Handbook

Visitors

All visitors to Chaboya, including parents, must check in at the main office and sign in. As a common courtesy and to avoid disruption to instruction, visits with teachers should be pre-arranged by calling or emailing the teacher to establish a time for the visit.

Lunch Time/Materials Drop Off Limitations

Students are responsible for bringing their materials and lunches to school every day. Parents/caregivers may deliver lunch or school items to students at break or lunch only; students will not be called out of class to pick up any items. Food deliveries by anyone other than a parent or caregiver are not allowed. Deliveries by companies such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc. will not be accepted. Items delivered by a parent/caregiver may not be left in the front office. Unclaimed items are donated at the end of each month to a nonprofit organization.

Cafeteria

In addition to the lunch and breakfast menus published monthly, hot entrees, snacks, and milk are served in the cafeteria. Students will receive a free breakfast and lunch every day school is in session. Visit Child Nutrition Services for more information. Students may not share their food with others.

• For safety reasons, parents and/or visitors are not allowed to eat with students in the parking lot or on campus during break and/or lunchtime.
• Due to food allergies, child nutrition guidelines, and dietary restrictions, you can only provide food for your own child. Students may only bring food for themselves to eat at school. 
• No off-campus food of any kind may be brought on campus to share with students. This includes orders from food delivery services, such as Door Dash.
• Students must eat breakfast and lunch in the designated eating areas for supervision and clean up purposes.

Call the Child Nutrition Services (CNS) office at (408) 223-4500 or visit Child Nutrition Services if you have any questions about the program. 

Chaboya Middle School is an academic community built upon universal expectations, which we call the 3Cs. The 3Cs represent the core values that a Chaboya student should display at all times: Choice, Chance, and Change. Specific expectations for how a student should behave are explained in the following sections. Parents and guardians are encouraged to reinforce the core values at home and in other learning environments.

School Attendance

Research has revealed that students who are late or miss school regularly find it difficult to be successful in any of their endeavors. It is the responsibility of the parents/ guardians to make sure students attend school daily (Education Code 48200). Students who miss more than the allotted absences or tardies from school (more than 10% of the school year) will receive official notices of truancy (Education Code 48260). All absences are tracked and cumulative for the year, and may include all days out of school related to independent study. Attendance workshops are held monthly to support families with improving school attendance. This process can lead to our district’s Student Attendance Review Board (SARB) (Education Code 48263) and ultimately, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution (Education Code 48264 and 48293 and Penal Code 270.1).

Absences

Absences and tardies are recorded electronically. Call (408) 270-6902 to report the reason for your child’s absence. Parents are to notify the school when a student is absent. Any student not in attendance during the school day may not participate in any after school program scheduled for that day. The district has implemented automated calling within the first 30 minutes of the school day. The automated call will let parents know if a student was marked absent or tardy. Excused absences include illness, doctor’s appointment, bereavement, or religious holiday observances. If a student or parent has any questions regarding attendance, please call the attendance clerk at (408) 270-6902.

Truancy and Chronic Absenteeism

Truancy – “Education Code Section 48260 (a) A pupil subject to compulsory full-time education or to compulsory continuation education who is absent from school without a valid excuse three full days in one school year or tardy or absent for more than a 30-minute period during the school day without a valid excuse on three occasions in one school year, or any combination thereof, shall be classified as a truant and shall be reported to the attendance supervisor or to the superintendent of the school district.”

Chronic Absenteeism “A student is considered a chronic absentee if he or she is absent 10 percent of the days they were enrolled in a school. Chronic absence is different from truancy which counts only unexcused absences and indicates a violation of California’s compulsory attendance laws. Average Daily Attendance (ADA) is the average number of students who attend school each day and is used for state funding purposes.”

Tardy Policy

Tardies are tracked every quarter. Students must be in their assigned seats.

Homework Make-Up Policy

Students are expected to make up any missed assignments due to any type of absence. Upon return to school, it is the student’s responsibility to get assignments from their teachers after class or after school. Teachers are required to provide homework for excused absences. Excused absences include: a doctor’s appointment, illness, or bereavement.

Physical Education (P.E.) Policies and Procedures

All physical limitations must be authorized by a doctor. Parents may excuse their child from Physical Education (P.E.) for three days. After three days, a note is required by the student's physician.  

