2011-12 legal notification handbook

8/4/2019 2011-12 Legal Notification Handbook

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DIR ECT ORY Pgs. 2-3

ORGANIZATIONAL DYNAMICS &FOC US ARE AS Pgs. 4-5

ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION Pg. 6Notice of Alternative SchoolsContinuation High School (AHS)Independent StudyConcurrent Enrollment/Dual CreditHome Independent Study Program (HISP)-L.V. AcademyMariposa Elementary School of Global Education K-8

ATT END ANC E Pgs. 7-11Attendance RequirementsChange of Address/Telephone NumberExcused Absences: Effect On GradesUnexcused/Unverified Absences: Effect On GradesTruancySchool Attendance Review Board (S.A.R.B.)Inter/Intradistrict ChoiceRequest for Pre Approval of AbsencesDr. Zimring's Attendance Letter

GENE RAL INFOR MATI ON Pgs. 12-15

Student RecordsSexual Harassment PolicyDrug Free WorkplaceTobacco Free DistrictEmergency PlanInsurance PlanElectronic Signaling Devices (Cell Phones/Pagers)Book Bags/BackpacksParkingBike RacksLockersStudents On Campus During Non-School HoursMinimum Days And Pupil Free DaysComprehensive School Safety PlanSchool Bus Passenger SafetyUniform Complaint ProceduresCivil Law RemediesNondiscrimination

HE AL TH Pgs. 15-18School Health OfficesAdministration of MedicationCasts/Crutches/Sutures or Medical AppliancesReturn To School After Contagious IllnessPhysical Exam - Parent Refusal to ConsentImmunization RequirementsSeventh Grade Immunization RequirementTuberculosis TestingEntrance Health ScreeningEntrance Dental RequirementVision, Hearing, Scoliosis ScreeningsConfidential Medical ServicesHealth ExemptionsExclusionTemporary Disabilities - Individual InstructionPhysical Education ExcusesDrug, Alcohol, Tobacco Prevention

Pesticide ProductsSun SafetyAsbestos Management PlanChemical Notification Letter

INS TRU CTI ON Pgs. 19-24Selection Of Instructional MaterialsHome/Hospital InstructionSchool Accountability Report CardsSchool AccreditationNo Child Left Behind Act, 2001Availability of CurriculumStudent PlacementField Trips

INSTRUCTION (CONT)Prohibited InstructionExemptions From InstructionUse of Internet/On-Line SitesUser Agreement Parent Permission FormStandardized Testing (STAR)California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)

CHILD NUTR ITION SERVI CES Pgs. 24CafeteriasNutritional Guidelines for Foods Available at SchoolFood Allergies/Special Dietary NeedsNational School Lunch ProgramPayment for MealsSack LunchesClassroom Celebration Menu

PA RE NT S Pgs. 24-25Parent-Teacher ConferencesParent RightsParent Volunteers/Getting InvolvedBack to School Night - Open HouseVisiting The SchoolPrivate Tutoring-Board Policy 4137Summer School

SPECI AL PROGRA MS Pg. 25-26Federal/State Funded ProgramsPrograms For Children/Exceptional NeedsGifted and Talented Education (GATE)JourneysOutdoor EducationRegional Occupational Program (ROP)College/Career Technical EducationAdvanced Placement ClassesOnline Learning

STU DEN T CON DUC T Pgs. 27-29Expected Student BehaviorSubstance Abuse PolicyCanine Detection in Secondary SchoolsChoices ProgramDress CodeGrounds for Suspensions and Expulsions

Circumstances Warranting ExpulsionSaturday Work ProgramJ-Team

ACADEMIC DISHONESTYPRACT ICAL TIPS FOR PAREN TS Pg. 30

OPEN/CLOSED CAMPUS POLICYSCHOOL FUNDING & ATTENDANCERIGHT S/RES PONSI BILIT IES Pg. 31

RELEASE FORM FOR DIRECTORYINFO. /OPT- OUT FORM Pg. 32

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIESCODE OF CONDU CT CONTR ACT Pg. 33-35

SPECI AL ED. PAREN T RIGHT S Pgs. 36-40

REMI NDERS /RESO URCES Pg. 41

COMMUNITY SUPPORT/RESOURCESPFA/P FC PRESI DENT S Pg. 42

CALEN DAR Pg. 43

CALIFORNIA/NATIONAL SCHOOLREC OGN ITI ON Back Page


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BOARD OF EDUCATION

Jill Gaines President 878-5226Cindy Iser Vice President 878-5226Lesli Stein Clerk 878-5226Dave Moorman Member 878-5226Gordon Whitehead Member 878-5226

DISTRICT OFFICE

4111 Las Virgenes Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 880-4000Donald Zimring [email protected] 878-5225

Dan Stepenosky Assistant Supt., [email protected] 878-5260

Mary Schillinger Assistant Supt., [email protected] (including Pupil Services)

878-5218

Rose Dunn Director of [email protected] 878-5219

Karen Kimmel Chief Business [email protected] 878-5203

Phil Scrivano Chief Instructional [email protected] Officer

878-5258

Robbie Amodio Director, Classified [email protected] 878-5260

Rhonda Bacot Director, Maintenance,[email protected] Operations and Facilities

878-5272

Waleska Cannon Director, Child Nutrition [email protected] 225-8625

Brandie Rosen Elementary [email protected] Specialist/Coordinator

878-5240

Angie Falk Secondary [email protected] Specialist/Coordinator

878-5240

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

AGOURA HIGH SCHOOLGrades 9 - 12 889-126228545 W. Driver Ave., Agoura Hills, CA 91301www.agourahighschool.net

Larry Misel PrincipalSherry Bronow Assistant Principal Curric/InstructionMatt Baldwin Assistant PrincipalKristen Marsillio Assistant PrincipalDiane Quinn Office Manager

CALABASAS HIGH SCHOOLGrades 9 - 12 222-717722855 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, CA 91302www.calabasashigh.netCatherine Jo Foss PrincipalLinda Pierce Assistant Principal Curric/InstructionEric Anhalt Assistant Principal/ActivitiesBrian Mercer Assistant Principal/AthleticsShirl Humes Office Manager

INDIAN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL(Alternative/Continuation Ed.) 707-120328545 W. Driver Ave., Agoura Hills, CA 91301Larry Misel PrincipalBobbie Johnson CounselorLaurie Goldfinger Office Manager

LINDERO CANYON MIDDLE SCHOOLGrades 6 - 8 889-21345844 Larboard Ln., Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Dr. Abbe Irshay PrincipalMichelle Hayashida Assistant PrincipalLinda Boyce Office Manager

ARTHUR E. WRIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOLGrades 6 - 8 880-46144029 N. Las Virgenes Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302Kimmarie Taylor PrincipalJohn Murphy Assistant PrincipalCathy Johnson Office Manager

ALICE C. STELLE MIDDLE SCHOOLGrades 6 - 8 224-410722450 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, CA 91302Mary Sistrunk PrincipalJosh Stephenson Assistant PrincipalSusie Kargari Office Manager


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ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

BAY LAUREL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLGrades K - 5 222-902224740 Paseo Primario, Calabasas, CA 91302Susan Wachtel PrincipalChris Hiraishi Office Manager

CHAPARRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLGrades K 5 591-242822601 Liberty Bell Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302TBD PrincipalDonna Welti Office Manager

LUPIN HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLGrades K 5 880-443426210 Adamor Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302Sheila Grady PrincipalSherill McMichael Office Manager

ROUND MEADOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOLGrades K 5 883-67505151 Round Meadow Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302

Jeremy Resnick PrincipalDonna Chulack Office Manager

SUMAC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLGrades K 5 991-49406050 Calmfield Ave., Agoura Hills, CA 91301Carol Martino PrincipalCindy Rowe Office Manager

WHITE OAK ELEMENTARY SCHOOLGrades K 5 889-145031761 Village School Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91361 TBD PrincipalCecilia DePippo Office Manager

WILLOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOLGrades K 5 889-067729026 Laro Dr., Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Jessica Kiernan PrincipalRosemary Lowry Office Manager

YERBA BUENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOLGrades K 5 889-00406098 Reyes Adobe Rd., Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Christina Desiderio PrincipalJenny Kwan Office Manager

BUTTERCUP PRESCHOOL6098 Reyes Adobe Rd., 597-2153Agoura Hills, CA 91301Ruth Shaw Preschool CoordinatorJulie Burke Secretary

MARIPOSA ELEMENTARY SCHOOLGrades K - 6 707-71446050 Calmfield Ave., Agoura Hills, CA 91301Jeff Lough District ContactKaren Andersen Office Manager

OTHER IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

LAS VIRGENES ACADEMY @ AEW CAMPUS4029 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302Jeannie Gudith HISP Teacher 880-1339

TRANSITION SERVICES 889-7396

4-5 SCIENCE TEAM 878-5281Ilene AdelsteinRyan BeckerReshma MoreyCarol SankAnn Trautmann

FACILITY USE PERMITS 878-5275

MEDIA SPECIALISTSKelly Benning 878-5269Karen Lagola 878-5279

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS 991-4940

Carol Martino/[email protected]

GIFTED AND TALENTED (GATE) 878-5219Rose Dunn/[email protected]

REGIONAL OCCUPATIONALPROGRAM (ROP)AGOURA HIGH 889-1262 x

257

REGIONAL OCCUPATIONALPROGRAM (ROP)CALABASAS HIGH 222-7177 x 257

BUS PASSES 878-5266Joyce Estes/[email protected]

DURHAM BUS CO./ROUTES 880-4257

T.H.E. FOUNDATION 878-5277


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ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION

NOTICE OF ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLSCalifornia state law authorizes all school districts to provide foralternative schools. Education Code 58500 defines alternativeschool as a school or separate class group within a school whichis operated in a manner designed to:(a) Maximize the opportunity for students to develop the

positive values of self-reliance, initiative, kindness,spontaneity, resourcefulness, courage, creativity,responsibility, and joy.

