ParentHandbook

PublicCharterSchool

2017-2018

Welcometothe2017-18schoolyearatCenterforAdvancedLearning!Wearelookingforward toanother terrific schoolyear.Throughout theyears, thestaffandparentshave shown a deep, caring commitment to the children attending our school.Wesharethatsamecareandcommitmentandwillalwaysfocusonprovidingyourchildwithsuccessfulandpositivelearningopportunities.

Educational success for all students cannot be complete without an effectivepartnership with all parents. You are the most essential part of your children’seducationanditisimportantthatwecontinuetobuildastrongrelationshipinorderto best serve your children’s educational needs. Likewise, your input andinvolvementisgreatlyappreciatedasweworktoaccomplishourschoolgoals.

Wearelookingforwardtoafantastic2017-2018schoolyear!

Website:www.centeradvancedlearning.org

Mission

CenterforAdvancedLearningprovidesasafe,innovativeandchallengingenvironmentofcontinuousimprovementforourstudentsandcommunity.

Vision

Center for Advanced Learning will be a school of high-performing, highly educated, self-motivated learners showing a sense of personal responsibility and respect for all human beings. Because of the value-driven CAL experience, our students will be able to discover for themselves those behaviors and practices that contribute to personal success thereby making good choices in their own lives. We will accomplish this by making CAL students our consistent priority and by providing a dynamic and culturally-rich learning environment responsive to the needs of our diverse student population. CAL will be a world-class model in the application of the Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence and an innovative curriculum that promotes high student achievement.

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TABLEOFCONTENTS

PageChapter1:OverviewofCenterforAdvancedLearningCharterSchool WhatisaCharterSchool?HistoryofCenterforAdvancedLearning WhatDoesCharterSchoolStatusMean? HowisCALdifferent?InstructionalPhilosophyCurriculumGovernanceStructure SchoolInformationandProcedures

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Chapter2:StateandFederalMandatesChildAbuse Non-DiscriminationStatement SexualHarassmentPolicy

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Chapter3:FulfillingtheParentAgreement Attendance

AcademicandBehavioralSupport DisciplinePolicyUniformPolicy ParentMeetingsVolunteering

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Chapter4:Health

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Chapter5:Home/SchoolCommunication

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CHAPTER1

OVERVIEWOFCENTERFORADVANCEDLEARNING

CenterforAdvancedLearningwasestablishedbytheLosAngelesBoardofEducationonJune12,2007andtheStateofCaliforniaasapublicschoolundertheCharterSchoolsActof1992.

WHATISACHARTERSCHOOL?

AcharterschoolisapublicschoolthatwasapprovedbytheStateofCaliforniatohavespecialfreedomsandprograms.Charterschoolscanbeindependentfromnormalschooldistrictandstateregulations.TheStateofCaliforniaestablishedcharterschoollegislationwiththeintentofgivingpublicschoolsmoreautonomyinexchangeforincreasedstudentachievement.CharterschoolsmustbeauthorizedbytheStateBoardofEducation,whichmustapprovethecharterschool’spetitionforcharterstatus.Thecharterpetitiondescribestheschool’sgoals,governancestructure,insurancerequirements,employeebenefits,andalmosteveryarearelatedtotheschool’sfunctioning.

HISTORYOFCENTERFORADVANCEDLEARNING

CenterforAdvancedLearningisapubliccharterschoolsupportedbytaxdollarsunderacharterwiththeLosAngelesUnifiedSchoolDistrict.CALisnotareligiousinstitution,andisnonsectarianinitsprograms,admissionpolicies,employmentpractices,andallotheroperations,althoughithasitsrootsintheSisterClaraMuhammadschoolsystem;anexceptionalprivateschoolsystemfoundedinthelate1930s. Some CAL staff and board members are alumni of these exceptional schools.

WHATDOESTHECHARTERSCHOOLSTATUSMEANFORCENTERFORADVANCEDLEARNING?

• AUTONOMY

Asacharterschool,CenterforAdvancedLearningisgrantedmanyfreedomsbytheLosAngelesUnifiedSchoolDistrict(LAUSD)andtheStatetoimplementaneffectiveeducationalprogram.TheSchoolhasdecision-makingauthorityon-site,andthefreedomtocreatepolicywithouthavingtoobtainapprovaloftheLAUSD.

• ACCOUNTABILITY

TheStateofCaliforniaandLAUSDareresponsibleforholdingtheCenterforAdvancedLearningaccountableformeetingthegoalsasoutlinedinthecharterpetition.Thesegoalsincludeincreasingstudenttestscoresandmaintainingahighdegreeofparentinvolvement.IftheCenterdoesnotmeetthesegoals,LAUSDmaynotrenewtheSchool’scharterpetition,whichwouldforcetheschooltoclose.

HOWISCENTERFORADVANCEDLEARNINGDIFFERENTFROMTRADITIONALSCHOOLS?

ThenationallyacclaimedMalcolmBaldrigeEducationCriteriaforPerformanceExcellence,whichrequiresaschooltofocusoncontinuoussystemicimprovementandperformanceexcellence,willbeusedtoactivelysupport,implement,andensurethesuccessofCALstudents.Baldrigehelpseducators,parents,students,andthecommunityfocusondataandresultstodeterminegoal,actionplans,andprocessesforimprovement.Itgivesusthetoolstoholdeveryoneaccountable.

TheCriteria,comprisedofelevenCoreValues/BestPracticesandsevenCategories,provideadynamicframeworkforcontinuousimprovement.ThecategoriesandCoreValues/BestPracticeshelporganizationsassesshowwelltheyaredoingandarepracticalandusefulforschoolimprovementplanning.

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CoreValues/BestPractices CategoriesTheCriteriaarebuiltuponthefollowingsetofeleveninterrelated Core Values that describe Best Practicesrequiredofschoolsfocusedonperformanceexcellence:

1. Visionaryleadership2. Learning-centerededucation3. Organizationalandpersonallearning4. Valuingfaculty,staff,andpartners5. Agility6. Focusonthefuture7. Managingforinnovation8. Managementbyfact9. Socialresponsibility10.Focusonresultsandcreatingvalue11.Systemsperspective

TheCoreValues/BestPracticesareembodiedinsevenCategories,asfollows:

1. Leadership2. StrategicPlanning3. StudentandStakeholderFocus4. Measurement,Analysis,andKnowledgeManagement5. FacultyandStaffFocus6. ProcessManagement7. PerformanceResults

InstructionalPhilosophy

CAL’sinstructionalphilosophyisbuiltaroundRobertMarzano’s“DimensionsofLearning”.Inhisbook,“ADifferentKindofClassroom:TeachingwithDimensionsofLearning”,Marzanoassertsthat,“learninginvolvestheinteractionoffivetypesofthinking”.Usingthefivedimensionsasmetaphorsforhowthemindworksduringlearning,Marzanoattemptstogiveeducatorsanalternateframeofreferencefromwhichtoviewtheirclassroominstruction.Marzano’sfiveDimensionsofLearningareasfollows:

Dimension1:PositiveAttitudesandPerceptionaboutLearning

Attitudesandperceptionscoloroureveryexperience.Theyarethefilterthroughwhichalllearningoccurs.Someattitudesaffectlearninginapositivewayandothersmakelearningverydifficult.

Dimension2:ThinkingInvolvedinAcquiringandIntegratingKnowledge

Somenon-educatorsthinkthatlearningisaprocessofpassivelyreceivinginformation.Morepointedly,theyviewknowledgeasanobjectiveentitythatlearnersmustsomehowassimilateintotheirminds.Fromthisperspective,teachingisaprocessofdispensinginformation.Theteachermovesfromstudenttostudent,fillingeachmindwiththefactsofthelesson.Whenawell-taughtlessoniscompleted,allstudentshavethesameknowledgeandunderstandingofthecontent.

BUTWEEDUCATORSTHINK...

Aradicallydifferentperspectiveoflearninghassurfacedfromtheresearchandtheoryincognitivepsychology.Cognitivepsychologistsviewlearningasahighlyinteractiveprocessofconstructingpersonalmeaningfromtheinformationavailableinalearningsituationandthenintegratingthatinformationwithwhatwealreadyknowtocreatenewknowledge. Dimension3:ThinkingInvolvedinExtendingandRefiningKnowledge

Knowledgedoesn'tremainstatic,evenwhenwelearnittothepointofautomaticity.Ifwecontinuethelearningprocess,weextendandrefinewhatweknow.Thisdimensionoflearning,liketheothers,hassomedistinguishingcharacteristics.