P.E. Lockers

Each student will be assigned their own locker. No sharing of lockers or lock combinations is allowed; students must use a school-assigned lock. Students are required to lock up their valuables in their assigned locker before heading out to PE class. If something is missing from a locker, notify a PE teacher immediately. Students are responsible for keeping lockers clean and secure. Lockers are subject to inspection at any time. The locker room is monitored at all times.

P.E. Uniform

The physical education uniform consists of Chaboya's P.E. clothes or plain black athletic shorts, a plain white t-shirt, and athletic sneakers or shoes. Students who are not dressed for participating in P.E. class will not be allowed in the locker room. School P.E. clothing are available for purchase:

Respect for Others

Bullying and harassment will not be tolerated. Serious disciplinary action will occur for bullying and harassment situations. All students need to use the Colts Care Helpline to report actions and behavior that cause personal discomfort in the classroom, on school property, and through online interactions. It is important to learn the differences between daily interactions with others to create a climate of safety and kindness for all students. Words, looks, actions, or gestures that result in making someone feel uncomfortable or unsafe will be considered harassment and will not be tolerated. This includes actions, comments, and any verbal or written communication, including on social media, or through any other messaging platforms directed at someone’s ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or physical appearance. Public display of affection is not allowed (kissing, hugging, etc.).

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment means "any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature made by someone in the educational setting." This conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual's work or academic performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.

Violators will face disciplinary actions which may include suspension or expulsion from school and subject to referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

A student who believes he/she is a victim of sexual harassment is to report such harassment to a teacher, administrator, or other adult authority on campus (Federal and CA State Law).

Gender Equity Policy

Chaboya Middle School makes every effort to ensure gender equity. All facilities, classes, awards, and extracurricular activities are made available and are open to all students. Our physical education program is co-educational. Students are encouraged to join clubs, and to participate in school wide activities without regard to gender.

Report Bullying

Bullying and cyberbullying is serious and will not be tolerated. The Colts Helpline can be used to report alleged bullying that occurs on school property, at a schoolsponsored event off school property, on a school bus, on the way to and/or from school, or online through social media during school hours. If you are a student, parent or guardian, teacher, or other staff member and wish to report an incident of alleged bullying, complete the entire online form and respond only to questions that you feel comfortable answering and are able to answer accurately. Students may choose to include their name on the form or may submit the form anonymously. Please note that the school’s and district’s ability to investigate an anonymous complaint may be limited, and the district prohibits retaliation against anyone who files a bullying report Information shall remain confidential unless the student is going to harm themselves or others.

If a crisis develops outside of the school day and immediate safety is at risk, then parents or students should call 911 immediately. Parents can also contact Uplift Family Services for further support as necessary (24 hour home community support) Mobile Crisis Program (408) 379-9085 or 1(877) 412-7474; Santa Clara County Suicide & Crisis Center 1(855) 278-4204; National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1(800)784-2433; Crisis Text Line #741741.

Report Unsafe Behavior

Unsafe behavior includes verbal and physical bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, weapons on campus, and any action that can cause harm to oneself and/or others. All students need to report actions and behavior that cause personal discomfort in the classroom, on school property, and through online interactions during school hours. If a student is not sure whether a situation is considered unsafe, the student should speak with a teacher, administrator, counselor, parent, or trusted adult. Talking with a trusted adult can help a student decide what to do. Email Ms. Fernandez, for help.

All forms of fighting or conspiracies to fight are strictly prohibited and will result in consequences that may include suspension or expulsion. Students who “arrange” for other students to fight will also face severe disciplinary action. Recording, sharing, and/or posting a video/pictures of a fight will result in disciplinary action and possible law enforcement involvement. This includes walking to and from school.

Students may not be called to the phone during school hours. However, in an emergency, the secretaries may take a message for a student or arrange a call back. If a student needs to make a phone call to a parent, they may come up to the office and the front office staff or an assistant principal will assist them. Students are not to have their cell phones out during the school day. Cell phones are to be silent and/or off from 8:00am – 2:30pm. Cell phones and all other electronic devices should be put in backpacks. Cell phones and other electronic devices are not to be in use around campus, should not be out in the locker rooms, and should only be used in a classroom if a teacher directed students to do so. Students who violate this policy may have their electronic signaling device confiscated and may be subject to disciplinary action.