(b) Recognize that the best learning takes place when thestudent learns because of his/her desire to learn.

(c) Maintain a learning situation maximizing student self-motivation and encouraging the student in his/her owntime to follow his/her own interests. These interests maybe conceived by him/her totally and independently or mayresult in whole or in part from a presentation by his/herteachers of choices of learning projects.

(d) Maximize the opportunity for teachers, parents, andstudents to cooperatively develop the learning process andits subject matter. This opportunity shall be a continuous,permanent process.

(e) Maximize the opportunity for the students, teachers, and

parents to continuously react to the changing world,including, but not limited to, the community in whichschool is located.

In the event any parent, pupil, or teacher is interested in furtherinformation concerning alternative schools, the countysuperintendent of schools and the LVUSD district office will havecopies of the law available for your information. This lawparticularly authorizes interested persons to request the governingboard of the district to establish alternative school programs ineach district.

CONTINUATION HIGH SCHOOL (AHS CAMPUS)Indian Hills High School has been established to provide studentsthe required academic courses of instruction to graduate from

high school. Students may be placed in the continuation schoolafter being referred by their schools Student Study Team(S.S.T.). In addition, a student may be involuntarily transferred toIndian Hills through the Las Virgenes Unified School DistrictsStudent Study Team process. Students range in age from 16 to18. Younger students may be placed due to special circumstances.After a minimum of one semester, based on administrativeapproval, a student may return to a regular high school program.

INDEPENDENT STUDYThis instructional alternative is available to students who needflexible scheduling. An Independent Study student remains amember of the referring/home school and must fulfill thatschools culmination / graduation requirements.

Regular meetings with the Independent Study instructor arescheduled for one hour per week. Students are required tocomplete a minimum of twenty (20) hours of assigned schoolwork each week. This is only a minimum requirement and willnot result in culmination/graduation.

CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT/DUAL CREDIT

CONCURRENT COURSES FOR HIGH SCHOOLCREDIT ONLYStudents may concurrently take courses from WASC (WesternAssociation of Schools and Colleges) institutions (includingonline courses). All co urs es need pr ior ap prov al ofschool administration prior to starting the course inorder to receive credit.

HOME INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAM (HISP) LAS VIRGENES ACADEMYThe District offers a parent-child home independent studyprogram (home schooling) for qualified parents and students. A

California credentialed teacher and facilitator supervise theprogram. In addition to the district-provided instructionamaterials, the parents have the option of enriching the programwith additional instructional materials or resources. The parentimplement the curriculum under the supervision of the HISPteacher.

MARIPOSA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF GLOBALEDUCATION (K-8)Mariposa Elementary School of Global Education is a uniquepublic school program that emphasizes hands-on, project-basedand experiential learning. Art-integration, movement, musicworld and environmental studies and outdoor education areguiding elements, Spanish is also taught daily in first throughsixth grade. The program incorporates the use of Waldorf

inspired teaching methodology within a developmentallyappropriate framework guided by state standards. Kindergartenstudents experience a play-based environment that provides astrong linguistic, cognitive, and behavioral foundation for lateracademic skills. Emphasis is on a whole-child curriculum thafosters social and academic development equally. As such, astrong focus on community building and effective interpersonacommunication skills is reflected in the curriculum. This is aparent participation school where parents contribute a minimumof twelve (12) hours per month in a variety of ways.


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ATTENDANCE

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTSAll children ages six to eighteen are legally subject to compulsoryattendance.

KINDERGARTEN READINESS ACT

A student who has completed a year of kindergarten in a public ora private school that has filed an affidavit with the state may beadmitted to first grade providing the child is at least five years ofage at the time of admission.

STUDENT/PARENT RESPONSIBILITES ANDGUIDELINES REGARDING ATTENDANCEExcused Absences from Compulsory Attendance

Education Code Section 48205 permits a pupil to be excusedfrom school under certain circumstances. Illness Medical, dental, optometry, chiropractic services Quarantine Funeral of immediate family, limited to one day in State,

three days out of State. Court Appearance* Illness of custodial child* Religious holiday or ceremony* Religious retreats limited to 4 hours per semester* Employment conferences* Other reasons pursuant to board policy**Must be requested in writing by parent/guardian and approved

by an administrator prior to absence.

*All absences MUST be cleared within 72 hours (AR 5113)

LVUSD PHILOSOPHYThe primary responsibility of the student is to be in class tomaximize his/her opportunities for success. Excessive tardinessand absences have a direct correlation to poor studentperformance and are detrimental to the learning environment.Parents, students, teachers, and administrators all have a sharedresponsibility to ensure that a quality education is a priority. LasVirgenes Unified School Districts attendance policy is directedtoward achieving that goal.

Full Day Absences: A student can clear an absence by:Having a parent or guardian call the school to report the full-dayabsence within 72 hours*. Please include your students namedate(s) of absence and the reason for the absence when you callIf the absence is one that needed to be pre-approved (see listbelow) please bring a copy of the signed/approved form.

Upon his/her return, the student can bring a note to school signedby the parent, clearing the absence. Students returning to schoolafter an absence with a note from a parent/guardian can drop offthe note at the Attendance Office for verification. Please includeyour students name, date(s) of absence and the reason for theabsence in the note. All absences* must be cleared within 72hours or the absences will be considered truant absences(unexcused) and assignments may not be made up for creditParents will be notified by phone and/ or mail regardingunverified or unexcused absences.Students are deemed truant(in violation of compulsory attendancelaw) if they have three or more unexcused absences and/or tardies(30 minutes or more in duration)within one school year(Education Code Section 48260)

Part Day Absences:Students leaving campus for any reason throughout the normal

school day must check out in advance through the AttendanceOffice. A student may check out during the day if:They have a signed note by the parent stating the reason forleaving and time required to check out. The note must have aparent signature and a phone number to verify the reason. If thestudent is leaving for medical reasons, (i.e. doctor, dentist, etcthe note must have the doctors name. The medical absence musthave a stamp from the doctors office with the date, for theabsence to be excused.

Students should bring a note from their parent to the AttendanceOffice first thing in the morning before going to class. Studentsmust sign out before leaving campus.

Students leaving campus for any reason must check out at theAttendance or Health Office. Students must sign in at the

Attendance Office when they return to campus. Students leavingcampus for any reason and not checking out through theAttendance or Health Office will be considered truant for thaparticular day. A parent phone call will NOT clear a truant ounverified absence when a student has left campus withoutauthorization.

Students Arriving Late to School:All students must sign in (signature and arrival time) at theAttendance Office before going to class. A note signed by aparent/guardian or a phone call must be received within 72 hoursin order to clear the absence*. It is the responsibility of theparent/guardian to notify the school within 72 hours of anabsence* by either a telephone call or a note to the AttendanceOffice.

Tardiness:It is the responsibility of the student to be on time to all classesEach secondary school has a specified time between classesbefore they are counted as tardy. Please refer to your schooltardy information. Teachers will make the determinationregarding excused or unexcused classroom tardies. (Applies toSecondary Schools Only) Exceptions will be made byadministration decision only.ECSection 48260 (a): Any pupil subject to compulsory full-timeeducation or compulsory continuation education who is absent


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from school without a valid excuse (EC48205) three full days ortardy or absent more than any 30-minute period during the schoolday without a valid excuse on three occasions in one school year,or any combination thereof, is a truant and shall be reported to theattendance supervisor or the Superintendent of the school district

Truancies:A student is truant when absent from school or a class withoutpermission of the school or parent If a parent removes a studentfrom class for any other reason other than those legal reasonsstated above, the student will be truant per EC Section 48260(a).

