. English learners take the ELPAC exam annually.

Homework

Homework serves as an extension or practice of classroom learning. Students are expected to complete assignments on time.

Standards Based Grading

Instruction and trimester report cards focus on student proficiency and mastery of state-identified standards.

Promotion / Retention Information

(Reference Board Policy/Administrative Regulation 5123)

Criteria for promotion include test scores, teacher evaluations, effort, and proficiency assessments. Remedial instruction options are provided to students at risk of retention.

Teacher Training / Planning Time

Districts schedule 1 hour every Monday afternoon for teacher articulation and professional development.

Student Success Team (SST)

A collaborative team process designed to assist students struggling with academic, behavioral, or health concerns.

Special Resources & Programs

• Special Education: IEP-based programs including Special Day Class, RSP, and Speech.
• English Language Development (ELD): Specialized instruction for English learners.
• VAPA & Docent Programs: Art and music instruction across elementary grades.
• Instrumental Music: String, band, and vocal options starting in 4th grade.
• Gifted and Talented Education (GATE): Specialized differentiation and cluster classrooms.
• Physical Education: 80 minutes weekly of specialized instruction plus 20 minutes classroom teacher instruction.
• Field Trips: Requires written parent permission and cleared chaperones. Fees are non-refundable.

Bicycles, E-Bikes, and Scooters

Allowed for elementary students (Class 1 e-bikes, non-motorized scooters, bicycles) subject to safety and helmet laws.

Big Buddies

Matches upper-grade and primary classes for peer support and mentorship.

Birthdays

Instructional time is not used for birthday parties. Balloons and presents must remain at home. Cakes, cupcakes, and candy are strongly discouraged; healthy treats are preferred if arranged with the teacher.

Books and Materials

Students are responsible for caring for issued books and tools. Charges apply for loss or damage.

Cellular Device Usage Guidelines

• Prohibited Use: Devices (phones, smartwatches) must not be seen or heard during school hours (morning bell to dismissal). Usage on field trips or buses is prohibited.
• Storage: Must remain off and stored inside backpacks.
• Confiscation: Violations result in device confiscation to the front office.

Gum & Personal Property

Gum is prohibited. Mark all personal items (jackets, lunch boxes) with student names. Personal toys, electronics, and sports equipment should be left at home.

Library Rules

Library visits require adult supervision. Books are loaned for two weeks; overdue items restrict further borrowing.

Dress Code Guidelines

(Reference Board Policy 5132)

• Must Wear: Secured clothing covering torso and buttocks; footwear with full heel or heel strap.
• May Wear: Hats/hoods (if not interfering with learning).
• Cannot Wear: Visible underwear, depictions of drugs/violence/hate speech, obscenities, or face-obscuring items.

School-Wide Positive Behavior Expectations (SWPBIS)

Rules: SHOW RESPECT, MAKE GOOD DECISIONS, SOLVE PROBLEMS.

Discipline & Bully Prevention

Discipline focuses on learning from mistakes and maintaining safety. Bullying (power imbalance, repetitive aggressive behavior) is not tolerated. Incident reports should be submitted to staff immediately.

Internet Safety & AI

Cyberbullying, cyberslander, and improper social media use are prohibited, regardless of origin. Unauthorized use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for schoolwork is prohibited.

Sexual Harassment, Suspension & Expulsion

Strict policies apply to harassment and behaviors listed under CA Education Code 48900 (weapons, substances, violence, property damage).

Note: These organizations are neither sponsored nor endorsed by RUSD.

• Scouting America: www.scouting.org
• Girl Scouts: www.girlscouts.org
• Camp Fire USA: www.campfireusa.org
• Five Cities Softball: www.5citiessoftball.org
• Loomis Basin Dolphin Swim Team: www.loomisdolphins.org
• Rocklin Girls Fast Pitch Softball: www.rocklingirlssoftball.org
• Rocklin Jr. Thunder Football & Cheer: www.jrthunder.com
• Rocklin Library: www.placer.ca.gov/departments/library
• Rocklin Little League: www.rocklinllb.com
• Rocklin Recreation Dept: www.rocklin.ca.us/parks
• Rocklin Wave Swim Team: www.teamunify.com
• Rocklin Youth Soccer Club: www.rocklinsoccer.org
• Tri-City Little League: www.tricitylittleleague.com
• Whitney Jr. Wildcats & Cheer: www.teamsideline.com/whitneyjrwildcats

Catalyst Kids

Fee-based before and after school care available on campus managed via REEF and Catalyst Kids.

Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P)

No-cost program for qualifying TK-6 students (English learners, foster youth, free/reduced meal eligible) providing extended learning and care in partnership with Catalyst Kids.

1. Volunteer Assistance (BP/AR 1240)

Volunteers assist certificated staff. Requires fingerprinting, background checks, sex offender registry checks, and TB clearance (valid for 4 years).

2. School Visitor Registration (BP/AR 1250)

All visitors must register in the office, present ID, state purpose, and wear identification badges. Unapproved visitors are subject to loitering/trespassing regulations.

3. Student Class Assignments (BP/AR 6152)

Placements consider teacher recommendations, academic/gender balance, behavior, and social factors. Specific teacher requests are only one factor considered.

4. Grounds for Suspension and Expulsion (BP/AR 5144.1)

Details mandatory and discretionary suspension offenses under CA Education Code 48900 (weapons, drugs, physical injury, bullying, sexual assault, theft, extortion).

5. Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP)

Outlines process for addressing non-compliance with federal/state laws, discrimination, harassment, and pupil fee violations. Complaints are investigated within 60 days.

6. Annual Notification of Title IX

Prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs. District Title IX Contact: Director of Personnel Services / Associate Superintendent (916-630-2428).