Recording, sharing, and/or posting videos/pictures of students without permission is a violation of privacy. Students may not record video or take pictures of others on campus without the permission of an adult.

Reminder: Confiscated devices will either be returned at the end of the school day or returned after the administrator or designee has consulted with the student and/or parents/guardians. Confiscated devices will be available for parent/guardian pick up at the end of the day. Students are personally and solely responsible for the security of their electronic devices, including cell phones and smartwatches. The Evergreen School District is not responsible for and will investigate the theft, loss, or damage of any cell phone, other electronic device, or student personal items.

Social Media

Any items published on social media having negative effects on our school climate will be handled by school administrators and/or law enforcement agencies if necessary. This includes negative activity done at home. Posting on, making comments or accessing social platforms during the school day is not allowed and violations of any kind will result in disciplinary action.

Suggested Materials

Students are to arrive at school every day with the materials they need to be successful in all their classes. Students are to bring pens, pencils, and paper daily as well as other materials specified by the student’s teachers to each class. Students will receive information from each teacher as to what is needed for each class. If support is needed with purchasing needed materials, parents may contact the front office at chfrontoffice@eesd.org.

Selling on Campus

Students are not permitted to sell or trade any items on campus. This includes but is not limited to the following items:

1. Lunch items
2. Snacks/Candy and/or Gum
3. Clothing/Shoes/and/or accessories (belts, hats)
4. School supplies
5. Vapes/Drug paraphernalia

Consequences can include parent contact, learning assignments, confiscation of items, and contact with police when appropriate.

Textbook/Materials Care

Students are responsible for the use and care of all school materials issued to them and are expected to cover their textbooks with protective material. Students take financial responsibility for damage or loss of materials (California Education Code 48904) prior to attending any school function or receiving any school related item (i.e. yearbook). Library books should be returned on or before the due dates.

Closed Campus

Chaboya is a closed campus, as are all Evergreen schools. Students must use the entrances on the sidewalk in front of the school or to the east and south of the blacktop and field areas. Students are required to remain on campus during the entire school day. Other than after school activities with the required permission slips on file, students must leave campus immediately after school. Students are also reminded that they are accountable for their behavior on the way to and from home and school, and should stay away from other school campuses.

If students must leave for an appointment during the school day, parents/caregivers should send a note that morning stating what time the student will be picked up in the office. If someone other than the parent will pick up the student, that needs to be stated in the note, and the name must be listed in ParentPortal. Students will not be released to anyone who is not listed in ParentPortal. We are not allowed to release a child without a parent’s written permission.

Transportation to School

Students may walk, use private transportation, or ride their bicycles with helmets to get to school. Per safety guidelines, skateboards, scooters, shoes with wheels or other means of transportation are not allowed at Chaboya. Students should walk their bikes on school campus.

How do I get my student to school?

There will be about 800 students attending Chaboya this year. In order to get all students to and from Chaboya safely and on time, we strongly recommend the following:

• If you live within walking distance of Chaboya, have your child WALK TO SCHOOL
• If you must drive, then form a CARPOOL to minimize the number of cars on the roads. To minimize the traffic congestion, accidents and late arrivals to school:
  • Use alternative Drop-Off and Pick-Up locations:
    • North of Chaboya: Fowler Park, Mosher Dr., Michelangelo Dr.
    • East of Chaboya: Verona Rd. Montierra Pl., Mirage Wy., Monte Verde Ln., Palentino Wy.
    • South of Chaboya: Capriana Cir., Montecito Dr.
  • Drop off your student(s) by 8:00AM. If you attempt to drop off your student(s) in the parking lot after 8:10AM, your student(s) may be tardy, and you may not be able to exit the parking lot for 15-20 minutes due to traffic congestion
  • After school, encourage your student to meet up with their carpool group first, and then walk to the pick-up point together.
  • Be respectful of the surrounding neighborhood. The students should stay on the sidewalks.

Health Office

For confidentiality, health and safety reasons, the health office is ONLY for students who are ill or injured at school. To support your child’s health and safety, maintain updated medical and emergency contact information in ParentPortal. Parents or family members picking up sick/ injured children must sign them out in the Health Office Log Book.