Secondary truant students will be assigned hours ofdiscipline and may be cited by the Sheriff. No make-up work is permitted when a student is marked truant.Discipline for habitually tardy elementary studentswill be addressed by the Principal or his designee.

Students may not leave school without being checked out inadvance by the Attendance or Health Office.

Absences:All unexcused tardies and absences will be dealt with in the samemanner as truancy. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardianto notify the school within 72 hours (AR5113) of an absence byeither a telephone call or a note to the Attendance Office. Absentstudents are not permitted on campus to attend a class, take a test

or turn in paper/homework. Absent students who are seen oncampus are considered truant.

Absences, Excused:Illness normally will be excused with parent verification. Averification of an appointment by the doctor or dentist (i.e.,doctors stamp, receipt, etc., but NOT a doctors signature) mustbe presented when the student returns to school. Full credit in theclass will be given upon completion of make-up work or tests.The time limit for make-up work is one day for every day absentplus one day after returning from absence.

Absences, Excused (not ill): ED Code 48205Absences due to death* in the family, religious observances*,court appearances*, illness of custodial child*, religious retreat*(4 hours per semester only), employment conference or other

reasons pursuant to board policy MUST have prior approval froman administrator. Notice must be received no later than two weeksbefore the absence begins. Full credit will be given uponcompletion of make-up work or tests. The time limit for make-upwork is one day for every day absent plus one day after returningfrom absence.

Independent Study should be requested prior to the absences ifyour student will be absent for 5 days or longer. Please informthe office manager or attendance person at your school as well asthe teacher. The office manager or attendance clerk will have theappropriate forms.You cannot request Independent Study after the student returns.

Illness or Injury During School:A student who feels too ill to continue school must obtain a pass

from their teacher to report to the Health Office. Failure to reportback to class or the Heath Office will be considered truancy,unless the student has received permission to go home.

Make-up Procedure:Students shall make-up assignments and tests during the timeallotted by the make-up procedure. Students will have only oneopportunity to do so unless extreme circumstances, as verified bythe Attendance Office, cause further absence on the make-updeadline date. Make-up work shall be reasonably equivalent to,but not necessarily identical to, the work missed during theexcused absence. Student must initiate the process.

Off-campus Passes:Requests by a parent for a student to visit a doctor, dentist, orother appointment should be made prior to the appointment timeThe student must bring a note, stating the time it will be necessaryfor him/her to leave, to the Attendance Office. The note must besubmitted to the Attendance Office before school or during lunch.

When returning from the appointment, verification from thedoctor/dentist (doctors stamp or receipt but not a doctorssignature) will be required.*Prior approval of these absences must be requested in writing byparent/guardian and approved by an administrator.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE NUMBERSIn order to process an address change you must provide thecounseling office or attendance clerk with a copy of a currenutility bill (gas, electric or water.) Telephone number changesmust also be requested in writing from a parent only.

EXCUSED ABSENCES: EFFECT ON GRADESNo pupil shall have his/her grade reduced or lose academic creditfor any excused absence pursuant to Education Code (ECSection 48205 for missed assignment(s)/test(s) that canreasonably be provided/completed.

(a) Notwithstanding Section 48200, a pupil shall be excusedfrom school when the absence is:(1) Due to his or her illness.(2) Due to quarantine under the direction of a county or cityhealth officer.(3) For the purpose of having medical, dental, optometricalor chiropractic services rendered.(4) For the purpose of attending the funeral services of amember of his/her immediate family, so long as theabsence is not more than one day if the service isconducted in California and not more than three days if theservice is outside California.(5) For the purpose of jury duty in the manner provided bylaw.(6) Due to the illness or medical appointment during schoohours of a child of whom the pupil is the custodial parent.(7) For justifiable personal reasons, including, but notlimited to, an appearance in court, attendance at a funeral

service, observance of a holiday or ceremony of his or herreligion, attendance at religious retreats, attendance at anemployment conference, or attendance at an educationaconference on the legislative or judicial process offered by anonprofit organization when the pupils absence is requestedin writing by the parent or guardian and approved by theprincipal or designee pursuant to uniform standardsestablished by the Governing Board.

(b) A pupil absent from school under this section shall beallowed to complete all assignments and tests missedduring the absence that can be reasonably provided andupon satisfactory completion within a reasonable period oftime, shall be given full credit therefore. The teacher of theclass from which a pupil is absent shall determine the testsand assignments shall be reasonably equivalent to, but not

necessarily identical to, which tests and assignments that thepupil missed during the absence.(c) For purposes of this section, attendance at religious retreats

shall not exceed four hours per semester.(d) Absences pursuant to this section are deemed to be absences

in computing average daily attendance and shall notgenerate state apportionment payments.

(e) "Immediate family," as used in this section, has the samemeaning as that set forth in Section 45194, except thatreferences therein to "employee" shall be deemed to bereferences to "pupil.


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UNEXCUSED OR UNVERIFIED ABSENCES:EFFECT ON GRADESIf a student misses class without an excuse, and does notsubsequently turn in homework, take a test or fulfill anotherclass requirement which he/she missed, the teacher may lower

the student's grade for nonperformance.

TRUANCYState law provides that parents may be prosecuted by theDistrict Attorney for their childs excessive unexcusedabsences. The parent or guardian who fails to comply with thefull-time pupil attendance law may be guilty of an infraction.

S.A.R.B.SCHOOL ATTENDANCE REVIEW BOARDThe S.A.R.B. Board is composed of a coordinator, supervisor,Cabinet administrator/counselors, and representatives fromcommunity agencies and the Sheriffs Juvenile InterventionTeam.

The Board meets on a monthly basis to address truancies fromeither the elementary or secondary schools of our district. Thestudent and his/her parents are required to attend this meeting.At the meeting, the case is presented and discussed among allparticipants. At the conclusion of the hearing, the parents and

* School-sponsored off-campus events

* School vacations (or pupil-free days for school staff)student are required to sign a contract agreeing to resolve thetruancy problem. If there are continuing violations to thecontract, the case is referred to the District Attorneys Officefor further action.

****Los Angeles County Anti- Ordinance:Effective April 15, 1996, students who appear in public placesbetween the hours of 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., without anacceptable excuse when they should be in school, may receivecitations from law enforcement officers.

Students violating the Anti-Ordinance and, in some cases,their parent(s) may be subject to one or more severe penalties:* A fine of up to $250* Court-approved community service* Court-approved parenting classes (for parents)

However, there are certain conditions that may exemptstudents from being cited. Reasons for which students may be

exempt from being cited include:* Medical appointments or family emergencies

Students: Carry your school-issued ID badge orevidence of parental permission.Title 13, Chapter 13.57, Los Angeles County Code.

INTER/INTRADISTRICT CHOICEInterdistr ict Attendance Policy:The Governing Board recognizes that students who reside inone district may choose to attend school in another district andthat such choices are made for a variety of reasons. The Board

desires to communicate with parents/guardians and studentsregarding the educational programs and services that areavailable.

Residency Based On Parent Employment:Education Code 48204(b) authorizes school districts to allowpupils to establish residency if parent or guardian is employedwithin the boundaries of the district. Approval for enrollmenwill be based on a space available basis.

Intradistr ict Open Enrollment Attendance:The Governing Board desires to provide enrollment optionsthat meet the diverse needs and interests of district studentsand shall annually review these options.

Students who reside within district boundaries may apply forenrollment in any district school. The Superintendent ordesignee shall determine the capacity of each district schooand establish a random, unbiased selection process for theadmission of students from outside a schools attendance areaIn accordance with law, no student currently residing within aschools attendance area shall be displaced by another student.

The Board retains the authority to maintain appropriate raciaand ethnic balances among district schools.

A student may be given priority for attendance outside his/hercurrent attendance area when special circumstances exist thamay be harmful or dangerous to that particular studentHarmful or dangerous special circumstances shall be identifiedpursuant to law and administrative regulations.

Once enrolled, a student shall not have to apply forreadmission. However, the student may be subject todisplacement due to excessive enrollment.

The Superintendent or designee shall inform parents/guardianwhen certain schools or grade levels within a school arecurrently, or are likely to be, at capacity and therefore unableto accommodate any new students. Permits may beconditional on academic, attendance, and traffic mitigationrequirements.

Any parent/guardian who has provided falseinformation for the purpose of having theirchild(ren) attend Las Virgenes schools may notsubmit a request for enrollment via aninterdistrict transfer for a period of 18 monthsfollowing the determination by the district thatfalsified information was used for attendance.


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GENERAL INFORMATION

STUDENT RECORDSEstablishment Of Records:The district shall establish a system of cumulative andsupplementary records so that information of value to theguidance of the students and the parents or guardians of studentsshall be continuously, permanently, and readily accessible.