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Dimension4:ThinkingInvolvedinUsingKnowledgeMeaningfully

Weacquireknowledgeordevelopaskillsothatwecanusethatknowledgeorskill.Thetypeofthinkingrequiredtouseknowledgeisrelatedtothetypeofthinkingnecessarytoextendandrefineknowledge(Dimension3).

Dimension5:ProductiveHabitsofMind

Ourmentalhabitsinfluenceeverythingwedo.Poorhabitsofmindusuallyleadtopoorlearning,regardlessofourlevelofskillorability.Evenskilledlearnerscanbeineffectiveiftheyhaven'tdevelopedpowerfulhabitsofmind.

WebelievethattheBaldrigequalityprinciples,processes,toolsandframeworkwillhelptobuildthekindthinkingprocessesthroughoutourschoolthatMarzanofeelsarethefoundationfortheoccurrenceoflearninginstudents.

Curriculum

CenterforAdvancedLearningusestheCommonCoreStateStandardsto:alignthecurriculum,assessandmonitorstudentprogress,designsystematicsupportandinterventionprograms,andencourageparentalinvestmentandcommunityinvolvement.

GovernanceStructureofCenterforAdvancedLearningTheSchoolisgovernedbyanon-profitboardofdirectors,whosemajorrolesandresponsibilitiesinclude,butarenotlimitedto,establishingandapprovingallmajoreducationalandoperationalpolicies,approvingallmajorcontracts,approvingtheSchool’sannualbudget,overseeingtheschool’sfiscalaffairs,andmeetingcorporaterequirements.ADMINISTRATIONDr.WynonaMajied-Muhammad,InterimExecutiveDirectorBrookeJackson,PrincipalDebraHasan,OperationsDirectorGOVERNINGBOARD/BoardofDirectorsKenyatta Bakeer Faaidah Ameen Garth Arraqeeb Donald Barnett Lon Muqaddin SchoolInformationandProcedures

SCHOOLDAYSCHEDULE

7:30am CALcampusopens7:30amto7:50am Breakfast(Studentsmustbeinlineby7:50amtobeserved)7:50am StudentsLine-upforClass8:00am SchoolInstructionBegins3:00pm–3:15pm DismissalandPick-upTime3:00pm–6:00pm AfterschoolProgram

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Childrennotbeingtransportedtoanyoftheafterschoolprogramsmustbepickedupbytheirparentordesigneepriorto3:15pm.FIRSTDAYADMITTANCEOftenthefirstdayofschoolcanbestressfulforbothstudentsandparents.Wewanttoencouragetheindependenceofeachchild,butatthesametimedonotwanttoignoretheemotionsofthechild.Weencourageyoutodoeverythingpossibletohelpyourchildfeelcomfortableinhis/hernewenvironment,butalsotorecognizethatsometimesthebestthingforyoutodoistoleaveandallowtheclassroomteacherandotherstudentstobegintheteambuildingprocess.

EMERGENCYCARDEveryfamilyneedstofilloutanemergencycardforeachstudenteveryschoolyearbeforeclassesbegin.Thesemustbeturnedintothemainoffice.VeryImportant!Pleasefilloutthenewemergencycardforthe2017-2018schoolyear.

• Homeaddress• Hometelephonenumber• Cellphonenumber• Doctor’sphonenumber• Peopleauthorizedtobecontactedincaseofanemergency• Telephonenumberofpeopletobecontactedincaseofemergency• Peopleauthorizedtopickupyourchildfromschool

ARRIVALStudentscanarriveasearlyas7:30am.Thereisnosupervisionbeforethattime.Pleasemakesurethatyourchild/childrenentertheschoolgroundssafely.Remindyourchild/childrentogoimmediatelytotheschoolcourtyard.

DISMISSALTheinstructionaldayendsat3:00pm.Atdismissaltime,studentsmustbepickedup,gototheirafter-schoolprogram,ormaywalkhome.Pleaseobservethepick-upproceduresforwalkingadultsandcarssothepick-upprocesscanbeasafeoneforeveryone.Walkingadultswalktotheinsideoftheconesandcarsdriveontheplaygroundsideofthecones.EMERGENCYRELEASEFROMSCHOOLIncaseofanemergency,duringtheschooldayyourchildwillonlybereleasedintothecustodyofthosepeoplewhoyouhavepreviouslyidentifiedontheemergencycard(proofofidentitymayberequired):ThoseNOTidentifiedontheemergencycardcanonlypickupachildiftheparentorguardianhassentahandwrittenandsignednotetotheschoolnotifyingtheschoolofthisperson’sidentityandproofofidentificationisprovided.

LEAVINGTHESCHOOLDURINGTHEDAYToavoidinterruptiontotheinstructionalday,weaskparentstoscheduleanyappointmentsoutsideofregularschoolhours.However,ifyoumustpickyourchildupearlyforanappointmentduringtheday,pleasesendanotetotheclassroomteacherornotifytheoffice.Inordertoreceiveattendancecredit

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fortheday,studentsmustremaininclassuntil9:30am.Studentswillnotbereleasedforearlydismissal15minutespriortodismissaltimeunlesspreviousarrangementshavebeenmadewiththeteacherand/ortheoffice.Whenpickingupstudentsearly,theparentorauthorizedadultwillbeaskedtocompleteanearlydismissalformandtheofficewillnotifytheclassroomtosendthestudenttotheofficefordeparture.Parentswillnotbeallowedtoentertheclassroombeforetheclasshasbeendismissedwithoutpriorapprovalfromtheteacherortheoffice.

MEALPROGRAMCALnotifiesparentsandguardiansthatthestateprovidesfree,orreducedpriced,nutritionallyadequatemealsforchildrenbasedonthefamilyincome.Applicationsareavailableintheoffice.Onlystudentsmayparticipateinthisprogram.MEALAPPLICATIONEveryfamilymustfilloutamealapplicationandreturnittotheofficebeforeclassesbegin.Afterprocessingtheform,parentswillbeinformediftheirchildiseligibleforafree,reducedorfullpricemeal.CALservesbreakfastfrom7:30amto7:50am.Lunchisservedbetween12:00and1:50pm.Inordertoinsurethatwehavesufficientfoodinhandforourstudents,breakfastandlunchisreservedforstudentsthatattendCALandnotavailabletochildrenthatdonotattend.Foodmaynotbetakenoutofthecafeteriaunlessspecialarrangementshavebeenmade.HALLPASSESStudentsmusthaveahallpassatalltimeswhenastudentisoutsideofclassduringtheacademicschoolday.VISITINGTHESCHOOLParentsareencouragedtomakeregularvisitsandtovolunteeratCAL.Inordertomonitortrafficandpromotesafetyattheschool,itisimportantthatyousign-inwhenyouvisittheschoolandthatyouwearyourbadgethatisissuedbytheoffice.Allschoolvisitors,includingparents,mustsigninandwearavisitor’sbadge.AllindividualsvolunteeringwherechildrenarepresentmusthaveavalidTBtestonfile.PLEASENOTE:Parentsandvisitorsarenotallowedinthebreakfast/lunchpavilion.Thisareaisforstudentsandstaffonly.STANDARDIZEDTESTINGEachyeartheCaliforniaStandardsTestScience(CST)andtheCaliforniaAssessmentofStudentPerformance&Progress(CAASPP)testsforEnglishandMathareadministered.OnlyGrade5willtaketheCSTSciencetest.AllStudentsingrades3-5willtaketheCAASPPtest.Thesetestsaregiveninthespring,usuallyaroundearlyApril.Moreinformationregardingstandardizedtestingwillbeprovidedtoparentsthroughouttheyear.Youcanhelpbymakingsureyourchild/children:

• Haveagoodnight’srest• Arrivetoschoolontime• Eatahealthybreakfast• Avoidabsences

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• Learnsbasiccomputerskills• Areencouragedtodotheirbest

SPECIALEDUCATIONCenterforAdvancedLearning’sprogramisbasedonaninclusivephilosophyandmodelthatfocusesonpreventinglearningdeficitsandcomprehensivelyservingstudentswithdisabilities.