Medication Reminder

State regulations require that all prescribed or over the counter medications necessary to be taken during the school day must be prescribed or approved by the doctor and documented on a school district form or on a physician’s form, and signed by the parent on file. Medications must be sent to the school in a prescription bottle or in the original labeled container. Parents requesting that their student carry their medication with them at school must complete the appropriate documentation and must have them on file in the School Health Office prior to a student carrying the medication. Contact the Health Aide with questions.

Students who frequent the nurses office often with no medical diagnosis or documented symptoms may be asked to return to class.

Safety Plan and Emergency Procedures

Our school has a comprehensive safety plan in compliance with Educational Code Section 32280. Additionally, we have an emergency plan in the event of an earthquake, fire, intruder on campus, evacuation, etc. Drills are held monthly in preparation of an actual emergency.

Public Health Guidelines

Chaboya Middle School and the Evergreen School District follow all health and safety guidelines of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, the California State Department of Education, and other district recommendations. This includes, but is not limited to, wearing a protective mask, hand washing, or other health safety procedures.

Appointments

If an appointment with a member of the faculty is requested, please phone, email, or send a note to set up a convenient time to meet. In general, administrators are available from 8:00AM to 4:00PM, but are not available during the lunch period.

School Involvement Opportunities

School Site Council: All parents and students may attend School Site Council (SSC) meetings, which are scheduled four to five times a year. Committee members are elected. Check the weekly parent newsletter for the SSC ballot and the times and dates of our meetings.

PTSA: Parents of all Chaboya students including both programs are invited to lead and assist with school activities. All parents are encouraged to join. Officers are elected annually. Students are also encouraged to join PTSA. Check for information from Leadership on how you can be a PTSA student representative.

ELAC Committee: Parents of children who qualify for the English Language Learners Program are encouraged to join this committee and attend the meetings. Valuable information is shared that will affect their children. Dates will be shared with families on our website and in our newsletters.

District Groups: District level committees and councils are also available for parent participation, which makes sure the Chaboya community is represented for district decisions, and keeps our voices heard. Keep an eye out for opportunities.

Lost & Found

Lost and found items must be turned in to the front office. Items lost in the locker rooms are located in the P.E. locker room.

Classrooms

Each classroom teacher is allowed to set guidelines and policies for his or her individual classroom. Violations of these policies may result in assigned reflection time or other consequences.

Counseling

Many times parents look to the school for assistance with personal or family situations which cause students to experience difficulties at school. Referrals for students, and in some cases, family counseling, may be made with or through the assistant principals and school counselor. Please go to our school website to make a referral.

Suggestions for referrals to outside agencies are also available through the assistant principals, counselor, social worker, or school psychologist. If a crisis develops outside of the school day and immediate safety is at risk, then parents or students should call 911 immediately. Parents can also contact Uplift Family Services for further support as necessary (24 hour home community support) Mobile Crisis Program (408) 379-9085 or 1(877) 412-7474; Santa Clara County Suicide & Crisis Center 1(855) 278-4204; National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1(800)784-2433; Crisis Text Line #741741.

Report Cards/Progress Reports

 At the end of each quarter, parents will be able to access quarter grades through ParentPortal. Student progress is available for parents to inform them of any difficulties a student may be experiencing so improvements can be made before the official quarter report card is issued. In addition, the assistant principals may set up academic counseling sessions programs after a parent conference has taken place to help support students. Progress reports and report cards will be sent home on the following dates:

• Progress Reports
  • September 19
  • December 5
  • March 6
  • May 15
• Report Cards
  • October 24
  • January 23
  • April 2
  • June 11

COLTS LEVEL UP!

Students who need academic tutoring support can join Colts Level Up!, our after school homework club. Check for details on our website for starting dates.

Academic Integrity Policy

Chaboya Middle School is set on improving the intellectual excellence of all students and maintaining the highest standards and expectations for academic integrity. A teacher’s professional judgment guides the implementation of Chaboya’s academic integrity policy. Teachers may include in their course syllabus consequences for academic dishonesty relevant to their classroom expectations. Refer to the teacher's course syllabus for classroom expectations.