Review of Records:A students parents or legal guardians, or students over 18 yearsof age shall be allowed to inspect and review any and all officialrecords, files, and data pertaining to the student.

So as to ensure that the records are not inaccurate, misleading, orotherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of thestudents, a means shall be provided for a students parents, or

legal guardian(s), or if parents are divorced, the parent havinglegal custody, and students or former students 18 years old orolder, to request that the principal or designee provide for thecorrection or deletion of any such inaccurate, misleading, orotherwise inappropriate data alleged to be contained in the

students records.

In cases where the requests are denied, a students parents, orlegal guardian(s), or if parents are divorced, the parent havinglegal custody, and students or former students 18 years old orolder, shall be provided with an opportunity for a hearing inwhich they may challenge the content of the school records.Following a hearing at which the request is finally denied, ameans shall be provided for the inclusion in the records of astatement of objection by the students parents, or legalguardian(s), or if parents are divorced, the parent having legalcustody, and students or former students 18 years old or older.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICYThe Las Virgenes Unified School District pledges its best efforts

to ensure that no employee, job applicant or student is subjectedto sexual harassment or discrimination in the work or educationalsetting.

Purpose:The purpose of this policy is to establish a strong commitment toprohibit harassment in the work or educational setting, to definesexual harassment and to set forth a procedure for investigatingand resolving internal complaints of harassment.

Policy:Sexual harassment of an applicant, employee or student by anadministrator, supervisor, or other employee or student will not betolerated. This policy applies to all terms and conditions ofemployment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement,

promotion, discipline, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence,compensation and training. This policy also applies to actionswhich affect a students academic status or progress. Anyemployee who engages in sexual harassment, as more fullydefined below, shall be subject to disciplinary action up to andincluding termination.

Any student who engages in sexual harassment, as more fullydefined below, shall be subject to disciplinary action up to andincluding expulsion.

Any retaliation against a person for filing a harassment charge ormaking a harassment complaint is prohibited. Employees foundto be retaliating against another employee or student shall besubject to disciplinary action up to and including terminationStudents engaged in retaliation shall also be subject to discipline(up to and including expulsion).

Definition Of Sexual Harassment:

Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requestsfor sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct ofa sexual nature made by any person from or in the work oreducational setting under any of the following conditions: Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a

term or a condition of an individuals employment, academicstatus, or progress. Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual

is used as the basis of employment or academic decisionsaffecting the individual.

The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negativeimpact upon the individuals work or academicperformance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensivework or educational environment.

Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individualis used as the basis for any decision affecting the individualregarding the benefits and services, honors, programs, oractivities available at or through the district.

Sexual harassment is prohibited against members of the same sexas well as against members of the opposite sex.

Examples of Prohibited Conduct Which May Constitute SexualHarassment: Making unwanted sexual advances toward other

employees or students; Making or threatening reprisals after a negative response

to a sexual advance; Offering any kind of employment or academic benefit

in exchange for sexual favors; Visual Conduct - e.g., leering, making sexual gestures,

displaying sexually suggestive objects or pictures, cartoons,posters or graffiti; sending/displaying suggestive or obsceneletters, notes or invitations;

Verbal Conduct - e.g., making derogatory comments, epithets,slurs, jokes, unwanted verbal sexual propositions, verbal abuseof a sexual nature, graphic verbal commentary about anindividuals body, using sexually degrading words to describean individual;

Physical Conduct - e.g., assault, grabbing, pinching, touching,impeding or blocking ones movement.

Complaint Procedure:1. Applicants, students and employees are encouraged to

assist the district in eliminating sexual harassment bypromptly reporting any instance of suspected harassment.

2. All complaints of sexual harassment will be investigatedseriously by the district. Complaints will be processed ina manner which protects the complainant and maintainsindividuals confidentiality, to the extent possible.

3. Filing: An employee, job applicant or student who believeshe or she has been harassed may make a complaint orallyor in writing to any of the following:(a) Immediate supervisor (or in the case of a studentcomplainant, the principal, assistant principal or anyguidance counselor);


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(b) Any supervisor or administrator within or outside theschool/department;(c) Any supervisor or administrator who receives aharassment complaint should notify the AssistantSuperintendent, Personnel, immediately.

4. Upon notification of a harassment complaint, the AssistantSuperintendent, Personnel, shall:(a) Authorize the investigation of the complaint and

supervise and/or investigate the complaint. Theinvestigation will include interviews with:1) the complainant;2) the accused harasser; and3) any other person(s) the Assistant

Superintendent or his/her designee has reasonto believe has relevant knowledge concerning thecomplaint. This may include victims of similarconduct.

(b) Review factual information gathered through theinvestigation to determine whether the alleged conductconstitutes harassment - giving consideration to all factualinformation, the totality of the circumstances, includingthe nature of the verbal, physical, or visual conduct andthe context in which the alleged incidents occurred;

(c) Report the results of the investigation and thedetermination as to whether harassment occurred toappropriate persons, including the complainant, the allegedharasser, and the appropriate supervisor(s). Ifdiscipline is imposed, the specific nature of the disciplinewill not be communicated to the complainant;

(d) If harassment occurred, take and/or recommend to theSuperintendent and the governing board prompt andeffective remedial action against the harasser. The remedialaction will be commensurate with the severity of theoffense;

(e) If harassment occurred, take reasonable steps to protectthe victim and other potential victims from furtherharassment;

(f) Take reasonable steps to protect the complainant from any

retaliation as a result of communicating the complaint;(g) If appropriate, take action to remedy the victims loss, if

any, which resulted from the harassment.

Retaliation:This policy also prohibits retaliation against a person who reportssexual harassment, assists someone with a report of sexualharassment, or participates in any manner in an investigation orresolution of a sexual harassment report. Retaliation includesthreats, intimidation, reprisals, and/or adverse actions related toemployment or education.

Dissemination of Policy:1. A copy of this policy shall be:

(a) Posted in a prominent location at the Districts

Administrative Offices and at each school and work site;(b) Provided to all employees at the beginning of the firstquarter or semester of the school year, or to a newemployee at the time that he/she is hired;(c) Included in the notifications that are sent toparents/guardians at the beginning of each school year;(d) Provided as part of any orientation program conductedfor new students at the beginning of each quarter, semester,or summer session, as applicable;(e) Placed in any publication of the district that sets forththe comprehensive rules, regulations, procedures, andstandards of conduct for the district;(f) posted on the districts website:www.lvusd.org

2. All employees shall be expected to read and understandtheir rights and responsibilities under this policy.

3. The Superintendent or his/her designee may take suchfurther action to ensure understanding of, and compliancewith, this policy as is appropriate, including but notlimited to, providing staff training and student instructionor counseling.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACEThe district shall provide a safe and secure environment for itsstudents by encouraging and supporting its staff to lead drug freehealthy and productive lives. In so doing, the district endorses thepolicy to maintain a drug-free workplace by prohibiting theunlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or useof a controlled substance by any school district employee. Alemployees shall abide by this policy as a condition oemployment and shall receive a written copy of this statement.

TOBACCO FREE DISTRICTThe health and welfare of all employees, students, and the publicis a primary concern of the Las Virgenes Unified School DistrictThe Board of Education recognizes that tobacco smoke is ahazard to the health of our students, employees, and the general

public, and that non-smokers have no adequate means to protecthemselves from the damage inflicted when they involuntarilyinhale second-hand smoke. The Board of Education furtherrecognizes that by adopting a no-tobacco use policy, district staffhave the unique opportunity to serve as role models to studentsand exhibit non-tobacco use habits which students may emulateThe Superintendent or designee shall maintain a list of clinics andother resources which many assist individuals who wish to stopusing tobacco products.

Smoking and the use of tobacco products will be prohibited on aldistrict property including district vehicles at all times by alpersons, including students, employees, and visitors at any schoolor district site or attending any school-sponsored activitiesathletic events, and meetings.

EMERGENCY PLANA comprehensive district plan for civil defense and disasterpreparedness is included in administrative procedures, and isannually reviewed and adopted by the Board of EducationContained in the plan are guidelines for use by district schools toformulate school level civil defense and disaster preparedness.

INSURANCE PLANIf your child is injured at school, the school district DOES NOTprovide medical or accident insurance for students. Suchinsurance is available at a nominal charge from privatecompanies. Information and enrollment forms are distributedeach year as a courtesy.

If an accident occurs on campus, every effort will be made toprovide immediate first aid or when necessary, paramedicassistance. Schools DO NOT have nurses on staff. However, keystaff members are certified in first aid. The District stronglyencourages that all parents have on file at local hospitalsPermission to Treat forms in case of a serious injury.The district does not have insurance in the conventional sensebecause, like many public agencies, it can no longer affordcommercial insurance. In lieu of that, the District joins with otheschool systems and becomes self insured. The District payspremiums to a common pool with the other districts. Any timethe District is forced to pay a claim, funding is from the samemoney used to pay for the educational program.


