Cedarwood Elementary School

BLOCK C Handbook

A guide for earning the Cedarwood Block C Award 2023 - 2024

BLOCK C Award

Cedarwood Elementary School 2023-2024

Philosophical Statement

Cedarwood’s BLOCK C award serves four functions:

	To motivate students to become active participants in the activities of their school

	To provide a blueprint for parents and teachers in planning, encouraging, and setting goals with children regarding school involvement and achievement
	To reaffirm the importance of being responsible, well-rounded individuals and establish a definition of what that is; and how to achieve these goals.
	To provide a form of recognition for students who have met the criteria for the award.

Overview

The BLOCK C Award is available to 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students and is awarded at the end of each semester. The criteria for earning this award reflect a broad base of participation, achievement, and service. In order to qualify for the award, a student must earn the minimum number of points in the following categories:

	Mind – Scholarship 	Mind – Co-Curricular
	Body – Athletics/Fitness

	Spirit – Student Leadership/Community Service

It is our hope that all students will actively pursue this award, making it a part of their planning for their total school experience. Whether or not the student receives the award, striving for it will enrich and enhance their educational foundation.

In the sections that follow, specific guidelines and requirements governing the earning of checks in each category are discussed. We encourage parents to work closely with students in planning and setting goals.

MIND

Activities and requirements in this category have to do with intellectual and artistic development. The two components in this category are SCHOLARSHIP and CO-CURRICULAR.

SCHOLARSHIP

ACADEMIC HONORS

	Students may earn a point for each quarter for earning an honor roll award. 	Principal’s Honor Roll (GPA = 4.00)
	High Honor Roll (GPA = 3.50 – 3.99) 	Honor Roll (GPA = 3.00 – 3.49)
	No Ds, Fs, or Ns on report card

MAINTAIN 4.0 GPA

	Students may earn one point for each quarter for receiving and maintaining a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA)

GROWTH ON iReady READING/MATH DIAGNOSTIC

	Students can earn one point for Reading and one point for Math per semester when they show growth or maintain high achievement on district iReady assessments.

ACADEMIC GRADE IMPROVEMENT

	Students may earn one point per quarter (starting in the 2nd quarter) for improving their grades.

	This is determined by comparing the latest report card grades with those of the most recent past quarter of the current school year.
* Students may earn one point per quarter if either of these criteria are met:

	Improvement of at least one whole grade in at least one subject area, no decrease in any grades, and no Ns. 	Progress of at least one level in honor roll status with no decrease in grades and no Ns.

CEDARWOOD READING

	Students may earn one point per semester for achieving the CR goal for their grade level.

	4th grade needs to read 600 pages and complete 2 reports with a score of 80% or better per semester.

     5th grade needs to read 1,000 pages and complete 3 reports with a score of 80% or better per semester.      6th grade needs to read 1,400 pages and complete 4 reports with a score of 80% or better per semester.
BIG FIVE MATH

	Students who successfully complete addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and mixed facts (three minutes each test) will earn one point per semester. The point will only be awarded in the semester in which the student receives recognition for mastery of all math facts.

CO-CURRICULAR

BAND/ORCHESTRA

	5th and 6th grade students ONLY may earn one point per semester for participating in AND receiving a grade of “O” for Outstanding in the Instrumental Music Program (band and/or orchestra.) Students must participate in performances/concerts and practices. Please note: Guidelines for participation have been set by the “Code of Participation” included at the end of this handbook.

CONCERT CHOIR

	5th and 6th grade students ONLY may earn one point per semester for participating in AND receiving a grade of “O” for Outstanding in the Concert Choir Program. Students must participate in performances/concerts and practices. Please note: Guidelines for participation have been set by the “Code of Participation” included at the end of this handbook.

ESSAY/ POSTER CONTEST

	Students may earn one point per semester for participation in any (or all) of the several essay / poster contests offered throughout the semester. Participation, in this context, means submitting an essay/poster completed by the student which is acceptable to the teacher for entry into competition.
	Acceptable entries must be submitted to the student’s classroom teacher who will then submit them to the Site Coordinator for the project to be counted for Block C.

CHESS CLUB

	Students may earn one point per semester for participation in this lunch time activity.

	Students will learn how to play chess and compete against each other to improve their skills. 	Students must attend a minimum of ten (10) times during the semester.

BOOK CLUB

	Students may earn one point per semester for participation in this activity.

	Students will gather in the library before school and be ready to discuss books that the group is reading together and participate in activities fostering collaboration and communication.
	Students must attend a minimum of ten (10) times during the semester.