Examples of How to Maintain Academic Honesty

• Work independently on exams, tests, quiz, or assignments (unless otherwise instructed by the teacher) and maintain eye contact only on your work.
• Notes or materials during an exam, test or quiz will only be used when instructed to do so by the teacher.
• All work submitted will be one's original content and thoughts.
• tudents will reach out for support before an exam in order to know what concepts need to be studied and ensure they have a full understanding of material.
• Electronic devices will be kept stored away in students' backpack during school hours. Students may use the front office phone when needing to call parents.
• Clarify teacher expectations for assignments before collaborating with peers.
• For group projects, all team members will collaborate to complete assignments.
• All submitted work must be completed by the student themself.
• Students will cite all sources used while completing a project, paper, and assignments.

Reinforcement Strategies for Behavior

See Class syllabus for consequences related to plagiarizing and/or cheating

Please note: Plagiarism and cheating may result in consequences that will prevent students from Participation in celebratory and end-of-the-year events, and will result in removal of students from Honor Society.

Student Recognition

Throughout the school year, students are formally honored and recognized through the school’s social media platforms and in other traditional formats.

Honor Roll & Awards

Students will be recognized for their academic progress in their Advisory class after the end of each quarter one, two, and three. The annual Spring Honors Awards Ceremony will celebrate students for their year-long, cumulative GPA. Students will receive recognition if they earn a 3.0 GPA or higher for each of the first three quarters or cumulatively without any:

• C-’s, D’s or F’s in any of their classes

Students will receive a certificate of honor during the ceremony.

At the end of the school year, students may also be recognized by teachers in their classrooms. These awards are given at the teachers discretion.

Honor Society

Honor Society students are recognized for their outstanding efforts. In order to be a member of the Honor Society, a student must have all A's and B's (no C’s) in every class during any quarter, and must maintain a 3.5 GPA each quarter. Those students who are in the Honor Society for each of the first three quarters with at least a 3.5 GPA each quarter (all A’s and B’s, and no N’s, U’s, or C’s), will be eligible to participate in an event at the end of the year to recognize their efforts.   

8th Grade Promotion

The 8th grade promotion is a celebration of your child’s accomplishments and marks the important transition to high school. Participation in the Promotion Celebration is a privilege. To maintain the privilege of participating in the promotion ceremony and all other 8th grade grade activities/privileges students must:

• Meet the academic criteria for receiving a promotion certificate by obtaining an overall cumulative 1.5 GPA.
• Maintain positive behaviors on campus. Disciplinary actions for inappropriate behaviors can result in the loss of privileges.
• Maintain positive behavior during promotion practice. Disruptive and/or inappropriate misbehavior during the practice will not be tolerated.
• Attend school regularly. Excessive absences or tardies can result in the loss of privileges.

Regardless of GPA all 8th grade students will be promoted to high school.

Computing Your GPA

Add all of the individual letter grade point values for each class and divide by the number of classes. Point value is as follows:

• A = 4 points
• B = 3 points
• C = 2 points
• D = 1 point
• F = 0 points

Extracurricular Activities

Students must maintain a 1.5 grade point average to participate in or attend extra-curricular activities. Appropriate written permission slips to participate in any after school hours activity, including clubs, leadership activities, program practices, etc., are also required. Students must attend a minimum of three (3) periods to attend any school function or extracurricular activity on any particular day.

Sports

Chaboya offers a wide-variety of competitive sports for students to participate in. Students involved in sports must maintain a 2.0 grade point average with no F’s, and must have a permission slip signed indicating appropriate insurance coverage. Official grade checks are done for each sport. If a student does not meet the criteria, they will no longer be eligible to continue that sport for the entire duration of the season. This is a league policy and is strictly enforced. There are NO exceptions. Please note that sports offered are contingent on annual funding allocations and adherence to public health guidelines.

Student Body Activities

Throughout the year, the Leadership class organizes and sponsors many activities for students. Spirit rallies, noontime activities, fundraisers, the student store, and other special event days are provided for all students. Students must maintain a 1.5 GPA and display appropriate positive student behavior to participate in such and other student activities held during and after school.

Dances

Dances in middle school are fun! It’s a great way to hang out with friends, laugh, and of course show off your dance moves! To participate in afterschool activities and dances, students must be in attendance on the day of the event. Students must be in good academic and citizenship standing at the time of the event. In order to attend Chaboya dances and activities, students are required to have a:

• Signed parent permission slip
• A prearranged ride home
• Appropriate school dress attire.