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ELECTRONIC DEVICES (CELL PHONES/PDAs)In accordance with Education Code 48901.5, the Boardrecognizes that parents/guardians may wish to be in close contactwith their children during the school day, and therefore, studentsmay be provided with an electronic device such as a cellulartelephone. Through the use of cell phones, families cancommunicate better and students and staff can feel a greater senseof security while at school. The Board also recognizes that staff

members may be in possession of electronic devices. Althoughthe Board authorizes the possession of electronic devices, itfurther recognizes that these electronic devices can disrupt theinstructional process.

Therefore, the following procedures shall be implemented forstudents and staff at all school sites:

1. Students and staff shall be permitted to be in possession ofelectronic devices (cell phones) while attending school andschool-sponsored activities.

2. Staff and students shall have all electronic devices (cellphones, PDAs, etc.) turned off at all times except asapproved by school personnel. Use of such devicesshall not constitute a reason for being tardy to class.

3. Should a student receive a phone call during school hours

that disrupts the classroom instructional process or aschool assembly, the device shall be confiscated by acertificated or classified staff member and be given to anadministrator who will return it to the student at the endof the school day. A second infraction shall result in thesignaling device being confiscated and the parent/ guardianwill be required to meet with the principal or the principalsadministrative designee in order to retrieve the device. Athird infraction shall result in disciplinary action with theconsent to possess all electronic devices being revoked untilthe end of the semester.

4. Staff members shall not make personal calls during classtime or while attending school assemblies or similaractivities held within the regular school day.

5. No student shall be prohibited from possessing or using

an electronic device that is determined by a licensedphysician to be essential for the health of a student.

BOOK BAGS/BACKPACKSWhen lockers are provided for the convenience of students, thechoice to use bookbags or backpacks is that of the student/family.Students are advised not to carry valuablepersonal property in the bags and to watch the bags/packs at alltimes. The bags/packs are the responsibility of the studentsand the schools cannot guarantee the security of the bags/packsnor their contents.

PARKINGParking is provided for the convenience of visitors, staff andstudents. NO security is provided. All persons choosing to park

at a district facility do so at their own risk and assume fullliability for any damage or injury that may result from use of adistrict/school parking lot.

Students parking on campus must adhere to all regulationsgoverning student parking on campus and may be subject todisciplinary action for any violations.

BIKE RACKSBike storage is provided as a convenience for students. Lockedareas are provided at some sites. The school and District do notprovide security for bike racks. Use of a bike rack is at theowners risk.

LOCKERSLockers are provided in most secondary schools for theCONVENIENCE OF THE STUDENTS. The school and districcannot guarantee the security of items placed in lockers and arenot responsible for any items that are lost or stolen from districlockers. STUDENTS SHOULD NOT SHARE THEIRCOMBINATIONS OR GIVE DUPLICATE KEYS TOLOCKERS. Students should not store expensive items such a

computers, electronic equipment, or cash in their lockersLockers are the property of the school district and MAY BESEARCHED at any time by school officials if deemed necessaryfor the safety and welfare of the school.

STUDENTS ON CAMPUS DURING NON-SCHOOLHOURSNo district or school supervision is provided on campuses beforeor after the school day. Students should NOT be on campusearlier than fifteen minutes before the start of school or fifteenminutes after the end of school unless involved in specificschool/district activity. Students are not permitted on school siteson weekends unless participating in a district, school, ororganized, district-approved program.

MINIMUM DAYS AND PUPIL-FREE DAYSParents and guardians are notified of scheduled minimum daysand pupil-free days through various written communications fromthe child's school and/or from the district. .

COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL SAFETY PLANEach school shall report on the status of its School Safety Planincluding a description of its key elements in the annual SchooAccountability Report Card.

SCHOOL BUS PASSENGER SAFETYParents or guardians of pupils in pre-kindergarten, kindergartenand grades 1-6, who have not previously been transported in aschool bus, shall receive written information on school bus safety.

The school district does NOT provide home to schootransportation. Transportation services are provided by a privatecontractor on a parent pay basis. For more information, contac818-878-5266.

UNIFORM COMPLAINT PROCEDURESThe Board of Education recognizes that the district has primaryresponsibility for ensuring that it complies with applicable stateand federal laws and regulations governing educational programsThe district shall investigate and seek to resolve complaints at thelocal level. The district shall follow the Uniform ComplainProcedures (UCP) when addressing complaints alleging:

Unlawful discrimination based on sex, race, ancestry, nationaorigin, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, color orphysical or mental disability, or failure to comply with state

and/or federal laws in adult education, consolidated categoricaaid programs, migrant education, vocational education, child careand development programs, child nutrition programs, and speciaeducation programs.

The Board acknowledges and respects students and employeerights to privacy. Discrimination complaints shall be investigatedin a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties and thefacts. This includes keeping the identity of the complainanconfidential except to the extent necessary to carry out theinvestigation, as determined by the Superintendent or designee ona case-by-case basis.


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The Superintendent shall ensure that employees designated toinvestigate complaints are knowledgeable about the laws andprograms for which they are responsible. Such employees mayhave access to legal counsel as determined by the Superintendentor designee.

The Board recognizes that a neutral mediator can often suggest anearly compromise that is agreeable to all parties in a dispute. TheSuperintendent shall ensure that the mediation results areconsistent with state and federal laws and regulations.

A complaint alleging unlawful discrimination shall be filed nolater than six (6) months from the date the alleged discriminationoccurred, or the date the complainant first obtained knowledge ofthe facts of the alleged discrimination.

Appeals:Complainant has the right to appeal to the California Departmentof Education within fifteen (15) days after the local agencywritten report is issued. Upon notification by the StateSuperintendent of Public Instruction or other appropriate state orfederal agency, the District shall forward a copy of the followingdocuments to the State Superintendent/agency:1. The original complaint;

2. A copy of the Districts decision;3. A summary of the nature and extent of the investigationconducted by the District, if not covered in the Districtsdecision;

4. A report of any action taken to resolve the complaint;5. A copy of the Districts complainant procedures; and6. Such other relevant information as the State

Superintendent/agency may require.

CIVIL LAW REMEDIESNothing in this policy precludes a complainant from pursuingavailable civil law remedies outside of the Districts complaintprocedures. Such remedies may include mediation centers,public/private interest attorneys, injunctions, restraining orders.etc. For discrimination complaints, however, a

complainant must wait until 60 days have elapsed from the filingof an appeal with the California Department of Education beforepursuing civil law remedies. The moratorium does not apply toinjunctive relief and is applicable only if the District hasappropriately, and in a timely manner, apprised the complainantof his/her right to file a complaint. For assistance you maycontact:

Legal Aid Foundation of L.A. (213) 640-3881San Fernando Valley Neighborhood

Legal Services, Inc. (818) 896-5211L. A. County Bar Association (213) 627-2727

REFERRING COMPLAINANTS TO OTHER APPROPRIATESTATE OR FEDERAL AGENCIESEqual Employment Opportunity Commission Office for Civil

RightsDepartment of Fair and Equal Housing

A complaint filed pursuant to this procedure shall be filed withthe Districts Superintendent or designee:

Dr. Donald Zimring SuperintendentDr. Dan Stepenosky Asst. Superintendent, PersonnelMrs. Mary Schillinger Asst. Superintendent, EducationMrs. Rose Dunn Director of Instruction

who are located at the District Office:4111 North Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302(818) 880-4000.

To obtain a copy of the Districts complaint procedures andforms, contact Mrs. Mary Schillinger.

NONDISCRIMINATIONStudents, Employees, Individual Applicants:The district and/or all representatives thereof shall not illegallydiscriminate against any student, employee, adult applicant, orany person in his or her relationships with the district on the basisof race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or national originor other areas not limited to: educational programsextracurricular activities; counseling including career counseling

scholarships; and employment programs which the districtoperates. The district shall comply with Section 504 of theRehabilitation Act of 1973 which provides that no otherwisequalified handicapped individual in the United States shall, solelyby reason of the handicap, be excluded from participation in, bedenied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under anyprogram or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

HEALTH

SCHOOL HEALTH OFFICESSchool health offices are staffed by Health Clerks certified inFirst Aid and trained in CPR. They assist with first aid orillness situations occurring at school but are not a licensed nurseor trained in diagnosis or treatment.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONMedications may be administered at school only when theprincipal or designee has written authority from the student'sphysician and parent or guardian. Students are not permitted topossess their own medications, including those sold over-thecounter. An exception is made for emergency medication foasthma or severe allergic reaction when specifically requested bya physician as a medical necessity. Medication forms areavailable in school health offices and must be completed annuallyand whenever there are changes in the medication routineParents/Guardians must deliver the medication to the schoolhealth officein a container labeled by a pharmacist (over-the-counter medication in the original container) and pick upmedication at the end of the school year.

