Discipline Policy and Procedures and Annual Notice of Rights and Responsibilities For Parents, Students and Staff 2015-2016 CONEJO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Instructional Services 1400 E. Janss road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362-2198 www.conejousd.org Conejo Valley Unified School District Where Every Child Matters 2015-2016 Discipline Policy and Procedures AND Annual Notification of Rights and Responsibilities For Parents, Students and Staff Please read the information in this document carefully. In accordance with California Education Code 48980, every school district must notify the parents and guardians of each pupil and staff annually of their rights and responsibilities relative to school. Upon receipt of the Emergency Authorization Form from the school for your child, be sure to sign where it states that you have reviewed the information included herein. A copy of this document is available at the school or may be accessed on the district’s website: http://www.conejousd.org. CVUSD Pride * Among the highest API state scores in Southern California with 20,000 or more students * Among the highest SAT test results in California * More than 75% of high school students taking over 4,400 Advanced Placement Exams in 31 categories receive a passing score * Recipient of Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished Schools Awards * More than 80% of our students attend colleges and universities * State and National Award winning music programs * CIF championship athletic teams * Expanded Educational Opportunities and Options available for students: Magnet and Academy Programs: > Early Childhood Programs at University Center & City Center > EARTHS Magnet (Environmental Academy of Research Technology & Earth Sciences, K-5) > Open Classroom Leadership Magnet (K-5) > Discover Academy (6-8), Sequoia Middle School > Century Academy (9-12) NCAA approved alternative high school > Continuation High School – Conejo Valley High School > DATA (Digital Arts and Technology Academy), Newbury Park High School > International Baccalaureate Program, Newbury Park High School > THE CENTER (Advanced Studies & Research), Thousand Oaks High School > ETHOS Entrepreneurship Academy, Thousand Oaks High School > WIT Academy (Westlake Innovative Technology), Westlake High School > ROP classes at Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake High Schools * Strong Community Partnerships with post-secondary schools, e.g., Pepperdine University, California Lutheran University, California State University Channel Islands * Outstanding parent involvement and support * BreakThrough – Student Assistance Program Iscip Discipline Poli Policy and Procedures and Ann Annual Notice of Righ Rights and Responsibilities For For Parents, Students and Staff 2015-2016 CONEJO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Instructional Services 1400 E. Janss road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362-2198 www.conejousd.org For additional information or complete copies of Board Policies, Administrative Regulations, and/or Education Code references, contact Robert Iezza, Deputy Superintendent (805)497-9511, ext. 239 For additional copies of this entire document, contact the school or the Office of Student Support Services (805)497-9511, ext. 296 Si usted desea este libreto en espanol por favor pidale una copia al director de la escuela. Produced by Conejo Valley Unified School District Instructional Services 1400 E. Janss Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 Conejo Valley Unified School District Instructional Services 1400 E. Janss Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 Dr. Ann Bonitatibus Robert Iezza Superintendent Deputy Superintendent DISCIPLINE POLICY AND PROCEDURES and ANNUAL NOTICE OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2015-2016 Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! School districts in California are required annually to notify students, parents, guardians and staff of specific information that will contribute to the overall functioning of the school district and the provision of a quality and safe educational program for our youth. For your convenience, the information has been consolidated into one document divided into two parts as follows: SECTION A: Discipline Policy and Procedures for 2015-2016 This section contains specific District policies and procedures regarding the general conduct and responsibilities expected of each student. It opens with an important joint letter written by the School District’s Superintendent, Dr. Ann Bonitatibus and the Thousand Oaks Chief of Police, Tim Hagel. Their commitment and dedication is to work in concert to ensure that a quality and safe environment can be provided in which students can learn, parents or guardians can participate and staff can facilitate learning. This section should be reviewed carefully with