All school policies apply. Chaboya dances are closed events. Only current Chaboya students may attend dances unless otherwise specified. Students must also stay for the entire dance. Students are required to prearrange a ride home at the end of the dance or any after-school activity. Failure to be picked up in a timely fashion may result in loss of future activities/privileges.

PBIS is a school-wide approach that includes five quality characteristics to enhance school climate:

1. Promote positive behavioral expectations.
2. Teach behavior expectations by modeling what is expected.
3. Reinforce positive behaviors with rewards and praise.
4. Implement consistent consequences for inappropriate behaviors.
5. Utilize restorative practices to support repairing harm for victims, building empathy, and reducing reoccurrence of problems and conflicts.

Positive Incentives

Students are recognized for their appropriate behavior with assemblies, awards, coupons, certificates, trips, teacher awards, and a variety of other incentives. Community and business donations to help us with this program are greatly appreciated.

Chaboya Kudos

Kudos are used as student incentives to acknowledge positive and productive school behavior. Students are acknowledged by teachers and staff for upholding the Chaboya 3Cs with “Kudos.” The administration and teachers regularly acknowledge students who:

• make choices to be mindful and make positive decisions when faced with two or more possibilities;
• make choices to be academically engaged and socially, emotionally, and physically safe;
• challenge themselves to take a chance with intentional actions to benefit themselves and others; and
• create a helpful result, or students who create a productive change by doing something different in a positive way within their classrooms or community.

Students will collect their Kudos to be used in our student store, opening this year.

Consequences for Unwanted Student Behavior

Students who do not behave appropriately at Chaboya may expect the following:

• Reflective Questions
• Restorative Conversations
• Counseling Support
• Learning Workshops
• Phone calls home
• Letters to parents
• “U’s” and/or “N’s” in behavior and/or citizenship on their progress reports and report cards
• Referrals to an administrator
• Community service
• Behavioral contracts
• Friday Reflection
• School Attendance Review Board (SARB) referrals
• Suspensions, expulsions, or referrals to additional support students

Appropriate and modest attire is expected at school. Students should be comfortable without distraction.

• Undergarments cannot be showing under any circumstances. If clothing is not worn correctly, it must be corrected or parents will be contacted.
• Sleepwear and blankets are not to be worn (Exceptions on verified Spirit Day).
• Hats or hoodies are allowed IF worn appropriately on campus, but are subject to individual classroom policies. Face and ears must be visible to school staff.
• NO profane, vulgar, sexually suggestive, violent, drug, alcohol, tobacco or gang-related clothing are allowed. The following brands are inappropriate for school: Cookies, Playboy, and Kappa. Students identified wearing these brands will be asked to change their clothing. This list of brands is not exhaustive.
• Items such as backpacks belts and belt buckles will also be monitored. Inappropriate words, designs or anything causing a distraction may be confiscated and could lead to disciplinary action.

With the ever changing fashion trends, it is difficult to have a comprehensive list of acceptable attire. The school administration reserves the right to deem certain articles of clothing inappropriate even if not outlined in this handbook. The school administration reserves the right to individually forbid a student from wearing any attire, logos, symbols, or insignias including excessive clothing color, that is determined to create a hostile environment or distracts from learning. The student attire guidelines shall apply to regular school days, as well as any school-related events.

The following Evergreen School District policies are provided to you to increase your awareness of what is and is not tolerated at any Evergreen School District campus. Policies can be accessed online or requested from the school office.

Student Use of Technology - B.P. 6163.4

The Governing Board recognizes that technology provides ways to access the most current and extensive sources of information. Technology enables students to practice skills and to develop reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Every effort shall be made to provide equal access to technology throughout the district’s schools and classes. Students are responsible for adhering to Evergreen School District’s Acceptable Use Agreement.

Non-Discrimination - B.P. 5145.3

District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination, including harassment, with respect to the actual or perceived ethnic group, religion, gender, color, race, ancestry, national origin, and physical or mental disability, age or sexual orientation. The Governing Board shall ensure equal opportunities for all students in admission and access to the educational program, guidance, and counseling programs, athletic programs, testing procedures, and other activities.