With the consent of the parent or guardian, the principal ordesignee may communicate with the physician who may counselwith school personnel regarding the possible effects of the drugon the students physical, intellectual and social behavior, as welas possible behavioral signs and symptoms of adverse sideeffects, omission or overdose.

CASTS, CRUTCHES, SUTURES OR OTHERMEDICAL APPLIANCESStudents returning to school after an accident or injury requiring acast, crutches, splint, ace bandage, sutures or other medicalappliances need to bring a written release (form is available in theoffice), signed by both physician and parent, to the health officebefore returning to class. These students may be required to

remain in a supervised area at certain times during the school dayfor their safety and the safety of others.

RETURN TO SCHOOL AFTER CONTAGIOUSILLNESSStudents who are ill need to remain at home to promote recoveryand help prevent the spread of communicable disease. Studentswith fever (temperature above 100 degrees) need to remain ahome until fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducingmedications. Students returning after contagious conditions suchas chickenpox and pediculosis (head lice) must be admittedthrough the health office. Students returning after treatment forpediculosis must be nit-free.


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PHYSICAL EXAMINATION - PARENT REFUSALTO CONSENTEducation Code 49451 authorizes a parent or guardian toannually file a written statement requesting exemption from aphysical examination. This education code section furtherauthorizes districts to exclude a child if there is a good reason tobelieve the child is suffering from a recognized contagious orinfectious disease.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTSPrior to entry, allstudents shall submit proof of having been fullyimmunized against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis,measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis and varicella in the mannerand with immunizing agents approved by the State Department ofHealth Services. Exceptions to this policy may be made onlywith a written statement from a parent or guardian thatimmunization is contrary to personal belief or with a writtenmedical exemption. Pending compliance with the statesimmunization requirements, students transferring from otherschools within the United States may be authorized by theprincipal or designee to enroll on a provisional basis not to exceed30 days.

All children entering kindergarten and child care facilitiesmust also be fully immunized against hepatitis B and varicella

(chickenpox) and children entering kindergarten are required tohave had two doses of measles-containing vaccine, at least one ofwhich must be MMR. Students in other grades enteringCalifornia schools for the first timeneed to show proof ofvaricella immunization or a physicians written verification thatthe student had the disease.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS 7th 12th GRADESStudents entering 7th grade must have a record of a secondmeasles immunization. Before students enter 7th 12th grades, arecord of a tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis immunization given afterage 7 is required.

TUBERCULOSIS TESTINGStudents enrolling in the district must be in compliance with

health and safety regulations for students established by the L.A.County Health Department, specifically the Mantoux test fortuberculosis.

ENTRANCE HEALTH SCREENINGPrior to entry into kindergarten or first grade, all students shallpresent evidence of specific health screening and evaluationperformed within the time period required by the state unless thestudents parents give written notice that they do not want theirchild to receive such service.

Pending compliance with this requirement, the principal ordesignee is authorized to enroll students on a provisional basis notto exceed ten school days.

Free health screening is available through Los Angeles CountyHealth Department.

ENTRANCE DENTAL REQUIREMENTRecord of a dental assessment done by a dental professional isrequired for all kindergartners and first-graders attending publicschool for the first time. Dental exam must be completed in the12 months prior to entry or by May 31st of the student's first year.

VISION, HEARING, SCOLIOSIS SCREENINGSIn keeping with state mandates, screenings are conducted for allstudents in the following grades:

Vision - K, 3, 5, 7, 10Hearing - K, 2, 5, 8, 10Scoliosis - Girls - 7th gradeScoliosis - Boys - 8th grade

Also: 1) Students lacking current screening records;2) Students being assessed for special education;3) New students to the district;4) Referrals.

Parents of students not passing screenings will be notified inwriting. Students may be exempted from screenings by writtenparental request submitted to the school health office annually.

CONFIDENTIAL MEDICAL SERVICESStudents in grades 7 - 12 may be excused from school by theschool authorities for the purpose of obtaining confidentialmedical services without the consent of the students parent orguardian. EC 46010.1

HEALTH EXEMPTIONSStudents may be exempted from all health instruction, healthexamination, first aid, and medical care upon request of theparents or guardians. Whenever such an exemption is grantedthe appropriate school personnel shall be notified.

EXCLUSIONStudents whose physical or mental condition is such as to causetheir attendance to be inimical to the welfare of other studentsmay be excluded from compulsory attendance.

PUPILS WITH TEMPORARY DISABILITIES -INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTIONA student who normally would be in attendance in the LasVirgenes Unified School District is eligible for home instructionwhen, at the request of the parent or guardian and on therecommendation of a physician, the student is confined to homeor hospital for a noncontagious illness or temporary disability foran anticipated minimum of ten school days. This policy meetthe requirements of EC 48206.3 - Individual Instruction

Temporary Disability.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXCUSESFor a period not to exceed five days, a student may be excusedfrom P.E. with a note from the parent explaining the physicalcondition which prohibits participation. Excuses for longer thanfive days, but no longer than the current school year, require thecompletion of a district form signed by the students parent andphysician.Requests for P.E. excuses are to be submitted to the health officefor action and filing with the students records.

DRUG, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO PREVENTIONEDUCATIONThe district provides instructional programs which help students

avoid the use of any illegal drug, avoid illegal use of alcoholtobacco, or other legal drugs, and which teach students how toinfluence and support their peers to avoid and/or discontinue theuse of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. Instruction is preventivein nature and designed to help students who have questionsrelated to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

The instructional programs help students obtain and utilizecurrent and accurate information, develop and maintain a positiveself-concept, take positive actions to cope with stress, and useappropriate social and personal skills to resist involvement withalcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, and assist the student towardmaturity.


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The curriculum is K-12, comprehensive and sequential in nature,and suited to meet the needs of students at the respective gradelevels. In addition to curriculum, other prevention programsinclude, but are not limited to, alternative activities, peer helping,peer influence, and cross-age teaching.

PESTICIDE PRODUCTSAll staff, parents and guardians shall be annually notified of thename of all pesticide products expected to be applied at theirschool facility during the upcoming year. Please go towww.lvusd.org to the District Office link. Go to General then

click on Integrated Pest Management for updated weeklyinformation. Additional product information is available on lineat www.cdpr.ca.gov

SUN SAFETYStudents shall be encouraged to take responsible measures toprotect their skin and eyes from exposure to the sun while oncampus, attending school-sponsored activities, or under thesupervision and control of district employees by being allowed towear sun-protective clothing, including hats, and by beingallowed to use sunscreen provided by family.

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLANAn asbestos management plan is available at the Maintenance andOperations office.


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PROHIBITED INSTRUCTIONItems of prohibited instruction shall conform to the EducationCode including the following: No teacher shall give instruction or shall a school district

sponsor any activity which reflects adversely upon personsbecause of their race, color, creed, sex, age, national originor ancestry.

No textbook or other instructional materials shall be adoptedby the state board or by any governing board for use in thepublic schools which contains any matter reflectingadversely upon persons because of their race, color, creed,sex, age, national origin or ancestry.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent orexclude references to religion or references to or the use ofreligious literature, art or music or other things having areligious significance when such references or uses do notconstitute instruction in religious principles or aid to anyreligious sect, church, creed or sectarian purpose and whensuch references or uses are incidental to or illustrative ofmatters properly included in the course of study.

No teacher shall advocate or teach communism with theintent to indoctrinate or to inculcate in the mind of any pupila preference for communism.

In prohibiting the advocacy or teaching of communism withthe intent of indoctrinating or inculcating a preference in themind of any pupil for such doctrine, the policy does notintend to prevent the teaching of the facts aboutcommunism. Rather, the policy intends to prevent theadvocacy of, or inculcation and indoctrination into,communism as is hereinafter defined, for the purpose ofundermining patriotism for, and the belief in, thegovernment of the United States and of this state.

For the purposes of this section, communism is a politicaltheory that the presently existing form of government of theUnited States or of this state should be changed, by force,violence, or other unconstitutional means, to a totalitariandictatorship which is based on the principles ofcommunism.

EXEMPTIONS FROM INSTRUCTIONReligious Conflicts:Any student and/or parent or guardian who finds any part of therequired instructional program to be in conflict with the studentsreligious beliefs may request an exemption from that instruction.Whenever an exemption is granted the student shall be scheduledinto a similar and appropriate substitute activity.

Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Education:Written notification is sent to parents regarding Sexual Health andHIV/AIDS Prevention Education. Any student and/or parent orguardian who finds any part of the Sexual Health and HIV/AIDSPrevention Education is in conflict with the students beliefs, or isnot suitable for his participation, may request an exemption fromthat instruction.

Whenever an exemption is granted, the student shall be scheduledinto a similar and appropriate substitute activity.

Physical Education Instruction:Any student and/or parent or guardian who finds the studentsphysical condition prohibits participation in the physicaleducation program may request an exemption from that requiredinstruction.

Harmful Or Destructive Use Of Animals In The Classroom:Any pupil with a moral objection to dissecting or otherwiseharming or destroying an animal or any part thereof must informhis or her teacher of the objection. Objections must besubstantiated by a note from the pupils parent or guardian.

A pupil who chooses to refrain from participation in an educationproject involving the harmful or destructive use of an animal mayreceive an alternative education project, if the teacher believesthat an adequate alternative education project is possible. The

teacher may work with the pupil to develop and agree upon analternative education project so that the pupil may obtain theknowledge, information, or experience required by the course ofstudy in question.

USE OF INTERNET AND OTHER ON-LINE SERVICESWhile on school district campuses, users are subject tosupervision by site and/or district faculty and staff. While thedistrict will make every reasonable effort to monitor andsupervise activities and to ensure they are appropriate educationauses of technology, the district cannot guarantee that students willat all times be precluded from material that may not be suitablefor their use.

It is the responsibility of each user and their parent or

guardian to honor the use restrictions of the districtand help enforce appropriate use of district technologyservice and on-line access.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL STUDENTSMUST SIGN AN INTERNET USE AGREEMENTWHICH SETS FORTH PENALTIES RANGING FROMSUSPENSION/TERMINATION OF TECHNOLOGYUSE TO EXPULSION AND CRIMINALPROSECUTION FOR VIOLATION OF DISTRICTPOLICIES AND REGULATIONS REGARDING SUCHUSE.

Please review the LVUSD Acceptable Use Policy on the nexpage and on the LVUSD website under Technology.

STANDARDIZED TESTING AND REPORTING(STAR) PROGRAM:The State of California administers tests to all students in grades2-11 as part of the STAR program. The STAR program has foucomponents:

California Standards Tests (CSTs) California Achievement Tests (CAT/6) Spanish Assessment of Basic Skills (SABE/2) California Alternative Performance Assessment (CAPA)

All general and special education students in grades 2-11 take theCSTs, grades 3 and 7 take CAT/6, and selected special education

students take the CAPA. In addition, the SABE/2 is given tolimited-English proficient Spanish speaking students who havebeen enrolled in California public schools less than 12 monthsThe CAPA is given to students with significant disabilities whoare enrolled in special programs and do not take the CST orCAT/6 tests.

These tests are administered during the months of April and Maybased upon a testing schedule established by each school siteTest results are mailed home to parents during the month ofAugust.


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California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE):Education Code Section 60851(a) provides that commencingwith the 2003-04 school year and each school year thereafter,each pupil completing grade 12 shall successfully pass the exitexamination as a condition of receiving a diploma of graduationor a condition of graduation from high school. Passage of thisexam is a diploma requirement beginning with the Class of 2006.The CAHSEE is given each year to all tenth grade students.Students who do not pass the CAHSEE have up to sixopportunities to take the test prior to earning a high schooldiploma. The law also provides that, under certain conditions,students may take the CAHSEE with accommodations that do notfundamentally alter the nature of the test. There is a waiverprocess that allows students with IEP's or 504 plans to take thetest with modifications that do fundamentally alter what the testmeasures.

CHILD NUTRITION SERVICES

PARENTS

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCESEvery fall and spring, elementary schools schedule conferencedays, and parents are notified well in advance of the dates and

times. Parents are asked to be punctual, and if you cannot come aa scheduled time, please arrange an alternate time with theteacher.

Parent Initiated:Parents may have questions about a variety of issues concerningtheir child. If so, please call the school to arrange a meeting withthe appropriate staff member.

If you desire a conference with more than one of your high schoolor middle school students teachers, please contact your childsteacher(s) or counselor.

Teacher Initiated:Parents may be contacted by their childs teacher to come toschool for a conference. These requests are usually prompted by

a need to discuss the childs progress, behavior, or other concernsthe teacher may have.

PARENT RIGHTSParents have the right to: Visit their child's classroom to observe activities. The time

and date of the visitation must be arranged in advance withthe school.

Request a conference with their child's teacher(s) or theprincipal. Contact the teacher(s) or counselor to schedule adate and time convenient to all participants.

Volunteer their time and resources to improve school facilitiesand programs. Contact the school to determine the termsand conditions of this service.

Be notified in a timely manner if their child is absent fromschool without permission.

Be notified of their child's performance on standardized andstatewide tests and the school's ranking on these tests. (Understate law, parents may request that the child notparticipate in the statewide tests.)

Request that their child be enrolled in any school in thedistrict's boundaries. However, the district is not compelledto grant the request.

Be assured of a safe and supportive learning environmentfor their child.

Examine the curriculum materials of the class or classes inwhich their child is enrolled.


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Be informed of their child's academic progress in school andof the persons to contact if they wish more information orassistance with their child.

Access their child's records and question anything they feelis inaccurate, misleading, or an invasion of privacy. Parentshave the right to a timely response from the school districtabout their questions.

Preclude release of directory information regarding theirchild.

Receive information regarding the academic standards theirchild is expected to meet.

Receive written notification of school rules, attendancepolicies, dress codes, and procedures for school visitations.

Receive information on all psychological testingrecommended for their child.

Participate as a member of a parent advisory committee,school-site council, or site-based management leadershipteam in accordance with established rules and regulationsfor membership. Parents also have the right to attend atleast two meetings per year scheduled by the school to getinformation on school issues and activities.

Work in a mutually supportive and respectful partnershipwith the school to help their child succeed. The governingboard of each school district shall adopt a jointly createdpolicy that outlines how parents and guardians, school staff,and students may share the responsibility for theintellectual, physical, emotional, social development, andwell-being of the student.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS/GETTING INVOLVEDWe encourage parents to participate in the schools in a variety ofways: Become a member of a District advisory committee. Volunteer to work in your elementary childs classroom. Help out in the school office or library. Become an active member of a Parent / Faculty Group

(PTA, PFC, etc.) Talk to your childs principal about other ways to be involved.

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT AND OPEN HOUSEEvery school has regularly scheduled evenings for parents to visitthe schools. In the fall, the Back to School Night allows parentsto visit the classrooms and listen to the teachers discuss theexpectations and curriculum for the year. In the spring, OpenHouse is less formal, and provides a chance for parents to look atwhat the students have accomplished during the year. OpenHouse at the high school level will include information on thetransition from grade 8 to grade 9. Check your schools websitefor information.

VISITING THE SCHOOLSOur schools are safe and exciting places for our students. Westrive to keep them that way. In order to ensure the safety of our

campuses, we require ALL visitors to check in at the schooloffice before entering a classroom or visiting campus. Access tothe campus and or a classroom may be limited in order tominimize interruptions to the instructional program.

PRIVATE TUTORING - BOARD POLICY 4137The Board of Education expects teachers and other members ofthe instructional staff to make every effort to resolve students'learning problems at school before recommending thatparents/guardians engage a tutor or other professional help. Bymaintaining a competent, dedicated staff and adequateinstructional resources, the Board seeks to minimize the need forindividual tutoring.

To preclude conflicts of interest, teachers may not accept anykind of remuneration for private tutoring of a student enrolled inany of their classes. Teachers who tutor other students musperform this service outside of school facilities unless rental ofschool facilities has been arranged with the district and make theirown arrangements with parents/guardians for the fees to becharged. The Board encourages teachers to tutor only in subjector grade levels for which they are certificated.

NOTE: Prior notification to the school administrationis required for all courses taken outside of the LasVirgenes Unified School District. Outside coursesmust be from a WASC accredited program to beaccepted by LVUSD.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

FEDERAL/STATE FUNDED PROGRAMSThe District receives State and Federal funds which are used ingrades K - 12 to assist pupils with identified needs. Each schoodevelops a plan detailing how these funds will be used at the siteThe school staff, parents, and students (at the secondary levelparticipate in the development and evaluation of these plans.

PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS WITH EXCEPTIONALNEEDSSpecial Education programs are provided for students withexceptional needs. The goal is to help them to become integratedinto the regular program and to receive a free and appropriateeducation in the least restrictive environment. Reasonableaccommodation is made for students with disabilities.

Eligibility for special education and related services is determinedby the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team and isbased on the results of the many-faceted team assessmentParents are encouraged to discuss concerns regarding academicperformance with their students teachers and principals. Thisconference may generate a review by a Student Study Team(SST) and may lead to a formal assessment by an IEP TeamParents are active participants in this process.

GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION (GATE)The Las Virgenes Unified School District will actively seek ouchallenge and encourage all gifted and talented students toachieve their maximum potential both in school and communitysettings. The Districts mission is to provide the highest qualityeducational program utilizing the creative and efficient use of alfinancial and organizational resources available.


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Elem en ta ry : All students will receive instruction at their levelwith differentiation provided throughout the students day. TheResponse to Intervention Model (RtI) utilized by Las Virgenesteachers addresses all students at their own academic level andprovides challenging work for students at the highest levels.Through the use of on-going progress monitoring, studentsreceive instruction based on demonstrated abilities in corecurricular areas. Schools will be given a small budget forcurricular materials for the high achieving students. These

budgets will be approved and monitored by the School SiteCouncil. Schools may also choose to run enrichment classes forthe gifted for a parent fee. Some examples of these programshappening currently are: Odyssey of the Mind, computerenrichment and a student developed play.Mid dl e Sch oo l: Formal identification for GATE/HighAchieving students will begin during spring semester of fifthgrade using the multiple measures of ability, intellectual testing,and their GPA. Both parents and teachers are encouraged to referany student they feel is qualified to be tested. The currentprogram delivery model of enriched classes in language arts andsocial studies will be maintained. Math classes are tiered for allstudents. The District will administer the test and an evaluationcommittee will officially designate students as GATE.Hig h S ch oo l: High School GATE students may participate in

a variety of programs including International Baccalaureate,community college partnerships, honors classes and advancedplacement classes. Student academic performance is the primarycriteria for acceptance and placement in these programs. A highschool advisor is available at each campus to meet with GATEstudents. GATE advisors also plan for special events andprograms for GATE students.

JOURNEYS A First Step Kindergarten ProgramJourneys is designed for (but not restricted to) students who turnfive between July and December 2 and may not be socially oracademically ready for regular Kindergarten, although they areage-eligible. Aligned to California Content Standards, Journeyspresents curriculum in a sheltered, developmental way, at a pacethat meets the students individual needs. Following a year in the

program, most students enter a traditional Kindergarten program,although some may be ready to move on to first grade.

OUTDOOR EDUCATIONStudents in fifth grade are given the opportunity to participate inthe district sponsored Outdoor Education Program. Students stayat King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains for fivedays and four nights. Environmental education is the focus of theteaching while at camp, as well as learning how to increase self-confidence through team-building activities. This is a fee-basedprogram paid by parent donation.

REGIONAL OCCUPATIONAL PROGRAM (ROP)ROP offers all students aged 16 or above a chance to exploresome great classes . . . exploring a career field before making a

commitment to a college major. Through many of the classes, juniors and seniors have the opportunity to learn job skills at anactual job site or in a simulated work environment. Career areassuch as medicine, computer technology, sales and marketing,design and drafting, visual and graphic arts, acting and televisionproduction, music recording, child care, animal training, buildingtrades, electronic and computer aided design trades, andautomotive trades are among the selections from which studentsmay choose.

All ROP classes award high school credits that count towardsgraduation requirements. ROP classes are offered during theregular school day, after school or in the early evening andSaturdays.

FOR INFORMATION ON DAYS AND TIME OF EACHCLASS, SEE THE ROP COUNSELOR, ROP TECHNICIAN ORYOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR IN THE COUNSELINGOFFICES AT AGOURA HIGH SCHOOL OR CALABASASHIGH SCHOOL.

COLLEGE AND CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATIONThe State of California offers community colleges, CaliforniaState Universities (CSU), and Universities of California (UC) fo

students who wish to continue their education after high school.

In order to attend a community college you need only be a highschool graduate or 18 years of age. In order to attend a CSU youhave to take specific high school courses, have the appropriategrades and test scores, and have graduated from high school. Tesscores are not required if your GPA is 3.0 or above. In order toattend a UC you must meet requirements for coursework, GPAand test scores, or rank in the top four percent at a participatinghigh school, or qualify by examination alone. You may alsotransfer to a CSU or UC after attending a community college. Formore information on college admission requirements, please referto the following webpages:

www.ccco.edu - This is the official website of the California

Community College system. It offers links to all of the CaliforniaCommunity Colleges.www.assist.org - This interactive site provides course transferinformation for students planning to transfer from a CaliforniaCommunity College to a CSU or UC.www.csumentor.edu - This extensive online site offers assistanceto students and their families on the CSU system, including theability to apply online, and links to all CSU campuses.www.universityofcalifornia.edu - This massive website offersinformation regarding admissions, online application, and links toall UC campuses.

Students may also explore career options through career technicaeducation. These are programs and classes offered by a schoothat are specifically focused on career preparation and/or

preparation for work. The programs and classes are integratedwith academic courses and support academic achievementStudents can learn more about career technical education byreferring to the following webpage: www.cde.ca.gov/ds/si/rp.

The Las Virgenes Unified School District follows Ed. Code221.5 (d) regarding career counseling related to sex equity incareer counseling and course selection opportunities, as well asthe parents' rights to participate in counseling sessions anddecisions.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSESStudents at either of the comprehensive high schools, who havemet the eligibility prerequisites, are eligible to enroll in AdvancedPlacement classes. Students who are currently enrolled in

Advanced Placement classes may be eligible for financiaassistance from the California Department of Education to meethe costs of the AP examination.


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STUDENT CONDUCT

EXPECTED STUDENT BEHAVIORAll students are expected to comply with school regulations, topursue the required course of study, and to accept the reasonableauthority of the principal and the school staff.Students in route to or from school or in attendance at schoolfunctions are subject to the authority of the school.

Students are not permitted to visit prohibited Websiteswhile on district property or use District equipment.(See INTERNET ACCESS section)

School staff members are expected to exercise a reasonableenforcement of school regulations and are responsible forcounseling students regarding potential deficiencies or problems.The staff also has a responsibility, whenever possible, to notifyparents of potential deficiencies or problems.

Behavioral infractions may result in detention, suspension fromclass or school, assignment to the Saturday Work Program, orexpulsion.

The Superintendent or Principal may use discretion to providealternatives to suspension or expulsion, including counseling oran anger management program.

Freedom Of Speech And Expression:Students of the district have the right to lawful assembly, toexercise free speech and personal expression including, but notlimited to, the use of bulletin boards, the distribution of printedmaterials or petitions, and the wearing of buttons, badges andother insignia. These rights, in the context of the public school,rightfully must be exercised within reasonable limits to ensurethat such exercise does not disrupt or interfere with the normaleducation of other students.

Circulation of Petitions, Circulars, Newspapers andOther Printed Matter:Students shall be allowed to distribute petitions, circulars, leaflets,political literature, newspapers, and other printed matter subject

to the following specific limitations:Time of distribution shall be: limited to the hours beforeschool begins, during the recess, nutrition, and/or lunch periods,and after school is dismissed.

Manner of distribution shall be such that: coercion is not used to induce students to accept the printed

matter or to sign petitions; funds or donations are not collected for the material

distributed; materials to be distributed shall be submitted to the

designated school official a reasonable period of time priorto such distribution. Approval or disapproval of suchdistribution shall be indicated within three school days. Theofficial may limit the number of students or group of studentswho may distribute materials in any one day;

materials are not left undistributed or stacked for pickupwhile unattended at any place in the school or on schoolgrounds;

buttons, badges, and other insignia of symbolic expression:Students should be permitted to wear buttons, badges, armbands, and other insignia as a form of expression, subject tothe hereinafter mentioned prohibitions;

bulletin boards: Students shall be provided with bulletinboards for use in posting student materials on campus locationsconvenient to student use;

lawful assembly: Students shall be allowed to rally orassemble during the time periods previously designated forthe distribution of printed materials.

In the exercise of the student rights described above, no studenshall distribute materials, wear buttons or other displays, nor postnotices or other materials or otherwise use expression (written orverbal) which: are obscene to minors according to current legal definitions; are libelous or slanderous according to current legal

definitions; incite students so as to create a clear and present danger of

the imminent commission of unlawful acts on schoolpremises, or of the violation of lawful school regulation, orof the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of theschool;

express or advocate racial, ethnic, political, or religiousprejudice so as to create a clear and present danger ofimminent commission of unlawful acts on school premisesor of the violation of lawful school regulations, or of thesubstantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school;

are distributed in violation of the time, place and mannerrequirement.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICYThe Board of Education recognizes the serious substance abuseproblems, including but not limited to illegal/unhealthy drugalcohol and tobacco use in our community and society. This is a

problem that endangers all segments of our educationacommunity, including students, parents and district personnelThe problem of substance abuse adversely affects the ability of allpeople to function at their highest potential physicallyemotionally, intellectu

2011-12 legal notification handbook

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