each student as preparation for their knowing what will be expected of them during the school year. SECTION B: Annual Notice of Rights and Responsibilities for 2015-2016 This section, required of all school districts in California under Education Code 48980, is intended to notify parents, guardians and staff of specific rights and responsibilities that affect each individual, as outlined by Federal legislation and State Education Code. By law, parents or guardians are also required to sign acknowledgment that this information was reviewed either as a written paper document or on the district’s website. To accomplish this, please read the information carefully and then complete, sign, and return the Emergency Authorization Form which will be sent to you directly from your child’s school. A complete copy of this handbook is available on the district website at: http://www.conejousd.org If you have any questions, please contact your school directly. We wish all of you a very successful, exciting and productive school year. Sincerely, Robert Iezza Deputy Superintendent Section A: DISCIPLINE POLICY AND PROCEDURES 2015-2016 www.conejousd.org Conejo Valley Unified School District 1400 E. Janss Road Thousand Oaks, California 91362 July 2015 Discipline Policy and Procedures INTRODUCTION We look forward to having you as a member of the Conejo Valley Unified School District community for the 2015-2016 school year. We care about the students attending our public schools and want them to receive the finest educational opportunities possible. The purpose of this section is to provide you with information to assure you that your Board of Education vigorously supports learning within a framework of academic excellence, discipline, and orderliness. We believe that students in public schools should progress from being adult-directed, with minimal application of disciplinary measures, to being self-directed. We are proud of all of our students in our school system. They have proven themselves to be good citizens and scholars in the classroom and in the community. The information provided in this Section A will probably never be needed or used by you. However, it is important that you, as a parent, are aware of the Board of Education Policy and Procedures which are followed when disciplinary situations arise. With this awareness, you will also be able to assist in helping your child understand the importance of conducting themselves appropriately, leading to a successful school year. Ultimately, the goal is for your child to enjoy a rich and inspiring learning experience in our Conejo schools. We look forward to supporting all of our students in that endeavor. Section A - iv Introduction SECTION A Discipline Policy and Procedures 2015 - 2016 Table of Contents Page No. INTRODUCTION iv I. GENERAL CONDUCT A-1 II. PROHIBITED STUDENT CONDUCT A-2 III. AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY A-3 A. Parent/Guardian . A-3 B. Students . A-3 C. Board of Education . A-4 D. Administrators: Superintendent & School . A-4 E. Teachers . A-4 F. Classified Personnel . A-5 G. Law Enforcement Personnel . A-5 IV. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES A-6 A. Conferences . A-6 B. Student Study Team . A-6 C. Behavioral Contract . A-6 D. Removal from Class . A-6 E. Probation . , . A-6 F. Detention . , . A-7 G. Saturday School Program . A-7 H. Loss of Credit or Removal from Course (High School) A-7 I. Truancy . A-7 J. Leaving School Grounds . A-8 K. Exclusion from Attendance. A-9 L. Breakthrough Program . A-9 M. Suspension . A-10 N. Expulsion . A-18 O. Recommended Disciplinary Action (See Appendix A-1) A-20 P. Student Guide to Understanding &Avoiding Harassment A-21 (See Appendix A-2) V. RULES AND REGULATIONS A-22 A. Academic Honesty . A-22 B. Co-Curricular Participation . A-24 C. Attire and Grooming . A-25 D. Bicycle Rules . A-26 E. Bus Conduct . A-27 F. Student Use of Technology . A-28 G. Electronic Signaling Devices . A-29 H. Homework Policy . A-29 I. Participation in Graduation Exercises & Promotional Activities . A-31 Section A - v Table of Contents (1 of 2) J. Internet Safety . A-31 K. Preventing Cyberbullying & Cell Phone Safety . A-31 L. School Safety Awareness: Recognition of Early Signs A-32 M. Bullying . A-33 APPENDIX A-1: Guidelines for Administering Discipline to Students A-35 APPENDIX A-2: Student Guide to Understanding & Avoiding Harassment A-38 APPENDIX A-3: Preventing Cyberbullying and Responding to Cyberbullying “Top Ten Tips for Teens” (Pages 1 & 2) A-40 APPENDIX A-4: CVUSD ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (AUP) “Ten Student Use Responsibilities” A-42 Section A - vi Table of Contents (2 of 2) I GENERAL CONDUCT The Board of Education believes that all students have the right to be educated in a positive learning environment free from disruptions. Students shall be expected to exhibit appropriate conduct that does not infringe upon the rights of