Sexual Harassment - B.P. 5145.7

The Governing Board is committed to maintaining a school environment that is free from harassment. The Board prohibits sexual harassment of any student by another student, an employee or other person, at school or at a school-sponsored or school-related activity. The Board also prohibits retaliatory behavior or action against any person who complains, testifies, assists or otherwise participates in the complaint process established in accordance with this policy. Any student who engages in sexual harassment of anyone at school or at a school-sponsored or school-related activity is in violation of this policy and shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Uniform Complaint Procedure - B.P. 1312.4

The Board recognizes that the district has primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations governing education. The district shall investigate and seek to resolve complaints at the local level. The district shall follow uniform procedures when addressing civil rights guarantees, complaints alleging unlawful discrimination or gender equity issues, or failure to comply with state or federal law in programs for consolidated categorical aid, Indian education, migrant education, child nutrition, special education, adult education, career/vocation education, and child development. The Board prohibits retaliation in any form for the filing of a complaint, the reporting of instances of discrimination, or for participation in complaint procedures. Such participation shall not in any way affect the status, grades, or work assignments of the complainant. The Board acknowledges and respects employee rights to privacy. Discrimination complaints shall be investigated in a manner that protects the confidentiality of the parties and the facts. This includes keeping the identity of the complainant confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the investigation or proceedings, as determined by the Superintendent or designee on a case-by-case basis. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that employees designated to investigate complaints are knowledgeable about the laws and programs for which they are responsible.

Tobacco-Free Environment - B.P. 4016.1 and 5131.62

Documentation and research has demonstrated the health hazards associated with the use of tobacco products and the breathing of second-hand smoke. Further, a legislative mandate requires the district to alleviate the presence and use of tobacco products in the educational environment. The Governing Board intends to maintain tobacco and smoke-free school facilities, grounds, offices, work areas, and district vehicles for all of its students, employees, parents, volunteers, and visitors.

Williams Uniform Complaint Procedures - B.P. 3212.4 W

The Board recognizes that the district has primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations governing education. The district shall investigate and seek to resolve complaints at the local level. The district shall follow uniform procedures when addressing complaints regarding Instructional Materials, Teacher Vacancy/Mis-assignment and Facilities conditions which pose an emergency or urgent threat to the health or safety of students and/or staff.

Protection of Pupil Rights

The district has adopted policies, in consultation with parents, regarding student and parent rights as well as arrangements to protect the privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution purposes. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act gives parents certain rights with respect to their child’s educational records. More information is available in the school office.

Every student shall attend school punctually and regularly, follow school rules, obey all directions of the staff, work diligently, behave appropriately, and respect those in authority. (CA Administrative Code 300).

1. Those students who continue to defy school authority by word or act, or who commit an obscene act or engage in habitual profanity, are subject to disciplinary action (Ed. Code 48900).
2. Students who possess, sell, or otherwise furnish any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object, shall be subject to suspension and expulsion from school and district, and the items will be confiscated (CA Administrative Code 300, Penal Code 653k, Penal Code 62610).
3. There shall be no smoking or possession of tobacco, tobacco product, or electronic cigarette (or similar product) on school grounds or during any school activity (Ed. Code 48900).
4. The use, possession or being under the influence of any controlled substance, intoxicant, or alcoholic beverage on school grounds or any school sponsored activity is strictly prohibited. Violators will be suspended from school and subject to referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency (Ed. Code 48900, CA Administrative Code 301).
5. Any student who destroys or in any way injures public or private property such as books, lockers, buildings, buses, or other equipment may face suspension or expulsion, and the parent or guardian shall be held financially liable.
6. Any student who steals, or attempts to steal school or personal property, or commits any unlawful act on school buses, school grounds, or on the way to and from school shall be subject to suspension, expulsion and referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
7. Suspension, including supervised suspension as described in Section 48911.1, shall be imposed only when other means of correction fail to bring about proper conduct, except when that the pupil's presence causes a danger to persons (Ed. Code 48900.5). Examples of ”Other means of correction” include:
   1. Restorative Practices
   2. Community Service
   3. Reflection
   4. Conference
   5. After-school Programs
   6. Positive Support Approach

Search and Seizure

School officials may search any individual student, his/her property, or district property under his/her control when there is a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence that he/she is violating the law, Board policy, administrative regulation, or other rules of the district or school. The types of student property that may be searched by school officials include, but are not limited to lockers, desks, purses, backpacks, student vehicles parked on district property, cellular phones, or other electronic communication devices. (Ed Code 49050, BP/AR 5145.12)