HISTORY DAY / COUNTY HISTORY DAY

	Students may earn one point during the first semester for completing the 1st semester requirements for History Day 	Students will have the opportunity to earn one point during the second semester if their project is included at the
Fresno County History Day event.

SCIENCE FAIR

	Students may earn one point in the second semester for completing a Science Fair project in accordance with the guidelines provided by the advisor.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

	Students may earn one point during the second semester for participating in all practices and the competition.

ORAL INTERPRETATION

	Students may earn one point in the second semester for participating in all practices and the CUSD competition.

DRAMA

	Drama productions are offered to students in grades 4th, 5th, and 6th. Students may earn one point for attending and participating in all practices and the performance.

ROBOTICS

	Students may earn one point during the second semester for participating in all practices and the competition.

BODY

Activities and requirements in this category have to do with physical development including fitness and athletics

CEDARWOOD SPORTS

	Students may earn one point for every sport that they participate in for the entire season.

	Please note: Guidelines for participation have been set by the “Code of Participation” included at the end of this handbook.

Fall Sports
	Football & Girls Volleyball (5th & 6th grade only) Cross Country (4th, 5th, & 6th grade)

Winter Sports
	Boys & Girls Basketball (5th & 6th grade only) Wrestling (4th, 5th, & 6th grade)

Spring Sports
	
Baseball, Softball, & Boys Volleyball (5th & 6th grade only)

Late-Spring Sports
	Track (4th, 5th, & 6th grade)

PEP and CHEER

	Students may earn one point per semester for participating in Pep and/or Cheer.

	Students must attend practices and competitions in accordance with the guidelines provided by the advisors.

	Please note: Guidelines for participation have been set by the “Code of Participation” included at the end of this handbook.

HEATHLY FITNESS ZONE

	Students may earn one point during the second semester for performing in the Healthy Fitness Zone in all five areas of the Physical Fitness Test or at the 85th percentile in all areas earning the Superintendent’s Award.

MILE CLUB

	Students that can run the mile in the 85th percentile time limit as defined by the PFT testing guide, can earn one point per semester.

TEAM MANAGER

	Students assigned to manage an athletic team may earn one point per semester. 	Students will be assigned to teams based on availability of manager positions.
	Coaches and/or School Administration will determine the team manager selection process. 	Coaches will be allowed to do “First Come, First Served” or a Lottery System if needed
	Each team will limit Team Managers to 2-3 students

SPIRIT

Activities and requirements in this category have to do with character development. They are designed to provide opportunities for the development of such character attributes as concern for and service to others, active citizenship, civic mindedness, cooperation, responsibility, and dedication.

STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICER

	Students may earn one point per school year for being elected as a Student Body Officer and serving for the full semester in accordance with the “Code of Participation” included at the end of this handbook. Note: Students may serve only one term per year as an officer on the Student Council.

CLASS SENATORS

	Selected students may earn one point each semester for serving as a Class Senator and attending all meetings.

VIDEO CONNECTIONS

	Students may earn one point each semester for Video Connections by filming sports, school events and morning announcements.
	Students must attend meetings in accordance with the guidelines provided by the advisor.

CAFETERIA HELPER

	Students may earn one point each semester for assisting in the cafeteria at least three (3) times during the semester. Students MUST sign in with the Campus Monitors to receive credit.

LIBRARY HELPER

	Students may earn one point each semester for assisting in the library during the semester. Students MUST sign in with the library tech in order to receive credit.

SCHOOL SERVICE

	Students may earn one point each semester for providing a service to the school. There are an unlimited number of services that a student may elect to perform for the school. For example, students may assist in the Library Media Center, participate in campus clean-up activities, assist the custodian, or otherwise provide a service to the school and its student body.
	The service must be agreed upon between the individual student and an adult on campus. The student should ask to meet with the supervising adult to establish individual guidelines for their particular service.
	The service must constitute a minimum of ten (10) times during the semester. 	Does not include classroom book buddies.

HAWK P.A.L.S.

	Peer Assisted Learning Stations (P.A.L.S.) group. Hawk Pals are responsible for leading Room 20 students in various stations and play activities focusing on different social/pragmatic skills as well as functional communication.
	Students can earn one point per semester for serving as Cedarwood Hawk P.A.L.S.

EFFORT & CITIZENSHIP

	Students may earn one point each quarter for earning all “outstanding” effort marks on their quarterly report card.

