Your child is being asked to take a survey at school mid-January. The survey includes questions about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug issues, as well as questions about school safety and the learning environment. Student participation in the survey is voluntary. Students in grades 5, 7, 9, 11 and all students at the continuation school will be asked to participate. Students in grade 5 will need to return a permission slip prior to the survey. Other grades may opt-out from taking the survey by emailing edservices@waterford.k12.ca.us with the subject line, "opt-out". Please include your child's first and last name, grade level, and teacher in your email.

The survey is anonymous. No names or any other identifying information is connected to the answers except for the name of the school.

If you wish to view the survey, you may do so by clicking the link (left).

The Waterford Unified School District employs a comprehensive approach to effectively support students and help them become well-rounded and successful citizens. Students at Waterford USD have access to a multi-tiered system of support for their social, emotional, and mental health. Each of our schools has access to a School Psychologist, Behavior Support Program Specialist (BSPA), Mental Health Clinician, and more, including access and information regarding outside agencies within the City of Waterford and the County of Stanislaus. Teachers and staff refer students to the appropriate support personnel as needed.

Academic counselors are available to assist students in understanding and meeting graduation requirements, and equip them for a successful future in their chosen career.

Learn more about our academic counselors and mental and emotional health services by visiting the counseling page. Learn about Waterford USD bullying policy and how you can keep your children safe on the internet by visiting the bullying and cyber safety page. Find additional mental health resources, and get access to 24-7 crisis lines on our mental health resources page.

The safety and security of Waterford Unified School District students and staff is of utmost importance. Crisis management plans and procedures have been established for all of the district’s schools. Staff members have an understanding of these plans, and are fully able to implement them as needed. District administrators also coordinate closely with city and county emergency management officials and law enforcement representatives to develop and update plans. In addition, all our schools have well-established security measures, including the RAPTOR system. To learn more about or school safety procedures, go to the school safety page, or read our comprehensive district safety plan.

Special Education means specifically designed instruction and related services, at no cost to the parent, to meet the unique educational needs of individuals with exceptional needs, whose educational needs cannot be completely me with modification of the general instructional program. Special Education provides a full continuum of program options to meet the educational and service needs of individuals with exceptional needs in the least restrictive environment. This instruction can include a special education classroom, resource specialist program, general education setting, pull-out program, home instruction, instruction in hospital and institutions, and other settings, and instruction in physical education. (Ed. Code 56031, CFR Part 300.26)

To be considered special education, one or more of the following criteria must be met:

• Hearing Impairment

• Hearing and Visual Impairment

• Speech and Language Impairment

• Visual Impairment

• Severe Orthopedic Impairment

• Autistic-Like Behaviors

• Intellectual Disability

• Emotional Disturbance

• Specific Learning Disability

• Traumatic Brain Injury