FIELDTRIPSFieldTripsareanimportantwaytocomplementyourchild’sCALeducation.Theyofferexperiencesthatreinforceandextendclassroomlearning.Inordertoparticipateonafieldtrip,allstudentsmusthaveacompletedpermissionslipwithaparentsignatureintwo(2)places.Tripslipswillbesenthomebeforethetripandmustbefilledoutbyaparentorlegalguardian.Volunteerchaperonesmustbeapprovedbytheteacherbeforethetrip,be18yearsofageorolder,andarenotallowedtobringotherchildrenonthetrip.PleaseNote:Parentsareneededtoassisttheteacherswiththesupervisionofstudents.Weneedtocallattentiontothefollowingnecessaryguidelinesforparentswhocanvolunteerforafieldtrip:*Parentsarenotallowedtobringotherchildrenfromthefamilyorfromotherclassroomswiththem*Parentswhodriveseparatelymustpaytheirownadmission.TEXTBOOKS/SCHOOLMATERIALSStudentswillbeissuedbooksandmaterialsnecessaryforclassroominstruction.Thesebooksbecometheresponsibilityofthestudent.Theparentsmustreplacedamagedorlostbooks.STUDENTTELEPHONEUSETheofficephoneisforuseinanemergencyonly.Leavinglunchormoneyathomeorarrangingforaridedoesnotconstituteanemergency.However,ifthereisaspecialneedorproblem,permissiontousethephonemaybegrantedfromanadministratoronly.Studentswillnotbecalledoutofclasstoreceivetelephonecalls.Emergencyphonemessageswillbedeliveredtoastudent’sclass.NOPETSONCAMPUSPetsarenotallowedoncampus.LOSTANDFOUNDANYITEMSFOUNDONCAMPUSSHOULDBETAKENTOTHELOSTANDFOUNDINTHEMAINOFFICE.Itemsfoundoncampusbelongtosomeoneelseandnottothepersonwhofoundit.CheckforlostitemsintheMAINOFFICE.Thelostandfoundwillbecleanedoutevery2weeks.Itemsnotclaimedwillbedonatedordiscarded.Allitemsbroughttoschoolshouldbeclearlylabeledwiththechild’sname.SUBSTITUTESIntheeventthatateacherisabsent,everyeffortwillbemadetofindasubstituteteacher.Ifasubstituteteacherisnotavailable,thestudentswillbedisbursedtootherclassroomsfortheday.

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NON-SCHOOLRELATEDPROPERTYPersonalpropertynotrelatedtotheschool’sprogramsshouldnotbebroughttoschool,andmaybeconfiscatedbystaff.Examplesarewalkman’s,cd’s,cellularphones,cardcollections,marbles,toys,portablesoundsystems,videogamesystems,videogames,etc.Ifyouarenotsureaboutanyotheritems,pleaseask.CALisnotresponsibleforanyabove-mentionedpersonalpropertyandothersimilaritemsbroughtoncampus.Anyitemslostorstolenwillnotbeinvestigated.Confiscatedpersonalpropertiesmayrequireaparenttocomeinforconferenceandretrieval.BIRTHDAYSIfyouwouldliketocelebrateyourchild’sbirthdayduringschool,pleasecontactyourchild’steacherinadvancetomakearrangements.Partiescanonlyoccurduringthelast15minutesoftheschoolday.Ifyouareplanningtohaveabirthdaypartyathome,pleasemakearrangementsoutsideofschool.

PARKINGWewouldliketomaximizetheamountofoutsidespaceforourchildren.Therefore,pleaseusestreetparkingwhenvisitingthecampus.

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CHAPTER2:

STATEANDFEDERALMANDATES

CHILDABUSEREPORTINGPOLICYStatelawrequiresallschoolemployeestoreportsuspectedcasesofchildabuse.Employeesoftheschoolare not allowed to call or contact parents to investigate thismatter. The law specifically states that allinvestigationsshallbeconductedbytheappropriateagency’spersonnel. AllstaffwillabidebytheStatelawandDistrictpolicyinreportingthesecases.NON-DISCRIMINATIONSTATEMENTCenterforAdvancedLearningiscommittedtoprovidingaworkingandlearningenvironmentthatisfreefrom discrimination and harassment based on an individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender, genderidentity,genderexpression,ethnicgroup identification, race,ancestry,nationalorigin, religion,color,ormental or physical disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, orregulation.HarassmentunderTitleIX(sex),TitleVI(race,color,ornationalorigin),andSection504andTitle II of theADA (mental or physical disability) is a form of unlawful discrimination thatwill not betoleratedbyCAL.Harassmentisintimidationorabusivebehaviortowardastudent/employeethatcreatesahostileenvironment,andthatcanresultindisciplinaryactionagainsttheoffendingstudentoremployee.Harassing conduct can take many forms, including verbal acts and name-calling, graphic and writtenstatements,orconductthatisphysicallythreateningorhumiliating.

Any inquiries regarding this nondiscrimination policy or the filing of discrimination/harassmentcomplaintsmaybedirectedtotheprincipal.

SEXUALHARASSMENTPOLICYCenter forAdvancedLearning is committed tomaintaining aworking and learning environment that isfree from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment of or by employees or students is a form of genderdiscriminationinthatitconstitutesdifferentialtreatmentonthebasisofsex,sexualorientation,orgender,and, forthatreason, isaviolationofstateandfederal lawsandaviolationofthispolicy. CALconsiderssexualharassmenttobeamajoroffensewhichcanresultindisciplinaryactiontotheoffendingemployeeorthesuspensionorexpulsionoftheoffendingstudentingradesfourtofive.Suspensionorexpulsionasadisciplinaryconsequence for sexualharassment shallnotapply to studentsenrolled inkindergartenandgradesonethroughthree.

AnystudentoremployeeofCenterforAdvancedLearningwhobelievesthatsheorhehasbeenavictimofsexual harassment shall bring the problem to the attention of the School Director so that appropriateactionmaybetakentoresolvetheproblem.CALprohibitsretaliatorybehavioragainstanyonewhofilesasexual harassment complaint or any participant in the complaint investigation process. Any suchcomplaint is further advised that civil law remediesmay also be available to them. Complaintswill bepromptlyinvestigatedinawaythatrespectstheprivacyofthepartiesconcerned.

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CHAPTER3

THEPARENTAGREEMENTFamiliesarekeymembersoftheCenterforAdvancedLearningschoolcommunity.Theyarevitaltochildren’ssuccessandwell-being.Westrivetoincludeallparentsasvitalparticipantsinthedailylifeoftheschoolandasthemostimportantsupportersoftheirchildren’seducationathome.Webelievethatbycollaborativelysupportingtheeducationoftheirchildren,familiesandschoolstogethercanaccomplishmuchmorethaneithergroupcanalone.BelowaresuggestedwaysthatparentscanprovidesupporttoCAL:

• Adheringtotheschool’sattendancepolicy

• Providingacademicandbehavioralsupport

• Supportingandadheringtotheschool’sdisciplinepolicy

• Adheringtotheschool’suniformpolicy

• Attendingandparticipatingatmonthlyparentmeetings

• VolunteeringAparent’sfailureorinabilitytovolunteerorattendparentmeetings,ordecisionnottovolunteerorattendparentmeetings,doesnotimpactthestudent’sadmission,enrollment,orreceiptofanycreditorprivilegesrelatedtoeducationalactivities.ATTENDANCERegularattendanceisthemostimportantwayparentscansupporttheirchild’ssuccessinschool.Parentsshouldmakeeveryefforttohavetheirchildreninschoolontimeeveryday.Itishighlyrecommendedthatappointmentsbescheduledafterschoolhours.Excusedabsencesareabsenceswhenachildhasamedical,legal,ordentalappointmentoradeathinthefamily.PLEASENOTE,THISISVERYIMPORTANT:IFYOURCHILDISABSENTORGOINGTOBEABSENT–PLEASEEITHERCALLTHESCHOOLORWRITEANDSENDANOTEWITHYOURCHILDWHENTHEYRETURNTOSCHOOL,NOTIFYINGTHESCHOOLOFTHEREASONFORTHEABSENCE.

ABSENCEPOLICYTherewillbealimittothenumberofunexcusedabsencesallowed.Achildisconsideredabsentwhensheorheisnotinschool.

Excusedabsencesareabsenceswhereastudenthasmedical,legal,dentalappointmentsoradeathinthefamily.Allabsencesrequireappropriatedocumentation,i.e.,notefromdoctorormedicalfacility,courtdocuments,etc.

ABSENCEPOLICY&CONSEQUENCECHART

Absence# Consequence3 Unexcused–OfficialNotice6 Unexcused-InterventionConferencewiththeTeacher,Attendance

SpecialistandParent/Guardian12 RefertoSchoolAttendanceandReviewBoard

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TARDYPOLICYTherewillbealimittothenumberofunexcusedtardiesallowed.Achildisconsideredtardywhens/heislate(after8:00am)toschoolorclass.Wheneverachildentersaclassroomlate,itdisruptsclassandtheymissacrucialportionoftheirinstructionalday.Parentsshouldmakeeveryefforttogettheirchildtoschoolontime.Tardinessisexcusedifastudenthasamedical,dental,legalappointmentortherehasbeenadeathinthefamily.Anexcusedtardyrequiresappropriatedocumentation,(i.e.,notefromdoctorormedicalfacility,courtdocuments,etc.)Afterthreetardies,parentswillreceiveofficialnoticeandaninterventionconferencewillbescheduled.

TARDYPOLICY&CONSEQUENCECHART

Tardy# Consequence

1-3 Unexcused–OfficialHomeNoticesenton3rdone,pluscontinuingteacherdiscretion.

4-6 Unexcused–Onthe6thone,OfficialHomeNotice,andInterventionConferencew/teacher,parent/guardian,andAttendanceSpecialist.

7-9 Unexcused–OfficialSchoolAttendanceReviewBoardNoticesentonthe9thone,plusanyoftheabovementionedconsequences

10-12 RefertoSchoolAttendanceReviewBoard

Althoughatardyhasbeenexcused,itisimportantforHomeandSchooltocommunicateandsupportthestudentinmakingupmissedassignments.Allstudentsareexpectedtoarrivetoschoolontime.Schoolbeginsat8:00am.Wheneverachildentersaclassroomlate,itdisruptstheentireclass.Pleasetrytoavoidthis.Parentsandstudentsretaindueprocessandappealsrightsfordismissals/expulsionsresultingfromnon-compliancewiththeabsenceandtardinesspolicies.Additionally,CALadherestotheprovisionsofthefederalMcKinney-VentoHomelessAssistanceAct andensuresthateachchildofahomelessindividualandeachhomelessyouthhaveequalaccesstothesamefree,appropriatepubliceducationasprovidedtootherchildrenandyouths.Copiesoftheappealprocessareavailableintheschooloffice.

ATTENDANCERECOGNITIONANDAWARDSEachmonth,theclasswiththebestattendanceforthepreviousmonthwillreceivespecialrecognition.Attheendofeachtrimester,studentswhohaveperfectattendanceandpunctualitywillreceiveaspecialawardandbeinvitedtoaspecialpartyand/orevent.TRUANCYEducationCode48260statesthatanypupilsubjecttocompulsoryfull-timeeducationwhoisabsentfromschoolwithoutvalidexcusethreefulldaysinoneschoolyearortardyorabsentformorethanany30-minuteperiodduringtheschooldaywithoutavalidexcuseonthreeoccasionsinoneschoolyear,oranycombinationthereof,isatruantandshallbereportedtotheschoolprincipal.PROVIDINGACADEMICANDBEHAVIORALSUPPORTYourchild’ssuccessatCALbeginswithyou!Itisveryimportantthatallstudentscometoschoolreadytolearn.Childrenwhoarereadytolearncometoschool:

• Ontime

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• Rested• Fed• Inuniform• Withgoodhygiene(hairwashedandcombed,teethbrushed,overallcleanandneat

appearance)Atdifferenttimesthroughouttheyear,staffatCALmaymakerecommendationsregardingthewelfareofyourchild.Theserecommendationsaremadewithcarefulthoughtandwiththebestinterestsofyourchildinmind.Forexample,theteachermaynoticethatyourchildissquintingatthechalkboardandwouldthereforerecommendyourchild’svisionbetested.Itisimperativethatyoutaketheserecommendationsseriouslyandfollowthemtothebestofyourability.Anydifficultyinfollowingthroughwiththerecommendationsshouldbecommunicatedtotheschoolassoonaspossible.HOMEWORKPOLICYThestaffofCALbelievesthathomeworkisanintegralpartofourinstructionalprogram.Itisavaluableextensionofourclassroomteachingandshouldreinforce,extendorenrichtheconceptsthatourstudentshavebeentaughtinclass.Studentswillbeexpectedtoturninallhomeworkassignmentsinaneatandlegiblemanner.Youcanhelpyourson/daughterbybeingawareofwhattypeofworkisbeingsenthomeandbylookingovertheassignmentswhencompleted.Homeworkisassignedinallgradestoreinforcethoseskillstaughtduringtheschoolday.Acopyofthehomeworkpolicyisincludedbelow.Weseekyourcooperation.Eachstudentshouldattempttocompletethehomeworkindependently,butmayneedassistance.Ifachildneedsassistance,pleasedonotdothehomeworkforhim/her.Asaparent,pleaseguideyourchildren,allowingthemeveryopportunitytodotheirownwork.CONCERNS

(1) Ifyounoticethatyourchild’shomeworkisconsistentlytoodifficult,pleaselettheteacherknow.Homeworkshouldbechallenging,butnotimpossible!

(2) Ifyouareunabletoassistyourchildwithhomework,makesuretoseekoutalternativesupportforyourchildthroughafterschoolortutorialprograms.

(3) Ifthereisaproblemwithhavingtheappropriatesuppliesathome,contactyourchild’steacher.Wehaveattemptedtoestablishguidelinesregardingfrequencyofhomework,expectedtimeforcompletionanddegreeofparentalsupervisionneeded.Wealsorecognizetheneedforsomeflexibilityduetoindividualdifferencesandcircumstancesthatmayaffectchildren.GradeLevelsMinimumFrequencyperWeekandAmountofTimeRequiredKindergarten:Mondays–Thursdays(15to20minutes)1stand2ndGrades:Mondays–Thursdays(30to45minutes)3rdand4thGrades:Mondays–Thursdays(45–60minutes)5thGrade:Mondays–Thursdays(1–2hours)WAYSTOASSISTANDMONITORHOMEWORKLookingoveryourchild’sschoolworkgivesyouanopportunitytolearnwhatisbeingtaughtinyourchild’sclassroomandtospendqualitytimewithyourchild.Herearesometipstomakethemostofthisexperience:

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• Sitdownwithyourchildandgivehim/heryourfullattention.Turnoffthetelevisionanddonot

allowinterruptionsduringthisspecialtime.• Establisharegularquietplaceandtimeforhomeworkcanhelpyourchild/childrendevelopgood

studyhabitsthatcanlastalifetime.• Askyourchildtotellyouabouttheworkashe/sheshowsyouschoolpapers.Askyourchildto

pointouthis/herfavoriteandleastlikedkindsofschoolwork.• Askyourchildtoshowyouwhatwasmostandleastdifficultforhim/her.Donotcorrectyour

child’serrors,he/shemaydiscardless-than-perfectpapersandbereluctanttoshareschoolworkwithyou.

• Letyourchildchooseafewsamplesofhis/herschoolworktodisplayonabulletinboardortherefrigerator,ortopasteinascrapbook.Aninexpensivephotoalbumwithclear“magnetic”pagesworkswellforthis.Ifyouhavefarawayfriendsandrelatives,haveyourchildselectasampleofhis/herschoolworktomailtothem.Sendingsamplesofschoolworkisaquickandeasywaytostayintouchwithlong-distancerelatives.Italsohelpsyourchildtakeprideinhis/herwork.Goingoverschoolworkwithyourchilddemonstratesthatyouthinkschoolisimportantandthatyouvalueyourchild’seffortsatschool.

DISCIPLINEPOLICYOurgoalistoprovideanatmosphereandlearningenvironmentthatissafe,supportiveandnurturingforeachstudent.Allstudentshavearighttolearnwhileattendingasafeschool.Assuch,disciplineisanecessarypartofschoollifeandgooddisciplineisbasedonanagreementbetweentheschoolandparentsaboutwhatisexpectedofourchildren.Therearestrictbehaviorexpectations,whichincludenohitting,kicking,biting,scratchingand/orfighting.Also,appropriatelanguagemustbeusedatalltimes.Respectwhenspeakingtoteachers,studentsandanyadultismandatory.CenterforAdvancedLearningutilizestheSettingLimitsProgrambyRobertMacKenzieasthebasisforschool-wideguidanceanddisciplineplan.TheSettingLimitsProgramisdedicatedtoprovidingallchildrenwiththeclear,firm,andrespectfulguidancetheyneedtobecomecooperative,responsible,andproductivemembersoftheirschoolcommunity.Itisacurriculumforteachingthelessonsofclassroommanagementandschool-wideguidanceanddiscipline.Theemphasisisonteacherandlearning,notpunishment.Rulesandstandardsforacceptablebehavioraretaughtlikeanyothersubject–withclarity,firmness,consistencyamongstaffandacrossgradelevels,andrespectforallstudents.Thecorecomponentsoftheprogramcanbesummarizedinthreebasicsteps:DISCIPLINEPOLICY

1. Communicatingclear,firmmessagesaboutourrules,expectations,andstandardsforacceptablebehavior.

2. Supportingandenforcingruleswithinstructivelogicalconsequencesthataredesignedtoteach,notpunish.

3. Providingadditionalsupportandtrainingopportunitiesforstudentswhoneedmoretimeandpracticetolearnrulesandmastertheskillsforacceptablebehavior.

TheSettingLimitsProgramisuniquebecauseitincorporatescurrentresearchonchildren’stemperamentsandlearningstyleswithprovenguidancepracticesthatbalancefirmnesswithrespect.Studentbehaviorsaredealtwithonthreelevels:Low-LevelRepetitiveMisbehaviorsaredealtwithintheclassroomwithlimitsandconsequencesdeterminedbytheteacher.Mid-LevelMisbehaviorsaredisruptivebehaviorswillbedealtwithbytheteacherandmayrequireback-up

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supportfromparents.IntensiveLevelinterventionsarerequiredwhenstudentscontinuetomisbehaveinStage1andStage2time-outs.Thesebehaviorswillinvolveteachers,parents,andadministration.

BasicClassroomRules

• Cooperatewithyourteacherandclassmates.• Respecttherightsandpropertyofothers.• Carryoutyourbasicstudentresponsibilities.

Note:Morespecificclassroomrulesarepostedineachclassroom

LogicalConsequences

AbuseIt,LoseItTemporaryLossofPrivileges,Equipment,Items,Activities

IncompleteWork

FinishatLunchorAfterSchool

WastingInstructionalTimeMakeTimeUpatLunchorAfterSchool

TalkingDuringInstruction

SeparationfromGroupStage1Time-Out

DisrespectfulBehaviorSeparationfromGroupStage1Time-Out

FailuretoMasterSkills

RecessAcademytoPracticeProceduresandRoutines• LiningUpEntering• ExitingtheRoom• WalkingInsteadofRunning• RaisingaQuietHand

Time-OutConsequencesforDisruptiveBehavior

Stage1–IntheClassroom

• 5minutesatTime-OutArea(K-3)• 10minutesatTime-OutArea(4-5)

Stage2–InanotherClassroom• 10Minutes(K-3)• 20Minutes(4-5)

ContinuedMisbehaviorinStage1Time-OutWillResultinStage2TimeOut

WhenDisruptiveBehaviorsInterferewiththeTeachingandLearningProcess• DisrespectfulBehavior• DefiantBehavior• HurtfulBehavior• AggressiveBehavior• PersistentLimitTesting/Arguing

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PlaygroundRules

• Walktoandfromtheplayground.• Cooperatewiththeyarddutysupervisorsandplaymates.• Followtherulesandsafetyguidelinesforgamesandequipment.• Askforhelpfromtheyarddutysupervisorwhenneeded.• Reportunsafebehaviortotheyarddutysupervisor.

LogicalConsequencesforthePlayground

MisuseorAbuseofPlaygroundEquipment

TemporaryLossofthePrivilegeofUsingthatEquipment

FailuretoPlayaGamebytheRulesLossofPrivilegeofPlayingthatGameforthatRecess(FindanotherGametoPlay)

FailuretoCooperateorGetAlongwithOthers

SeparatetheKids(PlayApart)

AntagonisticorDisrespectfulBehaviorLossofRecessPrivilegeforthatRecess(SitontheBench)

ProfanityorUnacceptableLanguage

LossofRecessPrivilegeforthatRecess(SitontheBench)

RoughPlayorUnsafeBehaviorLossofRecessPrivilegeforthatRecess(SitontheBench)

DefianceofYardDutySupervisors

LossofRecessPrivilegeforthatRecess,NotifyTeacher,and/orPossibleReferraltotheOffice

AssaultiveBehavior(Hitting,Kicking,etc.)ReferraltoOfficeforAppropriateAction

RepeatedViolationofPlaygroundRules

LossofRecessPrivilegeforLongerPeriodsDeterminedbyClassroomTeacherorAdministratorsPreventingBullyingatSchool:CenterforAdvancedLearninghasabullyingpreventionprogramthatteachesfourcomponents:

1. Standupforsomeonewhoisbullied:Inastrongvoice,askthebullyto“Stop!”2. Don’tleaveanyoneout3. Askyourteacherandparentforhelp4. Everyonehastherighttofeelsafeatschool.

RulesfortheLunchroom

• Sitwithyourclass.• Useanindoorvoice.• Raiseyourhandifyouneedhelporpermissiontousethebathroom.• Remainseateduntildismissedbytheadultsincharge.• Cleanupyourareaandthrowawayyourtrash.

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• Useappropriateandrespectfulbehavior.• Nocarbonateddrinksorsodas(HealthyKid).

LogicalConsequencesfortheLunchroom

UseofDisruptiveOutdoorVoices

PracticeEatingQuietlyattheQuietTable

InappropriateorDisrespectfulBehaviorPracticeEatingAppropriatelyattheQuietTable

ContinuedMisbehaviorattheQuietTableEndLunchandSitinanotherQuietArea(Office)

RepeatedMisbehaviorintheLunchroom

ReferraltoClassroomTeacherforReviewofRulesandFurtherTrainingPracticeEatingAppropriatelyattheQuietTableforaWeek

FailuretoImproveLunchroomBehaviorafteraMonthofPracticeSuspensionofLunchroomPrivilegesforaWeek

RefertoParentsforFurtherTrainingRewardsforGoodBehavior:ByfollowingtheRulesofRespectandtheguidelinesinSettingLimits,studentscanberewardeda“CaughtYouDoingGood”ticketbyanystaffmember.Therewillbeamonthlyticketdrawingandanopportunitytochooseasurpriseoutoftheprincipal’sawardsbox.RewardsforAcademics,Citizenship,Effort,and“TeacherChoice”:Principalawardsarepresentedmonthlybasedonteacherrecommendation.Eachclassroomwilldevelopandimplementaspecificmanagementplanwithclearexpectationsandconsequences.Theplanistaughttostudentsandcommunicatedtoparentsinmailingsanddiscussions.Examplesofinappropriatebehaviorincludenotfollowingdirections,lying,pushing,misusingequipment,rudetalk,tripping,runninginclassandhallways,hitting,eatinginclass,disobedience,inappropriatetouching,littering,teasing,spitting,chewinggum,playfighting,playwrestling,andfighting.Parentsandhomelifeareanimportantinfluenceinshapingthecharacterandattitudesofchildren.Therearemanywaysthatparentscanworkwiththeschooltoimprovebehavior,bothathomeandschool.Sometipsthatmightbehelpfulinclude:

1. Modelingandteachinggoodmannersathome,includingusingpoliteandcourteouslanguage.2. Takingtimetotalkwithchildrenregularly.Achildwhocaneffectivelycommunicatehis/herneeds

andissuesislesslikelytotrytocommunicatethroughphysicalforce.3. Supportingtheschool’spolicyindiscussionswithyourchild.Ifyouarefrustratedanddemonstrate

disrespectfortheschool’spolicies,itislikelythatyourchild/childrenwillalso.4. Seriouslyaddressingproblembehaviorsthatarereportedbytheschool.Considerremoving

telephone,videogame,televisionandotherprivilegesfromchildrenafterexperiencingschoolproblems.Theseactionswilldemonstrateyoursupportfortheschoolanddiscouragetheproblembehaviorsfromrecurring.

5. Takingtimetodiscusstheimportanceofdisciplinewithyourchild/childrenregularly.Becomemoredisciplinedinachallengeareaforyourself,(i.e.,dieting,exercising,speakingasecondlanguage)andtalkaboutyourprogress/challengeswithyourchild/children.

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Parentsandteacherswillworktogethertoteachrespect,responsibility,safety,andqualitywillcharacterizeallbehavior,relationships,andworkhabits.Parentsandteacherswillinform,teach,andreinforcetheexpectationstoourchildrenathomeandintheclassroomrespectively.Theteacherhasprimaryresponsibilityfordeterminingandimplementingappropriaterewardsandconsequencesforacceptableandunacceptablebehavior.Dependingonthesituationstudentswhoviolatetheacceptablebehaviorexpectationsmayreceive:

1. Verbalwarning,2. Lossofprivileges,3. Anoticetoparents,ora4. Conferencewithstudent/parent.

OfficeReferraltotheprincipal

GROUNDSFORSUSPENSIONANDEXPULSION-Tohelpyouunderstandthecodesthatschoolsfollow,thesuspensionandexpulsioninformationisincludedbelow.Apupilmaybesuspended,andpossiblyrecommendedforexpulsion,ifitisdeterminedbytheprincipalthathe/shehascommittedoneormoreofthefollowingacts:

• Caused/attemptedtocause,orthreatenedtocausephysicalinjurytoanotherperson(includingfacultyandstaff);

• Willfullyusedforceorviolenceuponanotherperson,exceptinself-defense;• Unlawfullypossessed,used,orbeenundertheinfluenceofanycontrolledsubstance,analcoholic

beverage,oranintoxicantofanykind;• Unlawfullyoffered,arranged,ornegotiatedtosellanycontrolledsubstance,analcoholicbeverage,

oranintoxicantofanykind;• Committedorattemptedtocommitrobberyorextortion;• Causedorattemptedtocausedamagetoschoolpropertyorprivateproperty;• Stoleorattemptedtostealschoolpropertyorprivateproperty;• Possessedorusedtobacco,oranyproductscontainingtobaccoornicotineproducts;• Committedanobsceneactorengagedinhabitualprofanityorvulgarity;• Unlawfullypossessedorunlawfullyoffered,arrangedornegotiatedtosellanydrugparaphernalia;• Knowinglyreceivedstolenschoolpropertyorprivateproperty;• Possessedanimitationfirearm;• Harassed,threatenedorintimidatedapupilwhoisacomplainingwitnessorawitnessinaschool

disciplinaryproceedingforthepurposeofeitherpreventingthatpupilfrombeingawitnessorretaliatingagainstthatpupilforbeingawitness,orboth;

• Unlawfullyoffered,arrangedtosell,negotiatedtosell,orsoldprescriptiondrugs;• Engagedin,orattemptedtoengagein,hazing;• Committedsexualharassment(notapplicableforstudentsingradesTK-3);• Engagedinanactofbullyingorcyber-bullying;• Aidingorabettingtheinflictionorattemptedinflictionofphysicalinjurytoanotherperson;• Caused,attemptedtocause,threatenedtocause,orparticipatedinanactofhateviolence;• Intentionallyengagedinharassment,threatsorintimidation,directedagainstschoolpersonnelor

pupils,thatissufficientlysevereorpervasivetohavetheactualandreasonablyexpectedeffectofmateriallydisruptingclasswork,creatingsubstantialdisorder,andinvadingtherightsofeitherschoolpersonnelorpupilsbycreatinganintimidatingorhostileacademicenvironment(notapplicableforstudentsingradesTK-3);

• Madeterroristicthreatsagainstschoolofficialsorschoolproperty,orboth;or• Possessed,sold,orotherwisefurnishedanyknife

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TheGoverningBoardofCenterforAdvancedLearningbelievesthatthepresenceofdrugsamongstudentsisdetrimentaltotheSchool'sgoalofprovidingstudentswithasafelearningenvironment.Forthisreason,itisthepolicyoftheSchoolthatstudentswhopossessorusedrugswillberecommendedforexpulsionbytheDirectororschooladministratorresponsiblefortherecommendation. VIOLENCEUndernocircumstanceswillviolenceoncampusbetolerated.Actsofintimidation,extortion,harassmentorphysicalattacksonstudents,schoolpersonnel,orotherauthorizedpersonsoncampuswillnotbecondonedorexcused.Achildpossessinganyweapon,whetherrealortoy,willbesuspendedand/orrecommendedforexpulsion.Itisafederalmandatethataschoolexpel,foraperiodofnotlessthanoneyearanystudentwhoisdeterminedtohavebroughtafirearmtoschool.Inaddition,studentswillimmediatelybesuspendedandrecommendedforexpulsionwhenanyofthefollowingoccurattheschoolorataschoolactivityoffcampus:

• Possessing,selling,orfurnishingafirearm.• Brandishingaknifeatanotherperson.• Committingorattemptingtocommitasexualassaultorcommittingasexualbattery(as

definedinSection48900[n]).• Possessionofanexplosive(asdefinedinsection921ofTitle18oftheU.S.Code).

STUDENTSUPPORTTEAM(SST)Whenachildishavingongoingbehavioraloracademicproblems,theparentorteachermayrequestthattherebeareviewofthestudent’schallengesbyconveningaStudentSupportTeam.TheStudentSupportTeam(SST)mayconsistofthefollowingmembers:

• Parentorguardianofstudentreferred• Theteacherofstudentreferred• AnAdministrator• Counselor,psychologist,orspecialist• Student(whenappropriate)

Thisteamwillberesponsibleforthefollowingactions:• Developa“SupportPlan”• MeetoncemonthfollowingfirstmeetingtocheckprogressofSupportPlan• MakeanynecessarychangestoSupportPlantoensuregreatersuccess• Documentallmeetings,discussionsandprogressofthestudent

ASupportPlanmayassistbydevelopingthefollowing:• Asummaryofdemonstratedbehaviorsbystudentthatnecessitatesthisdegreeofsupport;• Summaryofanyactionsalreadytakenbyteacher,parent,orotherstafftoaddresstheneedsof

thestudent;• Descriptionofnewactionstobetakeninordertoaddressthespecificsituation;• One-pageagreementtobeagreedandsignedbyallconcernedparties.

Somepossiblesupportactionsaredaily,weekly,ormonthlycontracts,restrictionfrombeforeorafterschoolactivities,familyand/orstudentcounseling,half-dayschedule,andjournaling.IMPLEMENTATIONFairandconsistentjudgmentanddecision-makingbyallstaffiscrucialtotheenforcementofthedisciplinepolicy.Therefore,allstaffwillbeevaluatedregularlyinrelationtotheirrolesintheimplementationofthedisciplinepolicy.

UNIFORMPOLICY

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Uniformsaretobeworndaily.CALuniformcolorsarehuntergreenandkhaki.Uniformsareexpectedtobecleanandneatonadailybasis.Ifthereisaproblem,kindlynotifytheofficeforassistance.Nostudentshallbesenthomefromschoolordeniedattendancetoschool,orpenalizedacademicallyorotherwisediscriminatedagainst,fornoncompliancewiththisuniformpolicy.However,anystudentwhoarrivesatschoolinnonconformingclotheswillbeprovidedwithconformingclothingfortheday.Studentsorparentsrequestinganexemptionfromanyprovisionofthispolicyforreligiousorotherreasonsshouldcontacttheschoolofficedirectly.UNIFORM

• Huntergreenpoloshirt• Khakilongpants• Khakiknee-lengthshorts• Khakiknee-lengthorlongerskirtsforgirls• Blackshoeswithflat,rubbersoles,noopentoeshoes• HunterGreensweaterorjacket

DISALLOWEDSweats,jeans,cargopants,offensivelogos,language,andinsignia,platformshoes,halter-tops,attireexposingmidriffs,cut-offtops,baseballcaps(unlesswornduringhotconditionsormedicallynecessary),bandanasVolunteering:EveryonevolunteeringwherechildrenarepresentmusthaveTBverification.Volunteershelptocreatethestrongestpossiblepartnershipbetweenhomeandschoolwiththeultimategoalofincreasingstudentachievement.Theintentofvolunteeringistohaveparents/guardiansmaintainahighlevelofawarenessandinvolvementintheeducationoftheirchild/children.Notallvolunteeringhastotakeplaceattheschoolsite,orduringschoolhours.Allmeetingsandschooleventscountasvolunteertime.Volunteeringisoptionalandnotrequired.PleaseNote:Parentswhowishtovolunteershouldfirstcalltheofficeandsetupatimeandplacewherehe/shecanvolunteer.Werealizethatworkschedulesandothercommitmentsmaypreventparentsfromvolunteeringasmuchastheywouldliketo.TherearevariouswaystovolunteerhereatCAL!Pleasecontacttheofficeformorevolunteeropportunities.Rememberthateachfamilymembermustsign–inandoutattheschooloffice.PARENTMEETINGSParentmeetingsareheldonceamonth.Yourattendanceatthesemeetingsishighlyrecommended.Thesemeetingsareanimportanttimeforparentsandstaffmemberstocommunicateandplanwitheachother.Pleaseremembertosign-inatallparentmeetingssothatweknowaboutyourattendance!SCHOOLGOVERNANCE/REPRESENTATIONParticipationingovernance(board)meetingcountsasvolunteertime.Parentshavetheoptionofrepresentingtheschoolatofficialfunctions,attendingparenttraining,orassistingintheclassroom.PERSONALDEVELOPMENTThroughouttheschoolyeartheschoolmayoffereducationalopportunitiessolelyforthecontinuingeducationoftheparents.Suchopportunitiesmayincludeclassesonparenting,computers,opencommunication,andEnglishasaSecondLanguage.

CHAPTER4HEALTH

CenterforAdvancedLearningwillmakewell-balancedhotlunchesavailabletostudents.Thecostisbasedonparentincome.Somestudentsmayqualifyforfreeorreducedlunch.Participationinourprogramisoptional.Parentsmaychoosetoprovidetheirchildrenwithawell-balancedsacklunch.Eatingcandyorotherhighsugarfoodsisdiscouragedatschoolandshouldnotbepackedinlunches.Sugar,high-fatandsaltysnacksarenotnutritiousandmakeithardforchildrenlookingforenergytosustainthemuntillunch.Wealsorequestparentsnottopackfoodsthatneedheating.

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Youmayalsochoosetosendahealthysnackforyourchildtoeatduringthemid-morningrecess.AhealthyafternoonsnackisservediftheschoolhasanAfterSchoolProgram.

SNACKPOLICY

Thefollowingaresuggestedhealthysnacks:

Fruit,vegetables,sandwiches,crackers,bread,(real)fruitjuice,water,pretzels,granolabars,&nuts.HYGIENE

Itisveryimportantthatyourchildrencometoschoolclean.Thismeansthattheybrushtheirteetheverydayandbatheonaregularbasis.Witholderstudentsbodyodorbecomesanissue.Yourchildrenareveryactive,andweliveinawarmenvironment.Pleasedonothesitatetoprovideantiperspirant/deodorantforyourchild.

Whenchildrencometoschoolunclean,othersnotice.Thiscanleadtoteasingandavoidancebyotherstudents.Pleasedoeverythingpossibletoenableyourchildtohavepositivesocialrelationships.

SLEEP

Itisverycriticalthatyourchildrengettheappropriateamountofsleep.Theyareallgrowingandneedtobewellrestedbeforetheycometoschool.Whenachildisgoingthroughagrowthspurt,theyrequiremoresleepthannormal.Childrengenerallyrequireanywherefrom8to12hoursofsleepnightly.Pleasehelpyourchildgettherightamountofsleep.

ILLNESS

Ifyourchildisill,pleasecallandinformtheoffice.Foryourownchild’sprotectionandtheprotectionofotherspleasedonotsendhim/hertoschoolsick.Ifyourchildcomplainsoffeelingsickatschool,dependingontheseverity,youmaybecontactedtopickhim/herup.Pleasemakeanefforttogetacopyofthehomeworkyourchildmissedduringhis/herabsence.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Allstudentswillneedtopresentawrittenimmunizationrecordprovidedbyaphysicianorthehealthdepartmentpriortothefirstdateofschool.Immunizationsmustbeuptodate.

Theimmunizationsstatusofallstudentswillbereviewedperiodically.ThosestudentswhodonotmeettheStateguidelinesmustbeexcludedfromschooluntiltherequirementsaremet.Studentswhohavebeenexposedtoacommunicablediseaseforwhichtheyhavenotbeenimmunizedmaybeexcludedfromschoolatthediscretionoftheschool.

TUBERCULOSISCLEARANCE

Allnewkindergartenstudentsandallnewfirstgradestudentswhohaveneverattendedkindergartenmustpresentawrittenreport(usuallyontheimmunizationrecord)providedbytheprivatephysicianorhealthdepartment,givingtheresultsofaMantouxtestfortuberculosisdonewithinoneyearpriortoschoolentry.

Allothernewstudentsenteringgrades1-5whohaveneverattendedanyschoolinCalifornia,mustpresentdocumentationoftheresultsofaMantouxtestdoneatsomeprevioustime.StudentsenteringatanygradelevelfromanyotherCaliforniaschool(public,private,orparochial)areexemptfromtherequirements.

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HEALTHANDMEDICALCONDITIONS

Theschoolofficeanddesignatedadministratormustbenotifiedifastudentwithamedicalorhealthconditionrequiresaccommodationatschoolinordertoparticipateintheeducationalprogram.Theschooladministratorwillarrangetomeetwiththeparentandnecessaryschoolstafftodevelopandaccommodationplanforthestudent’smedicalcondition.Studentswithdiabetes,severeasthma,andsevereallergiesshouldhaveanaccommodationplanattheschool.

MEDICATIONSATSCHOOL

Studentsmaynotcarryorself-administermedicationoncampusunderanycircumstances.Astudentwhoneedstotakemedicationduringschoolhoursmusthaveastatementtothiseffectonfileattheschool,signedbytheprescribingphysicianandtheparent/guardian.Therequiredformsareavailablefromtheschoolofficeoradministrator.Schoolpersonneldonotprescribeorgiveadviceregardinganykindofmedication.

• Allmedicationmustbeintheoriginalcontainerwiththeappropriatepharmacylabel.• Wheneverpossible,medicationprescribedthreetimesdaily(antibiotics)shouldbegivenathome,

i.e.,atbreakfast,afterschool,andatbedtime.Sevendaysafterthelastauthorizeddoseofmedicationanyemptyorunusedmedicationswillbediscarded.

• Nomedicationofanykindistobeputonoradministeredbyachildorcanbeplacedinlunchboxes,backpacksorpocketsincludingover-the-countermedications.

PHYSICALEXAMINATIONS

Acomprehensivephysicalexaminationandhealthassessmentconsistentwithchildhealthanddisabilityprevention(CHDP)guidelinesisrequiredforallfirstgradestudentswithin18monthspriortoentryupto3monthsafteradmissiontothefirstgrade.ACHDP,orequivalentexaminationmaybedonebyaprivatephysician,byahealthdepartmentclinic;or,insomeinstances,bytheDistrictCHDPstaff.Abloodtesttodetermineleadlevelispartofthisexamination.

TREATMENTANDSCHOOLREALTEDINJURIES

Itisthepolicyoftheschooltotreatminorinjuries(scrapes,papercuts,bumps,etc)withicepacks,coldcompresses,orband-aidsasneeded.Parentswillbenotifiedaboutminorinjuriesatthediscretionoftheadministration.

Whenconfrontedwithmoreseriousinjuries/illnesses,schoolstaffwillcontactparents,and,ifappropriate,transportthestudenttothenearesthospitalemergencydepartmentorcall911forassistance.

Itistheresponsibilityoftheparentstoupdateschoolmedicalandemergencyinformation.

COMMUNICABLEDISEASE

Astudentsuspectedofhavingacommunicablediseasewillbeexcludedfromschooluntilguidelinesforreadmissionaremet.

LICE

OutbreaksofliceinLosAngelesareverycommon.TheschoolfollowsthesuggestedpreventativeroutinesoutlinedbytheLosAngelesCountyHealthDepartment.Theseroutinesincludeperiodicheadchecksanddisinfectingofallnecessaryareasintheschool.Ifyoudiscoverthatanyoneinyourfamilyhaslice,pleasenotifytheschoolimmediately.Ifitisdiscoveredthatyourchildhasliceeggsand/orliceinhis/herhair,theywillbesenthome.Yourchildmayonlyreturntoclasswhenhe/shehasbeeneffectivelytreated,nitsaregone,andtheofficeinspectsyourchild.

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RINGWORM

Ringwormisaninfectiousdiseasecharacterizedbyscalingorcrackingoftheskin.Inseverecasesvesicularlesionsappearonvariouspartsofthebody.Studentswithringwormwillbesenthomeandrequireadoctor’snoteindicatingthattheringwormisnotcontagiousandthestudentmaybereadmitted.

CHICKENPOX

Aneffortwillbemadetonotifyparents/guardiansaboutschoolexposuretochickenpox.Theparent/guardianofastudentforwhomchickenpoxpresentsaparticularhazardshouldcontacttheschooltofacilitatecommunication.Studentsatriskincludethosewithconditionsaffectingtheimmunesystemandthosereceivingcertaindrugsforthetreatmentofleukemiaororgantransplants.

OTHERMEDICALCONDITIONS

Astudentreturningtoschoolwithsutures,casts,crutches,brace(s),orawheelchairmusthaveaphysician’swrittenpermissiontoattendschoolandmustcomplywithanysafetyproceduresrequiredbytheschooladministration.

Astudentreturningtoschoolfollowingaseriousorprolongedillness,injury,surgery,orotherhospitalization,musthavewrittenpermissionbythehealthcareprovidertoattendschool,includinganyrecommendationsregardingphysicalactivity.

Anexcuse(lessthan10weeks)fromaphysicaleducationclassmaybegrantedtoastudentwhoisunabletoparticipateinaregularormodifiedcurriculumforatemporaryperiodoftimeduetoillnessorinjury.Aparent’swrittenrequestforanexcusewillbeacceptedforupto5days;thereafter,awrittenrequestisneededfromthestudent’shealthcareprovider.

AcurrentEmergencyInformationcardmustbeonfileattheschoolsothatparents/guardianscanbenotifiedpromptlyincaseofaccidentorillnessinvolvingtheirchild.

SPEECH,HEARINGANDEYEEXAMINATIONS

CALcomplieswithfederalandstatelegalrequirementsrelatedtohealthexaminationsandhealthscreenings,butitisrecommendedandstronglyencouragedthatparentsarrangeannualspeech,hearing,andeyeexaminations.

VACCINATIONS

Pleasecheckwithadoctortomakesurethatyourchildrenhavebeenvaccinatedandareuptodatewithallofthem.Theschoolcanprovideyouwithalistofagenciesthatprovidefreevaccinations.

CHRONICCONDITIONSForyourchild’ssafety,theschoolmustbeawareofanyspecialneedsyourchildmayhave,suchasasthma,allergies,oranyotherpersistentmedicalconditions.Youarerequiredtonotifytheofficeandyourchild’steacher.

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CHAPTER5

HOME/SCHOOLCOMMUNICATIONItisveryimportantthatthecommunicationbetweenyourhomeandtheschoolisacontinuousprocess.Tostayinformedofallmeetingsandevents,pleasecheckthemonthlycalendarorwebsiteonaregularbasis.Amonthlynewsletterwillbesenttoyouregularly.FOLLOWTHESETIPSTOEFFECTIVELYCOMMUNICATE:WITHTEACHERSYoucancontactateacherby:

• Callingtheschoolandleavingamessageandtheteacherwillreturnyourcall.• Makinganappointment.• Writinganote.

WITHTHEOFFICEIfyouneedtospeaktoanadministrator,pleasecalltheoffice.Ifsomeoneisnotavailabletospeaktoyouimmediately,pleaseleaveamessageandsomeonewillreturnyourcall.Ifyouneedtospeaktosomeoneaboutanissuethatmaytakemorethan5minutes,pleasemakeanappointmentwiththeappropriateperson.Thisisthebestwaytoensurethatyouwillreceiveundividedattention.WITHYOURCHILDDURINGTHEDAYIfyouneedtocommunicatewithyourchildduringschoolhours,calltheofficeandleaveamessageforhim/her.Thatmessagewillbegiventoyourchild.Achildwillonlybecalledtothephoneifitisanemergency.Pleasemakeallcar-poolorafterschoolpickuparrangementswithyourchildbeforeschool.CONFERENCESFormalandinformalconferencesareonewaythatyouastheparentcanstayinformedoftheprogressofyourchild.Youmaysetupanappointmenttomeetwithateacherwheneveryoufeelitisnecessary.Formalconferenceswilltakeplaceatleasttwiceayear.Theseusuallytakeplaceduringtheendofthefirstandsecondgradingperiod.Thedatesforthisyeararelocatedonyourschoolyearcalendar.Inordertogetthemostoutofaformalconference,youshouldbeontimeandmaywantto:

HAVEQUESTIONSPREPARED:Focusonyourchildbeforecomingtotheconference.Takeamomenttowritedownquestionsandconcernsthatyouwishtodiscussattheconference.TAKENOTESDURINGTHEMEETING

SHAREANYRELEVANTINFORMATION:iftherearesomestressfulfactorsinyourchild’slife,youmaywishtomentionthemattheconference.Itishelpfulforateachertoknowwhatmaybeinfluencingachild’sattitude,behavior,orperformance.

DON’TCOMPAREONECHILDWITHANOTHER:Trytothinkofeachchildasitsownperson.

PARENTSINTHECLASSROOM

Theinvolvementofparentsintheclassroomisgreatlyencouraged.Parentsarewelcometorequestanobservationperiodatanytime.Thebestwaytoplananobservationistofollowtheseprocedures:

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• Scheduleadateandtimewiththeteacherbycallingtheofficeand• Explainthepurposefortheobservation.

Note:Duringobservations,teachersandsupportstaffarenotavailableforany-on-onediscussionsorconferences.Thesemeetingsmaybescheduledforalatertime.

EXPESSINGCONCERNS

Ifyouhaveaconcernregardingtheperformanceofanemployee,pleasespeakwithorwritetotheemployee’ssupervisor.Ifthesituationisnotaddressedinamannerthatyousatisfyyou,directtheconcerninthesamemannertothenextleveloftheaccountabilitystructure.

Parent/ Guardian Concerns & Action Plan Procedure

At Center for Advanced Learning, we strive to resolve all problems as quickly as possible. When issues arise at school, following the guidelines listed below will help to expedite the resolution of school-related concerns.

1) If an issue arises within a student’s classroom, we encourage the parent/guardian to send a written note or email to the teacher. Teachers’ email addresses may be accessed on the school’s website.

2) If the teacher is unable to resolve the concern, or if the parent does not feel comfortable

speaking with the teacher, a “Parent/Guardian Concerns & Action Plan Form” is available in the Main Office. If the parent is unable to fill out the form, the Office Manager may assist in transcribing the parent’s concerns.

3) The “Parent/Guardian Concerns & Action Plan Form” serves as way for the parent to write down their concerns and put down suggested dates and time they are available to meet. A translator will be available if requested. The parent will be contacted within 48 hours to schedule an Action Plan Meeting.

4) During the Action Plan Meeting, the teacher/staff will write out goals to address the questions and/or concerns. A recommended Action Plan will be created involving the teacher/staff, parent and/or student.

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5) If the Action Plan Meeting was unable to resolve the parent’s concern, the “Parent/Guardian Concerns & Action Plan Form” will be given to the Principal. The Principal will then meet with the parent to resolve the concern.

6) If the Principal is unable to resolve the concern, the Executive Director will be contacted to resolve the concern.

7) If the parent feels the Executive Director is unable to appropriately address the concern, they may reach out to Center for Advanced Learning’s Board of Directors.

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Parent/Guardian Concerns & Action Plan Form

PleasefilloutPart1andreturntheformtotheMainOffice.Youwillbecontactedwithin48hourstoscheduleameeting.

Part 1: To be filled out by the Parent/Guardian

Parent/Guardian’sName: Email:

Telephone#: Besttimetocall:oMorning oAfternoon oEvening

Student’sName: Grade:________Teacher:_____________________

Questions/Concerns:

Suggesteddate(s)andtimeavailabletomeet(pendingteacher/staffavailability):

1) ________________________________________

2) ________________________________________

3) ________________________________________

Part 2: To be filled out by the Teacher/Staff

Goal(s)toaddressparent/guardian’squestionsand/orconcerns:

Translatorneeded: ¨ Yes ¨ No

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RecommendedActionPlantoachievegoal(s):

Actionstotake: Bywhom: Keydates:Waystomeasuresuccessfulachievementofgoal:

Teacher/

Staff

Parent/Guardian