CODE OF PARTICIPATION

Co-curricular activities are a vital part of our total school program. In addition to providing a variety of exploratory and enriching learning experiences for students, they are important also in building character and shaping attitudes. When students elect to participate in a co-curricular program (e.g., choir, sports, etc.), they must recognize that they have assumed certain responsibilities and obligations to the coach or advisor, to the other members of the activity, and certainly to themselves. The school allocates considerable resources in terms of time, money, energy, and personnel in an effort to provide quality co-curricular programs for our students. In turn, we encourage students to participate and expect quality participation from those who do take part in the activities.

Most of our co-curricular programs have "participation contracts" stating what is expected of the participant. Students agree to the stipulations upon joining an activity. In essence, the terms of these "contracts" reflect the following CODE OF PARTICIPATION:

1. The participant will maintain a satisfactory level of scholarship (“C” average, with no “F”s) and demonstrate satisfactory behavior and citizenship.

2. The participant is expected to abide by the practice, meeting, or rehearsal schedule established for the activity. Certain absences or tardies may, of course, be excused as with classroom attendance. However, the participant has the OBLIGATION to clear these with the coach or teacher in charge of the activity. Failure to do so is grounds for disciplinary measures as in the case of tardiness or truancy from the classroom.

3. The student is expected to participate in the activity in a positive manner. That is, the student is to show proper conduct, strive to learn and grow in his/her abilities or skills, and contribute to the group effort to the best of his/her ability.

4. The participant is expected to respect and properly care for all property and/or equipment issued in conjunction with the activity. This is especially pertinent to members of athletic teams who are issued uniforms. Team uniforms are the property of the school. They are expensive and difficult to replace. Students who NEGLIGENTLY lose or cause UNDUE damage to such school property will be charged for its replacement.

5. The participant will not arbitrarily or unilaterally quit an activity. Normally, there is a one-week “grace” period during which the student may join an activity and decide if he/she wishes to continue. A student may drop the activity during that time with no conditions. After that time, the student may drop the activity only after consultation between the parent and the coach/advisor and a conference between the student, coach/advisor, and the principal. In the case of athletic teams, a student who drops a sport after the grace period may not join another team during the same season. Note, however, that if a student joins, say, the football team and drops DURING the grace period, he/she may join the cross-country team.

PROCEDURES FOR BLOCK C CERTIFICATION

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1.	Student will use the Block C (Paper) Form as a guideline to keep track of their points.

2.	Students will submit the paper to their teacher indicating all of the points they have earned. TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES
1.	Teacher will review the Block C paper form with students as needed.

2.	Teachers will be giving reminders throughout the semester about keeping track of Block C points as a courtesy. 3.     Teacher will verify activities/items submitted.
4.	Teacher will approve the Block C Award Recipients each semester.

Cedarwood Block C Award Community Involvement

In order to receive ONE POINT per semester for “Community Involvement”, students must be part of a community organization in which they fully participate.

STUDENTS: PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM AND TURN IT IN TO YOUR TEACHER FOR APPROVAL

Student’s Name: _____________________________________________ Teacher: __________________________ Grade: __________________

Semester:(Please circle)	1st	2nd

Name of Community Involvement Activity: __________________________________________________________

Please write 1-2 sentences describing your Community Involvement Activity: __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

The following is REQUIRED:

Name of person (coach) who leads the activity: ___________________________________

Signature of person (coach) who leads the activity: ________________________________

Please note: In order to receive credit for the Cedarwood Block C Award, students must FULLY participate in the activity. Students cannot receive credit for activities that happen one time (for example: one-day sports camp, etc.)

FIRST SEMESTER OPPORTUNITES

*Please use this form as a GUIDE to keep track of your points*

Name: ______________________________ Grade: ____________ Teacher: __________________________

MIND (Scholarship)
	Points Possible
	Points Earned
	
Academic Honors	st & 2nd quarter
	2 points (1 per quarter)
		
Maintained 4.0 GPA	st & 2nd quarter
	2 points (1 per quarter)
		
Growth on iReady Reading Diagnostic
	1 point
		
Growth on iReady Math Diagnostic
	1 point
		
Academic Grade Improvement (2nd Qtr. only)
	1 point
		
Cedarwood Reading: (per semester) 6th grade – 1,400 pages
5th grade – 1,000 pages 4th grade – 600 pages
	
2 points
		
Big Five Math
	1 point
		
*5 points REQUIRED in this area
	TOTAL:

MIND (Co-Curricular)
	Points Possible
	Points Earned
	
Band or Orchestra (Outstanding Marks – Qtr.1 & 2)
	1 point
		
Choir (Outstanding Marks – Qtr.1 & 2)
	1 point
		
Essay/Poster Contest (Qtr. 1 or 2)
	1 point
		
Chess Club (attend 10 per semester)
	1 point
		
Book Club (attend 10 per semester)
	1 point
		
History Day (complete 1st semester requirements)
	1 point
		
Robotics
	1 point
		
*2 points REQUIRED in this area
	TOTAL:

BODY (Athletics/Fitness)
	Points Possible
	Points Earned
	
Fall -- Football
	1 point
		
Fall Girls Volleyball
	1 point
		
Fall Cross Country
	1 point
		
Winter -- Basketball
	1 point
		
Winter -- Wrestling
	1 point
		
Cedarwood Pep & Cheer
	1 point
		
Cedarwood Mile Club
	1 point
		
Team Manager (2-3 students per sport)
	1 point
		
*2 points REQUIRED for 5th & 6th grade *1 point REQUIRED for 4th grade
	TOTAL:

SPIRIT (Leadership/Community Service)
	Points Possible
	Points Earned
	
Student Council Officer
	1 point
		
Class Senator
	1 point
		
Video Connections
	1 point
		
Cafeteria Helper (minimum 3 times per. sem.)
	1 point
		
School Service (minimum 10 times per sem.)
	1 point
		
Hawks P.A.L.S.
	1 point
		
Effort/Citizenship (All Outstanding – Qtr. 1 & 2)
	2 points (1 per quarter)
		
Community Involvement (sign off sheet in handbook)
	1 point
		
*3 points REQUIRED in this area
	TOTAL:

1st Semester Block C DUE by Wednesday, January 24th	TOTAL POINTS: _______ - Be sure to complete this form and turn it in to your teacher!

- Teacher will approve your form and let you know if you received the award.

SPIRIT (Leadership/Community Service)
	Points Possible
	Points Earned
	
Student Council Officer
	1 point
		
Class Senator
	1 point
		
Video Connections
	1 point
		
Cafeteria Helper (minimum 3 times per. sem.)
	1 point
		
Library Helper
	1 point
		
School Service(minimum 10 times per sem.)
	1 point
		
Hawks P.A.L.S.
	1 point
		
Effort/Citizenship (All Outstanding – Qtr. 1 & 2)
	2 points (1 per quarter)
		
Community Involvement (sign off sheet in handbook)
	1 point
		
*3 points REQUIRED in this area
	TOTAL:

nd Semester Block C DUE by Friday, May 17th
- Be sure to complete this form and turn it in to your teacher!
- Teacher will approve your form and let you know if you received the award.
	
TOTAL POINTS: _______

SECOND SEMESTER OPPORTUNITES

*Please use this form as a GUIDE to keep track of your points*

Name: ______________________________ Grade: ____________ Teacher: __________________________

MIND (Scholarship)
	Points Possible
	Points Earned
	
Academic Honors – 3rd & 4th quarter
	2 points (1 per quarter)
		
Maintained 4.0 GPA – 3rd & 4th quarter
	2 points (1 per quarter)
		
Growth on iReady Reading Diagnostic
	1 point
		
Growth on iReady Math Diagnostic
	1 point
		
Academic Grade Improvement (3rd Quarter)
	1 point
		
Academic Grade Improvement (4th Quarter)
	1 point
		
Cedarwood Reading: (per semester) 6th grade – 1,400 pages
5th grade – 1,000 pages 4th grade – 600 pages
	
2 points
		
Big Five Math
	1 point
		
*5 points REQUIRED in this area
	TOTAL:

MIND (Co-Curricular)
	Points Possible
	Points Earned
	
Band or Orchestra (Outstanding Marks – Qtr.3 & 4)
	1 point
		
Choir (Outstanding Marks – Qtr.3 & 4)
	1 point
		
Essay/Poster Contest (Qtr. 3 or 4)
	1 point
		
Chess Club (attend 10 per semester)
	1 point
		
Book Club (attend 10 per semester)
	1 point
		
History Day / County Participation
	1 point
		
Science Fair
	1 point
		
Science Olympiad
	1 point
		
Oral Interpretation
	1 point
		
Drama
	1 point
		
Robotics
	1 point
		
*2 points REQUIRED for 5th & 6th grade
	TOTAL:

BODY (Athletics/Fitness)
	Points Possible
	Points Earned
	
Spring -- Baseball
	1 point
		
Spring – Softball
	1 point
		
Spring – Boys Volleyball
	1 point
		
Track
	1 point
		
Cedarwood Pep & Cheer
	1 point
		
Cedarwood Mile Club
	1 point
		
PE Testing – Healthy Fitness Zone
	1 point
		
Team Manager (2-3 students per sport)
	1 point
		
*2 points REQUIRED in this area *1 point REQUIRED for 4th grade
	TOTAL: